Materials Science Research Articles

Self-folding RCA product into a parallel monolayer DNA nanoribbon and woven into a nano-fence structure by a short bridge strand

The universal programmed construction of patterned periodic self-assembled nanostructures is a technical challenge in DNA origami nanotechnology but has numerous potential applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. In order to circumvent the dilemma that traditional DNA origami requires a long unusual single-stranded virus DNA as the scaffold and hundreds or even thousands of short strands as staples, we report a method for constructing periodically-self-folded rolling circle amplification products (RPs). The repeating unit is designed to have 3 intra-unit duplexes (inDP1,2,3) and 2 between-unit duplexes (buDP1,2). Based on the complementary pairing of bases, RPs each can self-fold into a periodic grid-patterned ribbon (GR) without the help of any auxiliary oligonucleotide staple. Moreover, by using only an oligonucleotide bridge strand, the GRs are connected together into the larger and denser planar nano-fence-shaped product (FP), which substantially reduces the number of DNA components compared with DNA origami and eliminates the obstacles in the practical application of DNA nanostructures. More interestingly, the FP-based DNA framework can be easily functionalized to offer spatial addressability for the precise positioning of nanoparticles and guest proteins with high spatial resolution, providing a new avenue for the future application of DNA assembled framework nanostructures in biology, material science, nanomedicine and computer science that often requires the ordered organization of functional moieties with nanometer-level and even molecular-level precision.

From Hot to Cold: Advanced Materials and Processes for NbSn Based Magnets

From Hot to Cold: Advanced Materials and Processes for NbSn Based Magnets<sub/>

Surface Enhanced Nonlinear Raman Processes for Advanced Vibrational Probing.

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is not restricted to the well-known one-photon excited spontaneous Raman process that gives information on molecular composition, structure, and interaction through vibrational probing with high sensitivity. The enhancement mainly originates in high local fields, specifically those provided by localized surface plasmon resonances of metal nanostructures. High local fields can particularly support nonlinear Raman scattering, as it depends on the fields to higher powers. By revealing plasmon-molecule interactions, nonlinear Raman processes provide a very sensitive access to the properties of metal nanomaterials and their interfaces with molecules and other materials. This Perspective discusses plasmon-enhanced spontaneous and coherent nonlinear Raman scattering with the aim of identifying advantages that lead to an advanced vibrational characterization of such systems. The discussion will highlight the aspects of vibrational information that can be gained based on specific advantages of different incoherent and coherent Raman scattering and their surface enhancement. While the incoherent process of surface enhanced hyper Raman scattering (SEHRS) gives highly selective and spectral information complementary to SERS, the incoherent process of surface enhanced pumped anti-Stokes Raman scattering (SEPARS) can help to infer effective nonresonant SERS cross sections and allows to see "hot" vibrational transitions. Surface enhanced coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (SECARS) and surface enhanced stimulated Raman scattering (SESRS) combine the advantages of high local fields and coherence, which gives rise to high detection sensitivity and offers possibilities to explore molecule-plasmon interactions for a comprehensive characterization of composite and hybrid structures in materials research, catalysis, and nanobiophotonics.

The emotional ambiguities of healthcare professionals’ platform experiences

This paper investigates how healthcare professionals experience digital platforms in their work practices and how these relationships enable forms of emotional labour and contribute to shaping their emotional health.Methodologically, the contribution draws on audio-diaries kept by 15 healthcare professionals and a final semi-structured interview conducted with the same informants. The research material was analysed using open and axial coding techniques, in a grounded theory fashion.Findings provides meaningful insights to the literature on the emotional labour of healthcare professionals, as well as to studies on digital health and labour. Specifically, we show that participants associate different and even contrasting reflections and emotional states with their relationships with digital platforms. Thus, there is not exclusively one trajectory that can explain the implications of media uses, as different and potentially conflicting emotions coexist within the same experience. Given this scenario, we argue that it can be fruitful to use the lens of ‘ambiguity’ to scrutinise the ambivalences and tensions characterising platform experiences, and how emotional labour in healthcare intertwines with technological developments. Moreover, we advocate for the development of critical digital literacy skills among healthcare professionals.

