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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 73 records · Page 4

Net-structured Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/C nanosheet array with enhanced electrochemical performance toward lithium storage

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/C nanosheet array on nickel foam was synthesized by hydrothermal method, followed by magnetron sputtering of a carbon layer. • The Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/C nanosheet array electrode delivers an initial discharge capacity of 1340.4 mAh g{sup −1} at 0.1 C. • After 100 cycles, the capacity retention of the Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/C is 88.8% of its initial discharge capacity. • The enhanced electrochemical performances are attributed to the porous nanosheet array and the thin carbon layer coated on Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanosheets. - Abstract: Freestanding Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/C nanosheet array growing directly on nickel foam substrate was synthesized using a hydrothermal approach, followed by a direct current magnetron sputtering of a thin carbon layer. The Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanosheets with thicknesses of 10–20 nm are interconnected with each other, forming a highly open net-structure. The Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/C nanosheet array electrode delivers an initial discharge capacity of 1340.4 mAh g{sup −1} at 0.1 C, and maintains a high specific capacity of 912.1 mAh g{sup −1} at room temperature and can still remain 88.8% of its initial discharge capacity at 55 °C at 1 C after 100 cycles. The enhanced electrochemical performances are attributed to the porous nanosheet array and the thin carbon layer coated on Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanosheets, which cannot only facilitate Li{sup +} and electron transportation in the electrode, but also improve its structure stability during cycling.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Toward Active-Matrix Lab-On-A-Chip: Programmable Electrofluidic control Enaled by Arrayed Oxide Thin Film Transistors

Agile micro- and nano-fluidic control is critical to numerous life science and chemical science synthesis as well as kinetic and thermodynamic studies. To this end, we have demonstrated the use of thin film transistor arrays as an active matrix addressing method to control an electrofluidic array. Because the active matrix method minimizes the number of control lines necessary (m + n lines for the m x n element array), the active matrix addressing method integrated with an electrofluidic platform can be a significant breakthrough for complex electrofluidic arrays (increased size or resolution) with enhanced function, agility and programmability. An amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) semiconductor active layer is used because of its high mobility of 1-15 cm{sup 2} V{sup -1} s{sup -1}, low-temperature processing and transparency for potential spectroscopy and imaging. Several electrofluidic functionalities are demonstrated using a simple 2 x 5 electrode array connected to a 2 x 5 IGZO thin film transistor array with the semiconductor channel width of 50 {mu}m and mobility of 6.3 cm{sup 2} V{sup -1} s{sup -1}. Additionally, using the TFT device characteristics, active matrix addressing schemes are discussed as the geometry of the electrode array can be tailored to act as a storage capacitor element. Finally, requisite material and device parameters are discussed in context with a VGA scale active matrix addressed electrofluidic platform.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting from Si quantum dots/TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays composite electrodes

Graphical abstract: Si quantum dots were firstly applied to modify TiO{sub 2} nanotubes and enhanced visible light response was demonstrated for the resulted Si QDs/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposite. Si QDs are promising in photoelectrochemical water splitting and photocatalysis since their low cost, abundance and environmentally-friendliness. - Highlights: • A novel nanocomposite Si QDs/TiO{sub 2} nanotubes was fabricated and characterized. • Enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting was firstly demonstrated for Si QDs/TiO{sub 2}. • The visible light response of TiO{sub 2} increased with the presence of Si QDs. - Abstract: This work firstly introduced Si quantum dots (QDs) to modify TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays for photoelectrochemical water splitting. A systematic study using surface and optical characterization tools reveals the nature of the combination of Si QDs and TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that Si QDs were assembled on the surface of vertically aligned TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays. The UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra indicate the improved visible light absorbance. The enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting was demonstrated under visible light illumination and the photocurrent density was 1.6 times larger than that of pristine TiO{sub 2} electrodes. Electrochemical impedance behavior was measured for the electrodes and the impedance is slightly reduced for the nanocomposite electrode with the presence of Si QDs. This work demonstrated that Si QDs would be a novel and effective choice for improving the utilization of visible light for TiO{sub 2} nanotubes.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

A Modular 512-Channel Neural Signal Acquisition ASIC for High-Density 4096 Channel Electrophysiology

