We report on studies of new gas sensing devices to be used in high humidity environments. Highly thermal-stable, super hydrophobic 2-dimensional (2D) boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) functionalized with Pt nanoparticles were prepared and used as an active layer for the prototype. The morphologic surface, crystallographic structures and chemical compositions of the synthesized 2D materials were characterized by using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) and Raman scattering, respectively. The experimental data reveals that high-quality BNNSs were prepared. A pair of Au electrodes were combined with a basic electrical circuit and the 2D sensing material to form high-performance gas sensors for the detection of pollution gases. The present structure is simple and the fabrication is easy and fast, which ensures the creation of a low-cost prototype with harsh (high humidity, high temperature) environment resistance and potential for miniaturization. The responses of the prototype to different target gases with different concentrations were characterized. The influences of the operating temperature and bias voltage effect on sensing performances were also investigated. The fabricated sensors appear to have high selectivity, high sensitivity and fast response to target gases. The sensing mechanism in the present case is attributed to the electron donation from the target gas molecules to the active layer, leading to the change of electrical properties on the surface of BNNS layer.

This study addresses the persistent challenge of polysulfide dissolution in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries by introducing magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles as a novel additive. MgO was integrated with sulfur using a scalable process involving solid-state melt diffusion treatment followed by planetary ball milling. XRD measurements confirmed that sulfur (S₈) retains its orthorhombic crystalline structure (space group $F_{ddd}$) following the MgO incorporation, with minimal peak shifts indicating slight lattice distortion, while the increased peak intensity suggests enhanced crystallinity due to MgO acting as a nucleation site. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy demonstrated sulfur’s characteristic vibrational modes consistent with group theory (point group $D_{2}h$) and highlighted multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT′s) D, G, and 2D bands, with a low I_D/I_G ratio (0.47), which indicated low defects and high crystallinity in the prepared cathode. The S–MgO composite cathode exhibited superior electrochemical behavior, with an initial discharge capacity (950 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1 C), significantly improved compared to pristine sulfur’s. The presence of MgO effectively mitigated the polysulfide shuttle effect by trapping polysulfides, leading to enhanced stability over 400 cycles and the consistent coulombic efficiency of over 99.5%. After 400 cycles, EDS and SEM analyses confirmed the structural integrity of the electrode, with only minor fractures and slight sulfur content loss. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy further confirmed the enhanced performance.

This study presents the fabrication and characterization of ZnO-MoS₂ heterostructure-based ultra-broadband photodetectors capable of operating across the ultraviolet (UV) to mid-infrared (MIR) spectral range (365 nm–10 μm). The p-n heterojunction was synthesized via RF magnetron sputtering and spin coating, followed by annealing. Structural and optical analyses confirmed their enhanced light absorption, efficient charge separation, and strong built-in electric field. The photodetectors exhibited light-controlled hysteresis in their I-V characteristics, attributed to charge trapping and interfacial effects, which could enable applications in optical memory and neuromorphic computing. The devices operated self-powered, with a peak responsivity at 940 nm, which increased significantly under an applied bias. The response and recovery times were measured at approximately 100 ms, demonstrating their fast operation. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations confirmed the type II band alignment, with a tunable bandgap that was reduced to 0.20 eV with Mo vacancies, extending the detection range. The ZnO-MoS₂ heterostructure’s broad spectral response, fast operation, and defect-engineered bandgap tunability highlight its potential for imaging, environmental monitoring, and IoT sensing. This work provides a cost-effective strategy for developing high-performance, ultra-broadband, flexible photodetectors, paving the way for advancements in optoelectronics and sensing technologies.

This study presents the fabrication and characterization of highly selective, room-temperature gas sensors based on ternary zinc oxide–molybdenum disulfide–titanium dioxide (ZnO-MoS₂-TiO₂) nanoheterostructures. Integrating two-dimensional (2D) MoS₂ with oxide nano materials synergistically combines their unique properties, significantly enhancing gas sensing performance. Comprehensive structural and chemical analyses, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirmed the successful synthesis and composition of the ternary nanoheterostructures. The sensors demonstrated excellent selectivity in detecting low concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) among target gases such as ammonia (NH₃), methane (CH₄), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) at room temperature, achieving up to 58% sensitivity at 4 ppm and 6% at 0.1 ppm for NO₂. The prototypes demonstrated outstanding selectivity and a short response time of approximately 0.51 min. The impact of light-assisted enhancement was examined under 1 mW/cm² weak ultraviolet (UV), blue, yellow, and red light-emitting diode (LED) illuminations, with the blue LED proving to deliver the highest sensor responsiveness. These results position ternary ZnO-MoS₂-TiO₂ nanoheterostructures as highly sensitive and selective room-temperature NO₂ gas sensors that are suitable for applications in environmental monitoring, public health, and industrial processes.

The development of alga-based biodegradable membranes represents a significant advancement in fuel cell technology, aligning with the need for sustainable material solutions. In a significant advancement for sustainable energy technologies, we have developed a novel biodegradable κ-carrageenan (KC) and boron nitride (BN) nanoparticle membrane, optimized with ammonium sulfate (NHS). This study employed a set of characterization techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), where thermal anomalies were observed in the membranes around 160 °C and 300 °C as products of chemical decomposition. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed the phases corresponding to the different precursors, whose value in the EDS measurements reached a maximum in the KC/BN/NHS5% membrane at 2.31 keV. In terms of the mechanical properties (MPs), a maximum tensile stress value of 10.96 MPa was achieved for the KC/BN sample. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the physicochemical properties of the membranes were evaluated. Our findings reveal that the KC/BN/NHS1% membrane achieves an exceptional ionic conductivity of 7.82 × 10⁻⁵ S/cm, as determined by impedance spectroscopy (IS). The properties of the developed membrane composite suggest possible broader applications in areas such as sensor technology, water purification, and ecologically responsive packaging. This underscores the role of nanotechnology in enhancing the functional versatility and sustainability of energy materials, propelling the development of green technology solutions.