Search Results (2,272)

AISI 316L stainless steel (316L SS) exhibits inadequate corrosion resistance in chloride-containing soils. Fe-based amorphous coatings (Fe-ACs), owing to their high Cr, Mo, and W contents and defect-free amorphous structure, are promising candidates for superior protection. In this work, the corrosion behavior of 316L SS and an Fe-based amorphous coating (Fe-AC) fabricated by high-velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) spraying was systematically compared by burial in Daqing saline soil (25% water content) with 0, 1.0, and 2.0 wt.% NaCl for 15–55 days. Corrosion rates were measured via mass loss, and surface morphology, elemental distribution, and phase constitution were characterized using OM, SEM/EDS, and XRD. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization were employed to assess passive-film stability and charge-transfer resistance. The Fe-AC consistently exhibited an extremely low corrosion rate (below 0.01 mm y⁻¹), nearly independent of NaCl concentration and exposure time, with only sporadic rust spots and the formation of a compact Cr/Mo/W-enriched passive film. In contrast, after 55 days in soil containing 2.0 wt.% NaCl, the 316L SS showed a corrosion rate of 0.0562 mm y⁻¹—six times that of the Fe-AC—accompanied by severe pitting (pit depth up to 3.6 mm) and loose corrosion products (γ-FeOOH and α-Fe₂O₃). Electrochemical tests confirmed that the charge-transfer resistance of the Fe-AC under the 0% NaCl condition reached 1.16 × 10⁶ Ω cm² and its breakdown potential exceeded 1.12 V, far outperforming 316L SS (2.30 × 10³ Ω cm² and 0.22 V, respectively). The novelty of this study lies in the systematic evaluation of the buried corrosion performance of HVOF-sprayed Fe-based amorphous coatings versus 316L SS in an actual saline soil and in elucidating the synergistic passivation mechanism of Cr, Mo, and W. This passive film effectively impedes chloride ingress and maintains high impedance over extended periods. Full article

Precise identification and monitoring of small agricultural water bodies are essential for sustainable water resources management in arid and semi-arid regions, where even limited water losses can significantly affect agricultural productivity and local water security. However, the accurate detection of small ponds remains a major challenge in remote sensing, to address this challenge, this study proposes an integrated three-step framework that combines high-resolution remote sensing imagery, machine and deep learning techniques, and hydrological analysis to identify agricultural ponds and quantify their evaporation losses in Bastam, Iran. In the first step, a dedicated annotated dataset comprising 1061 RGB satellite images, each with a spatial size of 256 × 256 pixels and a ground resolution of 0.5 m, was developed for model training and evaluation. Using this dataset, three deep learning models BiSeNet, UNet3+, and SegNet and four traditional supervised classifiers Maximum Likelihood, Neural Network, Mahalanobis Distance, and Minimum Distance were implemented and compared for pond detection. The results demonstrated that deep learning models consistently outperformed conventional classifiers in delineating small agricultural ponds. Among all evaluated methods, BiSeNet achieved the highest segmentation performance, with an IoU of 82.08%, an F1-score of 90.15%, a precision of 91.86%, and a recall of 88.50%. Among the conventional classifiers, Maximum Likelihood combined with a 5 × 5 spatial kernel produced the best performance, achieving an IoU of 76.90%, an F1-score of 86.93%, a precision of 90.87%, and a recall of 83.32%, whereas simpler classifiers such as Minimum Distance showed only marginal improvements after kernelization. In the final step, the detected ponds were used to estimate evaporation losses through the Meyer method. The hydrological analysis revealed a clear periodic pattern in evaporation and a cumulative water loss of 388,636.7 m³ over a nine-month period, highlighting the considerable impact of evaporation on the efficiency of small agricultural water storage systems in dry environments. Based on these findings, practical mitigation strategies, including evaporation-reducing chemical surface films and floating covers, are discussed as potential options for reducing water loss. Overall, the proposed framework demonstrates the clear advantage of deep learning for the accurate identification of small agricultural ponds and provides an integrated methodological basis for monitoring water bodies and evaluating associated evaporation losses. The study offers a practical and transferable approach for supporting agricultural water management and improving water-use efficiency in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article

