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Skin‐like electronics research aiming to mimic even surpass human‐like specific tactile cognition by operating perception‐to‐cognition‐to‐feedback of stimulus to build intelligent cognition systems for certain imperceptible or inappreciable signals was so attractive. Herein, we constructed an all‐in‐one tri‐modal pressure sensing wearable device to address the issue of power supply by integrating multistage microstructured ionic skin (MM i‐skin) and thermoelectric self‐power staffs, which exhibits high sensitivity simultaneously. The MM i‐skin with multi‐stage "interlocked" configurations achieved precise recognition of subtle signals, where the sensitivity reached up to 3.95 kPa−1, as well as response time of 46 ms, cyclic stability (over 1500 cycles), a wide detection range of 0–200 kPa. Furthermore, we developed the thermoelectricity nanogenerator, piezoelectricity nanogenerator, and piezocapacitive sensing as an integrated tri‐modal pressure sensing, denoted as P‐iskin, T‐iskin, and C‐iskin, respectively. This multifunctional ionic skin enables real‐time monitoring of weak body signals, rehab guidance, and robotic motion recognition, demonstrating potential for Internet of things (IoT) applications involving the artificial intelligence‐motivated sapiential healthcare Internet (SHI) and widely distributed human‐machine interaction (HMI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a novel wearable device that combines dual‐functional modules for energy storage and sensing. The device features an ionic gel serving as both the battery electrolyte and sensor dielectric layer, along with VO2‐nanoneedles electrodes. The solid‐state zinc‐ion battery module demonstrates a specific capacity of 286 mAh g−1, delivering consistent and long‐lasting power output even under variable pressure conditions. Moreover, the iontronic pressure sensor module exhibits high sensitivity, achieving 2.3 × 104 kPa−1, enabling precise detection of fingertip pulses and identification of respiratory patterns. The device's flexibility and structural resilience allow it to endure complex deformations, ensuring continuous operation in challenging environments. These results highlight the potential of the all‐in‐one device for wearable smart healthcare monitoring and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposed a solar thermal electrochemical photo (STEP) theory-based integrated device for highly efficient oilfield-produced wastewater (OPW) purification, combining photothermal and electric technologies. The major oil fields in China reaching the mid-to-late stage of high-water content extraction have substantially increased the amount of OPW, the complex composition of which makes degradation challenging. This research aimed to improve OPW treatment efficiency and reduce energy consumption and mining costs via innovative processes and integrated experimental devices. A solar five-field demulsification model was developed by combining filtration, distillation, condensation, and other processes using the solar STEP theory and incorporating the photocatalytic oxidation, thermal effect, electro-oxidation, air flotation, and flocculation derived from solar energy. The model enables the utilization of photocatalysts to harness solar power.and get the full spectrum energy hierarchical conversion utilization. The results showed that petroleum hydrocarbon removal was positively correlated with the environmental temperature and voltage. The device significantly improved the petroleum hydrocarbon removal rate at an optimized temperature and voltage. At 100°C and 3 V, the petroleum hydrocarbon removal rate reached 93%, confirming the efficiency and feasibility of the device in improving OPW treatment efficacy and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorene, or two-dimensional (2D) black phosphorus, has recently emerged as a competitor of graphene as it offers several advantages, including a tunable band gap, higher on/off current ratio, piezoelectric nature, and biocompatibility. Researchers have succeeded in obtaining several forms of phosphorene, such as nanosheets, nanorods, nanoribbons, and quantum dots, with satisfactory yields. Nanostructures with various controlled properties have been fabricated in multiple devices for energy production. These phosphorene-based devices are lightweight, flexible, and efficient, demonstrating great potential for energy-harvesting applications in sensors and nanogenerators. While ongoing exploration and advancements continue for these lightweight energy harvesters, it is essential to review the current progress in order to develop a future roadmap for the potential use of these phosphorenebased energy harvesters in space programs. They could be employed in applications such as wearable devices for astronauts, where ultralow weight is a vital component of any integrated device. This review also anticipates the growing significance of phosphorene in various emerging applications such as robots, information storage devices, and artificial intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A superconducting quantum magnetometer for high-sensitivity applications has been developed by exploiting the flux focusing of the superconducting loop. Unlike conventional dc SQUID magnetometers that use a superconducting flux transformer or a multiloop design, in this case, a very simple design has been employed. It consists of a bare dc SQUID with a large washer-shaped superconducting ring in order to guarantee a magnetic field sensitivity BΦ less than one nT/Φ0. The degradation of the characteristics of the device due to an inevitable high value of the inductance parameter βL was successfully compensated by damping the inductance of the dc SQUID. The size of the magnetometer, coinciding with that of the washer, is 5 × 5 mm2 and the spectral density of the magnetic field noise is 8 fT/√Hz with a low frequency noise knee of two Hz. The excellent performance of this simple magnetometer makes it usable for all high-sensitivity applications including magnetoencephalography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified 5 000 m3/d sewage treatment station would be built in a town of Beijing, the main source of sewage contained domestic sewage and industrial wastewater. The designed influent water quality took measured water quality and designed water quality of the present sewage treatment station as the reference, while the effluent water quality was required to meet Level B of the Discharge Standard of Water Pollutants for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (DB 11/890-2012). Considering factors such as land occupation, operation management, treatment effect, construction cycle and project investment, etc., the progress of anaerobic-anoxic-oxic+moving bed biofilm reactor (AAO+MBBR)+high density sedimentation tank+cloth media filter was selected, with comparing different secondary treatment processes and advanced treatment processes. Most of the process structures employed integrated devices. The investment of the station, water treatment cost per ton, and the influent/effluent water quality indices in real operation were introduced in detail. After the completion of the project, an 8-month actual operation showed that the effluent qualities met the level B of the Discharge Standard of Water Pollutants for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants (DB 11/890-2012) completely, providing experience for the construction of similar sewage treatment stations.

