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Search Results (1,848)

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Keywords = nanocomposite(s)

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17 pages, 5354 KiB  
Article
Carboxymethyl Polysaccharides/Montmorillonite Biocomposite Films and Their Sorption Properties
by Adrian Krzysztof Antosik, Marcin Bartkowiak, Magdalena Zdanowicz and Katarzyna Wilpiszewska
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2130; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152130 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 191
Abstract
The production of bionanocomposite films based on carboxymethyl derivatives of starch and cellulose with sodium montmorillonite (MMT-Na) as a filler was described. The developed films with high absorbency can be used in the preparation of adhesive dressings for wounds oozing as a result [...] Read more.
The production of bionanocomposite films based on carboxymethyl derivatives of starch and cellulose with sodium montmorillonite (MMT-Na) as a filler was described. The developed films with high absorbency can be used in the preparation of adhesive dressings for wounds oozing as a result of abrasions or tattoos. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxymethyl starch (CMS), and potato starch were used as the raw materials for film manufacturing. Citric acid was used as a crosslinking agent and glycerol as a plasticizer. The following parameters were evaluated for the obtained films: solubility in water, swelling behavior, moisture absorption, and mechanical durability (tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus). This study revealed that filler concentration has a significant influence on the stability, durability, and moisture absorption parameters of films. The best nanocomposite with a high absorption capacity was a two-component film CMS/CMC containing 5 pph of sodium montmorillonite and can be used as a base material for wound dressing, among other applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Innovation of Polymer Science and Technology)
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29 pages, 5040 KiB  
Article
The Investigation of a Biocide-Free Antifouling Coating on Naval Steels Under Both Simulated and Actual Seawater Conditions
by Polyxeni Vourna, Pinelopi P. Falara and Nikolaos D. Papadopoulos
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2448; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082448 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 251
Abstract
This study developed a water-soluble antifouling coating to protect ship hulls against corrosion and fouling without the usage of a primer. The coating retains its adhesion to the steel substrate and reduces corrosion rates compared to those for uncoated specimens. The coating’s protective [...] Read more.
This study developed a water-soluble antifouling coating to protect ship hulls against corrosion and fouling without the usage of a primer. The coating retains its adhesion to the steel substrate and reduces corrosion rates compared to those for uncoated specimens. The coating’s protective properties rely on the interaction of conductive polyaniline (PAni) nanorods, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, and graphene oxide (GO) sheets modified with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. The PAni/Fe3O4 nanocomposite improves the antifouling layer’s out-of-plane conductivity, whereas GO increases its in-plane conductivity. The anisotropy in the conductivity distribution reduces the electrostatic attraction and limits primary bacterial and pathogen adsorption. TiO2 augments the conductivity of the PAni nanorods, enabling visible light to generate H2O2. The latter decomposes into H2O and O2, rendering the coating environmentally benign. The coating acts as an effective barrier with limited permeability to the steel surface, demonstrating outstanding durability for naval steel over extended periods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Material, Coating and Electrochemistry Technology)
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13 pages, 3341 KiB  
Article
Regulation of Electrochemical Activity via Controlled Integration of NiS2 over Co3O4 Nanomaterials for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
by Mrunal Bhosale, Rutuja U. Amate, Pritam J. Morankar and Chan-Wook Jeon
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080887 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 181
Abstract
Electrochemical water splitting represents a sustainable approach for hydrogen production, yet efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts operating in alkaline environments remain critically needed. Herein, we report the fabrication of Co3O4–NiS2 nanocomposites synthesized through a facile coprecipitation and [...] Read more.
