We report on the fabrication of a low-cost MoSe2/MoS2 thin-film heterojunction on a p-type Si wafer with near-infrared (NIR) detection capabilities using low-temperature radio frequency (RF) sputtering with commercial targets. The device operates as a p–n photodiode at room temperature, with evidence of the creation of a p–n junction with rectification ratios of 103 and ideality factors of 2.5. Under reverse-bias operation, the device has photogenerated currents of up to 65 nA, reaches a maximum photoresponsivity of 0.045 µA W−1, and detectivities of up to 1.1 × 105 Jones. Moreover, the device can function as a self-powered photodetector with photogenerated currents of up to 16 nA with a photoresponsivity of 0.003 µA W−1 at 980 nm and detectivities in the order of 104 Jones. This work proves that facile, affordable, and compelling near-IR photodetectors can be fabricated using transition metal dichalcogenides integrated with Si technology and RF sputtering. Scalable fabrication by radio frequency sputtering of a self-powered infrared photodiode, which means it can detect IR signals without an applied voltage. The device is formed from an n-type MoS2/MoSe2 thin-film heterojunction directly deposited on a commercial p-type Si wafer. The electrical characteristics of the device indicate the formation of a p–n junction that creates a built-in potential. This built-in potential effectively separates the photogenerated charge carriers and permits the self-powered capacity of the device. Additionally, the results demonstrate a compelling performance that can compete with commercially available versions of infrared detectors, with the additional advantage of working without cooling systems and under low-power operation conditions.
Lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO) is a promising solid electrolyte for Li-ion batteries due to the garnet’s high ionic conductivity and chemical/electrochemical stability. The purpose of this work is to provide researchers with an introduction and instructional guide to the process of creating a functional LLZO pellet with ionic conductivities in the magnitude of 0.5–1 mS/cm and be able to cycle Li-metal electrodes. Various articles were reviewed to determine the optimal parameters for LLZO synthesis and pellet fabrication. Common methods for determining the quality of the pellet post-production are also discussed. Beyond disseminating the available published literature, we report the necessary steps for fabricating reproducible LLZO pellets, including details often neglected or emitted in literature. This tutorial is intended to act as a guide to reproducibly manufacture LLZO pellets, to identify common mistakes when testing LLZO pellets, and promote more rapid advancement in the solid electrolyte field by minimizing the startup time necessary for garnet research.
This study investigates the multi-phase viscoelastic behavior and physical reinforcement mechanisms of acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber hybrid composites reinforced with fixed amounts of carbon black (25 phr) and sustainable kraft lignin (30 phr). To optimize processability without conventional additives, three bio-based polyols—erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol—were incorporated up to 20 phr via direct compounding without chemical modification. Dynamic rheology proved that molten polyols act as efficient internal lubricants, significantly lowering compound minimum torque and dynamic complex viscosity, which is suggested to occur through the disruption of the hydrogen-bonded networks of the biopolymer and physical couplings within the rubber matrix. Conversely, tensile and dynamic mechanical analyses revealed a unique anti-plasticization effect upon cooling. Instead of causing matrix softening, the solidified polyols act as rigid secondary crystalline fillers. For the erythritol series, in situ formed needle-like microcrystals establish a physical armature across filler–rubber boundaries, yielding an anomalous mechanical upsurge at 10 phr of erythritol where tensile strength peaked at 21.5 MPa and elongation at break reached almost 770
