Generalized Flows around Neutron Stars

In this chapter, we present a brief and non-exhaustive review of the developments of theoretical models for accretion flows around neutron stars. A somewhat chronological summary of crucial observations and modelling of timing and spectral properties are given in sections 2 and 3. In section 4, we argue why and how the Two-Component Advective Flow (TCAF) solution can be applied to the cases of neutron stars when suitable modifications are made for the NSs. We showcase some of our findings from Monte Carlo and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic simulations which further strengthens the points raised in section 4. In summary, we remark on the possibility of future works using TCAF for both weakly magnetic and magnetic Neutron Stars.Comment: 15 pages, 7 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1901.0084

Wearable high-performance pressure sensors based on three-dimensional electrospun conductive nanofibers

Polymer-based pressure sensors play a key role in realizing lightweight and inexpensive wearable devices for healthcare and environmental monitoring systems. Here, conductive core/shell polymer nanofibers composed of poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) (PVDF-HFP)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) are fabricated using three-dimensional (3D) electrospinning and vapor deposition polymerization methods, and the resulting sponge-like 3D membranes are used to create piezoresistive-type pressure sensors. Interestingly, the PEDOT shell consists of well-dispersed spherical bumps, leading to the formation of a hierarchical conductive surface that enhances the sensitivity to external pressure. The sponge-like 3D mats exhibit a much higher pressure sensitivity than the conventional electrospun 2D mats due to their enhanced porosity and pressure-tunable contact area. Furthermore, large-area, wireless, 16 x 10 multiarray pressure sensors for the spatiotemporal mapping of multiple pressure points and wearable bands for monitoring blood pressure have been fabricated from these 3D mats. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the fabrication of electrospun 3D membranes with nanoscopically engineered fibers that can detect changes in external pressure with high sensitivity. The developed method opens a new route to the mass production of polymer-based pressure sensors with high mechanical durability, which creates additional possibilities for the development of human-machine interfaces.11Ysciescopu

Cerium(III) Complex Modified Gold Electrode: An Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Exploring efficient and inexpensive electrocatalysts for the oxidation of water is of great importance for various electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies. In the present study, a new water-soluble [Ce^III(DMF) (HSO₄)₃] complex was synthesized and characterized by UV–vis, photoluminescence, and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Owing to classic 5d → 4f transitions, an intense photoluminescence in the UV region was observed from the water-soluble [Ce^III(DMF) (HSO₄)₃] complex. A stacking electrode was designed where self-assembled l-cysteine monolayer modified gold was immobilized with the synthesized cerium complex and was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The resulting electrode, i.e., [Ce^III(DMF) (HSO₄)₃]–l-cysteine-Au stacks shows high electrocatalytic water oxidation behavior at an overpotential of η ≈ 0.34 V under neutral pH conditions. We also demonstrated a way where the overpotential is possible to decrease upon irradiation of UV light