Extraordinary Material Research Articles

Thermo‐mechanical Study on Auxetic Shape Memory Periodic Open Cellular Structures—Part II: Mechanical and Shape Memory Properties

This study explores the potential of periodic open cellular structures (POCS) that combine the auxetic and the shape memory effect (SME) with the aim of enhancing heat transfer in catalytic tubular reactors. On the one hand, these structures exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio, contracting perpendicular to the load axis under compression, driven by the rotation of nodes generating complex stress fields. On the other hand, the shape memory alloy (SMA) Nitinol (NiTi) with a reversible strain of up to 8% produced via electron beam powder bed fusion (PBF‐EB) shows extraordinary material properties with a high degree of freedom in structure design. The study conducts finite element method simulations and experiments to design POCS with tailored properties. Compression tests on less expensive Ti‐6Al‐4V POCS compared to NiTi POCS validate the simulative parameter study applied to fabricate novel auxetic hexagonal reentrant structures from NiTi with a unique stacking order and curved struts. The aim of this part of the study is to offer a pathway to design a NiTi auxetic POCS based on validated simulations. Further, it explains the interactions between geometrical parameters and mechanical properties of cellular reentrant NiTi structures. An optimized auxetic NiTi POCS achieved a Poisson's ratio of −1.

Robust liquid crystal semi-interpenetrating polymer network with superior energy-dissipation performance

Liquid crystal networks (LCN) have attracted surging interest as extraordinary energy-dissipation materials owning to their unique dissipation mechanism based on the re-orientation of mesogens. However, how to integrate high Young’s modulus, good dissipation efficiency and wide effective damping temperature range in energy-dissipation LCN remains a challenge. Here, we report a strategy to resolve this challenge by fabricating robust energy-dissipation liquid crystal semi-interpenetrating polymer network (LC-semi-IPN) consisting crystalline LC polymers (c-LCP). LC-semi-IPN demonstrates a superior synergistic performance in both mechanical and energy-dissipation properties, surpassing all currently reported LCNs. The crystallinity of c-LCP endows LC-semi-IPN with a substantial leap in Young’s modulus (1800% higher than single network). The chain reptation of c-LCP also promotes an enhanced dissipation efficiency of LC-semi-IPN by 200%. Moreover, its effective damping temperature reaches up to 130 °C, which is the widest reported for LCNs. By leveraging its exceptional synergistic performance, LC-semi-IPN can be further utilized as a functional architected structure with exceptional energy-dissipation density and deformation-resistance.

CVD graphene with high electrical conductivity: empowering applications

Abstract Graphene is an extraordinary material boasting a unique structure, enthralling properties, and promising application vistas. Particularly, the remarkable electrical conductivity of graphene confers it with an inimitable superiority in multiple fields. Endeavors have been continuously made to progressively elevate the conductivity of graphene materials that are synthesized using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), the primary means to prepare high-quality graphene in batches. From this perspective, we offer a comprehensive analysis and discussions on the growth, transfer, and post-treatment strategies evolved towards highly conductive graphene over the past five years. Large-area graphene films, ranging from monolayer to multilayer ones, are initially addressed, succeeded by graphene-based composites which enable traditional metals and non-metal materials to showcase novel or enhanced electrical performances. Eventually, an outlook for future directions to achieve higher electrical conductivity and to develop novel applications for CVD graphene materials is provided.

High-performance magnetic artificial silk fibers produced by a scalable and eco-friendly production method

Flexible magnetic materials have great potential for biomedical and soft robotics applications, but they need to be mechanically robust. An extraordinary material from a mechanical point of view is spider silk. Recently, methods for producing artificial spider silk fibers in a scalable and all-aqueous-based process have been developed. If endowed with magnetic properties, such biomimetic artificial spider silk fibers would be excellent candidates for making magnetic actuators. In this study, we introduce magnetic artificial spider silk fibers, comprising magnetite nanoparticles coated with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid. The composite fibers can be produced in large quantities, employing an environmentally friendly wet-spinning process. The nanoparticles were found to be uniformly dispersed in the protein matrix even at high concentrations (up to 20% w/w magnetite), and the fibers were superparamagnetic at room temperature. This enabled external magnetic field control of fiber movement, rendering the material suitable for actuation applications. Notably, the fibers exhibited superior mechanical properties and actuation stresses compared to conventional fiber-based magnetic actuators. Moreover, the fibers developed herein could be used to create macroscopic systems with self-recovery shapes, underscoring their potential in soft robotics applications.

