Search Results (357)

The development of anode-free sodium metal batteries (AFSMBs) offers a promising pathway to achieve ultrahigh energy density and cost efficiency inherent to conventional sodium ion/metal batteries. However, irreversible Na plating/stripping and dendritic growth remain critical barriers. Herein, we demonstrate that separator engineering is a pivotal strategy for stabilizing AFSMBs. Through systematic evaluation of four separators—2500 separator (PP), 2325 separator (PP/PE/PP), glass fiber (GF), and an Al₂O₃-coated PE membrane, we reveal that the Al₂O₃-coated separator uniquely enables exceptional interfacial kinetics and morphological control. Na||Na symmetric cells with Al₂O₃ coated separator exhibit ultralow polarization (4.5 mV) and the highest exchange current density (1.77 × 10⁻² mA cm⁻²), while the anode-free AlC-NFPP full cells retain 91.6% capacity after 150 cycles at 2C. Specifically, the Al₂O₃ coating homogenizes Na⁺ flux, promotes dense and planar Na deposition, and facilitates near-complete stripping with minimal “dead Na”. This work establishes ceramic-functionalized separators as essential enablers of practical high-energy AFSMBs. Full article

Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as advanced porous crystalline materials due to their highly ordered structures, ultra-high surface areas, fine-tunable pore sizes, and massive chemical diversity. These features, arising from the coordination between an almost unlimited number of metal ions/clusters and organic linkers, have resulted in significant interest in MOFs for applications in gas storage, catalysis, sensing, energy, and biomedicine. Beyond their stand-alone properties and applications, recent research has increasingly explored the integration of MOFs with other substrates, particularly electrodes, polymeric thin films, and glass surfaces, to create synergistic effects that enhance material performance and broaden application potential. Coating MOFs onto these substrates can yield significant benefits, including, but not limited to, improved sensitivity and selectivity in electrochemical sensors, enhanced mechanical and separation properties in membranes, and multifunctional coatings for optical and environmental applications. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of recent advances (primarily from the past 3–5 years) in MOF coating techniques, including layer-by-layer assembly, in situ growth, and electrochemical deposition. This is followed by a discussion of the representative applications arising from MOF-substrate coating and an outline of key challenges and future directions in this rapidly evolving field. This article aims to serve as a focused reference point for researchers interested in both fundamental strategies and applied developments in MOF surface coatings. Full article

This study investigates the metabolic responses of the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum under different growth conditions, comparing benthic (adherent) and planktonic states. Using a multiblock metabolomics approach combining LC-HRMS², NMR, and GC-MS techniques, we compared the metabolome of P. tricornutum cultivated on three laboratory substrates (glass, polystyrene, and polydimethylsiloxane) and under planktonic conditions. Our results revealed metabolic differences between adherent and planktonic cultures, particularly concerning the lipid and carbohydrate contents. Adherent cultures showed a metabolic profile with an increase in betaine lipids (DGTA/S), fatty acids (tetradecanoic and octadecenoic acids), and sugars (myo-inositol and ribose), suggesting modifications in membrane composition and lipid remodeling, which play a potential role in adhesion. In contrast, planktonic cultures displayed a higher content of cellobiose, specialized metabolites such as dihydroactinidiolide, quinic acid, catechol, and terpenes like phytol, confirming different membrane composition, energy storage capacity, osmoregulation, and stress adaptation. The adaptative strategies do not only concern adherent and planktonic states, but also different adherent culture conditions, with variations in lipid, amino acid, terpene, and carbohydrate contents depending on the physical properties of the support. Our results highlight the importance of metabolic adaptation in adhesion, which could explain the fouling process. Full article

