High-Performance Infrared Detectors Based on Black Phosphorus/Carbon Nanotube Heterojunctions

Infrared detectors have broad application prospects in the fields of detection and communication. Using ideal materials and good device structure is crucial for achieving high-performance infrared detectors. Here, we utilized black phosphorus (BP) and single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films to construct a vertical van der Waals heterostructure, resulting in high-performance photovoltaic infrared detectors. In the device, a strong built-in electric field was formed in the heterojunction with a favored energy-band matching between the BP and the SWCNT, which caused a good photovoltaic effect. The fabricated devices exhibited a diode-like rectification behavior in the dark, which had a high rectification ratio up to a magnitude of 104 and a low ideal factor of 1.4. Under 1550 nm wavelength illumination, the 2D BP/SWCNT film photodetector demonstrated an open-circuit voltage of 0.34 V, a large external power conversion efficiency (η) of 7.5% and a high specific detectivity (D*) of 3.1 × 109 Jones. This external η was the highest among those for the photovoltaic devices fabricated with the SWCNTs or the heterostructures based on 2D materials and the obtained D* was also higher than those for most of the infrared detectors based on 2D materials or carbon materials. This work showcases the application potential of BP and SWCNTs in the detection field.

p-Type Functionalized Carbon Nanohorns and Nanotubes in Perovskite Solar Cells

The incorporation of p-type functionalized carbon nanohorns (CNHs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and their comparison with p-type functionalized single- and double-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs and DWCNTs) are reported in this study for the first time. These p-type functionalized carbon nanomaterial (CNM) derivatives were successfully synthesized by [2 + 1] cycloaddition reaction with nitrenes formed from triphenylamine (TPA) and 9-phenyl carbazole (Cz)-based azides, yielding CNHs-TPA, CNHs-Cz, SWCNTs-Cz, SWCNTs-TPA, DWCNTs-TPA, and DWCNTs-Cz. These six novel CNMs were incorporated into the spiro-OMeTAD-based hole transport layer (HTL) to evaluate their impact on regular mesoporous PSCs. The photovoltaic results indicate that all p-type functionalized CNMs significantly improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE), mainly by enhancing the short-circuit current density (Jsc) and fill factor (FF). TPA-functionalized derivatives increased the PCE by 12-17% compared to the control device without CNMs, while Cz-functionalized derivatives resulted in a PCE increase of 4-8%. Devices prepared with p-type functionalized CNHs exhibited a slightly better PCE compared with those based on SWCNTs and DWCNTs derivatives. The increase in hole mobility of spiro-OMeTAD, additional p-type doping, better energy alignment with the perovskite layer, and enhanced morphology and contact interface play important roles in enhancing the performance of the device. Furthermore, the incorporation of p-type functionalized CNMs into the spiro-OMeTAD layer increased device stability by improving the hydrophobicity of the layer and enhancing the hole transport across the MAPI/spiro-OMeTAD interface. After 28 days under ambient conditions and darkness, TPA-functionalized CNMs maintained the performance of the device by over 90%, while Cz-functionalized CNMs preserved it between 75 and 85%.

All-Solid State Potentiometric Sensors for Desvenlafaxine Detection Using Biomimetic Imprinted Polymers as Recognition Receptors

Using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as an ion-to-electron transducer, a novel disposable all-solid-state desvenlafaxine-selective electrode based on a screen-printed carbon paste electrode was created. SWCNTs were put onto the carbon-paste electrode area, which was protected by a poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane with a desvenlafaxine-imprinted polymer serving as a recognition receptor. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronopotentiometric techniques were used to examine the electrochemical characteristics of the SWCNTs/PVC coating on the carbon screen-printed electrode. The electrode displayed a 57.2 ± 0.8 mV/decade near-Nernstian slope with a 2.0 × 10^-6 M detection limit. In 10 mM phosphate buffer, pH 6, the ODV-selective electrodes displayed a quick reaction (5 s) and outstanding stability, repeatability, and reproducibility. The usefulness of electrodes was demonstrated in samples of ODV-containing pharmaceutical products and human urine. These electrodes have the potential to be mass produced and employed as disposable sensors for on-site testing, since they are quick, practical, and inexpensive.

