Search Results (399)

The development of high-speed computers and electronic memories, high-frequency communication networks, electroluminescent and photovoltaic devices, flexible displays, and more requires new materials with unique properties, such as a low dielectric constant, an adjustable refractive index, high hardness, thermal resistance, and processability. SiOC coatings possess a number of desirable properties required by modern technologies, including good heat and UV resistance, transparency, high electrical insulation, flexibility, and solubility in commonly used organic solvents. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a very useful and convenient method to produce this type of layer. In this article we present the results of studies on SiOC coatings obtained from tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane in a remote hydrogen plasma CVD process. The elemental composition (XPS, EDS) and chemical structure (FTIR and NMR spectroscopy-¹³C, ²⁹Si) of the obtained coatings were investigated. Photoluminescence analyses and ellipsometric and thermogravimetric measurements were also performed. The surface morphology was characterized using AFM and SEM. The obtained results allowed us to propose a mechanism for the initiation and growth of the SiOC layer. Full article

Quasi-two-dimensional (Q2D) perovskite films have garnered significant attention as novel gain media for lasers due to their tunable bandgap, narrow linewidth, and solution processability. Q2D perovskites endowed with intrinsic quantum well structures demonstrate remarkable potential as gain media for cost-effective miniaturized lasers, owing to their superior ambient stability and enhanced photon confinement capabilities. However, the mixed-phase distribution within Q2D films constitutes a critical determinant of their optical properties, exhibiting pronounced sensitivity to specific fabrication protocols and processing parameters, including annealing temperature, duration, antisolvent volume, injection timing, and dosing rate. These factors frequently lead to broad phase distribution in Q2D perovskite films, thereby inducing incomplete exciton energy transfer and multiple emission peaks, while simultaneously making the fabrication processes intricate and reducing reproducibility. Here, we report a novel annealing-free and antisolvent-free method for the preparation of Q2D perovskite films fabricated in ambient atmosphere. By constructing a tailored mixed-solvent vapor atmosphere and systematically investigating its regulatory effects on the nucleation and growth processes of film via in situ photoluminescence spectra, we successfully achieved the fabrication of Q2D perovskite films with large n narrow phase distribution characteristics. Due to the reduced content of small n domains, the incomplete energy transfer from small n to large n phases and the carriers’ accumulation in small n can be greatly suppressed, thereby suppressing the trap-assistant nonradiative recombination and Auger recombination. Ultimately, the Q2D perovskite film showed a single emission peak at 519 nm with the narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 21.5 nm and high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 83%. And based on the optimized Q2D film, we achieved an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) with a low threshold of 29 μJ·cm⁻², which was approximately 60% lower than the 69 μJ·cm⁻² of the control film. Full article

Wearable and skin-mounted electronics demand encapsulation designs that simultaneously provide strong barrier performance, mechanical reliability, and transferability under ultrathin conditions. In this study, a residual stress-balanced transferable encapsulation platform was developed by integrating a urethane-based copolymer superstrate [p(IEM-co-HEMA)] with inorganic thin films. The polymer, deposited via initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD), offered over 90% optical transmittance, low RMS roughness (1–3 nm), and excellent solvent resistance, providing a stable base for inorganic barrier integration. An ALD Al₂O₃/ZnO nano-stratified barrier initially delivered effective moisture blocking, but tensile stress accumulation imposed a critical thickness of 30 nm, where the WVTR plateaued at ~2.5 × 10⁻⁴ g/m²/day. To overcome this limitation, a 40 nm e-beam SiO₂ capping layer was added, introducing compressive stress via atomic peening and stabilizing Al₂O₃ interfaces through Si–O–Al bonding. This stress-balanced design doubled the critical thickness to 60 nm and reduced the WVTR to 3.75 × 10⁻⁵ g/m²/day, representing an order-of-magnitude improvement. OLEDs fabricated on this ultrathin platform preserved J–V–L characteristics and efficiency (~4.5–5.0 cd/A) after water-assisted transfer and on-skin deformation, while maintaining LT80 lifetimes of 140–190 h at 400 cd/m² and stable emission for over 20 days in ambient storage. These results demonstrate that the stress-balanced encapsulation platform provides a practical route to meet the durability and reliability requirements of next-generation wearable optoelectronic devices. Full article

