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NanoManufacturing

Michael De Volder, Engineering Department - IfM
 

Super‐Resolution Goes Viral: T4 Virus Particles as Versatile 3D‐Bio‐NanoRulers (Adv. Mater. 12/2025)

3D-Bio-NanoRulers

Central to super-resolution fluorescence microscopy is the need for reliable, biocompatible 3D nanostructures to validate resolution capabilities. The selection of these standards is challenging due to precise geometric and specific labelling requirements. In article number 2403365, José Ignacio Galle, Oleksii Nevskyi, Mark Bates, Jörg Enderlein, and co-workers propose the T4 virus as a 3D-Bio-NanoRuler. Using a simple preparation protocol and DNA-PAINT with astigmatic imaging, we detail viral structures, showcasing the benchmarking potential of T4.


Heterogeneous Integration of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors and 2D Materials: Processes, Applications, and Perspectives

The heterogeneous integration of wide-bandgap semiconductors (WBGs) and 2D materials is emerging as a promising way to address various challenges faced by WBGs. This review covers recent advancements in fabrication techniques, mechanisms, devices, and novel functionalities of WBG/2D heterostructures. Furthermore, the directions and perspectives are outlined for realizing practical applications in the near future.


Abstract

Wide-bandgap semiconductors (WBGs) are crucial building blocks of many modern electronic devices. However, there is significant room for improving the crystal quality, available choice of materials/heterostructures, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of WBGs. In this regard, utilizing layered 2D materials in conjunction with WBG is emerging as a promising solution. This review presents recent advancements in the integration of WBGs and 2D materials, including fabrication techniques, mechanisms, devices, and novel functionalities. The properties of various WBGs and 2D materials, their integration techniques including epitaxial and nonepitaxial growth methods as well as transfer techniques, along with their advantages and challenges, are discussed. Additionally, devices and applications based on the WBG/2D heterostructures are introduced. Distinctive advantages of merging 2D materials with WBGs are described in detail, along with perspectives on strategies to overcome current challenges and unlock the unexplored potential of WBG/2D heterostructures.

Lignocellulose‐Mediated Functionalization of Liquid Metals toward the Frontiers of Multifunctional Materials

Lignocellulose-mediated liquid metal (LM) composites exhibit significant potential across various applications due to their chemical bonding capabilities and tailored microstructures. This review comprehensively summarizes the fundamental principles and recent advancements in lignocellulose-mediated LM composites, highlighting the advantages of lignocellulose in composite fabrication, including facile synthesis, versatile interactions, and inherent functionalities. Challenges and future directions for these composites are also summarized.


Abstract

Lignocellulose-mediated liquid metal (LM) composites, as emerging functional materials, show tremendous potential for a variety of applications. The abundant hydroxyl, carboxyl, and other polar groups in lignocellulose facilitate the formation of strong chemical bonds with LM surfaces, enhancing wettability and adhesion for improved interface compatibility. Beyond serving as a supportive matrix, lignocellulose can be tailored to optimize the microstructure of the composites, adapting them for diverse applications. This review comprehensively summarizes the fundamental principles and recent advancements in lignocellulose-mediated LM composites, highlighting the advantages of lignocellulose in composite fabrication, including facile synthesis, versatile interactions, and inherent functionalities. Key modulation strategies for LMs and innovative synthesis methods for functionalized lignocellulose composites are discussed. Furthermore, the roles and structure–performance relationships of these composites in electromagnetic shielding, flexible sensors, and energy storage devices are systematically summarized. Finally, the obstacles and prospective advancements pertaining to lignocellulose-mediated LM composites are thoroughly scrutinized and deliberated upon. This review is expected to provide basic guidance for researchers to boost the popularity of LMs in diverse applications and provide useful references for design strategies of state-of-the-art LMs.

