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Capacitance
Kinds of Capacitance Terms modified by Capacitance Selected AbstractsFourier Transformed Large Amplitude Square-Wave Voltammetry as an Alternative to Impedance Spectroscopy: Evaluation of Resistance, Capacitance and Electrode Kinetic Effects via an Heuristic ApproachELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 15-16 2005Abstract A detailed simulation of Fourier transformed large amplitude square-wave voltammetry is presented in the frequency domain for the process Red,Ox+e,. The simulation takes into account the influence of the electrode kinetics (Butler,Volmer model), uncompensated resistance (Ru) and double layer capacitance (Cdl). Of particular significance is the prediction that the even harmonic responses are only detected in the presence of quasi-reversibility or uncompensated resistance, and also are essentially devoid of charging current. In contrast, the DC and odd harmonic AC components exhibit much larger faradaic currents and also contain charging current. Conveniently, detailed analysis of the simulated DC and AC harmonic components reveals the presence of readily recognised patterns of behaviour with unique levels of sensitivity to electrode kinetics, Ru and Cdl, that facilitate quantitative analysis of these terms. These electrochemical parameters are generally calculated by small amplitude impedance spectroscopy and utilisation of linear analysis of equivalent circuits. Experimental studies on the one electron oxidation of ferrocene in dichloromethane (0.1,M Bu4NPF6) and the one electron reduction of [Fe(CN)6]3, in aqueous 0.5,M KCl electrolyte analysed via heuristic forms of data analysis based on recognition of patterns of behaviour, are presented as examples of a reversible process with significant uncompensated resistance and a quasi-reversible process with minimal ohmic drop, respectively. Results demonstrate the advantages of a more intuitively implemented form of data analysis than presently available with conventional forms of impedance spectroscopy. [source] Capacitance of axially slotted coaxial cableMICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 4 2006Dong H. Kim Abstract The electrostatic potential problem of an axially slotted coaxial cable is solved. A mode-matching technique is used to obtain a set of simultaneous equations for the modal coefficients. The behavior of electrostatic potential distribution and capacitance is presented in terms of slotted coaxial cable geometries. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 825,827, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21486 [source] Compensation in boron-doped CVD diamondPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 9 2008Markus Gabrysch Abstract Hall-effect measurements on single crystal boron-doped CVD diamond in the temperature interval 80,450 K are presented together with SIMS measurements of the dopant concentration. Capacitance,voltage measurements on rectifying Schottky junctions manufactured on the boron-doped structures are also presented in this context. Evaluation of the compensating donor (ND) and acceptor concentrations (NA) show that in certain samples very low compensation ratios (ND/NA below 10,4) have been achieved. The influence of compensating donors on majority carrier transport and the significance for diamond device performance are briefly discussed. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Temperature dependence of thermally-carbonized porous silicon humidity sensorPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 8 2005M. Björkqvist Abstract Thermal carbonization of porous silicon (PS) at 820 °C under acetylene atmosphere is an appropriate method for humidity sensing purposes. It produces stable and hydrophilic surface still maintaining originally large specific surface area of PS. We report the temperature dependence of various electrical param- eters measured for the thermally-carbonized PS humidity sensor. Capacitance of the sensor in dry air (6 RH%) is almost constant at various temperatures, whereas in higher relative humidity values, the temperature dependence becomes evident. The resistance variation of the sensor is less dependent on RH as the temperature increases. While the capacitance showed linear behavior as a function of temperature, the resistance had a clear non-linear temperature dependence. In order to get information about the effects of frequency on capacitance values, we measured a phase angle and admittance of the sensor as a function of frequency at three different temperatures in low and high humidity. According to these results, it is preferable to operate this sensor construction using low frequency (<1 kHz). (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Mg-doped InN and InGaN , Photoluminescence, capacitance,voltage and thermopower measurementsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 5 2008J. W. Ager III Abstract The bandgap range of InGaN extends from the near-IR (InN, 0.65 eV) to the ultraviolet. To exploit this wide tuning range in light generation and conversion applications, pn junctions are required. The large electron affinity of InN (5.8 eV) leads to preferential formation of native donor defects, resulting in excess electron concentration in the bulk and at surfaces and interfaces. This creates difficulties for p-type doping and/or measuring of the bulk p-type activity. Capacitance,voltage measurements, which deplete the n-type surface inversion layer, have been used to show that Mg is an active acceptor in InN and Inx Ga1,xN for 0.2 < x < 1.0, i.e. over the entire composition range. Mg acceptors can be compensated by irradiation-induced native donors. Thermopower measurements were used to provide definitive evidence that Mg-doped InN has mobile holes between 200 K and 300 K. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Fabrication of AlGaN/GaN MIS-HFET using an Al2O3 high k dielectricPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 7 2003Ki-Yeol Park Abstract We report on a metal,insulator,semiconductor AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field-effect transistor (MIS-HFET) using Al2O3 simultaneously for channel passivation layer and as a gate insulator which was deposited by plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition(PE-ALD). Capacitance,voltage measurements show successful surface passivation by the Al2O3 dielectric layer. For a gate length 1.2 ,m with 15 ,m source-to-drain spacing the maximum drain current was 1.22 A/mm, the maximum transconductance was 166 mS/mm and the gate leakage current was 4 nA/mm at Vgs = ,20 V which is at least three orders of magnitude lower than that of conventional AlGaN/GaN HFETs. (© 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Studies on Charging Processes and Capacitances of Oxidized Polyethylenedioxythiophene FilmsCHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2005She Ping-Ping Abstract In this paper, the chronoamperometry was used to study the charging processes of polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) modified electrodes in the potential range where PEDOT was in the oxidized state. The results show that the charging behaviors of the PEDOT films are well agreed with the exhausted finite diffusion model. The dependence of the capacitance values of the films on potential and concentration of solution was also studied in this potential range. [source] The Effect of Erythropoietin on Exercise Capacity, Left Ventricular Remodeling, Pressure-Volume Relationships, and Quality of Life in Older Patients With Anemia and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection FractionCONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, Issue 3 2010Rose S. Cohen MD A prospective, open-label, 3-month study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and short-term clinical effect of subcutaneous erythropoietin injections in patients with anemia and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (ejection fraction, 55%±2%). Using a dose-adjusted algorithm to effect a rate of rise in hemoglobin not to exceed 0.4 g/dL,/wk, hemoglobin (10.8±0.3 to 12.2±0.3 g/dL) and red blood cell volume (1187±55 to 1333±38 mL) increased with an average weekly dose of 3926 units. Functional measures increased from baseline (6-minute walk test [289±24 to 331±22 m], exercise time [432±62 to 571±51 s], and peak oxygen consumption [8.2±0.7 to 9.4±0.9 mL/kg/min], all P<.05). End-diastolic volume declined significantly (8% volumetric decrease, 108±3 to 100±3 mL, P =.03), but there were no significant changes in left ventricular mass or estimated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Pressure-volume analysis demonstrated a reduction in ventricular capacitance at an end-diastolic pressure of 30 mm Hg without significant changes in contractile state. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:96,103. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] DC conduction in bis(dimethylglyoximato)palladium(II) thin filmsCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 8 2007A. A. Dakhel Abstract Bis(dimethylglyoximato)palladium (II) complex thin films of polycrystalline structure were prepared by sublimation in a vacuum at 140°C on p-Si substrates. After carrying out the characterisation of the prepared films by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence methods, Al-complex-Si MIS devices were fabricated. The constructed MIS structure was characterised by measuring the capacitance as a function of gate voltage at 1 MHz. The dependence of dc-current density on gate voltage and temperature in the range of 293 - 328 K of the MIS device was measured. It was found that the experimental data follow the trap-charge-limited space-charge-limited conductivity mechanism, from which the total concentration and the exponential energy distribution of the trap density were determined. In general, the measured quantities suggest that the conduction can be realised by thermally assisted hopping between localised states bundled in a very narrow band lying energetically near the mobility band edge. Moreover, results show that it is possible to use a film of the complex in applications of low-k dielectric material. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Estimation of backward impedance on low-voltage distribution system using measured resonant currentELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IN JAPAN, Issue 3 2010Toru Miki Abstract Two estimation methods for a backward impedance of a power distribution system are proposed in this paper. According to the first method, the backward impedance is estimated based on information obtained from the frequency response of a transient current flowing into a capacitor connected to a distribution line. The backward impedance is determined from the attenuation constant and the resonant frequency calculated using the capacitance and the impedance of the power distribution system. These parameters can be reliably obtained from a frequency response of the transient current using the least square method. The accuracy of the method strongly depends on the origin on the time axis for Fourier transform. An additional estimate of the time-origin is required for an accurate estimation of the backward impedance. The second method estimates the backward impedance using two transient current waveforms obtained by alternately connecting different capacitors to a distribution line. The backward impedance can be represented as a function of the frequency responses of these currents. Since this method is independent from the time-origin, it is suitable for automatic measurements of the backward impedance. Proposed methods are applicable to the estimation of harmonic currents in distribution systems. In this paper, harmonic currents flowing through a distribution line are calculated based on the estimated backward impedance and on the measured values of voltage harmonics obtained by the instrument developed by the authors. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 171(3): 28,40, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20900 [source] Electrochemical Properties of Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Film Adsorbed onto a Self-Assembled Alkanethiol Monolayer on Gold ElectrodeELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 2 2009Dan Zheng Abstract A stable ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) film electrode was successfully constructed by adsorbing OMC onto a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of C18H37SH chemisorbed on the Au electrode. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and electrochemical methods were used to characterize the properties of the OMC film electrode. The adsorbed OMC can restore the heterogeneous electron transfer almost totally blocked by the alkanethiol monolayer. Nyquist plots show a sharply decrease of the charge transfer resistance (Rct) of the Fe(CN) couple at the OMC film electrode. Furthermore, the OMC film electrode is found to possess a significantly reduced interfacial capacitance and largely enhanced current response of hydrogen peroxide. This novel approach to the fabrication of stable OMC film electrode with excellent electrochemical properties is believed to be very attractive for electrochemical studies and electroanalytical applications. [source] Fourier Transformed Large Amplitude Square-Wave Voltammetry as an Alternative to Impedance Spectroscopy: Evaluation of Resistance, Capacitance and Electrode Kinetic Effects via an Heuristic ApproachELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 15-16 2005Abstract A detailed simulation of Fourier transformed large amplitude square-wave voltammetry is presented in the frequency domain for the process Red,Ox+e,. The simulation takes into account the influence of the electrode kinetics (Butler,Volmer model), uncompensated resistance (Ru) and double layer capacitance (Cdl). Of particular significance is the prediction that the even harmonic responses are only detected in the presence of quasi-reversibility or uncompensated resistance, and also are essentially devoid of charging current. In contrast, the DC and odd harmonic AC components exhibit much larger faradaic currents and also contain charging current. Conveniently, detailed analysis of the simulated DC and AC harmonic components reveals the presence of readily recognised patterns of behaviour with unique levels of sensitivity to electrode kinetics, Ru and Cdl, that facilitate quantitative analysis of these terms. These electrochemical parameters are generally calculated by small amplitude impedance spectroscopy and utilisation of linear analysis of equivalent circuits. Experimental studies on the one electron oxidation of ferrocene in dichloromethane (0.1,M Bu4NPF6) and the one electron reduction of [Fe(CN)6]3, in aqueous 0.5,M KCl electrolyte analysed via heuristic forms of data analysis based on recognition of patterns of behaviour, are presented as examples of a reversible process with significant uncompensated resistance and a quasi-reversible process with minimal ohmic drop, respectively. Results demonstrate the advantages of a more intuitively implemented form of data analysis than presently available with conventional forms of impedance spectroscopy. [source] Probing Biomolecular Interactions at Conductive and Semiconductive Surfaces by Impedance Spectroscopy: Routes to Impedimetric Immunosensors, DNA-Sensors, and Enzyme BiosensorsELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 11 2003Eugenii Katz Abstract Impedance spectroscopy is a rapidly developing electrochemical technique for the characterization of biomaterial-functionalized electrodes and biocatalytic transformations at electrode surfaces, and specifically for the transduction of biosensing events at electrodes or field-effect transistor devices. The immobilization of biomaterials, e.g., enzymes, antigens/antibodies or DNA on electrodes or semiconductor surfaces alters the capacitance and interfacial electron transfer resistance of the conductive or semiconductive electrodes. Impedance spectroscopy allows analysis of interfacial changes originating from