Search Results (302)

To enhance the mechanical performance and surface hydrophobicity of flat thin-sheet materials, we have developed a facile, environmentally benign, and low-cost synthesis strategy for fabricating a robust waterborne superhydrophobic coating with excellent mechanical reinforcement, via simple spray coating using a non-fluorinated material system (waterborne silicone–acrylic copolymer and silica sol). The functional coating exhibited excellent hydrophobicity (water contact angle: 150°) regardless of the compound of the substrates, which is primarily ascribed to the presence of abundant low-surface-energy methyl groups on the coating’s surface, along with the three-dimensional hierarchical network structure formed via the cross-linked silica network. Owing to the stable cross-linked structure and strong interfacial bonding between the acrylic polymer and silica network, the composite coating exhibited exceptional mechanical reinforcement, coupled with ultrahigh mechanical and chemical stability. Specifically, the maximum flexural fracture load of the modified materials increased from 119 N to 192 N, representing a 62.7% enhancement; similarly, the moisture-induced deflection of the samples had a significant increase from −14.5 mm to −3.01 mm, which confirmed that the mechanical properties of the modified sample and its deformation resistance under high humidity conditions have been significantly enhanced. Notably, the coating retained superior hydrophobicity and mechanical performance even after 50 abrasion cycles, as well as exposure to high-intensity UV radiation and corrosive acidic/alkaline environments. Furthermore, the composite functional coating demonstrated excellent self-cleaning and anti-fouling properties. This functional composite coating offers significant potential for large-scale industrial application. Full article

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) have gained increasing attention as lightweight structural materials with tailored mechanical, thermal, and functional properties for diverse engineering applications. However, achieving optimal performance requires overcoming challenges such as poor interfacial bonding, high density of conventional fillers, and limitations in multifunctionality. Hollow Glass Microspheres (HGMs), owing to their unique spherical morphology, low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, and tunable physical–chemical characteristics, have emerged as promising functional fillers for FRPCs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structural features, chemical composition, and synthesis techniques of HGMs, followed by an outline of FRPCs systems with emphasis on matrix and fiber types, their functional requirements, and the critical role of fillers. The discussion highlights how HGMs influence the mechanical (tensile, flexural and compression strength) properties, thermal (conductivity and insulation) properties, acoustic (sound absorption and transmission) properties, and dielectric performance of FRPCs, enabling weight reduction, improved insulation, and multifunctional capabilities. Reported studies demonstrate that when properly dispersed with an optimal amount, HGMs significantly enhance mechanical properties, thermal stability, and acoustic damping, while maintaining processability. Despite these advantages, challenges remain regarding interfacial adhesion (agglomeration) and filler dispersion. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for advanced surface modification strategies, hybrid filler systems, and sustainable processing methods to fully exploit HGMs in next-generation high-performance FRPCs. Full article

Heavy metal ions (HMIs) threaten ecosystems and human health due to their carcinogenicity, bioaccumulativity, and persistence, demanding highly sensitive, low-cost real-time detection. Electrochemical sensing technology has gained significant attention owing to its rapid response, high sensitivity, and low cost. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), with its layered structure, tunable bandgap, and abundant edge active sites, demonstrates significant potential in the electrochemical detection of heavy metals. This review systematically summarizes the crystal structure characteristics of MoS₂, various preparation strategies, and their mechanisms for regulating electrochemical sensing performance. It particularly explores the cooperative effects of MoS₂ composites with other materials, which effectively enhance the sensitivity, selectivity, and detection limits of electrochemical sensors. Although MoS₂-based materials have made significant progress in theoretical and applied research, practical challenges remain, including fabrication process optimization, interference from complex-matrix ions, slow trace-metal enrichment kinetics, and stability issues in flexible devices. Future work should focus on developing efficient, low-cost synthesis methods, enhancing interference resistance through microfluidic and biomimetic recognition technologies, optimizing composite designs, resolving interfacial reaction dynamics via in situ characterization, and establishing structure–property relationship models using machine learning, ultimately promoting practical applications in environmental monitoring, food safety, and biomedical fields. Full article

