Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Weijie Lei, Hao Wang, Xiaojing Zhang, Zhimao Yang, Chuncai Kong
Summary: Cu2O-Au and Cu2O-Au-TiO2 composite structures were synthesized for efficient photocatalytic degradation reactions, accelerating the separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers through the synergistic effect of localized surface plasmon resonance and Schottky barrier, and constructing a Z-scheme electron transfer system to enhance the photodegradation performance.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jun-Dar Hwang, Zi-Jun Hong
Summary: The study showed that inserting a thin MgO layer between Au and annealed-ZnO in Schottky-barrier diodes can significantly reduce leakage current and enhance rectification ratio, leading to an increased Schottky-barrier height.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
An Wang, Shijie Wu, Jialu Dong, Ruoxin Wang, Jiawei Wang, Jiali Zhang, Shuxian Zhong, Song Bai
Summary: The rational design of metal/semiconductor interfaces is crucial for improving photocatalytic activities, as it enhances electron migration and carrier separation. By forming the Au/TiO2(101) interface, more efficient electron transfer and hot electron injection were achieved, leading to enhanced CO and CH4 production.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zilong Wu, Yuhan Zhu, Feng Wang, Chuyun Ding, Yanrong Wang, Xueying Zhan, Jun He, Zhenxing Wang
Summary: By constructing vertical metal-semiconductor-metal structures and setting them into a low-resistance state, we successfully reduce the contact resistance of two-dimensional semiconductors and improve their current density. This strategy is applicable to various two-dimensional semiconductors and contact metals, demonstrating good stability and wide application potential.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Karim Tanji, J. A. Navio, Abdellah Chaqroune, Jamal Naja, F. Puga, M. C. Hidalgo, Abdelhak Kherbeche
Summary: Zinc oxide-hydroxyapatite composites were prepared and used for the photodegradation of toxic contaminants. The results showed that the composites with high impregnation of zinc oxide exhibited superior photodegradation performance compared to the zinc oxide catalyst alone. The presence of hydroxyapatite promoted the synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalysis, leading to faster conversion of the pollutants.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
O. Ozturk, B. M. Candan, S. Kurnaz, O. Cicek, A. T. Tasci
Summary: ZnO nanorod/ZnO thin film structures synthesized using a hydrothermal method exhibit unique solar sensing characteristics. Samples grown for 2 and 3 hours in a 10 mM solution performed the best.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chong Xu, Fan Yang, Bijian Deng, Sai Che, Wang Yang, Ge Zhang, Yankun Sun, Yongfeng Li
Summary: The novel photocatalyst (Ti3C2/TiO2)@rGO was synthesized to efficiently remove hexavalent chromium and Rhodamine B from wastewater, showing enhanced photocatalytic activity due to improved electron-hole separation efficiency. Ti3C2 played a key role in electron collection and transfer, enhancing the separation efficiency of electrons and holes, suggesting a promising approach to promote photocatalytic activity.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Men Guo, Xia Zhao, Weidong Shi, Boyu Zhang, Kangning Wu, Jianying Li
Summary: Doping NiO in ZnO varistor ceramics can improve their electrical properties and long-term stability simultaneously. This improvement is achieved by manipulating point defects to reduce zinc interstitial density and increase oxygen vacancy density.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Annalisa Vacca, Laura Mais, Michele Mascia, Elisabetta Maria Usai, Jesus Rodriguez, Simonetta Palmas
Summary: This study investigated the effect of applied potential on the photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of 2,4-D using TiO2 nanotubular anodes under solar light irradiation. Results showed that oxidation by OH radicals from water oxidation is the main mechanism, while direct oxidation by photogenerated holes at the electrode surface is a secondary mechanism with high removal rates due to current doubling effect.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jun-Dar Hwang, Bo-Ying Wu
