Search Results (88)

To overcome the shortcomings of traditional polyurethane, such as poor weather resistance and susceptibility to hydrolysis, this study systematically explores the preparation techniques of organic silicon-modified polyurethane and its application in intelligent sports fields. By introducing siloxane into the polyurethane matrix through copolymerization, physical blending, and grafting techniques, the microphase separation structure and interfacial properties of the material are effectively optimized. In terms of synthesis processes, the one-step method achieves efficient preparation by controlling the isocyanate/hydroxyl molar ratio (1.05–1.15), while the prepolymer chain extension method optimizes the crosslinked network through dual reactions. The modified material exhibits significant performance improvements: tensile strength reaches 60 MPa, tear resistance reaches 80 kN/m, and the elastic recovery rate ranges from 85% to 92%, demonstrating outstanding weather resistance. In sports field applications, the 48% impact absorption rate meets the requirements for athletic tracks, wear resistance of <15 mg suits gym floors, and the impact resistance for skate parks reaches 55%–65%. Its environmental benefits are notable, with volatile organic compounds (VOC) <50 g/L and a recycling rate >85%, complying with green building material standards. However, its development is still constrained by multiple factors: insufficient material interface compatibility, a comprehensive cost of 435 RMB/m², and the lack of a quality evaluation system. Future research priorities include constructing dynamic covalent crosslinked networks (e.g., self-healing systems), adopting bio-based raw materials to reduce carbon footprint by 30%–50%, and integrating flexible sensing technologies for intelligent responsiveness. Through multidimensional innovation, this material is expected to evolve toward multifunctionality and environmental friendliness, providing core material support for the intelligent upgrading of sports fields. Full article

The rapid development of wearable electronics requires multifunctional, transient electronic devices to reduce the ecological footprint and ensure data security. Unfortunately, existing transient electronic materials need to be degraded in chemical solvents or body fluids. Here, we report green luminescent, water-soluble, and biocompatible piezoelectric nanofibers developed by electrospinning green carbon quantum dots (G-CQDs), mulberry silk fibroin (SF), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The introduction of G-CQDs significantly enhances the piezoelectric output of silk fibroin-based fiber materials. Meanwhile, the silk fibroin-based hybrid fibers maintain the photoluminescent response of G-CQDs without sacrificing valuable biocompatibility. Notably, the piezoelectric output of a G-CQD/PVA/SF fiber-based nanogenerator is more than three times higher than that of a PVA/SF fiber-based nanogenerator. This is one of the highest levels of state-of-the-art piezoelectric devices based on biological organic materials. As a proof of concept, in the actual scenario of a rope skipping exercise, the G-CQD/PVA/SF fiber-based nanogenerator is further employed as a self-powered wearable sensor for real-time sensing of athletic motions. It demonstrates high portability, good flexibility, and stable piezoresponse for smart sports applications. This class of water-disposable, piezo/photoactive biological materials could be compelling building blocks for applications in a new generation of versatile, transient, wearable/implantable devices. Full article

With the increasing urgency of petroleum resource scarcity and environmental challenges, the development of degradable bio-based flame retardants has become crucial for enhancing the fire safety of organic materials. In this work, a phosphorus-containing chitosan derivative (CS-PPOA) was synthesized via a one-step protonation reaction between chitosan (CS) and phenylphosphinic acid (PPOA) under mild conditions. The resulting multifunctional flame-retardant coating was applied to polyester (PET) fabrics. Comprehensive characterization using FT-IR, XPS, and NMR confirmed the successful protonation of chitosan amino groups through electrostatic interactions, forming a stable ionic complex. The CS-PPOA solution exhibited excellent rheological properties and film-forming ability, producing films with over 80% optical transmittance and flexibility. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that CS-PPOA achieved char residue yields of 76.8% and 40.2% under nitrogen and air atmospheres, respectively, significantly surpassing those of acetic acid-protonated chitosan (CS-HAc). The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of CS-PPOA increased to 48.3%, and vertical burning tests demonstrated rapid self-extinguishing behavior. When applied to PET fabrics at a 15% loading, the LOI value improved from 20.3% (untreated fabric) to 27.8%, forming a dense char layer during combustion while completely suppressing melt dripping. Additionally, the coated fabric exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, achieving a 99.99% inhibition rate against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This study provides a novel strategy for the green and efficient preparation of multifunctional bio-based flame-retardant coatings. Full article