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Liquid Crystal & Displays is the property of Chinese Journal of Liquid Crystal & Displays and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Industrial Water Treatment is the property of CNOOC Tianjin Chemical Research & Design Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper, an integrated device which realized the dual-mode integration of power amplifier (PA) and radio frequency (RF) switch based on GaN dual-gate (DG) structure is designed and fabricated. The integrated device provides two working modes and meets the performance requirements of PA and RF switch. In the transmit (Tx) mode, the integrated device is used as PA. At the frequency of 3.6 GHz, compared with the conventional GaN HEMT (high electron mobility transistor) as PA, due to the field modulation effect of the dual-gate structure, the current collapse is effectively suppressed, and the output power density $(P_{out})$ of the integrated device is increased from 6.90 W/mm to 7.85 W/mm, and the power added efficiency (PAE) is increased from 44.3% to 51.1%. In the receive (Rx) mode, the integrated device is used as RF switch. Compared with conventional RF switch, the isolation of integrated devices is significantly improved. At the frequency of 3.6GHz, the isolation is improved from 19.4 dB to 41.0 dB; At the frequency of 40 GHz, the isolation is improved from 3.0 dB to 29.7 dB. The integrated device provides a novel function integration scheme for RF frontends, with great potential for improving the integration and dimension of future communication systems.

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor is widely recognized as a critical component for accurate perception. However, there are a host of challenges that impede their performance, including low spatial resolution, high costs, large size, low reliability, and susceptibility to interference. It is challenging to overcome these issues using a single LiDAR module, necessitating the need for a review of current LiDAR technologies. The paper commences by introducing the fundamental principles of various laser rangefinders and discussing the optical modulation technologies used to prevent interference and ghost images. Next, the paper delves into the latest developments in laser technology, with a focus on enhancing the switching rate, compliance with eye safety regulations, miniaturization, and improving stability. One highly promising innovation is the photonic crystal surface emitting laser (PCSEL), a novel light source that boasts high‐speed, small divergence angles, and high‐power output. Finally, the paper discusses the advancements made in non‐solid‐state scanning and solid‐state scanning, such as improving stability, increasing scanning angles, and optimizing the manufacturing of mechanical and micro‐electromechanical systems (MEMS). Additionally, the paper highlights the recent advancements in nanotechnology, specifically metasurface technology, which offers superior capabilities such as beam deflection, enhanced field‐of‐view (FOV), and dynamic modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have rapidly become a prevalent photovoltaic technology owing to their simple structure, low processing cost, and remarkable increase in solar‐to‐electric power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, the intermittent nature of solar radiation induces some technical and financial challenges for its practical applications as a reliable power source. To address this issue, the integration of PSCs with supercapacitors (SCs) in the form of integrated photo‐supercapacitors (IPSs) has gathered significant attention. This integration can balance energy availability and demand, reduce energy wastage, and stabilize power output for portable and wearable electronics. Meanwhile, the excellent optoelectronic properties with mixed electronic and ionic conductivity of metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have expanded their application as electrode and electrolyte materials for SCs and photo‐supercapacitors (PSs) applications. This review provides an all‐inclusive summary of the current state‐of‐the‐art research progress of PSCs‐IPSs and MHPs‐based SCs and PSs by highlighting their basics and integration approaches. It also discusses the challenges and prospects of these materials and technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-degree-of-freedom device is proposed, which can achieve efficient vibration reduction as the main objective and energy harvesting as the secondary purpose. The device comprises a multiscale nonlinear vibration absorber (NVA) and piezoelectric components. Energy conversion and energy measurement methods are used to evaluate the device performance from multiple perspectives. Research has shown that this device can efficiently transfer transient energy from the main structure and convert a portion of transient energy into electrical energy. Main resonance and higher-order resonance are the main reasons for efficient energy transfer. The device can maintain high vibration reduction performance even when the excitation amplitude changes over a large range. Compared with the single structures with and without precompression, the multiscale NVA-piezoelectric device offers significant vibration reduction advantages. In addition, there are significant differences in the parameter settings of the two substructures for vibration reduction and energy harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A superconducting quantum magnetometer for high-sensitivity applications has been developed by exploiting the flux focusing of the superconducting loop. Unlike conventional dc SQUID magnetometers that use a superconducting flux transformer or a multiloop design, in this case, a very simple design has been employed. It consists of a bare dc SQUID with a large washer-shaped superconducting ring in order to guarantee a magnetic field sensitivity BΦ less than one nT/Φ0. The degradation of the characteristics of the device due to an inevitable high value of the inductance parameter βL was successfully compensated by damping the inductance of the dc SQUID. The size of the magnetometer, coinciding with that of the washer, is 5 × 5 mm2 and the spectral density of the magnetic field noise is 8 fT/√Hz with a low frequency noise knee of two Hz. The excellent performance of this simple magnetometer makes it usable for all high-sensitivity applications including magnetoencephalography.

