Search Results (830)

Sustainable water remediation requires catalytic strategies that remove contaminants efficiently while reducing chemical input, byproduct formation, and ecological disturbance. Conventional radical-dominated advanced oxidation processes can rapidly degrade pollutants, but their reliance on high oxidant dosages and freely diffusing reactive oxygen species often causes matrix quenching, non-selective oxidation, low oxidant utilization, and potential ecological risks. Mild interfacial catalysis provides a materials-chemistry strategy to regulate oxidative intensity and direct contaminant transformation under environmentally relevant conditions. In this review, mild catalysts are defined by pathway-selective, interfacially confined, and environmentally compatible oxidation rather than by low dosage alone. Representative non-radical or low-intensity pathways, including singlet oxygen generation, surface-mediated electron transfer, high-valent metal–oxo species, and direct oxidative transfer processes, are discussed in relation to active-site structure, oxidant utilization, matrix tolerance, and byproduct control. We further summarize how coordination environments, defect chemistry, heteroatom configurations, nanoconfinement, and immobilized interfaces regulate reactive-species formation and interfacial charge transfer. Key material platforms, including single-atom catalysts, heteroatom-doped carbons, defect-engineered oxides, catalytic membranes, hydrogels, and floating or immobilized composites, are evaluated from mechanistic and application-oriented perspectives. Finally, catalyst regeneration, cost, microbial community responses, algae–bacteria balance, ecotoxicity, and long-term safety are discussed to guide sustainable aquatic ecosystem restoration. Full article

Although garnet-type Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (LLZO) solid electrolytes are promising candidates for high-energy-density all-solid-state batteries, their practical applications are limited by high-voltage oxidation instability and interfacial degradation. To address these limitations, Al-doped LLZO (Al-LLZO) solid electrolytes were synthesized via a conventional solid-state reaction method, and the effects of PE-ALD-derived Al₂O₃ nanocoatings on electrochemical properties and interfacial stability were investigated. Al₂O₃ nanocoatings with different structures (5 and 10 nm single-side, and 5 nm double-side) were deposited on Al-LLZO pellets using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. The Al₂O₃ coating reduced electronic conductivity by approximately one order of magnitude while maintaining similar ionic conductivity. Linear sweep voltammetry revealed that initial oxidation onset voltage increased from ~4.2 V (bare Al-LLZO) to ~5.0 V (5 nm-coated samples), while the 10 nm-coated sample exhibited the most delayed anodic current response (~5.2 V). The 5 nm double-side coated sample showed the best Li plating/stripping stability with a critical current density of 1.10 mA/cm² and stable long-term galvanostatic cycling behavior over 200 h at 0.05 mA/cm². Thus, ALD-based Al₂O₃ interfacial engineering can simultaneously improve the high-voltage oxidation and Li metal interfacial stabilities of garnet-type Al-LLZO solid electrolytes for practical all-solid-state batteries. Full article

Nanostructured catalysts have become a core component of energy conversion in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis; however, successfully translating their performance from laboratory scale to industrial applications remains a long-standing challenge. This paper provides a critical assessment of the field, systematically tracing the entire development trajectory from catalyst design to practical application. We focus on five major classes of catalysts—monometallic catalysts, bimetallic/multimetallic alloy catalysts, metal compound catalysts, carbon-based composite catalysts, and single-atom catalysts—and explore synthetic strategies for achieving precise structural control, including hydrothermal/solvothermal methods, electrodeposition, template-assisted and MOF-derived syntheses, high-temperature pyrolysis, and post-treatment defect engineering. This paper delves into the mechanisms and performance descriptors governing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), urea oxidation, photocatalytic water splitting, and CO₂ reduction. Based on the above analysis, this paper lays the mechanistic foundation for five core strategies to improve catalyst performance: morphology control, elemental doping, heterostructure and interface engineering, defect and vacancy engineering, and support modification. Furthermore, this paper provides an in-depth evaluation of the applications of these catalysts in water splitting, CO₂ valorization, fuel cells, metal–air batteries, and energy-saving electrolysis, with a particular focus on earth-abundant alternatives to precious metals. We argue that in many well-studied reactions, intrinsic activity may no longer be the primary bottleneck restricting their development; instead, the core challenge now lies in maintaining excellent catalytic performance under harsh and industrially relevant conditions, especially under high-current densities, impurity-containing feed systems, and long-term operating conditions. In response to this shift in research focus, this paper clearly identifies the key obstacles hindering the industrial application of catalysts and proposes practical directions for future research. Full article

