Search Results (15,348)

The zinc–copper (Zn-Cu) voltaic battery is the first battery made in human history, but the Cu²⁺ dissolution issue leads to the reaction’s irreversibility. To tackle this challenge, solid-state electrolytes, ion exchange membranes, and functional electrolytes have been proposed to mitigate the Cu²⁺ dissolution; however, these approaches incur limitations like cell complexity, high cost, and anode corrosion. Herein, we develop a simple yet effective strategy to mitigate Cu²⁺ dissolution and build a rechargeable voltaic battery from cost-effective materials, including commercially available micro-copper powders and non-corrosive zinc acetate electrolyte. Importantly, the near-neutral Zn(Ac)₂ electrolyte provides some amounts of hydroxide and facilitates the Cu₂O/Cu solid–solid conversion reaction, thereby inhibiting the generation of soluble Cu²⁺ ions. As a result, the Zn-Cu battery exhibits a reversible capacity of ~130 mAh g⁻¹, a feasible voltage of 0.87 V, and a stable cycling life over 100 cycles. Our work provides a feasible strategy for developing rechargeable and cost-effective Zn-Cu batteries. Full article

In view of the fact that there are few reports on the preparation of NbC coating by high-power pulsed magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) technology. In this study, the effects of NbC interlayer thickness on the microstructure, corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity of Nb/NbC/C multilayer coatings for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) bipolar plates were studied by using the high ionization characteristics of HiPIMS technology. A series of Nb/NbC/C multilayer coatings with varying NbC interlayer thicknesses was deposited via HiPIMS by modulating the deposition time (20, 40, and 60 min). The microstructure and properties of the coatings were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, interfacial contact resistance (ICR), and corrosion current, among other methods. The results indicate that as the NbC interlayer thickness increases, the total coating thickness increases from 0.43 μm to 1.42 μm. All coatings exhibit a uniform and dense microstructure lacking typical coarse columnar structures. Raman and XPS analyses show that the I_D/I_G ratio increases from 1.98 to 4.04, indicating an increase in sp²-hybridized bond content and a decrease in sp³ content. At a deposition time of 60 min, the coating achieved optimal performance, yielding a critical load (Lc1) of 31.9 N, the lowest average friction coefficient (0.27), the minimum corrosion current density, and an interfacial contact resistance of 7.5 mΩ·cm². These results demonstrate that the NbC interlayer thickness significantly governs the structure and properties of the Nb/NbC/C multilayer coatings. Specifically, an appropriate increase in the NbC interlayer thickness optimizes the sp²/sp³ hybrid bond ratio, thereby enhancing the overall coating performance. Full article

Silver nanowire (AgNW) networks have attracted significant attention as leading candidates for flexible transparent electrodes owing to their unique combination of high electrical conductivity, optical transparency, and mechanical compliance. This review presents an overview of recent developments in AgNW-based transparent electrode technologies, with particular emphasis on strategies to improve network conductivity and long-term reliability, including junction engineering, surface modification, encapsulation approaches, and composite structure design. Representative applications in flexible optoelectronic systems, such as organic light-emitting devices, transparent heating elements, and electrochromic platforms, are also discussed. Finally, current challenges and future research directions toward scalable manufacturing and practical implementation of high-performance AgNW electrodes are outlined. Full article

Seawater zinc–air batteries (SZABs) stand out as promising candidates for marine and offshore energy supply. However, their practical implementation is greatly restricted by tardy oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics at the air cathode, severe chloride ion-induced catalyst corrosion, and structural deterioration of traditional binder-containing electrodes in seawater media. Herein, we design and fabricate a binder-free integrated electrode consisting of carbon-supported iron phthalocyanine- modified star-like cobalt sulfide arrays directly grown on nickel foam. The optimal catalyst (0.3FePc-C/CoS) integrates the respective advantages of Fe single atoms and cobalt sulfide, exhibiting excellent ORR and OER activity, delivering a prominent half-wave potential of 0.89 V versus RHE, and exhibiting a low OER overpotential of 160 mV at 50 mA cm⁻² and robust stability in seawater. As a self-supported air cathode, the 0.3FePc-C/CoS-based battery attains a favorable open-circuit voltage reaching 1.48 V, prominent peak power density (126.4 mW cm⁻²), small charge–discharge potential polarization (0.52 V), excellent energy efficiency (68.8%) and extraordinary long-term cycling durability (>360 h). This work not only discloses a feasible synergistic modulation strategy for constructing high-performance bifunctional electrocatalysts but also provides a valuable reference for developing corrosion-resistant integrated air electrodes toward practical marine energy storage applications. Full article

