Changes In Surface Composition Research Articles

Atomistic insights into salicylic acid treatment on human keratinized skin by XPS combined with argon gas cluster sputtering: A pilot study

Stratum corneum is the skin's outermost layer, whose main constituent is keratin. The treatment of dermatological diseases showing hyperkeratosis is a serious problem in dermatology and cosmetics seriously affecting the population showing increasing prevalence. One of the treatment is a peeling agent like salicylic acid (SA), categorized as a keratolytic agent, however its mode of action is not fully understood. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a method for monitoring the changes of surface composition at atomistic level in 5–10 nm depth. The development of argon cluster sputtering enabled the investigation of deeper regions (nanometric level) even for biomaterials. In this pilot study, the mode of action of SA has been studied at atomistic level for the first time. Different concentrations of SA (3, 5, 10 wt%) in different time frames (1 day, 1 week, 1 month) was applied on human keratinized skin. The carbon, nitrogen and oxygen peak have not shown changes during the treatment, not showing the suggested desmolytic mechanism of SA. However, significant changes were observed in the sulfur peak, with increasing time and concentration the rate of sulfonate and sulfate was increased compared to thiol group indicating the break of sulfide bonds between the polypeptide chains in keratin, indicating that keratolysis happens at nanometric level. Already a 1 week-10 wt% SA treatment resulted in higher rate of sulfate compared to sulfonate indicating further oxidation of the keratolytic product. However, 1 month-10 wt% treatment resulted in the same surface composition as 3 wt%-1-month treatment indicating that enough time with low concentration can exert the same effect as higher concentrations. These findings have relevance in the design of future SA-based dermatologic therapies.

Enhancing Interface Performance Through Self-Assembly Mechanisms of APTES on Surface-Modified Tuff Aggregates

To enhance the adhesion between tuff and asphalt, this study investigates the efficacy of alkalinization treatment technology using a molecular self-assembly layer derived from the silane-coupling agent γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). APTES hydrolysis solutions at varying concentrations were prepared to assess their impact on the adhesive strength of the aggregate–asphalt interface and water damage resistance. Using surface energy theory, the interface adhesion work of tuff was analyzed, while SEM and EDS were employed to examine changes in surface morphology and composition after treatment. The results demonstrate that an APTES:water:ethanol mass ratio of 5:45:50, along with a curing temperature of 200 °C, significantly improves the bonding strength between tuff and asphalt. The silanol groups on APTES react with hydroxyl groups on the tuff surface to form siloxane bonds (Si-O-Si), anchoring APTES to the tuff. This study elucidates the self-assembly mechanisms of APTES on tuff aggregates and demonstrates the consequent enhancement of interfacial adhesion, providing valuable insights for the application of tuff as tunnel spoil in road engineering.

Impact of processing and storage on citrus fiber functionality: Insights from spectroscopic techniques

To deliver their functionality when used in applications, citrus fibers need to be rehydrated. Factors such as chemical composition, structural organization as well as chemical surface composition are known to influence this functionality. Processing and storage conditions can affect these parameters, making it challenging to maintain stable functionality. This study used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to evaluate the effects of preparation and storage on citrus fibers. Samples dried at different scales and stored for 360 days under room and accelerated conditions were assessed for water holding capacity (WHC), water swelling capacity (WSC), and gel rigidity (G′). The results showed a decline in WHC, WSC, and G′ over time, confirming that aging negatively impacts moisture retention, particularly under higher water content or temperature. Drying scale had no effect on chemical composition or structure, but changes in the elemental surface composition of carbon and oxygen were noted. While prolonged storage altered the polysaccharides' chemical composition and structure, leading to functionality loss, XPS analysis revealed no changes in surface composition. Loss of functionality cannot be explained by chemical surface composition modifications.