Summary: Magnesium oxide (MgO) was deposited on zinc oxide (ZnO) surface to enhance the performance of visible-blind ultraviolet (UV) metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors (MSM-PDs). The MgO capping layer greatly reduces the dark current and increases the photo/dark current ratio in the MSM-PDs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis shows that the MgO film passivates the ZnO surface and improves the performance of the MSM-PDs.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yao Wang, Zongke Hou, Jianying Li, Kangning Wu, Jiguang Song, Rui Chen, Kai Li, Liucheng Hao, Chenbo Xu
Summary: In this study, ZnO varistor ceramics with a high potential gradient and nonlinear coefficient were successfully achieved by using nano-sized ZnO powders and doping with a moderate amount of MnO. This approach led to a reduction in leakage current and an increase in the density of interface states at the grain boundary.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xun Li, Heng He, Tian Tan, Zhihan Zou, Zhanyou Tian, Wanling Zhou, Yuwen Bao, Xiaohong Xia, Yun Gao
Summary: In this work, a low power consumption methane sensor was developed by growing Pt-SnO2/ZnO double-layer structure on ZnO nanorods through Pt doping and annealing, leading to high sensing response.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Stanislav Tiagulskyi, Roman Yatskiv, Hana Faitova, Ondrej Cernohorsky, Jan Vanis, Jan Grym
Summary: The experimental approach demonstrated in this study prototypes heterojunctions between graphene and bulk semiconductor substrates using focused ion beam milling and in-situ electrical measurements. The aim is to limit the impact of defects in graphene on the electrical characteristics of the junctions. The approach is successfully applied to graphene/ZnO structures and experimentally validates theoretical predictions of differences in charge transport.
PHYSICA E-LOW-DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS & NANOSTRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zakir Caldiran
Summary: This study investigated the effect of lithium fluoride (LiF) as an interface material on basic device parameters with different contact metals. Results showed that LiF interface material increased the barrier height compared to the reference device, with varying effects for different metals.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kazi Hasibur Rahman, Asit Kumar Kar, Kuan-Chung Chen, Ching-Jung Chen
Summary: This study focuses on the synthesis of Fe3+ doped TiO2 nanoparticles with different molar concentrations of Fe3+ and their potential use as photocatalysts. The photocatalysts were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques to determine their morphological, chemical, structural, and optical properties. The presence of Fe3+ ions resulted in a red shift phenomenon, indicating the transfer of charges between the dopant and TiO2. Experimental results showed that Fe3+ ions regulate the catalytic property of TiO2 nanomaterials, and achieved high degradation efficiency rates for Methylene Blue and Malachite Green Oxalate under visible light irradiation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu-Ju Huang, Lian-Ming Lyu, Cheng-Yi Lin, Guan-Chi Lee, Kai-Yuan Hsiao, Ming-Yen Lu
Summary: In this study, the enhanced photocatalytic activity of a few-layer WS2/ZnO heterostructure was observed for dye degradation and H-2 production. The few-layer WS2 acted as a co-catalyst and provided active sites for reactions, leading to higher rates of photocatalytic H-2 production compared to bare ZnO nanoparticles. Additionally, vortex-stirring accelerated mass-transfer, resulting in higher efficiency of dye photodegradation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guan-Chi Lee, Lian-Ming Lyu, Kai-Yuan Hsiao, Yu-Sheng Huang, Tsong-Pyng Perng, Ming-Yen Lu, Lih-Juann Chen
Summary: This study applied a piezo-potential to ZnO/ZnS/MoS2 heterostructures to enhance the separation of photoexcited electrons and holes, resulting in increased production of H2. The heterostructures were synthesized through hydrothermal synthesis, and the H2 production varied with the different mixing ratios of ZnO and MoS2. When a piezopotential was introduced through ultrasonication during the photocatalytic reaction, the rate of H2 production significantly increased due to band tilting and improved charge transfer.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ragini Mishra, Abhishek Dubey, Ching-Wen Chang, Ashok Ranjan, Ming-Yen Lu, Ta-Jen Yen, Shangjr Gwo