Electrochemical water splitting represents a sustainable approach for hydrogen production, yet efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts operating in alkaline environments remain critically needed. Herein, we report the fabrication of Co3O4–NiS2 nanocomposites synthesized through a facile coprecipitation and subsequent thermal treatment method. Detailed characterization via physicochemical techniques confirmed the successful formation of a hybrid Co3O4–NiS2 heterostructure with tunable compositional and morphological characteristics. Among the synthesized catalysts (Co–Ni–1, Co–Ni–2, and Co–Ni–3), the Co–Ni–2 sample demonstrated optimal structural integration, displaying interconnected nanosheet morphologies and balanced elemental distribution. Remarkably, Co–Ni–2 achieved exceptional HER performance in 1 M KOH electrolyte, requiring an ultralow overpotential of only 84 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and exhibiting a favorable Tafel slope of 67.5 mV dec−1. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical surface area measurements further substantiated the superior electrocatalytic kinetics, rapid charge transport, and abundant active site accessibility in the optimized Co–Ni–2 composite. Additionally, Co–Ni–2 demonstrated outstanding durability with negligible activity decay over 5000 cycles. This study not only highlights the strategic synthesis of Co3O4–NiS2 nanostructures but also provides valuable insights for designing advanced, stable, and efficient non-noble electrocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen generation. Full article
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19 pages, 3224 KiB  
Article
Supramolecular Co-Assembled Fmoc-FRGDF/Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel for Quercetin Delivery: Multifunctional Bioactive Platform
by Xian-Ni Su, Yu-Yang Wang, Muhammed Fahad Khan, Li-Na Zhu, Zhong-Liang Chen, Zhuo Wang, Bing-Bing Song, Qiao-Li Zhao, Sai-Yi Zhong and Rui Li
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2629; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152629 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 340
Abstract
Background: During food processing and storage, traditional protein-based delivery systems encounter significant challenges in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of bioactive compounds, primarily due to their temporal instability. Methods: In this study, a nanocomposite hydrogel was prepared through the co-assembly of a [...] Read more.
Background: During food processing and storage, traditional protein-based delivery systems encounter significant challenges in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of bioactive compounds, primarily due to their temporal instability. Methods: In this study, a nanocomposite hydrogel was prepared through the co-assembly of a self-assembling peptide, 9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-phenylalanine-arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-phenylalanine (Fmoc-FRGDF), and hyaluronic acid (HA). The stability of this hydrogel as a quercetin (Que) delivery carrier was systematically investigated. Furthermore, the impact of Que co-assembly on the microstructural evolution and physicochemical properties of the hydrogel was characterized. Concurrently, the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and controlled release kinetics of Que were quantitatively evaluated. Results: The findings indicated that HA significantly reduced the storage modulus (G′) from 256.5 Pa for Fmoc-FRGDF to 21.1 Pa with the addition of 0.1 mg/mL HA. Despite this reduction, HA effectively slowed degradation rates; specifically, residue rates of 5.5% were observed for Fmoc-FRGDF alone compared to 14.1% with 0.5 mg/mL HA present. Notably, Que enhanced G′ within the ternary complex, increasing it from 256.5 Pa in Fmoc-FRGDF to an impressive 7527.0 Pa in the Que/HA/Fmoc-FRGDF hydrogel containing 0.1 mg/mL HA. The interactions among Que, HA, and Fmoc-FRGDF involved hydrogen bonding, electrostatic forces, and hydrophobic interactions; furthermore, the co-assembly process strengthened the β-sheet structure while significantly promoting supramolecular ordering. Interestingly, the release profile of Que adhered to the Korsmeyer–Peppas pharmacokinetic equations. Conclusions: Overall, this study examines the impact of polyphenol on the rheological properties, microstructural features, secondary structure conformation, and supramolecular ordering within peptide–polysaccharide–polyphenol ternary complexes, and the Fmoc-FRGDF/HA hydrogel system demonstrates a superior performance as a delivery vehicle for maintaining quercetin’s bioactivity, thereby establishing a multifunctional platform for bioactive agent encapsulation and controlled release. Full article
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20 pages, 7386 KiB  
Article
Exploring Synthesis Methods of CdS/TiO2 Photocatalysts for Enhanced Hydrogen Production Under Visible Light
by Jesús Herrera-Ramos, Socorro Oros-Ruíz, Angela G. Romero-Villegas, J. Edgar Carrera-Crespo, Raúl Pérez-Hernández, Jaime S. Valente and Francisco Tzompantzi
Catalysts 2025, 15(8), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15080699 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 426
Abstract
TiO2 was synthesized via the sol–gel method and employed as a support material for the deposition of CdS nanofibers using two novel techniques: impregnation and photodeposition. XRD characterization shows that crystallite size decreases when CdS is incorporated into TiO2. UV-Vis [...] Read more.