Developing resource-efficient technologies for producing ceramic materials with specific properties and performance characteristics is one of the most important tasks in modern materials science. As natural resources face depletion, the use of anthropogenic wastes, including fly ash from coal combustion, for the development of new compositions and the production of ceramics with an improved microstructure is of particular significance. The use of PM₁₀ fly ash microspheres in ceramic production will help to reduce particulate matter emissions. In this study, fine narrow fractions of PM₁₀ microspheres were successfully separated from coal fly ash using aerodynamic and magnetic separation. Glass–ceramic materials with a homogeneous microstructure, an open porosity of 0.4–37%, a compressive strength of 5–159 MPa, and acid resistance of up to 99.9% were obtained using narrow fractions. The materials obtained are promising for application as highly porous ceramics, effective microfiltration membranes, and fine-structured technical ceramics, which can be used in installations operating in aggressive media and/or at high temperatures. The ceramic membranes were characterised by high liquid permeability values up to 1194 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹·bar⁻¹. Filtration tests showed that the retention coefficient for dispersed microsilica particles with d_av = 1.9 μm is 0.99. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute Fibrinous and Organizing Pneumonia (AFOP) is a rare pulmonary condition histologically characterized by intra-alveolar fibrin deposition and organizing pneumonia without hyaline membranes. This study aims to describe the clinicopathologic and radiologic features of isolated AFOP nodules presenting as solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) mimicking malignancy in patients with recent COVID-19 infection. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive cases of histologically confirmed AFOP (n = 20) and organizing pneumonia (OP; n = 119) presenting radiologically as SPNs suspicious for malignancy from January 2021 to December 2023. Clinical data, COVID-19 status, radiologic features (including nodular characteristics, ground-glass opacity [GGO], and consolidation), and histopathological findings were collected and analyzed. Digital image analysis quantified the intra-alveolar fibrin content. Results: AFOP nodules showed a significant association with previous COVID-19 infection compared to OP (55% vs. 0.8%, p < 0.001). Radiologically, AFOP lesions were predominantly located in the upper lobes, frequently exhibiting a mixed pattern of GGO and consolidation within solitary nodules (8–28 mm diameter), distinctly differing from the predominantly lower-lobe homogeneous consolidations in OP. Histologically, AFOP was defined by prominent intra-alveolar fibrin “balls,” correlating significantly with radiological consolidation patterns (r = 0.991, p < 0.05). Regions of consolidation demonstrated higher fibrin contents compared to areas of predominant GGO. Conclusions: Isolated AFOP nodules presenting as SPNs post-COVID-19 infection strongly mimic malignancy radiologically, highlighting the necessity for multidisciplinary diagnostic approaches integrating radiological and histopathological data to avoid unnecessary interventions. Recognition of this rare but distinctive clinical entity is essential for appropriate patient management. Full article

This study evaluates the tribological behavior of two elastomeric sealing materials—EPDM and TPV—sliding against 30 wt.% glass fiber-reinforced polyamide 66 (PA66GF30), a composite widely used in structural and guiding components. The application context is low-leakage valve systems in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), particularly on the cathodic (air) side, where dry contact and low-friction sealing are critical. Pin-on-disk tests were conducted under three normal loads (1, 3, and 6 N) and sliding speeds of approximately 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 m/s (92, 183, and 286 RPM). The coefficient of friction (CoF), mass loss, and wear morphology were analyzed. TPV generally exhibited lower and more stable friction than EPDM, with CoF values exceeding 1.0 at 1 N but falling within 0.32–0.52 under typical operating conditions (≥3 N). EPDM reached a maximum mass loss of 0.060%, while TPV remained below 0.022%. Microscopy revealed more severe wear features in EPDM, including tearing and abrasive deformation, whereas TPV surfaces displayed smoother, more uniform wear consistent with its dual-phase morphology. These findings support the selection of TPV over EPDM in dry-contact sealing interfaces involving composite counterfaces in PEMFC systems. Full article

Due to its distinctive two-dimensional structure and high specific surface area, graphene oxide (GO) is expected to be a very promising material to be used for membrane separation. Not only can it improve the mechanical strength, surface wettability, and thermal stability of the membrane, but it can also improve the filtration performance and shelf life of the polymer membrane. Graphene oxide/poly(meta-phenylene isophthalamide) (GO/PMIA) nanofiber membranes were prepared by means of an electrospinning technique. The effects of adding different amounts of GO on the PMIA nanofiber membranes were studied. The results indicated that the GO had a strong affinity with the PMIA matrix by forming hydrogen bonds. The composite nanofiber membranes exhibited better filtration and thermostability performance than those of the pristine membrane. As the loading amount of GO was 1.0 wt%, the air filtration efficiency of the composite nanofiber membrane was 97.79%, the pressure drop was 85.45 Pa and the glass transition temperature was 299.8 °C. Full article

This paper presents novel soluble (co)poly(hydroxyimide)s ((co)PIOH) based on 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA), 3,3′-dihydroxybenzidine (HAB), and 3,6-diaminodurene (D) with the 3/1, 1/1, and 1/3 HAB/D ratios. This chemical structure of the compounds provides the possibility of their future modification through the thermal rearrangement (polybenzoxazoles) or functionalization via Mitsunobu reaction (azo side-chain polyimides), i.e., obtaining new materials with interesting properties and therefore with expanded applications. Copolymers were characterized via FTIR, NMR, XRD, and GPC methods to confirm their structure, composition, and molar masses. The effect of copolymer composition on the thermal, mechanical, optical, and permeation properties studied for He, O₂, N₂, and CO₂, as well as hydrophobicity, was investigated. They exhibited a large interval between the glass transition temperature and the decomposition temperature, making them promising for the thermoforming technique. Transmittance above 90% was noted in the visible range for all (co)PIOH films deposited on a glass substrate. Young’s modulus of fabricated membranes was in the range of 2.37 to 3.38 GPa. The highest permeability coefficients were recorded for (co)PIOH with a 1:3 HAB-to D-ratio. Full article