Near-Surface Reconfiguration of Biopolymer Blends by Mechanical Embossment: Creation of Friction-Reduced Foils

Biopolymer blends of polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) are extruded into flexible monolayer films. These blends are excellent candidates for the realization of environmentally friendly packaging applications. A necessary pre-requisite for that are appropriate tribological properties under mechanical contact. Reasonable wear resistance allows good protection of packed goods, and low friction forces reduce difficulties in stacking. In this research, mechanical embossment under high loads at room temperature was used for the modification of polymer surfaces to exhibit a significant friction reduction under dry conditions. The results particularly show a systematic decrease in the coefficient of friction for biopolymer blends containing 30 wt% and 40 wt% PBAT. FTIR was used to analyze the change in surface composition after mechanical embossing. A sophisticated FTIR calibration method revealed that the blend with 30 wt% PBAT shows a modified distribution of PBAT and PLA at the surface due to mechanical embossment. This leads to a controlled and long-lasting modification of the surface properties without a substantial change in the chemical composition of the polymer in bulk. Without the use of additional coatings, biodegradable packaging foils with improved characteristics are accessible.

Exploring Platinum Thin Films as Electrodes for High‐Temperature and ‐Pressure Electrochemical Studies in Aqueous Systems

ABSTRACTThis work reports a methodology for the fabrication of Pt thin‐film electrodes for electrochemical studies in hydrothermal systems. The research process was meticulous, with particular attention paid to the multilayer Ti/Pt/Ti/Al2O3 film structure and annealing conditions that are expected to impact the morphology of the films, surface composition and electrochemical response. The findings of this study are significant, as they provide valuable insights into the behaviour of Pt thin‐film electrodes in various media and conditions. Two different approaches were adopted for the preparation of the electrodes: in one case, the Ti/Pt/Ti/Al2O3 films deposited on sapphire wafers were exposed to rapid thermal annealing at 900°C under argon for 5 min, followed by argon ion milling to etch the final electrode pattern (Pt‐RA(900)), while in the other case, uncapped Pt films were annealed, after etching, in a tubular oven under argon at specific temperatures between 200°C and 900°C (Pt‐TO). Rapid annealing at 900°C on capped films resulted in the formation of a Pt3Ti intermetallic alloy with remarkable mechanical and chemical stability even after 10 h of immersion in deionised water, acid (0.1 M H2SO4) and alkaline media (0.1 M KOH) conditions at temperatures up to 150°C, despite the dissolution of the Al2O3 top layer at 150°C and long immersion times (> 10 h). In the case of uncapped Pt films, diffusion and oxidation of Ti through the Pt film at high temperature resulted in the formation of TiO2 on the surface of Pt. The results were confirmed by using a comprehensive suite of ex‐situ characterisation techniques to follow changes in the Pt electrode surface morphology and composition before and after immersion in H2O, 0.1 M H2SO4 and 0.1 M KOH solutions under argon. Ex‐situ electrochemical characterisation studies were also conducted to correlate the changes in the electrode surface properties, including the electrochemical surface area, with different annealing conditions and after various hydrothermal treatments in neutral, alkaline and acidic media.

Regeneration of spent graphite via graphite-like turbostratic carbon coating for advanced Li ion battery anode

Recycling spent graphite (SG) from lithium-ion batteries is an effective approach to reduce resource waste and address environmental issues. The main reasons for the capacity degradation of graphite anode are the structural destruction and changes in surface composition during the cycling process. However, repairing the graphite with satisfactory electrochemical properties remains a significant challenge due to the lack of efficient recycling methods. Herein, a low-temperature magnesium catalytic method is developed to reconstruct turbostratic carbon coating and repair defects in SG at 900 °C. The dense turbostratic carbon not only effectively repairs the surface damage of the SG and mitigates the occurrence of side reactions but also improves the Li+ and electron transfer kinetics of SG. The regenerated graphite anode exhibits high initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 86.2 %, a high capacity of 350 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C with a capacity retention of 96.5 %, which reaches the requirements of commercial applications. Furthermore, a techno-economic analysis shows that this strategy has higher environmental and economic benefits compared to conventional recycling methods.

Surface modification of polyethylene terephthalate films by direct fluoridation for flexible electronic applications

In this study, a comprehensive investigation was carried out to analyse the effects of direct fluorination on the structural, morphological, wettability, thermal and optical properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films. The results show significant changes in surface composition and structure, as well as changes in surface morphology induced by fluorination. In addition, an increase in surface hydrophilicity and surface free energy were observed after fluorination. Although there appeared to be a slight decrease in thermal stability of the fluorinated PET films, they exhibited increased optical transmittance in the UV–visible spectrum compared to the original PET films. These findings demonstrate how fluorinated PET films have better surface qualities, which makes them appropriate for a range of uses including printing, coating, and optoelectronics.

