Development Of Functional Materials Research Articles

High-Pressure CO2 and CH4 Transport in Smooth Crystalline Silica Mesopores: A Molecular Dynamics Study.

In this study, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to study pressure-driven CO2 and CH4 flows and their slippage behaviors in β-cristobalite mesopores. The result illustrates that both CO2 and CH4 have an apparent adsorption layer on pore surface. However, significant differences in gas slippage are observed: CH4 flow shows considerable slippage, while it is negligible for CO2 flow. This disparity is attributed to the collective effect of gas molecular configurations and surface structure. The linear molecular structure of CO2 allows it to align perpendicular to the surface, even penetrating into the surface. Notably, the perpendicular orientation of CO2 molecules is energetically favored near the center of the equilateral triangle formed by adjacent oxygen atoms on β-cristobalite surface. Conversely, the symmetric molecular structure of CH4, coupled with its larger size, prevents its penetration into pore surfaces. Therefore, despite smooth crystalline surfaces, CO2 topological accessible plane is much more curved than that of CH4. Consequently, CO2 displays hesitating motions undergoing rotational movements, which significantly hinders its slippage. This study highlights the collective influences of gas molecular characteristics and surface structure on gas slippage, affording important insights into gas sequestration and the development of functional materials for gas separation.

PROFiT-Net: Property-Networking Deep Learning Model for Materials.

There is a growing need to develop artificial intelligence technologies capable of accurately predicting the properties of materials. This necessitates the expansion of material databases beyond the scope of density functional theory, and also the development of deep learning (DL) models that can be effectively trained with a limited amount of high-fidelity data. We developed a DL model utilizing a crystal structure representation based on the orbital field matrix (OFM), which was modified to incorporate information on elemental properties and valence electron configurations. This model, effectively capturing the interrelation between the elemental properties in the crystal, was coined the PRoperty-networking Orbital Field maTrix-convolutional neural Network (PROFiT-Net). Remarkably, PROFiT-Net demonstrated high accuracy in predicting the dielectric constant, experimental band gaps, and formation enthalpies compared with other leading DL models. Moreover, our model accurately identifies physical patterns, such as avoiding the prediction of unphysical negative band gaps and exhibiting a Penn-model-like trend while maintaining the scalability. We envision that PROFiT-Net will accelerate the development of functional materials.

Development of functional materials based on new high content electron withdrawing groups terpolymer composites for potential applications

Development of functional materials based on new high content electron withdrawing groups terpolymer composites for potential applications

1,1'-Biolympicenyl: A Stable Non-Kekulé Diradical with a Small Singlet and Triplet Energy Gap.

Dimerization of delocalized polycyclic hydrocarbon radicals is a simple and versatile method to create diradicals with tailored electronic structures and accessible high-spin states. However, the synthesis is challenging, and the stability issue of the diradicals remains a concern. In this study, we present the synthesis of a stable non-Kekulé 1,1'-biolympicenyl diradical 1 using a protection-oxidation-protection strategy. Diradical 1 demonstrated exceptional stability, with a solution half-life time exceeding 3.5 years and a solid state thermal decomposition temperature above 300 °C. X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed its intersected molecular structure and tightly bound dimer configuration. A singlet ground state with a small singlet-triplet energy gap is consistently identified using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) in a rigid matrix, and the triplet state is thermally accessible at room temperature. The solution phase properties were systematically examined through EPR, absorption spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry, revealing a rotational motion in the slow-motion regime and multistage redox characteristics. This study presents an efficient synthetic and stabilization strategy for organic diradicals, enabling the development of various high-spin functional materials.

Nonequilibrium relaxation of soft responsive colloids.

Stimuli-responsive macromolecules display large conformational changes during their dynamics, sometimes switching between states. Such a multi-stability is useful for the development of soft functional materials. Here, we introduce a mean-field dynamical density functional theory for a model of responsive colloids to study the nonequilibrium dynamics of a colloidal dispersion in time-dependent external fields, with a focus on the coupling of translational and conformational dynamics during their relaxation. Specifically, we consider soft Gaussian particles with a bimodal size distribution between two confining walls with time-dependent (switching-on and off) external gravitational and osmotic fields. We find a rich relaxation behavior of the systems in excellent agreement with particle-based Brownian dynamics computer simulations. In particular, we find time-asymmetric relaxations of integrated observables (wall pressures, mean size, and liquid center-of-mass) for activation/deactivation of external potentials, respectively, which are tunable by the ratio of translational and conformational diffusion time scales. Our work thus paves the way for studying the nonequilibrium relaxation dynamics of complex soft matter with multiple degrees of freedom and hierarchical relaxations.

