Developing a thermoelectric generator(TEG) with shape conformable geometry for sustaining low-thermal impedance and large temperature gradient (∆ ) is fundamental for wearable and multi-scale energy harvesting applications. Here we demonstrate a flexible architectural design, with efficient thin film thermoelectric generator as a solution for this problem. This approach not only decreases the thermal impedance but also multiplies the temperature gradient, thereby increasing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) as comparable to bulk TEG. Intact thin films of Tin telluride (p-type) and Lead Telluride (n-type) are deposited on flexible substrate through physical vapor deposition and a thermoelectric module possessing a maximum output power density of 8.4mW/cm 2 is fabricated. We have demonstrated the performance of p-SnTe/n-PbTe based TEG as a flexible wearable power source for electronic gadgets, as a thermal touch sensor for real-time switching and temperature monitoring for exoskeleton applications.
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been extensively investigated in interdisciplinary research (such as catalysis, energy, environment, health, etc.) owing to its attractive physico-chemical properties, abundant nature, chemical/environmental stability, low-cost manufacturing, low toxicity, etc. Over time, TiO2-incorporated building/construction materials have been utilized for mitigating potential problems related to the environment and human health issues. However, there are challenges with regards to photocatalytic efficiency improvements, lab to industrial scaling up, and commercial product production. Several innovative approaches/strategies have been evolved towards TiO2 modification with the focus of improving its photocatalytic efficiency. Taking these aspects into consideration, research has focused on the utilization of many of these advanced TiO2 materials towards the development of construction materials such as concrete, mortar, pavements, paints, etc. This topical review focuses explicitly on capturing and highlighting research advancements in the last five years (mainly) (2014–2019) on the utilization of various modified TiO2 materials for the development of practical photocatalytic building materials (PBM). We briefly summarize the prospective applications of TiO2-based building materials (cement, mortar, concretes, paints, coating, etc.) with relevance to the removal of outdoor/indoor NOx and volatile organic compounds, self-cleaning of the surfaces, etc. As a concluding remark, we outline the challenges and make recommendations for the future outlook of further investigations and developments in this prosperous area.
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are widely used materials for biomedical applications owing to their intriguing chemical, biological and magnetic properties. The evolution of MNP based biomedical applications (such as hyperthermia treatment and drug delivery) could be advanced using magnetic nanofluids (MNFs) designed with a biocompatible surface coating strategy. This study presents the first report on the drug loading/release capability of MNF formulated with methoxy polyethylene glycol (referred to as PEG) coated MNP in aqueous (phosphate buffer) fluid. We have selected MNPs (NiFe2O4, CoFe2O4 and Fe3O4) coated with PEG for MNF formulation and evaluated the loading/release efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX), an anticancer drug. We have presented in detail the drug loading capacity and the time-dependent cumulative drug release of DOX from PEG-coated MNPs based MNFs. Specifically, we have selected three different MNPs (NiFe2O4, CoFe2O4 and Fe3O4) coated with PEG for the MNFs and compared their variance in the loading/release efficacy of DOX, through experimental results fitting into mathematical models. DOX loading takes the order in the MNFs as CoFe2O4 > NiFe2O4 > Fe3O4. Various drug release models were suggested and evaluated for the individual MNP based NFs. While the non-Fickian diffusion (anomalous) model fits for DOX release from PEG coated CoFe2O4, PEG coated NiFe2O4 NF follows zero-order kinetics with a slow drug release rate of 1.33% of DOX per minute. On the other hand, PEG coated NiFe2O4 follows zero-order DOX release. Besides, several thermophysical properties and magnetic susceptibility of the MNFs of different concentrations have been studied by dispersing the MNPs (NiFe2O4, CoFe2O4 and Fe3O4) in the base fluid at 300 K under ultrasonication. This report on the DOX loading/release capability of MNF will set a new paradigm in view that MNF can resolve problems related to the self-heating of drug carriers during mild laser treatment with its thermal conducting properties.
Two-dimensional (2D)-layered atomic arrangement with ultralow lattice thermal conductivity and ultrahigh figure of merit in single-crystalline SnSe drew significant attention among all thermoelectric materials. However, the processing of polycrystalline SnSe with equivalent thermoelectric performance as singlecrystal SnSe will have great technological significance. Herein, we demonstrate a high zT of 2.4 at 800 K through the optimization of intrinsic defects in polycrystalline SnSe via controlled alpha irradiation. Through a detailed theoretical calculation of defect formation energies and lattice dynamic phonon dispersion studies, we demonstrate that the presence of intrinsically charged Sn vacancies can enhance the power factor and distort the lattice thermal conductivity by phonon-defect scattering. Supporting our theoretical calculations, the experimental enhancement in the electrical conductivity leads to a massive power factor of 0.9 mW/mK 2 and an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity of 0.22 W/mK through the vacancy-phonon scattering effect on polycrystalline SnSe. The strategy of intrinsic defect engineering of polycrystalline thermoelectric materials can increase the practical implementation of low-cost and high-performance thermoelectric generators.
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