This paper presents a novel silicon-based piezoresistive pressure sensor composed of a silicon layer with sensing elements and a glass cover for hermetic packaging. Unlike conventional designs, this study employs numerical simulation to analyze the influence of varying roughness levels of the sensitive membrane on the sensor’s output response. Simulation results demonstrate that pressure sensors with smoother sensitive membranes exhibit superior performance in terms of sensitivity (5.07 mV/V/MPa), linearity (0.67% FS), hysteresis (0.88% FS), and repeatability (0.75% FS). Furthermore, an optimized process for controlling membrane roughness was achieved by adjusting the concentration of the etchant solution. Experimental results reveal that a membrane roughness of 35.37 nm was attained under conditions of 80 °C and 25 wt% TMAH. Additionally, the fabrication process of this piezoresistive pressure sensor was significantly simplified and cost-effective due to the adoption of a backside wet etching technique. The fabricated sensor demonstrates excellent performance metrics, including a sensitivity of 5.07 mV/V/MPa, a full-scale (FS) output of 101.42 mV, a hysteresis of 0.88% FS, a repeatability of 0.75% FS, and a nonlinearity of 0.67% FS. These results indicate that the proposed sensor is a promising tool for precise pressure measurement applications, offering both high performance and cost efficiency. This study not only advances the understanding of the impact of membrane roughness on sensor performance but also provides a practical and scalable fabrication approach for piezoresistive pressure sensors. Full article

This study introduces a one-pot colorimetric nucleic acid test (NAT) platform that integrates silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-based DNA isolation and colorimetric detection of bacterial genes. The NAT platform is comprised with purification and reaction units that enable cell lysis, DNA purification, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and colorimetric detection. In the purification unit, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-capped AgNPs were used as cell lysis agents because of their cell-disrupting and antimicrobial properties and were immobilized on a glass fiber membrane for DNA capture and isolation. The reaction unit enabled colorimetric detection of DNA amplicons, achieved by the synthesis of AgNPs on chromatography paper formed via the reduction of silver ions present on the paper, mediated by the use of sodium ascorbate, a reducing agent, present in the LAMP reagent, after the reaction. AgNPs were formed only in the presence of the target amplicons in the positive samples after reaction at 65 °C for 5 min. Bacterial DNA was efficiently extracted using this method, and Enterococcus faecium was detected with a detection limit of 10² CFU/mL. This platform is a promising alternative for rapid and cost-effective nucleic acid testing in resource-limited settings. Full article

Membrane technology is widely used in various aspects of wastewater treatment; however, single membrane technology has a series of disadvantages, such as high selectivity, poor recycling performance, and susceptibility to contamination. In this study, a treatment method combining an advanced oxidation process and membrane separation technology was proposed, and a geopolymer-based Fenton-like catalytic tubular membrane (GFM) was prepared by using H₂O₂ as a blowing agent by the direct foaming method. It was shown that the optimum conditions for the preparation of the membrane were a water glass modulus of 1.8 M, the addition of foaming agent of 1 mL, and a thickness of the membrane of 6.5 mm, with a flux of 6942 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹. Due to the characteristics of the tubular membrane, the possibility of adding hydrogen peroxide directly inside the membrane allows an optimal Fenton-like removal, which is better than outside the membrane, thus reducing the consumption of hydrogen peroxide. The tubular membrane has a multi-stage porous structure, high flux, and a high specific surface area (68.74 m²/g). The GFM/H₂O₂ Fenton-like system formed is capable of almost completely degrading all kinds of synthetic dyes under various stringent conditions, and the XRD, FTIR, and TG analyses and cycling tests showed that the GFM has excellent stability and a significant advantage in terms of reusability. Full article

