Metasurfaces for biomedical applications: materials design, optical engineering, and system integration

In the present work, we are concerned with heterogeneous material systems that have multiple distinct materials and void phases, and associated interfaces, for which the geometric scale and specific morphology at the micro/nano-level play an essential role in the global properties, functional behavior, and material system performance. Such heterogeneous combinations of materials that are engineered to function together to create unique properties and performance that is a function of their interaction are called material systems. Engineered heterogeneous material systems are at the heart of revolutionary advances in devices that convert and store energy (e.g., batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, capacitors, and many electro-optical devices), and other membrane-based devices used in chemical and fuel processing, sequestration, and extraction. In recent years, advances in a variety of additive manufacturing methods and techniques have made it possible to design, control, and fabricate specific micro- or nano-structures to achieve prescriptive functional performance of the material systems and devices in which they appear. However, systematic multiphysics analysis methods properly set on field equations that represent the local details are not available, so that first-principles understandings and designs of those materials are not properly founded. Recently, the DoE established an Energy Frontiers Research Center for Physics Based Nanostructure Design and Fabrication of Heterogeneous Functional Materials, called the HeteroFoaM Center, to address this and related questions. The present paper presents some initial findings of part of that effort related specifically to durability. For the present study, our approach to the question of durability of engineered material systems will be to construct a damage model, wherein damage is defined as (and by) changes in material state as a function of some generalized time variable that defines the intensity and history of the applied conditions that drive those changes. To bring the reality of engineering practice to our discussion, the durability concepts will be related to the damage and functional degradation observed in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) during service. SOFCs convert the chemical energy of fuel to electrical power. This focus will serve to define the scope of our discussion, which will be the durability of complex, heterogeneous material systems as measured by degradation of their functional performance defined by mechanical, thermal, and electrical behavior.

In the present work, we are concerned with heterogeneous material systems that have multiple distinct materials and void phases, and associated interfaces, for which the geometric scale and specific morphology at the micro/nano-level play an essential role in the global properties, functional behavior, and material system performance. Such materials are at the heart of revolutionary advances in devices that convert and store energy (e.g., batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, capacitors, and many electro-optical devices), and other membrane-based devices used in chemical and fuel processing, sequestration, and extraction. In recent years, advances in a variety of additive manufacturing methods and techniques have made it possible to design, control, and fabricate specific micro- or nano-structure to achieve prescriptive functional performance of the material systems and devices in which they appear. However, systematic multiphysics analysis methods properly set on field equations that represent the local details is not available, so that first-principles understandings and designs of those materials are not properly founded. Recently, the doe established an energy frontiers research center for physics based nanostructure design and fabrication of heterogeneous functional materials, called the HeteroFoaM center, to address this and related questions. The present paper presents some initial findings of part of that effort related specifically to morphology. For the present study, a finite element model (FEM) was developed Using COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS to predict impedance behavior when the field equations are set on the local features of regular geometric micro-structures The results for are compared with experimental data obtained from impedance spectroscopy of single SOFC fuel cell elements. For the model, equivalent idealized geometric structures were assumed corresponding to the YSZ material morphology of the fuel cell. Continuously aligned pore structures were represented by rectangular extrusions and regular porosity was represented by geometric shapes such as circles, rectangles and triangles. For experimental data, fragments of a button cell were used with silver paste contacts on the electrodes. For the model, the geometric microstructure was varied by using different shapes i.e. circles, rectangles and triangles while keeping the total material quantity constant, and by using equivalent areas for each of the geometric shapes. Impedance response for the frequency range from 1Hz to 1MHz was obtained for both the models and the experiments. Observations and interpretations of morphology effects are presented.