Harnessing potential of microwave-assisted ultrafast synthesis of reduced graphene oxide/Mn3O4 bioactive nanocomposite hydrogel for bone tissue engineering

The development of functional materials with the potential for bone tissue regeneration along with rapid synthesis and cost-effective approach has been challenging. In this regard, hydrogels have been explored as a potent candidate to behave as a 3D scaffold for bone repair. However, poor mechanical attributes impeded their clinical translation. Enthralling demonstration of the potential of carbon-based nanocomposites in bone tissue engineering has been constantly encouraging the fabrication of advanced nanocomposites. Here, we investigated the fabrication of reduced graphene/manganese (II, III) oxide (RGO/Mn3O4) nanocomposites by taking advantage of the microwave-assisted synthesis approach for cost effective, and ultrafast synthesis. Mn3O4 nanoparticles with uniform distribution in RGO sheets and ∼ 1.7 nm size was fabricated using the approach. Further, fine-tuning of the structural interaction and mechanical behavior of the GelMA-based hydrogels upon reinforcement with RGO/Mn3O4 nanocomposites was investigated as a function of different concentrations of the nanocomposites where upto 50 % increment in the compressive stress was observed compared to native GelMA hydrogel. The ability of these hydrogels was further investigated for their osteogenic behaviour on MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells where constant cell proliferation for up to 10 days was witnessed for the hybrid hydrogel with the highest concentration of the nanofillers.

Effect of entropy evolution on electromagnetic response mechanism of carbon-coated medium- and high-entropy oxides

Metal oxides have attracted much attention due to their potential in electromagnetic wave absorption. However, the inherent energy dissipation capabilities of low-entropy metal oxides pose challenges in designing materials with optimal entropy levels. The regulation of entropy structure is anticipated to facilitate the development of novel electromagnetic functional materials featuring abundant active sites, adjustable specific surface area, stable crystal structure, unique geometric compatibility, and distinctive electronic structure. This study compared the electromagnetic loss performance of low, medium, and high entropy metal oxides in carbon matrices. As entropy increases, the number of phases expands, leading to enhanced interface polarization losses and improved impedance matching. However, further increases in entropy result in performance decline due to lattice distortions and mismatches in dielectric constant and magnetic permeability. Experimental data and theoretical analysis reveal that performance enhancement in medium-to high-entropy metal oxides is attributed to their unique morphology and the synergistic effects of multiple metal components, which enhance interfacial and defect polarization mechanisms. Heterogeneous interfaces and lattice defects provide additional polarization sites, aiding in the conversion of electromagnetic energy into heat. The presence of intermediate phases effectively absorbs and dissipates electromagnetic waves, thereby enhancing the overall absorption capability.

Hierarchical H-bonding and metal coordination bonds enabled supramolecular dual networks for high-performance energy-dissipation

Natural organisms have superior material properties such as mechanical adaptability, impact protection, and self-healing to protect the body from complicated external environments, fascinating the development of functional supramolecular elastic materials with biomimetic protective features. Herein, a dual physically crosslinked supramolecular polyurethane (PU) network with strain-hardening effect is synthesized by incorporating hierarchical hydrogen bonds (H-bond) and metal coordination bonds into an elastomer matrix. A moderate content of quadruple H-bonds is critical for achieving a prominent toughness and a considerable strain-at-break owing to the strain hardening effect enabled by the hierarchical H-bonds. When the Zn-to-pyridine coordination bonds were introduced to the supramolecular PU, the strength, toughness, and energy dissipation properties were further enhanced attributing to the dual physical crosslinking networks. The dynamic dissociation and association of the sacrificial H-bonds and Zn-to-pyridine coordination bonds induced significant strain hardening effect and enabled tremendous energy absorption and self-healing properties. Besides, the supramolecular PU elastomers and their blends were foamed via scCO2 foaming to produce supramolecular foams containing dynamic bonds. The composite foam could effectively reduce the impact force from 6085 N to 373 N and achieve an outstanding energy absorption efficiency of 93.87% owing to the synergistic effect of porous structure and dual physically crosslinked networks. This work provides an innovative strategy for designing high-performance energy absorbing supramolecular elastomers and cushioning foams with reversible bonds.