Hydroperoxides (R–OOH, organic hydroperoxides) constitute a relatively small but structurally diverse class of natural metabolites occurring in higher plants, fungi, and marine organisms. Their formation is closely associated with oxidative processes involving redox-active metal ions, particularly iron and copper, which promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the oxidative transformation of steroids and triterpenoids. In the present study, approximately 1500 naturally occurring steroids and triterpenoids were screened using the PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances) platform to identify compounds with potential relevance to neurodegenerative disorders. Among the analyzed compounds, only 17 hydroperoxide-containing steroids and triterpenoids exhibited notable predicted anti-dementia activity and were selected for detailed evaluation. The selected compounds displayed a broad spectrum of predicted biological activities, including antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerative, antithrombotic, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Several hydroperoxide-containing triterpenoids demonstrated particularly high predicted anti-dementia activity, with a norlupane-type hydroperoxide exhibiting the highest probability of activity (Pa = 0.972). The biological significance of these compounds may be related to the unique redox properties of the hydroperoxide functionality, which can participate in both oxidative and adaptive signaling processes. Because hydroperoxides interact with transition metal ions and reactive oxygen species, they occupy a complex position at the interface between oxidative stress, cellular defense mechanisms, and neurodegeneration. The present analysis highlights hydroperoxide-containing steroids and triterpenoids as an underexplored class of natural products with potential relevance to dementia research. However, the reported activities are based primarily on computational predictions and should be interpreted as indicators of pharmacological potential rather than experimentally validated therapeutic effects. Further investigations involving blood–brain barrier permeability assessment, biochemical studies, cellular assays, animal models, and clinical evaluation will be required to determine the true therapeutic value of these compounds in neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental contaminants whose mobility in soil and groundwater is strongly controlled by adsorption and desorption processes. In saturated clay-rich soils, these processes are complex because PFASs interact with hydrated mineral surfaces, organic matter, metal oxides, exchangeable cations, and pore-water constituents. This review synthesizes the current literature on PFAS adsorption and desorption in saturated soils, with an emphasis on clay mineralogy, mineral–water interfaces, pore-water chemistry, and electrochemical double layer (EDL) effects. PFAS retention is influenced by molecular properties such as chain length, functional head group, and charge state, as well as soil properties such as organic carbon content, clay mineral type, surface charge, cation exchange capacity, and Fe/Al oxide content. Longer-chain PFASs and sulfonate-based compounds generally show stronger retention, while shorter-chain PFASs tend to remain more mobile. This review focuses particularly on how an EDL affects PFAS behavior in saturated clay systems. Unlike dry clay surfaces, saturated clay surfaces are covered by structured water, exchangeable ions, and diffuse counterion layers. These hydrated interfacial conditions influence how closely anionic PFASs can approach negatively charged clay surfaces, how dissolved cations reduce electrostatic repulsion or promote cation-mediated binding, and how effectively short-range interactions such as hydrophobic association, van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and surface association contribute to adsorption. Desorption is also emphasized because adsorption does not necessarily represent permanent immobilization. Changes in pH, ionic strength, cation composition, dissolved organic matter, or competing solutes can weaken retention and promote PFAS release. Overall, PFAS mobility in saturated clay-rich soils should be interpreted as a coupled interfacial process rather than simple partitioning to soil solids. Future work should better connect molecular-scale mechanisms, EDL behavior, adsorption–desorption experiments, and saturated transport studies to improve predictions of PFAS retention and long-term groundwater release. Full article

Thermal overload in internal combustion engines may progressively destabilize lubricant-film integrity and promote severe tribological deterioration within highly stressed contact interfaces. This study investigates the thermo-tribological degradation sequence of a high-mileage gasoline engine subjected to prolonged idle operation under impaired cooling conditions, ultimately resulting in engine seizure. The investigated engine had accumulated 356,724 km, while the lubricant had remained in service for approximately 26,724 km prior to the experiment. The post-failure investigation combined teardown inspection, geometrical camshaft assessment, reverse gravimetric reconstruction, hydraulic tappet surface profiling, XRF surface characterization, laboratory oil analysis, and SEM/EDS evaluation of wear debris. The results demonstrated strongly localized degradation concentrated primarily within the cam–tappet interfaces. Severe non-uniform camshaft wear was accompanied by pronounced hydraulic tappet surface damage and evidence of unstable boundary-lubrication conditions. Laboratory oil analysis revealed elevated wear-metal concentrations, depletion of the alkaline reserve, increased oxidation indicators, and a final Class D oil condition assessment. SEM/EDS characterization identified Fe-bearing wear debris associated with sustained material removal and debris recirculation during the final degradation stage. The combined evidence supports a coupled thermo-tribological degradation mechanism involving lubricant deterioration, boundary-lubrication instability, adhesive wear acceleration, oxidative surface degradation, and debris-assisted surface damage preceding final engine seizure. The present case study provides experimentally documented evidence of lubrication collapse under real-engine thermal runaway conditions and highlights the critical role of lubricant condition in maintaining tribological stability under severe thermal loading. Full article

