In this study, an anode composite material was fabricated by embedding spherical carbon-coated nanosilicon (Si@C) into a layered carbon-coated silicon (L-Si/C) to enhance the capacity and stability of silicon-based lithium-ion batteries. The L-Si/C material was obtained by reacting CaSi2 through a CO₂-assisted carbonization process, followed by removal of the CaCO3 byproduct via HCl etching. Si@C particles, prepared using polydopamine as a carbon precursor, were uniformly embedded in the L-Si/C via ultrasonic treatment. The physical properties of the prepared anode composites were analyzed using HR-SEM, EDS, XRD, and BET. The electrochemical performances were investigated using 1 M LiPF6 in EC:DEC (1:1 vol%) with 10 wt% FEC as the electrolyte, through charge–discharge cycling, rate capability tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and differential capacity (dQ/dV) analysis. L-Si/C exhibited the best electrochemical performance under the thermal treatment condition of 720 °C and a CO2 flow rate of 100 sccm. In addition, the application of ultrasonic treatment improved structural stability and rate capability. Consequently, the S_L-Si/C + Si@C-2 exhibited a high initial discharge capacity of 2700.7 mAh/g at 0.1 C and a capacity of 617.4 mAh/g at a high rate of 6 C.

The quality of various commercial silicon nitride raw powders was compared and evaluated. Various powder characteristics and sinterability of low-cost Chinese powders were compared with those of powders from advanced manufacturers. Powder characteristics such as particle size, agglomeration, impurity content, and β phase fraction, as well as bulk characteristics such as β phase fraction and sintered density were investigated. The Chinese powder showed characteristics that were inferior to the E10 powder from UBE, Japan in most evaluated characteristics, but were comparable to the powders from other advanced manufacturers. However, at high temperature sintering of 1,800 °C, the sintered density of the Chinese powder was noticeably lower than that of the other powders. The correlation between various powder characteristics and sintered density was also quantified using the Pearson correlation coefficient. In the 1,700 °C sintered specimens, the particle size and β phase fraction were found to have a strong negative correlation with the sintered density. In contrast, the 1,800 °C specimens did not show any powder properties with a strong correlation to the sintered density.

Through-silicon via (TSV) filling is indispensable for three-dimensional semiconductor packaging. Conventional processes rely on PVD (physical vapor deposition) or ALD (atomic layer deposition) seed layer deposition followed by copper electroplating, but these approaches face limitations in productivity and conformality. ALD and ELD (electroless deposition) have been investigated as seed-based approaches to overcome poor step coverage, while seedless strategies have also been proposed including additive-assisted electroplating, electroless alloy layers, metallic nanowires, and conductive pastes. These methods have demonstrated void-free or seam-free fills under specific conditions, yet challenges remain in achieving uniform superconformal filling across dense arrays, suppressing copper oxidation and interfacial contamination during rinsing/drying, and guaranteeing long-term reliability under thermomechanical cycling, electromigration, and humidity bias. In parallel, hybrid bonding has emerged as an alternative to thermo-compression bonding, where TSV filling performance, CMP (chemical mechanical polishing) planarization, and interface activation are crucial to reliable bonding. An integrated research approach incorporating both seed- and seedless-based TSV filling together with hybrid bonding provides a credible pathway to reliable three-dimensional stacking for high-bandwidth memory and artificial intelligence applications.

A hierarchical porous carbon/silicon composite material (CSCM) was prepared through KOH activation and acid leaching using coal gasification fine slag (CGFS) as the raw material. The KOH dosage, activation temperatures, and HCl acid amount were optimized. The obtained CSCMs showed higher pore volume in the range of 0.62–0.96 cm3/ g, and hierarchical porous structure with Vmicro./ Vmeso. ratio in the range of 1.54–3.31. The influence of Vmicro./ Vmeso. ratio of CSCM on CO2 adsorption at 0 °C was higher than that at 25 °C. Under higher specific area and pore volume, hierarchical pores with Vmicro./ Vmeso. ratio in the range of 2.81–2.91 were benefit for CO2 adsorption at 0 °C. The optimized CSCM demonstrated excellent CO2 adsorption capacities of 2.96 and 4.60 mmol/g at 25 and 0 °C, respectively. CO2 adsorption on CSCM was a heterogeneous physical process, and the cycle stability was excellent. Meanwhile, CSCM was mixed with Fe-based catalyst (Fe-K/CS) for CO2/ H2 catalysis. The hierarchical porous structure of CSCM improved the CO2 adsorption and H2 adsorption around the active sites, promoting CO2 conversion. The combination method of Fe-K and CSCM affected the distribution of CO2 hydrogenation products, and reasonable Vmicro./ Vmeso. ratio in CSCM effectively inhibited C–C chain growth, leading to higher olefins selectivity. The Fe-0.1K/CS-P catalyst achieved a CO2 conversion rate of 21.6% and a C2 =-C4 = selectivity of 47.7%. This study presented a promising approach for effectively utilizing CO2 and for the sustainable valorization of industrial solid waste.