Ultrasonication offers a safer, lower-temperature method for synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). This study details the development of a pectin-glycerol bionanocomposite film reinforced with ZnO-NPs produced using the top-down ultrasonication method. ZnO-NPs were fabricated with varying ultrasonication durations (0, 30, and 60 min) and the addition of pectin as a capping agent. Extended ultrasonication duration resulted in smaller particle size and more defined morphology. Bionanocomposite films were prepared using the solvent casting method by incorporating ZnO-NPs (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5% w/w) and glycerol (0, 10, 20% w/w) as a plasticizer to a pectin base. The inclusion of ZnO-NPs and glycerol did not affect the shear-thinning behavior of the film-forming solution. FTIR analysis indicated interactions between ZnO-NPs, glycerol, and pectin. The addition of ZnO-NPs and glycerol reduced tensile strength but increased flexibility. ZnO-NPs improved barrier and thermal properties by reducing water vapor permeability and increasing melting point, whereas glycerol lowered glass transition temperature, thus enhancing film flexibility. The best film performance was observed with a combination of 0.5% ZnO and 20% glycerol. These results highlight the effectiveness of the top-down ultrasonication method as a sustainable approach for ZnO-NPs fabrication, supporting the development of pectin/ZnO-NPs/glycerol films as a promising material for eco-friendly packaging. Full article

Food waste is a global challenge, with nearly 40% of food discarded annually, leading to economic losses, food insecurity, and environmental harm. Major factors driving spoilage include microbial contamination, enzymatic activity, oxidation, and excessive ethylene production. Active packaging offers a promising solution by extending shelf life through the selective absorption or release of specific substances. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films incorporating metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were prepared via solvent casting to enhance their mechanical and barrier properties. Five MOFs (HKUST-1, MIL-88A, BASF-A520, UiO-66, and MOF-801) were embedded in the PVA matrix and analyzed for their physical, mechanical, and optical characteristics. The incorporation of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (CNF) improved MOF dispersion, significantly strengthening film performance. Among the formulations, PVA-CNF-MOF-801 exhibited the best performance, with a 130% increase in tensile strength, a 50% reduction in water vapor permeability, and a 168% improvement in UV protection compared with neat PVA films. Ethylene adsorption tests with climacteric fruits confirmed that CNF-containing films retained ethylene more effectively than those without CNFs, although the differences among the MOFs were minimal. These results highlight the potential of PVA-CNF-MOF composite films as sustainable active packaging materials, providing an effective strategy to reduce food waste and its environmental impact. Full article

Polymeric membranes are a highly viable technology for wastewater treatment, water purification, and other filtration operations. Accordingly, flat membranes were developed from extruded nanocomposites of polyamide 6 (PA6) and carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), varying the filler content to 1, 3, and 5 parts per hundred resin (phr). The membranes were produced using the phase inversion process through the immersion–precipitation technique. In total, eight membrane compositions were developed with solvent/polymer ratios of 80/20 (weight %). Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) was used as a pore-forming agent at a content of 10 phr. Thus, the characterizations performed were: solution viscosity, FTIR, contact angle measurement, SEM, AFM, water permeability test, and water vapor permeation test. The results showed that the high viscosity of membranes, excessive gelation time, and higher MWCNT contents contributed to a decrease and/or absence of flow. Through SEM images and water flow measurements, the significant influence of CaCl₂ was observed in modifying the membrane morphology (more interconnected porous structures), ensuring the presence of flow. The AFM images also confirm this phenomenon through the increase in roughness. Water vapor transmission increased with higher MWCNT content. These results demonstrate that PA6 and MWCNT membranes were effective for water filtration, only in those where CaCl₂ was used, and for water vapor initially. Full article

