Search Results (517)

To elucidate the scale-dependent response and interfacial evolution of liquid capillary rise in glass capillaries under an electric field, capillaries with different inner diameters were used as model channels. The equilibrium capillary-rise behavior of NaCl solutions without an electric field was investigated, and the coupled effects of capillary diameter, temperature, and concentration were analyzed using response surface methodology. The additional rise of the liquid column under a direct-current electric field was examined, and the interfacial evolution mechanism was explored through meniscus visualization. The results show that, without an electric field, the equilibrium capillary height is governed mainly by capillary inner diameter, followed by temperature, whereas concentration has a relatively weak effect. The developed quadratic regression model shows high fitting accuracy. Under the applied electric field, the electrocapillary response exhibits clear scale selectivity. No significant additional rise was observed in the 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm capillaries, whereas the liquid-column height increased markedly in the 0.5 mm capillary. At 30 °C and 0.75 kV, the additional rise reached 8.2 mm, corresponding to a relative increase of 15.30%. The enhancement at 0.75 kV was stronger than that at 1.5 kV, indicating a non-monotonic voltage response. Meniscus experiments further show that 0.32% NaCl and 5% ethanol solutions respond more evidently to the electric field, with stronger interfacial restructuring for NaCl solution at 0.75 kV. These results indicate that the electric field modifies capillary pressure by altering the force balance near the three-phase contact region and the meniscus curvature, thereby inducing additional liquid-column rise. Full article

The structure, functionality, nutritional value, and sensory properties of food are significantly influenced by interactions between proteins and carbohydrates. These interactions occur through hydrogen bonding, electrostatic forces, hydrophobic interactions, and, in many cases, the covalent attachment of sugars to proteins via the Maillard reaction. High starch content in food matrices promotes interactions between proteins and starch components such as amylose and amylopectin, affecting gelation, retrogradation, and thickening. These interactions improve shelf stability and product quality. Additionally, protein–carbohydrate interactions regulate nutrient digestibility and glycemic response, playing a crucial role in the development of functional foods for diabetes and weight management. In silico studies have demonstrated that dietary fibers like pectin and cellulose can improve water retention and textural properties in processed meat products. Furthermore, processing techniques such as enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, pulsed electric fields (PEF), and low-temperature drying have been found to improve the functional properties and shelf life of food products. This review synthesizes recent findings on protein–carbohydrate interactions and highlights their potential in creating healthier, more appealing, and sustainable foods that align with modern consumer preferences. Full article

We investigate the formation of surface periodic structures during ablation of a 20 nm aluminum film on a glass substrate by high-power terahertz pulses. Using subpicosecond pulses in the 0.5–3 THz range with a field strength of 15 MV/cm (fluence 0.3 J/cm²) generated in a DSTMS crystal pumped by a femtosecond Cr:Forsterite laser, we observe discrete growth of cone-shaped damage channels with a period of 20 µm at an energy density below the single pulse ablation threshold ($F_a\approx 0.15$ J/cm²). The channel length increases from pulse to pulse (for 8, 20, and 100 pulses) due to local current density enhancement at the channel tip. This enhancement scales inversely with the square root of the tip radius and reaches an order of magnitude. Surface morphology analysis reveals a thermomechanical mechanism governing film destruction. The observed self-organized periodic structures, whose orientation is strictly perpendicular to the THz electric field, hold promise for functional devices in the terahertz band, such as polarizers, near-field sensors, and spatially selective absorbers, provided the formation process can be regulated. Full article

