ZIF-8, a zeolitic imidazolate framework that consists of zinc ions and imidazolate linkers, is of great interest due to its simple synthesis methods, low-cost raw materials, chemical and thermal stability, as well as its stability in moist environments. Furthermore, due to its unique structure, it contains well-defined pores that have...
Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic devices, are a class of renewable energy systems that can convert photons into electrons without the carbon dioxide emission. Short-wavelength, high-energy photons in the ultraviolet (UV) range can't be efficiently utilized by most solar cells because of the spectral mismatch. Luminescent downshifting is a...
There is an emerging interest in developing wearable electronics as a platform, which
provides the flexibility of a wearable while maintaining its promising functionality as smart textiles. Metal-halide semiconductors are attractive materials with tunable optical and electrical properties. Researchers have widely studied and applied it for advanced
photonics and optoelectronic...
Light trapping plays a phenomenal role in enhancing light confinement and light absorption within the solar cells, thus increasing the optical efficiency of the cell. Different strategies are employed for trapping light photons within the cell. Methods used include a substrate or single layer texturing, light trapping coating, plasmonic gratings,...
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained increasing attention due to their promising applications (e.g., gas storage/separations, and catalysis) as nanoporous materials stemming from generally ultrahigh porosities and surface areas. Recently, research has shifted to synthesize MOF thin films and micropatterns that enable new applications (e.g., optoelectronics, smart coatings, and sensors).
In...
To assess the conversion and embedment of yttrium nitrate to yttrium oxide using selective laser melting, a thermodynamic approach for laser power and scan speed predictions on surface temperature, recoil pressure, and resulting track morphology window are employed. Inkjet printing is used to deposit the liquid film of yttrium nitrate...
The purpose of this research is to provide a simple fabrication method for zinc oxide and antimony sulfide based thin film solar cells. Both a ZnO nanorod electron conducting structure and a stibnite absorber show promise in a solar cell. Initial attempts at using only ZnO and Sb2S3, however, resulted...
A unique microreactor-assisted nanomaterial synthesis and printing process was studied for the fabrication of patterned metal oxide nanostructured thin films. The process uses a continuous flow microreactor to control and generate a reactive chemical flux that was transported to a patterned microfluidic channel. The microreactor-assisted nanomaterial synthesis process can generate...
Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline compounds formed from reacting a metal ion with an organic ligand. They represent a promising new avenue in materials science for gas separations and storage. Certain MOFs, in particular Mg-MOF-74, have shown a strong affinity for the capture of CO2. This project investigated a known...
Digital inkjet printing is developing quickly today because inkjet printing processes consume less energy and water and produce less waste discharge than traditional dyeing and other printing technologies. Inkjet printing provides more versatility and flexibility in terms of printing patterns and colors. Natural pigments are gaining more attention today as...