Multifunctional biomolecular corona-inspired nanoremediation of antibiotic residues.

Facing complex and variable emerging antibiotic pollutants, the traditional development of functional materials is a "trial-and-error" process based on physicochemical principles, where laborious steps and long timescales make it difficult to accelerate technical breakthroughs. Notably, natural biomolecular coronas derived from highly tolerant organisms under significant contamination scenarios can be used in conjunction with nanotechnology to tackling emerging contaminants of concern. Here, super worms (Tubifex tubifex) with high pollutant tolerance were integrated with nano-zero valent iron (nZVI) to effectively reduce the content of 17 antibiotics in wastewater within 7 d. Inspired by the synergistic remediation, nZVI-augmented worms were constructed as biological nanocomposites. Neither nZVI (0.3 to 3 g/L) nor worms (104 to 105 per liter) alone efficiently degraded florfenicol (FF, as a representative antibiotic), while their composite removed 87% of FF (3 μmol/L). Under antibiotic exposure, biomolecules secreted by worms formed a corona on and modified the nZVI particle surface, enabling the nano-bio interface greater functionality, including responsiveness, enrichment, and reduction. Mechanistically, FF exposure activated glucose-alanine cycle pathways that synthesize organic acids and amines as major metabolites, which were assembled into vesicles and secreted, thereby interacting with nZVI in a biologically response design strategy. Lactic acid and urea formed hydrogen bonds with FF, enriched analyte presence at the heterogeneous interface. Succinic and lactic acids corroded the nZVI passivation layer and promoted electron transfer through surface conjugation. This unique strategy highlights biomolecular coronas as a complex resource to augment nano-enabled technologies and will provide shortcuts for rational manipulation of nanomaterial surfaces with coordinated multifunctionalities.

Preparation of gold nanoparticles by photolysis and radiolysis in alcohol solutions of functional hyperbranched polyorganosiloxane/H[AuCl4]: Effect of irradiation mode on nanoparticle size and formation mechanism

Ethanol solutions of functional hyperbranched polyorganosiloxanes (0.2 vol%) with a molar ratio of NH2(CH2)2NH-/H[AuCl4]x3H2O of 8/1 were used as precursors for nanocomposite preparation using UV photolysis and X-ray radiolysis. It was shown that various irradiation modes provide the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with tunable sizes and narrow size distributions. It was established that size distributions of AuNPs depend on the excitation wavelength. AuNPs with an average size of 3.5 nm were obtained by the direct excitation of gold ions using UV light with λmax = 365 nm. Meanwhile, the action of a higher energy light (λ = 254 nm) on the metal polymer complexes resulted in formation of ultra-small nanoparticles with an average size of 1.5 nm, presumably due to the increased efficiency of their nucleation process. In the case of radiolysis with X-rays, reduction of Au3+ ions occurs due to reactions with radicals produced from ethanol and leads to the formation of AuNPs of 2–3 nm. Thus, the size distribution of the prepared AuNPs may be controlled by the irradiation mode, which critically affects nanomaterial properties. Additionally nanoparticles obtained by photochemical or radiation-chemical methods are free of chemical impurities, which is important for the development of functional materials.

Investigating the hybrid potential of PVA-chitosan-loaded TiO2@NiO films for advanced conductivity and dielectric performance

The synthesis and characterization of PVA-chitosan-NiO, PVA-chitosan-TiO2, and PVA-chitosan-TiO2@NiO films have opened avenues for tailoring materials with specific electrical, dielectric, and optical properties. The synergistic effects arising from the combination of polymers and metal oxides offer a platform for further optimization and application-specific tuning. The synthesis process successfully incorporated NiO and TiO2 nanoparticles into the PVA-chitosan matrix, creating three distinct films: PVA-chitosan-NiO, PVA-chitosan-TiO2, and PVA-chitosan-TiO2@NiO. Structural analyses, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealed well-defined nanostructures with crystalline metal oxide dispersions. Dielectric characterization demonstrated frequency-dependent behavior, elucidating the influence of metal oxides on dielectric constants and loss tangents. Cole–Cole plots provide insights into relaxation processes and can guide applications in capacitors and energy storage devices. Conductivity measurements highlight the enhanced electrical performance of NiO and TiO2. This study provides a foundation for future research on the development of advanced functional materials for a wide range of technological applications. The insights gained from this work contribute to the growing body of knowledge on polymer-metal oxide composites and pave the way for innovations in electronic, optoelectronic, and energy-related technologies.