This review provides a critical overview of MXenes, an innovative class of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, emphasizing their synthesis, properties, and application potential. We systematically examine synthesis methods, contrasting top-down approaches with emerging green alternatives and bottom-up techniques, evaluating each in terms of scalability, cost, and environmental impact. This paper highlights MXenes’ unique characteristics, including high electrical conductivity, tunable surface chemistry, and structural versatility, which enable their use in energy storage, environmental remediation, biomedicine, and electromagnetic shielding. Key challenges such as oxidative instability, interfacial incompatibility, and hazardous etching processes are critically discussed. We identify future research priorities, including defect-engineered stabilization, AI-optimized manufacturing, and advanced integration protocols to bridge the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and industrial deployment. By integrating these insights, this review offers a roadmap for advancing MXenes from laboratory innovation to industrial application. Full article

The interfacial properties in carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced polymer composites are substantially limited by the chemically inactive and smooth CF surfaces. In this study, zeolitic imidazolate framework 90 (ZIF90) was chemically grafted onto CF surfaces via polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a coupling agent to construct a hierarchical reinforcement interface in CF/epoxy composite. The successful synthesis of CF grafted with PEI and ZIF90 (CF-PEI-ZIF90) was systematically characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The incorporation of ZIF90 nanocrystals and PEI molecules into CF surfaces effectively improved interfacial adhesion through mechanical interlocking and chemical interactions, thereby optimizing stress transfer efficiency at the fiber–matrix interface and improving the interfacial properties of the composite. Additionally, the resultant CF-PEI-ZIF90/epoxy composite demonstrated significant mechanical enhancement, with the tensile and bending strengths increasing by 33.5% and 21.4%, respectively, compared to unmodified CF/epoxy composites. This work provides a novel strategy for enhancing the interfacial performance of CF composites by leveraging the unique properties of metal-organic frameworks, which is critical for advancing high-performance structural materials in aerospace and automotive applications. Full article

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are nanoscale anionic clusters constructed from transition-metal oxide units with well-defined architectures and tunable electronic structures, offering abundant reversible redox sites and adjustable energy levels. Their diverse valence states and compositional flexibility of molecular architectures render them promising candidates for electrochemical energy storage. Rational molecular design and nano-structural engineering can significantly enhance the electrical conductivity, structural stability, and ion transport kinetics of POM-based materials, thus improving device performance. In solar cells, the tunable energy levels and light-harvesting capabilities contribute to enhanced photoconversion efficiency. In secondary batteries, the dense redox centers provide additional capacity. For supercapacitors, the rapid electron transfer supports high power density storage. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in POM-based functional nanomaterials, with an emphasis on material design strategies, energy storage mechanisms, performance optimization approaches, and structure–property relationships. Fundamental structures and properties of POMs are outlined, followed by synthesis and functionalization approaches. Key challenges such as dissolution, poor conductivity, and interfacial instability are discussed, together with progress in batteries and hybrid capacitors. Finally, future challenges and development directions are outlined to inspire further advancement in POM-based energy storage materials. Full article

Polymer materials have become promising candidates for next-generation energy storage, with structural tunability, multifunctionality, and compatibility with a variety of device platforms. They have a molecular design capable of customizing ion and electron transport routes, integrating redox-active species, and enhancing interfacial stability, surpassing the drawbacks of traditional inorganic systems. New developments have been made in multifunctional polymers that have the ability to combine conductivity, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and self-healing into a single scaffold system, which is useful in battery, supercapacitor, and solid-state applications. By incorporating polymers with carbon nanostructures, ceramics, or two-dimensional materials, hybrid polymer nanocomposites improve electrochemical performance, durability, and mechanical compliance, and the solid polymer electrolytes, as well as artificial solid electrolyte interphases, resolve dendrite growth and safety issues. The multifunctionality also extends to flexibility, stretchability, and miniaturization, which implies that polymers are suitable for use in wearable devices and biomedical devices. At the same time, sustainable polymer innovation focuses on bio-based feedstocks, which can be recycled, and green synthesis pathways. Polymer discovery using artificial intelligence and machine learning is faster than standard methods, predicts structure–property–performance relationships, and can be rationally engineered. Although there are difficulties in stability during long periods, scalability, and trade-offs between indeedness and mechanical endurance, polymers are a promising avenue with regard to dependable, safe, and sustainable power storage. This review presents the molecular strategies, multifunctional uses, and prospects, where polymers are at the center of the next-generation energy technologies. Full article