Ultraviolet Optoelectronic Synapse Based on AlScN/p‐i‐n GaN Heterojunction for Advanced Artificial Vision Systems

Researchers have developed a two-terminal AlScN/p-i-n GaN heterojunction ferroelectric memristor with ultraviolet photoelectric synapse function, enabling nonvolatile memory and optoelectronic synaptic characteristics. This innovation achieves a high memory on/off ratio and a relatively low synaptic energy consumption, advancing optoelectronics and artificial vision systems with potential applications in on-chip sensing and computing.


Abstract

Ferroelectric materials represent a frontier in semiconductor research, offering the potential for novel optoelectronics. AlScN material is a kind of outstanding ferroelectric semiconductor with strong residual polarization, high Curie temperature, and mainstream semiconductor fabrication compatibility. However, it is challenging to realize multi-state optical responders due to their limited light sensitivity. Here, a two-terminal AlScN/p-i-n GaN heterojunction ultraviolet optoelectronic synapse is fabricated, overcoming this limitation by leveraging hole capture at the AlScN/p-GaN hetero-interface for multi-state modulation. The novel structure maintains excellent memristor characteristics based on the ferroelectric of AlScN, realizing an on/off ratio of 9.36 × 105. More importantly, the device can mimic synaptic characteristics essential for artificial vision systems, achieving an image recognition accuracy of 93.7% with a weight evolution nonlinearity of 0.26. This approach not only extends the applications of AlScN in optoelectronics but also paves the way for advanced artificial vision systems with image preprocessing and recognition capabilities. The findings provide a step forward in the development of non-volatile memories with potential for on-chip sensing and computing.

Lignin‐Based Separators for Lithium‐Ion Batteries via a Dry Fibrillation Method

Can lignin revolutionize lithium-ion battery separators? A single-layer lignin-based ultrathin separator (as thin as 15 µm) is fabricated using a dry fibrillation method, enabling exceptional thermal stability, low energy consumption, and full material utilization. Sulfonate functional groups enhance interfacial stability, significantly improving cycling in graphite||NMC811 and Si-Gr||NMC811 cells. This scalable, sustainable approach paves the way for next-generation functional separators.


Abstract

Separators are critical components in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), preventing internal short circuits, mitigating thermal runaway, and influencing rate capability and cycling performance. However, current polyolefin separators suffer from limitations, such as high thermal shrinkage, relatively poor wettability, and inadequate long-term stability, impacting safety and cycle life in critical applications like electric vehicles. Here, a single-layer lignin-based ultrathin separator (as thin as 15 µm) with exceptional intrinsic thermal stability and cycling performance is demonstrated. The separator is fabricated using lignosulfonate, a natural polymer derived as a byproduct of chemical pulping and biorefinery processes. By employing a dry fibrillation method, the process achieves low energy consumption and a 100% raw material conversion rate, highlighting its scalability and sustainability. Interfacial studies reveal the improved cycling performance in both graphite||NMC811 and Si-Gr||NMC811 cells is attributed to the abundant sulfonate functional groups in lignosulfonates, which promote the formation of a sulfur-rich cathode/solid electrolyte interphases (CEI/SEI) with low resistance in both the cathode and anode. The high thermal stability, manufacturing feasibility, battery performance, and low cost of such lignin-based separators offer new inspiration for developing next-generation, single-layer functional separators tailored for high-performance LIBs.

Implanted Magnetoelectric Bionic Cartilage Hydrogel

VAFe bionic cartilage hydrogel with a double-network semi-crosslinked chain entanglement structure and motion-driven magnetoelectric-coupled cyclic transformation effect shows the high water content, a porous structure, good mechanical properties, and the electromagnetic effect of the bionic cartilage, which provides a functional compensation and a suitable induced environment for the defective cartilage repair.


