Application Of Functional Materials Research Articles

Turning Ultra-Low Coercivity and Ultra-High Temperature Stability Within 897 K via Continuous Crystal Ordering Fluctuations.

High-performance soft magnetic materials are important for energy conservation and emission reduction. One challenge is achieving a combination of reliable temperature stability, high resistivity, high Curie temperature, and high saturation magnetization in a single material, which often comes at the expense of intrinsic coercivity-a typical trade-off in the family of soft magnetic materials with homogeneous microstructures. Herein, a nanostructured FeCoNiSiAl complex concentrated alloy is developed through a hierarchical structure strategy. This alloy exhibits superior soft magnetic properties up to 897K, maintaining an ultra-low intrinsic coercivity (13.6 A m-1 at 297 K) over a wide temperature range, a high resistivity (138.08µΩcm-1 at 297K) and the saturation magnetization with only a 16.7% attenuation at 897 K. These unusual property combinations are attributed to the dual-magnetic-state nature with exchange softening due to continuous crystal ordering fluctuations at the atomic scale. By deliberately controlling the microstructure, the comprehensive performance of the alloy can be tuned and controlled. The research provides valuable guidance for the development of soft magnetic materials for high-temperature applications and expands the potential applications of related functional materials in the field of sustainable energy.

From technical lignin to native lignin: Depolymerization, functionalization, and applications

Lignocellulose as a form of biomass is inedible. It represents a renewable feedstock for the synthesis of chemicals and materials. Its utilization has become an area of growing interest. Of lignocellulose components, lignin is comparatively under-explored and under-utilized, despite its abundance. This Focus Review recognizes this missed opportunity and presents a concise overview on some of the most recent progress involving the generation and application of functional materials derived from lignin. Between the two commonly encountered forms of lignin, technical lignin is a by-product of the paper production industry and is highly processed under harsh conditions. As such, it has generally been used for filler and resin materials. By comparison, native lignin is rich in chemical functionalities and holds great promise for downstream chemical synthesis. In recognition of these potentials, “lignin-first” strategies have emerged to directly convert native lignin to building blocks rich in functional groups, such as alcohols and carbonyls, while maintaining the integrity of the aromatic structures in lignin. The lignin-first strategy complements the already well explored field of technical lignin utilization. These chemoselective, lignin-first methods promise routes to native lignin valorization into high-value building blocks while keeping cellulose and hemicellulose intact and, therefore, are particularly appealing. This Focus Review first recognizes the importance of the traditional strategies for technical lignin utilization and highlights some of the newest developments. It then puts an emphasis on these lignin-first approaches for improved native lignin utilizations.

A novel seawater hydrothermal-deep eutectic solvent pretreatment enhances the production of fermentable sugars and tailored lignin nanospheres from Pinus massoniana

Lignocellulose biorefinery depended on effective pretreatment strategies is of great significance for solving the current global crisis of ecosystem and energy security. This study proposes a novel approach combining seawater hydrothermal pretreatment (SHP) and microwave-assisted deep eutectic solvent (MD) pretreatment to achieve an effective fractionation of Pinus massoniana into high value-added products. The results indicated that complex ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, and Cl−) in natural seawater served as Lewis acids and dramatically promoted the depolymerization of mannose and xylan into oligosaccharides with 40.17 % and 75.43 % yields, respectively. Subsequent MD treatment realized a rapid and effective lignin fractionation (~90 %) while retaining cellulose. As a result, the integrated pretreatment yielded ~85 % of enzymatic glucose, indicating an eightfold increase compared with untreated pine. Because of the increased hydrophobicity induced by the formation of acyl groups during MD treatment, uniform lignin nanospheres were successfully recovered from the DES. It exhibited low dispersibility (PDI = 2.23), small molecular weight (1889 g/mol), and excellent oxidation resistance (RSI = 5.94), demonstrating promising applications in functional materials. The mechanism of lignin depolymerization was comprehensively elucidated via FTIR, 2D-HSQC NMR, and GPC analyses. Overall, this study provides a novel and environmentally friendly strategy for lignocellulose biorefinery and lignin valorization.