Lead sulfide quantum dots (PbS QDs), as a functional-layer coating, enable non-volatile integration and neuromorphic computing in memristive structures to address the von Neumann bottleneck. Herein, the dual-interface mechanism of PbS QDs in the memristor film structure is reviewed. First, the local electric field enhancement effect generates tip electrode-like structures in the coating film through QD-mediated spatial charge gradients, thereby enabling precise control over the nucleation and growth of conductive filaments (CFs). As a result, the consistency of switching voltages and the thermal stability at elevated temperatures are significantly improved. Conversely, the anion reservoir effect exploits surface dangling bonds on QDs to efficiently capture anions from the dielectric layer, thereby synergistically regulating vacancy migration kinetics. This process enables zero-initialization behavior and ultra-low-power operation. In addition, the spatial distribution design and density modulation of QDs further reinforce both mechanisms. The structural optimization of QD/dielectric interface engineering can simultaneously improve cycling endurance and resistive switching uniformity. Furthermore, modification of QD surface chemistry through ligand decoration and passivation suppresses the stochasticity of ionic diffusion while improving the linearity of synaptic weight updates. This interfacial engineering strategy utilizing QDs as coating films advances the development of high-performance photonic–electronic systems for memory–computing convergence. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for more effective therapeutic strategies. Despite substantial advances in conventional biomaterials, their limited ability to support functional integration and dynamically interact with the biological microenvironment continues to hinder therapeutic outcomes. Native cardiovascular tissues rely on tightly regulated bioelectrical signaling to coordinate cellular communication, tissue homeostasis, and functional repair. Consequently, recreating these bioelectrical cues has emerged as a key design principle in cardiovascular tissue engineering. Electroactive biomaterials have gained increasing attention as a promising platform to address this challenge by enabling electrical modulation of cellular behavior and tissue function. In this review, we summarize the intrinsic bioelectrical properties of cardiovascular tissues and discuss the roles of electrical stimulation in regulating disease-relevant cellular responses. We further highlight recent advances in the development of conductive, piezoelectric, and other electroactive biomaterials for cardiovascular tissue engineering applications. Finally, we critically discuss the major challenges and future opportunities in the field, including tissue-specific responses, stimulation parameter optimization, long-term safety, and clinical translation. Collectively, electroactive biomaterials represent a promising and rapidly evolving frontier for the development of dynamic, responsive, and next-generation therapies for cardiovascular diseases. Full article

This paper presents the design, implementation, and experimental validation of a portable photovoltaic charging station with IoT-based monitoring for autonomous low-power applications. The system integrates a 120 W photovoltaic module, LiFePO₄ battery storage, MPPT regulation, DC/AC conversion, and an ESP32-S3-based acquisition unit connected to a cloud platform for real-time telemetry. Electrical and environmental variables were recorded to evaluate energy balance, conversion losses, State of Charge evolution, and load compatibility under different seasonal operating conditions. Field tests showed that under high-irradiance summer conditions, the prototype supplied multiple laptop loads for approximately 4.5 h with stable operation. In contrast, winter trials revealed a structural energy deficit equivalent to 120% of the initial 24 Ah storage capacity, mainly due to reduced irradiance and cumulative conversion losses ranging from 15% to 25%. Based on the experimental data and deterministic energy-balance modelling, an optimized configuration using a 100 Ah LiFePO₄ battery bank and MPPT regulation was assessed through deterministic energy-balance modelling, thus reducing the required State of Charge to 28.8% under the analyzed operating profile. The results demonstrate the feasibility of a low-cost, IoT-enabled photovoltaic platform for renewable energy harvesting, autonomous power supply, and real-time performance assessment. Full article

To alleviate the trade-off between high-speed responses and RF output capability in modified uni-traveling-carrier photodiodes (MUTC-PDs), an MUTC-PD incorporating an electric-field regulation layer (EFRL-MUTC-PD) is proposed. A 20 nm EFRL is inserted between the PD’s collector layer and its cliff layer to tailor the electric-field distribution in the collector layer, thereby enabling electron transport near the peak drift velocity under high-photocurrent operation. Simulation results indicate that the optimal doping concentration of the EFRL is $1\times {10}^{16}$ cm⁻³. For an 8 µm diameter device operated at a bias voltage of −4 V and a photocurrent of 15 mA, the simulation predicts a 3 dB bandwidth of 130 GHz and a transit-time-limited bandwidth of 162 GHz, corresponding to a 9.3% improvement in the simulated 3 dB bandwidth compared with a conventional MUTC-PD. In addition, the simulated RF output power reaches 11.54 dBm at 130 GHz under the adopted simulation assumptions. Full article