Abstract

Enhancing defective cartilage repair by creating a bionic cartilage hydrogel supplemented with in situ electromagnetic stimulation, replicating endogenous electromagnetic effects, remains challenging. To achieve this, a unique three-phase solvent system is designed to prepare a magnetoelectric bionic cartilage hydrogel incorporating piezoelectric poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid-3-hydroxyvaleric acid) (PHBV) and magnetostrictive triiron tetraoxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) into sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel to form a dual-network, semi-crosslinked chain entanglement structure. The synthesized hydrogel features similar composition, structure, and mechanical properties to natural cartilage. In addition, after the implantation of cartilage, the motion-driven magnetoelectric-coupled cyclic transformation model is triggered by gentle joint forces, initiating a piezoelectric response that leads to magnetoelectric-coupled cyclic transformation. The freely excitable and cyclically enhanced electromagnetic stimulation it can provide, by simulating and amplifying endogenous electromagnetic effects, obtains induced defective cartilage repair efficacy superior to piezoelectric or magnetic stimulation alone.

Over 12% efficiency solar-powered green hydrogen production from seawater

http://feeds.rsc.org/rss/ee - Tue, 25/03/2025 - 17:43
Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE06203E, Paper Open Access &nbsp This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence.Xuanjie Wang, Jintong Gao, Yipu Wang, Yayuan Liu, Xinyue Liu, Lenan Zhang
Solar-powered water electrolysis holds significant promise for the mass production of green hydrogen. However, the substantial water consumption associated with electrolysis not only increases the cost of green hydrogen but...
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Strategic Development of Memristors for Neuromorphic Systems: Low‐Power and Reconfigurable Operation

This review investigates technological trends in brain-inspired artificial reconfigurable memristors, as well as individual non-volatile and volatile devices, according to their operating principles and fabrication methods. It examines case studies of artificial neural network system implementations based on these devices, providing the latest comprehensive design guidelines from fundamentals to advanced systems.


Abstract

The ongoing global energy crisis has heightened the demand for low-power electronic devices, driving interest in neuromorphic computing inspired by the parallel processing of human brains and energy efficiency. Reconfigurable memristors, which integrate both volatile and non-volatile behaviors within a single unit, offer a powerful solution for in-memory computing, addressing the von Neumann bottleneck that limits conventional computing architectures. These versatile devices combine the high density, low power consumption, and adaptability of memristors, positioning them as superior alternatives to traditional complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology for emulating brain-like functions. Despite their potential, studies on reconfigurable memristors remain sparse and are often limited to specific materials such as Mott insulators without fully addressing their unique reconfigurability. This review specifically focuses on reconfigurable memristors, examining their dual-mode operation, diverse physical mechanisms, structural designs, material properties, switching behaviors, and neuromorphic applications. It highlights the recent advancements in low-power-consumption solutions within memristor-based neural networks and critically evaluates the challenges in deploying reconfigurable memristors as standalone devices or within artificial neural systems. The review provides in-depth technical insights and quantitative benchmarks to guide the future development and implementation of reconfigurable memristors in low-power neuromorphic computing.

Co‐Enriched High Entropy Oxides for Efficient Continuous Electrochemical Methane Conversion: Catalytic Performance and Sustainability Insights

A Co-rich high-entropy oxide (HEO) catalyst enables efficient electrochemical methane-to-ethanol conversion at room temperature. By leveraging elemental enrichment, the catalyst achieves high selectivity and stability, outperforming conventional systems. Process modeling further highlights its economic viability and significant potential for reducing carbon emissions.


Abstract

The electrochemical conversion of methane offers a sustainable alternative to traditional thermochemical syngas pathways; however, the rational design of catalysts that ensure high productivity remains a significant challenge. In this study, a high-entropy oxide (HEO) catalyst composed of Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Ni is explored, with a targeted element enriched, and identify that a Co-rich HEO demonstrates high efficiency in room-temperature electrochemical methane conversion. This analysis of the projected density of states (PDOS) reveals that Co sites in the HEO catalyst possess an optimally positioned p-band center for methane activation. The Co-rich HEO catalyst achieves an ethanol production rate of 12315 µmol/gcat/hr at 1.6 VRHE, with a Faradaic efficiency of 63.5%; a flow cell electrolyzer equipped with this catalyst achieves continuous methane-to-ethanol conversion at a rate of 26533 µmol/gcat/hr over 100 h. Process modeling evaluates the economic and environmental implications, demonstrating that a commercially viable process can be realized through economies of scale while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.