The Joule Heating Effect of a Foldable and Cuttable Sheet Made of SWCNT/ANF Composite

A foldable and cuttable sheet heater was fabricated using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and aramid nanofibers (ANFs). SWCNTs are particularly well suited for Joule heating based on their high thermal stability, electrical properties, high current density, and aspect ratio. When the SWCNT/ANF composite reaches a high temperature during Joule heating, ANFs will endure this temperature due to their impressive thermal stability, derived from aramid fibers. With the aim of achieving a synergistic effect between the SWCNTs and ANFs, 0-100 wt% SWCNT/ANF composite sheets were fabricated by tip-type sonication and vacuum filtration. After assessing the thermal stability and electrical properties of the composite sheets, the Joule heating effect was analyzed. TGA showed that our sheet had high thermal stability in an air condition up to around 500 °C. The electrical conductivity of the composite sheet was improved as the amount of SWCNT added rose to 790.0 and 747.5 S/cm in the 75 and 100_SWCNTs/ANF, respectively. The maximum heating temperature, up to 280 °C, reached by Joule heating was measured as a function of SWCNT content and input voltage, and the relationship among SWCNT content, input voltage, heating temperature, and electric power was described. Mechanical properties were also measured in a temperature range similar to the heating temperature of 300 °C reached by Joule heating. Ultimately, we obtained a foldable and cuttable composite sheet with a stretchable structure, capable of being molded into a variety of shapes. This energy-efficient material can potentially be employed in any device in which a heater is required to deliver high temperatures.

A Suggested Vacuum Bagging Process for the Fabrication of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Epoxy Composites That Maximize Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness

We designed and tested a manufacturing process that resulted in the formation of composites with maximized electrical conductivity and optimized electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) properties. Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) paper, which is a microscopic aggregate of van der Waals force interaction, was impregnated with semi-cured epoxy to make SWCNT prepregs. These prepregs were completely cured into SWCNT/epoxy composites. Fabricating and curing processes were executed under proper temperature cycle depending on the time. We inspected SWCNT paper and the interfacial state between the SWCNTs and epoxy in the composite with a field emission-scanning electron microscopy and calculated the SWCNT weight fraction through thermogravimetric analysis measurements. Using these observations, electrical conductivity and EMI SE were investigated according to thickness which could be controlled by the suggested manufacturing process as 1-, 5- and 10-layer composites. Finally, we determined ideal composite thickness and the associated number of prepreg layers using skin depth theory.

Ultrasensitive Strain Sensor Based on Pre-Generated Crack Networks Using Ag Nanoparticles/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Hybrid Fillers and a Polyester Woven Elastic Band

Flexible strain sensors are receiving a great deal of interest owing to their prospective applications in monitoring various human activities. Among various efforts to enhance the sensitivity of strain sensors, pre-crack generation has been well explored for elastic polymers but rarely on textile substrates. Herein, a highly sensitive textile-based strain sensor was fabricated via a dip-coat-stretch approach: a polyester woven elastic band was dipped into ink containing single-walled carbon nanotubes coated with silver paste and pre-stretched to generate prebuilt cracks on the surface. Our sensor demonstrated outstanding sensitivity (a gauge factor of up to 3550 within a strain range of 1.5-5%), high stability and durability, and low hysteresis. The high performance of this sensor is attributable to the excellent elasticity and woven structure of the fabric substrate, effectively generating and propagating the prebuilt cracks. The strain sensor integrated into firefighting gloves detected detailed finger angles and cyclic finger motions, demonstrating its capability for subtle human motion monitoring. It is also noteworthy that this novel strategy is a very quick, straightforward, and scalable method of fabricating strain sensors, which is extremely beneficial for practical applications.