biorecognition events at electrode surfaces. Kinetics and mechanisms of electron transfer processes corresponding to biocatalytic reactions occurring at modified electrodes can be also derived from Faradaic impedance spectroscopy. Different immunosensors that use impedance measurements for the transduction of antigen-antibody complex formation on electronic transducers were developed. Similarly, DNA biosensors using impedance measurements as readout signals were developed. Amplified detection of the analyte DNA using Faradaic impedance spectroscopy was accomplished by the coupling of functionalized liposomes or by the association of biocatalytic conjugates to the sensing interface providing biocatalyzed precipitation of an insoluble product on the electrodes. The amplified detections of viral DNA and single-base mismatches in DNA were accomplished by similar methods. The changes of interfacial features of gate surfaces of field-effect transistors (FET) upon the formation of antigen-antibody complexes or assembly of protein arrays were probed by impedance measurements and specifically by transconductance measurements. Impedance spectroscopy was also applied to characterize enzyme-based biosensors. The reconstitution of apo-enzymes on cofactor-functionalized electrodes and the formation of cofactor-enzyme affinity complexes on electrodes were probed by Faradaic impedance spectroscopy. Also biocatalyzed reactions occurring on electrode surfaces were analyzed by impedance spectroscopy. The theoretical background of the different methods and their practical applications in analytical procedures were outlined in this article. [source] The ultrastructural distribution of prestin in outer hair cells: a post-embedding immunogold investigation of low-frequency and high-frequency regions of the rat cochleaEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 9 2010Shanthini Mahendrasingam Abstract Outer hair cells (OHCs) of the mammalian cochlea besides being sensory receptors also generate force to amplify sound-induced displacements of the basilar membrane thus enhancing auditory sensitivity and frequency selectivity. This force generation is attributable to the voltage-dependent contractility of the OHCs underpinned by the motile protein, prestin. Prestin is located in the basolateral wall of OHCs and is thought to alter its conformation in response to changes in membrane potential. The precise ultrastructural distribution of prestin was determined using post-embedding immunogold labelling and the density of the labelling was compared in low-frequency and high-frequency regions of the cochlea. The labelling was confined to the basolateral plasma membrane in hearing rats but declined towards the base of the cells below the nucleus. In pre-hearing animals, prestin labelling was lower in the membrane and also occurred in the cytoplasm, presumably reflecting its production during development. The densities of labelling in low-frequency and high-frequency regions of the cochlea were similar. Non-linear capacitance, thought to reflect charge movements during conformational changes in prestin, was measured in OHCs in isolated cochlear coils of hearing animals. The OHC non-linear capacitance in the same regions assayed in the immunolabelling was also similar in both the apex and base, with charge densities of 10 000/,m2 expressed relative to the lateral membrane area. The results suggest that prestin density, and by implication force production, is similar in low-frequency and high-frequency OHCs. [source] Developmental expression of Na+ currents in mouse Purkinje neuronsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 9 2006Mark Fry Abstract As Purkinje neurons mature during postnatal development, they change from electrically quiescent to active and exhibit high frequency spontaneous action potentials. This change in electrical activity is determined by both alteration in ion channel expression and the acquisition of synaptic input. To gain a better understanding of the development the intrinsic electrical properties of these neurons, acutely isolated Purkinje neurons from mice aged postnatal day 4 (P4) to P18 were examined. This included recording action potential frequency, threshold, height and slope, and input resistance and capacitance. Changes in a number of these properties were observed, suggesting significant changes in voltage-gated Na+ currents. Because voltage-gated Na+ currents, including the transient, resurgent and persistent currents, are known to play important roles in generating spontaneous action potentials, the developmental changes in these currents were examined. A large increase in the density of transient current, resurgent current and persistent current was observed at times corresponding with changes in action potential properties. Interestingly, the developmental up-regulation of the persistent current and resurgent current occurred at rate which was faster than the up-regulation of the transient current. Moreover, the relative amplitudes of the persistent and resurgent currents increased in parallel, suggesting that they share a common basis. The data indicate that developmental up-regulation of Na+ currents plays a key role in the acquisition of Purkinje neuron excitability. [source] Electrical and neurotransmitter activity of mature neurons derived from mouse embryonic stem cells by Sox-1 lineage selection and directed differentiationEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2004R. J. Lang Abstract Sx1TV2/16C is a mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell line in which one copy of the Sox1 gene, an early neuroectodermal marker, has been targeted with a neomycin (G418) selection cassette. A combination of directed differentiation with retinoic acid and G418 selection results in an enriched neural stem cell population that can be further differentiated into neurons. After 6,7 days post-plating (D6,7PP) most neurons readily fired tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive action potentials due to the expression of TTX-sensitive Na+ and tetraethylammonium (TEA)-sensitive K+ channels. Neurons reached their maximal cell capacitance after D6,7PP; however, ion channel expression continued until at least D21PP. The percentage of cells receiving spontaneous synaptic currents (s.s.c.) increased with days in culture until 100% of cells received a synaptic input by D20PP. Spontaneous synaptic currents were reduced in amplitude and frequency by TTX, or upon exposure to a Ca2+ -free, 2.5 mm Mg2+ saline. S.s.c. of rapid decay time constants were preferentially blocked by the nonNMDA glutamatergic receptor antagonists CNQX or NBQX. Ca2+ levels within ES cell-derived neurons increased in response to glutamate receptor agonists l -glutamate, AMPA, N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) and kainic acid and to acetylcholine, ATP and dopamine. ES cell-derived neurons also generated cationic and Cl, -selective currents in response to NMDA and glycine or GABA, respectively. It was concluded that ES-derived neurons fire action potentials, receive excitatory and inhibitory synaptic input and respond to various neurotransmitters in a manner akin to primary central neurons. [source] Region-specific changes in sympathetic nerve activity in angiotensin II,salt hypertension in the ratEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010John W. Osborn It is now well accepted that many forms of experimental hypertension and human essential hypertension are caused by increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system. However, the role of region-specific changes in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in the pathogenesis of hypertension has been difficult to determine because methods for chronic measurement of SNA in conscious animals have not been available. We have recently combined indirect, and continuous and chronic direct, assessment of region-specific SNA to characterize hypertension produced by administration of angiotensin II (Ang II) to rats consuming a high-salt diet (Ang II,salt hypertension). Angiotensin II increases whole-body noradrenaline (NA) spillover and depressor responses to ganglionic blockade in rats consuming a high-salt diet, but not in rats on a normal-salt diet. Despite this evidence for increased ,whole-body SNA' in Ang II,salt hypertensive rats, renal SNA is decreased in this model and renal denervation does not attenuate the steady-state level of arterial pressure. In addition, neither lumbar SNA, which largely targets skeletal muscle, nor hindlimb NA spillover is changed from control levels in Ang II,salt hypertensive rats. However, surgical denervation of the splanchnic vascular bed attenuates/abolishes the increase in arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance, as well as the decrease in vascular capacitance, observed in Ang II,salt hypertensive rats. We hypothesize that the ,sympathetic signature' of Ang II,salt hypertension is characterized by increased splanchnic SNA, no change in skeletal muscle SNA and decreased renal SNA, and this sympathetic signature creates unique haemodynamic changes capable of producing sustained hypertension. [source] Self-Propagating Domino-like Reactions in Oxidized GraphiteADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 17 2010Franklin Kim Abstract Graphite oxide (GO) has received extensive interest as a precursor for the bulk production of graphene-based materials. Here, the highly energetic nature of GO, noted from the self-propagating thermal deoxygenating reaction observed in solid state, is explored. Although the resulting graphene product is quite stable against combustion even in a natural gas flame, its thermal stability is significantly reduced when contaminated with potassium salt by-products left from GO synthesis. In particular, the contaminated GO becomes highly flammable. A gentle touch with a hot soldering iron can trigger violent, catastrophic, total combustion of such GO films, which poses a serious fire hazard. This highlights the need for efficient sample purification methods. Typically, purification of GO is hindered by its tendency to gelate as the pH value increases during rinsing. A two-step, acid,acetone washing procedure is found to be effective for suppressing gelation and thus facilitating purification. Salt-induced flammability is alarming for the fire safety of large-scale manufacturing, processing, and storage of GO materials. However, the energy released from the deoxygenation of GO can also be harnessed to drive new reactions for creating graphene-based hybrid materials. Through such domino-like reactions, graphene sheets decorated with metal and metal oxide particles are synthesized using GO as the in situ power source. Enhanced electrochemical capacitance is observed for graphene