Development Of Innovative Materials Research Articles

Ultrashort Peptide Grafting on Mesoporous Films and Its Impact on Ionic Mesopore Accessibility.

An approach for direct in-pore solid-phase ultrashort peptide synthesis on mesoporous films using the amino acids arginine, leucine, and glycine is presented. Although the number of grafted amino acids remains low, the ionic mesopore accessibility can be gradually adjusted. The addition of arginine in up to five reaction cycles leads to a progressive increase in positive mesopore charge density, which gradually increases the anionic mesopore accessibility at acidic pH. At basic pH, the remaining silanol groups at the pore wall still dominate counter-charged cation mesopore accessibility. Thus, specific peptide sequence design is demonstrated to be a sensitive tool for molecular transport control in nanoscale pores. Overall, the direct in-pore solid-phase ultrashort peptide synthesis on mesoporous films using the sequences of different amino acids opens up exciting opportunities for the development of innovative materials with precisely tailored properties and functions based on specific peptide sequence design.

Facile electrochemical determination of sertraline at nanomolar concentration using bimetallic MXene NbTiCTx and MWCNTs hybridized electrodes as sensing platform

A novel and facile electrochemical determination of Sertraline at nanomolar concentration using bimetallic MXene NbTiCTx and MWCNTs hybridized electrodes as sensing platforms is demonstrated. NbTiCTx/MWCNTs composites were produced by etching NbTiAlC to obtain NbTiCTx, and ultrasonically mixing this with MWCNTs. An electrochemical sensor based on NbTiCTx/MWCNTs nanocomposite modified (NbTiCTx/MWCNTs/GCE) was constructed, for use in the sensitive detection of Sertraline (SER). The successful preparation of NbTiCTx/MWCNTs and the electrochemical performance of the electrodes were verified by Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance characterization methods. The experimental results show that NbTiCTx/MWCNTs/GCE can increase the SER oxidation peak current, with two good linear relationships (R2 = 0.9910 and 0.9967) between the current and the concentration of SER (5.0–10.0 μM and 10.0–100.0 μM), with a detection limit of 0.16 μM (S/N = 3). The sensor has good selectivity, repeatability, reproducibility and stability, and enables the sensitive determination of SER in human serum and urine samples of clinical biological fluids. It is believed that this work is significant and is of broad interest for work in innovative material development and biomedical applications.

Advancements in 3D Printing Materials for Diverse Industries: A Review and Future Prospects

3D printing has brought significant changes in many industries. It helps to create products with impressive strength and versatility. This paper aims to investigate and evaluate the different types of materials used in 3D printing, evaluating the advantages, disadvantages, and applications of different materials. It majorly focuses on thermoplastic, metal-based materials, and hybrid and composite materials. This paper also provides the current and future scenarios of 3D printing. This review covers all valuable insights into a large spectrum of different types of materials used in 3D printing and provides a small glance at these transforming industries. As the study expands the development of innovative materials and printing techniques will surely come to the surface and will expand the possibilities of 3D printing applications in the future.

The Role of High‐Entropy Materials in Lithium‐Based Rechargeable Batteries

AbstractThe low energy density, safety concerns, and high cost associated with conventional lithium‐ion batteries pose challenges in meeting the growing demands of emerging applications. While lithiumsulfur batteries (LSBs) offer high specific capacity, their commercial viability is hindered by the prevalent issue of shuttle effects. Furthermore, the potential of solid‐state lithium batteries is constrained by the suboptimal ionic conductivity and significant interphase problems. High‐entropy materials (HEMs) have emerged as a strategic approach for the development of innovative materials possessing exceptional properties. In recent times, some studies have been undertaken to explore the potential of HEMs in lithium‐based rechargeable batteries, showcasing their favorable characteristics. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of various factors associated with HEM materials, encompassing elements, structure, and morphology, on the reversibility of reactions and cycling stability. This work also presents an analysis of the effects of elements and morphology on the properties of HEMs in LSBs, which can trap soluble lithium polysulfides and enhance reaction kinetics. Additionally, the work provides an overview of high‐entropy electrolytes, including both solid‐state and non‐aqueous liquid electrolytes. Furthermore, the research outlines future research directions aimed at investigating more efficient HEMs and enhancing the overall performance of lithium‐based rechargeable batteries.