Large-Area Flexible Printed Thin-Film Transistors with Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for NO2 Sensors

Development of large-area, low-cost, low-voltage, low-power consumption, flexible high-performance printed carbon nanotube thin-film transistors (TFTs) is helpful to promote their future applications in sensors and biosensors, wearable electronics, and the Internet of things. In this work, low-voltage, flexible printed carbon nanotube TFTs with a large-area and low-cost fabrication process were successfully constructed using ultrathin (∼3.6 nm) AlO_x thin films formed by plasma oxidation of aluminum as dielectrics and screen-printed silver electrodes as contact electrodes. The as-prepared bottom-gate/bottom-contact carbon nanotube TFTs exhibit a low leakage current (∼10^-10 A), a high charge carrier mobility (up to 9.9 cm² V^-1 s^-1), high on/off ratios (higher than 10⁵), and small subthreshold swings (80-120 mV/dec) at low operation voltages (from -1.5 to 1 V). At the same time, printed carbon nanotube TFTs showed a high response (ΔR/R = 99.6%) to NO₂ gas even at 16 ppm with a faster response and recovery speed (∼8 s, exposure to 0.5 ppm NO₂), a lower detection limit (0.069 ppm NO₂), and a low power consumption (0.86 μW, exposure to 16 ppm NO₂) at a gate voltage of 0.2 V at room temperature. Moreover, the printed carbon nanotube devices exhibited excellent mechanical flexibility and bias stress stability after 12,000 bending cycles at a radius of 5 mm and a bias stress test for 7200 s at a gate voltage of ±1 V, which originated from the ultrathin and compact AlO_x dielectric and the super adhesion force between screen-printed silver electrodes and polyethylene terephthalate substrates.

Toxicity of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs): Effect of Lengths, Functional Groups and Electronic Structures Revealed by a Quantitative Toxicogenomics Assay

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are a group of widely used carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) with various applications, which raise increasing public concerns associated with their potential toxicological effect and risks on human and ecosystems. In this report, we comprehensively evaluated the nanotoxicity of SWCNTs with their relationship to varying lengths, functional groups and electronic structures, by employing both newly established quantitative toxicogenomics test, as well as conventional phenotypic bioassays. The objective is to reveal potential cellular toxicity and mechanisms of SWCNTs at the molecular level, and to probe their potential relationships with their morphological, surface, and electronic properties. The results indicated that DNA damage and oxidative stress were the dominant mechanisms of action for all SWCNTs and, the toxicity level and characteristics varied with length, surface functionalization and electronic structure. Distinguishable molecular toxicity fingerprints were revealed for the two SWCNTs with varying length, with short SWCNT exhibiting higher toxicity level than the long one. In terms of surface properties, SWCNT functionalization, namely carboxylation and hydroxylation, led to elevated overall toxicity, especially genotoxicity, as compared to unmodified SWCNT. Carboxylated SWCNT induced a greater toxicity than the hydroxylated SWCNT. The nucleus is likely the primary target site for long, short, and carboxylated SWCNTs and mechanical perturbation is likely responsible for the DNA damage, specifically related to degradation of the DNA double helix structure. Finally, dramatically different electronic structure-dependent toxicity was observed with metallic SWCNT exerting much higher toxicity than the semiconducting one that exhibited minimal toxicity among all SWCNTs.

Modified Potentiometric Screen-Printed Electrodes Based on Imprinting Character for Sodium Deoxycholate Determination

Potentiometric sensors have a great influence on the determination of most various compounds in their matrices. Therefore, efficient and new sensors were introduced to measure sodium Deoxycholate (NaDC) as a bile acid salt. These sensors are based on NaDC imprinted polymer (MIP) as sensory element. The MIP beads were synthesized using thermal polymerization pathway, in which acrylamide (AAm), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), NaDC, and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) were used as the functional monomer, cross-linker, template, and initiator, respectively. The proposed sensors were fabricated using a coated screen-printed platform and the sensing membrane was modified by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as an ion-to-electron transducer. The sensors exhibited high sensitivity that reached 4.7 × 10⁻⁵ M of near-Nernestian slope (−60.1 ± 0.9 mV/decade, r² = 0.999 (n= 5)). In addition, the sensors revealed high selectivity, long lifetime, high potential stability, and conductivity that ensure reproducible and accurate results over a long time. MIP characterization was performed using Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Regarding the interaction of NaDC with serum albumin (SA), albumin is determined in human serum samples as human serum albumin (HSA), which was collected from different volunteers of different ages and gender.

