Search Results (321)

Aiming to contribute to environmental remediation strategies, this work proposes a novel fabrication of photoelectrocatalytic electrodes containing a BiOI coating deposited onto non-conductive glass (NCG) for CO₂ conversion applications. When BiOI electrodes are not deposited onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) or indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive supports, the electrochemical measurements enable the registration of the (photo)electrochemical response for bare BiOI, thereby excluding remnant signals from the conductive supports and reporting an exclusive and proper photoelectrocatalytic BiOI response. A systematic procedure was carried out to improve the physicochemical properties of BiOI through a simple variation in the amount of reagents employed in a solvothermal synthesis, thus increasing the crystallite size and surface area of the resulting material (BiOI-X3-20wt.%). The tailored BiOI coating on a non-conductive support showed activity in performing CO₂ photoelectroreduction under UV–Vis irradiation in aqueous media. Finally, the BiOI-X3-20wt.% sample was evaluated for photocatalytic CO₂ conversion in gaseous media, producing CO as the primary reaction product. This study confirms that BiOI is a suitable and easily synthesized material, with potential applications for CO₂ capture and conversion when employed as a photoactive coating for environmental remediation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models more accurately simulate the in vivo tissue environments as compared to conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures. Among these, spheroid cultures are particularly valuable for pharmaceutical research, as they allow for the study of tumor growth, drug responses, and cell–cell interactions in a physiologically relevant manner. Superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) have shown a promise in enhancing spheroid formation by reducing cell–substrate adhesion and promoting cell–cell aggregation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two different SHS coatings (SHS1: fluorinated; SHS2: silicone-based) in generating co-culture spheroids composed of non-tumoral fibroblasts (3T3) and tumoral epidermoid carcinoma cells (A431), thereby mimicking aspects of the tumor microenvironment. Methods: Co-cultures of 3T3 and A431 cells were seeded at varying ratios onto SHS1 and SHS2 substrates to assess their ability to support 3D spheroid formation. Spheroids were characterized by measurements of circularity and size distribution, viability through live/dead staining, and surface topography using 3D profilometry. Results: Spheroid formation was significantly influenced by both the surface properties and the fibroblast-to-carcinoma cell ratio. The fluorinated SHS1 surface facilitated superior cell viability and promoted the formation of well-rounded, uniform spheroids. In contrast, the silicone-based SHS2 surface resulted in less defined spheroidal structures and lower overall viability. Profilometry confirmed more consistent and compact 3D architectures on SHS1. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that SHS1, a fluorinated superhydrophobic coating, is more effective than SHS2 in supporting the formation of viable and structurally coherent 3D co-culture spheroids. These findings underscore the potential of SHS1 as a low-cost, tunable platform for developing in vitro cancer models and advancing the study of tumor–stroma interactions. Full article

Anti-icing glass is particularly important for applications where ice formation can pose safety risks or impair functionality. The challenge of anti-icing modification for glass lies in maintaining water repellency while addressing the issue of transparency and durability. In this work, leveraging the robustness and wear resistance of inorganic/organic composite materials, a highly transparent coating, with strong adhesive properties to glass substrates and repellency to liquids has been developed. Briefly, 3-glycidoxypropyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (GPOSS) is employed as a precursor to fabricate a high-strength, high-transparency coating through modification with acrylic acid and perfluorooctyl acrylate. The inorganic component imparts strength and wear resistance to the coating, while the organic component provides hydrophobic and near oleophobic features. Furthermore, a custom-built mechanical test instrument evaluated the absolute value of the de-icing shear force. The results reveal that at −20 °C, the fluorinated modified coating only exhibit a minimum de-icing pressure of 40.3 kPa, which is 75% lower than the unmodified glass substrate. As-prepared coating exhibits a transmittance of up to 99% and can endure a high-pressure water impact of 30 kPa for 1 min without cracking. Compared to existing anti-icing coating methods, the core innovation of the fluorinated GPOSS-based coating developed in this study lies in its inorganic/organic composite structure, which simultaneously achieves high transparency, mechanical durability, and enhanced anti-icing performance. Full article