TiO2 was synthesized via the sol–gel method and employed as a support material for the deposition of CdS nanofibers using two novel techniques: impregnation and photodeposition. XRD characterization shows that crystallite size decreases when CdS is incorporated into TiO2. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed that the bandgap of the CdS/TiO2 heterostructured nanocomposites decreases compared to the raw TiO2 support, making them very appropriate for photocatalytic applications in the visible region. The photocatalysts were tested for hydrogen production in methanol–water solutions under visible light conditions. It was observed that the TiC20 photocatalyst prepared by the impregnation method improved the photocatalytic activity compared with photodeposition technique (TiC20FD), achieving a maximum hydrogen production of 570.5 µmol H2 gcat1 h−1, while the latter attained 383.4 µmol H2 gcat1 h−1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photocatalytic Degradation)
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24 pages, 4796 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Experimental Optimization and Image-Driven Machine Learning Prediction of Tribological Performance in MWCNT-Reinforced Bio-Based Epoxy Nanocomposites
by Pavan Hiremath, Srinivas Shenoy Heckadka, Gajanan Anne, Ranjan Kumar Ghadai, G. Divya Deepak and R. C. Shivamurthy
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(8), 385; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9080385 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 263
Abstract
This study presents a multi-modal investigation into the wear behavior of bio-based epoxy composites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at 0–0.75 wt%. A Taguchi L16 orthogonal array was employed to systematically assess the influence of MWCNT content, load (20–50 N), and sliding [...] Read more.
This study presents a multi-modal investigation into the wear behavior of bio-based epoxy composites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at 0–0.75 wt%. A Taguchi L16 orthogonal array was employed to systematically assess the influence of MWCNT content, load (20–50 N), and sliding speed (1–2.5 m/s) on wear rate (WR), coefficient of friction (COF), and surface roughness (Ra). Statistical analysis revealed that MWCNT content contributed up to 85.35% to wear reduction, with 0.5 wt% identified as the optimal reinforcement level, achieving the lowest WR (3.1 mm3/N·m) and Ra (0.7 µm). Complementary morphological characterization via SEM and AFM confirmed microstructural improvements at optimal loading and identified degradation features (ploughing, agglomeration) at 0 wt% and 0.75 wt%. Regression models (R2 > 0.95) effectively captured the nonlinear wear response, while a Random Forest model trained on GLCM-derived image features (e.g., correlation, entropy) yielded WR prediction accuracy of R2 ≈ 0.93. Key image-based predictors were found to correlate strongly with measured tribological metrics, validating the integration of surface texture analysis into predictive modeling. This integrated framework combining experimental design, mathematical modeling, and image-based machine learning offers a robust pathway for designing high-performance, sustainable nanocomposites with data-driven diagnostics for wear prediction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Abio Nanocomposites)
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13 pages, 3688 KiB  
Article
Layer-by-Layer Engineered Zinc–Tin Oxide/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (ZTO/SWNT) Hybrid Films for Thin-Film Transistor Applications
by Yong-Jae Kim, Young-Jik Lee, Yeon-Hee Kim, Byung Seong Bae and Woon-Seop Choi
Micromachines 2025, 16(7), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16070825 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 484
Abstract
Indium-based oxide semiconductors have been commercialized because of their excellent electrical properties, but the high cost, limited availability, and environmental toxicity of indium necessitate the development of alternative materials. Among the most promising candidates, zinc–tin oxide (ZTO) is an indium-free oxide semiconductor with [...] Read more.