Tuning optical excitations of graphene quantum dots through selective nitrogen doping

Our research has revealed that the nitrogen doping configuration has a significant impact on the absorption properties and band gap of nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs). By analyzing the composition and character of optical transitions, we have observed that nitrogen doping causes a redistribution of oscillator strength between significant peaks and the emergence of new optical features. These changes lead to broken molecular orbital degeneracies, optical peak splitting, and activation of dark states in the visible to near-infrared (NIR) region. These findings shed light on the mechanisms that govern alterations in the spectral properties of NGQDs within the visible and near-infra red (NIR) absorption bands. Furthermore, selective manipulation of optoelectronic properties via distinct N-doping patterns could pave the way for the development of novel optoelectronic nanodevices and functional materials.

(Vittorio de Nora Award) When Solid State Semiconductor Physics and Devices Meet Photoelectrochemistry: From Growth and Interfacial Processes to Photovoltaics

I joined the CNRS solid-state physics laboratory near Paris in 1978, to work on the preparation of CdTe solar cells using close space sublimation (CSS) growth process. Thanks to some original discoveries, we were able to achieve a record yield of 10.5% for the time, but this research was gradually abandoned in France and in Europe. Yet it was this method that formed the basis of the technology developed with such success by first solar. So I was on the right track.However, it was in a different direction that I decided to go: semiconductor photoelectrochemistry, a rapidly developing field at the time. Here too, solar energy remained the backdrop, with the field opened up by Honda’s work on the photoelectrolysis of water. I thus began research into the mechanisms of charge transfer at semiconductor-electrolyte interfaces, keeping CdTe as my study material, enabling me to draw on my knowledge of solid-state devices to guide the analysis of its photoelectrochemical behavior in an original way. Our studies have focused on highlighting the energetic changes at interfaces under illumination during charge transfer reactions towards redox species in competition with corrosion reactions. We have demonstrated the role of adsorption and surface chemistry in these phenomena, with the result that photoelectrochemical properties can be optimized. Photoelectrochemistry is once again a highly topical field with artificial photosynthesis.In 1980 I discovered that CdTe layers could be deposited electrochemically in a simple beaker, as theorized by F.A. Kröger, without having to use much heavier vacuum processes.The electrochemical deposition of CdTe immediately became one of the major themes of my research, and remained so until the 2000s. The analysis of deposition mechanisms and their relationships to film properties were the subject of numerous publications and theses, with some outstanding results, in particular the synthesis of a new phase such as CdTe2, the study of as-grown semiconducting properties , the demonstration of epitaxial growth.This work gave rise to two major lines of research with far-reaching consequences. The first concerns the extension of electrochemical synthesis to other compound semiconductors of oxide type, with the discovery of the electrochemical synthesis of ZnO by cathodic reduction in the presence of oxygen, leading to materials of exceptional crystalline quality, suitable for epitaxial deposition. Depending on the experimental conditions, the forms obtained can range from nanocolumns to compact films. These results have opened a new avenue at international level. They led us to introduce them into the photovoltaic field for the formation of TCOs or hybrid matrices for dye cells. The second concerns the electrochemical synthesis of CuInGaSe2 (note CIGS), a ternary semiconductor of major industrial importance to photovoltaics. Initiated in the early 90s, this work involved both fundamental research and the creation of an industrial outlet. It led to the creation of a laboratory dedicated to photovoltaics with EDF in 2002, which succeeded in the creation of a start-up in 2009, NEXCIS, which achieved world-class performance in the field. This adventure has been the subject of a book chapter. Today, it continues with the creation of a new start-up, that I founded in 2021, that is using the electrodeposition technology to manufacture ultra-light, flexible, high-efficiency photovoltaic modules for new applications.This vision of the fundamental and underestimated interest of solution growth methods (electrochemistry or CBD) for the development of high-quality functional materials, particularly for photovoltaic conversion, has guided my entire scientific approach to date. The emergence of halogenated perovskite cells, also prepared in solution, has recently reinforced this approach as a way forward.Selected references:RECOMBINATION AND CHARGE-TRANSFER AT THE ILLUMINATED N-CdTe ELECTROLYTE INTERFACE - SIMPLIFIED KINETIC-MODEL ,LINCOT, D; VEDEL, J, JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 220 (1987) 179MECHANISM OF CHEMICAL BATH DEPOSITION OF CADMIUM-SULFIDE THIN-FILMS IN THE AMMONIA-THIOUREA SYSTEM - IN-SITU KINETIC-STUDY AND MODELIZATION, ORTEGABORGES, R; LINCOT, D, JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY 140 (1993)3464.SOLAR-CELLS WITH IMPROVED EFFICIENCY BASED ON ELECTRODEPOSITED COPPER INDIUM DISELENIDE THIN-FILMS, GUILLEMOLES, JF; COWACHE, P; MASSACCESSI, S; THOUIN, L; SANCHEZ, S; LINCOT, D; VEDEL, J., Advanced Materials 6 (1994)379Mechanistic study of cathodic electrodeposition of zinc oxide and zinc hydroxychloride films from oxygenated aqueous zinc chloride solutions, Peulon, S; Lincot, D , JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY 145 (1998)864Solution growth of functional zinc oxide films and nanostructures, Lincot, D., MRS BULLETIN 35(2010) 778From the Lab to Scaling-up Thin Film Solar Absorbers. Hariklia Deligianni, Lubomyr T. Roamnkiw, Daniel Lincot, Pierre-Philippe Grand. Book Chapter in Advances in Electrochemical Science and Engineering,XVIII (2018)