Impact of Surface Composition Changes on the CO2-Reduction Performance of Au-Cu Aerogels.

Over the past decades, the electrochemical CO2-reduction reaction (CO2RR) has emerged as a promising option for facilitating intermittent energy storage while generating industrial raw materials of economic relevance such as CO. Recent studies have reported that Au-Cu bimetallic nanocatalysts feature a superior CO2-to-CO conversion as compared with the monometallic components, thus improving the noble metal utilization. Under this premise and with the added advantage of a suppressed H2-evolution reaction due to absence of a carbon support, herein, we employ bimetallic Au3Cu and AuCu aerogels (with a web thickness ≈7 nm) as CO2-reduction electrocatalysts in 0.5 M KHCO3 and compare their performance with that of a monometallic Au aerogel. We supplement this by investigating how the CO2RR-performance of these materials is affected by their surface composition, which we modified by systematically dissolving a part of their Cu-content using cyclic voltammetry (CV). To this end, the effect of this CV-driven composition change on the electrochemical surface area is quantified via Pb underpotential deposition, and the local structural and compositional changes are visually assessed by employing identical-location transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses. When compared to the pristine aerogels, the CV-treated samples displayed superior CO Faradaic efficiencies (≈68 vs ≈92% for Au3Cu and ≈34 vs ≈87% for AuCu) and CO partial currents, with the AuCu aerogel outperforming the Au3Cu and Au counterparts in terms of Au-mass normalized CO currents among the CV-treated samples.

Anisotropic Cu2O nanostructures: A promising remediation for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Copper oxide (Cu2O) exhibits exceptional optical properties and phase stability at the nanoscale level making it highly desirable in nanotechnology applications. Its unique and distinctive properties make it highly feasible for diverse applications, which include environmental remediation, energy conversion, and catalysis. In this study, we tailor the surface and facet orientation of Cu2O nanoparticles to enhance their efficacy in addressing environmental contaminants such as per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). By adjusting the ratios of the precursor and capping agent, we have synthesized Cu2O nanocubes (NCs) and octahedra (Oh) with average sizes of 450 nm and 650 nm, respectively. The time-dependent UV–Vis interaction studies revealed significant redshifts in absorption spectra upon the addition of Cu2O NCs and Oh to the PFAS solutions, indicative of the changes in the surroundings upon the interaction. FT-IR spectra further confirmed the sorption of PFAS on Cu2O nanostructures with stronger adsorption observed for longer-chain PFAS due to enhanced hydrophobic interactions. XPS analysis further provided insights into the surface composition changes after post-interaction, indicating the presence of PFAS on Cu2O nanostructures. The zeta potential analysis supported the role of electrostatic interactions in PFAS removal. Our results demonstrate that Cu2O Oh exhibits superior PFAS adsorption compared to Cu2O NCs, which is attributed to the exposed facets of a copper atom having a positive surface charge and facilitating electrostatic interactions. Specifically, Cu-terminated (110) or (111) surfaces exhibit enhanced sorption capacity, while the reduced reactivity of Cu-terminated Cu2O (100) surfaces is linked to high energy barrier holes at the surface region. Overall, this study elucidates the interaction mechanisms between Cu2O nanostructures and PFAS which underscores the significance of surface engineering for optimizing their performance in environmental remediation strategies.

Modification and characterization of tricalcium silicate bio-ceramic powders synthesized by sol-gel process for potential application in dental treatment

Tricalcium silicate powders (Ca3SiO5 or C3S) were fabricated by sol-gel process from the initial materials of Ca(NO3)2·4 H2O and Si(OC2H5)4 (TEOS) in acid medium. Effects of stoichiometry of reagent and catalyst, and temperature on physical-chemical, mechanical, and biological properties of C3S powders were examined systematically. The radiopacity, setting time, compressive strength, and bioactivity were investigated according to ISO recommendations. The radiopacity was compared and evaluated using dopants. The setting time and compressive strength were determined using water solvent. Analysis of bioactivity, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility of Ca3SiO5 powders was performed and evaluated using simulated body fluid (SBF), and Tetrazolium (WST-1) reagent assay on Escherichia coli bacterium (E. coli), respectively. The milled-C3S powders showed a fine radiopacity with ZrO2 dopant, a shorter setting time, a higher density and a feasible compressive strength. The high purity of the milled-C3S powders with presence of Ca and Si compositions was confirmed by SEM-EDS analysis. Also, hydroxyapatite (HAp) was induced to form on the surface of milled-C3S powders when immersed in SBF. The surface compositional, morphological and chemical structural changes of the milled-C3S powders before and after immersing were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that a dense HAp layer was formed after 7 days of immersing. It indicated that C3S powders were bioactive and might be used for preparation of dental biomaterials. The milled-C3S powders also showed a potential antibacterial activity on the E.Coli cells and a high biocompatibility for cell viability. The good physical and excellent mechanical properties, bioactivity, and antibacterial activity confirmed the milled-Ca3SiO5 powders as a promising dental filling material.