sheets loaded with RuO2 nanoparticles. [source] Self-Propagating Domino-like Reactions in Oxidized GraphiteADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 17 2010Franklin Kim Abstract Graphite oxide (GO) has received extensive interest as a precursor for the bulk production of graphene-based materials. Here, the highly energetic nature of GO, noted from the self-propagating thermal deoxygenating reaction observed in solid state, is explored. Although the resulting graphene product is quite stable against combustion even in a natural gas flame, its thermal stability is significantly reduced when contaminated with potassium salt by-products left from GO synthesis. In particular, the contaminated GO becomes highly flammable. A gentle touch with a hot soldering iron can trigger violent, catastrophic, total combustion of such GO films, which poses a serious fire hazard. This highlights the need for efficient sample purification methods. Typically, purification of GO is hindered by its tendency to gelate as the pH value increases during rinsing. A two-step, acid,acetone washing procedure is found to be effective for suppressing gelation and thus facilitating purification. Salt-induced flammability is alarming for the fire safety of large-scale manufacturing, processing, and storage of GO materials. However, the energy released from the deoxygenation of GO can also be harnessed to drive new reactions for creating graphene-based hybrid materials. Through such domino-like reactions, graphene sheets decorated with metal and metal oxide particles are synthesized using GO as the in situ power source. Enhanced electrochemical capacitance is observed for graphene sheets loaded with RuO2 nanoparticles. [source] The Effects of Moisture in Low-Voltage Organic Field-Effect Transistors Gated with a Hydrous Solid ElectrolyteADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 16 2010Nikolai Kaihovirta Abstract The concept of using ion conducting membranes (50,150 ,m thick) for gating low-voltage (1 V) organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) is attractive due to its low-cost and large-area manufacturing capabilities. Furthermore, the membranes can be tailor-made to be ion conducting in any desired way or pattern. For the electrolyte gated OFETs in general, the key to low-voltage operation is the electrolyte "insulator" (the membrane) that provides a high effective capacitance due to ionic polarization within the insulator. Hydrous ion conducting membranes are easy to process and readily available. However, the role of the water in combination with the polymeric semiconductor has not yet been fully clarified. In this work electrical and optical techniques are utilized to carefully monitor the electrolyte/semiconductor interface in an ion conducting membrane based OFET. The main findings are that 1) moisture plays a major part in the transistor operation and careful control of both the ambient atmosphere and the potential differences between the electrodes are required for stable and consistent device behavior, 2) the obtained maximum effective capacitance (5 ,F cm,2) of the membrane suggests that the electric double layer is distributed over a broad region within the polyelectrolyte, and 3) electromodulation spectroscopy combined with current,voltage characteristics provide a method to determine the threshold gate voltage from an electrostatic field-effect doping to a region of (irreversible) electrochemical perturbation of the polymeric semiconductor. [source] Highly Efficient p-i-n and Tandem Organic Light-Emitting Devices Using an Air-Stable and Low-Temperature-Evaporable Metal Azide as an n-DopantADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 11 2010Kyoung Soo Yook Abstract Cesium azide (CsN3) is employed as a novel n-dopant because of its air stability and low deposition temperature. CsN3 is easily co-deposited with the electron transporting materials in an organic molecular beam deposition chamber so that it works well as an n-dopant in the electron transport layer because its evaporation temperature is similar to that of common organic materials. The driving voltage of the p-i-n device with the CsN3 -doped n-type layer and a MoO3 -doped p-type layer is greatly reduced, and this device exhibits a very high power efficiency (57,lm W,1). Additionally, an n-doping mechanism study reveals that CsN3 was decomposed into Cs and N2 during the evaporation. The charge injection mechanism was investigated using transient electroluminescence and capacitance,voltage measurements. A very highly efficient tandem organic light-emitting diodes (OLED; 84,cd A,1) is also created using an n,p junction that is composed of the CsN3 -doped n-type organic layer/MoO3 p-type inorganic layer as the interconnecting unit. This work demonstrates that an air-stable and low-temperature-evaporable inorganic n-dopant can very effectively enhance the device performance in p-i-n and tandem OLEDs, as well as simplify the material handling for the vacuum deposition process. [source] Printed Sub-2 V Gel-Electrolyte-Gated Polymer Transistors and CircuitsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 4 2010Yu Xia Abstract The fabrication and characterization of printed ion-gel-gated poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) transistors and integrated circuits is reported, with emphasis on demonstrating both function and performance at