Rapid identification of adulterated camel meat by MIL-101(Cr)-based fluorescent sensing platform: Surface potential adjustment to optimize detection performance

To identify adulterated camel meat in emerging markets, there is an urgent need for sensitive, rapid, and convenient detection methods. In this study, a novel fluorescent sensing platform was developed to effectively identify pork components adulterated in camel meat by regulating the surface charge properties of MIL-101(Cr). Our data demonstrated that the modification of polyethylenimine (PEI) had minimal impact on the crystal structure of MIL-101(Cr). However, it significantly affected the adsorption behavior of MIL-101(Cr) towards 6-carboxyfluorescein (FAM) labelled DNA, thereby influencing the response of fluorescence quenching-recovery. Under optimal conditions, the proposed turn-on fluorescent biosensor, based on PEI-MIL-101(Cr) exhibited high sensitivity with a detection limit of 42 pM. It also demonstrated excellent selectivity for specific target DNA, successfully detecting a pork fraction of 0.45 % (w/w) in camel meat. This study was aimed to provide a fresh perspective on the potential application of functional materials derived from metal-organic frameworks in detecting food adulteration.

Advancements of the Molecular Directed Design and Structure-Activity Relationship of Ferritin Nanocage.

Ferritin nanocages possess remarkable structural properties and biological functions, making them highly attractive for applications in functional materials and biomedicine. This comprehensive review presents an overview of the molecular characteristics, extraction and identification of ferritin, ferritin receptors, as well as the advancements in the directional design of high-order assemblies of ferritin and the applications based on its unique structural properties. Specifically, this Review focuses on the regulation of ferritin assembly from one to three dimensions, leveraging the symmetry of ferritin and modifications on key interfaces. Furthermore, it discusses targeted delivery of nutrition and drugs through facile loading and functional modification of ferritin. The aim of this Review is to inspire the design of micro/nano functional materials using ferritin and the development of nanodelivery vehicles for nutritional fortification and disease treatment.

Unveiling the structural and bonding properties of AuSi2- and AuSi3- clusters: A comprehensive analysis of anion photoelectron spectroscopy and abinitio calculations.

Silicon clusters infused with transition metals, notably gold, exhibit distinct characteristics crucial for advancing microelectronics, catalysts, and energy storage technologies. This investigation delves into the structural and bonding attributes of gold-infused silicon clusters, specifically AuSi2- and AuSi3-. Utilizing anion photoelectron spectroscopy and abinitio computations, we explored the most stable isomers of these clusters. The analysis incorporated Natural Population Analysis, electron localization function, molecular orbital diagrams, adaptive natural density partitioning, and Wiberg bond index for a comprehensive bond assessment. Our discoveries reveal that cyclic configurations with the Au atom atop the Si-Si linkage within the fundamental Si2 and Si3 clusters offer the most energetically favorable structures for AuSi2- and AuSi3- anions, alongside their neutral counterparts. These anions exhibit notable highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gaps and significant σ and π bonding patterns, contributing to their chemical stability. Furthermore, AuSi2- demonstrates π aromaticity, while AuSi3- showcases a distinctive blend of σ antiaromaticity and π aromaticity, crucial for their structural robustness. These revelations expand our comprehension of gold-infused silicon clusters, laying a theoretical groundwork for their potential applications in high-performance solar cells and advanced functional materials.

NMR Relaxation of Gas Adsorbed in Microporous Material.

NMR relaxometry has been widely applied to characterize fluid confined in porous media because of its versatility, chemical selectivity, and noninvasive nature. Here we extend its usage to gas adsorbed in microporous materials by establishing a new quantitative model based on the molecular level NMR relaxation mechanism revealed by the molecular simulation of a prototypical adsorption system, CH4 adsorbed in ZIF-8. The model enables new NMR relaxometry-based characterization methods for thermodynamic, dynamic, and structural properties of adsorption systems, as demonstrated and validated by the experiments where the adsorption capacity and self-diffusivity of H2, CH4, and small alcohols adsorbed in ZIF-8 are deduced from the NMR relaxation data. The findings can serve for a better understanding of the composition-structure-properties relationships of a wide range of adsorption systems which is essential for the development and application of new functional microporous materials.

[Research progress of novel functional materials in extraction of algal toxins].