A functional Pickering emulsion coating based on octadecenylsuccinic anhydride modified γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks for food preservation

In the rapidly advancing field of colloid and interface chemistry, food-grade nanoparticles are garnering increased attention for their potential applications in food preservation and innovative material development. Pickering emulsions, stabilized by solid particles, are especially noteworthy for their versatile applicability, spanning from food preservation to innovative material engineering. However, crafting a reliable, application-specific Pickering emulsion that amalgamates both stability and functionality poses a substantial challenge. In this research, we present an in-depth analysis of octadecenylsuccinic anhydride (ODSA) modified γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (OCMs) stabilized ODSA Pickering emulsions, probing their stability across varying pH values and ionic strengths, and evaluating their groundbreaking applications, notably in paper coating and enhancing food shelf life. Our results unequivocally indicate a pronounced improvement in paper water resistance and fruit preservation after treatment with the OCMs-ODSA emulsion, heralding a novel methodology in these areas. Additionally, our studies illuminate the intrinsic antimicrobial attributes of OCMs, accentuating their cardinal role in augmenting the emulsion's preservation capabilities and heralding potential widespread applications in microbial mitigation, decay deterrence, and beyond.

Synthesize and crystallization behavior of SiOC/SiC nanocomposites derived from organosilane slurry residue

AbstractA route preparing SiOC/SiC nanocomposites directly by pyrolysis of organosilane slurry residue was investigated. Organosilane slurry residue's unique composition, containing both silicon and carbon, offers an intriguing platform for developing advanced ceramic materials. The pyrolysis process is examined comprehensively, revealing the chemical reactions and structural changes leading to SiC crystals formation. The phase evolution at various annealing temperatures was revealed. Crystallization behavior in the process were studied. The results reveal that SiOC matrix was generated at annealed temperature 800°C and SiC nanoparticles were formed at 1300°C. In comparison to phase separation of SiOC, carbothermal reduction of SiO2 was domain in SiC formation. This research advances the understanding of SiOC/SiC nanocomposites, highlighting the value of repurposing industrial byproducts for sustainable and innovative materials development.

Probing the Molecular Mechanism of Viscoelastic Relaxation in Transient Networks.

Hydrogels, which have polymer networks through supramolecular and reversible interactions, exhibit various mechanical responsibilities to its surroundings. The influence of the reversible bonds on a hydrogel's macroscopic properties, such as viscoelasticity and dynamics, is not fully understood, preventing further innovative material development. To understand the relationships between the mechanical properties and molecular structures, it is required to clarify the molecular understanding of the networks solely crosslinked by reversible interactions, termed "transient networks". This review introduces our recent progress on the studies on the molecular mechanism of viscoelasticity in transient networks using multiple methods and model materials. Based on the combination of the viscoelasticity and diffusion measurements, the viscoelastic relaxation of transient networks does not undergo the diffusion of polymers, which is not explained by the framework of conventional molecular models for the viscoelasticity of polymers. Then, we show the results of the comparison between the viscoelastic relaxation and binding dynamics of reversible bonds. Viscoelastic relaxation is primarily affected by "dissociation dynamics of the bonds" and "network structures". These results are explained in the framework that the backbone, which is composed of essential chains supporting the stress, is broken by multiple dissociation events. This understanding of molecular dynamics in viscoelasticity will provide the foundation for designing transient networks.

Enhanced cellulose extraction from agave plant (Agave americana Species) for synthesis of magnetic/cellulose nanocomposite for defluoridation of water

Research on fluoride removal from water is currently focusing on the development of innovative materials for defluoridation water. The current study extracted and used enhanced cellulose from Agave americana species to synthesize a magnetic/cellulose nanocomposite for water defluoridation. Strong and light binary acids (H2SO4 and CH3COOH) were utilized to pretreat raw material to enhance cellulose extraction. Central composite design (CCD) was used to design experiments to find optimum condition for cellulose extraction. Four key factors (H2SO4 to CH3COOH ratio, acid concentration, temperature, and contact time) with three levels were designed by CCD. The lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose content of raw agave cellulosic fiber in this study were 5.5 ± 0.27, 20.5 ± 0.23 and 60.4 ± 0.31 % respectively. While, at the optimum conditions of 2.3 % acid concentration, 0.44 H2SO4 to CH3COOH ratio, 83.2 min of retention time, and 105.5 oC, cellulose content reached 940.25 %. Then, enhanced cellulose was covered with magnetic components, resulting in a magnetic/cellulose nanocomposite. The adsorbent materials were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Dynamic light scattering (DLS). In addition, textural features of the adsorbent were investigated. All characterization results suggest that the synthesized adsorbent has the required properties. Adsorption tests were carried out using various interaction components. The combined effects of critical process variables on defluoridation were examined. The adsorption isotherm was calculated. Overall, the research demonstrated that the produced magnetic/cellulose nanocomposite can be employed as an efficient and ecologically acceptable adsorbent for fluoride removal from water.

