Graphene, a truly two-dimensional and fully π-conjugated honeycomb carbon network, is currently evolving into the most promising successor to silicon in micro- and nanoelectronic applications. However, its wider application is impeded by the difficulties in opening a bandgap in its gapless band-structure, as well as the lack of processability in the resultant intrinscially insoluble material. Covalent chemical modification of the π-electron system is capable of addressing both of these issues through the introduction of variable chemical decoration. Although there has been significant research activity in the field of functionalized graphene, most work to date has focused on the use of graphene oxide. In this Article, we report on the first wet chemical bulk functionalization route beginning with pristine graphite that does not require initial oxidative damage of the graphene basal planes. Through effective reductive activation, covalent functionalization of the charged graphene is achieved by organic diazonium salts. Functionalization was observed spectroscopically, and successfully prevents reaggregation while providing solubility in common organic media.

Recent advances in nanotechnology have generated wide interest in applying nanomaterials for neural prostheses. An ideal neural interface should create seamless integration into the nervous system and performs reliably for long periods of time. As a result, many nanoscale materials not originally developed for neural interfaces become attractive candidates to detect neural signals and stimulate neurons. In this comprehensive review, an overview of state-of-the-art microelectrode technologies provided first, with focus on the material properties of these microdevices. The advancements in electro active nanomaterials are then reviewed, including conducting polymers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, silicon nanowires, and hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterials, for neural recording, stimulation, and growth. Finally, technical and scientific challenges are discussed regarding biocompatibility, mechanical mismatch, and electrical properties faced by these nanomaterials for the development of long-lasting functional neural interfaces.

Searching suitable panchromatic QD sensitizers for expanding the light-harvesting range, accelerating charge separation, and retarding charge recombination is an effective way to improve power conversion efficiency (PCE) of quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). One possible way to obtain a wide absorption range is to use the exciplex state of a type-II core/shell-structured QDs. In addition, this system could also provide a fast charge separation and low charge-recombination rate. Herein, we report on using a CdTe/CdSe type-II core/shell QD sensitizer with an absorption range extending into the infrared region because of its exciplex state, which is covalently linked to TiO 2 mesoporous electrodes by dropping a bifunctional linker molecule mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-capped QD aqueous solution onto the film electrode. High loading and a uniform distribution of QD sensitizer throughout the film electrode thickness have been confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) elemental mapping. The accelerated electron injection and retarded charge-recombination pathway in the built CdTe/CdSe QD cells in comparison with reference CdSe QD-based cells have been confirmed by impedance spectroscopy, fluorescence decay, and intensity-modulated photocurrent/photovoltage spectroscopy (IMPS/IMVS) analysis. With the combination of the high QD loading and intrinsically superior optoelectronic properties of type-II core/shell QD (wide absorption range, fast charge separation, and slow charge recombination), the resulting CdTe/CdSe QD-based regenerative sandwich solar cells exhibit a record PCE of 6.76% (J sc = 19.59 mA cm −2 , V oc = 0.606 V, and FF = 0.569) with a mask around the active film under a full 1 sun illumination (simulated AM 1.5), which is the highest reported to date for liquidjunction QDSCs.

The development of advanced dielectric materials with high electric energy densities is of crucial importance in modern electronics and electric power systems. Here, a new class of multilayer-structured polymer nanocomposites with high energy and power densities is presented. The outer layers of the trilayered structure are composed of boron nitride nanosheets dispersed in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix to provide high breakdown strength, while PVDF with barium strontium titanate nanowires forms the central layer to offer high dielectric constant of the resulting composites. The influence of the filler contents on the electrical polarization, breakdown strength, and energy density is examined. Simulations are carried out to model the electrical tree formation in the layered nanocomposites and to verify the experimental breakdown results. The trilayered polymer nanocomposite with an optimized filler content displays a discharged energy density of 20.5 J cm −3 at Weibull breakdown strength of 588 MV m −1 , which is among the highest discharged energy densities reported so far. Moreover, the nanocomposite exhibits a superior power density of 0.91 MW cm −3 , more than nine times that of the commercially available biaxially oriented polypropylene. The findings of this research provide a new design paradigm for high-performance dielectric polymer nanocomposites.

Piezoelectric actuators are at an important stage of their development into a large component market. This market pull is for dynamically driven actuators for Diesel injector valves in automobiles. Cost, yield, and reliability are important concerns for the automobile industry. A number of these concerns relate back to basic material science issues in the manufacture of the piezoelectric actuators. This paper discusses material development of the piezoelectric ceramic and new opportunities for higher temperature materials. An important consideration in developing low-fire ceramics is the flux selection for a given system, and these must be selected to limit electrodeceramic interface reactions in both Ag/Pd and copper-metallized electrode actuators.