In this study, a preparation method of superhydrophobic composite coating based on a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) substrate is proposed. The micro-scale pit array structure was fabricated via laser etching technology. Utilizing the synergistic effects of epoxy resin (EP), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and fluorinated nanosilica (F-SiO₂), we successfully prepared an EP@PDMS@F-SiO₂ composite coating. The effects of the contents of EP, PDMS, and F-SiO₂ on the surface wettability, mechanical stability, and UV durability were studied by optimizing the coating ratio through orthogonal experiments. The results show that the micro–nano composite structure formed by laser etching can effectively fix the coating particles and provide excellent superhydrophobicity on the surface. The coating retains high hydrophobicity after paper abrasion (1000 cm under a 200 g load), demonstrating the mechanical stability of the armor-like structure, High-content F-SiO₂ coatings exhibit greater UV durability. In addition, the coating surface has low droplet adhesion and self-cleaning capabilities for efficient contaminant removal. The research provides theoretical and technical support for the design and engineering application of a non-fluorinated, environmentally friendly superhydrophobic coating. Full article

To mitigate the serious environmental impact caused by the persistent accumulation of plastics, replacing conventional plastics with paper-based alternatives has emerged as a promising trend. In response to the environmental and health concerns associated with petrochemical-based plastic meal boxes and fluorinated water- and oil-repellent agents, this study proposes a sustainable, fluorine-free coating technology based on chitosan to enhance the water and oil resistance of molded-paper pulp meal boxes. By adjusting the degree of deacetylation and the solution concentration of chitosan, coated meal boxes were fabricated via a spraying method. The results demonstrate that coatings prepared with highly deacetylated (>95%) and concentrated (4% w/v) chitosan significantly improve barrier properties, achieving a water contact angle of 114.9° ± 3°, the highest oil-resistance rating (12/12) according to TAPPI standards, and stable resistance to 95 °C hot oil for up to 30 min without leakage. In addition, the coated samples exhibit enhanced mechanical strength (21.26 MPa) and excellent biodegradability. This work provides a cost-efficient and eco-friendly disposable food packaging solution, facilitating the sustainable substitution of petrochemical-based plastics. Full article

Plasma electrolytic fluorination (PEF) of AZ31 magnesium alloy was carried out by adding different ratios of water to the ethylene glycol-ammonium fluoride electrolyte. The structural composition of the coatings was characterized using SEM, XRD, and EDS, and the effects of water content on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of the PEF coatings were analyzed. The results showed that the addition of water promoted the ionization of ammonium fluoride and increased the conductivity of the glycol electrolyte, which led to a decrease in the termination voltage. However, the coating thickness was not changed by the addition of water. The O element in water was not enough to compete with the F element in the electrolyte and had a small effect on the PEF coating composition, which was still dominated by MgF₂. The addition of water had an effect on the structure of the coating: with an increase in water content, the number of coating penetration holes decreases, and the continuity is enhanced. The pores on the surface of the coating tended to be levelled off and transitioned to the typical coating structure of PEO (plasma electrolytic oxidation). The addition of water to the glycol electrolyte was conducive to improving the corrosion resistance of the coatings. The corrosion resistance of PEF coatings in neutral NaCl corrosive medium firstly increased and then decreased, and the strongest corrosion resistance was obtained when the ratio of glycol and water is 6:4. Full article

The inherent flammability and hydrophilicity of nylon/cotton (NC) blend fabrics limit their practical applications. Traditional hydrophobic treatments often involve fluorinated compounds or nanomaterials, which raise environmental concerns and exhibit poor durability. To address these issues, this study developed a sustainable multifunctional finishing strategy. Initially, the nylon/cotton blended fabric was pretreated with 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxy silane (GPTMS). An intumescent flame retardant coating based on bio-derived phytic acid (PA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) was constructed on NC fabrics via a layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly process. Subsequently, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was grafted to reduce surface energy, imparting synergistic flame retardancy and superhydrophobicity. The treated fabric (C-3) showed excellent flame retardant and self-extinguishing behavior, with no afterflame or afterglow during vertical burning and a char length of only 35 mm. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a residual char rate of 43.9%, far exceeding that of untreated fabric (8.6%). After PDMS modification, the fabric reached a water contact angle of 157.8°, indicating superior superhydrophobic and self-cleaning properties. Durability tests showed that the fabric maintained its flame retardancy (no afterflame or afterglow) and superhydrophobicity (WCA > 150°) after 360 cm of abrasion and five laundering cycles. This fluorine-free, nanoparticle-free, and environmentally friendly approach offers a promising route for developing multifunctional NC fabrics for applications in firefighting clothing and self-cleaning textiles. Full article