Hysteresis is normally unavoidable in hydrogels under complex external loading conditions due to the intermolecular friction, which usually leads to fatigue. Here, we fabricate a sarcomere-inspired double-network hydrogel made from polyacrylamide, alginate and phytic acid, whose hysteresis can be effectively regulated by preloading. Particularly, due to the synergy of micellization, fibrillation and micro-lubrication, the as-prepared hydrogel displays an ultralow hysteresis (≤0.02%) after it experiences a pre-tensile process at a specific amplitude and strain rate, or even possesses negative hysteresis in the case of low tensile amplitudes or high strain rates. Interestingly, smart responses of the developed hydrogel to cyclic tensile loadingare similar to the mechanical behaviors of sarcomeres in vivo. Likewise, the derived hydrogel with ultralow hysteresis performs reliably even at temperatures as low as −20 °C. The ultralow hysteresis presented by the biomimetic hydrogel with ultralow hysteresis makes it suitable for many engineering fields like electrical sensing with superior reliability (the corresponding electrical signal (ΔR/R₀) is stable even after 1000 stretching–unstretching cycles). Moreover, the design strategy of hydrogels with programmable hysteresis provides an innovative methodology for the future development of smart high-performance hydrogels. Full article

In ultra-cold narrow-window drilling, pipe connection causes flow-path switching as the main circulation is interrupted and bypass circulation is established, breaking the initial relative pressure balance of the whole wellbore and inducing asymmetric transient variations in flow distribution, annular friction, and bottomhole pressure response, thereby increasing the risks of wellbore instability, lost circulation, and kicks. To address the poor pressure-control accuracy, long non-productive time, and inadequate low-temperature adaptability of conventional drilling technologies in the Irkutsk block of Russia, this study developed and field-tested an integrated all-electric managed pressure drilling (MPD) and cold-resistant continuous circulation system (CCS). Existing conventional technologies often suffer from high communication latency and hydraulic freezing in extreme cold environments, leading to uncoordinated pressure compensation. To overcome these limitations, the scientific novelty of this work lies in proposing a transient pressure rebalancing mechanism that effectively suppresses the asymmetric pressure disturbances induced by topological flow path switching. Methodologically, the proposed system was validated through a comprehensive industrial field test. An improved Herschel–Bulkley temperature–pressure coupled model was established to dynamically calculate full wellbore annular pressure loss. Furthermore, a dedicated hardware adapter module utilizing multi-protocol conversion was integrated to achieve a communication delay of less than 8 ms, enabling high frequency coordinated pressure regulation. Field results demonstrate that compared to the delayed responses of conventional systems, the proposed integrated approach successfully maintained a dynamic backpressure tracking error within ±0.069 MPa under extreme conditions of −38 °C and a narrow pressure window of 0.08 g/cm³. The rapid suppression of asymmetric transient responses prevented any lost circulation, kicks, or wellbore collapse. These findings highlight the significant advantages of the integrated system in maintaining pressure field stability, thereby providing a robust and innovative engineering solution for complex well interventions. Full article