이 논문은 이언 매큐언의 􋺷나와 같은 기계들􋺸을 예이츠의 시적 관점을 통해 조명하면서, 인공지능의 맥락 속에서 영적 해체와 윤리적 붕괴에 대한 모더니즘 적 불안을 재구성하고 있음을 주장한다. 매큐언은 기계를 인간 존재에 대한 위협으로 묘사하기보다는, 흔들림 없는 도덕적 명확성을 지닌 탈인간적 존재로서의 합성 주인공 아담 을 구축하며, 인간 세계의 결함과 갈등을 부각시킨다. 본 연구는 인물의 성장, 윤리적 딜레마, 반사실 역사 에 대한 면밀한 텍스트 분석을 수행하며, 이를 예이츠의 영혼 분열과 순환적 시간에 대한 시적 명상과 연관을 짓는다. 아담의 역할을 모더니즘 적 틀 안에 위치시킴으로써, 매큐언이 기술적 이상주의와 도덕적 상대주의 모두를 비 판하고 있음을 드러낸다. 연구 결과는 아담의 삭제가 기계의 실패가 아니라, 인간이 자신의 모순을 직시하지 못하는 데에서 비롯된 것임을 보여준다. 궁극적으로 이 논문 은 가 인공지능에 대한 경고가 아니라, 양심을 지워버리는 세계를 향한 모더니즘적 애 도라고 주장한다.

Genetic algorithms (GAs) are used to optimize solutions to problems, particularly those that are analytically impossible to solve. As their name suggests, they are inspired by the biological concepts of genetics and evolution. Our work aims to study and model a silicon-based photovoltaic generator (PVG). Among the various models available is that of the diode. Modeling was used to approximate the PVG output (voltage, current) as a function of two inputs: temperature and irradiation. The parameters of our model were identified using a real coding algorithm, with the cumulative square error was used for selection. To test the effectiveness of our model, we carried out simulation tests on the power-voltage (P-V) and current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of a wide range of irradiation and temperature variations. This study demonstrates the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach (GAs) and validates the parameters obtained and used in the single-diode electrical model. The results indicate that the GA technique is a better conventional parameter extraction strategy in terms of convergence. It provides globally optimal solutions.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a significant cereal crop from the Gramineae family, serves as a vital source of protein, essential minerals, B-group vitamins, and dietary fiber. However, its productivity is often hindered by issues such as poor seed germination, which can adversely affect yield and crop quality. This study investigated the effects of different silicon concentrations and priming durations on wheat germination and seedling growth. Analysis of variance revealed that silicon treatment significantly influenced key parameters of germination and growth, including germination percentage (GP), germination index (GI), vigor index (VI), radicle length (RL), plumule length (PL), and seedling dry weight (SDW). Priming with silicon at a concentration of 1 mM resulted in notable improvements, increasing GP, GI, VI, RL, and PL by 10.6%, 65.5%, 29.4%, 18.6%, and 28.6%, respectively, after 6 hours of priming. Certain germination traits demonstrated strong positive correlations, particularly GP and GI (r = 0.96) and VI and RL (r = 0.94), after 4 hours of priming. These improvements in seed germination and seedling development may result from enhanced water uptake, stimulated cell division, and increased hydrolytic enzyme activity, which facilitate the mobilization of seed reserves and accelerate the growth of embryonic tissues.

Silicon carbide (β-SiC) was synthesized through an improved sol–gel method, then Ni/SiC catalysts were prepared using a hydrothermal method. The catalysts were characterized using TEM, H2- TPR, CO2- TPD and N2- TPD, etc. The results showed that the synthesized β-SiC had a large specific surface area, promoting the dispersion of Ni species and thus exposing more active sites. The interaction between Ni species and β-SiC contributed significantly to catalytic performance. Furthermore, the strong alkalinity of catalyst could adjust the bond energy of the active metal and N (M–N), which were conducive to desorption of the recombinant N2 from the metal surface, promoting to ammonia decomposition. Among the Ni/SiC catalysts, 30Ni/SiC-700 synthesized with the Ni loading of 30 wt% and calcination temperature of 700 °C, exhibited the optimal ammonia conversion rate of 93.4% at 600 °C under the space speed of 30,000 mL∙gcat −1∙h−1, and demonstrated a long-term stability, suggesting a very promising catalyst in ammonia decomposition.