Single-Piece Solid Contact Cu2+-Selective Electrodes Based on a Synthesized Macrocyclic Calix[4]arene Derivative as a Neutral Carrier Ionophore

Herein, a facile route leading to good single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) dispersion or poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) based single-piece nanocomposite membrane is proposed for trace determination of Cu²⁺ ions. The single-piece solid contact Cu²⁺-selective electrodes were prepared after drop casting the membrane mixture on the glassy-carbon substrates. The prepared potentiometric sensors revealed a Nernstian response slope of 27.8 ± 0.3 and 28.1 ± 0.4 mV/decade over the linearity range 1.0 × 10^-3 to 2.0 × 10^-9 and 1.0 × 10^-3 to 1.0 × 10^-9 M with detection limits of 5.4 × 10^-10 and 5.0 × 10^-10 M for sensors based on SWCNTs and PEDOT/PSS, respectively. Excellent long-term potential stability and high hydrophobicity of the nanocomposite membrane are recorded for the prepared sensors due to the inherent high capacitance of SWCNT used as a solid contact material. The sensors exhibited high selectivity for Cu²⁺ ions at pH 4.5 over other common ions. The sensors were applied for Cu²⁺ assessment in tap water and different tea samples. The proposed sensors were robust, reliable and considered as appealing sensors for copper (II) detection in different complex matrices.

Stable Logic Operation of Fiber-Based Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Transistor Circuits Toward Thread-Like CMOS Circuitry

A fiber-based single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) thin-film-transistor (TFT) has been proposed. We designed complementary SWCNT TFT circuit based on SPICE simulations, with device parameters extracted from the fabricated fiber-based SWCNT TFTs, such as threshold voltage, contact resistance, and off-/gate-leakage current. We fabricated the SWCNTs CMOS inverter circuits using the selective passivation and n-doping processes on a fiber substrate. By comparing the simulation and experimental results, we could enhance the circuit’s performance by tuning the threshold voltage between p-type and n-type TFTs, reducing the source/drain contact resistance and off current level, and maintaining a low output capacitance of the TFTs. Importantly, it was found that the voltage gain, output swing range, and frequency response of the fiber-based inverter circuits can be dramatically improved.

Toxicological Profiling of Highly Purified Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Different Lengths in the Rodent Lung and Escherichia Coli

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit a number of physicochemical properties that contribute to adverse biological outcomes. However, it is difficult to define the independent contribution of individual properties without purified materials. A library of highly purified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) of different lengths is prepared from the same base material by density gradient ultracentrifugation, designated as short (318 nm), medium (789 nm), and long (1215 nm) SWCNTs. In vitro screening shows length-dependent interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production, in order of long > medium > short. However, there are no differences in transforming growth factor-β1 production in BEAS-2B cells. Oropharyngeal aspiration shows that all the SWCNTs induce profibrogenic effects in mouse lung at 21 d postexposure, but there are no differences between tube lengths. In contrast, these SWCNTs demonstrate length-dependent antibacterial effects on Escherichia coli, with the long SWCNT exerting stronger effects than the medium or short tubes. These effects are reduced by Pluronic F108 coating or supplementing with glucose. The data show length-dependent effects on proinflammatory response in macrophage cell line and antibacterial effects, but not on collagen deposition in the lung. These data demonstrate that over the length scale tested, the biological response to highly purified SWCNTs is dependent on the complexity of the nano/bio interface.