Decentralized treatment of wastewater in rural areas usually has several challenges, which include large fluctuations in pollutant concentration and water quantity, complicated operation and maintenance of conventional biochemical treatment equipment, resulting in poor stability and a low compliance rate of the wastewater treatment process. In order to solve the above problems, a new integration reactor is designed, which uses gravity and aeration tail gas self-reflux technology to realize the reflux of sludge and the nitrification liquid, respectively. The feasibility and operation characteristics of its application for decentralized wastewater treatment in rural areas are explored. The results demonstrated that, under constant influent, the device showed strong tolerance to the shock of pollutant load. The chemical oxygen demand, NH 4 +-N, total nitrogen and total phosphorus fluctuated in the ranges of 95–715 mg/L, 7.6–38.5 mg/L, 9.32–40.3 mg/L and 0.84–4.9 mg/L, respectively. The corresponding effluent compliance rates were 82.1%, 92.8%, 96.4% and 96.3%, respectively. When the wastewater discharge was non-constant and the maximum single-day Q max / Q min reached 5, all indicators of the effluent met the relevant discharge standard. The integrated device also demonstrated high phosphorus enrichment levels in its anaerobic zone; the concentration of phosphorus reached a maximum of 26.9 mg/L, which created a good environment for phosphorus removal. The microbial community analysis showed that sludge digestion, denitrification, and phosphorus-accumulating bacteria all played an important role in pollutant treatment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In conventional photo-thermal-electric conversion systems, the photo-thermal conversion module is coupled to a thermoelectric conversion module. However, the physical contact interface between the modules causes serious energy loss. In order to solve this problem, a novel photo-thermal-electric conversion system with an integrated support material has been developed, with a photo-thermal conversion component at the top, an inside thermoelectric conversion component, and a cooling component at the bottom, surrounded by a water conduction component. The supporting materials of each part are polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and there is no apparent physical interface between each part. This integrated support material reduces the heat loss caused by the mechanically coupled interfaces in traditional components. In addition, the confined edge 2D water transport path effectively reduces the heat loss due to water convection. Under 1 sun irradiation, the water evaporation rate and open-circuit voltage of the integrated system reach 2.46 kg m−2 h−1 and 30 mV, respectively, and are nearly 1.4 times and 5.8 times higher than those of non-integrated systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present article, experimental results regarding fully integrated superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), including a circuit to tune and optimize the main sensor device characteristics, are reported. We show the possibility of modifying the critical current of a SQUID magnetometer in liquid helium by means of a suitable heating circuit. This allows us to improve the characteristics of the SQUID sensor and in particular to optimize the voltage–magnetic flux characteristic and the relative transfer factor (responsivity) and consequently to also improve the flux and magnetic field noise. It is also possible to reset the SQUID sensor in case of entrapment of magnetic flux, avoiding taking it out of the helium bath. These results are very useful in view of most SQUID applications such as those requiring large multichannel systems in which it is desirable to optimize and eventually reset the magnetic sensors in a simple and effective way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A design integrating multiple cladding mode strippers used in fiber laser architectures into a single device is proposed. This approach can increase the compactness of fiber lasers, thus contributing to industrial laser processing applications. By offset-placing the most intense light-stripping parts, for instance, by inversing the laser injection directions or by displacing the beginning of etched sections, multiple cladding mode strippers bundled together into a single housing can have the hottest regions separated and can operate at full power simultaneously, with no evident cross-influence on each other. Two and three cladding-mode-stripper arrays have been implemented, and validation tests have been conducted with ~500-W cladding power being injected into each input port. For both arrayed devices, compared to the scenario in which only a single cladding mode stripper is working, no greater than a 2.1 °C temperature increment is generated when all components are operating concurrently, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the integration method. In this way, one half and two thirds of space/weight reduction can be realized, respectively, for the two and three cladding-mode-stripper arrays, which is meaningful, since cladding mode strippers are among the most bulky and hottest components in fiber lasers. Moreover, this integration provides a valuable reference for the miniaturization of other components, and thus, could contribute to the development fiber lasers with higher power-to-volume ratios, which would be more economical for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an effort to solve the issue of unadjustable damping of skyhook inertance suspension, a new adjustable device combining an inerter and a damper that aims to simultaneously adjust the inertance and damping was proposed. This article proposes a near practical mathematical model of such an adjustable device, and the model is found to be equivalent to a parallel connection of an adjustable inerter and damper. A prototype of such a device is made, and its damping and inertial forces are separated through quasi-static and dynamic mechanical character tests. The validity of the theoretical models is verified through a comparison between the test and simulation results of the mechanical character with a maximum error of 4.96% for the damping model and 6.28% for the inertial model, which lays the foundation for subsequent studies on adjustable regular patterns of inertance and damping as well as applications in semi-active ISD suspensions. In addition, the device simplifies an inerter and a damper into one device and reduces the layout space and cost, which is of great engineering application value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosensing technologies are required for point-of-care testing (POCT). We determine some physical parameters such as molecular charge and mass, redox potential, and reflective index for measuring biological phenomena. Among such technologies, biologically coupled gate field-effect transistor (Bio-FET) sensors are a promising candidate as a type of potentiometric biosensor for the POCT because they enable the direct detection of ionic and biomolecular charges in a miniaturized device. However, we need to reconsider some technical issues of Bio-FET sensors to expand their possible use for biosensing in the future. In this perspective, the technical issues of Bio-FET sensors are pointed out, focusing on the shielding effect, pH signals, and unique parameters of FETs for biosensing. Moreover, other attractive features of Bio-FET sensors are described in this perspective, such as the integration and the