Ferroelectric (FE) diodes configured in the metal–ferroelectric–metal (MIFM) structure are promising candidates for non-volatile memory. While recent studies emphasized bulk FE properties, interfacial characteristics have not been carefully considered. In this work, we investigate the HfO₂/Al_0.8Sc_0.2N interface by examining its impact on switching and rectifying characteristics in MIFM FE diodes with variable HfO₂ thicknesses (2/4/6 nm). Electrical characterization reveal that the increased HfO₂ thickness raises the coercive field (E_C) due to enhanced electrostatic effects and progressive interfacial oxidation from Sc-N to Sc-O bonds. This resulting oxygen substitutional defect (O_N) which may contribute to domain-wall pinning and reduced rectifying efficiency. Cycling tests clarify operating regime-dependent phenomena, including O_N redistribution-induced wake-up and eventual breakdown. Moreover, enhanced retention is observed after pre-cycling, originating from the stabilization of the interfacial defects rather than bulk properties. These findings underscore that E_C and device reliability are likely influenced by interfacial engineering, which is critical for the reliable operation of AlScN-based FE diodes. Full article

Impaired wound healing arises from interacting biological and material challenges, including persistent infection, biofilm formation, oxidative stress, unresolved inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, defective epithelialization, hemorrhage, and insufficient real-time assessment of wound status. Quantum dot (QD) and nanodot nanosystems have emerged as a versatile class of bioactive wound interfaces capable of addressing these barriers through functions that extend beyond passive coverage. This review synthesizes the design rationale, material composition, validation strategies, functional outcomes, mechanistic interpretation, and translational relevance of QD-enabled platforms for precision wound repair. Across the reviewed literature, carbon dots, graphene QDs, black phosphorus QDs, metal and metal oxide QDs, transition-metal nanodots, and hybrid nanocomposites were incorporated into hydrogels, films, sponges, nanofibers, microneedles, scaffolds, membranes, sprays, and injectable matrices. Their major precision-enabling attributes include localized antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, redox-adaptive behavior, photothermal and photodynamic activation, inflammatory and macrophage modulation, hemostasis, controlled therapeutic delivery, angiogenic and epithelial support, and fluorescence-based monitoring. The strongest conceptual advance is the transition from static wound dressings toward adaptive biointerfaces that can sense, respond to, or compensate for local wound state abnormalities. Nevertheless, the field remains largely preclinical, with important gaps in long-term safety, standardized characterization, clinically predictive models, manufacturing reproducibility, regulatory alignment, and human validation. Future progress will depend on rationally simplified multifunctional platforms, rigorous comparative testing, wound state-specific evaluation frameworks, and translation-oriented safety and usability studies. QD nanosystems therefore represent a promising foundation for precision wound repair, provided that their multifunctionality is matched by equally rigorous evidence of safety, reproducibility, and clinical relevance. Full article

Copper (Cu) thin films and meshes on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates are promising flexible transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs), yet their practical use is limited by insufficient interfacial adhesion and poor oxidative stability on inert polymer substrates. This work addresses these issues via a synergistic strategy of interfacial layer engineering and maskless laser lithography-based aperiodic mesh patterning, systematically comparing ceramic (Al₂O₃) and metallic (NiCr) interfacial layers for PET-supported Cu films and fabricating Linear/Sinusoidal aperiodic Cu meshes with tailored performance. Magnetron sputtering shows that Ar plasma-activated NiCr interfacial layers form a gradient-alloyed interface with Cu via interdiffusion, achieving 5B-level adhesion, mitigating bending-induced stress concentration, and enhancing damp-heat resistance (85 °C/85% RH) by suppressing oxidation—outperforming brittle Al₂O₃ layers. Patterning the optimized Cu/NiCr/PET structure into micrometer-scale meshes yields a Linear design with superior optoelectronic performance (~10.8 Ω/sq sheet resistance, >87% transmittance at 550 nm) and a Sinusoidal design with enhanced bending robustness via stress delocalization. Microstructural and elemental analyses clarify the NiCr layer’s interfacial toughening and anti-oxidation mechanisms. Practical validation in flexible transparent heaters demonstrates rapid thermal response and >20 h continuous operational stability. This study provides a scalable design strategy for high-performance PET-supported Cu meshes, offering insights for interface and structural optimization of flexible metallic TCEs for next-generation optoelectronics. Full article