It remains a major challenge to abate efficiently the harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) in low-temperature diesel exhausts emitted during the cold-start period of engine operation. Passive NOx adsorbers (PNA), which could temporarily capture NOx at low temperatures (below 200 °C) and release the stored NOx at higher temperatures (normally 250-450 °C) to downstream selective catalytic reduction unit for complete abatement, hold promise to mitigate cold-start NOx emissions. In this review, recent advances in material design, mechanism understanding, and system integration are summarized for PNA based on palladium-exchanged zeolites. First, we discuss the choices of parent zeolite, Pd precursor, and synthetic method for the synthesis of Pd-zeolites with atomic Pd dispersions, and review the effect of hydrothermal aging on the properties and PNA performance of Pd-zeolites. Then, we show how different experimental and theoretical methodologies can be integrated to gain mechanistic insights into the nature of Pd active sites, the NOx storage/release chemistry, as well as the interactions between Pd and typical components/poisons in engine exhausts. This review also gathers several novel designs of PNA integration into modern exhaust after-treatment systems for practical application. At the end, we discuss the major challenges, as well as important implications, for the further development and real application of Pd-zeolite-based PNA in cold-start NOx mitigation.

Designing advanced multifunctional materials and products in an integrated fashion starting from the conceptual stage provides designers with increased flexibility to achieve system performance goals that were not previously achievable. Today however, product designers commonly select more or less advanced materials from selection charts or catalogs, rather than designing them along with the product from the conceptual stage on. In order to increase a designer’s flexibility in the conceptual stage and render conceptual materials design more systematic, hence less ad-hoc and intuitive, the main contribution is the development of a systematic approach to the integrated design of material and product concepts from a systems perspective. This systematic approach is focused on developing multilevel function structures, including the material levels. Based on functional analysis, abstraction and synthesis, multiscale phenomena and associated governing solution principles are mapped to functional relationships. Hence, multilevel function structures are embodied into principal solution alternatives based on comprehensive identification and integration of phenomena and associated governing solution principles occurring at multiples levels and time and length scales. In this paper, the function-based approach to integrated design of material and product concepts is illustrated through the systematic design of reactive material containment system concepts. Having developed an overall reactive material containment system function structure, a more detailed function structure on the materials level is created. For dominating functional relationships at the materials level, governing solution principles are identified on multiple scales. The most promising solution principles are then classified in morphological charts. Combining solution principles in a systematic fashion including the materials level, product and material system concepts are identified. The most promising system concepts, in other words the principal solution alternatives that narrow the gap to desired system performance goals, are selected and illustrated in concept selection charts. A selected material and product system concept is then characterized in terms of its specific properties, which are to be tailored to the functional requirements and performance goals in subsequent embodiment design processes. By developing concepts of the product and material as an integrated system, materials design becomes more systematic and hence less ad-hoc and intuitive. At the same time, designers are enabled to realize new functionality and achieve system performance goals that were not previously achievable.

Optical technology plays an increasingly important role in numerous applications areas, including communications, information processing, and data storage. However, as optical technology develops, it is evident that there is a growing need to develop reliable photonic integration technologies. This will include the development of passive as well as active optical components that can be integrated into functional optical circuits and systems, including filters, switching fabrics that can be controlled either electrically or optically, optical sources, detectors, amplifiers, etc. We explore the unique capabilities and advantages of nanotechnology in developing next generation integrated photonic chips. Our long-range goal is to develop a range of photonic nanostructures including artificially birefringent and resonant devices, photonic crystals, and photonic crystals with defects to tailor spectral filters, and nanostructures for spatial field localization to enhance optical nonlinearities, to facilitate on-chip system integration through compatible materials and fabrication processes. The design of artificial nanostructured materials, PCs and integrated photonic systems is one of the most challenging tasks as it not only involves the accurate solution of electromagnetic optics equations, but also the need to incorporate the material and quantum physics equations. Near-field interactions in artificial nanostructured materials provide a variety of functionalities useful for optical systems integration. Furthermore, near-field optical devices facilitate miniaturization, and simultaneously enhance multifunctionality, greatly increasing the functional complexity per unit volume of the photonic system. Finally and most importantly, nanophotonics may enable easier integration with other nanotechnologies: electronics, magnetics, mechanics, chemistry, and biology.