Simultaneous TG―FTIR studies show high thermal resilience in core organic matrix of molluscan gastropod shell of N. josephinia

Nacre—a biological composite of alternating layers of aragonite platelets and organic matrices, derived from biomaterials like molluscan shells has recently attracted a lot of interest as a potential substitute for ceramic material in orthopedic tissue engineering. It is formed as a result of interesting biomineralization processes. Molluscs use a striking variety of structural motifs to build their shells composed of calcium carbonate and a small percentage of proteins. These integral proteins determine the structural organization and properties of the mineralized composite. However, the composition and thermal stability of these proteinous matrices remains a mystery. Until now it was presumed that the organic matrix in a shell degrades completely up to 500oC (stage―I). Stage―II comprises degradation of CaCO3 to CaO spanning about 600oC to 850oC. However, in case of a gastropod mollusc shell of Neverita josephinia, stage―III was also observed, in which majority weight loss of core organic proteinous matrix (OPM) exceeding 6wt%, starts after about 1000oC of thermal heating. It is observed that the core organic matrix (OM) has varied composition throughout the shell, stronger bonding, complex topology and has very high thermal resilience even up to 1400oC. Simultaneous analysis of evolved gases by FTIR spectrometer coupled with thermogravimetric analyzer shows the composition of non-mineral species is more than 8wt%. The results are supported by room temperature as well as gas phase by FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, CHNS analyses. The XRD spectra of the pristine shell powder and that calcined at 550oC reveal aragonite to calcite phase transformation in calcium carbonate. The SEM shows the cross-lamellar morphology of the gastropod mollusk shell. There are two different sets of organic matrices: one with complex topology and a very tight binding to the mineral components (intra-crystalline), and the other with a loose binding to the mineral (inter-platelet area). Elemental analysis (CHNS) data, also supports this. This study identifies that the organic matrix, comprising proteins, peptides, lipids, and carbohydrates, exhibits complex topology and strong mineral bonding, contributing to the shell's notable mechanical strength and resistance to thermal degradation. The implications of this high thermal resilience for the shell's mechanical properties and potential biomineralization processes are discussed, suggesting a reevaluation of the organic matrix's role in molluscan shells.

Developing PEEK composites with exceptional thermal conductivity and electromagnetic shielding properties by constructing a dense dual-continuous filler network

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has regular and rigid molecular chain and is insoluble in most organic solvents. Therefore, it is challenging to use PEEK matrix composites for thermal conductivity (TC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. Herein, PEEK composites with hybrid fillers were fabricated by solution blending and non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) methods based on a chemical conversion reaction between soluble precursor PEEK-dithiolane and PEEK. Synergistic interaction between hybrid fillers (graphene nanosheets and multiwalled carbon nanotubes) improves the thermal and electrical conductivity of the composites. The effect of the hot-pressing pressure on the conductive/thermal network densification was investigated. The composites performed optimally at a hot pressure of 200MPa and a filler content of 20.08vol%. The maximum in-plane and out-of-plane TC reached 10.46W·m–1·K–1 and 4.8W·m–1·K–1, respectively, which were 4619% and 2414% higher than the corresponding TC of PEEK. Simultaneously, the optimised composite demonstrated significantly improved electrical conductivity (3517S/m) and EMI shielding effectiveness (66.1dB). These excellent characteristics are attributed to the solution blending–NIPS method, which improves the dispersion of hybrid fillers in the matrix and forms an internal and external dual-continuous thermal conductive network. The dual-continuous network creates effective channels for phonon and electron transport and enhances EM wave loss. This work provides inspiration for the preparation of PEEK composites as advanced EMI protection and thermal management materials.

In-situ synthesis of porous Co/MnO@C with low crystallinity as advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

In-situ synthesis of porous Co/MnO@C with low crystallinity as advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Teachers as Creators of Digital Multimedia Learning Materials: Are they Aligned with Multimedia Learning Principles

Teachers as Creators of Digital Multimedia Learning Materials: Are they Aligned with Multimedia Learning Principles

Anisotropic spreading on chemically heterogeneous surfaces: Insights from contact line approach

Studying the spreading of droplets on heterogeneous surfaces is significant for understanding various phenomena, from petroleum engineering to material science, due to its implications for wetting behavior, surface interactions, and functional coating applications. In this work, we investigated the spread of droplets on heterogeneous surfaces using molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that the contact line approach can predict the equilibrium contact angle of droplet well. We found significant differences in the spreading of droplets on heterogeneous surfaces with different lyophilic pattern sizes, and then we explained the difference in droplet spreading on different heterogeneous surfaces by the proportion of lyophobic and lyophilic regions covered by contact lines. This study emphasizes the importance of contact lines in droplet spreading dynamics and enhances our understanding of the relationship between contact lines and droplet spreading.