Removal mechanism on 4H–SiC single crystal by picosecond laser ablation-assisted chemical mechanical polishing (CMP)

The properties of the single-crystal 4H–SiC are complex and difficult to understand. Consequently, determining the effect of the surface and subsurface structures and composition changes of picosecond laser ablation (PLA) on the material removal mechanism during the CMP stage is challenging. In this study, we used PLA of 4H–SiC surfaces to investigate the mechanism underlying the effect of PLA-assisted CMP, which is considerably larger than the laser ablation threshold, on the removal of 4H–SiC to improve the material removal rate and surface quality of CMP. The TEM and contact angle detection results indicated that the reduction in the fracture strength and increase in the surface energy of high-power PLA contributed to the removal form and chemical action of CMP. Subsequent experimental results showed that the contact angle and hardness of the PLA-treated surfaces in the hydrophilic range were reduced by 45% and 48.6%, respectively. The material removal rate (MRR) of PLA-CMP (alumina slurry) at 45 min was 3.67 μm/h that was a 70% improved CMP removal relative to no picosecond laser ablation (NPLA). The mechanism of PLA-assisted CMP removal was revealed to be related to the plastic cutting of the abrasive and high pressure and temperature, leading to the softening-removal-softening cycle of the material. This study provides a new perspective on the ultraprecise and high-efficiency fabrication of high-quality single-crystal 4H–SiC.

Modulating surface zinc species via facet engineering for efficient electroreduction of CO2 to CO

Zn-based catalysts have attracted widespread interest in electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO, but they struggle to achieve large current densities and high product selectivity. Herein, we develop two kinds of faceted ZnO nanorods with subtle changes in crystallography and surface composition, simply by adjusting thermal annealing conditions. The ZnO nanorods with high numbers of (101) facets (ZnO (101)) and a reorganized Zn-rich surface exhibit higher catalytic performance compared to conventional ZnO nanorods with more (002) crystal planes and an oxygen-rich surface. The ZnO (101) catalyst shows superior FECO (>90 %) over a broad potential range, and an attractive CO partial current density of − 215.3 mA cm−2 in flow cells. DFT results further reveal that CO2 molecules are more easily activated on the reorganized surface of the ZnO (101), which significantly facilitates the formation of *COOH and inhibits the hydrogen evolution reaction, leading to remarkable activity and selectivity.

Fair surface modification with mixed alkanethiols on gold nanoparticles through minimal unfair ligand exchange.

Surface modification with functional molecules is essential for introducing various surface properties. As gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have extraordinary chemical, physical, and optical properties, control of their surface, mainly through modification with mixed alkanethiols via Au-S interactions, has attracted much attention. However, surface modification of AuNPs with mixed alkanethiols to provide a strictly regulated composition remains challenging. Further, there are very few methods that can easily establish the nature of ligands and their replacement with similar molecules at nanoparticle surfaces, limiting precise analyses. Herein, we demonstrate an unfair ligand exchange between oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG)-attached alkanethiols as a source of unfair surface modification utilizing programable thermo-responsive properties of OEG-alkanethiols-modified AuNPs and fair surface modification with mixed OEG-alkanethiols by minimizing this effect. OEG-alkanethiols-modified AuNPs show an assembly/disassembly behavior in response to the solution temperature. Assembly temperature (T A) changes in the presence of other OEG-alkanethiols, confirming the ligand exchange between alkanethiols in an aqueous solution. Kinetic analyses indicate that the competitive exchange reaction of these two alkanethiols results in an unfair ligand exchange, which leads to gradual changes in surface composition. As this ligand exchange between alkanethiols takes a longer time compared to that from citric acid, which initially covered the AuNPs, exact surface modification of AuNPs with OEG-alkanethiols is performed by moderate reaction conditions (25 °C, several to 24 hours). This insight regarding "more prolonged reaction is not always better" could be widely applied for surface modifications with various thiol-ligands.