Optical technology plays an increasingly important role in numerous applications areas, including communications, information processing, and data storage. However, as optical technology develops, it is evident that there is a growing need to develop reliable photonic integration technologies. This will include the development of passive as well as active optical components that can be integrated into functional optical circuits and systems, including filters, switching fabrics that can be controlled either electrically or optically, optical sources, detectors, amplifiers, etc. We explore the unique capabilities and advantages of nanotechnology in developing next generation integrated photonic chips. Our long-range goal is to develop a range of photonic nanostructures including artificially birefringent and resonant devices, photonic crystals, and photonic crystals with defects to tailor spectral filters, and nanostructures for spatial field localization to enhance optical nonlinearities, to facilitate on-chip system integration through compatible materials and fabrication processes. The design of artificial nanostructured materials, PCs and integrated photonic systems is one of the most challenging tasks as it not only involves the accurate solution of electromagnetic optics equations, but also the need to incorporate the material and quantum physics equations. Near-field interactions in artificial nanostructured materials provide a variety of functionalities useful for optical systems integration. Recently, the inclusion of surface plasmon photonics in this area has opened up a host of new possibilities Finally and most importantly, nanophotonics may enable easier integration with other nanotechnologies: electronics, magnetics, mechanics, chemistry, and biology. We will address some of these areas in this paper.

Effect of nanoparticles and nanofibers on Mode I fracture toughness of fiber glass reinforced polymeric matrix composites

Photocatalytic materials have emerged as pivotal in addressing global challenges such as environmental pollution, energy scarcity, and industrial sustainability. This review delves into the principles, mechanisms, and applications of photocatalytic systems, emphasizing their roles in photodegradation and renewable energy production. United Nations (UN) specified a guideline for sustainable development strategies. UN determined 17 goals of sustainable development and the services of photocatalytic materials underwent 4 of these goals to reflect the distinguishable interest and importance of different photocatalytic materials in many fields for various purposes. Advances in material design, nanotechnology, and system integration have significantly advanced this field, aligning it with sustainable development goals. Key materials like TiO2, ZnO, g-C3N4, and quantum dots are highlighted for their unique properties and enhanced photocatalytic activity through modifications such as doping, heterostructure formation, and biopolymer-supported photocatalysts. Practical applications in wastewater treatment, hydrogen production, air purification, and carbon dioxide reduction are comprehensively analyzed, with case studies demonstrating the successful photodegradation of industrial pollutants. The review also explores the integration of photocatalysis with renewable energy sources, addressing challenges like charge carrier recombination and photocatalyst stability. Interdisciplinary approaches, including computational modeling and machine learning, are discussed for designing next-generation photocatalysts, aligning innovations with global sustainability initiatives.

The development of efficient and stable hydrogen production technologies is crucial for global clean energy transition. Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) have emerged as a promising technology for green hydrogen production due to their high efficiency, low-cost catalysts, and excellent adaptability to renewable energy sources. However, significant challenges remain in materials design, interface engineering, and system integration. This perspective reviews recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI)-guided SOEC development, focusing on machine learning approaches for design of key materials. Furthermore, we highlight how AI technologies can address the key challenges in both single-cell performances and system-level integration with renewable energy sources. Looking forward, we outline strategic directions for advancing AI-driven SOEC development toward commercial implementation, which may offer valuable insights and experiences within the field of energy conversion and storage.

Combination of nano-hydroxyapatite and curcumin in a biopolymer blend matrix: Characteristics and drug release performance of fibrous composite material systems.

Materials design is discussed as to its procedure and implementation to discover hidden potentialities of materials developments on the basis of huge and high quality data bases and effective knowledge. Rules on materials properties are categorized by structural primitives and model primitives. Procedures for presuming, reasoning and verification of materials design are discussed to find an exemplar of strategic integration of materials data systems, where fragmented information of different objectives is to be “melted” into new artifacts of new values. Systematization to increase freedom in such procedures is to be realized as dynamics in distributed computational environments operated by real experts.KeywordsSystem integrationmaterials data basematerials modelmaterials designmaterials data systemvirtual production line

