Search Results (285)

In this study, polysulfone-based nanocomposites with carbon black (CB) nanoparticles were fabricated to evaluate their urea-removal properties. The nanocomposites were obtained using two different methods: solution mixing and melt extrusion. These materials were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which allowed for the identification of the corresponding functional groups within the polysulfone polymer matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed, confirming the amorphous structure of the polysulfone. The addition of modified carbon black shifted the most intense peak of the polysulfone. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed an increase in thermal stability with the addition of different concentrations of modified carbon black for solution-mixing method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the melt-extrusion method presented a better dispersion of the nanoparticles, since large agglomerates were not observed. Additionally, a urea adsorption study was conducted, obtaining removal percentages of 76% and 72% for the extrusion and solution-mixing methods, respectively. It was demonstrated that the nanocomposite can be used for up to five cycles without losing urea-removal efficiency, whereas the efficiency of pure polysulfone decreases as the number of cycles increases. Finally, the hemolysis test was performed, and the nanocomposites showed less than 1% hemolysis, indicating that the material is non-hemolytic. Full article

In response to escalating global energy demands and environmental challenges, electrochromic (EC) smart windows have emerged as a transformative technology for adaptive solar modulation. Herein, we report the rational design and fabrication of a bilayer WO₃/TiO₂ heterostructure via a synergistic two-step strategy involving the electrochemical deposition of amorphous WO₃ and the controlled hydrothermal crystallization of TiO₂. Structural and morphological analyses confirm the formation of phase-pure heterostructures with a tunable TiO₂ crystallinity governed by reaction time. The optimized WTi-5 configuration exhibits a hierarchically organized nanostructure that couples the fast ion intercalation dynamics of amorphous WO₃ with the interfacial stability and electrochemical modulation capability of crystalline TiO₂. Electrochromic characterization reveals pronounced redox activity, a high charge reversibility (98.48%), and superior coloration efficiency (128.93 cm²/C). Optical analysis confirms an exceptional transmittance modulation (ΔT = 82.16% at 600 nm) and rapid switching kinetics (coloration/bleaching times of 15.4 s and 6.2 s, respectively). A large-area EC device constructed with the WTi-5 electrode delivers durable performance, with only a 3.13% degradation over extended cycling. This study establishes interface-engineered WO₃/TiO₂ bilayers as a scalable platform for next-generation smart windows, highlighting the pivotal role of a heterostructure design in uniting a high contrast, speed, and longevity within a single EC architecture. Full article

Clay minerals are promising candidates for caffeine removal due to their environmental friendliness and natural abundance. In this study, a commercially available bentonite was modified by Na⁺ exchange and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential measurements, and specific surface area analysis. Caffeine adsorption was rapid, reaching equilibrium within 15 min. Adsorption isotherms for caffeine and its metabolites (theobromine, paraxanthine, and theophylline) in pure water were analyzed at 25.0 ± 0.5 °C using Langmuir and Freundlich models, both individually and in mixtures. Only caffeine exhibited favorable adsorption behavior, fitting the Langmuir equation, which allowed for the determination of a maximum adsorption capacity of 20 ± 3 mg/g, regardless of metabolite presence. The removal exceeded 85% of the caffeine from a 5.0 mg/L solution. The adsorption affinity of the studied compounds toward Na⁺-exchanged bentonite followed the order: caffeine >>> theobromine > paraxanthine ~ theophylline. The modified bentonite was then tested for caffeine removal from beverages and synthetic urine, achieving removal efficiencies exceeding 87%. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the effect of major caffeine metabolites on adsorption rates across different sample matrices, such as artificial urine, cola soda, soluble coffee, energy drinks, green tea, and yerba mate. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rivaroxaban, an oral anticoagulant, shows poor aqueous solubility, posing significant challenges to its bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency. The present study investigates the improvement of rivaroxaban’s solubility through the formation of different inclusion complexes with three cyclodextrin derivatives, such as β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), methyl-β-cyclodextrin (Me-β-CD), and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) prepared by lyophilization in order to stabilize the complexes and improve dissolution characteristics of rivaroxaban. Methods: The physicochemical properties of the individual compounds and the three lyophilized complexes were analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results: FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of non-covalent interactions between rivaroxaban and the cyclodextrins, suggesting successful encapsulation into cyclodextrin cavity. SEM images revealed a significant morphological transformation from the crystalline structure of pure rivaroxaban and cyclodextrins morphologies to a more porous and amorphous matrix in all lyophilized complexes. XRD patterns indicated a noticeable reduction in drug crystallinity, supporting enhanced potential of the drug solubility. TGA analysis demonstrated improved thermal stability in the inclusion complexes compared to the individual drug and cyclodextrins. Pharmacotechnical evaluation revealed that the obtained formulations (by comparison with physical mixtures formulations) possessed favorable bulk and tapped density values, suitable compressibility index, and good flow properties, making all suitable for direct compression into solid dosage forms. Conclusions: The improved cyclodextrins formulation characteristics, combined with enhanced dissolution profiles of rivaroxaban comparable to commercial Xarelto^® 10 mg, highlight the potential of both cyclodextrin inclusion and lyophilization technique as synergistic strategies for enhancing the solubility and drug release of rivaroxaban. Full article

