Search Results (83)

Over the past few decades, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have gained significant attention due to their inherent potential for environmental sustainability and unparalleled energy storage efficiency. Meanwhile, polymer electrolytes have gained popularity in several fields due to their ability to adapt to various battery geometries, enhanced safety features, greater thermal stability, and effectiveness in reducing dendrite growth on the anode. However, their relatively low ionic conductivity compared to liquid electrolytes has limited their application in high-performance devices. This limitation has led to recent studies revolving around the development of poly(ionic liquids) (PILs), particularly imidazolium-mediated polymer backbones as novel electrolyte materials, which can increase the conductivity with fine-tuning structural benefits, while maintaining the advantages of both solid and gel electrolytes. In this study, a curated dataset of 120 data points representing eight different polymers was used to predict ionic conductivity in imidazolium-based PILs as well as the emerging ionene substructures. For this purpose, four ML models: CatBoost, Random Forest, XGBoost, and LightGBM were employed by incorporating chemical structure and temperature as the models’ inputs. The best-performing model was further employed to estimate the conductivity of novel ionenes, offering insights into the potential of advanced polymer architectures for next-generation LIB electrolytes. This approach provides a cost-effective and intelligent pathway to accelerate the design of high-performance electrolyte materials. Full article

To address critical technical challenges in coalbed methane fracturing, including the uncontrollable release rate of conventional breaker agents and incomplete gel breaking, this study designs and fabricates an intelligent controlled-release breaker system based on paraffin-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticle carriers. Three types of mesoporous silica (MSN) carriers with distinct pore sizes are synthesized via the sol-gel method using CTAB, P123, and F127 as structure-directing agents, respectively. Following hydrophobic modification with octyltriethoxysilane, n-butanol breaker agents are loaded into the carriers, and a temperature-responsive controlled-release system is constructed via paraffin coating technology. The pore size distribution was analyzed by the BJH model, confirming that the average pore diameters of CTAB-MSNs, P123-MSNs, and F127-MSNs were 5.18 nm, 6.36 nm, and 6.40 nm, respectively. The BET specific surface areas were 686.08, 853.17, and 946.89 m²/g, exhibiting an increasing trend with the increase in pore size. Drug-loading performance studies reveal that at the optimal loading concentration of 30 mg/mL, the loading efficiencies of n-butanol on the three carriers reach 28.6%, 35.2%, and 38.9%, respectively. The release behavior study under simulated reservoir temperature conditions (85 °C) reveals that the paraffin-coated system exhibits a distinct three-stage release pattern: a lag phase (0–1 h) caused by paraffin encapsulation, a rapid release phase (1–8 h) induced by high-temperature concentration diffusion, and a sustained release phase (8–30 h) attributed to nano-mesoporous characteristics. This intelligent controlled-release breaker demonstrates excellent temporal compatibility with coalbed methane fracturing processes, providing a novel technical solution for the efficient and clean development of coalbed methane. Full article

As a bridge for human–machine interaction, the performance improvement of sensors relies on the in-depth understanding of ion transport mechanisms. This study focuses on the surface effect of resistive gel sensors and designs a polyacrylic acid/ferric ion hydrogel (PAA/Fe³⁺) gas flow sensor. Prepared by one-pot polymerization, PAA/Fe³⁺ forms a three-dimensional network through the entanglement of crosslinked and uncrosslinked PAA chains, where the coordination between Fe³⁺ and carboxyl groups endows the material with excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength of 80 kPa and elongation at break of 1100%). Experiments show that when a gas flow acts on the hydrogel surface, changes in surface humidity alter the density of the network structure, thereby regulating ion migration rates: the network loosens to promote ion transport during water absorption, while it tightens to hinder transport during water loss. This mechanism enables the sensor to exhibit significant resistance responses (ΔR/R₀ up to 0.55) to gentle breezes (0–13 m/s), with a response time of approximately 166 ms and a sensitivity 40 times higher than that of bulk deformation. The surface ion transport model proposed in this study provides a new strategy for ultrasensitive gas flow sensing, showing potential application values in intelligent robotics, electronic skin, and other fields. Full article

Experimental research in the field of science and technology of polymeric materials and their hybrid organic-inorganic systems has been and will continue to be based on the execution of tests to establish robust structure-morphology-property-processing correlations. Although absolutely necessary, these tests are often time-consuming and require specific efforts; sometimes, they must be repeated to achieve a certain reproducibility and reliability. In this context, the introduction of methods like the Design of Experiments (DoEs) has made it possible to drastically reduce the number of experimental tests required for a complete characterization of a material system. However, this does not seem enough. Indeed, further improvements are being observed thanks to the introduction of a very recent approach based on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) through the exploitation of a “machine learning (ML)” strategy: this way, it is possible to “teach” AI how to use literature data already available (and even incomplete) for material systems similar to the one being explored to predict key parameters of this latter, minimizing the error while maximizing the reliability. This work aims to provide an overview of the current, new (and up-to-date) use of AI/ML strategies in the field of sol-gel-derived hybrid materials. Full article