Silicon-based anode materials have attracted significant interest because of their advantages, including high theoretical specific capacity (~4,200 mAh/g), low working potential (0.4 V vs Li/Li+), and abundant sources. However, their significant initial capacity loss and large volume changes during cycling impede the application of silicon-based anodes in lithium-ion batteries. In this work, we propose a silicon oxide (SiOx) anode material for lithium-ion batteries produced with a magnesio-thermic reduction (MTR) process adopting Boryeong mud as a starting material. Boryeong mud contains various minerals such as clinochlore [(Mg,Fe)6(Si,Al)4O10(OH)8], anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8), illite [K0.7Al2(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2], and quartz (SiO2). The MTR process with Boryeong mud generates a mixture of amorphous silicon oxides (SiOx and SiO2), and magnesium aluminate which helps to alleviate the volume expansion of the electrode during charge/discharge. To observe the effects of these oxides, we conducted various analyses including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) galvanic cell testing. The amorphous SiO2 and MgAl2O4 suppressed the volume expansion of the silicon-based anode, and excellent cycle performance was achieved as a result.

Among various organic materials suitable for silicon-based inorganic-organic hybrid solar cells, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has been extensively studied due to its high optical transmittance, high work function, and low bandgap characteristics. The electro-optical properties of PEDOT:PSS have a significant impact on the power conversion efficiency of silicon-organic hybrid solar cells. To enhance the photovoltaic properties of the silicon-organic hybrid solar cells, we developed a method to improve the properties of the PEDOT:PSS film using Ag nanowires (NW) instead of conventional solvent addition methods. The influence of the Ag NW on the electro-optical property of the PEDOT:PSS film and the photovoltaic performance of the silicon-organic hybrid solar cells were investigated. The addition of Ag NW further improved the sheet resistance of the PEDOT:PSS film, enhancing the performance of the silicon-organic hybrid solar cells. The present work using the low sheet resistance PEDOT:PSS layer paves the way to develop simple yet more efficient siliconorganic hybrid solar cells.

In this study, we report significant improvements in lithium-ion battery anodes cost and performance, by fabricating nano porous silicon (Si) particles from Si wafer sludge using the metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) process. To solve the problem of volume expansion of Si during alloying/de-alloying with lithium ions, a layer was formed through nitric acid treatment, and Ag particles were removed at the same time. This layer acts as a core-shell structure that suppresses Si volume expansion. Additionally, the specific surface area of Si increased by controlling the etching time, which corresponds to the volume expansion of Si, showing a synergistic effect with the core-shell. This development not only contributes to the development of high-capacity anode materials, but also highlights the possibility of reducing manufacturing costs by utilizing waste Si wafer sludge. In addition, this method enhances the capacity retention rate of lithium-ion batteries by up to 38 %, marking a significant step forward in performance improvements.

Disposable masks manufactured in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have caused environmental problems due to improper disposal methods such as landfilling or incineration. To mitigate environmental pollution, we suggest a new process for recycling these disposable masks for ultimate application as a conductive material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In our work, the masks were chemically processed via amine functionalization and sulfonation, followed by carbonization in a tube furnace in the Ar atmosphere. The residual weight percentages, as evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), of the chemically modified masks were 30.6% (600 °C, C-600), 24.5% (750 °C, C-750), and 24.1% (900 °C, C-900), respectively, thereby demonstrating the possibility of using our proposed method to recycle masks intended for disposal. The electrochemical performance of the fabricated carbonized materials was assessed by fabricating silicon/graphite (20:80) anodes incorporating these materials as additives for use in LIBs. Using a coin-type half-cell system, cells with the aforementioned carbonized materials exhibited initial capacities of 553 mAh/g, 607 mAh/g, and 571 mAh/g, respectively, which are comparable to those of commercial Super P (591 mAh/g). Cell cycled at the rate of 0.33 C with C-600, C-750, and C-900 as additives demonstrated capacity retention of 53.2%, 47.4%, and 51.1%, respectively, compared with that of Super P (48.3%). In addition, when cycled at rates from 0.2 to 5 C, the cells with anodes containing the respective additives exhibited rate capabilities similar to those of Super P. These results might be attributable to the unique surface properties and morphologies of the carbonized materials derived from the new recycling procedure, such as the size and number of heteroatoms on the surface.

The complexation of silicon with carbon materials is considered an effective method for using silicon as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. In the present study, carbon frameworks with a 3D porous structure were fabricated using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which have been drawing significant attention as a promising material in a wide range of applications. Subsequently, the fabricated carbon frameworks were subjected to CVD to obtain silicon-carbon complexes. These siliconcarbon complexes with a 3D porous structure exhibited excellent rate capability because they provided sufficient paths for Li-ion diffusion while facilitating contact with the electrolyte. In addition, unoccupied space within the silicon complex, combined with the stable structure of the carbon framework, allowed the volume expansion of silicon and the resultant stress to be more effectively accommodated, thereby reducing electrode expansion. The major findings of the present study demonstrate the applicability of MOF-based carbon frameworks as a material for silicon complex anodes.