Indium-based oxide semiconductors have been commercialized because of their excellent electrical properties, but the high cost, limited availability, and environmental toxicity of indium necessitate the development of alternative materials. Among the most promising candidates, zinc–tin oxide (ZTO) is an indium-free oxide semiconductor with considerable potential, but its relatively low carrier mobility and inherent limitations in thin-film quality demand further performance enhancements. This paper proposes a new approach to overcome these challenges by incorporating single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as conductive fillers into the ZTO matrix and using a layer-by-layer multiple coating process to construct nanocomposite thin films. As a result, ZTO/SWNTs (0.07 wt.%) thin-film transistors (TFTs) fabricated with three coating cycles exhibited a high saturation mobility of 18.72 cm2/V·s, a threshold voltage of 0.84 V, and a subthreshold swing of 0.51 V/dec. These values represent an approximately four-fold improvement in mobility compared to ZTO TFT, showing that the multiple-coating-based nanocomposite strategy can effectively overcome the fundamental limitations. This study confirms the feasibility of achieving high-performance oxide semiconductor transistors without indium, providing a sustainable pathway for next-generation flexible electronics and display technologies. Full article
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19 pages, 4188 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Mechanical and Electrical Performance of Epoxy Nanocomposites Through Hybrid Reinforcement of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Nanoplatelets: A Synergistic Route to Balanced Strength, Stiffness, and Dispersion
by Saba Yaqoob, Zulfiqar Ali, Alberto D’Amore, Alessandro Lo Schiavo, Antonio Petraglia and Mauro Rubino
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(7), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9070374 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 325
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) have attracted significant interest as hybrid reinforcements in epoxy (Ep) composites for enhancing mechanical performance in structural applications, such as aerospace and automotive. These 1D and 2D nanofillers possess exceptionally high aspect ratios and intrinsic mechanical [...] Read more.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) have attracted significant interest as hybrid reinforcements in epoxy (Ep) composites for enhancing mechanical performance in structural applications, such as aerospace and automotive. These 1D and 2D nanofillers possess exceptionally high aspect ratios and intrinsic mechanical properties, substantially improving composite stiffness and tensile strength. In this study, epoxy nanocomposites were fabricated with 0.1 wt.% and 0.3 wt.% of CNTs and GNPs individually, and with 1:1 CNT:GNP hybrid fillers at equivalent total loadings. Scanning electron microscopy of fracture surfaces confirmed that the CNTGNP hybrids dispersed uniformly, forming an interconnected nanostructured network. Notably, the 0.3 wt.% CNTGNP hybrid system exhibited minimal agglomeration and voids, preventing crack initiation and propagation. Mechanical testing revealed that the 0.3 wt.% CNTGNP/Ep composite achieved the highest tensile strength of approximately 84.5 MPa while maintaining a well-balanced stiffness profile (elastic modulus ≈ 4.62 GPa). The hybrid composite outperformed both due to its synergistic reinforcement mechanisms and superior dispersion despite containing only half the concentration of each nanofiller relative to the individual 0.3 wt.% CNT or GNP systems. In addition to mechanical performance, electrical conductivity analysis revealed that the 0.3 wt.% CNTGNP hybrid composite exhibited the highest conductivity of 0.025 S/m, surpassing the 0.3 wt.% CNT-only system (0.022 S/m), owing to forming a well-connected three-dimensional conductive network. The 0.1 wt.% CNT-only composite also showed enhanced conductivity (0.0004 S/m) due to better dispersion at lower filler loadings. These results highlight the dominant role of CNTs in charge transport and the effectiveness of hybrid networks in minimizing agglomeration. These findings demonstrate that CNTGNP hybrid fillers can deliver optimally balanced mechanical enhancement in epoxy matrices, offering a promising route for designing lightweight, high-performance structural composites. Further optimization of nanofiller dispersion and interfacial chemistry may yield even greater improvements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Journal of Composites Science in 2025)
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11 pages, 1778 KiB  
Communication
Ultra-Sensitive Detection of Chloramphenicol by CdS@NiMoS Nanorods-Based Photoelectrochemical Aptasensor
by Hebin Sun, Yimeng Sun, Tong Qi, Zhenyu Wang, Jianlong Zhao and Lijuan Liang
Biosensors 2025, 15(7), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15070454 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 362
Abstract
A novel nanomaterial photoelectrochemical aptamer sensor based on CdS@NiMoS heterojunction nanocomposites was constructed for highly sensitive detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) in antibiotic residues. Through optimization of the material synthesis process, the optimal doping ratio of MoS2 to Ni3+ (70% MoS2 [...] Read more.