Degradable liquid gel plugs are increasingly required for zonal isolation in high-temperature reservoirs, yet their practical deployment is limited by slow internal degradation and insufficient structural failure under diffusive conditions. In this study, a diffusion-driven degradation strategy was developed based on γ-valerolactone and a nonionic fast-penetration agent (Tb), aiming to construct internal pathways and enhance decomposability of a model E51 epoxy–anhydride liquid plug. A multiscale characterization framework, including swelling index evaluation, SEM–EDS, FTIR mapping, CLSM imaging, μ-CT, AFM, and nanoindentation, was applied to investigate degradation behavior under varying temperatures (120–140 °C) and solvent-to-plug ratios (1:1–5:1). The plug exhibited a swelling index of 1.81 in GVL and formed tree-like degradation channels with widths of 20–30 μm. Functional group mapping revealed preferential cleavage of ester and ether bonds at the surface, and mechanical softening (modulus reduction > 57%) was confirmed by AFM and nanoindentation. Higher temperatures and solvent ratios synergistically reduced full degradation time from 84 h to 12 h. These findings validate a “penetration-induced softening–ester bond scission–diffusion channel construction” mechanism, offering an effective design pathway for intelligent degradation control in high-temperature downhole environments. Full article

With the rapid rise in Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, there is an increasing need for portable, wearable, and self-powered flexible sensing devices. In such scenarios, self-powered nanogenerators have emerged as promising energy harvesters capable of converting ambient mechanical stimuli into electrical energy, enabling the development of autonomous flexible sensors and sustainable systems. This review highlights recent advances in nanogenerator technologies—particularly those based on piezoelectric and triboelectric effects—with a focus on soft, flexible, and gel-based polymer materials. Key mechanisms of energy conversion are discussed alongside strategies to enhance performance through material innovation, structural design, and device integration. Special attention is given to the role of gel-type composites, which offer unique advantages such as mechanical tunability, self-healing ability, and biocompatibility, making them highly suitable for next-generation wearable, biomedical, and environmental sensing applications. We also explore the evolving landscape of energy applications, from microscale sensors to large-area systems, and identify critical challenges and opportunities for future research. By synthesizing progress across materials, mechanisms, and application domains, this review aims to guide the rational design of high-performance, sustainable nanogenerators for the next era of energy technologies. Full article

This study aimed to develop a green and sustainable composite polysaccharide gel with antioxidant activity and freshness-monitoring properties. Blueberry pomace was repurposed to extract anthocyanins (BA), which were incorporated into chitosan (CS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and starch (S)/PVA matrices to prepare pH-indicating composite polysaccharide gels. The anthocyanin solution exhibited significant colorimetric responses to pH 2–14 buffer solutions. Comparative analyses revealed distinct performance characteristics: the CS/PVA-BA gel showed optimal elongation at break, low hydration (8.33 ± 0.57% water content), and potent antioxidant activity (DPPH: 73.59 ± 0.1%; ABTS: 77.47 ± 0.1%), whereas the S/PVA-BA gel demonstrated superior tensile strength and pH-responsive sensitivity. Structural characterization via FT-IR and SEM confirmed molecular compatibility between BA and polymeric matrices, with anthocyanins enhancing intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Applied to chilled beef (4 °C) freshness monitoring, the CS/PVA-BA gel exhibited color transformations from magenta-red (initial spoilage at 48 h: TVB-N > 15 mg/100 g, TVC > 4.0 lg CFU/g) to bluish-gray (advanced spoilage by day 6), correlating with proteolytic degradation metrics. These findings established a multifunctional platform for real-time food quality assessment through anthocyanin-mediated color changes in the composite gels, coupled with preservation activity, highlighting their significant potential as intelligent active packaging in the food industry. Full article

MXene, a layered nanocarbon material, exhibits excellent conductivity and solubility. Its high sensitivity also makes it useful for soft pressure sensors. However, the compatibility between sensitivity and fast responses in resistance-change sensors remains a major issue. This study developed an MXene-based high-performance soft pressure sensor using a gel–deep eutectic solvent composite. The composite conductive material exhibited excellent solubility and printability in soft device fabrication. The aim of this work was to produce a high-quality soft pressure sensor that exhibited quick responses over a wide sensitivity range for detecting applied pressure. The sensors achieved high performance in terms of a high-speed response (40 ms) and good sensitivity (−0.0109 kPa⁻¹). These results represent an advance in intelligent wearable sensing systems by combining materials science and electronic devices. Full article