The paper presents the effect of an organic solvent on the efficiency of vapor condensation from pyrolysis processes applied to agricultural waste, with the intention of optimizing the trapping procedure for more volatile components. Therefore, the effect of the use of acetone in the vapor trapping system on the yield and composition of liquid fractions (bio-oils) obtained from the pyrolysis of selected agricultural waste, including corn, tomato, and tobacco, was investigated. The focus was placed on evaluating how solvents influence the quality, yield, and composition of bio-oil, as well as whether they are necessary in the pyrolysis process. Acetone, a polar solvent with low human toxicity and the possibility of regeneration after pyrolysis, was selected for bio-oil condensation due to its effectiveness in dissolving polar compounds formed during the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. Pyrolysis was conducted at 400 and 500 °C for 30 min, to collect light and heavy fractions, which were subsequently analyzed to assess acetone’s influence. The results showed that acetone positively affected corn bio-oil yield (from 44.57% without acetone to 52.13% with acetone) and improved quality by reducing moisture (from 61.82% to 12.83%) and oxygen content (from 86.50% to 47.10%). An increase in calorific value was also observed in both corn varieties, while the effect was minimal in tobacco and nearly negligible in tomato. The obtained parameter values indicated that satisfactory results can also be achieved without the use of a solvent, representing a step toward simplified pyrolysis. GC-MS analysis confirmed that phenols and their derivatives were the dominant compounds, while FTIR analysis verified the presence of functional groups of the identified compounds. Increasing the temperature generally increased both the yield and calorific value of most samples. Light and heavy fractions were separated during condensation to improve collection efficiency and enable better quality control. Although this step adds complexity and potential contamination risks, it allows more effective utilization of the fractions. These results provide a valuable foundation for optimizing the valorization of agricultural waste through pyrolysis-based biofuel production. Full article

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture using alkanolamines remains the most mature technology, yet faces challenges including solvent loss, high regeneration energy and equipment corrosion. Ionic liquids (ILs) are proposed as alternatives, but their high viscosity and production costs hinder industrial use. Thus, blending ILs with amines offers a promising approach. This work presents new experimental data for aqueous blends of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate, $\left[\mathrm{B}\mathrm{m}\mathrm{i}{\mathrm{m}}^{+}\right]\left[\mathrm{H}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{O}}_4^{-}\right],$ with 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) and 3-(methylamino)propylamine (MAPA) and for choline glycine, $\left[\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{h}}^{+}\right]\left[\mathrm{G}\mathrm{l}{\mathrm{y}}^{-}\right]$, with AMP, modeled using the modified Kent–Eisenberg approach. It was shown that substituting a portion of the amine with $\left[\mathrm{B}\mathrm{m}\mathrm{i}{\mathrm{m}}^{+}\right]\left[\mathrm{H}\mathrm{S}{\mathrm{O}}_4^{-}\right]$ reduces CO₂ uptake per mole of amine due to the lower solution’s basicity, despite the added sites for physical absorption. In contrast, the replacement of an amine portion with $\left[\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{h}}^{+}\right]\left[\mathrm{G}\mathrm{l}{\mathrm{y}}^{-}\right]$ enhances both physical and chemical interactions, leading to increased CO₂ solubility per mole of amine. Finally, replacing a small portion of water with $\left[\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{h}}^{+}\right]\left[\mathrm{G}\mathrm{l}{\mathrm{y}}^{-}\right]$ does not significantly alter the bulk CO₂ solubility (moles of CO₂ per kg of solvent) but lowers the solvent’s vapor pressure. Given the non-toxic nature of $\left[\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{h}}^{+}\right]\left[\mathrm{G}\mathrm{l}{\mathrm{y}}^{-}\right]$, the resulting solvent poses no added environmental risk. Model predictions agree well with experimental data (deviations of 2.0–11.6%) and indicate low unreacted amine content at CO₂ partial pressures of 1–10 kPa for carbamate-forming amines, i.e., $\left[\mathrm{G}\mathrm{l}{\mathrm{y}}^{-}\right]$, and MAPA. Consequently, at higher CO₂ partial pressures, the solubility increases due to carbamate hydrolysis and molecular CO₂ dissolution. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable packaging materials highlights the need for bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived polymers, particularly in barrier applications where reduced environmental impact and recyclability are critical. Poly(lactic acid) is a promising candidate due to its renewable origin and biodegradability, yet its application in aqueous dispersion coatings remains underdeveloped. In this study, copolymers were synthesized from L-(+)-lactic acid, itaconic acid, and 1,4-/2,3-butanediol via polycondensation, and a solvent-free thermomechanical method was used to prepare aqueous dispersions from the produced copolymers. The main objective of this study was to identify an optimal composition for the copolymer and dispersion to achieve small and uniformly sized dispersion particles while also assessing the scalability of the process from laboratory to pilot production. The smallest dispersion particles and most uniform size distribution were achieved with a copolymer that had an M_n close to the average (10,180 g mol⁻¹) and a low T_g (−1.4 °C). The grade and dosage of the dispersion stabilizer significantly influenced the particle size and particle size distribution. The process scale-up, including polymer production at pilot scale and dispersion preparation at bench scale, was successfully demonstrated. The water vapor barrier properties of the coated dispersions were promising (<10 g/m² at 23 °C/50% RH), supporting the potential of aqueous PLA-based dispersions as sustainable barrier coatings. Full article

Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution is a serious environmental and human health problem. In recent decades, the impact of this substance has been profound and persistent, affecting the balance of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and leading to significant physical and psychosocial effects among the population. Natural sources (crude oil, natural gas, forest fires, and volcanic eruptions) and anthropogenic (road traffic, smoking, pesticide use, oil drilling, underground water leaks, improper oil spills, industrial and mining waste water washing, etc.), the molar weight of the hydrocarbon, and the physicochemical properties are important factors in determining the degree of pollution. The effects of pollution on the environment consist of altering the fundamental structures for sustaining life (infertile lands, climate change, and loss of biodiversity). In terms of human health, diseases of the following systems occur: respiratory (asthma, bronchitis), cardiovascular (stroke, heart attack), pulmonary (infections, cancer), and premature death. To reduce contamination, sustainable intervention must be carried out in the early stages of the pollution-control process. These include physical techniques (isolation, soil vapor extraction, solvent extraction, soil washing), chemical techniques (dispersants–surfactants, chemical oxidation, solidification/stabilization, thermal desorption), biological techniques (bioremediation, phytoremediation), and indigenous absorbents (peat, straw, wood sawdust, natural zeolites, clays, hemp fibers, granular slag, Adabline II OS). Due to the significant environmental consequences, decisions regarding the treatment of contaminated sites should be made by environmental experts, who must consider factors such as treatment costs, environmental protection regulations, resource recovery, and social implications. Public awareness is also crucial, as citizens need to understand the severity of the issue. They must address the sources of pollution to develop sustainable solutions for ecosystem decontamination. By protecting the environment, we are also safeguarding human nature. Full article

Packaging demand currently exceeds 144 Mt per year, of which >90% is conventional plastic, generating over 100 Mt of waste and 1.8 Gt CO₂-eq emissions annually. In this review, we systematically survey three classes of lignocellulosic feedstocks, agricultural residues, fruit and vegetable by-products, and forestry wastes, with respect to their physicochemical composition (cellulose crystallinity, hemicellulose ratio, and lignin content) and key processing pathways. We then examine fabrication routes (solvent casting, extrusion, and compression molding) and quantify how compositional variables translate into film performance: tensile strength, elongation at break (4–10%), water vapor transmission rate, thermal stability, and biodegradation kinetics. Highlighted case studies include the reinforcement of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with 7 wt% oxidized nanocellulose, yielding a >90% increase in tensile strength and a 50% reduction in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), as well as pilot-scale extrusion of rice straw/polylactic acid (PLA) blends. We also assess techno-economic metrics and life-cycle impacts. Finally, we identify four priority research directions: harmonizing pretreatment protocols to reduce batch variability, scaling up nanocellulose extraction and film casting, improving marine-environment biodegradation, and integrating circular economy supply chains through regional collaboration and policy frameworks. Full article

Biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) composite films were prepared with a compatibilizer (tributyl citrate, TBC) using a solvent casting method. Incorporation of 5% TBC (w/v, of PCL weight) improved tensile strength and elongation at break (21.93 ± 2.33 MPa and 21.02 ± 1.54%, respectively) and reduced water vapor permeability (from 0.12 ± 0.01 to 0.098 ± 0.01 g·mm·m²·h·kPa), indicating improved compatibility between PLA and PCL. Staphylococcus aureus phage PBSA08 demonstrated rapid and persistent bacteriolytic activity for up to 24 h, suggesting its potential as a promising antibacterial biological agent. To impart antibacterial properties to the developed PLA/PCL/TBC film, PBSA08 was loaded into sodium alginate (SA) and coated on the film surface. The optimal composition was 3% (w/v) SA and 3% (w/v) glycerol, which exhibited suitable dynamic behavior as a coating solution and excellent adhesion to the film surface. The phage-coated antibacterial films demonstrated progressive and significant inhibition against S. aureus starting from 10 to 24 h, with controlled phage-release properties. Overall, the developed active film might exert sustained and remarkable antibacterial effects through controlled release of biological agents (phage) under realistic packaging conditions. Full article