A novel nanomaterial photoelectrochemical aptamer sensor based on CdS@NiMoS heterojunction nanocomposites was constructed for highly sensitive detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) in antibiotic residues. Through optimization of the material synthesis process, the optimal doping ratio of MoS2 to Ni3+ (70% MoS2 and 10% Ni3+) was identified, which significantly enhanced the photogenerated carrier separation efficiency. In thin-film preparation, comparative analysis of four film-forming methods led to the determination of an optimal process with stability. To achieve highly specific CAP detection, the nanocomposite chip was integrated with nucleic acid aptamer biorecognition elements within a standard three-electrode detection system. Experimental results demonstrated a linear response (R2 = 0.998) in the 0.1–2 μM concentration range, with a detection limit of 3.69 nM (3σ/S). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology Biosensing in Bioanalysis and Beyond)
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10 pages, 3162 KiB  
Article
High-Sensitivity, Low Detection Limit, and Fast Ammonia Detection of Ag-NiFe2O4 Nanocomposite and DFT Study
by Xianfeng Hao, Yuehang Sun, Zongwei Liu, Gongao Jiao and Dongzhi Zhang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(14), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15141088 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 277
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) is one of the characteristic gases used to detect food spoilage. In this study, the 10 wt% Ag-NiFe2O4 nanocomposite was synthesized via the hydrothermal method. Characterization results from SEM, XRD, and XPS analyzed the microstructure, elemental [...] Read more.
Ammonia (NH3) is one of the characteristic gases used to detect food spoilage. In this study, the 10 wt% Ag-NiFe2O4 nanocomposite was synthesized via the hydrothermal method. Characterization results from SEM, XRD, and XPS analyzed the microstructure, elemental composition, and crystal lattice features of the composite, confirming its successful fabrication. Under the optimal working temperature of 280 °C, the composite exhibited excellent gas-sensing properties towards NH3. The 10 wt% Ag-NiFe2O4 sensor demonstrates rapid response and recovery, as well as high sensitivity, towards 30 ppm NH3, with response and recovery times of merely 3 s and 9 s, respectively, and a response value of 4.59. The detection limit is as low as 0.1 ppm, meeting the standards for food safety detection. Additionally, the sensor exhibits good short-term repeatability and long-term stability. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) simulations were conducted to investigate the gas-sensing advantages of the Ag-NiFe2O4 composite by analyzing the electron density and density of states, thereby providing theoretical guidance for experimental testing. This study facilitates the rapid detection of food spoilage and promotes the development of portable food safety detection devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials in Gas and Humidity Sensors: Second Edition)
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27 pages, 5856 KiB  
Article
Buckypapers in Polymer-Based Nanocomposites: A Pathway to Superior Thermal Stability
by Johannes Bibinger, Sebastian Eibl, Hans-Joachim Gudladt and Philipp Höfer
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(14), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15141081 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 290
Abstract
The thermal stability of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials is constrained by the low thermal conductivity of its polymer matrix, resulting in inefficient heat dissipation, local overheating, and accelerated degradation during thermal loads. To overcome these limitations, composite materials can be modified with [...] Read more.
The thermal stability of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials is constrained by the low thermal conductivity of its polymer matrix, resulting in inefficient heat dissipation, local overheating, and accelerated degradation during thermal loads. To overcome these limitations, composite materials can be modified with buckypapers—thin, densely interconnected layers of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In this study, sixteen 8552/IM7 prepreg plies were processed with up to nine buckypapers and strategically placed at various positions. The resulting nanocomposites were evaluated for manufacturability, material properties, and thermal resistance. The findings reveal that prepreg plies provide only limited matrix material for buckypaper infiltration. Nonetheless, up to five buckypapers, corresponding to 8 wt.% CNTs, can be incorporated into the material without inducing matrix depletion defects. This integration significantly enhances the material’s thermal properties while maintaining its mechanical integrity. The nanotubes embedded in the matrix achieve an effective thermal conductivity of up to 7 W/(m·K) based on theoretical modeling. As a result, under one-sided thermal irradiation at 50 kW/m2, thermo-induced damage and strength loss can be delayed by up to 20%. Therefore, thermal resistance is primarily determined by the nanotube concentration, whereas the arrangement of the buckypapers affects the material quality. Since this innovative approach enables the targeted integration of high particle fractions, it offers substantial potential for improving the safety and reliability of CFRP under thermal stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nano-Enhanced Thermal Functional Materials)
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15 pages, 5712 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticle/Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites with Induced Magnetic Performance
by Anastasios C. Patsidis, Aikaterini Sanida, Georgia C. Manika, Sevasti Gioti, Georgios N. Mathioudakis, Nicholas Petropoulos, Athanasios Kanapitsas, Christos Tsonos, Thanassis Speliotis and Georgios C. Psarras
Polymers 2025, 17(14), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17141913 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 409
Abstract
In this work magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4, or ZnFe2O4, or SrFe12O19) and BaTiO3 microparticles were embedded in an epoxy resin for the synthesis of three series of hybrid magnetic polymer nanocomposites. [...] Read more.