The interactive effect of products and consumption frequency on happiness in China

PurposeA substantial portion of existing literature on comparing experiential and material purchases on happiness indicates an experiential advantage. However, this advantage is presumed to occur in developed countries, with developing countries being overlooked. To address this gap in the literature, this paper examines the effect of consumption in China. It introduces a new perspective, consumption frequency (ordinary vs extraordinary), to investigate the interactive effect of consumption frequency (ordinary vs extraordinary) and product type (material vs experiential) on happiness and to explore the underlying mechanisms in China.Design/methodology/approachThe study constructs a model about the interactive effect of consumption frequency (ordinary vs extraordinary) and product type (material vs experiential) on happiness and takes self-expansion as the underlying mechanism. The authors employ two experiments and a nationwide secondary survey dataset to test the model.Findings(1) consumption frequency and product type can interactively improve happiness significantly in China; (2) extraordinary material consumption induces a higher level of happiness than extraordinary experiential consumption and (3) these effects are driven by self-expansion, which is an important character for people in developing countries.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is incomplete in its lack of investigation into the boundary conditions, such as materialism in the model.Originality/valueThis paper introduces a novel perspective, consumption frequency and integrates it with existing research variables (material vs experiential) to propose the interactive effect and the underlying mechanism, self-expansion. This paper contributes to the theory of consumption happiness by introducing the concept of consumption frequency in the comparison of material versus experiential products on happiness. Conversely, our findings contribute to the understanding of happiness in China.

Present State in the Development of Aerogel and Xerogel and their Applications for Wastewater Treatment: A Review

Abstract: This comprehensive analysis investigates the current state of development and emerging applications of aerogels and xerogels in wastewater treatment. Aerogels and xerogels, which are characterized by their distinctive porosity architectures and extraordinary material qualities (low density and high surface area), have received much interest in recent years for their potential to transform the field of wastewater treatment. In this study, we present a complete overview of the synthesis processes and structural properties of these materials, highlighting current advancements and innovations. As adsorbents, catalysts, thermal insulation materials, or drug delivery matrices, they have been employed in a number of different disciplines. Aerogels and xerogels have demonstrated their adsorption capability by effectively collecting a wide spectrum of pollutants contained in wastewater. These include the removal of potentially hazardous and deleterious components such as metal ions and organic dyes, which are prevalent in wastewater streams, as well as other organic compounds. Our analysis not only covers the synthesis and applications of aerogels and xerogels, but it also highlights eco-friendly synthesis alternatives, in line with the growing demand for sustainable material preparation methods. Against the backdrop of rising global water concerns, this analysis highlights the promising potential of these materials to play a crucial role in providing sustainable wastewater treatment solutions, thereby establishing a critical future goal.

Hierarchical Assembly of 2D Covalent Organic Frameworks into Janus Optical Devices

AbstractAssembly of 2D molecules into hierarchical structures opens new avenues for creating multifunctional materials, yet fabricating the optical materials with multiscale structural features, and extending functions in a controllable way remains a challenge. Here, an asynchronous liquid depositing strategy is introduced that enables the asymmetrical growth of 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) on a graphene substrate. This results in Janus composite (JC) materials with independently controlled mesoscopic features, such as the COF layer thickness (100–300 nm), and its nanoflake length (0–200 nm), and thickness (0–30 nm). The JCs exhibit impressive light coupling capabilities and display a wide range of angle‐independent structural colors. These colors can be dynamically and reversibly changed in 10 ms when exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They also demonstrate remarkable tailorability to form both random and ordered patterns which shows excellent information processing potential. These unique properties make JCs highly suitable as novel responsive optical devices for collecting and processing information about their surroundings, as demonstrated by visual and real‐time VOC monitoring and localization in both open and confined spaces. It is believed that the controlled assembly of 2D components into composites with well‐organized hierarchical structures will facilitate the future development of extraordinary materials with extensive applications.