Algal toxins are secondary metabolites produced by harmful algae; these metabolites are characterized with strong toxicity, diverse structure and bioaccumulation. Aquatic organisms that feed on harmful algae can accumulate algal toxins in their bodies, and the consumption of these organisms by humans can cause symptoms of paralysis, diarrhea, and even death. The onset of poisoning can occur within as little as 30 min; in many cases, no suitable antidote for algal toxins is available. Thus, algal toxins present significant threats to human health, the aquaculture industry, and aquatic ecosystems. Because the potential risks of algal toxins are a critical issue, these toxins have become a research hotspot. The water environment and various types of aquatic products should be monitored and analyzed to ensure their safety. However, because of possible matrix effects and the low content of algal toxins in actual samples, an efficient pretreatment method is necessary prior to instrumental analyses. Efficient sample pretreatment techniques can not only reduce or eliminate interferences from the sample matrix during analysis but also enrich the target analytes to meet the detection limit of the analytical instrument, thereby ensuring the sensitivity and accuracy of the detection method. In recent years, sample pretreatment techniques such as solid-phase extraction (SPE), solid-phase microextraction (SPME), magnetic SPE (MSPE), dispersive SPE (DSPE), and pipette tip-based SPE (PT-SPE) have gained wide attention in the field of algal-toxin separation and analysis. The performance of these pretreatment techniques largely depends on the characteristics of the extraction materials. Given the diverse physicochemical properties of algal toxins, including their different molecular sizes, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, and charges, the design and preparation of materials suitable for algal-toxin extraction is an essential undertaking. The optimal extraction material should be capable of reversible algal-toxin adsorption and preferably possess a porous structure with a large surface area to allow for high recovery rates and good interfacial contact with the toxins. Additionally, the extraction material should exhibit good chemical stability in the sample solution and elution solvent within the working pH range; otherwise, it may dissolve or lose its functional groups. Many research efforts have sought to develop novel adsorbent materials with these properties in the separation and analysis of algal toxins, focusing on carbon-based materials, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), and their functionalized counterparts. Carbon-based materials, MOFs, and COFs have advantages such as large surface areas and abundant adsorption sites. These extraction materials are widely used in the separation and analysis of target substances in complex environmental, biological, and food samples owing to their excellent performance and unique microstructure. They are also the main adsorbents used for the extraction of algal toxins. These extraction materials play an essential role in the extraction of algal toxins, but they also present a number of limitations: (1) Carbon-based materials, MOFs, and COFs have relatively poor selective-adsorption ability towards target substances; (2) Most MOFs are unstable in aqueous solutions and challenging to apply during extraction from water-based sample solutions; (3) COFs mainly consist of lightweight elements, rendering them difficult to completely separate from sample solutions using centrifugal force, which limits their application range; (4) Although MIPs have good selectivity, issues such as template-molecule loss, slow mass-transfer rates, and low adsorption capacity must be addressed. Therefore, the design and preparation of novel functionalized extraction materials specifically tailored for algal toxins and studies on new composite extraction materials are highly desirable. This article collects representative literature from domestic and international research on algal-toxin analysis over the past decade, summarizes the relevant findings, categorizes the applications of novel functional materials in algal-toxin-extraction processes, and provides an outlook on their future development prospects.

Device-Driven Experimental Approaches to Extreme Quantum Functional Matter

Advancements in semiconductor technology have continually propelled the evolution of ultra-fine device fabrication techniques, now a cornerstone in the field of condensed matter experimental physics. These developments have paved the way for transforming various materials into device architectures. The charge transport properties are crucially tied to the practical applications of quantum functional materials and extend the frontier of experimentation into the realm of ultrafine extreme conditions previously unattainable. This article aims to explore how device fabrication methodologies can be leveraged in quantum functional material research.

Multimodal Soft Robotic Actuation and Locomotion.

Diverse and adaptable modes of complex motion observed at different scales in living creatures are challenging to reproduce in robotic systems. Achieving dexterous movement in conventional robots can be difficult due to the many limitations of applying rigid materials. Robots based on soft materials are inherently deformable, compliant, adaptable, and adjustable, making soft robotics conducive to creating machines with complicated actuation and motion gaits. This review examines the mechanisms and modalities of actuation deformation in materials that respond to various stimuli. Then, strategies based on composite materials are considered to build toward actuators that combine multiple actuation modes for sophisticated movements. Examples across literature illustrate the development of soft actuators as free-moving, entirely soft-bodied robots with multiple locomotion gaits via careful manipulation of external stimuli. We further highlight how the application of soft functional materials into robots with rigid components further enhances their locomotive abilities. Finally, taking advantage of the shape-morphing properties of soft materials, reconfigurable soft robots have shown the capacity for adaptive gaits that enable transition across environments with different locomotive modes for optimal efficiency. Overall, soft materials enable varied multimodal motion in actuators and robots, positioning soft robotics to make real-world applications for intricate and challenging tasks. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Solid-State 183W NMR Spectroscopy as a High-Resolution Probe of Polyoxotungstate Structures and Dynamics.