Fusarium oxysporum is one of the main pathogens causing rice seedling blight disease. Revealing its pathogenic mechanism is of great significance for formulating prevention and control strategies for rice seedling blight disease. Copper transporting P-type ATPases (Cu-ATPase) is a large class of proteins located on the plasma membrane that utilize the energy provided by ATP hydrolysis phosphorylation to transport substrates across the membrane. It plays a crucial role in signal transduction, the maintenance of cell membrane stability, and material transport. The main function of Cu-ATPase is to maintain the homeostasis of copper in cells, which is essential for the normal growth and development of organisms. This study utilized the ATMT-mediated gene knockout method to obtain the knockout mutant ∆FoCrpA and the complementation strain ∆FoCrpA-C, which are highly homologous to the P-type heavy metal transport ATPase family in F. oxysporum. The results showed that, compared with the wild-type strain, the knockout mutant ∆FoCrpA had a lighter colony color; a reduced tolerance to copper ion, osmotic, and oxidative stress; a weakened ability to penetrate glass paper; and decreased pathogenicity. However, there was no significant difference in pathogenicity and other biological phenotypes between the complementation strain ∆FoCrpA-C and the wild-type strain. In summary, the FoCrpA gene is involved in osmotic and oxidative stress, affecting the invasion and penetration ability and pathogenicity of F. oxysporum, laying a theoretical foundation for understanding the development and pathogenic mechanism of F. oxysporum. Full article

Scorpion antipredator behavior incorporates risk assessment that informs decision-making and venom usage. We quantified antipredator behaviors of the clinically significant Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) in their natural environment using exposure to two stimuli: a freshly thawed laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) and a membrane-covered glass beaker. We videotaped and compared envenomation behaviors between sexes (females, gravid females, and males), across sizes, and between animal orientations (on vertical or horizontal substrates). Results failed to show consistent support for any of our four hypotheses. Females (especially gravid females) were no more likely than males to exhibit higher levels of stinging and venom expenditure. Scorpions on horizontal surfaces compared to those on vertical surfaces, and larger scorpions compared to smaller ones, were likewise no more likely to exhibit higher levels of responsiveness. Mice were more likely to be stung than the membrane-covered beaker, but with fewer and briefer stings, suggesting the scorpions did not attempt to deliver more venom into the mice. Thus, we discerned no clear patterns in risk assessment, stinging, and venom use associated with sex, substrate orientation, body size, or threat stimuli. These findings contrasted with those of several prior laboratory studies. Variation from unaccounted environmental variables may have obfuscated divergent behavioral tactics. Nevertheless, the behaviors we document here provide insights on the range of defensive behaviors exhibited by C. sculpturatus under natural environmental conditions, including the frequency of dry stings (11.8%) to the membrane-covered beakers. Full article

Here, we study the fluorescence response of neutrophils stained with the wheat germ agglutinin Alexa Fluor 594 dye when the cells are placed on plasmonic nanoparticle substrates. Specifically, we focused on gold and silver nanoparticles with particle sizes ranging from 12 to 250 nm. It was demonstrated that the intensity of fluorescence can be increased by more than 10 times when using substrates with silver nanoparticles formed by Na⁺-Ag⁺ ion exchange in glass. The fluorescence enhancement depends significantly on both the size and surface density of the silver nanoparticles and the membrane staining procedure. Full article

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a bio-electrochemical system that utilizes electroactive microorganisms to generate electricity. These microorganisms, which convert the energy stored in substrates such as wastewater into electricity, grow on the anode. To ensure biocompatibility, anodes are typically made from carbon-based materials. Therefore, a carbon-based material (by-product of coconut processing) was selected for testing in this study. The anode was prepared by bonding activated coconut carbon with carbon paint on a glass electrode. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of using an electrode prepared in this manner as a surface layer on the anode of an MFC. The performance of an electrode coated only with carbon paint was also evaluated. These two electrodes were compared with a carbon felt electrode, which is commonly used as an anode material in MFCs. In this research, the MFC was fed with a by-product of yeast production, namely a molasses decoction from yeast processing. Measurements were conducted in a standard two-chamber glass MFC with a glass membrane separating the chambers. During the experiment, parameters such as start-up time, cell voltage during MFC start-up, output cell voltage, and power density curves were analyzed. The carbon paint-coated electrode with the activated coconut carbon additive demonstrated operating parameters similar to those of the carbon felt electrode. The results indicate that it is possible to produce electrodes (on a base of by-product of coconut processing) for MFCs using a painting method; however, to achieve a performance comparable to carbon felt, the addition of activated coconut carbon is necessary. This study demonstrates the feasibility of forming a biocompatible layer on various surfaces. Incorporating activated coconut carbon does not complicate the anode fabrication process, as fine ACC grains can be directly applied to the wet carbon paint layer. Additionally, the use of carbon paint as a conductive layer for the active anode in MFCs offers versatility in designing electrodes of various shapes, enabling them to be coated with a suitable active and conductive layer to promote biofilm formation. Moreover, the findings of this study confirm that waste-derived materials can be effectively utilized as electrode components in MFC anodes. The results validate the chosen research approach and emphasize the potential for further investigations in this field, contributing to the development of cost-efficient electrodes derived from by-products for MFC applications. Full article