Evolution of 2D Nanostructures on Charged Surfaces through the Precipitation of Hydrolyzable Ions

The significance of surface charge at solid-liquid interfaces extends to crucial roles in diverse chemical processes, including crystallization, self-assembly, fuel cell reactions, and heterogeneous catalysis. Building upon the classical mean field description derived from the Gouy–Chapman model, the electrostatic attraction between a charged interface and counterions in solutions prompts oppositely charged ions from the solution to accumulate at the interface, forming an electric double layer (EDL), with distinct properties from those observed in bulk solutions. While the model accounts for the distribution of ions based on their spatial average perpendicular to the surface, the discussion regarding the lateral structure at the interface, particularly the local molecular-level details, is relatively limited.In this study, we explored the interfacial structure of mica, a mineral with an atomically flat surface and intrinsic negative charge, in electrolytes containing different multi-valent cations, utilizing in-situ liquid phase atomic force microscopy (LP-AFM). We find that, as the solution pH is gradually raised, cations precipitate and form a monolayer hydroxide film on mica surface. Divalent ions such as Mg2+, Ni2+, and Co2+, form large continuous monolayers in a manner that aligns with expectations based on classical nucleation theory. For trivalent ions like Al3+, Fe3+, and Cr3+, hydrolyzed species adsorb in increasing amounts as pH is increased. Instead of exhibiting a random distribution, these ions reveal intricate lateral ordering and eventually evolve into an ordered ion network. Upon further pH increase, the ion network undergoes a transition to a discontinuous film with a persistent network of gaps. The links between the surface nanostructure and local surface charge were investigated using three-dimensional fast force mapping (3D FFM) and complementary streaming potential apparatus (SPA) measurements. As films form, an inversion from negative to positive zeta potential on mica is observed through SPA and is accompanied by the appearance of a long-range tip-sample forces through 3D FFM. These findings suggest that electrostatic interactions between positively charged ions/films and a negatively charged substrate stabilize the surface nanostructure. Furthermore, films created by trivalent ions are more strongly charged compared to those formed by divalent ions.The lateral structure at mica-electrolyte interfaces was simulated using a charge-frustrated lattice gas model, where the ions experience competing interactions between short-range chemical bonding and long-range electrostatic forces. For weak charge effects, the film undergoes a first-order transition from sparse adsorbates to large continuous sheets, aligning with the behavior observed with divalent ions. When the charge effect is sufficiently strong, the surface forms various states, including ordered patterns of ions, ion clusters, and microphase-separated partial films, corresponding to the behavior observed with trivalent ions. This study provides molecular-level understanding of how electric fields control the spontaneous formation of interfacial nanostructures, and offers valuable insights into using electric fields to control crystallization processes for the development of functional materials.

Photoresponsive Block Copolymer Nanostructures through Implementation of Arylazopyrazoles.