Establishing Nanoscale Circuitry by Designing a Structure with Atomic Short‐range Order for High‐Rate Energy Storage

A microsized perovskite oxide Ce0.266W0.1Nb0.9O3 is engineered as an anode material for high-rate, long-life Li+ storage, demonstrating impressive performance by maintaining both high areal capacity and high rate capability, even at high mass loadings. This outstanding electrochemical behavior is primarily attributed to the nanoscale circuitry formed by an atomic-scale short-range order structure.


Abstract

High-rate materials necessitate the rapid transportation of both electrons and ions, a requirement that becomes especially challenging at practical mass loadings (>10 mg cm2). To address this challenge, a material is designed with an architecture having atomic-scale short-range order. This design establishes internal nanoscale circuitry at the particle level, which facilitates rapid electronic and ionic transport within micrometer-sized niobium tungsten oxides. The architecture features alternating cerium-depleted and cerium-enriched regions. The continuous cerium-enriched regions with enhanced conductivity provide multilane highways for electron mobility by functioning as electron-conducting wires that significantly boost the overall conductivity. The cerium-depleted regions effectively mitigate electrostatic repulsion and promote rapid ion transport through ion-conducting channels. These structural characteristics provide a continuous network that supports both electrical migration and chemical diffusion to amplify the areal capacity and rate capability even at high mass loadings. These findings not only expand the fundamental understanding of the design of optimal host lattices for advanced energy storage systems but also of the practical application of microsized high-rate electrode materials.

Efficient Photoelectrocatalytic Synthesis of Ammonia by Superionic Conductor with Mixed Ion/Electron Conduction

A van der Waals FePS2.66Li0.87 superionic conductor (SIC) with enhanced mixed electronic/ionic conductivity is applied for solar-driven nitrate conversion to ammonia. The migration of mobile lithium ions between layers significantly promotes the electronic conductivity of FePS2.66Li0.87 SIC, which achieves a remarkable ammonia synthesis yield (134.18 µmol cm−2 h−1) under low bias voltage.


Abstract

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) nitrate reduction shows substantial potential for solar-to-ammonia (NH3) conversion. However, low electron density and disordered electron conduction of conventional catalysts result in limited performance and low Faraday efficiency. Herein, a FePS2.66Li0.87 superionic conductor (SIC) is developed by introducing lithium ions into van der Waals immobile layered of FePS3 catalyst. This layered crystal framework facilitates high-concentration lithium ions confinement and long-range diffusion at room temperature, transitioning the conduction mechanism from electronic to mixed ionic/electronic. The typical nanofluidic ion transport leads to a high ionic conductivity of 16.4 mS cm−1 at room temperature and enhanced electronic conductivity of 5 × 10−6 S cm−1. Furthermore, mobile lithium ions within interlayers enhance the interaction between the low-lying 3dyz orbitals of Fe interacting with 2a2 empty antibonding orbitals of NO3 −. An excellent PEC ammonia production of 134.18 µmol cm−2 h−1 with 96.95% Faradaic efficiency is achieved, and the corresponding solar-to-NH3 efficiency of 57.13% offers a promising pathway toward sustainable ammonia production.

Critical Roles of Ultrafast Energy Funnelling and Ultrafast Singlet‐Triplet Annihilation in Quasi‐2D Perovskite Optical Gain Mechanisms

Ultrafast broadband photoluminescence spectroscopy provides insights into the lasing dynamics, energy transfer, and singlet-triplet annihilation in mixed-layer quasi-2D perovskites. Rapid energy funnelling to the sites of amplified spontaneous emission occurs within sub-picosecond timescales. However, the accumulation of triplet excitons effectively quenches incoming singlet excitons, creating a bottleneck in the energy cascade and hindering the development of population inversion.