The complexity of information processing in the brain requires the development of technologies that can provide spatial and temporal resolution by means of dense electrode arrays paired with high-channel-count signal acquisition electronics. In this work, we present an ultra-low noise modular 512-channel neural recording circuit that is scalable to up to 4096 simultaneously recording channels. The neural readout application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) uses a dense 8.2 mm × 6.8 mm 2D layout to enable high-channel count, creating an ultra-light 350 mg flexible module. The module can be deployed on headstages for small animals like rodents and songbirds, and it can be integrated with a variety of electrode arrays. The chip was fabricated in a TSMC 0.18 µm 1.8 V CMOS technology and dissipates a total of 125 mW. Each DC-coupled channel features a gain and bandwidth programmable analog front-end along with 14 b analog-to-digital conversion at speeds up to 30 kS/s. Additionally, each front-end includes programmable electrode plating and electrode impedance measurement capability. We present both standalone and in vivo measurements results, demonstrating the readout of spikes and field potentials that are modulated by a sensory input.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Temporally coordinated spiking activity of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons co-cultured with astrocytes

Highlights: • Spiking patterns of hiPSC-derived neurons were recorded by a multi-electrode array system. • Co-culture of hiPSC-derived neurons with astrocytes had larger spike counts. • These neurons showed more frequent and highly coherent synchronized spikes. • These neurons showed more dynamic changes in overall spike patterns over time. In culture conditions, human induced-pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived neurons form synaptic connections with other cells and establish neuronal networks, which are expected to be an in vitro model system for drug discovery screening and toxicity testing. While early studies demonstrated effects of co-culture of hiPSC-derived neurons with astroglial cells on survival and maturation of hiPSC-derived neurons, the population spiking patterns of such hiPSC-derived neurons have not been fully characterized. In this study, we analyzed temporal spiking patterns of hiPSC-derived neurons recorded by a multi-electrode array system. We discovered that specific sets of hiPSC-derived neurons co-cultured with astrocytes showed more frequent and highly coherent non-random synchronized spike trains and more dynamic changes in overall spike patterns over time. These temporally coordinated spiking patterns are physiological signs of organized circuits of hiPSC-derived neurons and suggest benefits of co-culture of hiPSC-derived neurons with astrocytes.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Cobalt-Doped Black TiO 2 Nanotube Array as a Stable Anode for Oxygen Evolution and Electrochemical Wastewater Treatment

TiO 2 has long been recognized as a stable and reusable photocatalyst for water splitting and pollution control. However, it is an inefficient anode material in the absence of photoactivation due to its low electron conductivity. To overcome this limitation, a series of conductive TiO 2 nanotube array electrodes have been developed. Even though nanotube arrays are effective for electrochemical oxidation initially, deactivation is often observed within a few hours. To overcome the problem of deactivation, we have synthesized cobalt-doped Black-TiO 2 nanotube array (Co-Black NTA) electrodes that are stable for more than 200 h of continuous operation in a NaClO 4 electrolyte at 10 mA cm -2 . Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and DFT simulations, we are able to show that bulk oxygen vacancies (Ov) are the primary source of the enhanced conductivity of Co-Black. Cobalt doping both creates and stabilizes surficial oxygen vacancies, Ov, and thus prevents surface passivation. The Co-Black electrodes outperform dimensionally stable IrO 2 anodes (DSA) in the electrolytic oxidation of organic-rich wastewater. Increasing the loading of Co leads to the formation of a CoO x film on top of Co-Black electrode. The CoO x /Co-Black composite electrode was found to have a lower OER overpotential (352 mV) in comparison to a DSA IrO 2 (434 mV) electrode and a stability that is greater than 200 h in a 1.0 M KOH electrolyte at a current density of 10 mA cm -2 .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Nanoporous Gold as a Neural Interface Coating: Effects of Topography, Surface Chemistry, and Feature Size

We report that designing neural interfaces that maintain close physical coupling of neurons to an electrode surface remains a major challenge for both implantable and in vitro neural recording electrode arrays. Typically, low-impedance nanostructured electrode coatings rely on chemical cues from pharmaceuticals or surface-immobilized peptides to suppress glial scar tissue formation over the electrode surface (astrogliosis), which is an obstacle to reliable neuron–electrode coupling. Nanoporous gold (np-Au), produced by an alloy corrosion process, is a promising candidate to reduce astrogliosis solely through topography by taking advantage of its tunable length scale. In the present in vitro study on np-Au’s interaction with cortical neuron–glia co-cultures, we demonstrate that the nanostructure of np-Au achieves close physical coupling of neurons by maintaining a high neuron-to-astrocyte surface coverage ratio. Atomic layer deposition-based surface modification was employed to decouple the effect of morphology from surface chemistry. Additionally, length scale effects were systematically studied by controlling the characteristic feature size of np-Au through variations in the dealloying conditions. In conclusion, our results show that np-Au nanotopography, not surface chemistry, reduces astrocyte surface coverage while maintaining high neuronal coverage and may enhance neuron–electrode coupling through nanostructure-mediated suppression of scar tissue formation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Accurate modeling and inversion of electrical resistivity data in the presence of metallic infrastructure with known location and dimension