Summary: This study demonstrates an efficient hot-hole injection mechanism based on a metal-semiconductor heterostructure, which can be used for optical sensing and solar energy harvesting. By optimizing the material structure, the photocurrent conversion efficiency is significantly increased, and an internal photovoltage enables self-sustainable photocurrent generation.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ashok Ranjan, Kai-Yuan Hsiao, Cheng-Yi Lin, Yu-Han Tseng, Ming-Yen Lu
Summary: In this study, lead-free rhombohedral R3c bismuth sodium titanate (BNT) particles were synthesized using a sol-gel method and utilized as piezocatalysts with high production rates and efficiency in degrading organic pollutants.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aanchal Agarwal, Yan-Ting Liu, Yu-Sheng Huang, Chang-Wei Cheng, Shyam Narayan Singh Yadav, Ta-Jen Yen, Shangjr Gwo, Ming -Yen Lu, Lih-Juann Chen
Summary: The effects of high-k dielectric materials MoO3 and Ta2O5 as interlayers on the lasing thresholds of ZnO/high-k material/Al nanolasers have been investigated. The results showed that these high-dielectric-constant materials can be used to construct low threshold surface-plasmon polariton lasers. By inserting MoO3 and Ta2O5 films between the Al film and ZnO nanowires, material losses are reduced and optical confinement is enhanced.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yu-Cheng Chang, Shih-Yue Syu, Ming -Yen Lu
Summary: This study synthesized In(OH)3-In2S3 nanosheet and In(OH)3-In2S3-Cu2O composite via hydrothermal and wet chemical methods, respectively. The composite showed enhanced properties compared to the nanosheet, including higher surface area, light-harvesting capacity, and charge carrier separation. In addition, In(OH)3-In2S3-Cu2O nanofiber was fabricated through electrospinning with simplicity and high photocatalytic activity. The study also investigated the parameters affecting the photocatalytic hydrogen production of the nanofiber and demonstrated its superior performance. These findings contribute to the practical application of photocatalytic hydrogen production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kim Tuyen Le, Nguyet N. T. Pham, Yin-Song Liao, Ashok Ranjan, Hsun-Yen Lin, Po-Han Chen, Hoang Nguyen, Ming Yen Lu, Seung Geol Lee, Jyh Ming Wu
Summary: In this study, active sites of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoflowers (NFs) decorated with Ni(OH)(2) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized to form heterostructures. It was found that Ni(OH)(2)/MoS2 NF heterostructures can split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. The interface of Ni(OH)(2)/MoS2 NF exhibited strain-induced piezopotential, promoting charge separation and enhancing the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yu-Hsiang Hsueh, Ashok Ranjan, Lian-Ming Lyu, Kai-Yuan Hsiao, Yu-Cheng Chang, Ming-Pei Lu, Ming-Yen Lu
Summary: This study investigates the effect of stacking faults (SFs) on electromigration in silver nanowires (AgNWs), specifically with regards to necking and void growth. AgNWs are synthesized using the galvanic replacement reaction at a low cost. By varying the concentration of silver nitrate, AgNWs with and without SFs are obtained. In situ TEM analysis provides strong evidence that SFs effectively suppress the migration of surface atoms. Additionally, the investigation of void growth process reveals that SF facets parallel to the {111} plane contribute to anisotropic morphological changes and slow down the rate of void growth by 135 times. Therefore, planar defects can extend the lifetimes of devices by causing intrinsic changes to material properties.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chun-Han Kuo, Ai-Yin Wang, Hao-Yu Liu, Shao-Chu Huang, Xiang-Rong Chen, Chong-Chi Chi, Yu-Chung Chang, Ming-Yen Lu, Han-Yi Chen
Summary: Solid-state Li-ion batteries, which can avoid the combustion and explosion of electrolytes and enhance battery performance, are prospective candidates for storage systems. In this study, a novel high-entropy oxide with high conductivity and air stability was successfully synthesized as a solid electrolyte for Li-ion batteries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sheng-Yu Hsu, Chong-Chi Chi, Ming-Yen Lu, Shou-Yi Chang, Yuan-Tai Lai, Su-Yueh Tsai, Jenq-Gong Duh