Hybrid nanocomposites of aluminium (NHAMMCs) made from AA5052 are fabricated via stir casting route by reinforcing 12 wt% Si3N4 and 0.5 wt% of graphene for usage in aeronautical and automotive applications due to the lower density and higher strength to weight proportion. The wear characteristics of the NHAMMCs are evaluated for different axial load, rotational speed, sliding distance and sliding time based on Box-Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Orowan strengthening mechanism is identified from optical image which improves the strength of the composite. Outcomes show that with higher axial load and rotational speed, there is substantial increase in wear loss whereas with increased sliding distance and sliding time there is no considerable increase in wear loss due to the lubricating nature of the reinforced graphene particles since it has higher surface area to volume ratio. Besides, artificial intelligence approach of neuro-fuzzy (ANFIS) model is developed to predict the output responses and the results are compared with the regression model predictions. Prediction from ANFIS outplays the regression model prediction.

Silicon (Si) has the potential to improve plant growth and stress tolerance. The study aimed to explore Si-involving plant responses and molecular characterization of different Si-responsive genes in alfalfa. In this study, the exogenous supplementation of Si enhanced plant growth, and biomass yield. Si-acquisition in alfalfa root and shoot was higher in Si-supplemented compared to silicon deficient (-Si) plants, implying Si-acquisition has beneficial on alfalfa plants. As a consequence, the quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was significantly increased in silicon-sufficient (+Si) plants. The quantitative gene expression analysis exhibited a significant upregulation of the Lsi1, Lsi2, Lsi3, NIP5;1, and NIP6;1 genes in alfalfa roots, while BOR1, BOR4, NIP2, and NIP3 showed no significant variation in their expression. The MEME results further noticed the association of four motifs related to the major intrinsic protein (MIP). The interaction analysis revealed that NIP5;1 and Lsi1 showed a shared gene network with NIP2, BOR1, and BOR4, and Lsi2, Lsi3 and NIP3-1, respectively. These results suggest that members of the major intrinsic proteins (MIPs) family especially Lsi1, Lsi2, Lsi3, NIP5;1, and NIP6;1 genes helped to pass water and other neutral solutes through the cell membrane and those played significant roles in Si uptake and transport in plants. Together, these insights might be useful for alfalfa breeding and genome editing approaches for alfalfa improvement.

PURPOSES : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of a titanium dioxide (TiO2) asphalt surface treatment agent for reducing NOx on the roadside at laboratory and full scales. METHODS : To verify the NOx reduction performance of TiO2 and silicon-based resin-applied surface treatment agents at the lab scale, a bed flow photo reactor test (ISO standard) and a mixed tank photo reactor test designed to apply real-scale construction materials were conducted. Subsequently, the full-scale NOx reduction performance was verified using a full-scale demonstration facility, and the field construction capability of the TiO2 asphalt surface treatment agent was verified through actual road site application. RESULTS : The bed flow photoreactor and mixed tank photoreactor methods showed the same trend in the NOx removal performance. Evaluation of the NOx removal performance of the TiO2 surface treatment agent revealed that the NO removal rate was approximately 13% at the laboratory scale and 15% at full scale. CONCLUSIONS : Through this study, it was determined that the asphalt surface treatment agent applied with TiO2 will have a sufficient NOx reduction effect in an actual road site. In the future, it will be necessary to analyze the continuity of the effect according to traffic volume through continuous monitoring in the field.

To develop a high capacity lithium secondary battery, a new approach to anode material synthesis is required, capable of producing an anode that exceeds the energy density limit of a carbon-based anode. This research synthesized carbon nano silicon composites as an anode material for a secondary battery using the RF thermal plasma method, which is an ecofriendly dry synthesis method. Prior to material synthesis, a silicon raw material was mixed at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt% based on the carbon raw material in a powder form, and the temperature change inside the reaction field depending on the applied plasma power was calculated. Information about the materials in the synthesized carbon nano silicon composites were confirmed through XRD analysis, showing carbon (86.7~52.6 %), silicon (7.2~36.2 %), and silicon carbide (6.1~11.2 %). Through FE-SEM analysis, it was confirmed that the silicon bonded to carbon was distributed at sizes of 100 nm or less. The bonding shape of the silicon nano particles bonded to carbon was observed through TEM analysis. The initial electrochemical charging/ discharging test for the 40 wt% silicon mixture showed excellent electrical characteristics of 1,517 mAh/g (91.9 %) and an irreversible capacity of 133 mAh/g (8.1 %).