Recyclability and self-healing capability in reinforced ionic elastomers

This study presents a comparative analysis of different sustainable alternatives for producing reinforced ionic elastomers that are not just mechanically robust but also excellent in recyclability and self-healing, marking a significant advancement in sustainable materials science. Ionically crosslinked carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) was combined with conventional (carbon black and silica) and sustainable (cellulose and ground tire rubber) fillers. The sustainable fillers not only enhanced the mechanical performance (reinforcing character) but also maintained high healing efficiencies (>80 %). Notably, the incorporation of just 10 phr of waste-based ground tire rubber (GTR) produced by water jet grinding (WJ-GTR) resulted in a material capable of complete repair and recycling (100 % efficiency) after temperature-driven protocols, with mechanical properties and a reinforcement index comparable to those of conventional fillers such as silica. This achievement represents a major breakthrough in the field of sustainable composites, as it offers a unique blend of robust mechanical properties and environmental sustainability.

Membrane-based technologies for removing emerging contaminants in urban water systems: Limitations, successes, and future improvements

Emerging contaminants (ECs) have been continuously discovered in recent years, posing high risks to human health and environmental safety. Due to their characteristics, such as environmental persistence and bioaccumulation, ECs have severe and often hidden hazards, necessitating effective control measures. Membrane-based technologies possess satisfactory feasibility in the treatment of ECs, which are considered green, efficient, and economically beneficial. Membrane technologies such as membrane separation and membrane bioreactor (MBR) treatment can efficiently remove some ECs. With the rapid development of materials science, membrane-based coupled technologies such as catalytic membranes and adsorption membranes have also achieved significant success, offering effective solutions for the treatment of refractory organic contaminants. This article systematically elucidated the effectiveness, progress, and shortcomings of membrane-based technologies in the field of ECs treatment in recent years. The trends of membrane-based technologies in the field of removal of ECs in the past two decades were described in detail, with a bibliometric analysis. The management situation of newly discovered microplastics (MPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was also discussed. This review provided reasonable insights into the application of membrane-based technologies in the removal of ECs and offers suggestions for future research directions.

Unveiling the kinetics of interphase and random quaternary Nb[sbnd]Ti precipitations, and strengthening mechanism of HSLA steel

Traditional methods for analyzing multi-element precipitation are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive. Particularly, the initial nucleation stages of such precipitations remain poorly understood. A revised precipitation theory was employed to elucidate the nucleation and growth kinetic mechanisms of quaternary (Ti, Nb)(C, N) precipitation with two modes: interphase precipitation (IP) along the migrating α/γ interface and random precipitation (RP) along dislocations. The findings indicated that TiN preferentially nucleates at the ferrite side compared to that of the austenite side. The nucleation occurring at α/γ interface leads to a precipitation particle angle of approximately 5.3° within a single IP sheet. The interface provided more favorable nucleation sites than dislocations, significantly reducing the relative nucleation time. Additionally, the initial yielding behavior and strengthening mechanism were analyzed based on the two factors of the hot-rolling microstructure and precipitation. A favorable slip system was along the RD-ND plane as the texture index of α-{110} approximately 3.74, compared to 2.20 along the TD-ND plane, resulting in the lower upper yield strength. Once the number density of mobile dislocations increased during plastic deformation, the tensile stress decreased, leading to the local plastic instability. Finally, (Ti, Nb)(C, N) contributes to a strengthening increment of about 154 MPa. This study provides critical insights into the precipitation behavior in HSLA steels, offering significant implications for the design and development of advanced materials with enhanced mechanical properties.

The Development of Principles for Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in Preclinical Spinal Cord Research: A Modified Delphi Study.

There is currently limited guidance for researchers on Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) for preclinical spinal cord research, leading to uncertainty about design and implementation. This study aimed to develop evidence-informed principles to support preclinical spinal cord researchers to incorporate PPI into their research. This study used a modified Delphi method with the aim of establishing consensus on a set of principles for PPI in spinal cord research. Thirty-eight stakeholders including researchers, clinicians and people living with spinal cord injury took part in the expert panel. Participants were asked to rate their agreement with a series of statements relating to PPI in preclinical spinal cord research over two rounds. As part of Round 2, they were also asked to rate statements as essential or desirable. Thirty-eight statements were included in Round 1, after which five statements were amended and two additional statements were added. After Round 2, consensus (> 75% agreement) was reached for a total of 27 principles, with 13 rated as essential and 14 rated as desirable. The principles with highest agreement related to diversity in representation among PPI contributors, clarity of the purpose of PPI and effective communication. This research developed a previously unavailable set of evidence-informed principles to inform PPI in preclinical spinal cord research. These principles provide guidance for researchers seeking to conduct PPI in preclinical spinal cord research and may also inform PPI in other preclinical disciplines. This study was conducted as part of a project aiming to develop PPI in preclinical spinal cord injury research associated with an ongoing research collaboration funded by the Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust (IRFU CT) and the Science Foundation Ireland Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (SFI AMBER), with research conducted by the Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG) at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. The project aims to develop an advanced biomaterials platform for spinal cord repair and includes a PPI Advisory Panel comprising researchers, clinicians and seriously injured rugby players to oversee the work of the project. PPI is included in this study through the involvement of members of the PPI Advisory Panel in the conceptualisation of this research, review of findings, identification of key points for discussion and preparation of the study manuscript as co-authors.