The textile industry encounters serious environmental challenges from wastewater with persistent organic pollutants, demanding sustainable solutions for remediation. Herein, we report a novel green synthesis of flexible BiOBr@PZT nanocomposite membranes via electrospinning and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) for visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation. The hierarchical structure integrates leaf-like BiOBr nanosheets with PAN/ZnO/TiO₂ (PZT) nanofibers, forming a Z-scheme heterojunction. This enhances the separation of photogenerated carriers while preserving mechanical integrity. SILAR-enabled low temperature deposition ensures eco-friendly fabrication by avoiding toxic precursors and cutting energy use. Optimized BiOBr@PZT-5 shows exceptional photocatalytic performance, achieving 97.6% tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation under visible light in 120 min. It also has strong tensile strength (4.29 MPa) and cycling stability. Mechanistic studies show efficient generation of O₂⁻ and OH radicals through synergistic light absorption, charge transfer, and turbulence-enhanced mass diffusion. The material’s flexibility allows reusable turbulent flow applications, overcoming rigid catalyst limitations. Aligning with green chemistry and UN SDGs, this work advances multifunctional photocatalytic systems for scalable, energy-efficient wastewater treatment, offering a paradigm that integrates environmental remediation with industrial adaptability. Full article

The paper explores virtual worlds as an innovative training platform for upskilling and reskilling smart city professionals, comprising technicians and engineers. Focusing on developing soft skills, the study presents findings from the pilot of a virtual training which was part of a comprehensive tech skills program that also included transversal skills, namely soft, entrepreneurial and green skills. Moreover, the paper describes the methodological approach adapted for the design and the use of the soft skills’ virtual world during the online multi-user sessions, and depicts the technical infrastructure used for its implementation. The virtual world was assessed with a mixed-methods approach, combining a specially designed evaluation questionnaire completed by 27 trainees with semi-structured interviews conducted with instructors. Quantitative data were analyzed to assess satisfaction, perceived effectiveness, and the relationship between curriculum design, support, and instructional quality. Qualitative feedback provided complementary insights into learner experiences and implementation challenges. Findings indicate high levels of learner satisfaction, particularly regarding instructor expertise, curriculum organization, and overall engagement. Statistical analysis revealed strong correlations between course structure and perceived training quality, while prior familiarity with virtual environments showed no significant impact on outcomes. Participants appreciated the flexibility, interactivity, and team-based nature of the training, despite minor technical issues. This research demonstrates the viability of VWs for soft skills development in technical professions, highlighting their value as an inclusive, scalable, and experiential training solution. Its novelty lies in applying immersive technology specifically to smart city training, a field where such applications remain underexplored. The findings support the integration of virtual environments into professional development strategies and inform best practices for future implementations. Full article

Cellulose nanofibril (CNF) is a sort of novel nanomaterial directly extracted from plant resources, inheriting the advantages of cellulose as a cheap, green and renewable material for the development of new-generation eco-friendly electronics. In recent years, CNF-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has attracted increasing research interests, as the unique chemical, morphological, and electrical properties of CNF render the device with considerable flexibility, mechanical strength, and triboelectric output. In this study, we explore the use of isoreticular metal-organic frameworks (IRMOF) as functional filler to improve the performance of CNF based TENGs. Two types of IRMOFs that own the same network topology, namely IRMOF-1 and its aminated version IRMOF-3, are embedded with CNF to fabricated TENGs; their contribution to triboelectric output enhancement, including the roughness effect induced by large particles as well as the charge induction effect arisen from -NH₂ groups, are discussed. The performance-enhanced CNF-based TENG with 0.6 wt.% of IRMOF-3 is utilized to harvest mechanical energy from human activities and charge commercial capacitors, from which the electrical energy is sufficient to light up light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and drive low-power electronic devices. In addition, a locomotor analysis system is established by assembling the above TENGs and capacitors into a 3 × 3 sensing array, which allowed signal extraction from each sensing unit to display a motion distribution map. These results demonstrate the great potential of CNF/IRMOF-based TENGs for development of self-powered sensing devices for long-term motion monitoring. Full article