The rising concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂), driven largely by fossil fuel combustion, is a major contributor to global climate change and ocean acidification. As conventional CO₂ capture technologies, primarily amine-based solvents, face challenges such as high energy requirements, volatility, and degradation, there is an urgent need for alternative materials that are both efficient and sustainable. Ionic liquids (ILs) and poly (ionic liquids) (PILs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their unique physicochemical properties, including negligible vapor pressure, high thermal and chemical stability, structural tunability, and strong CO₂ affinity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the design, synthesis, and application of ILs and PILs for CO₂ capture. We examine the mechanisms of CO₂ absorption in IL and PIL systems, analyze the structure-property relationships influencing capture performance, and compare their advantages and limitations relative to conventional solvents. Special attention is given to the role of functional groups, anion/cation selection, and polymeric architectures in enhancing CO₂ uptake and reducing regeneration energy. Finally, the review highlights current challenges and future research directions for scaling up IL and PIL-based technologies in industrial carbon capture and sequestration systems. Full article

In recent years, active packaging has become a focal point of research and development in the food industry, driven by increasing consumer demand for safe, high-quality, and sustainable food products. In this work, solvent casting processed an active antibacterial multicomponent film based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose incorporated with ferulic acid and chitin nanofibers. The influences of ferulic acid and different content of chitin nanofibers on the structure, thermal, mechanical, and water vapor stability and antioxidant and antibacterial efficiency of films were studied. It was shown that the inclusion of only ferulic acid did not significantly influence the mechanical, water vapor, and thermal stability of films. In addition, films containing only ferulic acid did not display antibacterial activity. The optimal concentration of chitin nanofibers in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose–ferulic acid films was 5 wt%, providing a tensile strength of 15 MPa, plasticity of 52%, and water vapor permeability of 0.94 × 10⁻⁹ g/m s Pa. With further increase of chitin nanofibers content, films with layered and discontinuous phases are obtained, which negatively influence tensile strength and water vapor permeability. Moreover, only films containing both ferulic acid and chitin nanofibers demonstrated antibacterial activity toward E. coli and S. aureus, suggesting that the presence of fibers allows easier release of ferulic acid from the matrix. These results imply that the investigated three-component systems have potential applicability as sustainable active food packaging materials. Full article

The reliability of passive samplers in measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air depends on whether the uptake rate is constant given the environmental conditions and sampler exposure duration. The first phase of this study evaluated the performance of charcoal-based, solvent-extracted passive samplers (e.g., Radiello^® 130 passive samplers with white diffusive bodies) over exposure periods ranging from 1 week to 1 year in a test house with known vapor intrusion (VI). Chloroform %Bias values exceeded the ±30% acceptance criterion after 4 weeks exposure. Benzene, hexane, and trichloroethylene (TCE) concentrations were within the acceptance criterion for up to three months. Toluene and tetrachloroethylene (PCE), the two least volatile compounds, demonstrated uniform uptake rates over one year. In the second phase of this study, testing of the longer exposure times of 6 months and 1 year were evaluated with three additional passive samplers: Waterloo Membrane Sampler^TM (WMS^TM), SKC 575 with secondary diffusive cover, and Radiello^® 130 passive samplers with yellow diffusive bodies. The SKC 575 and Radiello^® 130 passive samplers produced acceptable results (%Bias ≤ 30%) over the 6-month exposure period, while the WMS^TM sampler results favored petroleum hydrocarbon more than chlorinated solvent uptake. After the 1-year exposure period, the passive sampler performances were acceptable under specific conditions of this study. The results suggest that all three samplers can produce acceptable results over exposure time periods beyond 30 days and up to a year for some compounds. Full article