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) has been widely used in environmental applications to study processes associated with subsurface contaminants and contaminant remediation. Anthropogenic alterations in subsurface electrical conductivity associated with contamination often originate from highly industrialized areas with significant amounts of buried metallic infrastructure. The deleterious influence of such infrastructure on imaging results generally limits the utility of ERT where it might otherwise prove useful for subsurface investigation and monitoring. In this manuscript we present a method of accurately modeling the effects of buried conductive infrastructure within the forward modeling algorithm, thereby removing them from the inversion results. The method is implemented in parallel using immersed interface boundary conditions, whereby the global solution is reconstructed from a series of well-conditioned partial solutions. Forward modeling accuracy is demonstrated by comparison with analytic solutions. Synthetic imaging examples are used to investigate imaging capabilities within a subsurface containing electrically conductive buried tanks, transfer piping, and well casing, using both well casings and vertical electrode arrays as current sources and potential measurement electrodes. Results show that, although accurate infrastructure modeling removes the dominating influence of buried metallic features, the presence of metallic infrastructure degrades imaging resolution compared to standard ERT imaging. However, accurate imaging results may be obtained if electrodes are appropriately located.

imaging↗

Progress in Development of Electrochemical Methods in Corrosion Science and Engineering

The role and impact of four electrochemical techniques in the study of various corrosion applications are discussed, these are: scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET), coupled multi-electrode array (CMEA) technique, scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) and atomic emission spectroelectrochemistry (AESEC). A common theme is an ability to monitor corrosion phenomena in situ on a local electrochemical scale with high resolution of electrochemical and, in some cases, chemical reaction rates. In all cases, the techniques presented here are discussed in the context of specific corrosion problems carried out in full immersion conditions. Examples taken from the current literature, and new data, are presented to demonstrate the use and advantages of these techniques, or a combination of these techniques, as powerful tools for industrially important applications. Here, this includes: assessment of the galvanic interactions and throwing-power of metal-rich primer coatings for active corrosion protection, corrosion/corrosion resistance mechanisms of new metal alloys, the effect of pretreatments on coating integrity, current distributions within a crevice and pitting corrosion.

AESEC↗

Dose-dependent consequences of sub-chronic fentanyl exposure on neuron and glial co-cultures

Fentanyl is one of the most common opioid analgesics administered to patients undergoing surgery or for chronic pain management. While the side effects of chronic fentanyl abuse are recognized (e.g., addiction, tolerance, impairment of cognitive functions, and inhibit nociception, arousal, and respiration), it remains poorly understood what and how changes in brain activity from chronic fentanyl use influences the respective behavioral outcome. Here, we examined the functional and molecular changes to cortical neural network activity following sub-chronic exposure to two fentanyl concentrations, a low (0.01 μM) and high (10 μM) dose. Primary rat co-cultures, containing cortical neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocyte precursor cells, were seeded in wells on either a 6-well multi-electrode array (MEA, for electrophysiology) or a 96-well tissue culture plate (for serial endpoint bulk RNA sequencing analysis). Once networks matured (at 28 days in vitro ), co-cultures were treated with 0.01 or 10 μM of fentanyl for 4 days and monitored daily. Only high dose exposure to fentanyl resulted in a decline in features of spiking and bursting activity as early as 30 min post-exposure and sustained for 4 days in cultures. Transcriptomic analysis of the complex cultures after 4 days of fentanyl exposure revealed that both the low and high dose induced gene expression changes involved in synaptic transmission, inflammation, and organization of the extracellular matrix. Collectively, the findings of this in vitro study suggest that while neuroadaptive changes to neural network activity at a systems level was detected only at the high dose of fentanyl, transcriptomic changes were also detected at the low dose conditions, suggesting that fentanyl rapidly elicits changes in plasticity.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Biphasic response of human iPSC-derived neural network activity following exposure to a sarin-surrogate nerve agent