Abstract

Quasi-2D (Q2D) perovskite possess considerable potential for light emission and amplification technologies. Recently, mixed films containing Q2D perovskite grains with varying layer thicknesses have shown great promise as carrier concentrators, effectively mitigating trap-mediated recombination. In this strategy, photo-excitations are rapidly funnelled down an energy gradient to the thickest grains, leading to amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). However, the quantum-confined Q2D slabs also stabilize the formation of unwanted triplet excitons, resulting in parasitic quenching of emissive singlet states. Here, a novel ultrafast photoluminescence spectroscopy is used to study photoexcitation dynamics in mixed-layer Q2D perovskites. By analysing spectra with high temporal and energy resolution, this is found that sub-picosecond energy transfer to ASE sites is accompanied by excitation losses due to triplet formation on grains with small and intermediate thicknesses. Further accumulation of triplets creates a bottleneck in the energy cascade, effectively quenching incoming singlet excitons. This ultrafast annihilation within 200 femtosecond outpaces energy transfer to ASE sites, preventing the build-up of population inversion. This study highlights the significance of investigating photoexcitation dynamics on ultrafast timescales, encompassing lasing dynamics, energy transfer, and singlet-triplet annihilation, to gain crucial insights into the photophysics of the optical gain process in Q2D perovskites.

Hierarchically Structured Porous Polyamide‐Imide Membrane for Switchable Emulsion Separation

A novel amphiphilic polymer Torlon-based membrane with switchable superwettability is developed using a simple one-step phase separation method. Its hierarchical porous structure and surface reorganization enable exceptional oil-water separation with ultrahigh permeance and efficiency. The membrane exhibits excellent antifouling, self-cleaning, and durability, offering a scalable solution for advanced oily wastewater treatment and beyond.


Abstract

The development of advanced membranes with switchable superwettability has attracted considerable attention for the efficient treatment of oily wastewater. However, challenges persist in designing and fabricating such membranes through straightforward methods. In this study, a novel strategy is presented to design switchable superwettable membranes based on micro/nano-structured porous surfaces and surface chemical composition reorganization. A commercial amphiphilic polymer, polyamide-imide (Torlon), is fabricated into a porous symmetric membrane with a hierarchical surface structure using a one-step non-solvent-induced phase separation method. By leveraging the surface reorganization capability of amphiphilic polymers and the hierarchically porous structure, the resulting membranes demonstrate exceptional superamphiphilicity in air, underwater superoleophobicity, and underoil superhydrophobicity. These properties enable ultrahigh permeance and separation efficiency for oil-in-water, water-in-oil, and crude oil/water emulsions through a gravity-driven process, eliminating the need for external energy. Furthermore, the membranes exhibit excellent antifouling and self-cleaning performance, maintaining stable operation over multiple cycles. This work provides an innovative and scalable approach to next-generation switchable superwettable membranes with broad potential applications in oily wastewater treatment and beyond.

Smart Dust for Chemical Mapping

This review article explores the advancement of smart dust networks for high-resolution spatial and temporal chemical mapping. Comprising miniature, wireless sensors, and communication devices, smart dust autonomously collects, processes, and transmits data via swarm-based communication. With applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare, agriculture, and industry, it emphasizes energy efficiency, sustainability, and large-scale deployment to revolutionize chemical analysis in complex environments.