High-performance hydrogen sensors are crucial for the safe operation of lithium-ion batteries with regard to thermal runaway monitoring, which has driven extensive research. In this work, in order to satisfy the urgent requirement of H₂ sensors for lithium-battery safety monitoring, a polystyrene sacrificial phase was introduced to fabricate porous WO₃-based sensing films with tunable oxygen stoichiometry. Through PAD (Powder Aerosol Deposition) followed by sintering in air at 500 °C, the pore structure and defect chemistry of WO_3-x films were simultaneously regulated. Structural characterizations show that polystyrene can be completely removed during sintering without changing the main γ-WO₃ phase, while interconnected pores are generated and the films evolve from near-stoichiometric WO₃ toward oxygen-deficient WO_3-x with increased oxygen-vacancy concentration. Meanwhile, the PAD-derived amorphous matrix encapsulated nanocrystalline is largely preserved, providing stable charge-transport pathways. The porous structure improves hydrogen diffusion and reaction accessibility, while bulk reduction and oxygen-vacancy enrichment enhance surface reactivity and charge transfer, together leading to improved H₂ sensing performance. Among all samples, WP5 exhibits the best overall performance, achieving stable H₂ detection over a wide range of 10 ppb to 20,000 ppm at 120 °C, together with extraordinary response. These results demonstrate that this strategy is an effective route for simultaneously engineering porosity and defect chemistry in WO_3-x-based sensing films, and highlight the potential of Pd/PS–WO_3-x sensors for lithium-ion battery thermal runaway warning. Full article

In this study, we systematically decoupled reversible charge transitions via recombination and irreversible bulk trapping via ionization in solution-processed indium zinc oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) under positive- and negative-bias-stress (PBS and NBS) conditions. We defined highly decoupled degradation behavior by completely evaluating time-dependent transfer characteristics and saturation leakage currents across a range of indium molarities (0.0125 M to 0.2 M). Results indicate that PBS-induced instability is likely governed by a reversible electrostatic neutralization process reducing total effective shallow and deep acceptor-like states, which are dynamically counteracted by interfacial recombination at the dielectric/semiconductor boundary. Conversely, severe degradation under NBS originated from irreversible bulk trapping triggered by the ionization of donor-like oxygen vacancies in a ZnO amorphous random network. Total effective trapped charges were calculated from threshold voltage shifts to clarify these defect kinetics quantitatively; these calculations demonstrated direct correlation with the integrated theoretical capacities of the deep and shallow acceptor-like gap-state distributions. Finally, we propose a comprehensive density of state–energy band alignment model incorporating thermal activation energies and flat-band voltages. This analytical framework proves that the composition-dependent Fermi level positioning rigorously limits and dictates complex bias-stress instabilities, offering profound insights for designing highly stable amorphous oxide semiconductor TFTs. Full article

Thermal kinematics in two-layer systems, analogous to those employed in plain bearings, are investigated. The systems are based on a PEEK/CF30 composite, considered an established alternative to traditional babbitt alloys. Experimental modelling of transient and quasi-steady-state heat transfer regimes was performed on a test bench implementing a one-dimensional heat conduction model within multi-layered media. Samples included babbitt alloy and polymer coatings with thicknesses of 0.40, 0.46, and 1.92 mm. A phenomenological model of heat transfer regimes is proposed, encompassing five sequential phases that represent a complete operating cycle of plain bearing temperature traces. The observed constants of temperature deviations and phase lags are discussed, including their application as instrumental invariants. It was established that reducing the antifriction layer thickness to 0.4 mm significantly lowers its thermal resistance and decreases the time lag by a factor of 5–8. This brings the system response time close to values characteristic of classical babbitt alloys. It is demonstrated that in steady-state hydrodynamic friction regimes, the temperature deviation for thin layers is less than 1 °C, obviating the necessity for algorithmic data compensation. The findings confirm the safety of using polymer materials as the working layer in plain bearings. Despite their lower thermal conductivity and increased time lag, the composites’ high thermal stability margin comfortably compensates for potential temperature deviations, ensuring equipment reliability and safety. Full article