Computational Linear and Nonlinear Free Vibration Analyses of Micro/Nanoscale Composite Plate-Type Structures With/Without Considering Size Dependency Effect: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract Recently, the mechanical performance of various mechanical, electrical, and civil structures, including static and dynamic analysis, has been widely studied. Due to the neuroma's advanced technology in various engineering fields and applications, developing small-size structures has become highly demanded for several structural geometries. One of the most important is the nano/micro-plate structure. However, the essential nature of highly lightweight material with extraordinary mechanical, electrical, physical, and material characterizations makes researchers more interested in developing composite/laminated-composite-plate structures. To comprehend the dynamical behavior, precisely the linear/nonlinear-free vibrational responses, and to represent the enhancement of several parameters such as nonlocal, geometry, boundary condition parameters, etc., on the free vibrational performance at nano/micro scale size, it is revealed that to employ all various parameters into various mathematical equations and to solve the defined governing equations by analytical, numerical, high order, and mixed solutions. Thus, the presented literature review is considered the first work focused on investigating the linear/nonlinear free vibrational behavior of plates on a small scale and the impact of various parameters on both dimensional/dimensionless natural/fundamental frequency and Eigen-value. The literature is classified based on solution type and with/without considering the size dependency effect. As a key finding, most research in the literature implemented analytical or numerical solutions. The drawback of classical plate theory can be overcome by utilizing and developing the elasticity theories. The nonlocality, weight fraction of porosity, or the reinforcements, and its distribution type of elastic foundation significantly influence the frequencies.

Strained diamond for quantum sensing applications

Apart from being an extraordinary optical and electronic material, diamond has also found applications in quantum mechanics especially in quantum sensing with the discovery and research development of various color centers. Elastic strain engineering (ESE), as a powerful modulation method, can tune the quantum properties and improve the performance of diamond quantum sensors. In recent years, deep ESE (DESE, when >5% elastic strain, or >σ ideal/2 is achieved) has been realized in micro/nano-fabricated diamond and shows a great potential for tuning the quantum mechanical properties of diamond substantially. In this perspective, we briefly review the quantum properties of diamond and some of the corresponding sensing applications carried out with ESE, and look at how DESE could be applied for further tuning the quantum sensing properties of diamond with desired applications and what the critical challenges are.

Graphene as a promising material in orthodontics: A review.

Graphene is an extraordinary material with unique mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. Additionally, it boasts high surface area and antimicrobial properties, making it an attractive option for researchers exploring innovative materials for biomedical applications. Although there have been various studies on graphene applications in different biomedical fields, limited reviews have been conducted on its use in dentistry, and no reviews have focused on its application in the orthodontic field. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of graphene-based materials, with an emphasis on their antibacterial mechanisms and the factors that influence these properties. Additionally, the review summarizes the dental applications of graphene, spotlighting the studies of its orthodontic application as they can be used to enhance the antibacterial and mechanical properties of orthodontic materials such as adhesives, archwires, and splints. Also, they can be utilized to enhance bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement. An electronic search was carried out in Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library digital database platforms using graphene and orthodontics as keywords. The search was restricted to English language publications without a time limit. This review highlights the need for further laboratory and clinical research using graphene-based materials to improve the properties of orthodontic materials to make them available for clinical use.

Sustainable polyurethane for the remediation of oil spills: a review.