Abstract

This review article explores the transformative potential of smart dust systems by examining how existing chemical sensing technologies can be adapted and advanced to realize their full capabilities. Smart dust, characterized by submillimeter-scale autonomous sensing platforms, offers unparalleled opportunities for real-time, spatiotemporal chemical mapping across diverse environments. This article introduces the technological advancements underpinning these systems, critically evaluates current limitations, and outlines new avenues for development. Key challenges, including multi-compound detection, system control, environmental impact, and cost, are discussed alongside potential solutions. By leveraging innovations in miniaturization, wireless communication, AI-driven data analysis, and sustainable materials, this review highlights the promise of smart dust to address critical challenges in environmental monitoring, healthcare, agriculture, and defense sectors. Through this lens, the article provides a strategic roadmap for advancing smart dust from concept to practical application, emphasizing its role in transforming the understanding and management of complex chemical systems.

A Multifunctional Binder for Current‐Collector‐Free Zn Powder Anodes

By introducing abundant polar groups as Zn2+ absorption sites and hydrogen bond arrays, a protein structure-derived binder for ZP anode and iodine cathode is proposed. This design can regulate the Zn2+ flux, benefit the formation of free-standing electrode, inhibit the side reactions, suppress the shuttle effect of polyiodides, and enable the large-scale potentials.


Abstract

Compared with commonly used Zn foil anodes, Zn powder (ZP) anodes offer superior versatility and processability. However, in aqueous electrolytes, dendrite growth and side reactions, such as corrosion and hydrogen evolution, become more severe in ZP anodes than those in Zn foil anodes because of the rough surfaces and high surface areas of ZP, leading to poor reversibility and limitations in high-loading mass cathodes. In this study, a diisocyanate-polytetrahydrofuran-dihydrazide polymer (DDP) binder is developed, inspired by protein structures. The strong Zn2+ adsorption capability of the binder effectively regulates Zn2+ flux, while its unique hydrogen-bond arrays facilitate the formation of a free-standing ZP anode and inhibit side reactions. The binder exhibits superior mechanical performance, providing ZP electrodes with excellent resistance to various mechanical stresses, including tensile, nanoindentation, scratch, and dynamic bending tests. ZP symmetric cells achieve stable cycling at capacities of 2 and 5 mAh cm−2. In addition, DDP functions as an iodine cathode, effectively mitigating the polyiodide shuttle effect. The fabricated ZP/DDP||I2/DDP full cells demonstrate an excellent rate capability and cycling stability, even under a high-loading conditions. This study presents a novel approach for preparing stable ZP anodes and iodine cathodes, offering a promising strategy for large-scale applications.

2D Rhodium‐Isocyanide Frameworks

Rhodium-carbon coordination-based 2D metal-organic frameworks are rationally synthesized and exhibit ultra-narrow bandgaps (0.10–0.28 eV) and intrinsic charge mobilities up to 560 ± 46 cm2 V−1 s−1 via time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy.


Abstract

2D metal-organic frameworks (2D MOFs) are emerging organic van der Waals materials with great potential in various applications owing to their structural diversity, and tunable optoelectronic properties. So far, most reported 2D MOFs rely on metal-heteroatom coordination (e.g., metal–nitrogen, metal–oxygen, and metal–sulfur); synthesis of metal-carbon coordination based 2D MOFs remains a formidable challenge. This study reports the rhodium–carbon (Rh–C) coordination-based 2D MOFs, using isocyanide as the ligand and Rh(I) as metal node. The synthesized MOFs show excellent crystallinity with quasi-square lattice networks. These MOFs show ultra-narrow bandgaps (0.1–0.28 eV) resulting from the interaction between Rh(I) and isocyano groups. Terahertz spectroscopy demonstrates exceptional short-range charge mobilities up to 560 ± 46 cm2 V−1 s−1 in the as-synthesized MOFs. Moreover, these MOFs are used as electrocatalysts for nitrogen reduction reaction and show an excellent NH3 yield rate of 56.0 ± 1.5 µg h−1 mgcat −1 and a record Faradaic efficiency of 87.1 ± 1.8%. In situ experiments reveal dual pathways involving Rh(I) during the catalytic process. This work represents a pioneering step toward 2D MOFs based on metal–carbon coordination and paves the way for novel reticular materials with ultra-high carrier mobility and for versatile optoelectronic devices.