The development of multifunctional smart food packaging has garnered considerable attention in research. Gelatin exhibits outstanding characteristics, featuring remarkable gel strength, molecular binding affinity, excellent colloidal dispersibility, low solution viscosity, sustained dispersion stability, and significant water retention properties. Gelatin-based film is ideally suited for the developing simple, portable, and rapid pH sensors, owing to its satisfactory biocompatibility, biodegradability, biosafety, affordability, and facilitation of easy handling and usage. This paper aims to explore the challenges and opportunities relating to gelatin-based pH sensors. It begins by outlining the sources, classifications, and functional properties of gelatin, followed by an analysis of the current research landscape and future trends related to intelligent indicators and active carriers. Subsequently, potential research directions for gelatin-based pH sensors are proposed. Using a literature analysis, it can be concluded that novel gelatin-based smart packaging represents the future of food packaging. It is hoped that the paper can provide some basic information for the development and application of gelatin-based smart packaging. Full article

This paper reviews the research progress on ionogels in flexible pressure sensors. Ionogels comprise solid carrier networks and ionic liquids (ILs) dispersed therein and have good non-volatility, high conductivity, thermal stability, a wide electrochemical window, and mechanical properties. These characteristics give ionogels broad application prospects in wearable electronic devices, intelligent robots, and healthcare. The article first introduces the classification of ionogels, including the classification based on ILs and solid carrier networks. Then, the preparation methods and processing technologies of ionogels, such as the direct mixing method, in situ polymerization/gel method, and solvent exchange method, are discussed. Subsequently, the article expounds in detail on the properties and modification methods of ionogels, including toughness, conductivity, hydrophobicity, self-healing, and adhesiveness. Finally, the article focuses on the application of ionogels in flexible pressure sensors and points out the challenges faced in future research. The language of this mini-review is academic but not overly technical, making it accessible to even researchers new to the field and establishing an overall impression of research. We believe this mini-review serves as a solid introductory resource for a niche topic, with large and clear references for further research. Full article

Cellulose, a widely abundant natural polymer, is well recognized for its remarkable properties, such as biocompatibility, degradability, and mechanical strength. Conductive hydrogels, with their unique ability to conduct electricity, have attracted significant attention in various fields. The combination of cellulose and conductive hydrogels has led to the emergence of cellulose-based conductive hydrogels, which show great potential in flexible electronics, biomedicine, and energy storage. This review article comprehensively presents the latest progress in cellulose-based conductive hydrogels. Firstly, it provides an in-depth overview of cellulose, covering aspects like its structure, diverse sources, and classification. This emphasizes cellulose’s role as a renewable and versatile material. The development and applications of different forms of cellulose, including delignified wood, bacterial cellulose, nanocellulose, and modified cellulose, are elaborated. Subsequently, cellulose-based hydrogels are introduced, with a focus on their network structures, such as single-network, interpenetrating network, and semi-interpenetrating network. The construction of cellulose-based conductive hydrogels is then discussed in detail. This includes their conductive forms, which are classified into electronic and ionic conductive hydrogels, and key performance requirements, such as cost-effectiveness, mechanical property regulation, sensitive response to environmental stimuli, self-healing ability, stable conductivity, and multifunctionality. The applications of cellulose-based conductive hydrogels in multiple areas are also presented. In wearable sensors, they can effectively monitor human physiological signals in real time. In intelligent biomedicine, they contribute to wound healing, tissue engineering, and nerve regeneration. In flexible supercapacitors, they offer potential for green and sustainable energy storage. In gel electrolytes for conventional batteries, they help address critical issues like lithium dendrite growth. Despite the significant progress, there are still challenges to overcome. These include enhancing the multifunctionality and intelligence of cellulose-based conductive hydrogels, strengthening their connection with artificial intelligence, and achieving simple, green, and intelligent large-scale industrial production. Future research directions should center around exploring new synthesis methods, optimizing material properties, and expanding applications in emerging fields, aiming to promote the widespread commercialization of these materials. Full article