The transition toward energy-positive buildings represents a critical milestone in achieving carbon neutrality and sustainable urban development in the United States. This review paper examines the integration of photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) systems with heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) infrastructure in Pennsylvania, a state characterized by diverse climatic conditions and substantial renewable energy potential. The study explores how hybrid PV/T systems can simultaneously generate electrical and thermal energy to support HVAC operations, reduce peak energy demand, and improve the overall energy performance of buildings. It reviews advancements in PV/T material design, system configurations, and control algorithms for dynamic load balancing, as well as the economic and environmental benefits of PV/T–HVAC coupling. Furthermore, the paper analyzes Pennsylvania’s regulatory and policy framework governing renewable energy deployment and its impact on building retrofits and smart grid integration. Case studies of energy-positive or near-zero energy buildings within the Mid-Atlantic region are evaluated to highlight best practices, implementation challenges, and performance metrics. Finally, the paper discusses future research directions in predictive control, thermal storage integration, and digital twin enabled HVAC optimization. The findings underscore that PV/T–HVAC integration not only enhances building energy resilience and occupant comfort but also contributes significantly to statewide decarbonization goals.

The combination of molecular (hyperspectral imaging) and morphological (optical coherent tomography imaging) optical technologies helps in the assessment of biological tissue both in pathological diagnosis and in the follow-up treatments. The co-registration of both imaging features allows quantifying the presence of chromophores and the subsurface structure of tissue. This work proposes the fusion of two optical imaging technologies for the characterization of different types of tissues where the attenuation coefficient calculated from OCT imaging serves to track the presence of anomalies in the distribution of chromophores over the sample and therefore to diagnose pathological conditions. The performance of two customized hyperspectral imaging systems working in two complementary spectral ranges (VisNIR from 400 to 1000 nm, and SWIR 1000 to 1700 nm) and one commercial OCT system working at 1325 nm reveals the presence of fibrosis, collagen alterations and lipid content in cardiovascular tissues such as aortic walls (to assess on aneurysmal conditions) or tendinous chords (to diagnose the integrity of the valvular system) or in muscular diseases prone to fibrotic changes and inflammation.

The automotive industry is currently undergoing tremendous changes. Vehicles get connected and autonomous, the powertrain gets electrified. Intelligent service architectures for future e-mobility services are created. The production is more and more automated, decentralized and controlled by robots. The CO2 emissions have to be reduced as a contribution to stop the global warming. To meet the requirements of an electric car in the future, it is essential to combine different approaches with each other. In this integrated system the consideration of system, software and material improvements is required. Up to now, there are software functions which are part of system functions which in turn are connected to the vehicle level functions. For the future, the connection of material functions of a vehicle with system and software functions seems to be a promising approach to develop a tailor-made electric car to meet the upcoming requirements. This paper uses the example of a car with an electronic powertrain to explain how material design (tire design, weight of materials, etc.), software, and electronic design need to be combined to come up with optimised functions on vehicle level (e.g. achieving longer distance drive with electric vehicles combined with reduced CO2 emissions).

Large signal deflection of the beam is an approach that may be used in the estimation of the maximum detectable signal. Many laboratory techniques have been developed in recent years to manufacture microdevices; software has also been developed to simulate these devices to assist studies of physical structures, layouts and analysis of these miniature systems. CoventorWare software was designed to accurately reproduce MEMS design models and support both system-level and physical design approaches. The system-level approach used libraries of tools with a high-speed system simulator to create twodimensional layer outputs, and the physical approach converted the two-dimensional models to three-dimensional models. The major components of this software are the Material Properties Database (MPD), Processor Editor, Architect, Designer, Meshing, Analyzer and Systems Integrator. Structure and design Silicon was the basic material used to build up the microcantilever using MEMS tools in CoventorWare 2006. The initial dimensions are shown in Table 1. The commercial and structural properties of the silicon are well known throughout the electronics industry and silicon also is the material of choice in MEMS development. The base (ground) and beam of the cantilever in this study also consisted of silicon. A mass, made of nickel, was added on top of the beam to improve the magnetic sensitivity. Nickel was selected as one of three ferromagnetic materials considered to improve the beam’s sensitivity to a magnetic field. The beam was designed to be fixed at one end, allowing the other end to be free. This cantilever design is called a free-end cantilever beam. The area of the beam (the movable plate) is smaller than the area of the base (the fixed plate). Two layers of aluminium film were used to compose the capacitor. One aluminium layer was attached to the bottom of the beam and the other attached to the top of the base, making each layer an electrode. Fig. 1 shows the side view of the cantilever design and meshed model. The deflection of the beam in response to the magnetic field of an externally-applied current, is used to