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-based gels have emerged as a prominent class of functional conductive materials, owing to their unique electromechanical coupling characteristics that integrate electrical functionality and mechanical adaptability. This review systematically elucidates the electromechanical properties of PEDOT-derived gels—defined as the synergistic response of electrical behaviors (conductivity, carrier mobility, electrochemical stability) and mechanical performances (flexibility, stretchability, tensile strength, bending resistance)—under mechanical deformation, as well as their mutual regulatory mechanisms. Focusing on how preparation processes and structural regulation modulate these electromechanical properties, this work first introduces the development history, intrinsic conductive mechanisms, and inherent electromechanical characteristics of PEDOT. It then systematically summarizes mainstream synthesis methods, analyzing their effects on balancing mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity. Addressing the brittleness and poor electromechanical stability of pure PEDOT, this review further explores composite synergistic mechanisms with conductive/non-conductive polymers, metallic materials, inorganic nanoparticles, and biomaterials, clarifying how interfacial interactions optimize mechanical deformability while preserving or enhancing electrical performance. Finally, it summarizes the applications of PEDOT-based composites in electromechanically compatible fields including flexible sensing, micro/nano patterning, implantable biomedicine, anti-corrosion protection, and energy storage. This review aims to clarify the connotation of PEDOT’s electromechanical properties, refine the focus of relevant research, and provide a theoretical basis for designing high-performance PEDOT-based gels with balanced electromechanical properties. Full article

Providing optimal temperatures in greenhouses is essential for cultivating high-temperature-demand crops in winter. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of utilizing a flat plate solar collector (FPC) for heating greenhouses. A field experiment was conducted, complemented by simulations using the PolySun V2023.11 software. The FPC system comprised two collectors, each with an aperture area of 2.24 m², connected to a 300 L hot water tank. The water tank had an internal electric backup heater (2 kW) and a thermostat to regulate the hot water temperature. The experiment consisted of two greenhouses, each with an area of 50 m². The first unheated greenhouse (UHGH) was used as the control, while the second heated greenhouse (HGH) was heated by a closed-loop system comprising copper pipes installed along the internal perimeter. Results revealed that the FPC significantly increased air temperature by 2.7 °C, and reduced relative humidity by 9.7% in the HGH compared to the UHGH. Simulated results showed that the annual generated energy of the FPC was 4830 kWh with a reduction of CO₂ emission by ≈2.9 tones. The average thermal efficiency of the FPC was 44%, with a payback period of 8.5 years. In conclusion, the FPC could protect plants from low temperatures in winter. Full article

The gelation property is one of the core functional characteristics of konjac glucomannan (KGM). KGM mainly forms gels through ionic crosslinking, deacetylation and compounding with other colloids. Exploring novel gelation technologies for the precise regulation of KGM gel properties is the research focus in this field. In this work, an alternating current (AC) electric field was applied to trigger KGM gelation in the presence of calcium chloride (CaCl₂). The structure and viscoelastic properties (including storage modulus G′, loss modulus G″ and loss factor tanδ) of the gels were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy (RS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry/thermo-gravimetric analyzer (DSC/TGA) and rheometer. FTIR and RS revealed that KGM underwent partial degradation and deacetylation under the AC electric field. Calcium ions and chloride ions dissociated from CaCl₂ are adsorbed onto the hydroxyl groups of KGM molecules. KGM molecules constituting the gels still retain partial original acetyl groups. SEM images showed that the gels had a porous structure with a coarse surface. XRD patterns showed the gels contained complex CaCl₂ hydrates. Simultaneous DSC/TGA analysis indicated that the gel with excellent thermal stability exhibited distinct melting endothermic peaks corresponding to CaCl₂ hydrates. Rheological data showed that, apart from KGM concentration, G′ and G″ of the gels gradually increased with the elevation of CaCl₂ concentration, applied voltage and electric treatment duration. However, when CaCl₂ concentrations, voltage, and electric treatment time exceeded their respective critical values, both started to decrease. Taking G′ as the evaluation index, the optimal preparation conditions for KGM-CaCl₂ electrogel were determined as follows: KGM 0.5%, CaCl₂ 1.2%, electric treatment duration 45 min, and voltage 24 V. Full article