In this work magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4, or ZnFe2O4, or SrFe12O19) and BaTiO3 microparticles were embedded in an epoxy resin for the synthesis of three series of hybrid magnetic polymer nanocomposites. Barium titanate content was kept constant, while magnetic phase content was varied. Fabricated specimens were structurally and morphologically characterized by employing scanning electron microscopy images and X-ray diffraction patterns. Results implied successful synthesis of the hybrid nanocomposites. The magnetic behavior of the pure magnetic nanoparticles and the fabricated nanocomposites was investigated via a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer. The magnetic performance of each type of magnetic phase (i.e., soft and hard) was induced in the nanocomposites, and magnetic performance is strengthened with the increase in magnetic phase content. Initial magnetization curves were used for the determination of mass magnetic susceptibility of all nanocomposites. Magnetic saturation and magnetic remanence have been found to follow a linear relationship with magnetic phase content, giving the opportunity to predict the system’s response in advance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers in Inorganic Chemistry: Synthesis and Applications)
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21 pages, 4000 KiB  
Article
Structure-Properties Correlations of PVA-Cellulose Based Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging Applications
by Konstantinos Papapetros, Georgios N. Mathioudakis, Dionysios Vroulias, Nikolaos Koutroumanis, George A. Voyiatzis and Konstantinos S. Andrikopoulos
Polymers 2025, 17(14), 1911; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17141911 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 367
Abstract
Bio-nanocomposites based on poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and cellulosic nanostructures are favorable for active food packaging applications. The current study systematically investigates the mechanical properties, gas permeation, and swelling parameters of PVA composites with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) or nano lignocellulose (NLC) fibers. Alterations [...] Read more.
Bio-nanocomposites based on poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and cellulosic nanostructures are favorable for active food packaging applications. The current study systematically investigates the mechanical properties, gas permeation, and swelling parameters of PVA composites with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) or nano lignocellulose (NLC) fibers. Alterations in these macroscopic properties, which are critical for food packaging applications, are correlated with structural information at the molecular level. Strong interactions between the fillers and polymer host matrix were observed, while the PVA crystallinity exhibited a maximum at ~1% loading. Finally, the orientation of the PVA nanocrystals in the uniaxially stretched samples was found to depend non-monotonically on the CNC loading and draw ratio. Concerning the macroscopic properties of the composites, the swelling properties were reduced for the D1 food simulant, while for water, a considerable decrease was observed only when high NLC loadings were involved. Furthermore, although the water vapor transmission rates are roughly similar for all samples, the CO2, N2, and O2 gas permeabilities are low, exhibiting further decrease in the 1% and 1–5% loading for CNC and NLC composites, respectively. The mechanical properties were considerably altered as a consequence of the good dispersion of the filler, increased crystallinity of the polymer matrix, and morphology of the filler. Thus, up to ~50%/~170% enhancement of the Young’s modulus and up to ~20%/~50% enhancement of the tensile strength are observed for the CNC/NLC composites. Interestingly, the elongation at break is also increased by ~20% for CNC composites, while it is reduced by ~40% for the NLC composites, signifying the favorable/unfavorable interactions of cellulose/lignin with the matrix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose and Its Composites: Preparation and Applications)
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12 pages, 2279 KiB  
Article
Electrostatic Self-Assembly of Heterostructured In2O3/Ti3C2Tx Nanocomposite for High-Selectivity NO2 Gas Sensing at Room Temperature
by Yongjing Guo, Zhengxin Zhang, Hangshuo Feng, Qingfu Dai, Qiuni Zhao, Zaihua Duan, Shenghui Guo, Li Yang, Ming Hou and Yi Xia
Chemosensors 2025, 13(7), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors13070249 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 364
Abstract
Owing to high electrical conductivity, layered structure, and abundant surface functional groups, transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) have received enormous interest in the field of gas sensors at room temperature. In this work, we synthesize a heterostructured nanocomposite with indium oxide (In2O [...] Read more.