Self-formation of compositionally complex surface oxides on high entropy alloys observed by accelerated atom probe tomography: a route to sustainable catalysts.

Sustainable catalysts rely on abundant elements which are prone to oxidation. A route to non-noble electrocatalysts is opened by directing the formation of unavoidable surface oxides towards creating a few atomic layers of an active and stable electrocatalyst, which is in direct contact with its metallic, conducting support. This is enabled by combining possibilities of compositionally complex solid solutions with accelerated atomic-scale surface characterization. Surface composition changes from the as-synthesized state to states after exposure to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are investigated using a Cantor-alloy-catalyst-coated tip array for atom probe tomography (APT): The film on top of the tip forms a nanoreactor which enables acquisition of intrinsic properties. The as-deposited film has an around 3 nm thick native oxide; short and prolonged OER exposures result in an oxygen-influenced surface layer with lower oxidation depth and altered metal composition. This shows that as-synthesized complex compositions can be used to obtain active and stable surface oxides under electrochemical load, while their surface evolution is observed by accelerated APT.

Use of NIR/NaBH4 combinatorial techniques for simultaneous and high-efficient adsorption of heavy metal ions from contaminated water by Chitosan/Au Janus microdisks

This article discusses the creation of a disk-shaped microsorbent with Janus morphology made with chitosan and coated with gold on one side using the sputtering technique. The aim of the research is to explore how sodium borohydride and near-infrared (NIR) light can enhance the adsorption of heavy metal ions by our synthesized adsorbent. The changes in surface morphology and composition of the chitosan part of Janus microdisks, after acid treatment and crosslinking reaction, before and after adsorption process were investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chitosan/Au Janus microdisks were utilized in auto-catalyzed adsorption of heavy metals including, Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn, and Ni, in the presence of sodium borohydride. The isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic curves of adsorbance in the presence of metals were investigated. In addition, the performance of Janus microsorbents in the co-existing ions solution was studied under different conditions. The synthesized microsorbents can remove Cu ions selectively from contaminated water (>99 %) with the help of sodium borohydride. In addition, the NIR light irradiation exhibited a synergistic effect on the adsorption of Cd, Ni, and Pb ions in the presence of sodium borohydride. The borohydride ions can change the surface charge of microdisks after adsorption on their surface and increase the adsorption rate of metal cations. In addition, NIR light irradiation can accelerate the reaction of sodium borohydride with metal ions.

Surface Characterization and Bulk Property Analysis of Aluminum Powders Treated with Hydrophobic Coatings: Stearic Acid and Phenyl-Phosphonic Acid

Stearic and phenyl-phosphonic acids were applied to fine aluminum particles to understand their effect on the surface chemical composition and bulk properties of the surface-treated powders. During the solution phase deposition process, the surface composition changes chemically through a condensation reaction between the acid and particle surface hydroxyl groups, forming covalent chemical bonds. The retention of both types of acids was verified through characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The presence of stearic acid on the particle surface was observed through signature absorbance peaks, including interfacial C-O bonding modes, carboxylate, and carbonyl moieties, all present on both the treated powder. Spectra using XPS showed an increase in -CH relative intensity signal on the particle surface when compared to the raw material when considering the the carbon 2p photoelectron peak. Similar findings confirmed the presence of the phenyl-phosphonic acid when comparing to the raw material. The IR spectrum confirmed the presence of P-O-Al, P-O, and phosponates as a result of the surface bonding between the reagent and particles. XPS always provided evidence through the presence of phosphorous 2p and 2s photoelecton peaks at 191.3 and 133.4 eV, respectively. The bulk properties of both surface treated powders improved, as shown through improved apparent/tap density and a decreased Hausner Ratio (Group C to Group A behavior). Rheological characterization provided additional evidence by showing a reduced specific energy, flow rate index, and cohesion. The particle packing was improved as evidenced through reduced compressibility as a function of applied normal stress.