Seeing the Supracolloidal Assemblies in 3D: Unraveling High-Resolution Structures Using Electron Tomography.

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging has revolutionized modern materials science, nanotechnology, and structural biology. Its ability to provide information about materials' structure, composition, and properties at atomic-level resolution has enabled groundbreaking discoveries and the development of innovative materials with precision and accuracy. Electron tomography, single particle reconstruction, and microcrystal electron diffraction techniques have paved the way for the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of biological samples, synthetic materials, and hybrid nanostructures at near atomic-level resolution. TEM tomography using a series of two-dimensional (2D) projections has been used extensively in biological science, but in recent years it has become an important method in synthetic nanomaterials and soft matter research. TEM tomography offers unprecedented morphological details of 3D objects, internal structures, packing patterns, growth mechanisms, and self-assembly pathways of self-assembled colloidal systems. It complements other analytical tools, including small-angle X-ray scattering, and provides valuable data for computational simulations for predictive design and reverse engineering of nanomaterials with the desired structure and properties. In this perspective, I will discuss the importance of TEM tomography in the structural understanding and engineering of self-assembled nanostructures with specific emphasis on colloidal capsids, composite cages, biohybrid superlattices with complex geometries, polymer assemblies, and self-assembled protein-based superstructures.

Coexistent, Competing Tunnelling, and Hopping Charge Transport in Compressed Metal Nanocluster Crystals.

Understanding charge transport among metal particles with sizes of approximately 1 nm poses a great challenge due to the ultrasmall nanosize, yet it holds great significance in the development of innovative materials as substitutes for traditional semiconductors, which are insulative and unstable in less than ∼10 nm thickness. Herein, atomically precise gold nanoclusters with well-defined compositions and structures were investigated to establish a mathematical relation between conductivity and interparticle distance. This was accomplished using high-pressure in situ resistance characterizations, synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the Murnaghan equation of state. Based on this precise correlation, it was predicted that the conductivity of Au25(SNap)18 (SNap: 1-naphthalenethiolate) solid is comparable to that of bulk silver when the interparticle distance is reduced to approximately 3.6 Å. Furthermore, the study revealed the coexisting, competing tunneling, and incoherent hopping charge transport mechanisms, which differed from those previously reported. The introduction of conjugation-structured ligands, tuning of the structures of metal nanoclusters, and use of high-pressure techniques contributed to enhanced conductivity, and thus, the charge carrier types were determined using Hall measurements. Overall, this study provides valuable insight into the charge transport in gold nanocluster solids and represents an important advancement in metal nanocluster semiconductor research.

Tailored Morphology in Polystyrene/Poly(lactic acid) Blend Particles: Solvent's Effect on Controlled Janus/Core-Shell Structures.

Controlling the morphology of polymeric particles is vital for their diverse applications. In this study, we explored how solvent composition influences the morphology of poly(styrene)/poly(lactic acid) (PS/PLA) particles prepared via the emulsion solvent evaporation method. We used toluene, dichloromethane (DCM), and various mixtures to prepare these particles. We investigated phase separation within the PS/PLA/solvent system using the Flory-Huggins ternary phase diagram and MesoDyn simulation, revealing pronounced immiscibility and phase separation in both PS/PLA/DCM and PS/PLA/toluene systems. We employed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to characterize the resulting morphologies. Our study unveiled the substantial impact of solvent composition on particle structure. Using pure toluene resulted in acorn-shaped Janus particles. However, incorporating DCM into the solvent induced a transition from Janus to core-shell morphology. Remarkably, core-shell particles exhibited a single-core structure in a mixed toluene/DCM solvent, indicating thermodynamic stability. In contrast, pure DCM favored kinetically controlled multicore morphology, leading to lower PLA crystallinity due to increased PS-PLA interfaces. Samples with high Janus balance formed a self-assembled, two-dimensional (2-D) monolayer film, demonstrating the interfacial activity of the Janus particles. This 2-D monolayer film exhibits desirable emulsification properties with potential applications in various fields. Our study combines theoretical and experimental analyses, shedding light on the profound impact of solvent composition on the PS/PLA particle morphology. We observed transitions from Janus to core-shell structures, highlighted the influence of solvent viscosity on particle size, and uncovered the formation of self-assembled 2-D monolayer films. These insights are pivotal for tailoring polymeric particle structures. Furthermore, our findings advance macromolecular science in interface design, offering promising prospects for innovative materials development.