Ozonation is widely used in wastewater treatment, but its efficiency is often limited by the low solubility of ozone and insufficient gas–liquid mass transfer. High-gravity technology offers an effective intensification strategy by enhancing liquid-film renewal, interfacial contact, and micromixing under centrifugal fields. This review summarizes recent advances in high-gravity ozonation for wastewater treatment. The fundamental oxidation pathways of ozonation, the characteristics of typical high-gravity reactors, and recent applications in both homogeneous and heterogeneous systems are discussed. Current studies show that high-gravity ozonation can significantly improve ozone utilization, pollutant degradation, and mineralization efficiency. It was reported that the equilibrium dissolved ozone concentration and ozone decomposition rate constant in heterogeneous catalytic high-gravity systems were 2.5 and 2.6 times higher than those in conventional bubbling reactors, respectively, leading to markedly enhanced pollutant and TOC removal. These findings highlight the potential of high-gravity ozonation for intensified wastewater treatment. Despite these advances, its practical application still faces challenges related to real wastewater adaptability, byproduct and toxicity control, reactor scale-up, catalyst stability, economic feasibility, and energy demand. This review provides a useful reference for the further development and engineering application of high-gravity ozonation technology. Full article

Resonant mass sensors based on micro/nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) offer a promising approach for label-free gravimetric detection. However, practical applications often require not only high sensitivity but also improved loading repeatability and reduced dependence on mass loading position. In this work, a suspended resonant mass sensor based on a 10 nm-thick Hf_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ (HZO) piezoelectric film is proposed. A central silicon loading platform is introduced to provide a mechanically robust and spatially uniform sensing region. A Kirchhoff plate model incorporating residual stress is established to analyze the effects of residual stress and platform geometry on the resonant characteristics. The device is fabricated by combining SOI micromachining with wet transfer of the ultrathin HZO film. Laser Doppler vibrometry measurements show a first-order resonant frequency of 1.303 MHz and a quality factor of 342, corresponding to an extracted residual stress of approximately 1.319 GPa. Finite element simulations calibrated by experimental parameters indicate a uniform first-mode displacement distribution and a linear frequency response to added mass from 0 to 1 ng. The obtained mass sensitivities are 150.7 Hz/pg and 166.8 Hz/pg from finite element and analytical models, respectively. The proposed structure provides a feasible route toward repeatable pg-level resonant mass sensing based on ultrathin piezoelectric films. Full article

Curling is a strategic sport in which shot decisions involve both expected rewards and inherent risks; expected-score distributions (ESDs)—probability distributions over possible final scores—capture this uncertainty as a risk-aware strategic indicator. Although unified frameworks predicting ESDs across all shots have been proposed, their internal behavior and learned output characteristics have not been systematically examined. We construct an all-shot ESD prediction framework grounded entirely in real-match board configurations drawn from World Curling Federation championship events and conduct a shot-wise analysis along two complementary axes: accuracy, the model’s reproduction of its training targets, and plausibility, the validity of those targets at aggregate and in-match scales. Accuracy degrades monotonically with shot number; only shot 16 admits comparison with an independent reference, while intermediate-shot labels are bootstrap rollouts of the next-shot model. An independent ground-truth probe at the first backward step (shot 15,500 boards × 95 contexts) bounds the consequence of this bootstrap structure: the resulting deviation is a small selection-induced hammer-underestimation bias common to both FiLM and concatenation chains, whose magnitude is more than an order of magnitude larger than the FiLM chain versus concatenation chain stage difference, and full multi-step verification beyond the first step is structurally out of reach. Within this scope the aggregate ESD shares the gross shape of the empirical end-score distribution and the qualitative hammer/non-hammer ordering, with a hammer-favorable offset attributed—after disentangling intent from execution on the shot-percentage 100% subset—to a label execution-noise envelope that is tighter than the realized play of top-tier matches. Within real matches the chain responds smoothly to each delivered stone and, at the directly validated terminal shot, assigns mean probability $\approx 0.71$–$0.72$ to the realized end score under intended execution (against $0.28$ for a marginal-frequency baseline), transferring from senior to junior populations. The framework is best read as an internally coherent chain anchored to a directly validated final-shot calibration, statistically plausible under intended execution with a clear boundary at execution failure. Two structural limitations remain: rare high-magnitude outcomes are scarce in real data and produce a heavy upper tail of accuracy errors, and a single fixed execution-noise envelope that is tighter than top-tier realized play accounts for the aggregate hammer-side offset and motivates recalibration against real-match execution statistics. Full article