Tracking Oxygen Evolution Activities of Perovskite Oxide Catalysts By 3D Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

IntroductionPromoting the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is important for more efficient electrochemical water splitting because its sluggish reaction kinetics degenerate the overall efficiency. Perovskite oxides (ABO3) are known as promising electrocatalysts for the OER, which have a flexibility of composition and structure. Among these electrocatalysts, Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ (BSCF) exhibits good OER activities in an alkaline solution1. One of its specific properties is the change of the surface structure and composition during the OER in alkaline solutions, leading the improvement of the OER activity2. In general, the OER activities of metal oxides significantly depend on electrochemical surface area (ECSA) and activity per surface area (specific activity). However, it is not easy to decouple these two factors when the surface structure and composition change continuously during the OER.Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been used as a useful tool, which provides information related to electrode/electrolyte interface3. Here, in order to reveal the origin of the OER activities behavior, we used 3D EIS including time axis and tracked the ECSA and specific activity of perovskite oxides during the OER in alkaline solutions.Experimental methodsPerovskite oxides used in this study (BSCF, La0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ (LSCF) and LaCoO3–δ (LCO)) were synthesized by the sol–gel method.The OER activities of obtained perovskite oxides were evaluated using a three-electrode electrochemical cell with a rotating disk electrode (RDE) in 1.0 mol dm–3 KOH solution. A working electrode was prepared by drop-casting an ink suspension with perovskite oxides (0.25 mg cm–2), acetylene black (0.05 mg cm–2), and Nafion (0.05 mg cm–2) on glassy carbon. Pt wire and a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) were used as the counter and reference electrodes, respectively. 3D EIS was obtained in the following steps: First, cyclic voltammetry (CV) was performed at certain cycles (1, 5, 10 ,30, and 50 cycles). Second, the electrode was left at open circuit potential for 5 min. Finally, potentiostatic EIS (PEIS) was recorded 5 times (approximately 10 min), and then Nyquist plots at 5 min from the beginning of the first PEIS were compared.Results and discussionFrom CV measurements of perovskite oxides, while the OER activities of BSCF increased, those of LSCF and LCO slightly decreased with increasing CV cycles. Figure shows Nyquist plots of perovskite oxides after certain CV cycles. The impedance spectra show a semicircle in the high- and mid-frequency regions, respectively. While a semicircle in the high-frequency region was independent on the direct current (DC) potential, the mid-frequency region semicircle was dependent on DC potential. The contrasting behavior indicated that the semicircle in the mid-frequency region corresponds to the charge transfer resistance, which contains the information of double-layer capacitance for the OER. Therefore, we tracked the semicircle in the mid-frequency region during the OER.A semicircle in the mid-frequency region of BSCF gradually decreased with CV cycles, indicating that the BSCF surface changed to a preferred structure during the OER cycles. As a result of the equivalent circuit fitting, the charge transfer resistance decreased and the double-layer capacitance increased with CV cycles. On the other hand, a semicircle in the mid-frequency region of LSCF and LCO remained unchanged or slightly increased.More detailed evaluation of their ECSA and specific activities during OER will be discussed at the conference.Reference[1] J. Suntivich, K. J. May, H. A. Gasteiger, J. B. Goodenough and Y. Shao−Horn, Science, 334, 1383 (2011).[2] K. J. May, C. E. Carlton, K. A. Stoerzinger, M. Risch, J. Suntivich, Y.-L. Lee, A. Grimaud and Y. Shao-Horn, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 3, 3264 (2012)[3] V. A. Alves, L. A. da Silva, and J. F. C. Boodts, Electrochim. Acta, 44, 1525 (1998). Figure 1

Expediting High‐Yield Mxene Carbides and Nitrides Synthesis for Next‐Generation 2D Materials