Conductive polymers play a crucial role in the advancement of modern technologies, particularly in the field of organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Due to advantages such as flexibility, low specific weight, ease of processing, and low production costs, polymeric materials present an attractive alternative to traditional photovoltaic materials. This study investigates the properties of a polymer blend composed of PCPDTBT (donor) and PNDI(2HD)2T (acceptor), used as the active layer in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. The motivation behind this research was the search for a novel n-type polymer material with potentially better properties than the commonly used P(NDI2OD-T2). Comprehensive characterization of thin films made from the individual polymers and their blend was conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), four-point probe conductivity measurements, and photovoltaic testing. The prepared films were continuous, uniform, and exhibited low surface roughness (R_a < 2.5 nm). Spectroscopic analysis showed that the blend absorbs light in a broad range of the spectrum, with slight bathochromic shifts compared to individual polymers. Electrical measurements indicated that the blend’s conductivity (9.1 µS/cm) was lower than that of pure PCPDTBT but higher than that of PNDI(2HD)2T, with an optical band gap of 1.34 eV. Photovoltaic devices fabricated using the blend demonstrated an average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.45%, with a short-circuit current of 14.37 mA/cm² and an open-circuit voltage of 0.89 V. These results confirm the feasibility of using PCPDTBT:PNDI(2HD)2T blends as active layers in BHJ solar cells and provide a promising direction for further optimization in terms of polymer ratio and processing conditions. Full article

This study proposes a non-contact engine speed measurement system using vehicle electrical characterization to address the limitations of traditional contact-type methods and optical methods. The developed system collects coupled AC signals through a cigarette lighter interface and extracts the AC features for frequency analysis through a signal conditioning circuit. The system employs a hybrid algorithm combining Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and phase difference compensation to estimate the coarse frequency in the 1-second FFT analysis via sinusoidal least squares fitting and phase difference calculation. The STM32F4-based hardware integrates dual-channel acquisition and adaptive signal conditioning. The experimental results demonstrate high measurement accuracy with errors below 0.4%, real-time performance (1 Hz update rate), and operational portability. Validation tests show a 33-fold improvement in accuracy over the pure FFT method under transient conditions. Key innovations include (1) phase-difference-enhanced frequency resolution (0.1% error), and (2) optimized computational efficiency for embedded deployments. The system’s portability and robustness make it suitable for on-site diagnostics, meeting the automotive industry’s need for non-intrusive, high-precision speed measurements. Full article

Automatic generation of chest X-ray reports, designed to produce clinically precise descriptions from chest X-ray images, is gaining significant research attention because of its vast potential in clinical applications. Recently, despite considerable progress, current models typically adhere to a CNN–Transformer-based framework, which still fails to enhance the perceptual field during image feature extraction. To solve this problem, we propose the Reinforced Memory-driven Pure Transformer (RMPT), which is a novel Transformer–Transformer-based model. In implementation, our RMPT employs the Swin Transformer to extract visual features from given X-ray images, which has a larger perceptual field to better model the relationships between different regions. Furthermore, we adopt a memory-driven Transformer (MemTrans) to effectively model similar patterns in different reports, which is able to facilitate the model to generate long reports. Finally, we present an innovative training approach leveraging Reinforcement Learning (RL) that efficiently steers the model to focus on challenging samples, consequently improving its comprehensive performance across both straightforward and complex situations. Experimental results on the IU X-ray dataset show that our proposed RMPT achieves superior performance on various Natural Language Generation (NLG) evaluation metrics. Further ablation study results demonstrate that our RMPT model achieves 10.5% overall performance compared to the base mode. Full article