Polyoxometalates such as ammonium paratungstate (APT) constitute an important class of metal oxides with applications for catalysis, (opto)electronics, and functional materials. Structural analyses of solid polyoxometalates mostly rely on X-ray or neutron diffraction techniques, which are largely limited to compounds that can be isolated with long-range crystallographic order. While 183W NMR has been shown to probe polyoxotungstate structures and dynamics in solution, its application to solids has been extremely limited. Here, state-of-the-art methods for the detection of solid-state 183W NMR spectra are tested and compared for APT in different hydration states. The highly resolved solid-state spectra distinguish each crystallographically distinct site in the tungstate structure. Furthermore, the 183W chemical shifts are shown to be highly sensitive to the local structure, dynamics, and symmetry of APT, establishing solid-state 183W NMR spectroscopy as a potent probe for analysis of polyoxotungstates and other tungsten-derived materials to complement solution NMR and diffraction-based techniques.

A comprehensive review on adsorptive removal of azo dyes using functional materials

Abstract The shortage of freshwater resources caused by azo dye pollution is an acute global issue, which has a great impact on environmental protection and human health. Therefore, the use of new strategies for designing and synthesizing green, efficient, and economical materials for the removal of azo dyes is required. Among the various methods for removal of azo dyes, adsorption by using advanced functional materials, including nanomaterials, metal oxides, metal oxides–polymer composite, biomaterials, and porous materials, have attracted significant attention over the past few years because of their capabilities of brilliant removal efficiency, high selectivity, quick response, reversibility, flexibility in operation, and less harmful by-products. In this review, we report the adsorption of azo dyes and general design principles underlying the above-mentioned functional materials and, in particular, highlight the fundamental mechanisms and effect of various environmental conditions; also, current challenges and opportunities in this exciting field have been emphasized, including the fabrication, subsequent treatment, and potential future applications of such functional materials.

Reinforcement using undoped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with a partially carbonized structure doubles the toughness of PVA membranes.

Nano-carbon-reinforced polymer composites have gained much consideration in functional applications due to their attractive mechanical strength and cost-effectiveness. The surface chemistry and associated mechanical strength of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and other carbon derivative-based nanocomposites are well understood. While CQDs are considered emerging carbon derivatives, their surface chemistry, unique physio-chemical properties, and dispersion behavior in polymers are yet to be explored. Therefore, in this work, CQDs with different structures were synthesized from lemon pulp and urea, and their rheology and mechanical strength were studied in the PVA matrix. The surface chemistry and structure of CQDs were controlled using different solvents and reaction temperatures, respectively. CQDs possessed a circular shape, with a size of <10 nm, having a suitable carbon core and functional groups, as confirmed by TEM and FTIR spectroscopy. The dynamic viscosity and particle size of PVA/CQDs films peaked at 4% inclusion due to the maximum crosslinking of U-CQDs with reinforcement at 180 °C. Compared with pure PVA, the optimized composite showed an 80% larger particle size with 67% better tensile strength at 4% U-CQDs concentration. In addition to enhanced mechanical strength, CQDs exhibited antibacterial activity in composites. These CQDs-reinforced PVA composites may be suitable for different functional textile applications (shape memory composites and photo-active textiles).

Fundamentals and applications of functional framework materials: a themed collection

Artur Ciesielski, Christopher H. Hendon and Katherine A. Mirica introduce the Journal of Materials Chemistry C themed issue on fundamentals and applications of functional framework materials.

Valorization of plastic waste via chemical activation and carbonization into activated carbon for functional material applications

This review analyzes plastic carbonization with respect to existing utilization methods and details its use for production of activated carbon.

Synthesis of Axially Chiral Bibenzo[g]coumarin Derivatives by Rhodium-Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation of Thiocarbamates

AbstractPolyaromatic organic compounds have attracted significant attention because of their wide range of applications in various functional materials. Recently, transition-metal-catalyzed C–H bond activation and the subsequent oxidative cyclization with unsaturated compounds has emerged as a promising synthetic method for multiring systems. We report a two-step synthesis of binaphthyl-fused chiral bibenzo[g]coumarin derivatives by Rh-catalyzed annulative coupling reaction of BINOL-based thiocarbamates with alkynes. The optical properties of the coupling products were evaluated.