This study reports the synthesis, structural characterization, and electromagnetic shielding performance of tantalum (Ta)-doped nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) composites reinforced with chopped strands. Ta-doped NiFe₂O₄ powders were prepared via the conventional mixed-oxide route and sintered at 1200 °C for 4 h, resulting in a well-crystallized single-phase spinel structure. Comprehensive structural and chemical analyses were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), confirming the successful incorporation of Ta into the NiFe₂O₄ lattice and the uniform microstructural distribution. The ferrite powders were subsequently embedded with chopped strands and epoxy resin through hot pressing to fabricate composites with varying filler contents. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of the composites was systematically evaluated in the 7–18 GHz frequency range using a network analyzer (NA). The optimized composite, with a thickness of 1.2 mm, demonstrated a maximum SE of 34.74 dB at 17.4 GHz, primarily attributed to interfacial polarization, dipolar relaxation, and multiple scattering effects induced by the chopped strands. The results indicate that the shielding performance of the composites can be precisely tuned by modifying the filler concentration and microstructural characteristics, enabling selective frequency-band applications. Overall, this work highlights the potential of Ta-doped NiFe₂O₄/chopped strand composites as lightweight, cost-effective, and high-performance candidates for advanced microwave absorption and electromagnetic shielding applications in defense, and next-generation communication technologies. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance energy storage underscores the limitations of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), notably in terms of finite resources, safety issues, and rising costs. Multivalent metal-ion batteries (MMIBs)—employing Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Al³⁺ ions—represent promising alternatives, as their multivalent charge carriers facilitate higher energy densities and greater electron transfer per ion. The widespread availability, lower cost, and favorable safety profiles of these metals further enhance MMIB suitability for large-scale deployment. However, MMIBs encounter significant obstacles, including slow ion diffusion, strong Coulombic interactions, electrolyte instability, and challenging interfacial compatibility. This review provides a systematic overview of recent advancements in MMIB research. Key developments are discussed for each system: electrode synthesis and flexible architectures for zinc-ion batteries; anode and cathode innovation alongside electrolyte optimization for magnesium-ion systems; improvements in anode engineering and solvation strategies for calcium-ion batteries; and progress in electrolyte formulation and cathode design for aluminum-ion batteries. The review concludes by identifying persistent challenges and future directions, with particular attention to material innovation, electrolyte chemistry, interfacial engineering, and the adoption of data-driven approaches, thereby informing the advancement of next-generation MMIB technologies. Full article

Highly permeable and selective membranes are crucial for energy-efficient gas separation. Two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has attracted significant attention due to its unique structural characteristics, including ultra-thin thickness, inherent surface porosity, and abundant amine groups. However, the interfacial defects caused by poor compatibility between g-C₃N₄ and polymers deteriorate the separation performance of membrane materials. In this study, amino-functionalized g-C₃N₄ nanosheets (CN@PEI) was prepared by a post-synthesis method, then blended with the polymer Pebax to fabricate Pebax/CN@PEI mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). Compared to g-C₃N₄, MMMs with CN@PEI loading of 20 wt% as nanofiller exhibited a CO₂ permeance of 241 Barrer as well as the CO₂/CH₄ and CO₂/N₂ selectivity of 39.7 and 61.2, respectively, at the feed gas pressure of 2 bar, which approaches the 2008 Robeson upper bound and exceeded the 1991 Robeson upper bound. The Pebax/CN@PEI (20) membrane showed robust stability performance over 70 h continuous gas permeability testing, and no significant decline was observed. SEM characterization revealed a uniform dispersion of CN@PEI throughout the Pebax matrix, demonstrating excellent interfacial compatibility between the components. The increased free volume fraction, enhanced solubility, and higher diffusion coefficient demonstrated that the incorporation of CN@PEI nanosheets introduced more CO₂-philic amino groups and disrupted the chain packing of the Pebax matrix, thereby creating additional diffusion channels and facilitating CO₂ transport. Full article