The widespread phase-out of long-chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has created an urgent need for durable, fluorine-free water-repellent finishes that match the performance of legacy chemistries while minimising environmental impact. Here, the performance of an eco-friendly hybrid organic–inorganic treatment obtained by the in situ hydrolysis–condensation of triethoxy(octyl)silane (OS) in an amino-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (APT-PDMS) aqueous dispersion was investigated. The sol was applied to plain-weave cotton and polyester by a pad-dry-cure process and benchmarked against a commercial fluorinated finish. Morphology and chemistry were characterised by SEM–EDS, ATR-FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy; wettability was assessed by static contact angle, ISO 4920 spray ratings, and AATCC 193 water/alcohol repellence; and durability, handle, and breathability were evaluated through repeated laundering, bending stiffness, and water-vapour transmission rate measurements. The silica/PDMS coating formed a uniform, strongly adherent nanostructured layer conferring static contact angles of 130° on cotton and 145° on polyester. After five ISO 105-C10 wash cycles, the treated fabrics still displayed a spray rating of 5/5 and AATCC 193 grade 7, outperforming or equalling the fluorinated control, while causing ≤5% loss of water-vapour permeability and only a marginal increase in bending stiffness. These results demonstrate that the proposed one-step, water-borne sol–gel process affords a sustainable, industrially scalable route to high-performance, durable, water-repellent finishes for both natural and synthetic textiles, offering a viable alternative to PFAS-based chemistry for outdoor apparel and technical applications. Full article

Dew collection is one of the most efficient water harvesting methods. In this work, we experimentally investigated the effects of modified nanostructured surfaces on water harvesting performance. Aluminum surfaces exhibiting hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, hydrophilic, and biphilic properties were utilized in this study. The superhydrophobic surface was fabricated using a fluorinated modified silica nanoparticles coating, while nanolaser processing and the surface abrasion with sandpapers were employed to create two distinct hydrophilic structures. In addition, various biphilic surface patterns, incorporating both superhydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics, were also fabricated. The nanolaser-treated surface demonstrated the highest water harvesting performance, achieving a water collection of 386.7 mL/m². This performance represented a 42% increase compared to unpolished sample and a 282% increase relative to the superhydrophobic sample. Furthermore, the results indicated that the optimal biphilic surface pattern occurred at a 1:4 superhydrophobic-to-hydrophilic area ratio. The experimental outcomes were further interpreted through the mechanisms underlying water harvesting. Additionally, the experimental results were explained with the water harvesting mechanism. Full article

Cancer remains a leading global cause of mortality, highlighting the critical need for effective early diagnosis. Despite advancements in treatment, early detection and imaging continue to pose significant challenges. Functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials due to their unique structural properties and versatile functionalization strategies. This review explores the role of both covalent (e.g., fluorination, hydrogenation, cycloadditions, aryldiazonium salt reduction, organometallic ion attachment, carboxylation, amidation, esterification, and metallic nanoparticle attachments) and non-covalent functionalization methods (e.g., surfactant coating, polymer wrapping, biomolecule attachment, and polymer encapsulation) in enhancing CNT biocompatibility and diagnostic efficiency. Functionalized CNTs are extensively applied in cancer detection through highly sensitive biosensors, including electrochemical, optical, and field-effect transistor-based systems, capable of detecting various cancer biomarkers with exceptional sensitivity. Additionally, they offer significant advantages in cancer imaging modalities such as fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound imaging, improving contrast, resolution, and specificity. This review also discusses the challenges and future directions in the development of CNT-based diagnostic platforms, emphasizing the need for continued research to advance their clinical translation and integration into routine cancer diagnostics. Full article

Thin films of bismuth(III) sulfide (Bi₂S₃) on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass slides were successfully formed by the chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. In this work, a new sulfur precursor L-cysteine was used instead of the typical sulfur precursors, such as urea, thiosulfate, or thioacetamide, used for the formation of the Bi₂S₃ films by the CBD method. The synthesized Bi₂S₃ thin film on the FTO substrate was subjected to characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and UV–Visible spectroscopy analysis. An X-ray diffraction analysis showed that, initially, Bi₂S₃ films of an amorphous structure with elemental sulfur impurities were formed on the FTO surface. During the annealing of the samples, amorphous Bi₂S₃ was transformed into its crystalline phase with an average crystallite size of about 22.06 nm. The EDS studies confirmed that some of the sulfur that was not part of the Bi₂S₃ was removed from the films during annealing. The influence of the morphology of Bi₂S₃ films on their optical properties was confirmed by studies in the UV-visible range. Full article