Detection of decomposed gases in SF6 surge arrester contaminated conditions in ultra-high voltage transmission lines based on Ta-doped defective h-BN nanosheet: A DFT study

SF6 surge arrester on ultra-high voltage transmission lines plays a critical role in the entire power transmission system. They not only protect electrical equipment from the dangers of high transient over voltages, but also bear the responsibility of maintaining the safety and stability of the transmission lines. Detecting the decomposed gases under polluted conditions inside SF6 surge arresters is of paramount importance. In this paper, based on extensive investigations and the application of density functional theory and 2D materials, we conducted a study on the detection of decomposed gases (HF, H2S, SOF2) in SF6 surge arresters for ultra-high voltage transmission lines under polluted conditions using Ta-doped defective h-BN nanosheets gas sensor. Revealing the adsorption and sensing mechanisms of these target gases on h-BN sensors through band structure, density of states, projected density of states, and differential charge density analysis. The results showed that Ta metal particle modification significantly improves the electronic activity of defective h-BN, substantially reducing the band gap values from 4.560 eV to 0.153 eV and 0.912 eV in the B atom and N atom defective oping systems. Meanwhile, Ta-doped defective h-BN exhibits strong selectivity and sensitivity to three decomposition components, with the adsorption capability ranking as SOF2 > H2S > HF, all of which are physical chemisorption types. Furthermore, in terms of various adsorption parameters, defective h-BN’s adsorption ability far surpasses other materials, offering broad prospects for practical applications. The results of this work contribute to the development and application of Ta-doped defective h-BN sensors for the detection of decomposed gases inside SF6 surge arresters under polluted conditions.

An overview of the development status and applications of cellulose-based functional materials

An overview of the development status and applications of cellulose-based functional materials

Experimental investigation of compressive behaviors of functionally graded composites material based on engineering cementitious composites and normal concrete

A new kind of functional gradient material (FGM) based on engineering cementitious composites (ECC) and normal concrete (NC) was proposed in this study. This material offers enhanced crack control while minimizing ECC consumption. Foremost, uniaxial compression tests were carried out on single-layer NC-ECC composites featuring varying ECC volume fractions (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%). These tests yield an elastic modulus formula, E(y), for the NC-ECC composite. Subsequently, based on the E(y) formula, a 5-layer NC-ECC FGM is designed, with each sub-layer having distinct ECC volume fractions. This is contrasted with pure ECC and 2-layer NC-ECC specimens for reference. The study concludes with an analysis of the failure patterns, load-displacement curves, and elastic moduli of the NC-ECC FGM. The results demonstrate consistent performance trends of elastic modulus in single-layer NC-ECC composite specimens, confirming the feasibility of employing a functional gradient between NC and ECC. Utilizing the formula E(y) derived from single-layer NC-ECC, the ECC volume fractions in the 5-layer NC-ECC FGM are computed as 100%, 86.89%, 68.13%, 41.55%, and 0% for each layer. Importantly, the NC-ECC FGM exhibits a failure mode resembling ECC specimens, with primary cracks not extending along interfacial layers. In contrast, 2-layer NC-ECC specimens experience cracking along interfacial boundaries. The compressive strength of NC-ECC FGM surpasses that of ECC specimens by 1.42 times while retaining ECC-like ductility, showcasing a 25.85% improvement over 2-layer NC-ECC. The findings from this study provide valuable insights for the design and subsequent engineering applications of functional gradient materials.

Syntheses and applications of iron-based functional materials for bioenergy production: a review

AbstractThe earth abundant and environmentally friendly element iron (Fe) forms various functional materials of metallic iron, iron oxides, iron carbides, natural iron ore, and iron-based metallic-organic frameworks. The Fe-based materials have been intensively studied as oxygen carriers, catalysts, adsorbents, and additives in bioenergy production. This review was to provide a fundamental understanding of the syntheses and characteristics of various Fe-based materials for further enhancing their functionalities and facilitating their applications in various bioenergy conversion processes. The syntheses, characteristics, and applications of various iron-based materials for bioenergy conversion published in peer-reviewed articles were first reviewed. The challenges and perspectives of the wide applications of those functional materials in bioenergy conversion were then discussed. The functionalities, stability, and reactivity of Fe-based materials depend on their structures and redox phases. Furthermore, the phase and composition of iron compounds change in a process. More research is needed to analyze the complex phase and composition changes during their applications, and study the type of iron precursors, synthesizing conditions, and the use of promoters and supports to improve their performance in bioenergy conversion. More studies are also needed to develop multifunctional Fe-based materials to be used for multi-duties in a biorefinery and develop green processes to biologically, economically, and sustainably produce those functional materials at a large scale.