Summary: In this study, (AlCrNbSixTi)N multicomponent nitride coatings with various Si content were fabricated and it was found that multi-dimensional strengthening and toughening mechanisms were present. The addition of Si contributed to enhanced atomic packing, nanostructure formation, and microstructural modification, leading to multiple strengthening and toughening effects. The maximum hardness of 27.2 GPa and high fracture toughness of 3.66 +/- 0.37MPa m were achieved with the addition of 4.4 at% of Si. The (AlCrNbSi7.6Ti)N coating exhibited the highest fracture toughness due to featureless microstructure, nanostructure formation, and non-complete amorphization.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yu-Sheng Huang, Yan-Ting Liu, Tsong-Pyng Perng, Ming-Yen Lu, Yu-Lun Chueh, Lih- Juann Chen
Summary: Continuous few-layer MoS2 thin films with exposed active sites were fabricated using thermal decomposition. By varying Ar plasma power, defect engineering resulted in enhanced photocatalytic properties, with 30 W power providing the optimal enhancement. However, increased exposed active edges/defects induced oxidation in air. The influence of defects on photocatalytic performance was investigated, emphasizing the need for stabilizing defects for practical applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ching-Han Mao, Chin-Chien Chung, Wei-Ren Syong, Yu-Chi Yao, Kai-Yuan Hsiao, Ming-Yen Lu, Mario Hofmann, Ya-Ping Hsieh, Yu-Jung Lu, Ta-Jen Yen
Summary: This article presents an all-semimetal plasmonic photodetector consisting of monolayer MoS2, Bi contact electrodes, and Bi plasmonic nanodisks to address the contact resistance and absorption limitations of monolayer TMDCs. The results show a 690% enhancement in photoresponsivity and a detectivity of 6.40 x 1012 Jones, making it the highest reported value for plasmonic TMDC photodetectors.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chung-An Hsieh, Guang-Hsun Tan, Yung-Tang Chuang, Hao-Cheng Lin, Po-Ting Lai, Pei-En Jan, Bo-Han Chen, Chih-Hsuan Lu, Shang-Da Yang, Kai-Yuan Hsiao, Ming-Yen Lu, Li-Yin Chen, Hao-Wu Lin
Summary: Highly efficient vacuum-deposited metal halide perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are achieved by optimizing the stoichiometric ratio of the sublimed precursors under high vacuum and incorporating ultrathin under- and upper-layers for the perovskite emission layer (EML). The properties of the perovskite EMLs are strongly influenced by the presence and nature of the upper- and presublimed materials, leading to enhanced device performance. By eliminating Pb degrees formation and passivating defects, the PeLEDs achieve outstanding external quantum efficiencies (EQE) of 10.9% and 21.1% with and without a light out-coupling structure, respectively, surpassing the 10% EQE milestone of vacuum-deposited PeLEDs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rishi Ranjan Kumar, Wei-Cheng Yu, Thangapandian Murugesan, Po-Cheng Chen, Ashok Ranjan, Ming -Yen Lu, Heh-Nan Lin
Summary: Photodeposition has been extensively used to grow nanomaterials on a substrate, but directly depositing 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) remains challenging. An alternative approach is to deposit 2D TMDs on a suitable nanomaterial template. In this work, large-scale MoS2/Cu2O/ZnO heterostructure arrays are formed by low-temperature in situ photodeposition and used for chemiresistive gas sensing at room temperature. The excellent gas sensing performance is attributed to the abundant heterojunctions in the nanocomposite.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao-Chin Huang, Kai-Yuan Hsiao, Yu-Han Tseng, Yan-De Chen, Ming-Yen Lu
Summary: In this study, an in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) heating system was used to investigate the morphological changes of cubic Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and Ag-based core-shell structures induced by sublimation, as well as the influence of shell coverage on thermal stability. It was found that large Ag NPs (>50 nm) showed a three-stage sublimation-induced morphological change, while small Ag NPs (<30 nm) showed a uniform sublimation. The sublimation process of core-shell NPs started at stage II, and the thermal stability was enhanced by carbon shell passivation.