Catastrophic oil spill is one of the major issues to the environment. Various methods have been used to treat oil spillage including in situ burning, the use of skimmers, dispersants, bioremediation, dispersing agents, oil sorbents, and biological agents. Application of oil sorbent is one of the effective solutions in oil spill clean-up. Polymers are sustainable extraordinary materials for the treatment of oil spillage due to their special physicochemical characteristics such as high porosity, good hydrophobicity, and reusability. Polymers are modified using suitable chemical reagents and their hydrophobicity is enhanced, making them suitable for oil spill clean-up. The present manuscript is an attempt to summarize the study of chemical modifications done on a polymer polyurethane (PU) for achieving the desirable properties, for efficient oil spill clean-up. A patent analysis has been carried out for the leading countries, top inventors, leading assignees, trends of patent publications, citation analysis, and summary of granted patents in the area of the use ofapolymerPolyurethane (PU) for oil spill clean-up.

Unravelling the Factors Influencing Halide Perovskite Based Switchable Photovoltaics

AbstractLead halide perovskites have revolutionized the field of optoelectronics (such as photovoltaics and light emitting diodes) demonstrating extraordinary material properties despite being formed at low temperatures. However, ion migration in the bulk or at the interfaces results in stability issues especially in devices where metal electrodes directly interface with the perovskite film. Utilizing the switchable photovoltaic phenomenon (SPV) in halide perovskites as a measure of ion migration and electrochemical reactions within them, Cs0.05MA0.15FA0.70PbI2.5Br0.5 triple cation perovskite, widely used in photovoltaics is evaluated. The various factors determining the SPV, including electric field magnitudes, type of metal contacts, Illumination conditions, and temperature is systematically measured. This study reveals the roles of electrode work functions and reactivities on ion migration and local electronic structure modulation. ITO electrodes demonstrated the highest open‐circuit voltage (Voc) about 0.85 V while Ag electrodes developed conductive filaments. However, the Voc distribution for Ti and Cr electrodes shows a more pronounced linear correlation with the poling electric field strength. Insights from this lateral design are directly relevant to transistor and memristor architectures and offer inputs into the design of perovskite‐based photovoltaic/optoelectronic devices.

MoS2@CoS2 heterostructured tube-in-tube hollow nanofibers with enhanced reaction reversibility and kinetics for sodium-ion storage

Rational synergism in spatial nanostructures and heterogeneity are effective ways to enhance reaction reversibility and kinetics of materials for sodium-ion battery electrodes. Herein, we have designed MoS2@CoS2 heterostructured tube-in-tube hollow nanofibers via simple electrospinning, pyrolysis and sulfuration processes. The unique double-walled tubular structure resulted from a stepwise crystallization accompanied by pyrolysis volume shrinkage. It has appropriate void space and abundant MoS2@CoS2 heterointerfaces that can effectively avoid the volumetric change during the reaction process and accelerate the whole infiltration of the electrolyte. The formed MoS2/CoS2 heterojunction introduces a built-in electric field, which increases the adsorption energy and reduces the migration energy barrier of sodium ions. The synergies between distinctive hollow structures and heterogeneous compositional advantages lead to enhanced electrochemical performance for sodium storage with remarkable reversible capacity (858.3 mAh g–1 at 0.5 A g–1), high-rate performance (555.7 mAh g–1 at 5 A g–1), and superior long-term cycling stability (399.6 mAh g–1 after 1400 cycles at 8 A g–1). This rational spatial structures and heterogeneity synergetic strategy provide favorable inspiration for designing extraordinary performance electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

Rock drilling performance of rotary ultrasonic tools incorporating PZT piezoceramic and Mn:PIN-PMN-PT piezocrystal