Mon 31 Mar 15:00: DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries - A BIOLOGICAL RIG SEMINAR

http://talks.cam.ac.uk/show/rss/5408 - Tue, 25/03/2025 - 10:55
DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries - A BIOLOGICAL RIG SEMINAR

The discovery of small organic ligands, capable of specific recognition of protein targets of interest, is a central problem in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Biology and Medicine. Traditionally, small organic ligands to proteins are discovered by screening, one by one, individual compounds from chemical libraries. However, the technology is cumbersome, very expensive and is typically limited to the testing of up to one million compounds. DNA -encoded chemical library (DEL) technology allows the construction and screening of much larger compound libraries, without the need for expensive instrumentations and logistics. DELs are collections of molecules, individually coupled to distinctive DNA fragments, serving as amplifiable identification barcodes. Binding compounds can be selected using affinity capture procedures, with the protein target of interest immobilised on magnetic beads. After this “fishing” experiment, the DNA barcodes can be PCR amplified and quantified using high-throughput DNA sequencing [1]. In this lecture, I will present theory and applications of DEL technology. I will also show examples of DEL -derived ligands, isolated in our laboratories, which have been tested in patients with cancer, with promising clinical results.

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Tue 06 May 14:30: Bhopal 40 years on - What have we learned?

http://talks.cam.ac.uk/show/rss/5408 - Tue, 25/03/2025 - 10:10
Bhopal 40 years on - What have we learned?

On the night of 2 and 3 December 1984 a toxic gas release from the Union Carbide pesticide factory in Bhopal, India caused thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of life-changing injuries. Forty years later, the rusting factory equipment still towers above buried hazardous waste in the abandoned factory. I visited the site of the former Union Carbide site in Bhopal India to try to understand what went so horribly wrong.

1. What caused the worst accident in the history of the chemical industry? 2. Why was the accident never properly investigated? 3. What can we learn about process safety from revisiting the accident? 4. Why has no clean-up been undertaken in 40 years?

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Thu 18 Sep 13:00: Seminars in Cancer

http://talks.cam.ac.uk/show/rss/5408 - Tue, 25/03/2025 - 10:09
Seminars in Cancer

Abstract not available

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Universally Applicable and Ultra‐Long Life Cyclic Power Generation Induced by Interfacial Ion‐Oscillation

An electric power generating cell is developed based on potential difference driven reversible ion migration, which generates ultra-long life electric output over 8-month with a high short-circuit of over 40 mA and output power density of up to 6 W m−2, surpassing the values reported for many other sorts of typical electricity generators.


Abstract

Sustainable energy supply without relying on external power sources is one of the bottlenecks in achieving self-supportive wearable electronics and Internet-of-things (IoT) systems. Here a new type of universally applicable and ultra-long life cyclic power generation is developed induced by interfacial redox reaction-mediated ion-oscillation, which can provide cycling electric energy in a self-charging manner without extra pre-charge. Based on asymmetric manganese dioxide and molybdenum disulfide electrode pairs, the proof-concept electric potential difference power generating cell (EPDC) offers ultra-long life electric output over 8-month testing period for tens of thousands of cycles. A layer-stacking EPDC unit supplies a high direct current of more than 40 mA and a power density of ≈6 W m−2. Such recyclable power-generating process mainly relies on reversible ion migration at an asymmetric interface in response to relative variation of electric potentials. The universal applicability of EPDC is validated by a combination of diverse electrode pairs. Large-scale manufacture of EPDCs is achievable by industry-compatible auto-blade coating technology with on-demand power output, providing a long-acting power supply platform for self-charging electronic systems.

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4 January 2021

We are seeking to hire a research assistant to work on carbon nanotube based microdevices. More information is available here: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/28202/

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4 January 2021

We are seeking to hire a postdoc researcher to work on the structuring of Li-ion battery electrodes. More information is available here: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/28197/