Semiconductors, optimized for artificial intelligence (AI) applications, are efficiently handling large-scale data processing and complex computations with high speed and low power consumption. They accelerate AI model training and inference in data centers, cloud services, autonomous vehicles, and mobile devices. As demand for high-speed data transmission and extensive data processing grows, global companies are developing proprietary AI semiconductors, and subsequently, high-density packaging technologies are needed to interconnect multiple processor chips. To achieve this, an interposer is required. An interposer is a layer used in packaging technology for combining multiple chips, which includes wiring that is inserted to electrically connect a semiconductor chip with a substrate that has a significant pitch difference. Among the materials employed as substrates or interposers, organic, silicon and glass are being considered. While silicon interposers are usually used to connect the main substrate and multiple chips, producing very thin silicon wafers and controlling warpage is challenging, and so they suffer from poor yield and integration. Also, organic substrates have difficulty achieving fine pitch because of their uneven surface and warpage. On the other hand, glass substrates and interposers have good electrical and thermal properties. For this reason, this study investigated AI semiconductor packaging trends and through glass via (TGV) technology, emphasizing the importance of suitable glass material selection, reliable glass-metal bonding and application to solder bumping on TGV. Advances in AI and TGV technologies are expected to drive next-generation AI semiconductor packaging development.
Nanoparticles, especially those derived from plant extracts, are becoming increasingly popular as a bio-based, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional technologies. The Maui rose, a flowering plant with medicinal and therapeutic properties, is one of the most important of these materials because its extract component has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biological activity. In this work, we report on synthesizing and characterizing iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3) extracted from flower plants (Borago), to create persistent and environmentally friendly antibacterial agents. As part of the chemical formation process, Fe2O3 nanoparticles were extracted from specific flower plants utilizing a series of carefully regulated chemical reactions. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) of the samples were studied. The nanoparticles produced were analyzed using common microbiological methods and studies (EDS). The antibacterial activity of the Fe2O3 nanoparticles and their effect on a range of microorganisms were evaluated. The results demonstrated that Fe2O3 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized with a specific crystal structure and good anti-bacterial activities.
This study investigates the performance characteristics of electrodeposited (ED) silver nanowires (AgNWs) networks as transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) considering Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin-film solar cells. The electrodeposition process uniformly deposits silver onto a network of spin-coated AgNWs, resulting in the enlargement of individual nanowire diameters and the formation of stronger interconnections between the AgNWs. This structural enhancement significantly improves both the electrical conductivity and thermal stability of the ED AgNW networks, making them more efficient and robust for practical applications in solar cells. The study comprehensively examines the optoelectronic properties of the ED AgNW networks, encompassing total and specular transmittance, transmission haze values, and sheet resistance, with varying durations of silver electrodeposition. Additionally, this study presents the current density (J)-voltage (V) characteristics of CIGS thin-film solar cells employing the ED AgNW TCEs, revealing how electrodeposition duration impacts overall device performance. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing TCEs in not only thin-film solar cells but also in other optoelectronic devices, highlighting the potential for improved long-term stability across various applications without compromising performance.
This study investigates the development of risedronate (RSD)-incorporated polycaprolactone (PCL)/chitosan composite films for potential use in drug delivery systems aimed at bone repair. PCL and chitosan were blended in varying ratios (25 %, 50 %, 75 % PCL), and their miscibility, morphology, and hydrophilicity were analyzed. The effects of incorporating RSD at different concentrations (10-7 to 10-4 M) on MG63 preosteoblast cell proliferation and differentiation were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that blending of the hydrophobic PCL with hydrophilic chitosan was challenging, due to poor miscibility and phase separation. Optimal blending conditions and drying temperatures were essential for homogeneous film formation. The incorporation of RSD influenced cellular behavior, with 50 % PCL showing the most effective cell proliferation and moderate hydrophilicity. However, higher RSD concentrations (10-4 M) inhibited proliferation, while lower concentrations (10-7 M) promoted it. RSD also enhanced osteoblast differentiation, as evidenced by increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, particularly in 75 % PCL films. These findings suggest that adjusting the PCL/chitosan ratio and RSD concentration can optimize drug release and cellular responses, making this composite system a promising candidate for bone tissue engineering applications.