Development of MnWO4:Ag Nanodilute Magnetic Semiconductors with Tunable Magnetic and Optoelectronic Properties

The bandgap engineered MnWO4 nanoparticles doped with Ag were developed using a facile one-pot synthesis method. The impurity doping concentration of Ag was varied from 1 to 5 weight percentages to tune the interactions between manganese tungstate and silver ions to obtain desirable magnetic and optoelectronic properties. The structural properties of the MnWO4 particles with various concentrations of Ag were investigated using X-ray diffraction. The optical properties of the pristine and Ag-doped MnWO4 particles were determined using UV‒Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The impurity concentration-dependent structural transformations and changes in the vibrational modes, lattice dynamics, electronic transitions and optoelectronic properties of the prepared materials were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. The topology, morphology and elemental analysis of the synthesized nanoparticles were elucidated using TEM, SEM, SEM and EDX techniques. The magnetic properties of the MnWO4:Ag nanoparticles were measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The obtained results suggested that Ag-doped MnWO4 nanosystems show enhanced and tunable magnetic properties suitable for nanodilute magnetic semiconductor (nDMS) applications. The presented work opens a range of possibilities for the development of advanced materials with applications in optoelctronics, nanomedicine, energy-efficient electronic devices and energy conversion.

Imaging Single Prussian Blue Nanoparticles with Extraordinary Low-Spin Iron Capacity.

In attempts to obtain high-capacity Prussian blue nanomaterials, current efforts are predominantly focused on the particle-ensemble-level understanding of their structure-activity relationships. Complementarily, it would be insightful to screen out extraordinary individuals from the nanoparticle population. Using a simple and efficient technique of bright-field microscopy, this work enables, for the first time, quantitative characterization of the overall two-redox-center electrochemistry of single Prussian blue nanoparticles many at a time. Quantitative optical voltammograms with little interference from solvent breakdown and non-Faradaic electrode charging/discharging are extracted for each single nanoparticle, revealing clear heterogeneity among them. On this basis, the microscopic method allows a detailed comparative analysis between the two redox-active sites. It is found that while the synthesized nanoparticles show a similar specific capacity of the high-spin (HS-Fe) sites with STD/mean = 30%, most individual nanoparticles exhibit monodispersedly small capacities of the low-spin iron (LS-Fe) sites, only about of the HS-Fe capacity. Most importantly, it is discovered that there is always a small fraction (∼8%) of the single nanoparticles showing an impressively tripled LS-Fe capacity. Facilitated by optical imaging, the discovery of this easily overlooked extraordinary subpopulation confers alternative opportunities for targeted efforts for material chemists to improve synthesis and material design based on these unusual individuals, which in turn implies the general significance of nanoparticle screening.

A micromechanical study on sand − FRP interface subjected to cyclic loading

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) is a promising composite to be used in construction in coastal and marine environments to resist seawater corrosion that deteriorates the properties of conventional civil engineering materials. A classical ground or seabed − structure interaction problem that is involved in the design of FRP structures, is however less understood when the soft nature of FRP is in subjection to the cyclic loadings from traffic, wind, wave and currents, causing penetration and abrasion at the soft FRP − soil interface. This study has downscaled the preceding problem into a micromechanical study at a benchmark sand grain − FRP interface. A large number of cyclic loading is applied, for the first time, at the sand − FRP composite interface, focusing on the development of the elastoplastic behaviour in the normal direction and the evolution of friction and energy dissipation in the tangential direction. The study combines the understanding from the tribology with the knowledge of civil engineering involved in the sand − FRP interaction, suggesting that a larger stick zone at the contact subjected to cyclic shearing is a key triggering of the simultaneous occurrence of the increased coefficient of friction and reduced damping ratio.