supply voltages below 2,V. The key to achieving fast sub-2,V operation is an unusual gel electrolyte based on an ionic liquid and a gelating block copolymer. This gel electrolyte serves as the gate dielectric and has both a short polarization response time (<1,ms) and a large specific capacitance (>10,µF cm,2), which leads simultaneously to high output conductance (>2,mS mm,1), low threshold voltage (<1,V) and high inverter switching frequencies (1,10,kHz). Aerosol-jet-printed inverters, ring oscillators, NAND gates, and flip-flop circuits are demonstrated. The five-stage ring oscillator operates at frequencies up to 150,Hz, corresponding to a propagation delay of 0.7 ms per stage. These printed gel electrolyte gated circuits compare favorably with other reported printed circuits that often require much larger operating voltages. Materials factors influencing the performance of the devices are discussed. [source] Design and Synthesis of Hierarchical Nanowire Composites for Electrochemical Energy StorageADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 21 2009Zheng Chen Abstract Nanocomposites of interpenetrating carbon nanotubes and vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanowires networks are synthesized via a simple in situ hydrothermal process. These fibrous nanocomposites are hierarchically porous with high surface area and good electric conductivity, which makes them excellent material candidates for supercapacitors with high energy density and power density. Nanocomposites with a capacitance up to 440 and 200,F g,1 are achieved at current densities of 0.25 and 10 A g,1, respectively. Asymmetric devices based on these nanocomposites and aqueous electrolyte exhibit an excellent charge/discharge capability, and high energy densities of 16,W h kg,1 at a power density of 75,W kg,1 and 5.5,W h kg,1 at a high power density of 3,750,W kg,1. This performance is a significant improvement over current electrochemical capacitors and is highly competetive with Ni,MH batteries. This work provides a new platform for high-density electrical-energy storage for electric vehicles and other applications. [source] Insulator Polarization Mechanisms in Polyelectrolyte-Gated Organic Field-Effect TransistorsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 20 2009Oscar Larsson Abstract Electrolyte-gated organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) hold promise for robust printed electronics operating at low voltages. The polarization mechanism of thin solid electrolyte films, the gate insulator in such OFETs, is still unclear and appears to limit the transient current characteristics of the transistors. Here, the polarization response of a thin proton membrane, a poly(styrenesulfonic acid) film, is controlled by varying the relative humidity. The formation of the conducting transistor channel follows the polarization of the polyelectrolyte, such that the drain transient current characteristics versus the time are rationalized by three different polarization mechanisms: the dipolar relaxation at high frequencies, the ionic relaxation (migration) at intermediate frequencies, and the electric double-layer formation at the polyelectrolyte interfaces at low frequencies. The electric double layers of polyelectrolyte capacitors are formed in ,1,µs at humid conditions and an effective capacitance per area of 10,µF cm,2 is obtained at 1,MHz, thus suggesting that this class of OFETs might operate at up to 1,MHz at 1,V. [source] Battery Drivable Organic Single-Crystalline Transistors Based on Surface Grafting Ultrathin Polymer DielectricADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 18 2009Liqiang Li Abstract High-performance and battery drivable organic single-crystalline transistors with operational voltages,,,2.0,V are demonstrated using high-quality copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) single-crystalline nanoribbons and ultrathin polymer nanodielectrics. The ultrathin polymer nanodielectric is synthesized by grafting a ca. 10,nm poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) brush on a silicon surface via surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). This surface-grafted nanodielectric exhibits a large capacitance, excellent insulating property, and good compatibility with organic semiconductors. The realization of a low operational voltage for battery driving at high performance, together with the merits of surface grafting of a nanodielectric, as well as the mechanical flexibility of the organic nanoribbon, suggests a bright future for use of these transistors in low-cost and flexible circuits. [source] Nitrogen-Enriched Nonporous Carbon Electrodes with Extraordinary SupercapacitanceADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 11 2009Denisa Hulicova-Jurcakova Abstract Nitrogen-enriched nonporous carbon materials derived from melamine,mica composites are subjected to ammonia treatment to further increase the nitrogen content. For samples preoxidized prior to the ammonia treatment, the nitrogen content is doubled and is mainly incorporated in pyrrol-like groups. The materials are tested as electrodes for supercapacitors, and in acidic or basic electrolytes, the gravimetric capacitance of treated samples is three times higher than that of untreated samples. This represents a tenfold increase of the capacitance per surface area (3300,µF,cm,2) in basic electrolyte. Due