With the global advancement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, the importance of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies has become increasingly prominent. As a critical component of CCUS systems, gaseous CO₂ pipeline transportation has emerged as a research hotspot due to its efficiency and cost effectiveness. However, there are invariably corrosion problems when it comes to gaseous CO₂ pipeline transportation. These issues pose a significant threat to both the safety and economic viability of pipeline operations. Therefore, it is of importance to investigate gaseous CO₂ corrosion during pipeline transportation. In this work, based on recent domestic and international research achievements, research progress in the field of gaseous CO₂ corrosion during pipeline transportation is systematically reviewed. First, the corrosion mechanisms and corrosion characteristics during gaseous CO₂ pipeline transportation are studied, and the synergistic mechanisms by which key parameters such as impurities, temperature, pressure, flow velocity, and water content jointly influence pipeline wall corrosion behavior are elucidated. Then, corrosion products in CO₂ transportation pipelines are analyzed, and protective measures applicable to gaseous CO₂ pipeline systems are synthesized. Finally, future research goals are proposed to promote research on gaseous CO₂ corrosion during pipeline transportation: the impact of interactions among multiple impurities on corrosion behavior should be clarified; the inhibitory effects of the dynamic evolution of product films on mass transfer processes should be considered in corrosion rate calculation models; and more economical and efficient anti-corrosion technologies should be developed to meet diverse operational requirements. This work can provide guidance for the corrosion protection of gaseous CO₂ pipeline transportation. Full article

The existing arresting efficiency evaluation method overlooks corrosion defects in its formulation. If directly applied to evaluate and design arrestors for corroded sandwich pipes, it often leads to conservative evaluations of arresting efficiency and unreasonably designed arrestors. Based on this, this paper first verifies the reliability of numerical simulation results through physical experiments. On this basis, the influence of the structural parameters and material parameters of the arrestor on the arresting efficiency of the integral arrestor is analyzed. The results show that an increase in the length, thickness and material strength of the arrestor not only affects the arresting efficiency of the arrestor but also changes the arresting crossing mode, from parallel crossing to orthogonal crossing. A chart of arresting efficiency suitable for engineering design is proposed. Finally, a systematic comparison is conducted of different modeling methods. The results show that, considering both prediction accuracy and training efficiency, the Genetic Algorithm–Back Propagation (GA-BP) model significantly outperforms the empirical model, the Whale Optimization Algorithm–Back Propagation (WOA-BP) model, and the Particle Swarm Optimization–Back Propagation (PSO-BP) model. The average prediction error is only 6.56%, and 94.42% of the data error is less than 20%. The model provides a theoretical basis for the arrestor design and failure assessment of sandwich pipes with corrosion defects and has clear engineering guidance value. Full article