Energy recovery from sewage sludge waste blends: Detailed characteristics of pyrolytic oil and gas

Using waste as an alternative energy source may partially replace fossil fuels. In this paper, energy recovery from waste blends (sewage sludge (SS), polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP), paper rejects (PR), and waste tyres) was tested through laboratory-scale co-pyrolysis. For each co-pyrolysis test, 7l of waste blend in different ratios were used. The results of pyrolytic oil and gas analyses show valuable compounds and chemical materials recovered. The detailed analyses show the effects of co-pyrolysis parameters, especially the ratios of waste blends with respect to the process temperature of 600°C, on the pyrolytic gas and oil. The highest volumes of gas (0.66 m3) and oil (699ml) were obtained from sample 5_8 (PES:SS:PR). Waste blend 15_1 (LDPE:SS) had the highest gross calorific value (GCV) of 43.82 MJ/m3 in gas, and had the highest proportion of flammable components (46.31% of methane). Sample 5_8 had the highest calorific value in pyrolytic oil (45 MJ/kg) and sample 5_3 had the lowest (28.113 MJ/kg), which is comparable to coal. High-quality pyrolytic gas and oil were obtained with average GCV of 44 MJ/m3 and 40 MJ/kg respectively, where the average GCV of the most calorific fossil fuels is 43.6 MJ/kg in crude oil and 34 MJ/m3 in natural gas. We conclude that co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and waste is a convenient and simple method of waste disposal under a synergetic effect of efficient waste management, energy production, and reduction of dependence on fossil fuels.

Economic Optimization and Performance Enhancement of Rooftop Solar Power Systems Using Concentrated Solar Technology and Advanced Materials

Abstract: This research investigates the economic optimization and performance enhancement of rooftop solar power systems through the integration of concentrated solar technology and advanced materials. The aim is to assess the viability and effectiveness of these innovations in both residential and commercial settings. By focusing on improving energy efficiency and reducing costs, the study provides a comprehensive economic perspective on the adoption of these advanced solar technologies. Key aspects of the research include the evaluation of lifecycle costs, energy yield, and payback periods, offering insights into the long-term financial benefits and feasibility of implementing such systems. The integration of concentrated solar technology enhances the intensity of solar energy captured, thereby significantly boosting the efficiency of rooftop solar panels. Advanced materials, such as perovskites, multi-junction cells, and nanomaterials, are examined for their potential to improve energy absorption, durability, and overall performance of solar panels. The research employs simulation software to model the performance of these optimized systems under various environmental conditions, providing a detailed analysis of their energy output and efficiency.

Design of Digital Teaching Material of Sustainable Lifestyle Theme Integrated Ethno-PjBL for Independent Curriculum Learning

This study aims to produce digital teaching materials on the theme of sustainable lifestyle integrated with Ethno-PjBL that are valid, practical, and effective for independent curriculum learning. The type of research used is design research with the Plomp model, which consists of a preliminary research stage, a prototype stage, and an assessment stage. The research is limited only to the practicality stage at the assessment stage, with a trial on 36 students of SMAN Kota Jambi in 2023/2024. The research instruments include teacher interview guidelines, needs analysis questionnaires, knowledge tests, creative thinking tests, validation instruments, and practicality. The data analysis technique used is descriptive analysis, namely describing the validity of Aiken's V and its practicality. The results of the study show that the digital teaching materials on the Theme of Sustainable Lifestyle Integrated with Ethno-PjBL for Independent Curriculum Learning have valid criteria and a very good level of practicality, according to teachers and students. Thus, this digital teaching material is valid and practical for use in learning

Unleashing the Potential of Single-Atom Nanozymes: Catalysts for the Future.

Single-atom nanozymes (SANs) have become a breakthrough in atomically precise catalysis, which relies on the catalytic active site formed by the single-atom itself. From this angle, SANs and their advantages compared to natural enzymes as well as spaces for their application are emphasized. The SANs have outstanding control over their catalytic activities; this is compared with bulk materials and natural enzymes. The structure of the SANs has very promising potential for the next generation of biosensing and biomedical devices and environmental remediation. Although their capabilities are high, difficulties still arise. The specificity, scalability, biosafety, and catalysis mechanisms raise additional issues that require further research. We build up a vision of the perspectives of the better implementation of SANs, which are designed for diagnostic purposes, improving industrial technologies, and creating new sustainable technologies in the food processing industry. AI and machine learning systems may clarify the structure-performance relationship of SANs for improved material and process selectivity. The future of SANs is very promising, and by addressing these challenges and leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence and materials science, SANs have the potential to become powerful tools for a sustainable future.