Hydrogen is a promising clean-energy carrier, but its low ignition energy, high diffusivity, and wide flammability range demand reliable leak detection. Chemiresistive sensors based on n-type metal oxide semiconductors are attractive owing to their simple architecture, low cost, large resistance modulation, thermal robustness, and compatibility with miniaturized devices. This review focuses on n-type metal oxide semiconductor nanomaterials for hydrogen sensing, particularly ZnO, SnO₂, In₂O₃, WO₃, TiO₂, and related mixed oxides. The fundamental sensing mechanisms are examined, including oxygen chemisorption, electron-depletion-layer modulation, grain-boundary barrier control, catalytic hydrogen spillover, and hydrogen-induced surface reduction or metallization, together with the way these mechanisms compete and cooperate under different operating conditions. Recent performance-enhancement strategies are organized around morphology and porosity control, noble-metal sensitization, defect and dopant engineering, n–n heterojunctions, molecular sieving, and low-temperature activation. Density functional theory is discussed as a design tool for evaluating adsorption energetics, vacancy formation, work-function shifts, band alignment, and interfacial charge transfer, along with its current limitations for modeling humid surfaces. Finally, key challenges and future directions, including humidity tolerance, standardized reporting, device integration, and emerging materials, are summarized to guide the development of high-performance hydrogen sensors. Full article

Pigment implantation (semi-permanent make-up, microblading and cosmetic tattooing) introduces complex pigment mixtures into the dermis, resulting in direct exposure of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and resident immune cells to metals, organic dyes and nanoparticles. Within Somatology and Somatic therapy practice, an allied health discipline concerned with evidence-based care of the skin and body, Somatic Therapists operate at the interface of dermal intervention, molecular exposure and occupational health, underscoring the relevance of mechanistic toxicology for risk-informed professional practice. This PRISMA-guided systematic review synthesises molecular toxicology and omics-based evidence, emphasising oxidative stress generation, inflammatory signalling via NF-κB/MAPK pathways, apoptosis and genotoxicity, T-cell-mediated type IV hypersensitivity reactions associated with modern red azo pigments, and dermal-to-lymphatic transport of particulate matter. Transcriptomic and metabolomic studies consistently demonstrate pigment-specific inflammatory responses and wound-healing gene signatures, supporting mechanism-driven biocompatibility profiling. Regulatory frameworks, including EU REACH Annex XVII Entry 75 and recent FDA guidance on microbial contamination, have strengthened compliance requirements; however, surveillance continues to identify mislabelling, restricted pigments and microbial contamination in some inks. For Somatology and Somatic therapy practice, these findings highlight the importance of evidence-based pigment selection, traceable sourcing, aseptic technique, ventilation, personal protective equipment and informed consent addressing pigment migration and delayed adverse reactions. The integration of molecular outcomes with omics technologies and regulatory oversight provides a next-generation risk assessment framework to advance safe cosmetic practice and public health. Full article

All-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) couple the high theoretical energy density of sulfur (2600 Wh kg⁻¹) with the safety and polysulfide-shuttle suppression advantages of solid electrolytes (SEs). In practice, however, sluggish solid-state conversion kinetics, chemo-mechanical degradation in composite cathodes, and large solid–solid interfacial resistance remain the principal barriers to practical implementation. This review systematically examines recent progress across the three key components of ASSLSBs: cathodes, solid electrolytes, and interfaces. For cathodes, S/C composite design strategies and alternative active materials—including Li₂S, metal sulfides, and organosulfur compounds—are discussed. For solid electrolytes, inorganic (sulfide, oxide, halide, and hydride), polymer, and hybrid composite systems are compared. For interfaces, physical strategies (stack pressure, compliant interlayers, three-dimensional cathode architectures) and chemical strategies (cathode–SE and Li metal–SE interphase engineering, in situ stabilization) are evaluated. Outstanding challenges and design guidelines for next-generation ASSLSBs are discussed. Full article