AbstractThis research aims to enhance MXene (Ti3C2Tx) synthesis from MAX phases (Ti3AlC2) through a hydro‐solvothermal exfoliation process, with a focus on reducing time and temperature requirements. Prior hydrothermal studies have encountered challenges due to high reaction temperatures. In comparison to previous research, this work achieves superior results at lower temperatures. Two optimized MXene preparation routes are investigated and the etchant's impact on MXene surface chemistry is analyzed. Comprehensive X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analyses provide insights into hydrosolvothermal synthesis (H‐Ti3C2Tx ) multilayers(ML), confirming/challenging recent spectroscopic assignments. Remarkably, hydro‐solvothermal treatment induces significant changes in surface composition, increasing hydroxyl (─OH) groups without oxidation and reducing fluorine (─F) groups on the H‐ Ti3C2Tx surface. These study's results hold promise for applications in energy storage and electromagnetic wave shielding. This research accomplishes three main objectives: i) secures hydrothermal synthesis of two‐ dimensional (2D) MXenes, ii) efficiently utilizes lithium fluroide‐ hydrochloric acid (LiF−HCl) etching for high‐quality MXene flakes with minimal defects, and iii) understands hydro‐solvothermal kinetics. This approach advances MXene synthesis with enhanced material quality and production efficiency (>98%), in a more eco‐friendly and safer manner. This eco‐conscious synthesis underscores MXene's versatility and eco‐friendly methods' significance, reshaping MXene exploration and sustainable material synthesis, with potential implications for future electrochemical applications.

Synthetic Tailoring of Ionic Conductivity in Multicationic Substituted, High-Entropy Lithium Argyrodite Solid Electrolytes.

Superionic conductors are key components of solid-state batteries (SSBs). Multicomponent or high-entropy materials, offering a vast compositional space for tailoring properties, have recently attracted attention as novel solid electrolytes (SEs). However, the influence of synthetic parameters on ionic conductivity in compositionally complex SEs has not yet been investigated. Herein, the effect of cooling rate after high-temperature annealing on charge transport in the multicationic substituted lithium argyrodite Li6.5[P0.25Si0.25Ge0.25Sb0.25]S5I is reported. It is demonstrated that a room-temperature ionic conductivity of ∼12 mS cm-1 can be achieved upon cooling at a moderate rate, superior to that of fast- and slow-cooled samples. To rationalize the findings, the material is probed using powder diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy combined with electrochemical methods. In the case of moderate cooling rate, favorable structural (bulk) and compositional (surface) characteristics for lithium diffusion evolve. Li6.5[P0.25Si0.25Ge0.25Sb0.25]S5I is also electrochemically tested in pellet-type SSBs with a layered Ni-rich oxide cathode. Although delivering larger specific capacities than Li6PS5Cl-based cells at high current rates, the lower (electro)chemical stability of the high-entropy Li-ion conductor led to pronounced capacity fading. The research data indicate that subtle changes in bulk structure and surface composition strongly affect the electrical conductivity of high-entropy lithium argyrodites.

Effect of Electrocautery and Laser Treatment on the Composition and Morphology of Surface-Modified Titanium Implants.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different peri-implantitis treatment methods (Er,Cr:YSGG laser, diode laser, and electrocautery) on various titanium implant surfaces: machined; sandblasted, large-grit, and acid-etched; and femtosecond laser-treated surfaces. Grade 4 titanium (Ti) disks, with a diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 1 mm, were fabricated and treated using the aforementioned techniques. Subsequently, each treated group of disks underwent different peri-implantitis treatment methods: Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Biolase, Inc., Foothill Ranch, CA, USA), diode laser (Biolase, Inc., Foothill Ranch, CA, USA), and electrocautery (Ellman, Hicksville, NY, USA). Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and wettability were used to characterize the chemical compositions and surfaces of the treated titanium surfaces. Significant changes in surface roughness were observed in both the electrocautery (Sa value of machined surface = 0.469, SLA surface = 1.569, femtosecond laser surface = 1.741, and p = 0.025) and Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Ra value of machined surface = 1.034, SLA surface = 1.380, femtosecond laser surface = 1.437, and p = 0.025) groups. On femtosecond laser-treated titanium implant surfaces, all three treatment methods significantly reduced the surface contact angle (control = 82.2°, diode laser = 74.3°, Er,Cr:YSGG laser = 73.8°, electrocautery = 76.2°, and p = 0.039). Overall, Er,Cr:YSGG laser and electrocautery treatments significantly altered the surface roughness of titanium implant surfaces. As a result of surface composition after different peri-implantitis treatment methods, relative to the diode laser and electrocautery, the Er,Cr:YSGG laser increased oxygen concentration. The most dramatic change was observed after Er:Cr;YSGG laser treatment, urging caution for clinical applications. Changes in surface composition and wettability were observed but were not statistically significant. Further research is needed to understand the biological implications of these peri-implantitis treatment methods.