semiconductive materials used for the Bio-FET sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Converting low‐grade waste heat into usable electricity and storing it simultaneously requires a new technology that realize the directional migration of electrons or ions under temperature difference and enrichment on the electrodes. Although the urgent demand of energy conversion‐storage (ECS) has emerged in the field of wearable electronic, achieving the integrated bi‐functional device remains challenge due to the different mechanisms of electrical transportation and storage. Here, we report an ionic thermoelectric supercapacitor that relies on the synergistic functions of thermoelectricity and supercapacitor in the thermoelectric ionogel electrolyte and high‐performance hydrogel electrodes to enhance the ECS performance under a thermal gradient. The thermoelectric electrolyte is composed of polyacrylamide hydrogel and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (PMSC), possessing cross‐linked network with excellent cation selectivity, while the ionic thermoelectric properties are further improved in the presence of NaCl. The corresponding Seebeck coefficient and ionic conductivity of the NaCl–PMSC electrolyte reach 17.1 mV K−1 and 26.8 mS cm−1, respectively. Owing to good stretchability of both gel‐based electrolyte and electrode, the full‐stretchable integrated ECS device, termed ionic thermoelectric supercapacitor, presents promising thermal‐charge storage capability (~1.3 mC, ΔT ≈ 10 K), thus holds promise for wearable energy harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prompt identification of organic solvents is essential in many practical scenarios. This work introduces a compact optical device for rapid, non-contact detection of organic solvents. The fabrication of the GaN chip employs a monolithic integration approach, enabling the simultaneous formation of on-chip components responsible for light emission and light detection. The self-assembled polystyrene (PS) spheres embedded in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer as photonic crystals can effectively induce distinct optical changes when exposed to organic solvents. By analyzing the magnitude and recovery time of the photocurrent signals, up to seven types of organic samples can be distinguished. Different from traditional optical sensing systems, the proposed chip-level integration strategy eliminates the need for external assembly of optical components, resulting in an ultracompact millimeter-sized sensing unit. The developed device also offers features of simplicity of use and a short measurement time of less than 10 s, making it a feasible solution for quick detection in emergency scenarios. [Display omitted] ● A GaN chip with PDMS/PS photonic crystal has been demonstrated for rapid, non-contact identification of organic solvents. ● The compact, cost-effective sensing device operates easily without external optical components. ● The fabrication process is highly scalable, simplifying integration and reducing packaging costs. ● The sensing device can detect up to seven organic samples, with a short measurement time of less than 10 seconds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a linear double-stranded DNA virus with a large genome that causes tens of thousands of infections and hundreds of deaths in at least 40 countries and regions worldwide. Therefore, timely and accurate diagnostic testing could be an important measure to prevent the ongoing spread of MPXV and widespread epidemics. Here, we designed multiple sets of primers for the target region of MPXV for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) detection and identified the optimal primer set. Then, the specificity in fluorescent LAMP detection was verified using the plasmids containing the target gene, pseudovirus and other DNA/RNA viruses. We also evaluated the sensitivity of the colorimetric LAMP detection system using the plasmid and pseudovirus samples, respectively. Besides, we used monkeypox pseudovirus to simulate real samples for detection. Subsequent to the establishment and introduction of a magnetic beads (MBs)-based nucleic acid extraction technique, an integrated device was developed, characterized by rapidity, high sensitivity, and remarkable specificity. This portable system demonstrated a visual detection limit of 137 copies/mL, achieving sample-to-answer detection within 1 h. The device has the advantages of integration, simplicity, miniaturization, and visualization, which help promote the realization of accurate, rapid, portable, and low-cost testing. Meanwhile, this platform could facilitate efficient, cost-effective and easy-operable point-of-care testing (POCT) in diverse resource-limited settings in addition to the laboratory. Fig. Schematic diagram of the integrated assay device. The integrated sample-to-answer device was fabricated with three modules, including nucleic acid extraction, LAMP reaction, and colorimetric readout. [Display omitted] • An integrated visual nucleic acid self-testing device based on LAMP assay. • Efficient enrichment of nucleic acids using Si-OH magnetic beads without elution. • Visual results can be obtained within 1 h using the sample-to-answer device. • The LOD for monkeypox virus nucleic acid is as low as 137 copies/mL. • The LAMP-based self-testing device is suitable for point-of-care testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In conventional photo-thermal-electric conversion systems, the photo-thermal conversion module is coupled to a thermoelectric conversion module. However, the physical contact interface between the modules causes serious energy loss. In order to solve this problem, a novel photo-thermal-electric conversion system with an integrated support material has been developed, with a photo-thermal conversion component at the top, an inside thermoelectric conversion component, and a cooling component at the bottom, surrounded by a water conduction component. The supporting materials of each part are polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and there is no apparent physical interface between each part. This integrated support material reduces the heat loss caused by the mechanically coupled interfaces in traditional components. In addition, the confined edge 2D water transport path effectively reduces the heat loss due to water convection. Under 1 sun irradiation, the water evaporation rate and open-circuit voltage of the integrated system reach 2.46 kg m−2 h−1 and 30 mV, respectively, and are nearly 1.4 times and 5.8 times higher than those of non-integrated systems.

In the present article, experimental results regarding fully integrated superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), including a circuit to tune and optimize the main sensor device characteristics, are reported. We show the possibility of modifying the critical current of a SQUID magnetometer in liquid helium by means of a suitable heating circuit. This allows us to improve the characteristics of the SQUID sensor and in particular to optimize the voltage–magnetic flux characteristic and the relative transfer factor (responsivity) and consequently to also improve the flux and magnetic field noise. It is also possible to reset the SQUID sensor in case of entrapment of magnetic flux, avoiding taking it out of the helium bath. These results are very useful in view of most SQUID applications such as those requiring large multichannel systems in which it is desirable to optimize and eventually reset the magnetic sensors in a simple and effective way.