Background: Vulvar vaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a type of vaginitis resulting from a Candida infection of the vaginal mucosa. Traditional treatments using antibiotics often lead to resistance and disrupt the vaginal microenvironment, causing ongoing problems for patients. In response to these challenges, this study introduces a multifunctional intelligent responsive probiotic hydrogel designed to modulate the vaginal microecological environment to combat Candida albicans infection. Methods: The innovative CMCS-OHA-Lp/Lr hydrogel was formulated using oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) as carriers, incorporating Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lr) as active components. Comprehensive characterization of the CMCS-OHA-Lp/Lr hydrogel revealed its chemical structure, rheological properties, rapid self-healing properties, gel degradation, and the release of lactobacilli in vitro. Results: The findings demonstrated that the hydrogel’s cross-linking conferred significant physical properties. In addition, the in vitro release study of Lactobacillus showed that the cumulative release rates of Lp and Lr in the medium with pH 5.5 were 83.50 ± 2.70% and 73.31 ± 2.22%, which proved the pH-responsive release characteristics of probiotics in acidic vaginal environments. Furthermore, the storage activity of Lactobacillus indicated that the survival rates of the CMCS-OHA-Lp and CMCS-OHA-Lr hydrogels were 86.90 ± 0.20% and 85.50 ± 0.56%, respectively, proving that encapsulation within the hydrogels significantly enhanced the storage stability of probiotics. In vivo studies further confirmed that the hydrogel alleviated vulval edema symptoms and reduced C. albicans colonies in the vagina, thereby mitigating vaginal inflammation. Conclusions: In conclusion, this pH-responsive, self-healing, and shear-thinning hydrogel offers a promising approach for the clinical treatment of VVC and serves as an effective probiotic delivery vehicle. Full article

The Bohai SZ36-1 oilfield, the largest offshore oilfield in China, features a high-porosity, high-permeability reservoir with significant heterogeneity and permeability variations. After extended water injection, the reservoir’s pore structure evolved, increasing heterogeneity and reducing the effectiveness of traditional production methods. To address these issues, this study introduces an intelligent diversion and balanced unblocking technology, using a temperature-controlled diversion system to block dominant flow channels and ensure even distribution of treatment fluids while maintaining reservoir integrity. The technology’s scientific validity and feasibility were confirmed through extensive testing. Results show that the diversion system offers excellent injectability, with controllable solidification time, phase change temperature, and strong compatibility, allowing for a “liquid–solid–liquid” phase transition in the reservoir. The technology also demonstrates high plugging strength, rapid plugging rate, significant diversion effects, and moderate injection intensity, all meeting construction requirements. Full article

Background/Objectives. Central nervous system (CNS)-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), stroke, epilepsy, and migraines are leading causes of morbidity and disability worldwide. New solutions for drug delivery are increasingly needed. In this context, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has introduced innovative alternatives to produce more efficient medicines with diverse features, patterns, and consistencies, particularly oral medications. Even though research in this area is growing rapidly, no study has thoroughly analyzed 3D printing oral drug delivery progress for the CNS. To fill this gap this study pursues to determine a technological landscape in this field. Methods. For this aim, a Competitive Technology Intelligence (CTI) methodology was applied, examining 747 publications from 1 January 2019 to 20 May 2024 published in the Scopus database. Results. The main advances identified comprise six categories: 3D printing techniques, characteristics and applications, materials, design factors, user acceptance, and quality processes. FDM was identified as the main technique for pharmaceutical use. The main applications include pills, polypills, caplets, gel caps, multitablets, orodispersible films, and tablets, featuring external patterns and internal structures with one or more active substances. Insights show that the most utilized materials are thermoplastic polymers like PLA, PVA, PCL, ABS, and HIPS. A novel design factor involves release patterns using compartments of varying thicknesses and volumes in the core. Additionally, advances in specialized software have enabled the creation of highly complex designs. In the user acceptance category, oral drugs dosages are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of neurological patients. Finally, for the quality aspect, the precision in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) dosage and controlled-release mechanisms are critical, given the narrow margin between therapeutic doses and toxicity for CNS diseases. Conclusions. Revealing these advancements in 3D printing for oral drug delivery allows researchers, academics, and decision-makers to identify opportunities and allocate resources efficiently, promising enhanced oral medicaments for the health and well-being of individuals suffering from CNS disorders. Full article

Gel-based meat products have appealing market potential due to their unique texture, elasticity, and tender taste. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is commonly used in these products to enhance flavor, improve texture, ensure food safety, and extend shelf life. However, excessive long-term NaCl intake is connected with health issues such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, raising concerns about its impact on human health. As a result, the reduction of NaCl in these products, while maintaining their flavor and texture, has become a key area in the food industry. Salt reduction strategies often compromise product quality, limiting the search for substitutes. Consequently, there is growing interest in developing new salt substitutes. Recently, basic amino acids (BAA) have emerged as a viable alternative to NaCl in low-salt gel-based meat products. Studies have shown that BAAs not only enhance the solubility, gelation, and emulsification properties of salt-soluble proteins but also reduce protein and lipid oxidation in low-salt conditions, improving sensory characteristics and texture. When combined with chloride salts, BAAs can further lower salt content while improving the quality of the products. In addition, adding modern processing techniques (such as ultrasound, pulsed electric fields) has indicated positive effects on the taste and texture of low-salt meat products. Future studies should deploy advanced tools to dissect the micro-/macro-level impacts of BAAs on low-salt gel products. Furthermore, integrating modern food processing and information technologies could lead to the development of personalized, intelligent low-salt meat products that satisfy consumer demands for both health and taste. Full article