Owing to high electrical conductivity, layered structure, and abundant surface functional groups, transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) have received enormous interest in the field of gas sensors at room temperature. In this work, we synthesize a heterostructured nanocomposite with indium oxide (In2O3) decorated on titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets by electrostatic self-assembly and develop it for high-selectivity NO2 gas sensing at room temperature. Self-assembly formation of multiple heterojunctions in the In2O3/Ti3C2Tx composite provide abundant NO2 gas adsorption sites and high electron transfer activity, which is conducive to improving the gas-sensing response of the In2O3/Ti3C2Tx gas sensor. Assisted by rich adsorption sites and hetero interface, the as-fabricated In2O3/Ti3C2Tx gas sensor exhibits the highest response to NO2 among various interference gases. Meanwhile, a detection limit of 0.3 ppm, and response/recovery time (197.62/93.84 s) is displayed at room temperature. Finally, a NO2 sensing mechanism of In2O3/Ti3C2Tx gas sensor is constructed based on PN heterojunction enhancement and molecular adsorption. This work not only expands the gas-sensing application of MXenes, but also demonstrates an avenue for the rational design and construction of NO2-sensing materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterial-Based Gas Sensors and Humidity Sensors)
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20 pages, 3918 KiB  
Article
Engineered Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4/GCN Spinel Nanostructures for Dual-Functional Energy Storage and Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
by Abdus Sami, Sohail Ahmad, Ai-Dang Shan, Sijie Zhang, Liming Fu, Saima Farooq, Salam K. Al-Dawery, Hamed N. Harharah, Ramzi H. Harharah and Gasim Hayder
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2200; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072200 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 346
Abstract
The rapid growth in population and industrialization have significantly increased global energy demand, placing immense pressure on finite and environmentally harmful conventional fossil fuel-based energy sources. In this context, the development of hybrid electrocatalysts presents a crucial solution for energy conversion and storage, [...] Read more.
The rapid growth in population and industrialization have significantly increased global energy demand, placing immense pressure on finite and environmentally harmful conventional fossil fuel-based energy sources. In this context, the development of hybrid electrocatalysts presents a crucial solution for energy conversion and storage, addressing environmental challenges while meeting rising energy needs. In this study, the fabrication of a novel bifunctional catalyst, copper nickel aluminum spinel (Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4) supported on graphitic carbon nitride (GCN), using a solid-state synthesis process is reported. Because of its effective interface design and spinel cubic structure, the Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4/GCN nanocomposite, as synthesized, performs exceptionally well in electrochemical energy conversion, such as the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and energy storage. In particular, compared to noble metals, Pt/C- and IrO2-based water-splitting cells require higher voltages (1.70 V), while for the Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4/GCN nanocomposite, a voltage of 1.49 V is sufficient to generate a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in an alkaline solution. When used as supercapacitor electrode materials, Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4/GCN nanocomposites show a specific capacitance of 1290 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and maintain a specific capacitance of 609 F g−1 even at a higher current density of 5 A g−1, suggesting exceptional rate performance and charge storage capacity. The electrode’s exceptional capacitive properties were further confirmed through the determination of the roughness factor (Rf), which represents surface heterogeneity and active area enhancement, with a value of 345.5. These distinctive characteristics render the Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4/GCN composite a compelling alternative to fossil fuels in the ongoing quest for a viable replacement. Undoubtedly, the creation of the Cu0.5Ni0.5Al2O4/GCN composite represents a significant breakthrough in addressing the energy crisis and environmental concerns. Owing to its unique composition and electrocatalytic characteristics, it is considered a feasible choice in the pursuit of ecologically sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Full article
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