A Carbonyl Compound-Based Flexible Cathode with Superior Rate Performance and Cyclic Stability for Flexible Lithium-Ion Batteries

A sulfur-linked carbonyl-based poly(2,5-dihydroxyl-1,4-benzoquinonyl sulfide) (PDHBQS) compound is synthesized and used as cathode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Flexible binder-free composite cathode with single-wall carbon nanotubes (PDHBQS-SWCNTs) is then fabricated through vacuum filtration method with SWCNTs. Electrochemical measurements show that PDHBQS-SWCNTs cathode can deliver a discharge capacity of 182 mA h g^-1 (0.9 mA h cm^-2 ) at a current rate of 50 mA g^-1 and a potential window of 1.5 V-3.5 V. The cathode delivers a capacity of 75 mA h g^-1 (0.47 mA h cm^-2 ) at 5000 mA g^-1 , which confirms its good rate performance at high current density. PDHBQS-SWCNTs flexible cathode retains 89% of its initial capacity at 250 mA g^-1 after 500 charge-discharge cycles. Furthermore, large-area (28 cm² ) flexible batteries based on PDHBQS-SWCNTs cathode and lithium foils anode are also assembled. The flexible battery shows good electrochemical activities with continuous bending, which retains 88% of its initial discharge capacity after 2000 bending cycles. The significant capacity, high rate performance, superior cyclic performance, and good flexibility make this material a promising candidate for a future application of flexible LIBs.

Exposure Assessment in a Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Primary Manufacturer

Objectives

This study was aimed at documenting and characterizing occupational exposure to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) generated in a primary manufacturing plant. It also compared various strategies of exposure monitoring.

Methods

A 6-day measurement protocol was scheduled (D1-D6) including both (i) quasi-personal monitoring with an array of direct reading instruments (DRIs) and (ii) offline electron microscopy analyses of surface and breathing zone filter-based samples. The first step (D1 and D2) consisted of contamination screenings resulting from the various SWCNT production tasks using a multimetric approach. Surface sampling was also carried out to assess workplace cross-contamination. The second step (D3-D6) focused on the exposure monitoring during recovery/cleaning task, by comparing three personal elemental carbon (EC) measurements [respirable EC using a cyclone following the NIOSH 5040 method (REC-CYC), respirable and thoracic EC using parallel particle impactors [REC-PPI and TEC-PPI, respectively)] and gravimetric mass concentration measurements.

Results

DustTrak DRX and electrical low-pressure impactor measurements indicated that particles were released during weighing, transferring, and recovery/cleaning tasks of the manufacturing process. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of agglomerated SWCNTs only during the recovery/cleaning task. REC-CYC concentrations remained under the limits of quantification; REC-PPI showed levels up to 58 µg m-3; and TEC-PPI ranged from 40 to 70 µg m-3. Ratios calculated between gravimetric measurements and estimated DustTrak mass concentrations ranged from 2.8 to 4.9. Cross-contamination appeared to be limited since SWCNTs was only found on surface samples collected close to the reactor in the production room.

Conclusions

This case study showed that the DustTrak DRX should be the preferred device among DRIs to identify potential exposure to SWCNTs. However, there is a risk of false positive since it is a non-specific instrument; therefore, the actual release of SWCNTs must be confirmed with scanning electron microscopy/transmission electron microscopy analyses. Besides, using EC measurements as a proxy for SWCNT exposure assessments, as suggested by the NIOSH, is still challenging since interferences can occur with other EC sources such as carbon black, which is also present in the workplace.

Intraperitoneal Injection Is Not a Suitable Administration Route for Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Biomedical Applications

Given the extensive application of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in biomedical fields, there is increasing concern regarding unintentional health impacts. Research into safe usage is therefore increasingly necessary. This study investigated the responses of the mouse brain to single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) delivered via intraperitoneal (IP) injection and compared these results with the previous study where SWCNTs were delivered via intravenous (IV) injection so as to explore which administration route is potentially better for SWCNTs application. This study suggests SWCNTs delivered via IP injection can have negative effects on the mouse brain through oxidative stress and inflammation at high concentration exposure, but these responses were not consistent and showed no dose-dependent effect. In a previous study, the results showed that IV-delivered SWCNTs induced a more consistent and dose-dependent effect. The comparison of the 2 studies suggested that using SWCNTs at a safe dosage delivered via IV injection may be a better administration route for SWCNTs in biomedical applications.