This study reports an integrated device in which a lithium-ion battery (LIB) and Si solar cells are interconnected. The LIB is fabricated using the Li(Ni0.65Co0.15Mn0.20)O2 (NCM622) cathode and the Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) anode. The surface and shape morphologies of the NCM and LTO powders were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). In addition, the structural properties were thoroughly examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Further, their electrochemical characterization was carried out on a potentiostat. The specific discharge capacity of the NCM cathode (half-cell) was 188.09 mAh/g at 0.1 C current density. In further experiments, the NCM-LTO full-cell has also shown an excellent specific capacity of 160 mAh/g at a high current density of 1 C. Additionally, the capacity retention was outstanding, with 99.63% at 1 C after 50 cycles. Moreover, to meet the charging voltage requirements of the NCM-LTO full-cell, six Si solar cells were connected in series. The open-circuit voltage (VOC) and the short-circuit photocurrent density (JSC) for the Si solar cells were 3.37 V and 5.42 mA/cm2. The calculated fill factor (FF) and efficiency for the Si solar cells were 0.796 and 14.54%, respectively. Lastly, the integrated device has delivered a very high-power conversion-storage efficiency of 7.95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: I−/I3− thermocells are promising for low-grade heat harvesting due to their low cost, easily regulated ionic Seebeck coefficient (Se) and potential in integrated thermocells. However, the existing technologies to increase Se just apply to very low concentration of I−/I3− (mmol L−1), which restricts the current and power. Herein, we present a thermosensitive crystallization strategy to increase Se from 0.51 to 1.2 mV K−1 in 0.4 mol L−1 I−/I3− thermocells, leading a maximum power density of 0.74 W m−2. Specifically, the additive of Cs+ can selectively combine with I3− and form thermosensitive crystal CsI3 at the cold side while releasing I3− at the hot side, which induces a concentration gradient of free I3−, thereby improving Se. Besides, the CsI3-driven I−/I3− thermocell can assemble a high-performance device by integrating with a classic p-type cell. Therefore, the thermosensitive crystallization strategy paves a new way to build high-power thermocells for low-grade heat harvesting.

Terahertz (THz) imaging techniques have attracted significant attention and have developed rapidly in recent years. However, despite several advances, these techniques are still not mature, and their high cost and system complexity continue to limit their applications. In this article, the techniques for achieving a practical imaging system with a compact THz transceiver are addressed, while considering the limitations of the current technique. The aim is to provide a brief review of related topics, while also covering our recent progress, which can provide some general perspectives and contrasting approaches for realizing a practical THz imaging system. The continuous wave devices are mainly focused for their flexibility of balancing the imaging resolution and data acquisition time. The importance of transceiver integration is also discussed and illustrated by introducing a 600-GHz band micro-photonic interface for integrating a THz source and detector, with a single resonant tunneling diode as a transceiver. With regard to system issues, spatial sampling with mechanical beam-scanning is discussed as an intermediate approach for moving stage and array technology. The potential and limitations of this approach are evaluated, along with an elliptical reflector as an alternative to an f-theta lens owing to its low cost and simplicity. The combination of integrated devices, along with the mechanical beam-scanning, is also discussed for demonstrating our current concept of realizing a practical THz imaging system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of portable, wearable, and implantable electronic devices greatly stimulated the urgent demand for modern society for multifunctional and miniaturized electrochemical energy storage devices and their integrated microsystems. This article reviews material design and manufacturing technology in different micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) along with devices integrate to achieve the targets of their various applications in recent years. Finally, We also critically prospect the future development directions and challenges of MSCs.

Photovoltaic cells (PVs) are able to convert solar energy to electric energy, while energy storage devices are required to be equipped due to the fluctuations of sunlight. However, the electrical connection of PVs and energy storage devices leads to increased energy consumption, and thus energy storage ability and utilization efficiency are decreased. One of the solutions is to explore an integrated photoelectrochemical energy conversion-storage device. Up to date, the integrated photo-rechargeable Li-ion batteries often suffer from unstable photo-active materials and flammable electrolytes under illumination, with concerns in safety risks and limited lifetime. To address the critical issues, here a novel photo-rechargeable aluminum battery (PRAB) is designed with safe ionic liquid electrolytes and stable polyaniline photo-electrodes. The integrated PRAB presents stable operation with an enhanced reversible specific capacity ≈191% under illumination. Meanwhile, a simplified continuum model is established to provide rational guidance for designing electrode structures along with a charging/discharging strategy to meet the practical operation conditions. The as-designed PRAB presents an energy-saving efficiency ≈61.92% upon charging and an energy output increment ≈31.25% during discharging under illumination. The strategy of designing and fabricating stable and safe photo-rechargeable non-aqueous Al batteries highlights the pathway for substantially promoting the utilization efficiency of solar energy., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

A design integrating multiple cladding mode strippers used in fiber laser architectures into a single device is proposed. This approach can increase the compactness of fiber lasers, thus contributing to industrial laser processing applications. By offset-placing the most intense light-stripping parts, for instance, by inversing the laser injection directions or by displacing the beginning of etched sections, multiple cladding mode strippers bundled together into a single housing can have the hottest regions separated and can operate at full power simultaneously, with no evident cross-influence on each other. Two and three cladding-mode-stripper arrays have been implemented, and validation tests have been conducted with ~500-W cladding power being injected into each input port. For both arrayed devices, compared to the scenario in which only a single cladding mode stripper is working, no greater than a 2.1 °C temperature increment is generated when all components are operating concurrently, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the integration method. In this way, one half and two thirds of space/weight reduction can be realized, respectively, for the two and three cladding-mode-stripper arrays, which is meaningful, since cladding mode strippers are among the most bulky and hottest components in fiber lasers. Moreover, this integration provides a valuable reference for the miniaturization of other components, and thus, could contribute to the development fiber lasers with higher power-to-volume ratios, which would be more economical for industrial applications.