to the small volume of the carbon materials, high volumetric capacitances are achieved in various electrolytic systems: 280,F,cm,3 in KOH, 152,F,cm,3 in H2SO4, and 92,F,cm,3 in tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate/propylene carbonate. [source] Tuning Carbon Materials for Supercapacitors by Direct Pyrolysis of SeaweedsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 7 2009Encarnación Raymundo-Piñero Abstract The sea provides a large variety of seaweeds that, because of their chemical composition, are fantastic precursors of nanotextured carbons. The carbons are obtained by the simple pyrolysis of the seaweeds under a nitrogen atmosphere between 600 and 900,°C, followed by rinsing the product in slightly acidic water. Depending on the origin of the seaweed and on the pyrolysis conditions, the synthesis may be oriented to give an oxygen-enriched carbon or to give a tuned micro/mesoporous carbon. The samples with a rich oxygenated surface functionality are excellent as supercapacitor electrodes in an aqueous medium whereas the perfectly tuned porous carbons are directly applicable for organic media. In both cases, the specific surface area of the attained carbons does not exceed 1300 m2 g,1, which results in high-density materials. As a consequence, the volumetric capacitance is very high, making these materials more interesting than activated carbons from the point of view of developing small and compact electric power sources. Such versatile carbons, obtained by a simple, ecological, and cheap process, could be well used for environment remediation such as water and air treatment. [source] Thin-Film Transistors: Transparent Photo-Stable Complementary Inverter with an Organic/Inorganic Nanohybrid Dielectric Layer (Adv. Funct.ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 5 2009Mater. On page 726, Minsuk Oh and co-workers describe the fabrication of a transparent complementary thin-film transistor inverter with a ZnO top gate and bottom gate of pentacene channels. Twelve nanometer-thin organic,inorganic hybrid dielectric layers with high capacitance are adopted to allow the ZnO and pentacene transistors to operate under only 3 V, and the inverter action appears very stable even under a few mW of white light. This discovery could herald the arrival of a new type of transparent logic device. [source] Transparent Photo-Stable Complementary Inverter with an Organic/Inorganic Nanohybrid Dielectric LayerADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 5 2009Min Suk Oh Abstract Transparent electronics has been one of the key terminologies forecasting the ubiquitous technology era. Several researchers have thus extensively developed transparent oxide-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) on glass and plastic substrates. However, work in transparent electronics has been limited mostly to high-voltage devices operating at more than a few tens of volts, and has mainly focused on transparent display drivers. Low-voltage logic devices, such as transparent complementary inverters, operating in an electrically stable and photo-stable manner, are now very necessary to practically realize transparent electronics. Electrically stable dielectrics with high strength and high capacitance must also be proposed to support this mission, and simultaneously these dielectrics must be compatible with both n- and p-channel TFTs in device fabrication. Here, a nanohybrid dielectric layer that is composed of multiple units of inorganic oxide and organic self-assembled monolayer is proposel to support a transparent complementary TFT inverter operating at 3,V. [source] Combined Effect of Nitrogen- and Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups of Microporous Activated Carbon on its Electrochemical Performance in SupercapacitorsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 3 2009Denisa Hulicova-Jurcakova Abstract Microporous activated carbon originating from coconut shell, as received or oxidized with nitric acid, is treated with melamine and urea and heated to 950,°C in an inert atmosphere to modify the carbon surface with nitrogen- and oxygen-containing groups for a systematic investigation of their combined effect on electrochemical performance in 1,M H2SO4 supercapacitors. The chemistry of the samples is characterized using elemental analysis, Boehm titration, potentiometric titration, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Sorption of nitrogen and carbon dioxide is used to determine the textural properties. The results show that the surface chemistry is affected by the type of nitrogen precursor and the specific groups present on the surface before the treatment leading to the incorporation of nitrogen. Analysis of the electrochemical behavior of urea- and melamine-treated samples reveal pseudocapacitance from both the oxygen and the nitrogen containing functional groups located in the pores larger than 10,Å. On the other hand, pores between 5,Å and 6,Å are most effective in a double-layer formation, which correlates well with the size of hydrated ions. Although the quaternary and pyridinic-N-oxides nitrogen groups have enhancing effects on capacitance due to the positive charge, and thus an improved electron transfer at high current loads, the most important functional groups affecting energy storage performance are pyrrolic and pyridinic nitrogen along with quinone oxygen. [source] |