The persistent operational instability of all-inorganic cesium lead halide (CsPbX₃) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) has hindered their integration into white-light-emitting diodes (WLEDs). This study introduces a transformative approach by engineering a phase transition from CsPbBr₃ NCs to zirconium bromide (ZrBr₄)-stabilized hexagonal nanocomposites (HNs) through a modified hot-injection synthesis. Structural analyses revealed that the ZrBr₄-mediated phase transformation induced a structurally ordered lattice with minimized defects, significantly enhancing charge carrier confinement and radiative recombination efficiency. The resulting HNs achieved an exceptional photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 92%, prolonged emission lifetimes, and suppressed nonradiative decay, attributed to effective surface passivation. The WLEDs with HNs enabled a breakthrough luminous efficiency of 158 lm/W and a record color rendering index (CRI) of 98, outperforming conventional CsPbX₃-based devices. The WLEDs exhibited robust thermal stability, retaining over 80% of initial emission intensity at 100 °C, and demonstrated exceptional operational stability with negligible PL degradation during 50 h of continuous operation at 100 mA. Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.35, 0.32) validated pure white-light emission with high chromatic fidelity. This work establishes ZrBr₄-mediated HNs as a paradigm-shifting material platform, addressing critical stability and efficiency challenges in perovskite optoelectronics and paving the way for next-generation, high-performance lighting solutions. Full article

The integration of machine learning (ML) has begun to reshape the development of advanced polymeric materials used in technical textiles. Polymeric materials, with their versatile properties, are central to the performance of technical textiles across industries such as healthcare, aerospace, automotive, and construction. By utilizing ML and AI, researchers are now able to design and optimize polymers for specific applications more efficiently, predict their behavior under extreme conditions, and develop smart, responsive textiles that enhance functionality. This review highlights the transformative potential of ML in polymer-based textiles, enabling advancements in waste sorting (with classification accuracy of up to 100% for pure fibers), material design (predicting stiffness properties within 10% error), defect prediction (enabling proactive interventions in fabric production), and smart wearable systems (achieving response times as low as 192 ms for physiological monitoring). The integration of AI technologies drives sustainable innovation and enhances the functionality of textile products. Through case studies and examples, this review provides guidance for future research in the development of polymer-based technical textiles using AI and ML technologies. Full article

A solid/liquid continuous composite casting technology was developed to produce brass-clad copper stranded wire billets efficiently with continuous casting speeds ranging from 200 mm/min to 1000 mm/min. As the casting speed increased, the microstructure of the brass cladding transformed at an angle to the radial direction. The wire billet prepared at a casting speed of 600 mm/min was then subjected to drawing. As the percentage reduction in area of the billet increased from 11.9 to 81.5% during the drawing process, the tensile strength improved from 336 MPa to 534 MPa, while the elongation after fracture decreased from 30.1 to 4.7%. Meanwhile, dislocation, dislocation cells, and microbands successively formed in the pure copper strand wires, while twins, shear bands, dislocation pile-ups, and secondary twins gradually formed in the brass cladding. During the drawing process, the interface between copper and brass remained metallurgically bonded, exhibiting coordinated deformation behavior. This paper clarified the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of brass-clad copper stranded wires in high-speed solid/liquid continuous composite casting and drawing, which could provide important reference for industrial production. Full article

This study reports the synthesis of aluminum-doped ZnO nanoparticles (Al-ZnO NPs) via a top-down mechanochemical solid-state reaction (SSR) approach using high-energy ball milling (HEBM) as a rapid, controllable, and efficient method. Al-ZnO samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Significantly, the band gap decreased by 0.215 eV when transitioning from pure ZnO to 9 wt.% Al-doped ZnO (Al-ZnO9). TEM analysis showed that after 4 h of milling at 1000 rpm, the particle size was reduced to 59 nm, exhibiting a spherical morphology crucial for enhanced bioactivity. The antimicrobial properties of the Al-ZnO NPs were evaluated using the well diffusion method against various pathogenic microorganisms, with a particular focus on Staph. aureus ATCC 29213 and Staph. epidermidis ATCC 12228, given their clinical significance as common pathogens in infections related to medical implants and prosthetics. Al-ZnO9 demonstrated superior antibacterial performance, producing inhibition zones of 13 mm and 15 mm against Staph. aureus and Staph. epidermidis, respectively. Moreover, exposure to visible light further amplified the antimicrobial activity. This research underscores the potential for the scalable production of Al-ZnO NPs, presenting a promising solution for addressing infections linked to implanted medical devices. Full article