This study comprehensively examines the barrier properties, aging behavior, and failure mechanisms of Parylene F-VT4 films, applied at four distinct thicknesses (0.3 µm, 0.6 µm, 0.9 µm, and 1.2 µm), as encapsulation layers for implantable medical devices. Parylene F-VT4, a fluorinated polymer known for its mechanical flexibility, thermal stability, and chemical inertness, is a promising candidate for long-term hermetic encapsulation. Parylene F-VT4 was uniformly deposited via a dedicated chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process typically used for Parylene depositions. The investigation of the Parylene F-VT4 films included pinhole density characterization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and testing of coating lifetime based on the resistance of Cu meanders protected by Parylene F-VT4 when immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) under accelerated aging conditions (PBS at 60 °C) over 550 days. The EIS results demonstrated that thicker coatings (1.2 µm) exhibited excellent barrier properties and resistance to electrolyte penetration, whereas thinner coatings (0.3 µm and 0.6 µm) showed more rapid degradation due to microvoids and pinholes. The temporal evaluation of EIS spectra highlighted the gradual decrease in impedance magnitude, indicating the ingress of ions and water into the coating. The lifetime in PBS at 60 °C was determined by resistance-based lifetime measurements on Cu meander structures coated with Parylene F-VT4 coatings. The lifetime at 37 °C was calculated, assuming an acceleration factor of 2 per 10 °C increase in temperature, yielding lifetimes of approximately 25 days, 6.4 months, 2.3 years, and 4.5 years for 0.3 µm, 0.6 µm, 0.9 µm, and 1.2 µm coatings, respectively. These findings highlight the critical relationship between thickness and durability, providing valuable insights into the long-term performance of thin Parylene F-VT4 films for implantable devices. Full article

Both tungsten trioxide (WO₃) nanosheet arrays and tungsten trioxide/zinc oxide (WO₃/ZnO) nanocomposites were grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass slides using a hydrothermal method to develop a visible-light-driven photocatalyst with easy reusability. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) observations confirmed the formation of irregular oxide nanosheet arrays on the FTO surfaces. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the presence of hexagonal WO₃ and wurtzite ZnO crystal phases. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed that integrating ZnO nanostructures with WO₃ nanosheets resulted in a blue shift of the absorption edge and a reduced absorption capacity in the visible-light region. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicated that the WO 0.5/ZnO 2.0 sample exhibited the lowest electron-hole recombination rate among the WO₃/ZnO nanocomposite sample. Photocatalytic degradation tests demonstrated that all WO₃/ZnO nanocomposite samples had higher photodegradation rates for a 10 ppm methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution under visible-light irradiation compared to pristine WO₃ nanosheet arrays. Among them, the WO 0.5/ZnO 2.0 sample showed the highest photocatalytic efficiency. Furthermore, it exhibited excellent recyclability and high photodegradation stability over three cycles. Full article

Traditional marine antifouling coatings function through releasing toxic antifouling agents, causing serious harm to marine ecosystems. To address this challenge, an eco-friendly fluoro-silicon-modified polythiourethane (FSi-PTU) coating has been prepared via a polymerization reaction with dihydroxy propyl silicone oil (HO-PDMS-OH), 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorohexanol (FTOH), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), and pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-mercaptopropionate) (PETMP). The FSi-PTU polymer incorporates siloxane segments and fluorinated side chains, which are inhomogeneously distributed on the coating surface and construct a hydrophobic surface. The FSi-PTU coating exhibits good hydrophobicity, strong adhesion (≥2.14 MPa), and improved mechanical properties. The antifouling properties of the FSi-PTU coating have been researched. The results of laboratory tests demonstrate that the FSi-PTU coating exhibits excellent anti-protein adsorption and anti-algal attachment performance. The FSi-PTU-2 coating shows certain antifouling properties in the actual seawater test for three months. The results provide a certain reference value for developing eco-friendly marine antifouling coatings. Full article

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) are important materials used in interior architectural decorations and landscape construction products. Enhancing the cutting performance of WPCs is of great significance for improving both production efficiency and product quality in factories. This study aims to elucidate the impact of fluorine nano-coating technology on the cutting performance of cemented carbide tools during the milling of WPCs. The main results are given as follows. The cutting force and surface roughness showed similar trends with the varied parameters; both increased with increasing cutting depth and decreased with increasing cutting speed. The fluorine nano-coating technology exerts a positive influence on the cutting performance in terms of lower cutting forces and surface roughness. Meanwhile, based on the analysis of variance results, the experimental factors of cutting speed, depth, and surface treatment had a significant contribution to both cutting force and surface roughness, and cutting depth had the greatest impact on cutting force and surface roughness, followed by cutting speed and tool surface treatment. In general, the cutting performance of WPCs can be improved by higher cutting speed and lower depth, with the tool surface treated with fluorine nano-coating. Full article