Carbon/inorganic hybrid composites have evolved from filler-reinforced materials into design platforms for coupled electromagnetic, thermal, sensing, environmental, protective and energy-related functions. Their distinctive value lies in the possibility of combining a conductive, polarizable or porous carbon phase with an inorganic phase that contributes dielectric, magnetic, catalytic, ionic, thermally conductive or barrier behavior. This review examines carbon/inorganic hybrid multifunctional composites from the viewpoint of structure–property relationships, with emphasis on interfacial design, percolation, anisotropy, hierarchical architecture, processing and metrology. Selected graphitic composite studies are discussed as case studies for broadband dielectric spectroscopy, microwave shielding, high-frequency contact metrology, thermal diffusivity analysis and impedance-monitored graphene filters; these case studies are integrated with the broader international literature on CNT and graphene polymer composites, MXene films and foams, graphene/metal oxide photocatalysts, boron nitride/carbon thermal networks, biochar–graphene adsorbents, smart coatings, sensors, supercapacitors and water remediation systems. The central argument is that credible multifunctionality requires more than measuring several properties on the same material. It requires simultaneous or service-relevant co-optimization under constraints of thickness, density, processability, aging, humidity, corrosive media, regeneration, toxicity, economic feasibility and scalable fabrication. The review concludes with design rules and reporting recommendations intended to help move the field from impressive property demonstrations toward application-ready hybrid material systems. Full article

A 700 m pilot-scale cast iron pipeline reactor was operated for 120 days to investigate corrosion-stage evolution under reclaimed-water conveyance conditions. Sampling points were arranged at 50, 250, 450, and 650 m, and water-quality monitoring, coupon weight-loss tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing were combined to characterize corrosion-rate variation, corrosion-product morphology, and microbial community succession. During transport, NH₄⁺ generally decreased while NO₃⁻ increased, indicating nitrification-related nitrogen transformation under aerobic conditions; meanwhile, PO₄³⁻ declined and DOC fluctuated, reflecting coupled physicochemical and biological processes. SEM observations showed a transition from loose porous deposits to relatively compact layered corrosion products, followed by local deterioration and renewed porous structures in the later period. The corrosion rate followed an increase–decrease–re-increase pattern rather than a monotonic trend. Therefore, corrosion acceleration (CA = dc/dt) was introduced as an auxiliary diagnostic indicator to identify whether corrosion activity was increasing, decreasing, or temporarily stabilizing. Microbial community analysis showed stage-associated variation in biofilm and nitrogen-transformation-related taxa, supporting the interpretation that corrosion evolution was jointly affected by water-quality change, corrosion-product development, and microbial succession. Overall, the combined interpretation of corrosion rate, CA, water quality, SEM morphology, and microbial succession provides a more informative basis for diagnosing corrosion-stage transitions in reclaimed-water cast iron pipelines. From a sustainability perspective, this diagnostic framework can support long-term operation, maintenance planning, and risk monitoring of urban reclaimed-water distribution infrastructure, thereby improving pipeline durability, reducing leakage and maintenance risks, and enhancing the reliability of reclaimed-water reuse systems. Full article

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites provide an effective strengthening solution for timber members because of their high tensile capacity, low self-weight, corrosion resistance, and practical applicability in rehabilitation works. Although FRP strengthening of timber beams has been widely investigated, most available experimental evidence concerns softwood and glued-laminated systems, whereas comparatively limited data are available for dense tropical hardwoods used in marine and waterfront infrastructure. This study investigates the flexural behavior of Azobé (Lophira alata) hardwood beams strengthened with externally bonded carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates. The main contribution of this work is the application of externally bonded FRP strengthening to Azobé timber members intended for marina pontoon and related waterfront applications, where structural upgrading may be required to accommodate increased service loads. Mechanical characterization of the timber was first conducted through compression and tensile tests. Subsequently, nine beams were tested under three-point bending, including three un-strengthened reference beams, three GFRP-strengthened beams, and three CFRP-strengthened beams. The average ultimate load increased from 26.92 kN for the reference beams to 35.59 kN and 39.85 kN for the GFRP- and CFRP-strengthened beams, respectively. Statistical indicators, including standard deviation, coefficient of variation, standard error, confidence intervals, and two-sample t-tests, were included to account for the limited number of specimens and the natural variability of timber. CFRP exhibited the highest mean response within the present test series; however, the difference between the CFRP- and GFRP-strengthened beams is interpreted as an indicative experimental trend rather than a general statistical conclusion. No visible premature de-bonding was observed, and the strengthened specimens failed mainly by FRP rupture, suggesting bond engagement under the tested configuration. Nevertheless, bond behavior was not directly quantified using strain, slip, or interfacial measurements. The experimental results were also compared with analytical predictions based on the Italian guideline CNR-DT 201/2005 and with a simplified section-level interpretation. Overall, the findings indicate that externally bonded FRP laminates can provide a practical upgrading solution for existing Azobé timber members in marina pontoon and waterfront structures, while larger experimental series and direct bond/strain measurements are required for broader validation. Full article