UiO-66-NH₂ is a metal–organic framework (MOF) with open metal sites, making it a promising candidate for adsorption and catalysis. However, the powdery texture of MOFs and the use of toxic solvents during synthesis limit their application. A novel solution to this issue is to create a layered porous composite by encasing the MOF within a flexible and structurally robust aerogel substrate using safe, eco-friendly, and green solvents such as ethanol. The fibrous MOF aerogels, characterized by a desirable macroscopic shape of cylindrical block and hierarchical porosity, were synthesized by two approaches: in situ growth of amine-functionalized UiO-66-NH₂ crystals on a TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCNF) and ex situ crosslinking of UiO-66-NH₂ crystals onto a TOCNF network to form UiO-66-NH₂/TOCNF. The incorporation of MOF into the cellulose nanofibrils via the in situ method reduces their aggregation potential, alters the nucleation/growth balance to produce smaller MOF crystals, and enhances mechanical flexibility, as evidenced by SEM images. The three adsorbents, including UiO-66-NH₂, ex situ UiO-66-NH₂/TOCNF, and in situ UiO-66-NH₂/TOCNF, were synthesized and used in this study. The effects of pH, time, temperature, and initial concentration were studied. A maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of 549.45 mg/g for Congo Red (CR) and 171.23 mg/g for Orange II (ORII) was observed at pH 6, using 10 mg of in situ UiO-66-NH₂/TOCNF at 40 °C with a contact time of 75 min for CR and 2 h for ORII. The adsorption of both dyes primarily occurs through monolayer chemisorption on the in situ UiO-66-NH₂/TOCNF. The main removal mechanisms were hydrogen bonding and surface complexation. The noteworthy adsorption capacity of in situ UiO-66-NH₂/TOCNF coupled with environment-friendly fabrication techniques indicates its potential applications on a large scale in real wastewater systems. Full article

Organic semiconductors have garnered significant interest owing to their low cost, flexibility, and suitability for large-area electronics, making them vital for burgeoning fields such as flexible electronics, wearable devices, and green energy technologies. The performance of organic electronic devices is crucially determined by their interfacial electronic structure. Specifically, interfacial phenomena such as band bending significantly influence carrier injection, transport, and recombination, making their control paramount for enhancing device performance. This review investigates the interplay among molecular orientation, interfacial charge transfer, and interfacial chemical reactions as the primary drivers of interface band bending. Furthermore, it critically examines effective strategies for optimizing interfacial properties via interface engineering, focusing on interlayer insertion and template layer methods. The review concludes with a summary and outlook, emphasizing the integration of interface design with material development and device architecture to realize next-generation, high-performance organic electronic devices exhibiting improved efficiency and stability. Full article

Hydrogen-Integrated energy systems (HIESs) are pivotal in driving the transition to a low-carbon energy structure in China. This paper proposes a low-carbon economic scheduling strategy to improve the operational efficiency and reduce the carbon emissions of HIESs. The approach begins with the implementation of a stepwise carbon trading framework to limit the carbon output of the system. This is followed by the development of a joint operational model that combines hydrogen energy use and carbon capture. To improve the energy supply flexibility of HIESs, modifications to the conventional combined heat and power (CHP) unit are made by incorporating a waste heat boiler and an organic Rankine cycle. This results in a flexible CHP response model capable of adjusting both electricity and heat outputs. Furthermore, a comprehensive demand response model is designed to optimize the flexible capacities of electric and thermal loads, thereby enhancing demand-side responsiveness. The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the system is analyzed with respect to their energy consumption patterns and dispatch capabilities, which improves their potential for flexible scheduling and enables an optimized synergy between the demand-side flexibility and system operations. Finally, a low-carbon economic scheduling model for the HIES is developed with the objective of minimizing system costs. The results show that the proposed scheduling method effectively enhances the economy, low-carbon performance, and flexibility of HIES operation while promoting clean energy consumption, deep decarbonization of the system, and the synergistic complementarity of flexible supply–demand resources. In the broader context of expanding clean energy and growing EV adoption, this study demonstrates the potential of energy-saving, emission-reduction systems and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) strategies to contribute to the sustainable and green development of the energy sector. Full article

Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology is preferred in modern display applications due to its superior efficiency, color quality, and flexibility. It also carries a high potential of applicability in military displays where emission color tuning is required for MIL-STD-3009 Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVISs), as compatibility is critical. Herein, we report the effects of different OLED device layer materials and thicknesses such as the hole injection layer (HIL), hole transport layer (HTL), and electron transport layer (ETL) on the color coordinates, luminance, and efficiency of OLED devices designed for night vision (NVIS) compatibility. In this study, simulation tools like SETFOS^® (Semi-conducting Emissive Thin Film Optics Simulator), MATLAB^®, and LightTools^® (Illumination Design Software) were used to verify and validate the luminance, luminance efficiency, and chromaticity coordinates of the proposed NVIS-OLED devices. We modeled the OLED device using SETFOS^®, then the selection of materials for each layer for an optimal electron–hole balance was performed in the same tool. The effective reflectivity of multiple OLED layers was determined in MATLAB^® in addition to an optimal device efficiency calculation in SETFOS^®. The optical validation of output luminance and luminous efficiency was performed in LightTools^®. Through a series of simulations for a green-emitting OLED device, we observed significant shifts in color coordinates, particularly towards the yellow spectrum, when the ETL materials and their thicknesses varied between 1 nm and 200 nm, whereas a change in the thickness of the HIL and HTL materials had a negligible impact on the color coordinates. While the critical role of ETL in color tuning and the emission characteristics of OLEDs is highlighted, our results also suggested a degree of flexibility in material selection for the HIL and HTL, as they minimally affected the color coordinates of emission. We validated via a combination of SETFOS^®, MATLAB^®, and LightTools^® that when the ETL (3TPYMB) material thickness is optimized to 51 nm, the cathode reflectivity via the ETL-EIL stack became the minimum enabling output luminance of 3470 cd/m2 through our emissive layer within the Glass/ITO/MoO₃/TAPC/(CBP:Ir(ppy)₃)/3TPYMB/LiF/Aluminum OLED stack architecture, also yielding 34.73 cd/A of current efficiency under 10 mA/cm² of current density. We infer that when stack layer thicknesses are optimized with respect to their reflectivity properties, better performances are achieved. Full article

Contact electrification (CE) spans from atomic to macroscopic scales, facilitating charge transfer between materials upon contact. This interfacial charge exchange, occurring in solid–solid (S–S) or solid–liquid (S–L) systems, initiates radical generation and chemical reactions, collectively termed contact-electro-chemistry (CE-Chemistry). As an emerging platform for green chemistry, CE-Chemistry facilitates redox, luminescent, synthetic, and catalytic reactions without the need for external power sources as in traditional electrochemistry with noble metal catalysts, significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Despite its broad applicability, the mechanistic understanding of CE-Chemistry remains incomplete. In S–S systems, CE-Chemistry is primarily driven by surface charges, whether electrons, ions, or radicals, on charged solid interfaces. However, a comprehensive theoretical framework is yet to be established. While S–S CE offers a promising platform for exploring the interplay between chemical reactions and triboelectric charge via surface charge modulation, it faces significant challenges in achieving scalability and optimizing chemical efficiency. In contrast, S–L CE-Chemistry focuses on interfacial electron transfer as a critical step in radical generation and subsequent reactions. This approach is notably versatile, enabling bulk-phase reactions in solutions and offering the flexibility to choose various solvents and/or dielectrics to optimize reaction pathways, such as the degradation of organic pollutants and polymerization, etc. The formation of an interfacial electrical double layer (EDL), driven by surface ion adsorption following electron transfer, plays a pivotal role in CE-Chemical processes within aqueous S–L systems. However, the EDL can exert a screening effect on further electron transfer, thereby inhibiting reaction progress. A comprehensive understanding and optimization of charge transfer mechanisms are pivotal for elucidating reaction pathways and enabling precise control over CE-Chemical processes. As the foundation of CE-Chemistry, charge transfer underpins the development of energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable methodologies, holding transformative potential for advancing green innovation. This review consolidates recent advancements, systematically classifying progress based on interfacial configurations in S–S and S–L systems and the underlying charge transfer dynamics. To unlock the full potential of CE-Chemistry, future research should prioritize the strategic tuning of material electronegativity, the engineering of sophisticated surface architectures, and the enhancement of charge transport mechanisms, paving the way for sustainable chemical innovations. Full article

