A double-layer current conduction model for high-κ gate dielectric materials with interfacial oxide or silicate layer

The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structures with hafnium oxide as the gate dielectric film were studied. Sharp shifts from a low-voltage ohmic regime to a tunneling conduction were observed in the high-voltage range. The paper demonstrates that this behavior can be described very well with a double-layer dielectric model. Excellent fittings of the experimental curves were obtained and the related key structural and physical parameters were obtained. The model fitting further suggests the optimal annealing conditions for preparing the hafnium oxide films.     

Phase Composition of Oxide Scales during Reheating in Hot Rolling of Low Carbon Steel

Low carbon steel was oxidized over the temperature range 1000‐1250°C in O₂‐CO₂‐H₂O‐N₂, O₂‐H₂O‐N₂, and O₂‐CO₂‐N₂ gas mixtures. Oxidation times were 12‐120 min. and the scales were 50‐2000 μm thick. The variations of these parameters were chosen to elucidate the phase composition of oxide scales under conditions similar to those of reheating furnaces in hot strip mills, using either thin slab casting or conventional casting and rolling technology. Two types of scales have been observed which are influenced by the furnace atmosphere, oxidation time, and temperature. The first type is a crystalline scale with an irregular outer surface, composed mostly of wustite (FeO), and a negligible amount of magnetite (Fe₃O₄). The second type is the classical three‐layer scale, composed of wustite (FeO), magnetite (Fe₃O₄), and hematite (Fe₂O₃). In general, the experiments showed that an increase in oxidation time decreased the percentage of wustite while the percentages of magnetite and hematite increased. A rise in oxygen concentration in the gas mixture increased the percentages of magnetite and hematite, confirming earlier experimental findings. In water vapour‐free atmospheres O₂‐CO₂‐N₂, the oxide scales had a low percentage of wustite, and high percentage of magnetite and hematite. Carbon dioxide showed a small influence at 1100°C, and a negligible one at 1250°C.     

Effect of temperature on methyl radical generation over Sr/La2O3 catalysts

The role of gas phase CH₃ radicals in the oxidative coupling of CH₄ over 1 wt% Sr/La₂O₃ is supported by the observations that (i) this is a very effective catalyst for the generation of CH₃ · radicals and (ii) the concentration of CH₃ · radicals increases with temperature over the range of 450 °C–800 °C.     

The thermodynamic performance of a new solution cycle in double absorption heat transformer using water/lithium bromide as the working fluids

In this paper, a new solution cycle in the double absorption heat transformer is presented and the thermodynamic performance of this new cycle is simulated based on the thermodynamic properties of aqueous solution of lithium bromide. The results show that this new cycle is superior to the cycle being studied by some researchers. This new solution cycle has a wider range of operation in which the system maintains the high value of COP and has larger temperature lifts and operation stability. The relationship between the absorber and the absorbing evaporator is more independent and this makes the operation and control of the system more easier.     

Photodegradation mechanism and stabilization of polyphenylene oxide and rigid‐rod polymers

Poly(2,4‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO), poly(benzo[1,2‐d:5,4‐d′]bisoxazole‐2,6‐diyl‐1,4‐phenylene) (PBO) and poly(benzo[1,2‐d:4,5‐d′]bisthiazole‐2,6‐diyl‐1,4‐phenylene) (PBZT), which are polymers with extended conjugated structures, undergo a self‐sensitized photo‐induced electron‐transfer reaction. A second component is not required. This article presents many similar observations on these polymers when they are exposed to light and evidence to support the proposed photo‐induced electron‐transfer mechanism. Methods to stabilize these polymers against photo‐oxidation are also described. Workers investigating other conjugated polymeric systems may find the experimental methods, observations and polymer stabilization approaches discussed in this review useful. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

FEM model of the ohmic resistance of IP-SOFCs

In the present work, the ohmic resistance of an integrated planar-SOFC (IP-SOFC) has been evaluated by developing a model whose equations have been solved numerically through an FEM method. The model allows to estimate the distribution of voltage and current density in the cell. A comparison between simulated and experimental data of area specific resistance is reported, which shows satisfactory agreement. The mathematical model has also been used to carry out some parametric studies for optimisation purposes. Indeed, a reduction in cell pitch length and an increase in electrode thickness are predicted to lead to a reduction in ohmic losses in IP-SOFCs.     

Ethynedithiol‐based polyeneoligosulfides as active cathode materials for lithium‐sulfur batteries

Ethynedithiol‐based polyeneoligosulfides have been synthesized in 96% yield by the reaction of sodium acetylides (HC?CNa, NaC?CSNa) and elemental sulfur through the Na? C_sp bond in liquid ammonia with the following spontaneous polymerization of ethynedithiols (HSC?CSH) formed by the hydrolysis. The polyeneoligosulfides synthesized are brown powders (up to 77% sulfur content, mp 128–184°C), partially soluble in organic solvents. They are high‐resistance semiconductors (10^?13 to 10^?14 S cm^?1), possess paramagnetic (10¹⁷ to 10¹⁸ spin g^?1) and redox properties. The oligosulfides obtained, being redox systems capable of reversible redox processes, provide high values of discharge capacity (345–720 mA h g^?1) of rechargeable lithium‐sulfur batteries. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Synthesis and applications of heterobifunctional poly(ethylene oxide) oligomers

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) oligomers are employed extensively in pharmaceutical and biomedical arenas mainly due to their excellent physical and biological properties, including solubility in water and organic solvents, lack of toxicity, and absence of immunogenicity. PEO can be chemically modified and reacted with, or adsorbed onto, other molecules and surfaces. Sophisticated applications for PEO have increased the demand for PEO oligomers with tailored functionalities, and heterobifunctional PEOs are often needed. This review discusses the synthesis and applications of heterobifunctional PEO oligomers possessing amine, carboxylate, thiol, and maleimide functional groups.