A novel optical sensor for ammonia concentration in water is demonstrated using up-conversion (UC) fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR). The sensor element consists of (i) an Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped tellurite glass microsphere integrated inside a section of suspended tri-core hollow fiber (STCHF) and (ii) the pH indicator phenol red. When 980 nm pump is coupled into the microsphere, the Er3+ ions produce green and red UC emissions. Exposure to ammonia results in a strong increase in the 560 nm absorption of the phenol red, which acts as a filter for the green emission, while the red emission is unaffected. A simple linear relation between the FIR and the ammonia aqueous concentration has been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an effort to solve the issue of unadjustable damping of skyhook inertance suspension, a new adjustable device combining an inerter and a damper that aims to simultaneously adjust the inertance and damping was proposed. This article proposes a near practical mathematical model of such an adjustable device, and the model is found to be equivalent to a parallel connection of an adjustable inerter and damper. A prototype of such a device is made, and its damping and inertial forces are separated through quasi-static and dynamic mechanical character tests. The validity of the theoretical models is verified through a comparison between the test and simulation results of the mechanical character with a maximum error of 4.96% for the damping model and 6.28% for the inertial model, which lays the foundation for subsequent studies on adjustable regular patterns of inertance and damping as well as applications in semi-active ISD suspensions. In addition, the device simplifies an inerter and a damper into one device and reduces the layout space and cost, which is of great engineering application value.

As a microenergy harvesting device, the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has long been limited by their surface charges. In this work, an enhancement of the output performance of TENGs via charge clamping (CC‐TENG) is proposed. The device is comprised of a mechanical‐switch direct‐current TENG (MDC‐TENG), charge clamping module (CCM), and main‐TENG. During operation, the CCM is employed to accumulate and clamp the unidirectional charge generated by the MDC‐TENG. And then, the accumulated charges flow between CCM and main‐TENG. With the increase of transferred charges, the output performance can be effectively improved. In addition, the MDC‐TENG is employed to reduce both power dissipation and circuit complexity. Furthermore, an integrated device based on the CC‐TENG is demonstrated which harvests wind energy and attains a charge output of 1.01 µC. Moreover, a multimode coupling is adopted, that is, an alternating‐current TENG operating in contact‐separation mode and a direct‐current TENG operating in a lateral‐sliding mode that can be employed in environments for which multiple motions coexist. The device provides a reference to improve output performance in the context of wind energy capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Here an integrated compact low-cost all-fiber optical spectrum control device based on a single fiber interferometer and tungsten disulfide is reported. Tungsten disulfide was deposited onto the surface of the non-adiabatic microfiber under the application of the radiation from an amplified spontaneous emission source. Next, the near-infrared light (NIR), which leaked through the strong evanescent field of the microfiber, excited the surrounding tungsten disulfide and generated heat due to the photothermal effect. Therefore, the phase shift of the interference spectrum was caused by the surrounding change in the refractive index (RI). In the experimental work at 1550 nm, a spectral shift equal to 0.8 nm was obtained following the use of a pump laser operating at 980 nm. In addition, the device can may be used as an all-optical switch with a modulation depth of 18.1%. The proposed tungsten disulfide-based all-fiber device has potential application in all-optical signal controllable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to miniaturize components, planar technology has become essential. For frequency characterization of integrated quadrupole devices, only network vector analyzers can be used, but these instruments cannot be employed for frequencies below a few MHz. At these frequencies, only the impedance-meter allows devices to be measured. But, this instrument only measures dipole devices. Thus, the objective of this paper is to present a characterization method using an impedance-meter in order to characterize integrated quadrupole devices. The implemented method allows all elements of an electrical model of integrated component to be extracted with low uncertainties (less than 3%) over the entire study band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) devices consist of multiple independent devices, such as a droplet generator, a PCR thermocycler, and a droplet reader, which have the disadvantages of low integration, complex equipment structure, and high operation difficulty. This paper proposes a fully automatic integrated digital PCR device based on continuous-flow digital PCR theory. By simply adding the sample to the entrance of the integrated instrument, a series of procedures required for digital PCR detection can be fully automated, including sample injection, droplet generation, PCR thermal cycling, fluorescence acquisition, and signal analysis. In contrast to traditional techniques, sample testing requires only one integrated device rather than three separate instruments. For full automation, we design complete control and data processing software, which can complete a test by one-step operation. Therefore, the disadvantages of traditional instruments, such as multi-step operation, and hence, potential environmental pollution, are avoided. Moreover, the system can be powered by solar cells and does not require an external power supply. As a proof of concept, the proposed device is used for absolute quantitative detection of the hepatitis B virus in serum samples. The capacity of the system is validated by absolute quantification of three orders of magnitude from 103 to 105 IU/mL. The results have a good linear correlation (0.9986) with those of the traditional quantitative (qPCR), thus confirming the reliability of the instrument. In summary, we believe that our work can promote the development of integrated digital PCR systems. Image 1 The highlights of the manuscript as follow: •Single device for digital PCR detection. •Solar cells drive, no external power supply. •A software was designed which can control the system and analyze the data. •Absolute quantitative detection of hepatitis B virus in human serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead germanate glass samples co-doped with different Er3+/Yb3+ concentrations were prepared and the color variation of the up-conversion emissions in these glasses