Organophosphorus nerve agents (OPNA) are hazardous environmental exposures to the civilian population and have been historically weaponized as chemical warfare agents (CWA). OPNA exposure can lead to several neurological, sensory, and motor symptoms that can manifest into chronic neurological illnesses later in life. There is still a large need for technological advancement to better understand changes in brain function following OPNA exposure. The human-relevant in vitro multi-electrode array (MEA) system, which combines the MEA technology with human stem cell technology, has the potential to monitor the acute, sub-chronic, and chronic consequences of OPNA exposure on brain activity. However, the application of this system to assess OPNA hazards and risks to human brain function remains to be investigated. In a concentration-response study, we have employed a human-relevant MEA system to monitor and detect changes in the electrical activity of engineered neural networks to increasing concentrations of the sarin surrogate 4-nitrophenyl isopropyl methylphosphonate (NIMP). We report a biphasic response in the spiking (but not bursting) activity of neurons exposed to low (i.e., 0.4 and 4 μM) versus high concentrations (i.e., 40 and 100 μM) of NIMP, which was monitored during the exposure period and up to 6 days post-exposure. Regardless of the NIMP concentration, at a network level, communication or coordination of neuronal activity decreased as early as 60 min and persisted at 24 h of NIMP exposure. Once NIMP was removed, coordinated activity was no different than control (0 μM of NIMP). Interestingly, only in the high concentration of NIMP did coordination of activity at a network level begin to decrease again at 2 days post-exposure and persisted on day 6 post-exposure. Notably, cell viability was not affected during or after NIMP exposure. Also, while the catalytic activity of AChE decreased during NIMP exposure, its activity recovered once NIMP was removed. Gene expression analysis suggests that human iPSC-derived neurons and primary human astrocytes resulted in altered genes related to the cell’s interaction with the extracellular environment, its intracellular calcium signaling pathways, and inflammation, which could have contributed to how neurons communicated at a network level.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Simultaneous electrical recording of cardiac electrophysiology and contraction on chip

Prevailing commercialized cardiac platforms for in vitro drug development utilize planar microelectrode arrays to map action potentials, or impedance sensing to record contraction in real time, but cannot record both functions on the same chip with high spatial resolution. We report a novel cardiac platform that can record cardiac tissue adhesion, electrophysiology, and contractility on the same chip. The platform integrates two independent yet interpenetrating sensor arrays: a microelectrode array for field potential readouts and an interdigitated electrode array for impedance readouts. Together, these arrays provide real-time, non-invasive data acquisition of both cardiac electrophysiology and contractility under physiological conditions and under drug stimuli. Furthermore, we cultured human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes as a model system, and used to validate the platform with an excitation–contraction decoupling chemical. Preliminary data using the platform to investigate the effect of the drug norepinephrine are combined with computational efforts. Finally, this platform provides a quantitative and predictive assay system that can potentially be used for comprehensive assessment of cardiac toxicity earlier in the drug discovery process.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Bioelectrochemical crossbar architecture screening platform for extracellular electron transfer

Electroactive microbes can serve as living components in bioelectronic devices, where their unique ability to transfer electrons enables applications in sensing, energy conversion, and synthesis, but they remain challenging to engineer because the bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) used for characterization are low throughput. Here, we present a bioelectrochemical crossbar architecture screening platform (BiCASP) that uses stacked and orthogonally arrayed electrodes to enable individual sample selection for characterization in arrayed formats. This device reports on the current generated by electroactive bacteria on the minute timescale, decreasing the time for data acquisition by several orders of magnitude compared to conventional BESs. This device increases the throughput of screening engineered biological components in cells, identifying mutants of the membrane protein wire MtrA in Shewanella oneidensis that retain the ability to support extracellular electron transfer (EET). BiCASP may be integrated with bioelectronics that need directed evolution of electroactive proteins.

Shewanella↗

One-Step Transfer of Symmetric and Asymmetric Contacts for Large-Scale 2D Electronics and Optoelectronics

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors are highly promising candidates for thin-film transistor applications due to their scalability, transferability, atomic thickness, and relatively high carrier mobility. However, a substantial performance gap remains between individual devices based on single-crystalline 2D films and wafer-scale integrated circuits, primarily due to defects introduced during conventional fabrication processes. Here, we report a diamond-assisted electrode transfer technique for the van der Waals integration of wafer-scale prefabricated electrode arrays onto 2D materials, enabling scalable electronics and optoelectronics. Implemented on metal–organic chemical vapor deposition-grown monolayer molybdenum disulfide, this method forms ultraclean metal–semiconductor interfaces, yielding field-effect transistors with excellent ohmic contacts, a low contact resistance of 400 Ω·μm, and a Schottky barrier height of only 9 meV. Furthermore, we demonstrate a scalable transistor array on monolayer molybdenum disulfide with excellent device performance uniformity, achieving an average field-effect mobility of 30 cm 2 V –1 s –1 and an on/off current ratio exceeding 105. Additionally, high photocurrent and responsivity were demonstrated in the array devices, showing their potential for excellent image detection. We further demonstrate the versatility of this technique by fabricating a Schottky diode array through a single-step transfer of asymmetric electrodes─low work function aluminum and high work function gold─onto monolayer tungsten diselenide. This approach provides a clean, effective solution for contact engineering in 2D materials, offering a viable pathway toward wafer-scale, high-performance 2D electronics, optoelectronics, and integrated circuits.