Responsive nanomaterials that can undergo reversible changes in morphology are interesting for the development of functional materials that interact with and respond to their environment. Amphiphilic block copolymers are well-known for their ability to create a wide range of supramolecular nanostructures in solution. Arylazopyrazoles (AAPs) are versatile molecular photoswitches, which change their configuration and hydrophobicity upon irradiation with UV light (365 nm, Z isomer, less hydrophobic) and green light (520 nm, E isomer, more hydrophobic). In this work, photoswitchable block copolymers containing arylazopyrazole tetraethylene glycol methacrylate (AAPMA) and oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (OEGMA) forming amphiphilic POEGMA-b-PAAPMA with varying block lengths are prepared by RAFT polymerization. The photochemical properties of AAP persist in the polymers. Due to their amphiphilic structure, the polymers self-assemble into supramolecular morphologies in water. Remarkably, photoisomerization results in a reversible change in the self-assembly behavior. Specifically, spherical and cylindrical micelles are observed for POEGMA33-b-PAAPMA47 when illuminated with green or UV light during assembly. Furthermore, the morphology of assembled structures can be reversibly switched by subsequent irradiation with UV and green light.

Unravelling the Role of Structural Factors in the Luminescence Properties of Persulfurated Benzenes.

Room temperature phosphorescence rarely occurs from pure organic molecules, especially in the solid-state. A strategy for the design of highly emissive organic phosphors is still hard to predict, thus impeding the development of new functional materials with the desired optical properties. Herein, we analyze a family of alkyl and aryl-substituted persulfurated benzenes, the latter representing a class of organic solid-state triplet emitters able to show very high emission quantum yield at room temperature. In this work, we correlate structural parameters with the photophysical properties observed in different experimental conditions (diluted solution, crystalline and amorphous phase at RT and low temperature). Our results, corroborated by a detailed computational analysis, indicate a close relationship between the luminescence properties and i) the nature of the substituents on the persulfurated core, ii) the adopted conformations in the solid state, both in crystalline and amorphous phases. These factors contribute to characterize the lowest-energy lying excited-state, its deactivation pathways, the phosphorescence lifetime and quantum yield. These findings provide a useful roadmap for the development of highly performing purely organic solid-state emitters based on the persulfurated benzene platform.

Effects of Ulmus macrocarpa Extract and Catechin 7-O-β-D-apiofuranoside on Muscle Loss and Muscle Atrophy in C2C12 Murine Skeletal Muscle Cells.

Muscle atrophy is known to be one of the symptoms leading to sarcopenia, which significantly impacts the quality of life, mortality, and morbidity. Therefore, the development of therapeutics for muscle atrophy is essential. This study focuses on addressing muscle loss and atrophy using Ulmus macrocarpa extract and its marker compound, catechin 7-O-β-D-apiofuranoside, by investigating their effects on biomarkers associated with muscle cell apoptosis. Additionally, protein and gene expression in a muscle atrophy model were examined using Western blotting and RT-PCR. Ulmus macrocarpa has been used as food or medicine due to its safety, including its roots, barks, and fruit. Catechin 7-O-β-D apiofuranoside is an indicator substance of plants of the Ulmus genus and has been reported to have various effects such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The experimental results demonstrated that catechin glycoside and Ulmus macrocarpa extract decreased the expression of the muscle-degradation-related proteins Atrogin-1 and Muscle RING-Finger protein-1 (MuRF1) while increasing the expression of the muscle-synthesis-related proteins Myoblast determination (MyoD) and Myogenin. Gene expression confirmation experiments validated a decrease in the expression of Atrogin and MuRF1 mRNA and an increase in the expression of MyoD and Myogenin mRNA. Furthermore, an examination of muscle protein expression associated with the protein kinase B (Akt)/forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway confirmed a decrease in the expression of FoxO, a regulator of muscle protein degradation. These results confirm the potential of Ulmus macrocarpa extract to inhibit muscle apoptosis, prevent muscle decomposition, and promote the development of functional materials for muscle synthesis, health-functional foods, and natural-product-derived medicines.

β-CsHg2I5, a compound with rare [Hg2I5] dimers and large optical anisotropy.