In the present paper, we studied the interaction of microwave radiation with conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) coatings deposited on a borosilicate glass. The experiments were carried out with the ITO films, the thickness of which varied in the range from 85 to 607 nm. The transmittance and reflectivity of the ITO film/K108 glass structures were measured in the frequency region from 3 to 23 GHz. Theoretical modeling of the spectra was performed by means of the transfer matrix method. It was shown that for a given thickness of the glass substrate, the transmission and reflection spectra of the ITO film/K108 glass structures were fully determined by only one parameter of the ITO film, namely, its DC sheet resistivity. The considered model predicts an increase in maximum microwave shielding effectiveness up to 45.6 dB with a decrease in DC sheet resistivity to 1 Ohm/sq. ITO coatings with DC sheet resistivities down to 2.3 Ohm/sq have been experimentally investigated. The model microwave transmittance and reflectivity spectra were in good agreement with the experimental ones. In particular, the coefficient of determination for the transmittance spectra was rather high: R² > 0.93. It was experimentally demonstrated that applying antireflective coatings on both sides of the ITO film/K108 glass microwave shielding filter significantly improved its transparency in the operating optical range. A filter has been created that provides microwave shielding effectiveness of 38.7 dB with an average transmission coefficient of 0.81 in the visible range. Full article

In this study, the effect of Ti content on the electrochemical behavior and passive film growth mechanism of Ni₅₀Nb_50−xTi_x (x = 10, 15, and 20 at.%) metallic glasses produced via melt spinning was investigated. Structural characterization via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the fully glassy nature and chemical homogeneity of all alloys. Electrochemical performance was evaluated in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution using potentiodynamic and potentiostatic polarization, as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that increasing Ti content improves corrosion resistance by reducing corrosion and passive current densities and increasing charge-transfer resistance. The Ni₅₀Nb₃₀Ti₂₀ alloy exhibited the best electrochemical performance, associated with the formation of a more stable and protective passive film. The passive film growth mechanism was analyzed using the High-Field Model (HFM). A linear relationship between inverse capacitance and anodic potential confirmed that ionic transport through the oxide layer governs passive film growth. The calculated electric field strength decreased systematically with increasing Ti content, suggesting the formation of passive films with lower defect density and enhanced barrier properties. These results demonstrate that adding Ti significantly enhances the passivation behavior of Ni-Nb metallic glasses and promotes the formation of stable oxide films with improved corrosion resistance in chloride-containing environments. Full article

Inconel 718 exhibits poor machinability due to its high strength and low thermal conductivity, which induce severe thermo-mechanical loads. Conventional cooling strategies struggle to concurrently regulate heat dissipation and interface lubrication. This paper proposes a machining method based on Active Thermal Conductive Media (ATCM), which simultaneously exerts the Rehbinder mechanochemical effect and solid-phase enhanced heat transfer effect by pre-coating a liquid graphene film on the workpiece surface. Orthogonal turning tests were conducted using a K313 carbide tool at a cutting speed of 30 m/min, cutting width of 2 mm, and undeformed chip thickness of 0.1 mm. The cutting force, cutting temperature, cutting power, and tool wear characteristics under six machining conditions—dry cutting, flood cutting, Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL), Cryogenic MQL (CMQL), Nanofluid MQL (NMQL), and ATCM-assisted cutting—are systematically compared. The results show that ATCM achieves a 21.6% reduction in cutting force, a 20% reduction in cutting temperature, and a 34.9% reduction in cutting power through the synergistic coupling effect of reduced heat generation and enhanced heat dissipation, with adhesive wear and diffusion wear of the cutting tool significantly suppressed. Full article

The development of sustainable biopolymer-based active packaging materials is essential to replace single-use petroleum-derived plastics and reduce food deterioration. In this study, chitosan-based films incorporating green-synthesized silver microparticles (Ag microparticles) obtained from pecan nutshell extract rich in phenolic compounds were developed as multifunctional materials with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Films were prepared by the casting method using chitosan solutions at different concentrations (1.5–2.5% w/v), with Ag microparticles incorporated at 0.25% (w/v). The phenolic profile of the extract (gallic acid, catechin, ferulic acid, and ellagic acid), determined by UPLC-DAD, confirmed its role as a reducing and stabilizing agent during Ag microparticle synthesis. All film-forming solutions exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior, and variations in viscosity and consistency were directly reflected in the mechanical behavior of the films. Strong antioxidant activity, mainly governed by single-electron transfer mechanisms, was observed in ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The films also showed pronounced antibacterial activity, achieving complete inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes. Finally, it is concluded that film mechanical properties are strongly governed by the rheological behavior of the chitosan-based film-forming solutions. The resulting chitosan-Ag microparticle films combine suitable mechanical behavior with antioxidant activity and antibacterial effects against Listeria monocytogenes, suggesting their potential for future application in active food-packaging systems. Full article