Formwork Engineering for Sustainable Concrete Construction

This study provides a comprehensive review of the engineering challenges of formwork in concrete construction. The paper investigates different formwork systems, their design based on form pressure, and the difficulties of form stripping. Alternative binders are gaining more and more interest by opening new opportunities for sustainable concrete materials and their impact on form pressure and concrete setting is also investigated in this paper. The discussion involves several engineering challenges such as sustainability, safety, and economy, while it also explores previous case studies, and discusses future trends in formwork design. The findings pinpoint that choosing an appropriate formwork system depends significantly on project-specific constraints and that the development of innovative materials and technologies presents significant benefits but also new challenges, including the need for training and regulation. Current trends in formwork design and use show promising possibilities for the integration of digital technologies and the development of sustainable and ‘smart’ formwork systems. Continued research within the field has the possibility to explore new formwork materials and technologies, which will contribute to the implementation of more effective and sustainable practices in concrete construction.

Fabrication and rheological properties of a novel interpenetrating network hydrogel based on sage seed hydrocolloid and globulin from the hydrocolloid extraction by-product

In this study, interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels were developed based on sage seed gum (SSG) and globulin protein (Glo) extracted from the mucilage-free seeds. By combining Glo hydrogel with the SSG network the inherent weak gelation of the single SSG system was compensated. As the fraction of Glo increased, various properties of the interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels improved substantially. Electrophoretic analysis under reducing conditions showed that Glo dissociated into subunits of approximately 30 kDa and 20 kDa, suggesting it comprises 11S globulin. FTIR spectrum revealed new peaks at 1645 cm−1 and 1537 cm−1 in the amide I and II regions, respectively, for the IPN hydrogels, indicating interactions between two hydrogel networks. Based on the weight loss measurements, the IPN hydrogels exhibited lower mass loss, particularly at higher Glo fractions up to 6 %. The IPN hydrogels also displayed enhanced elasticity, pseudoelasticity, thixotropy, and creep resistance compared to SSG hydrogel, indicating suitability for food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications. More broadly, this research provides a sustainable strategy toward innovative material development while advancing bio-based hydrogels.

Development of Innovative Materials and Engine Oils as a Basis for Future Improvements in Stationary Gas Engines

Development of Innovative Materials and Engine Oils as a Basis for Future Improvements in Stationary Gas Engines

Passerini three-component reaction for the synthesis of saccharide branched cellulose

In this work, we investigate a multicomponent synthetic method for combining saccharides with cellulose to produce saccharide branched cellulose (b-Cel). First, cellulose is modified conventionally using carboxymethyl to create carboxyl functional groups for multicomponent reactions. The Passerini three-component reaction (Passerini-3CR) is then used to synthesize the saccharide b-Cel, with particular attention paid to the scope of the substrate and reaction process optimization. The structure of saccharide b-Cel is regulated by modifying the carboxyl group of cellulose molecules, the kind of saccharide molecules (including glucose, galactose, lactose, cellobiose, and cellulose), and the degree of branching. The branched structure of saccharide b-Cel greatly influenced its rheological characteristics and solubility. This work presents a practical method for the synthesis of artificial branching polysaccharides and is crucial for the development of innovative materials based on biomass.

Multifunctional Composite Materials Based on Anion Exchangers Modified with Copper Compounds-A Review of Their Synthesis Methods, Characteristics and Applications.