This study investigates the intricate relationship between CSR, green innovation, and environmental performance within the context of China’s manufacturing industries. Given the pressing environmental challenges faced by this sector, understanding how CSR practices correlate with sustainable innovations is critical for stakeholders aiming to enhance environmental outcomes. This was a survey-based study using a questionnaire and the five-point Likert scale; items were adopted from previous studies. Sampling was drawn through random sampling. Utilizing a sample of 327 respondents, this research employs SPSS and Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) as analytical tools. The findings reveal a robust positive correlation between CSR practices and green innovation, as evidenced by a path coefficient of 0.704. These data support the stakeholder theory, which posits that organizations attentive to stakeholder expectations are more inclined to adopt sustainable practices. Furthermore, this study underscores the mediating role of green innovation in the relationship between CSR and environmental performance, highlighting its importance in aligning organizational strategies with sustainability-oriented stakeholder interests. This conclusion aligns with the existing literature emphasizing CSR’s significance in improving environmental performance through innovative approaches. However, an unexpected finding emerged: there exists a weak negative relationship between green innovation and organizational agility (−0.080). This suggests that, while firms strive for sustainable innovations, they may inadvertently compromise their flexibility in responding to evolving market demands. By addressing these dynamics, this research contributes valuable insights into how CSR can effectively spur green innovation and promote sustainable practices within China’s manufacturing sector. This study fills a gap in the existing literature by elucidating the mechanisms that connect CSR with enhanced environmental performance while also recognizing the potential trade-offs associated with innovation strategies. Also, the exploration of agility, which is least investigated, can also open various doors towards sustainability and the adaptation of new changes. Future research is encouraged to further explore these relationships across different industries and delve deeper into the mechanisms linking CSR to improved environmental outcomes, ultimately guiding organizations in balancing sustainability efforts with market responsiveness. Full article

Most studies on the cognitive abilities of fish have focused on model organisms adopted in behavioural neuroscience. To date, little attention has been devoted to characiformes fish and we record a lack of cognitive investigation on the piranha. In this study, we conducted a preliminary set of experiments to assess whether red-bellied piranhas (Pygocentrus nattereri) can solve an automated operant conditioning task, specifically, a reversal learning task. In Experiment 1, the fish were required to discriminate between red and green, while in Experiment 2, they had to discriminate between white and yellow. In either case, we found no evidence of learning capacities with our protocol after extensive training exceeding one thousand trials overall. In Experiment 3, we simplified the learning task by using achromatic stimuli (black and white discrimination) and always presenting the reinforced stimulus on the same side of the tank (a combination of response learning and place learning). Subjects did learn how to discriminate between the colours, although no subject was able to reach the criterion in the subsequent reversal learning task, suggesting that piranhas may be limited in their cognitive flexibility. However, our training procedure may have been inefficient in addressing this issue. We outline some potential limitations of the current methodology to help to establish a more effective approach for investigating operant conditioning in this species. Full article

This study examines the critical role of inclusive, people-centered strategies in driving organizational sustainability, focusing on two key institutions in the Ashanti Region of Ghana: Presbyterian University College (PUC) and Presbyterian Agogo Women’s College of Education (APWCE). Employing a qualitative research design, including 100 interviews, five focus groups, and participant observations, this study investigates employee perspectives on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices in the workplace. The findings identify key empowerment strategies—flexible job roles, participatory decision-making, leadership development, and open communication—that enhance employee engagement and commitment to sustainability efforts. The findings also demonstrate employees’ vital role in advancing sustainability through involvement in green initiatives, community engagement, and integrating sustainability into core organizational practices. This contribution intellectually bridges the gap between DEI policies and their practical application, offering a nuanced understanding of how cultural and social dimensions influence sustainability in underexplored contexts like Ghana. It emphasizes aligning organizational values with employee well-being to enhance job satisfaction and retention, presenting actionable strategies for fostering innovation, resilience, and long-term success. The increasing global focus on sustainability and the growing need for inclusive practices in organizational settings underscores the timeliness of this manuscript. It offers a holistic, forward-thinking approach that is especially relevant for organizations navigating post-pandemic workplace dynamics and seeking to align sustainability with equity and inclusivity. Full article

Personal thermal management materials integrated with phase-change materials have significant potential to satisfy human thermal comfort needs and save energy through the efficient storage and utilization of thermal energy. However, conventional organic phase-change materials in a solid state suffer from rigidity, low thermal conductivity, and leakage, making their application challenging. In this work, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was chosen as the phase-change material to provide the energy storage density, polyethylene oxide (PEO) was chosen to provide the backbone structure of the three-dimensional polymer network and cross-linked with the PEG to provide flexibility, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to improve the mechanical and thermal conductivity of the material. The thermal conductivity of the composite fiber membranes was boosted by 77.1% when CNTs were added at 4 wt%. Water-resistant modification of the composite fiber membranes was successfully performed using glutaraldehyde-saturated steam. The resulting composite fiber membranes had a reasonable range of phase transition temperatures, and the CC₄PCF-55 membranes had melting and freezing latent heats of 66.71 J/g and 64.74 J/g, respectively. The results of this study prove that the green CC₄PCF-55 composite fiber membranes have excellent flexibility, with good thermal energy storage capacity and thermal conductivity and, therefore, high potential in the field of flexible wearable thermal management textiles. Full article