MXenes, a rapidly emerging family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, have attracted considerable attention in recent years for their potential in next-generation energy storage technologies. In solid-state batteries (SSBs), they combine metallic-level conductivity (>10³ S cm⁻¹), adjustable surface terminations, and mechanical resilience, which makes them suitable for diverse functions within the cell architecture. Current studies have shown that MXene-based anodes can deliver reversible lithium storage with Coulombic efficiencies approaching ~98% over 500 cycles, while their use as conductive additives in cathodes significantly improves electron transport and rate capability. As interfacial layers or structural scaffolds, MXenes effectively buffer volume fluctuations and suppress lithium dendrite growth, contributing to extended cycle life. In solid polymer and composite electrolytes, MXene fillers have been reported to increase Li⁺ conductivity to the 10⁻³–10⁻² S cm⁻¹ range and enhance Li⁺ transference numbers (up to ~0.76), thereby improving both ionic transport and mechanical stability. Beyond established Ti-based systems, double transition metal MXenes (e.g., Mo₂TiC₂, Mo₂Ti₂C₃) and hybrid heterostructures offer expanded opportunities for tailoring interfacial chemistry and optimizing energy density. Despite these advances, large-scale deployment remains constrained by high synthesis costs (often exceeding USD 200–400 kg⁻¹ for Ti₃C₂T_x at lab scale), restacking effects, and stability concerns, highlighting the need for greener etching processes, robust quality control, and integration with existing gigafactory production lines. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for enabling MXene-based SSBs to transition from laboratory prototypes to commercially viable, safe, and high-performance energy storage systems. Beyond summarizing performance, this review elucidates the mechanistic roles of MXenes in SSBs—linking lithiophilicity, field homogenization, and interphase formation to dendrite suppression at Li|SSE interfaces, and termination-assisted salt dissociation, segmental-motion facilitation, and MWS polarization to enhanced electrolyte conductivity—thereby providing a clear design rationale for practical implementation. Full article

The rapid advancement of modern infrastructure and construction industries demands cementitious materials with superior mechanical performance, durability, and sustainability, surpassing the limitations of conventional concrete. To address these challenges, carbon-based nanomaterials—including carbon nanofibers (CNFs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene—have gained significant attention as next-generation reinforcement agents due to their exceptional strength, high aspect ratio, and unique interfacial properties. This review presents a critical analysis of the latest technological developments in carbon-enhanced cement and concrete composites, focusing on their role in achieving high-performance construction materials, as there is a shortage of reviews of cement concretes based on carbon nanoadditives. We systematically explore the underlying mechanisms, processing techniques, and structure–property relationships governing carbon-modified cementitious systems. First, we discuss advanced synthesis methods and dispersion strategies for carbon nanomaterials to ensure uniform reinforcement within the cement matrix. Subsequently, we analyze the mechanical enhancement mechanisms, including crack bridging, nucleation seeding, and interfacial bonding, supported by experimental and computational studies. Despite notable progress, challenges such as long-term durability, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale processing remain key barriers to practical implementation. Finally, we outline emerging trends, including multifunctional smart composites and sustainable hybrid systems, to guide future research toward scalable and eco-friendly solutions. By integrating fundamental insights with technological advancements, this review not only advances the understanding of carbon-reinforced cement composites but also provides strategic recommendations for their optimization and industrial adoption in next-generation construction. Full article