Magnons have unique properties, including long propagation length, and can exist in insulators. Magnon valve structures, which consist of two magnetic insulating layers, offer a promising approach for advanced magnetoresistive randomaccess memory (MRAM) technology and an alternative to the limitations of traditional electronic devices. In this study, we investigate a magnon valve structure that incorporates a platinum (Pt) spacer between two magnetic insulator layers, specifically yttrium iron garnet (Y3Fe5O12, YIG). Structural characterization of the YIG/Pt/YIG magnon valve was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confirming the high-quality growth of the multilayer structure. The magnon valve behavior was assessed through vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and spin Seebeck effect (SSE) measurements. Our results demonstrate magnon valve behavior, which becomes apparent as the Pt spacer reaches a thickness sufficient to decouple the magnetization of the YIG layers. The magnon valve ratio of the magnon valve can be modulated, and clarity of the those states can be enhanced.
With the continuing advances in technology, electrical energy storage has become increasingly important. Among storage devices supercapacitors’ distinct qualities, such as a long lifespan, quick charge/discharge speeds, and high-power density, make them viable substitutes for traditional batteries. In this study a simple hydrothermal method was used to synthesize a h-MoO3/graphene oxide (GO) composite for such applications. The crystal structure, morphology, and chemical bonding were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Raman spectroscopy. XRD confirmed the hexagonal crystal structure, and no changes were observed after GO incorporation. The FESEM images revealed that the nanosheets of GO and hexagonal rods MoO3 were well coupled with the GO sheets. The electrochemical properties of the pure h-MoO3 and h-MoO3/GO composites were studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The nanocomposite electrode demonstrated a specific capacitance of 134 Fg-1 at a current density of 3 mA/cm-2, an energy density of 26.8 Wh/kg-1, and power density of 560 W/kg-1 in an aqueous acidic electrolyte 1 M H2SO4, which is notably higher than that of pure MoO3. This indicates the promising electrochemical performance of MoO3/GO composite for supercapacitor applications. The enhanced capacitive performance may have resulted from the decrease in the charge transfer resistance (Rct), calculated from the Nyquist plot. Furthermore, the composite material exhibited stability and a capacitive retention of 76 % after 1,000 cycles. This confirms the benefits of incorporating GO to enhance material retention for better long-term results. The results of this study demonstrate its potential to advance energy storage technology. Maintaining the hexagonal crystal structure of h-MoO3 while incorporating GO improves the composite’s structural stability, an important factor for reliable long-term use. Moreover, the observed reduction in crystallite size due to the presence of GO suggests improved electrochemical performance.
Super P (SP) is a conductive carbon black that significantly enhances the electrical conductivity of various types of electrodes, making it a widely preferred conductive agent in lithium-ion batteries. By contrast, activated carbon (AC), originally used in capacitors due to its porous structure, is expected to contribute to electrochemical performance through its enhanced interaction with lithium ions. First, the physical properties of both materials were analyzed through various characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to confirm the increase in electrochemical properties through the combination of SP and AC. Furthermore, the microstructure and electrical properties of the LiFePO4 (LFP) electrode were analyzed, to determine the impact on battery performance. With a 1.15 M LiPF6 in an ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate (EC/DEC) electrolyte, the results indicated that SP-only electrodes exhibited the highest conductivity and lowest surface resistance, making them the most effective at maintaining stable electrochemical performance. In contrast, electrodes with only AC showed higher resistance, demonstrating that SP remains superior in improving LFP electrode conductivity, ultimately optimizing lithium-ion battery performance.
Super-duplex stainless steels are in great demand in various industrial fields such as chemical processing and seawater desalination due to their excellent pitting corrosion resistance. However, detrimental phases can easily form during fabrication, and even minor additions of alloying elements can significantly impact their microstructure and properties. This study investigated the effects Cu or Ti additions on a super-duplex stainless steel. First, the effects of annealing time at 950 °C on the microstructure and corrosion characteristics were investigated. It was found that as the annealing time increased, the fraction of sigma phase increased; however, the corrosion resistance in the electrochemical test using a 3.5 % NaCl electrolyte showed only a slight improvement. The microstructure of duplex stainless steel with added Cu or Ti did not differ significantly from that of the base steel. However, the overall corrosion resistance showed improvement, and in particular, an observed increase in pitting potential. Investigating the characteristics of the passive film on the alloy surface revealed that the stability of the passive film was higher in alloys with added Cu or Ti compared to the standard alloy. Among these, the alloy with Cu addition had the thickest film, while the Ti-added alloy had the highest Cr concentration and a film thickness greater than that of the standard alloy.