This study investigates the oxidation behavior and microstructural evolution of Sanicro 25 steel (X7NiCrWCuCoNb25-23-3-3-2) after long-term exposure to water vapor at 700 °C for 30,000 h. Particular attention was paid to the relationship between protective oxide-scale formation, chromium depletion in the near-surface region, and the possible changes in secondary-phase stability in the steel substrate. FIB-SEM tomography was applied to characterize the oxide scale and the underlying affected zone, enabling three-dimensional visualization of oxide morphology, interfacial voids, and microstructural reconstruction beneath the scale. Long-term exposure resulted in the formation of a continuous Cr-rich oxide scale with a thickness of approximately 2.6 µm and local Mn enrichment. The scale exhibited a complex multilayered morphology, consisting of outer Cr-rich oxide crystallites, fine-grained chromium oxides, and an inner heterogeneous Mn-enriched region, suggesting the possible formation of mixed spinel-type oxides. Si-enriched regions were observed near the oxide/metal interface; however, no continuous Si oxide layer was detected. Despite the presence of interfacial voids, no scale spallation was observed in the investigated regions. SEM-EDX analysis revealed a chromium-depleted subsurface zone extending to approximately 6.5 µm below the oxide scale. CALPHAD calculations suggest that local chromium depletion may reduce the thermodynamic stability of Cr-rich M₂₃C₆ carbides and the Nb–Cr–N-type Z phase. This possible reduction in phase stability may contribute to the formation of a precipitate-depleted region and local microstructural reconstruction beneath the oxide scale. In the bulk region, where oxidation effects were negligible, the microstructure consisted of an austenitic matrix containing M₂₃C₆ carbides, σ phase, Cr–Ni–Fe nitride with an A13-type structure, ε-Cu precipitates, Z phase, and W-rich Cu-containing TCP precipitates. The simulations further suggest that most secondary phases form during the early stage of annealing, whereas prolonged exposure is dominated by diffusion-controlled coarsening. Overall, Sanicro 25 shows good resistance to long-term steam oxidation at 700 °C due to the formation of a continuous Cr-rich protective scale. However, this protection is accompanied by chromium depletion and local near-surface microstructural changes, which should be considered when assessing the long-term stability and service performance of this steel under high-temperature steam conditions. Full article

The catalytic removal of refractory VOCs in gas–solid reactions usually suffers from the formation of toxic byproducts and catalyst deactivation. The advanced oxidation process (AOP) wet scrubber has recently attracted interest in VOCs purification due to its high efficiency and inhibited gaseous byproducts emission. MOFs/metal sulfides (termed M50C50) were designed to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for toluene removal in a wet scrubber. The heterojunction interface synergistically couples MIL-100(Fe) and CoS for dual functions, the M50C50 enabled the rapid transfer the toluene from the gas phase to the aqueous phase, where they were subsequently mineralized by SO₄^•− and •OH radicals. The primary active sites responsible for PMS activation were identified as reducing sulfur species, along with low-valence cobalt and iron species. Over 90% of toluene were removed with a wide pH range, while •OH and SO₄^•− were involved in the mineralization of intermediates. The process showed high mineralization efficiency (75% CO₂ evolution) and effectively reduced the formation of toxic byproducts, underscoring its potential for minimizing secondary pollution risks. This work provides a novel route to designing composite catalysts for deep VOC oxidation via AOP wet scrubbers, greatly facilitating their use in environmental remediation. Full article

The increasing global demand for high-performance, reliable, and sustainable energy storage systems has accelerated the development of supercapacitors as technologies capable of bridging the performance gap between conventional capacitors and batteries. Supercapacitors combine rapid charge–discharge capability, high power density, and exceptional cycle life through charge storage mechanisms based on ion adsorption and fast surface redox reactions at the electrode–electrolyte interface. This review examines the fundamental operating principles, charge storage mechanisms, electrode materials, mechanical and functional properties, fabrication methods, and engineering applications of modern supercapacitors. Carbon-based materials, metal oxides, conducting polymers, MXenes, sulfides, nitrides, borides, and emerging hybrid systems are critically compared in terms of capacitance, energy density, cycling stability, and mechanical robustness. Additionally, recent advances in scalable manufacturing approaches, including thin-film deposition and printing technologies, are discussed alongside key challenges such as limited energy density, interfacial instability, mechanical degradation, electrolyte compatibility, and large-scale processing. By consolidating recent developments across materials science, electrochemistry, and device engineering, this review provides insight into future directions for next-generation high-performance supercapacitor technologies. Full article