Hg-based compounds show abundant structural diversity and distinguished properties. Herein, a new phase transition compound CsHg2I5 was reported. The high-temperature phase β-CsHg2I5 with rare [Hg2I5] dimers was synthesized by the flux method at 573 K, and it shows a reversible phase transition at a low temperature of ∼100 K to form the low-temperature phase α-CsHg2I5. The two phases crystallize in the same P21/c space group, with different crystal structures. β-CsHg2I5 is composed of rare [Hg2I5] dimers and [CsI11] polyhedral units, while α-CsHg2I5 is composed of [Hg4I11] and [CsI10] units. The experimental band gap of β-CsHg2I5 was found to be 2.58 eV. Owing to the presence of [Hg2I5]∞ pseudo-layers, β-CsHg2I5 exhibits large optical anisotropy with a calculated birefringence of 0.132@1064 nm. Meanwhile, β-CsHg2I5 is a congruent compound and the congruent point is ∼481 K. Theoretical calculations indicate that the rare [Hg2I5] dimer is a nonlinear active unit, which can be used as a new fundamental building block for the design of advanced nonlinear optical materials. Moreover, a CsI-HgI2 pseudo-binary diagram was drawn. The results enrich the structural diversity of Hg-based halides and give some insights into the development of new functional materials based on rare [Hg2I5] dimers.

Synthesis of Cu2+ doped ZnO@ZnCdS thin film: Optical and electrochemical characterization

Doping strategies modify the optical and electrochemical characteristics of materials. In this research, we investigated the impact of Cu2⁺ doping in ZnO@ZnCdS nanocomposites synthesized via the co-precipitation approach. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the structural, morphological, optical, and electrochemical features of the samples using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Visible absorption, and photoluminescence (PL). Notably, Cu2⁺ doping induces changes in morphology, crystal size, absorption spectra, and band gap energy. Surface investigations reveal a flower-like structure, while XRD analysis indicates an increase in crystal size from 25.5 to 35.2 in thin films with copper content. The absorption spectra of UV–visible-doped ZnO@ZnCdS thin films exhibit reduced peak intensity upon Cu2⁺ addition. Also, optical absorption analysis shows a shift towards longer wavelengths in the emission of ZnO@ZnCdS due to Cu2⁺ inclusion during doping. Likewise, the band gap energy ranges from 1.37 eV to 2.22 eV for ZnO@ZnCdS and Cu2⁺ doped ZnO@ZnCdS, respectively, as determined using Tauc plots. PL spectrum of the Cu2⁺ doped ZnO@CdS nanocomposite indicates emissions in the blue and green regions. Specifically, under 325 nm excitation, the copper-doped material displays a prominent blue and a less intense red emission at 420 nm at 685 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the electrochemical analysis revealed that doping caused a reduction in Rct and an elevation in CSP. These results offer important considerations for the development of cutting-edge functional optoelectronic materials.

Fabrication and Biomedical Application of Alginate Composite Hydrogels in Bone Tissue Engineering: A Review.

Nowadays, as a result of the frequent occurrence of accidental injuries and traumas such as bone damage, the number of people causing bone injuries or fractures is increasing around the world. The design and fabrication of ideal bone tissue engineering (BTE) materials have become a research hotspot in the scientific community, and thus provide a novel path for the treatment of bone diseases. Among the materials used to construct scaffolds in BTE, including metals, bioceramics, bioglasses, biomacromolecules, synthetic organic polymers, etc., natural biopolymers have more advantages against them because they can interact with cells well, causing natural polymers to be widely studied and applied in the field of BTE. In particular, alginate has the advantages of excellent biocompatibility, good biodegradability, non-immunogenicity, non-toxicity, wide sources, low price, and easy gelation, enabling itself to be widely used as a biomaterial. However, pure alginate hydrogel as a BTE scaffold material still has many shortcomings, such as insufficient mechanical properties, easy disintegration of materials in physiological environments, and lack of cell-specific recognition sites, which severely limits its clinical application in BTE. In order to overcome the defects of single alginate hydrogels, researchers prepared alginate composite hydrogels by adding one or more materials to the alginate matrix in a certain proportion to improve their bioapplicability. For this reason, this review will introduce in detail the methods for constructing alginate composite hydrogels, including alginate/polymer composite hydrogels, alginate/bioprotein or polypeptide composite hydrogels, alginate/bioceramic composite hydrogels, alginate/bioceramic composite hydrogels, and alginate/nanoclay composite hydrogels, as well as their biological application trends in BTE scaffold materials, and look forward to their future research direction. These alginate composite hydrogel scaffolds exhibit both unexceptionable mechanical and biochemical properties, which exhibit their high application value in bone tissue repair and regeneration, thus providing a theoretical basis for the development and sustainable application of alginate-based functional biomedical materials.