Magnesium alloys offer low density, high strength, excellent heat dissipation, and good electrical conductivity, benefiting automotive and aerospace sectors. However, magnesium and its alloys are highly susceptible to corrosion, which severely limits their practical use. In this study, the hydrothermal deposition of graphene oxide (GO) and layered double hydroxides (LDHs) was achieved on the surface of an anodized magnesium alloy, forming a GO/LDH coating. The effects of pH and various anionic corrosion inhibitors on the corrosion resistance of the GO/LDH coating were subsequently investigated. The results show that the GO/LDH coating prepared at pH 10.8 exhibits the best corrosion resistance, which is generally associated with a greater coating thickness, with its nanosheets growing in a wavy manner in all directions. This coating also shows higher crystal transparency and a denser layered structure. Based on this, anionic corrosion inhibitors including molybdate, vanadate, and tungstate were incorporated into the GO/LDH coating. Electrochemical impedance (EIS) analysis subsequently revealed that the GO/LDH–molybdate coating exhibited the highest |Z|_{0.01 HZ}, reaching ~10^5.5 Ω cm², indicating its excellent corrosion resistance. This approach offers a novel and effective route to significantly improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys via synergistic coating design. Full article

This study investigates the electrical properties of gold mine tailings from the Soweto mining region to assess their potential as a low-cost and sustainable backfill material for grounding systems. Samples were collected from historical mine dumps, oven-dried at 70 °C for 24 h to determine dry density and baseline moisture content, and reconstituted to controlled moisture levels of 5–25% by mass. Bulk electrical resistivity was measured using the Wenner four-electrode method in accordance with ASTM G57-06. The results reveal a strong inverse correlation between moisture content and resistivity. At low moisture content (≈5%), resistivity exceeded measurable limits, indicating poor ionic conduction, whereas increasing moisture content led to a substantial reduction in resistivity, reaching an average value of approximately 10 Ω at 25% moisture due to improved pore water continuity and ionic mobility. These findings demonstrate that moisture-conditioned gold mine tailings can achieve electrical performance comparable to that of conventional grounding enhancement materials while offering notable economic and environmental benefits. Owing to their local availability and waste re-utilisation potential, the tailings present a technically feasible and environmentally responsible solution for improving earthing performance in high-resistivity soils. Further work should examine long-term field performance, corrosion effects, and leaching behaviour. Full article

Microbially induced corrosion is a common problem in the petroleum industry. In this study, weight loss and surface analysis of grade 20 carbon steel corrosion witness samples were used to evaluate biocorrosion in produced fluids from different wells (Romashkino oilfield, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia). The structure of the resulting microbial communities in the systems with high corrosion indicators was elucidated. The addition of acetate/lactate, yeast extract, and sulfate was found to promote the growth of individual microorganisms in the designed systems and to increase the corrosion rate in several samples (to an average of 0.12 mm year⁻¹). The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that water from different wells from the Romashkino oilfield had distinct microbial compositions. The main genera in the analyzed waters were Oleidesulfovibrio, Halanaerobium, Proteiniphilum, Acetobacterium, Fusibacter, and Methanocrinis, but their relative abundances depended on the water itself and the type of stimulation. Acetogenic bacteria of the genera Fusibacter, Proteiniphilum, Acetobacterium, and acetoclastic methanogenic archaea Methanocrinis became dominant in the microbial community structure in the acetate-enriched systems in water from one of the studied wells. Electron donors, generated by various bacteria and artificially introduced ones, facilitated active dissimilatory sulfate reduction by Oleidesulfovibrio, Desulfotignum, Desulfocurvus, and Pseudodesulfovibrio in water from another production well. The obtained results are important for identifying the causes of premature failures of oilfield equipment, particularly in areas where microbial enhanced oil recovery is used. Full article