As copper and its compounds are of fundamental importance for the development of innovative materials, the synthesis of composites intended for water purification was undertaken in which submicron copper containing particles were dispersed within the matrix of a strongly basic anion exchanger, with a macroporous and gel-like structure. Due to their trimethylammonium functional groups, the host materials alone exhibited an affinity to anionic water contaminants and antimicrobial properties. The introduction of such particles as CuO, Cu2O, metallic Cu, CuO/FeO(OH), Cu4O3, Cu(OH)2, Cu4(OH)6SO4, Cu2(OH)3Cl increased these properties and demonstrated new properties. The composites were obtained unconventionally, in ambient conditions, using eco-friendly reagents. Alternative synthesis methods were compared and optimized, as a result of which a new group of hybrid ion exchangers was created (HIXs) containing 3.5-12.5 wt% of Cu. As the arrangement of the inorganic phase in the resin matrix was atypical, i.e., close to the surface of the beads, the obtained HIXs exhibited excellent kinetic properties in the process of oxidation and adsorption of As(III), as well as catalytic properties for the synthesis of triazoles via click reaction, and also antimicrobial properties in relation to Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, preventing biofilm formation. Using thermogravimetry, the effect of the inorganic phase on decomposition of the polymeric phase was evaluated for the first time and comprehensively, confirming the relationship and finding numerous regularities. It was also found that, depending on the oxidation state (CuO, Cu2O, Cu), copper-containing particles affected the textural properties of the polymeric phase endowing a tighter structure, limiting the porosity and reducing the affinity for water.

Mechanical and electronic properties of new stable transition metal carbonitrides

Using first-principles calculations, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the crystal structures, mechanical properties, and electronic structures of Ta4CN3 and Ta2CN compounds through the substitution of Ta atoms with transition metals (Cr, Hf, Mo, Nb, Ti, V, W, and Zr). Sixteen stoichiometric TM4CN3 and TM2CN (TM = Cr, Hf, Mo, Nb, Ti, V, W, and Zr) systems were examined using elastic constants, thermal stability and phonon dispersion calculations. As a result, we identified eight stable structures. Subsequently, we systematically examined the mechanical properties of these eight stable phases. The calculated mechanical properties revealed exceptional hardness values for both Cr2CN and Mo2CN compounds, reaching 21.5 GPa and 21.4 GPa, respectively. The calculation of the electronic properties unequivocally established the metallic nature of these structures. These findings open up new avenues for the development of innovative materials with enhanced properties and performance.

Rapid Prototyping Technologies: 3D Printing Applied in Medicine.

Three-dimensional printing technology has been used for more than three decades in many industries, including the automotive and aerospace industries. So far, the use of this technology in medicine has been limited only to 3D printing of anatomical models for educational and training purposes, which is due to the insufficient functional properties of the materials used in the process. Only recent advances in the development of innovative materials have resulted in the flourishing of the use of 3D printing in medicine and pharmacy. Currently, additive manufacturing technology is widely used in clinical fields. Rapid development can be observed in the design of implants and prostheses, the creation of biomedical models tailored to the needs of the patient and the bioprinting of tissues and living scaffolds for regenerative medicine. The purpose of this review is to characterize the most popular 3D printing techniques.

Insights into Interfacial Features of Metal/Eco-Composites Designed for Energy Storage

The development of innovative materials with improved properties is required for the field of energy storage. This article proves that it is possible to utilize bio-derived fillers to tune the performance of biodegradable polymers. For this scope, eco-composites were attained by loading several amounts of walnut leaf powder (WLP) in hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC). Basic testing was conducted to emphasize the sample’s suitability for the pursued application. The rheological behavior was altered with the addition of WLP at low shear rates, which became more pseudoplastic, resulting in composite films with higher thickness uniformity. Wettability characteristics were used to analyze the macro-level adhesion of the platinum-containing samples, and the results showed that the presence of WLP led to the augmentation of interfacial compatibilization of the composite with the metal layer. The electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy scans showed the proper distribution of the WLP in the matrix. Local adhesion data derived from DFL-height curves further showed that the inclusion of WLP improves the adhesion capabilities at the nanoscale. The dielectric spectroscopy tests proved that the used biofiller leads to an enhancement in the permittivity of the composite with respect to the neat HEC. By accounting for all results, the generated eco-composites are suggested as alternative dielectrics for usage in the energy storage domain.

Recent Development of Photocatalytic Application Towards Wastewater Treatment

With increasing population levels and rapidly growing industries worldwide, the purification of water contaminated with different impurities is one of the biggest challenges we face in recent times. Photocatalysis holds great potential as an efficient mineralization process to remove the foreign matter present in wastewater. Rapid advancement in innovative materials development has made photocatalysis the frontrunner among different water treatment methods. Our main priority lies in different strategic approaches to improve photocatalytic performance. This review discusses the recent breakthrough in implementing the photocatalytic mechanism for successful wastewater treatment. Challenges and future prospects in this technological field have also been discussed.