2D electronics↗

Sensor array and apparatus for simultaneous observation of tissue electrophysiology, contractility, and growth

A sensor array for simultaneously measuring electrophysiological responses and contractility responses of a tissue includes: a substrate; a multi-electrode array (MEA) disposed in or on the substrate; and a plurality of interdigitized electrodes (IDEs) disposed in or on the substrate. The MEA and the IDEs are interpenetrating within a plane substantially parallel to an upper surface of the substrate. Systems for measuring such responses using the sensor array may also include contacts and/or connectors for interfacing with external control devices, electrodes, and cell culture components such as a chamber and lid. Fabrication techniques for making such systems include: forming a sensor array comprising an interpenetrating arrangement of IDEs and electrodes of a MEA in or on a substrate surface; forming a plurality of contacts for interfacing the system with one or more external devices in or on the substrate surface; and forming leads between the plurality of contacts and the sensor array.

Qian, Fang↗

Second spatial derivative analysis of cortical surface potentials recorded in cat primary auditory cortex using thin film surface arrays: Comparisons with multi-unit data

Current source density analysis of recordings from penetrating electrode arrays has traditionally been used to examine the layer- specific cortical activation and plastic changes associated with changed afferent input. Here, we report on a related analysis, the second spatial derivative (SSD) of surface local field potentials (LFPs) recorded using custom designed thin-film polyimide substrate arrays.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Potential-induced wetting and dewetting in pH-responsive block copolymer membranes for mass transport control

Wetting and dewetting behavior in channel-confined hydrophobic volumes is used in biological membranes to effect selective ion/molecular transport. Artificial biomimetic hydrophobic nanopores have been devised utilizing wetting and dewetting, however, tunable mass transport control utilizing multiple transport modes is required for applications such as controllable release/transport, water separation/purification and energy conversion. Here, we investigate the potential-induced wetting and dewetting behavior in a pH-responsive membrane composed of a polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) block copolymer (BCP) when fabricated as a hierarchically-organized sandwich structure on a nanopore electrode array (NEA), i.e. BCP@NEA. At pH < pK a (P4VP) (pK a ~ 4.8), the BCP acts as an anion-exchange membrane due to the hydrophilic, protonated P4VP cylindrical nanodomains, but at pH > pK a (P4VP), the P4VP domains exhibit charge-neutral, hydrophobic and collapsed structures, blocking mass transport via the hydrophobic membrane. However, when originally prepared in a dewetted condition, mass transport in the BCP membrane may be switched on if sufficiently negative potentials are applied to the BCP@NEA architecture. When the hydrophobic BCP membrane is introduced on top of 2-electrode-embedded nanopore arrays, electrolyte solution in the nanopores is introduced, then isolated, by exploiting the potential-induced wetting and dewetting transitions in the BCP membrane. The potential-induced wetting/dewetting transition and the effect on cyclic voltammetry in the BCP@NEA structures is characterized as a function of the potential, pH and ionic strength. Additionally chronoamperometry and redox cycling experiments are used to further characterize the potential response. The multi-modal mass transport system proposed in this work will be useful for ultrasensitive sensing and single-molecule studies, which require long-time monitoring to explore reaction dynamics as well as molecular heterogeneity in nanoconfined volumes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Quantitative Principles for Precise Engineering of Sensitivity in Graphene Electrochemical Sensors

Abstract A major difficulty in implementing carbon‐based electrode arrays with high device‐packing density is to ensure homogeneous and high sensitivities across the array. Overcoming this obstacle requires quantitative microscopic models that can accurately predict electrode sensitivity from its material structure. Such models are currently lacking. Here, it is shown that the sensitivity of graphene electrodes to dopamine and serotonin neurochemicals in fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry measurements is strongly linked to point defects, whereas it is unaffected by line defects. Using the physics of point defects in graphene, a microscopic model is introduced that explains how point defects determine sensitivity. The predictions of this model match the empirical observation that sensitivity linearly increases with the density of point defects. This model is used to guide the nanoengineering of graphene structures for optimum sensitivity. This approach achieves reproducible fabrication of miniaturized sensors with extraordinarily higher sensitivity than conventional materials. These results lay the foundation for new integrated electrochemical sensor arrays based on nanoengineered graphene.

Wu, Ting↗