The development of efficient and stable photocatalysts is critical for addressing water pollution challenges caused by persistent organic contaminants. However, single-component photocatalysts often suffer from rapid photogenerated carrier recombination and limited visible-light absorption. In this study, a two-dimensional lamellar stacked Bi₂O₃/CeO₂ type-II heterojunction photocatalyst (BC) was successfully synthesized in situ by a topological transformation strategy induced by high-temperature oxidation of monolithic Bi. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed the uniform distribution of Bi₂O₃ nanosheets on CeO₂ surfaces, forming an intimate interfacial contact that enhances charge separation and transfer efficiency. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and electrochemical characterization revealed extended visible-light absorption (up to 550 nm) and accelerated electron migration in the heterojunction. Under simulated sunlight, the optimized BOC (3:1) composite exhibited a ciprofloxacin (CIP) degradation rate constant 2.30 and 5.63 times higher than pure Bi₂O₃ and CeO₂, respectively. Theoretical calculations validated the type-II band alignment with conduction and valence band offsets of 0.07 eV and 0.17 eV, which facilitated efficient spatial separation of photogenerated carriers. This work provides a rational strategy for designing heterojunction photocatalysts and advancing their application in water purification. Full article

Laboratory medicine is crucial for clinical decision-making, yet result interpretation often remains challenging for patients. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered conversational system in interpreting laboratory test results, utilizing a closed-box training approach for a Claude-based virtual chatbot focused exclusively on laboratory data interpretation without clinical diagnosis. The system was tested using 100 laboratory reports from three Italian laboratories, encompassing diverse biochemical parameters and measurement standards. The laboratories employed different analytical platforms and methodologies, enabling evaluation of the chatbot’s ability to interpret results across varied instrumental settings. The interpretation accuracy was rigorously assessed through peer review by three independent medical experts with extensive laboratory medicine experience. The Claude model demonstrated complete accuracy with zero hallucinations, attributed to the controlled training environment, domain-specific prompts, and pure generation mechanisms without external data access. Patient feedback from 70 participants showed high satisfaction rates, with 90% providing positive ratings. This study demonstrates that carefully designed AI models can effectively bridge the gap between raw laboratory data and patient understanding, potentially transforming laboratory reporting systems while maintaining high accuracy and avoiding diagnostic territory. These findings have significant implications for patient empowerment and healthcare communication efficiency. Full article

Converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into high-value fuels through the photothermal effect offers an effective approach to enhancing the carbon cycle and reducing the greenhouse effect. In this study, we developed Ag/C-TCN-x, a carbon nitride-based photocatalyst that integrates both photothermal and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects. This material was synthesized through a three-step process involving hydrothermal treatment, calcination, and photo-deposition. Real-time infrared thermography monitoring revealed that Ag/C-TCN-2 reached a surface stabilization temperature of approximately 176 °C, which was 1.5 times higher than C-TCN and 2.2 times higher than g-C₃N₄. Under the same experimental conditions, Ag/C-TCN demonstrated a carbon monoxide (CO) release rate 3.3 times greater than that of pure g-C₃N₄. The composite sample Ag/C-TCN-2 maintained good photocatalytic activity in five cycling tests. The structural stability of the sample after the cycling tests was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) test. The unique tubular structure of Ag/C-TCN increased its specific surface area, facilitating enhanced CO₂ adsorption. Carbon doping not only triggered the photothermal effect but also accelerated the conversion of carriers. Additionally, the LSPR effect of Ag nanoparticles, combined with carbon doping, optimized charge carrier dynamics and promoted efficient CO₂ photoreduction. The CO₂ reduction mechanism over Ag/C-TCN was further examined using in situ Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. This research offers valuable insights into how photothermal and LSPR effects can be harnessed to enhance the efficiency of CO₂ photoreduction. Full article

Natural rutile is a widely available titanium mineral which shows great potential as a photocatalyst for environmental remediation when processed correctly. Industries invest large sums in the transformation of the rutile mineral into pure, synthetic nano titania. Still, the present study proves that bare natural rutile with trace element content can also be applied as a photocatalyst, without harsh chemical interventions, simply by processing via nano grinding. Samples with different mean primary particle size values were obtained by wet stirred media milling, their compositional and structural properties were investigated, and their photocatalytic properties were evaluated under both visible- and UV-light illumination for the degradation of phenol and ibuprofen. By changing the grain size and the particle size distribution, and due to the doping effect of impurities present in the mineral, the band gap values of the samples and their photocatalytic activities changed as well. The nano milled rutile exhibited visible light photocatalytic activity, with a 33% degradation efficiency in the case of both phenol and ibuprofen, after 22 h of irradiation. The present study not only highlights the photocatalytic degradation of a pharmaceutical by natural rutile mineral, but its findings also suggest that ground nano rutile can function as an environmentally friendly photocatalyst, as it not only avoids the use of harmful chemicals typically employed in TiO₂ synthesis but also offers a simpler, more cost-effective alternative for producing photocatalytic materials. Full article