Toward High-Power Output of Generators: High-Power-Factor AgTe-Ag Thermoelectric Thin Films Using a Layer-by-Layer Method.

The power factor is key to improving the performance of thin-film thermoelectric generators as power sources. The expected large power factor of AgTe testifies to its application potential. In this study, AgTe-Ag thin films were fabricated using a layer-by-layer method for controlling their composition and improving their thermoelectric properties.

Superior Thermoelectric Performance of Robust Column-Layer ITO Thin Films Tuning by Profuse Interfaces.

Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films suffer from poor chemical stability at high temperatures because of the instability of point defects and structural variations. An interface design strategy was proposed herein to improve this situation, where a robust ITO-based thin film with a column-layer structure was fabricated. Three types of column-layer ITO thin films were fabricated via magnetron sputtering.

Defect governed zinc-rich columnar AZO thin film and contact interface for enhanced performance of thermocouples.

The research on the stable thermoelectric properties and contact interface of high-precision thin-film thermocouples lags far behind the demand. In this study, a zinc-rich Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin film was fabricated, in which the carriers were mainly donated by the Al dopant, and the oxygen defects migrated together, forming cage defects. Then, an indium tin oxide (ITO)/AZO thin-film thermocouple was prepared.

Highly oriented platinum/iridium thin films for high-temperature thermocouples with superior precision.

The long-term precise high-temperature measurement of thin-film thermocouples (TFTCs) has attracted attention due to the capability of instantaneous temperature detection. However, related technologies have seen slow development, and there is no one standard TFTC yet. Here, we focus on a new strategy of reducing alloys for the easy preparation and performance enhancement of TFTCs nanostructure and interface design.

Construction of Core-Shell Nanowire Arrays in a Cu-CuO Film Electrode for High Efficiency in Heat Dissipation.

Thermal engineering dramatically impacts the efficiency of microelectronics, but the corresponding technology lags far behind the need. For energy-efficient thermal management, a Cu-CuO film with highly ordered core-shell nanowire arrays and a good self-protection property was successfully fabricated using the magnetron sputtering method. The dense arrangement of nanowires in the films enhances the electronic transport property (220 mΩ sq), while the modified stable CuO layer maintained its perfect heat dissipation property, along with long-term thermal stability.

Assessment of resin perfusion in hepatic failure in vitro and in vivo.

Aim: To observe the adsorbent effect of resin on endotoxin, cytokine, bilirubin in plasma of patients with hepatic failure and to determine the resin perfusion as an artificial liver support system in the treatment of hepatic failure.

Methods: One thousand milliliters of discarded plasma was collected from each of 6 severe hepatitis patients treated with plasma exchange. The plasma was passed through a resin perfusion equipment for 1-2 h via extracorporeal circulation, and then absorbent indicators of transaminase, bilirubin, blood ammonia, endotoxin and cytokines were examined.