was observed using a 980 nm laser pump. A practical optical integrated device based on Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped lead germanate glass microsphere and a special fiber structure, consisting of single mode fiber (SMF), multimode fiber (MMF) and a suspended tri-core hollow fiber (STCHF) is described. As the pump light is coupled into the microsphere from the cores suspended inside the STCHF, the microsphere fixed in the air hole of the STCHF is excited and the up-conversion emissions are observed. Furthermore, when the pump power is increased, the luminescence output color of the microsphere can be readily tuned from yellow to green due to the change of the luminescence intensity ratio of the red to green emissions. This in-fiber microsphere resonator integrated device has the potential to be widely applied in multicolor displays, optical sensors and laser devices owing to its compact structure and excellent performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three commercially available integrated rapid DNA instruments were tested as a part of a rapid DNA maturity assessment in July of 2018. The assessment was conducted with sets of blinded single‐source reference samples provided to participants for testing on the individual rapid platforms within their laboratories. The data were returned to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for review and analysis. Both FBI‐defined automated review (Rapid DNA Analysis) and manual review (Modified Rapid DNA Analysis) of the datasets were conducted to assess the success of genotyping the 20 Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) core STR loci and full profiles generated by the instruments. Genotype results from the multiple platforms, participating laboratories, and STR typing chemistries were combined into a single analysis. The Rapid DNA Analysis resulted in a success rate of 80% for full profiles (85% for the 20 CODIS core loci) with automated analysis. Modified Rapid DNA Analysis resulted in a success rate of 90% for both the CODIS 20 core loci and full profiles (all attempted loci per chemistry). An analysis of the peak height ratios demonstrated that 95% of all heterozygous alleles were above 59% heterozygote balance. For base‐pair sizing precision, the precision was below the standard 0.5 bp deviation for both the ANDE 6C System and the RapidHIT 200. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing attention has been paid to develop flexible integrated energy devices, but it remains a big challenge to achieve a common electrode for building both energy conversion and storage devices with high performance. Here, we for the first time selectively functionalize polyaniline (PANI) and platinum (Pt) inside different segments of chemical vapor deposition grown continuous graphene tube, achieving selectively functionalized graphene composite (PANI//Pt@G) fibers. The PANI@G and Pt@G parts could be used as efficient electrodes for supercapacitor with a specific capacitance of 284 mF cm−2 and dye-sensitized solar cell with a power conversion efficiency of 4.73%, respectively. By using a PANI//Pt@G fiber as the common electrode, an integrated energy device with a total energy conversion and storage efficiency of 3.07% is realized. The continuous graphene tubes could be functionalized with other active materials for other flexible and wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This review provides a pioneering systematic and detailed explanation of breath marker generation mechanisms in diseases, the relevance of these markers to diseases, and the diverse methods for detecting various types of markers. • It introduces the core constituents of typical exhaled breath, shedding light on microscopic mechanisms and associated diseases, encompassing both the oral cavity and common systemic conditions. • The paper deliberates on recent research strides in gas sensors, with a focus on their existing or potential roles in diagnosing and assessing oral diseases and pathologies. • It offers an overview of strategies to overcome the present limitations of different gas sensor types, which holds significance for the swift and structured advancement of the field. As society advances and social status improves, oral odor's impact on psychological well-being and social interactions gains recognition. Exhaled breath, regardless of clinical bad breath, contains valuable biomarkers linked to oral diseases. Analyzing breath enables early clinical diagnosis and non-invasive health management, facilitating swift detection of exhaled gas biomarkers. This review spotlights significant oral volatile biomarkers and their formation mechanisms in diseases. It also summarizes recent advancements in gas sensors with stomatology applications. The first section explores typical exhaled breath constituents, micro-mechanisms, and associated oral and systemic conditions. The subsequent section examines gas sensing device progress in the past five years, emphasizing their use in diagnosing oral diseases and pathological states. These devices evaluate various gas biomarkers, holding promise for bedside detection and routine monitoring, ultimately enhancing future quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid systems have gained significant attention among researchers and scientists worldwide due to their ability to integrate solar cells and supercapacitors. Subsequently, this has led to rising demands for green energy, miniaturization and mini-electronic wearable devices. These hybrid devices will lead to sustainable energy becoming viable and fossil-fuel-based sources of energy gradually being replaced. A solar photovoltaic (SPV) system is an electronic device that mainly functions to convert photon energy to electrical energy using a solar power source. It has been widely used in developed countries given that they have advanced photovoltaic (PV) technology that reduces dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation. Furthermore, a supercapacitor is an alternative solution for replacing heavy batteries and it is a system with a prominent high power density and a long life cycle. Its unique properties of high capacitance with low voltage limits lead to this highly in-demand material being incorporated into goods and services that are produced by the electrical and electronics industries. It is another option for grid-based power or large batteries. Since supercapacitors have the ability to store huge amounts of energy, they allow for a novel system that integrates supercapacitors with solar cells in which energy generation and energy storage are combined into one system. This paper explores the common materials that are used for solar cells and supercapacitors, the working mechanisms, the effectiveness of the integrated device and the technical challenges that are encountered when refining this device. Hence, this review serves as a guide for choosing the right materials and methods in order to produce an integrated PV solar cell–energy storage device for various applications.

