High electron mobility InAs nanowire field-effect transistors

Single-crystal InAs nanowires (NWs) are synthesized using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) and fabricated into NW field-effect transistors (NWFETs) on a SiO(2)/n(+)-Si substrate with a global n(+)-Si back-gate and sputtered SiO(x)/Au underlap top-gate. For top-gate NWFETs, we have developed a model that allows accurate estimation of characteristic NW parameters, including carrier field-effect mobility and carrier concentration by taking into account series and leakage resistances, interface state capacitance, and top-gate geometry. Both the back-gate and the top-gate NWFETs exhibit room-temperature field-effect mobility as high as 6580 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1), which is the lower-bound value without interface-capacitance correction, and is the highest mobility reported to date in any semiconductor NW.     

Growth, defect formation, and morphology control of germanium-silicon semiconductor nanowire heterostructures

By the virtue of the nature of the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth process in semiconductor nanowires (NWs) and their small size, the nucleation, propagation, and termination of stacking defects in NWs are dramatically different from that in thin films. We demonstrate germanium-silicon axial NW heterostructure growth by the VLS method with 100% composition modulation and use these structures as a platform to understand how defects in stacking sequence force the ledge nucleation site to be moved along or pinned at a single point on the triple-phase circumference, which in turn determines the NW morphology. Combining structural analysis and atomistic simulation of the nucleation and propagation of stacking defects, we explain these observations based on preferred nucleation sites during NW growth. The stacking defects are found to provide a fingerprint of the layer-by-layer growth process and reveal how the 19.5° kinking in semiconductor NWs observed at high Si growth rates results from a stacking-induced twin boundary formation at the NW edge. This study provides basic foundations for an atomic level understanding of crystalline and defective ledge nucleation and propagation during [111] oriented NW growth and improves understanding for control of fault nucleation and kinking in NWs.     

TiO2 nanoparticles effects on physical, thermal and mechanical properties of self compacting concrete with ground granulated blast furnace slag as binder

In this work, strength assessments and percentage of water absorption of self compacting concrete containing different amounts of ground granulated blast furnace slag and TiO₂ nanoparticles as binder have been investigated. Portland cement was replaced by 45 wt% of ground granulated blast furnace slag and up to 4.0 wt% TiO₂ nanoparticles and the properties of concrete specimens were investigated. TiO₂ nanoparticle as a partial replacement of cement up to 3.0 wt% could accelerate C-S-H gel formation as a result of increased crystalline Ca(OH)₂ amount at the early age of hydration and hence increase strength and improve the resistance to water permeability of concrete specimens. Several empirical relationships have been presented to predict flexural and split tensile strength of the specimens by means of the corresponding compressive strength at a certain age of curing.     

Fabrication of Zein-Based Fibrous Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications—A Review

Zein, which accounts for around 80% of the total protein composition in corn, is a biocompatible and biodegradable substance derived from renewable sources. Although insoluble in water, its amphiphilic characteristics are utilized to generate nanoparticles, nanofibers, microparticles, and even films. Numerous recent studies have demonstrated the potential of zein as a prospective biomaterial to develop fibrous scaffolds for biomedical functions owing to its biocompatibility, fibrous formation, and encapsulating qualities. Fabrication of zein-based fibrous scaffolds for biomedical applications is achieved by a wide variety of techniques, including electrospinning, wet spinning, freeze drying, and additive manufacturing. This article overviews current advancements in manufacturing techniques for zein-based fibrous scaffolds. In addition, it summarizes the most recent biomedical applications and research activities utilizing zein-based fibrous scaffolds. Overall, zein is proposed as a potential biomaterial for the production of fibrous scaffolds that stimulate cell adhesion and proliferation in a number of exciting biomedical applications due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and other unique features related to its structure.     

Cactus-Shaped Frequency Reconfigurable Antenna for Sub 10 GHz Wireless Applications

This paper presents, a novel cactus shaped frequency reconfigurable antenna for sub 10 GHz wireless applications. PIN diode is utilized as an electrical switch to achieve reconfigurability, enabling operation in four different frequency ranges. In the switch ON state mode, the antenna supports 2177–3431 and 6301–8467 MHz ranges. Alternatively, the antenna resonates within 2329–3431 and 4951–6718 MHz while in the OFF state mode. Radiation efficiency values, ranging from 68% to 84%, and gain values, ranging from 1.6 to 4 dB, in the operating frequency bands. the proposed antenna satisfy the practical requirements and expectations. The overall planner dimensions of the proposed antenna model is 40 × 21 mm². Moreover, the measurement results from the prototype support the simulation results. Based on the frequency ranges supported by the antenna, it can be used for multiple wireless standards and services, including Worldwide interoperability and Microwave Access (WiMAX), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Long Term Evolution (LTE) and satellite communications. This increases its applicability for use in mobile terminals.