High performance Mn:PIN-PMN-PT piezocrystal material is investigated to understand if its extraordinary properties can replace the traditional hard piezoceramic material for space exploration applications. A bolted Langevin-style ultrasonic drill tool incorporating a pair of Mn:PIN-PMN-PT piezocrystal rings is built to compare with a same configuration ultrasonic drill tool actuated with a pair of hard piezoceramic rings, which are tuned to the first longitudinal mode (L1) at around 20 kHz. From the characterisation results, it is observed that the piezocrystal material presents significantly greater values of relative permittivity, electromechanical coupling coefficient, and piezoelectric charge coefficient than the hard piezoceramic material. Despite these outstanding properties, the piezocrystal driven ultrasonic drill tool shows similar displacement amplitudes to its counterpart. Nonetheless, the impedance magnitude of the piezocrystal driven ultrasonic drill tool at resonance is a magnitude lower than the piezoceramic actuated drill tool, due to the large piezoelectric charge coefficient d33. Ultrasonic rock drilling experiments suggest that the cutting force for sandstone and marble are greatly reduced, but limestone and tuff are less affected.In general, the piezocrystal driven ultrasonic drill tool demonstrates a marginally improved cutting performance than the piezoceramic actuated drill tool, in terms of lower cutting force and motor power consumption, however, the tool wear appears slightly poorer. The research outcome of this paper indicates that the thickness mode of the piezocrystal rings might not be the optimal form of excitation, which could be due to the piezoelectric losses at high excitation levels, so other excitation conditions and vibration modes will need to be explored to fully adopt the extraordinary material properties of the piezocrystal material.

A numerical study of carbon doping effect on paraffin-reinforced silica aerogel mechanical properties: A molecular dynamics approach

Aerogels are different types of porous and solid materials that exhibit a strange set of extraordinary material properties. Aerogels have great potential for use in the fields of heat, sound, electronics, and especially thermal insulation. This paper investigates the influence of carbon doping concentration on the mechanical properties of paraffin-reinforced silica aerogel (PRSA). To do this investigation, Young’s module (YM), stress–strain curve, and ultimate strength (US) values at various carbon-doped particles of 1 to 10 % were reported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results show that the PRSA, under the influence of carbon doping, has dual performance. To be more precise, by adding the amount of carbon doped from 1 to 3 %, the US and YM of the PRSA rose from 329.96 and 1137.20 MPa to 353.73 and 1268.44 MPa. In other words, the mechanical strength of the PRSA increases in a limited ratio. However, by increasing carbon doping from 3 to 10 %, the US and YM of the PRSA reduced to 306.233 and 1041.88 MPa, respectively. So, it is expected that the mechanical behavior of the PRSA matrix to be manipulated with carbon doping for actual applications.

High strain rate response and mechanical performance of tantalum carbide–hafnium carbide solid solution

Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) based on the solid solution TaxHf1-xC have shown great promise as materials for extreme environments (>2500 °C) due to their improved thermo-mechanical properties. However, their dynamic response under high-impact loading remains unknown. In this study, we investigate the dynamic impact behavior and fracturing evolution of TaxHf1-xC samples (with x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, and 1) at a strain rate > 103 s-1 using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) test. Among the different compositions, Ta0.5Hf0.5C exhibits the highest compressive strength of 1870 MPa, representing a 36% improvement over TaC and 54% over HfC. High frame rate videos and deformation analysis reveal that Ta0.5Hf0.5C, characterized by extensive Ta–Hf bonding, significantly reduces the crack propagation rate by approximately 1435% compared to TaC and 4050% compared to HfC. This effect is attributed to the dislocation pile-ups, nano-twin formation, inter grain twisting exhibited mostly along {111} plane as Hf substitutes Ta in TaxHf1-xC samples. Further, the surface energy is least for {111} plane eliciting the higher probability for bypassing crack propagation along this plane in TaxHf1-xC. The exceptional damage tolerance and improved mechanical properties of Ta0.5Hf0.5C, compared to other solid-solution TaxHf1-xC compositions, make it an extraordinary structural material for hypersonic applications. These findings provide valuable insights into the dynamic behavior of UHTCs and highlight the potential of Ta0.5Hf0.5C as a superior material for extreme environments requiring high-impact resistance.