This study reports an integrated device of a lithium-ion battery (LIB) connected with Si solar cells. A Li(Ni0.65Co0.15Mn0.20)O2 (NCM) cathode and a graphite (G) anode were used to fabricate the lithium-ion battery (LIB). The surface and shape morphologies of NCM and graphite powder were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The structural properties of NCM and graphite powder were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. XRD patterns of powders were well matched with those of JCPDS data. To investigate the electrochemical characteristics of NCM and graphite, cycling tests were performed after assembling the NCM-Li, the G-Li half-cell, and the NCM-G full-cell. The discharge capacity of the NCM cathode at 0.1C was 189.82 mAh/g−1. The NCM-graphite full-cell showed 98.25% cycle retention at 1C after 50 cycles. To obtain enough charging voltage for the LIB connected with solar cells in an integrated device, eight single Si solar cells were connected in a series. The short-circuit photocurrent density for Si solar cells was 4.124 mA/cm2. The fill factor and the open circuit voltage were 0.78 and 4.5 V, respectively. These Si solar cells showed a power conversion efficiency of 14.45%. The power conversion andstorage efficiency of the integrated device of the NCM battery and Si solar cells was 7.74%. Charging of the integrated device could be as effective as charging with a battery cycler.

Background: Solar cell/supercapacitor integrated devices (SCSD) have made some progress in terms of device structure and electrode materials, but there are still many key challenges in controlling electrode performance and improving the efficiency of integrated devices., Aim of Review: It is necessary to study how to balance the photoelectric conversion process and the storage process. From the microscopic mechanism of different functional unit materials to the mechanism of macroscopic devices, it is essential to conduct in-depth research., Key Scientific Concepts of Review: Here, the structures and preparation methods of various types of integrated SCSD were introduced. Then, the strategies for improving the overall performance of integrated devices were evaluated. Finally, the key objectives of reducing the cost of materials, increasing the stability and sustainability of devices were highlighted. Better matching of different functional units of devices was also prospected., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.)

Most chemical sensing scenarios require the selective and simultaneous determination of the concentrations of multiple gas species. In order to enable large-scale monitoring, reliability, robustness, and the potential for integration and miniaturization are key parameters that next-generation sensing technologies must comply with. Due to their superior sensitivity and selectivity as compared to standard NDIR-type systems, photoacoustic NDIR-approaches offer a means for selective detection at much reduced system dimensions such that microintegration becomes feasible. This contribution presents an acoustic frequency multiplexing method to integrate sensing capabilities for the parallel analysis of multiple gases in a single device without loss in selectivity via sound frequency separation. The approach is demonstrated using mid-infrared light emitting diodes and a multigas photoacoustic detector to monitor some of the most important greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide and methane. The number of gas species the sensor concept is able to detect simultaneously can be expanded without increasing the size of the system or its complexity. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the integrated device features the same selectivity and sensitivity as the currently used single gas photoacoustic NDIR systems. Furthermore, the possibility of an extension to any number of gas species is argued.

In this study, we use an anaerobic-aerobic integrated denitrification (Fe/C-ZACID) device with an iron-carbon-activated carbon and zeolite composite filter to remove nitrogen from simulated low carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N) sewage. The impacts of dissolved oxygen (DO) level, hydraulic retention time (HRT), C/N and nitrate recirculation ratio on denitrification performance were studied. The results show that when HRT was 6 h, DO was 3 ± 0.1 mg/L, influent C/N was 3, and nitrate recirculation ratio was 100%, and removal rates of 95% for ammonia and 85% for total nitrogen (TN) were achieved. A beaker comparison test demonstrated that this synergistic denitrification system included heterotrophic denitrification, physicochemical denitrification, iron autotrophic denitrification and hydrogen autotrophic denitrification, etc. The Fe/C-ZACID device has a high-efficiency nitrogen removal effect for low C/N ratio sewage and strong shock resistance, which provides technical support and a theoretical basis for advanced denitrification of rural domestic sewage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the fabrication of a functional and fully integrated electrochemical device manufactured via a single-step 3D printing approach and its proof-of-concept applicability to electrochemical sensing. The device is fabricated entirely by 3D printing using a 3D printer equipped with two heads. It features three conductive polymer electrodes (working, counter, pseudo-reference) printed from a carbon-loaded polylactic acid (PLA) conductive filament and an electrode holder printed from a PLA non-conductive filament. 3D-printing enables the fabrication of electrochemical devices with significant advantages over other manufacturing approaches in terms of equipment size, capital and materials cost, flexibility in the design, construction and choice of materials, prototyping and manufacturing speed, between-device uniformity and design transferability. It is demonstrated that the device can be used for a variety of electrochemical sensing applications in a wide potential range, thus serving as a versatile electrochemical sensing platform. Unlabelled Image • The fabrication of a 3-electrode 3D-printed electrochemical device is described. • The single step fabrication process employed conductive and non-conductive filaments. • Proof-of-concept electroanalytical applications are illustrated. • The device can serve as a versatile electroanalytical platform. • 3D printing enables easy and cost-effective fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This work presents the manufacturing and evaluation of a CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite-based supercapacitor. Devices were pressed from chemically synthesized powders. Pressed perovskite powders were found to exhibit properties favorable for use in supercapacitors. Furthermore, physical properties of the pellets are controllable through the sintering process, allowing for broad device tunability. It is demonstrated that the electrical performance of characterized 1 mm pellets are temperature, frequency, and cell potential difference dependent. The device under study exhibited an energy density of 34.2 Wh/kg at 100 Hz at room temperature. The high performance of the device is attributed to perovskite's ability to operate at potential differences of up to 10 V. A mean areal capacitance of 432 mF/cm2 was recorded for a broad range of frequencies at 300 K. A significant drop in performance is observed at operating frequencies above 105 Hz. This is caused by the operating frequency exceeding the lead-iodide stretching mode. Work herein demonstrates that perovskite materials are suitable for use as energy storage devices in applications demanding wide ranging thermal and electrical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]