The pursuit of sustainable and environmentally benign energy storage solutions has propelled significant interest in organic batteries, which utilize redox-active organic compounds as electrode materials. A pivotal component in determining their electrochemical performance, safety, and long-term stability is the electrolyte. Polymer-based electrolytes (PBEs) have emerged as promising candidates owing to their intrinsic advantages, such as enhanced thermal stability, mechanical integrity, and the mitigation of leakage and flammability risks associated with conventional liquid electrolytes. Unlike previous reviews that broadly cover solid electrolytes, this review specifically focuses on the unique developments of polymer-based electrolytes tailored for organic batteries over the past few years. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the recent progress in PBEs specifically designed for organic battery systems. It systematically examines various categories, including solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), valued for their structural simplicity and stability; gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs), noted for their high ionic conductivity and processability; and polymer-inorganic composite electrolytes, which synergistically integrate the mechanical flexibility of polymers with the ionic conductivity of inorganic fillers. Additionally, the review delves into the latest advancements in ionogels and poly(ionic liquid) electrolytes, highlighting their potential to overcome existing limitations and enable next-generation battery performance. The article concludes with a critical discussion on prevailing challenges and prospective research directions, emphasizing the importance of advanced material design, interfacial engineering, and sustainable synthesis approaches to facilitate the practical realization of high-performance organic batteries. Full article

The efficient degradation of antibiotics in pharmaceutical wastewater remains a critical challenge against environmental contaminants. Conventional photocatalysts face potential limitations such as narrow visible-light absorption, rapid carrier recombination, and reliance on precious metal cocatalysts. This review investigates the coordination structure of MXene as a cocatalyst to synergistically enhance photocatalytic antibiotic degradation efficiency and the coordination structure modification mechanisms. MXene’s tunable bandgap (0.92–1.75 eV), exceptional conductivity (100–20,000 S/cm), and abundant surface terminations (-O, -OH, -F) enable the construction of Schottky or Z-scheme heterojunctions with semiconductors (Cu₂O, TiO₂, g-C₃N₄), achieving 50–70% efficiency improvement compared to pristine semiconductors. The “electron sponge” effect of MXene suppresses electron-hole recombination by 3–5 times, while its surface functional groups dynamically optimize pollutant adsorption. Notably, MXene’s localized surface plasmon resonance extends light harvesting from visible (400–800 nm) to near-infrared regions (800–2000 nm), tripling photon utilization efficiency. Theoretical simulations demonstrate that d-orbital electronic configurations and terminal groups cooperatively regulate catalytic active sites at atomic scales. The MXene composites demonstrate remarkable environmental stability, maintaining over 90% degradation efficiency of antibiotic under high salinity (2 M NaCl) and broad pH range (4–10). Future research should prioritize green synthesis protocols and mechanistic investigations of interfacial dynamics in multicomponent wastewater systems to facilitate engineering applications. This work provides fundamental insights into designing MXene-based photocatalysts for sustainable water purification. Full article

The synthesis of two series of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) filled with small amounts (0.5 and 1%) of Ag and Cu nanoparticles (NPs) was performed. Moreover, two methods for the PNC synthesis were performed, namely, ‘conventional mixing techniques’ and ‘in situ ring opening polymerization (ROP)’. The latter method was employed for the first time; moreover, it was found to be more effective in achieving very good NP dispersion in the polymer matrix as well as the formation of interfacial polymer–NP interactions. The in situ ROP for PLA/Cu was not productive due to the oxidation of Cu NPs being faster than the initiation of ROP. The presence of NPs resulted in suppression of the glass transition temperature, T_g (23–60 °C), with the effects being by far stronger in the case of ROP-based PNCs, e.g., exhibiting T_g decrease by tens of K. Due to that surprising result, the ROP-based PLA/Ag PNCs exhibited elevated ionic conductivity phenomena (at room temperature). This can be exploited in specific applications, e.g., mimicking the facilitated small molecules permeation. The effects of NPs on crystallinity (2–39%) were found opposite between the two series. Crystallinity was facilitated/suppressed in the mixing/ROP -based PNCs, respectively. The local and segmental molecular mobility map was constructed for these systems for the first time. Combining the overall data, a concluding scenario was employed, that involved the densification of the polymer close to the NPs’ surface and the free volume increase away from them. Finally, an exceptional effect was observed in PLA + 0.5% Ag (ROP). The crystallization involvement resulted in a severe suppression of T_g (−25 °C). Full article