Accelerated discovery of multi-elemental reverse water-gas shift catalysts using extrapolative machine learning approach

Designing novel catalysts is key to solving many energy and environmental challenges. Despite the promise that data science approaches, including machine learning (ML), can accelerate the development of catalysts, truly novel catalysts have rarely been discovered through ML approaches because of one of its most common limitations and criticisms—the assumed inability to extrapolate and identify extraordinary materials. Herein, we demonstrate an extrapolative ML approach to develop new multi-elemental reverse water-gas shift catalysts. Using 45 catalysts as the initial data points and performing 44 cycles of the closed loop discovery system (ML prediction + experiment), we experimentally tested a total of 300 catalysts and identified more than 100 catalysts with superior activity compared to those of the previously reported high-performance catalysts. The composition of the optimal catalyst discovered was Pt(3)/Rb(1)-Ba(1)-Mo(0.6)-Nb(0.2)/TiO2. Notably, niobium (Nb) was not included in the original dataset, and the catalyst composition identified was not predictable even by human experts.

Electronic structure modulation on SnO2 and hexagonal boron nitride with sulfur atom for effective electrochemical sensing of Bendiocarb

Here we demonstrated the sulfur atoms induced an electronic structure modulation of SnO2 and its synergism with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) by simple one-step vulcanization process. Thus, S-SnO2/S-hBN exhibits extraordinary catalyst material for the electrochemical detection of a toxic insecticide bendiocarb (BDC). The introduction of sulfur atoms to SnO2 and hBN results an in situ dynamic electronic structure transition, further facilitate the interactions of target with the catalyst structure. Detailed investigation of S-SnO2/S-hBN indicates the role of sulfur atoms as an electron acceptor to facilitate electron transfer to SnO2/hBN for the electrochemical process. The remarkable interfacial active site in S-SnO2/S-hBN provides the lowest limit of detection of 0.285 µM and the best sensitivity of 0.023 µA µM−1 cm−2 under the wide range addition of BDC i.e. 0.02–150.02 µM. Meanwhile, it has proven the top-notch selectivity of BDC even at a higher concentration level of interfering molecules present. This work also satisfies the requirements of commercializing by an appreciable recovery in real-time analysis of food samples with accurate reproducibility and considerable stability shown for electrochemical detection of BDC.

Spray‐Coated Inorganic Lead‐Free Double Perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 Based Large‐Scale Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Enhanced Energy Harvesting

Low‐cost and efficient large‐scale triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is considered as the new scheme for distributed mechanical conversion or renewable energy utilization. An extremely popular all‐inorganic lead‐free double perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 (CABB) has emerged as extraordinary potential material in triboelectric semiconductors’ substitution, overcoming high‐impedance limitations associated with organic‐polymer‐insulator based materials. In this study, assembled by the certified available positive frictional material CABB, TENG with sandwiched structure of ITO/compact‐TiO2/mesoporous‐TiO2/CABB – the poly‐tetra‐fluoroethylene/Al exhibits appropriate performance on environmental stability and output capacity for which structure can impede charges decay. Fabrication process comparison shows that as an inexpensive large‐scale functional films preparation method, sprayed CABB TENG with brilliant relative dielectric constant and work function difference possess more distinguished output characteristics. This is confirmed by higher open‐circuit voltage of 105 V, larger short‐current density of 2.45 mA m−2 at 0.25 Hz motion parameter, and more abundant output power density of 0.76 W m−2 under 10 Hz. Further study confirms that both higher frequency and larger contact‐area are conducive to total output power, while terminal charging speed is inversely or positively proportional with capacitance or mechanical frequency. Final physical display effect of sprayed CABB TENG lights up at least 53 commercial yellow‐LEDs, holding decent energy conversion ability.

Linkage-based three-dimensional kinematic metamaterials with programmable constant Poisson’s ratio

Metamaterials constructed from the tessellation of units have extraordinary physical properties and material functions. Most mechanical metamaterials are based on the large structural deformation of units, while the transmission and synchronization of these motion deformations among units are poor which leads to difficulty in designing and controlling the properties. In this study, a modular mechanism based on the kinematics of Sarrus linkage is constructed, and this mechanism is tessellated to a metamaterial with constant negative Poisson’s ratios and a clearly defined deformation path. By varying the specific parameters of the modular mechanism, Poisson’s ratios of the metamaterial can be programmed and almost constant. Hence, a novel approach to constructing metamaterials based on the kinematics of linkages is proposed in this work.