Water pollution caused by the continuous emergence of organic contaminants poses increasing challenges to conventional treatment technologies. Although advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on nanoconfined materials show great promise, their practical application remains constrained by short radical lifetimes, mass transfer limitations, and catalyst deactivation. This review systematically summarizes the critical role of nanoconfinement effects in AOPs. Through size exclusion and electrostatic regulation, confined spaces promote reactant enrichment and interference exclusion, while confined mass transfer and capillary-driven effects accelerate reaction kinetics. Particular emphasis is placed on multidimensional nanoconfined systems, ranging from zero-dimensional to three-dimensional structures and catalytic membranes, and on how structural design improves reaction microenvironments and active-site accessibility. The synergistic integration of confined structures with external fields, such as electric fields, is further discussed, highlighting their ability to regulate the electronic structure of active sites and shift reaction pathways from non-selective radical oxidation to efficient and highly selective non-radical routes. By optimizing parameters such as pH and catalyst-to-oxidant ratio, nanoconfined systems can achieve efficient pollutant degradation under near-neutral conditions while maintaining strong anti-interference capability and stability in real water matrices containing natural organic matter and inorganic ions. Full article

The increasing use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as nanoagrochemicals raises important environmental and toxicological considerations of their usage. AgNPs influence soil microbiome functioning, which regulates essential nutrient availability. However, their effects on key chemical soil health indicators remain unclear, with existing studies limited to concentrations ≥10-fold above predicted environmental levels. The aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of AgNPs at a realistic concentration of 10 μg/kg on the principal chemical soil health indicators, including acidity, redox potential, electrical conductivity, contents of NPK, and soil organic carbon (SOC). In addition, dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen (DOC and DON) and water-extractable elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, S, and Si) were also examined. The laboratory experiment was carried out for 3 months on Retisol, Chernozem, and Solonetz. AgNPs stabilised with carboxymethylcellulose (AgNP-CMC) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (AgNP-PVP) were used. AgNP-induced changes exhibited non-monotonic patterns, peaking at 2–3 months of incubation. A statistically significant effect observed across all soils following AgNPs application included only increased water-extractable Fe. In addition, AgNPs increased nitrate content 1.1–1.4-fold in Retisol and Chernozem, while available phosphorus increased 1.4-fold in Solonetz. However, changes were transient, indicating no pronounced long-term impact on soil properties. Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis revealed that chemical soil health indicators and water-extractable elements do not reliably discriminate between control soils and soils amended with AgNPs. Although our study shows that AgNPs had neither markedly negative nor positive effects on chemical soil health indicators or water-extractable element contents, future research should prioritise field trials. Model experiments under optimised microbial activity conditions limit direct extrapolation to field scenarios. Full article

Addressing issues such as corrosion and the eccentric wear of metal tubing strings, low heating efficiency, and high operation and maintenance costs of lifting systems in heavy-oil extraction, core equipment comprising carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) multi-layer composite continuous tubing has been developed. This equipment integrates an embedded cable-laying system and an intelligent regulation module, establishing a rodless oil-extraction technology system suitable for heavy-oil reservoirs. This article systematically describes the process structure, preparation principle, core characteristics, and key parameters of this composite continuous tubing. By deriving an equivalent thermal-resistance model for the multi-layer structure and an unsteady-state heat-transfer equation, precise regulation of the wellbore temperature field is achieved. Combined with field tests at Well A in Jinghe Oilfield, the tubing’s effectiveness in reducing viscosity, increasing production, saving energy, and extending the operational cycle in heavy-oil extraction is verified. The results show that the carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK composite continuous tubing possesses characteristics such as high strength, strong corrosion resistance, low friction, and high thermal insulation. When paired with a viscosity–temperature coupling regulation algorithm, the heating efficiency is improved by 40% compared to traditional electric heating rods. The efficiency ranges from 37% to 43% when the formation thermal conductivity fluctuates by ±20%. Field applications have achieved a 230% increase in daily oil production, a 30% reduction in system energy consumption, and an extension of the hot washing cycle to over 180 days. The development of this tubing breaks through the technical bottleneck of traditional metal tubing, providing a new material solution for the efficient and intelligent development of heavy-oil extraction, and has broad promotional value. Full article