This work reports, for the first time, the use of agave bagasse from “Tequila Weber Var” as an efficient and eco-friendly template for the microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis of C@TiO₂ photoelectrodes. The characterization of the C@TiO₂ materials was performed using composition and elemental analysis, diffuse reflectance/UV-visible spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherms, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and variations of the open-circuit potential in a conventional electrochemical cell. Three 1:1, 4:1, and 8:1 agave:Ti volume ratios were used to explore the influence of carbon content upon the optical and photoelectric properties of TiO₂. The composite with a 1:1 ratio showed a charge transfer kinetic capacity of 0.86 C·cm⁻²·s⁻¹ with the highest current density flow of 2.2 mA·cm⁻², and the lowest optical band gap (E_bg) value of 2.92 eV, boosting the optoelectronic behavior of TiO₂. The photoanode composed of FTO/C@TiO₂ with the hybrid material with a 1:1 ratio was preliminarily evaluated in a photovoltaic solar cell, showing a light-to-electricity conversion efficiency higher than the other two composites and up to 12.5 times higher than the photoanode only composed of neat TiO₂. The present results contribute to the state-of-the-art of eco-friendly organic–inorganic thin film photoelectrodes for the sustainable synthesis of third-generation solar cells using bagasse-derived waste as an efficient carbon source for the synthesis of hybrid photoactive semiconductors. Full article

This review covers literature published up to June 2026. Detecting various water pollutants quickly and reliably remains a challenge. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes, particularly when fabricated as nanostructured thin films such as nanocones or nanowalls, offer a wide electrochemical window, low background current, and excellent chemical stability, making them promising tools for electrochemical sensing. However, unmodified BDD electrodes face an inherent trade-off among conductivity, active site density, and interfacial stability, a phenomenon termed herein the “sensitivity-selectivity-stability triangle bottleneck”, which severely limits practical performance. In this review, we demonstrate how multi-scale structural regulation can circumvent this bottleneck. Specifically, a triple strategy comprising boron doping, surface modification, and post-annealing treatment is proposed and evaluated. First, the effect of boron doping level on conductivity and active site density is discussed. Second, two common surface modification approaches are examined: carbon nanomaterials (which increase surface area and form conductive networks) and metal nanoparticles (which enhance catalytic activity and interfacial charge transfer). Third, post-annealing is highlighted as a key synergistic step that locks the modified layer and stabilizes the interface. Together, these three components form an integrated framework. To provide concrete guidance, the performance of each strategy is compared for representative water pollutants, including heavy metal ions, phenolic compounds, and emerging contaminants such as antibiotics and pesticides, with emphasis on sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. Representative detection limits achieved include 0.01 μg/L for Pb²⁺, 5 nM for acetaminophen, and 0.32 fM for PCB-77, demonstrating the effectiveness of the triple structural regulation strategy. Finally, in line with the theme of this Nanomaterials Special Issue on nanostructured thin films, current challenges in structural regulation are summarized, and future directions, including multi-parameter optimization, AI-assisted high-throughput screening, and real-world testing, are outlined. The goal is to offer practical structure-performance guidelines for designing BDD-based electrochemical sensors that are both high-performing and durable. Full article

In our day-to-day lives, we are regularly exposed to a wide spectrum of dangerous gases. Their origins vary, ranging from industrial activities to objects found within our very homes. Naturally, there is an interest in developing cost-efficient and durable devices that can successfully track these gases within our environment. One such candidate is represented by chemoresistive gas sensors based on metal oxides. This is due to their simple architecture and the possibility of scaling down their size, making them valid contenders for future advancements in portable gas sensors. This review focuses on chemoresistive gas sensors that have been obtained through different Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) methods, which are easily scalable for potential technological transfer towards commercialization or are already exploited at the industrial level, and how varying different deposition parameters impacts the structure of the active material, thus modifying the gas sensing properties of the device. In this review, we report results obtained for different metal oxides: WO₃, ZnO, CeO₂, TiO₂, NiO, and SnO₂. The main findings of these studies revealed that the sensor’s response was highly impacted by oxygen deficiencies within the deposited material, the specific surface area, and the thickness of the film. Moreover, this study also delves into different strategies of functionalization that result in improved gas sensing properties. Thus, we herein report how tailoring functional properties modifies the gas sensing performance of different metal oxides. Full article