Comparison of the interactions of daunorubicin in a free form and attached to single-walled carbon nanotubes with model lipid membranes

In this work the interactions of an anticancer drug daunorubicin (DNR) with model thiolipid layers composed of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphothioethanol (DPPTE) were investigated using Langmuir technique. The results obtained for a free drug were compared with the results recorded for DNR attached to SWCNTs as potential drug carrier. Langmuir studies of mixed DPPTE-SWCNTs-DNR monolayers showed that even at the highest investigated content of the nanotubes in the monolayer, the changes in the properties of DPPTE model membranes were not as significant as in case of the incorporation of a free drug, which resulted in a significant increase in the area per molecule and fluidization of the thiolipid layer. The presence of SWCNTs-DNR in the DPPTE monolayer at the air-water interface did not change the organization of the lipid molecules to such extent as the free drug, which may be explained by different types of interactions playing crucial role in these two types of systems. In the case of the interactions of free DNR the electrostatic attraction between positively charged drug and negatively charged DPPTE monolayer play the most important role, while in the case of SWCNTs-DNR adducts the hydrophobic interactions between nanotubes and acyl chains of the lipid seem to be prevailing. Electrochemical studies performed for supported model membranes containing the drug delivered in the two investigated forms revealed that the surface concentration of the drug-nanotube adduct in supported monolayers is comparable to the reported surface concentration of the free DNR incorporated into DPPTE monolayers on gold electrodes. Therefore, it may be concluded that the application of carbon nanotubes as potential DNR carrier allows for the incorporation of comparable amount of the drug into model membranes with simultaneous decrease in the negative changes in the membrane structure and organization, which is an important aspect in terms of side effects of the drug.

Development of a Carbon Nanotube-Based Touchscreen Capable of Multi-Touch and Multi-Force Sensing

A force sensing touchscreen, which detects touch point and touch force simultaneously by sensing a change in electric capacitance, was designed and fabricated. It was made with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) which have better mechanical and chemical characteristics than the indium-tin-oxide transparent electrodes used in most contemporary touchscreen devices. The SWCNTs, with a transmittance of about 85% and electric conductivity of 400 Ω per square; were coated and patterned on glass and polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) film substrates. The constructed force sensing touchscreen has a total size and thickness of 62 mm × 100 mm × 1.4 mm, and is composed of 11 driving line and 19 receiving line channels. The gap between the channels was designed to be 20 µm, taking visibility into consideration, and patterned by a photolithography and plasma etching processes. The mutual capacitance formed by the upper and lower transparent electrodes was initially about 2.8 pF and, on applying a 500 gf force with a 3 mm diameter tip, it showed a 25% capacitance variation. Furthermore, the touchscreen can detect multiple touches and forces simultaneously and is unaffected by touch material characteristics, such as conductance or non-conductance.

Penetration and Toxicity of Nanomaterials in Higher Plants

Nanomaterials (NMs) comprise either inorganic particles consisting of metals, oxides, and salts that exist in nature and may be also produced in the laboratory, or organic particles originating only from the laboratory, having at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nm in size. According to shape, size, surface area, and charge, NMs have different mechanical, chemical, electrical, and optical properties that make them suitable for technological and biomedical applications and thus they are being increasingly produced and modified. Despite their beneficial potential, their use may be hazardous to health owing to the capacity to enter the animal and plant body and interact with cells. Studies on NMs involve technologists, biologists, physicists, chemists, and ecologists, so there are numerous reports that are significantly raising the level of knowledge, especially in the field of nanotechnology; however, many aspects concerning nanobiology remain undiscovered, including the interactions with plant biomolecules. In this review we examine current knowledge on the ways in which NMs penetrate plant organs and interact with cells, with the aim of shedding light on the reactivity of NMs and toxicity to plants. These points are discussed critically to adjust the balance with regard to the risk to the health of the plants as well as providing some suggestions for new studies on this topic.