Corrosion of pipelines by flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater compromises the normal operation of the desulfurization tower, and corrosion under high-chloride conditions in particular severely damages the tower’s internal structure. To further elucidate the corrosion mechanism at elevated Cl⁻ concentrations, the corrosion behavior of 20 steel exposed to high-chloride FGD wastewater at different Cl⁻ concentrations was investigated through weight-loss measurements, electrochemical tests, immersion corrosion experiments, composition analysis, and microscopic morphology characterization. The results revealed that higher Cl⁻ concentrations corresponded to lower corrosion rates: the corrosion rate reached 0.1964 mm/y in the absence of Cl⁻, but decreased to 0.1537 mm/y at a Cl⁻ concentration of 100,000 mg/L. XPS analysis showed that as the Cl⁻ concentration increased, the corrosion film gradually transformed from porous FeOOH into dense Fe₃O₄. Localized pitting analysis indicated a positive correlation between Cl⁻ concentration and pitting susceptibility. At Cl⁻ concentrations of 0 and 100,000 mg/L, the corrosion current density decreased from 32.44 μA/cm² to 6.43 μA/cm² after 72 h, decreasing by a factor of approximately 5.05. This behavior is attributed to the fact that Cl⁻ increases solution conductivity in high-chloride environments, thereby promoting the formation rate of the corrosion film. Additionally, high Cl⁻ levels reduce dissolved oxygen in the solution, causing the corrosion film to progressively react and form denser Fe₃O₄. Nevertheless, the high penetrability of Cl⁻ continues to aggravate pitting corrosion of 20 steel. Full article

Carbon steel pickled with hydrochloric acid can suffer from considerable dissolution, greater acid consumption, and poor surface quality. This research assessed the effectiveness of a commercially available corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel pickled under industrially representative conditions (13.2 wt.% (weight percent) HCl (hydrochloric acid), 28 g·L⁻¹ dissolved iron, 80–85 °C, and brief periods of contact with pickling solution at 32, 56, and 113 s). Mass loss and inhibitor efficiency (IE) were determined through gravimetric analysis under dynamic pickling conditions using varying concentrations of inhibitor and duration of contact. The results indicate that the extent of mass loss decreases considerably with increasing inhibitor concentration. The optimal concentration was found to be 0.6 g·L⁻¹, giving an inhibitor efficiency greater than 90% under preliminary screening conditions and 70–79% under industrially relevant conditions, with further increases in inhibitor concentration providing little additional protection, suggesting nearly complete surface coverage. Observations of the surface showed better pickling uniformity and brilliance. The optimal inhibitor concentration resulted in reductions of 21% in inhibitor usage and over 27% in acid regeneration compared to a non-optimized inhibitor dosage. Full article

This study systematically investigates the effect of solution treatment on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of duplex stainless steel SAF2507 fabricated by direct hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The HIP specimens were solution treated at 1080 °C for 1 h, followed by comprehensive characterization using SEM, EDS, EBSD, XRD, XPS, and electrochemical testing in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Results indicate that solution treatment effectively dissolved intermetallic precipitates, promoted a more uniform distribution of ferrite and austenite phases, and reduced microstructural heterogeneity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization tests showed that the treated samples exhibited a wider passive region and higher charge transfer resistance, indicating enhanced passivation behavior. XPS analysis further revealed an increased proportion of Cr₂O₃ and O²⁻ and decreased ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{\mathrm{hy}}^{3+}$ and H₂O content in the passive film, suggesting improved compactness and chemical stability. Surface morphology analysis confirmed a significant reduction in pitting corrosion after treatment. These findings demonstrate that solution treatment is an effective post-processing method to enhance the corrosion resistance of HIP-fabricated SAF2507 duplex stainless steel. Full article