Innovative Materials Research Articles

Evaluating the Hybridization and Treatment Effects on the Mechanical Properties of Enset and Sisal Hybrid Composites

Natural fibers are among the most employed reinforcements in the manufacturing process of innovative fiber-based composite materials. As with any composite materials, the properties of composites depend on the type and properties of the fiber, fiber structure, composition (hybridization), and treatment. In this study, the composite was fabricated by using hand lay-up with 100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, and 0/100 Enset/Sisal (E/S) hybridization ratio. Three cases, i.e., untreated, 5%, and 10% NaOH treatment were considered. The effects of hybridization and treatment on the mechanical and water absorption properties of woven and unidirectional orientation of E/S hybrid composite were evaluated by using a two-factors analysis of variance. The fiber–matrix interfacial fractured surface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The treated (5% NaOH) and woven fiber orientation exhibited better mechanical properties than untreated and unidirectional hybrid composites. The flexural and tensile strength of the woven composite was improved by 5% and 9%, respectively, when compared with woven untreated 50/50 volume ratio of composites. In both samples and orientations, the hybridization effects show a higher percentage contribution to the mechanical properties. But, in both orientations of composite samples, the treatment effects show a higher percentage contribution for water absorption properties.

Innovative designs for semitransparent carbon-based perovskite solar cells for building-integrated applications

Recently, semitransparent perovskite solar cells (SM-PSKs) have been developed, allowing part of the light to pass through the cell while absorbing the rest. Various strategies, including thinning the perovskite layer, innovative electrode materials, and incorporating plasmonic nanoparticles, have been explored, leading to efficiencies up to 14.78 % and transparency of 26.7 %. However, such cells face stability issues and are mostly fabricated in a controlled environment, limiting their scalability to module level and reducing their commercialization prospects. In contrast, carbon incorporation has shown potential for extending the lifespan of opaque PSKs, exhibiting remarkable stability of 1000 h and efficiencies exceeding 16 %. This study employs carbon-based perovskite solar cells fabricated using the screen printing technique with environmental conditions maintained at ambient levels for both temperature and humidity. The architecture of the cell is carefully modified to obtain several novel designs of semitransparent carbon-based perovskite solar cells (CSM-PSKs). UV–Vis spectroscopy tests are performed for each CSM-PSK, resulting in different average visible transparencies (AVT). The electrical properties of the opaque and proposed CSM-PSK designs are characterized using a Solar Simulator (Model: Solixon A-70-CU-2). Among the designs, one CSM-PSK demonstrates superior performance with an AVT of 8.65 % and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.6 %, highlighting their scalability for sustainable building-integrated energy solutions.

Multilayer Gelatin-Supported BMP-9 Coating Promotes Osteointegration and Neo-Bone Formation at the n-CDHA/PAA Composite Biomaterial-Bone Interface.

The development of biomaterials capable of accelerating bone wound repair is a critical focus in bone tissue engineering. This study aims to evaluate the osteointegration and bone regeneration potential of a novel multilayer gelatin-supported Bone Morphogenetic Protein 9 (BMP-9) coated nano-calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite/poly-amino acid (n-CDHA/PAA) composite biomaterials, focusing on the material-bone interface, and putting forward a new direction for the research on the interface between the coating material and bone. The BMP-9 recombinant adenovirus (Adenovirus (Ad)-BMP-9/Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSc)) was produced by transfecting BMSc and supported using gelatin (Ad-BMP-9/BMSc/Gelatin (GT). Multilayer Ad-BMP-9/BMSc/GT coated nano-calcium deficient hydroxyapatite/polyamino acid (n-CDHA/PAA) composite biomaterials were then prepared and co-cultured with MG63 cells for 10 days, with biocompatibility assessed through microscopy, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays. Subsequently, multilayer Ad-BMP-9/BMSc/GT coated n-CDHA/PAA composite biomaterial screws were fabricated, and the adhesion of the coating to the substrate was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vivo studies were conducted using a New Zealand White rabbit intercondylar femoral fracture model. The experimental group was fixed with screws featuring multilayer Ad-BMP-9/BMSc/GT coatings, while the control groups used medical metal screws and n-CDHA/PAA composite biomaterial screws. Fracture healing was monitored at 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks, respectively, using X-ray observation, Micro-CT imaging, and SEM. Integration at the material-bone interface and the condition of neo-tissue were assessed through these imaging techniques. The Ad-BMP-9/GT coating significantly enhanced MG63 cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, while increasing BMP-9 expression in vitro. In vivo studies using a rabbit femoral fracture model confirmed the biocompatibility and osteointegration potential of the multilayer Ad-BMP-9/BMSc/GT coated n-CDHA/PAA composite biomaterial screws. Compared to control groups (medical metal screws and n-CDHA/PAA composite biomaterial screws), this material demonstrated faster fracture healing, stronger osteointegration, and facilitated new bone tissue formation with increased calcium deposition at the material-bone interface. The multilayer GT-supported BMP-9 coated n-CDHA/PAA composite biomaterials have demonstrated favorable osteogenic cell interface performance, both in vitro and in vivo. This study provides a foundation for developing innovative bone repair materials, holding promise for significant advancements in clinical applications.

Eco-friendly production of leather-like material from bacterial cellulose and waste resources

In recent years, resource optimization has been recognized as a top priority among many challenges. Studies have indicated that valuable products can be created by combining natural or discarded resources with cutting-edge biosynthesis techniques. This approach is considered foundational for establishing a “zero-waste” socio-economic structure. This research focuses on optimizing resources and minimizing environmental impacts, especially within the manufacturing and fashion sectors. An innovative leather-like material named BC-BioLeath (Bacterial Cellulose-Based Bio Leather) has been introduced. BC was produced by the fermentation of coconut water, a byproduct of the food industry. Traditional leather-like processing, including tanning, was applied to BC using food waste such as oxidized edible oil and coffee grounds, along with timber industry by-products like vegetable tannins. Studies involving SEM observation, mechanical, style, and dyeing performance testing revealed that the product, BC-BioLeath, exhibited superior mechanical properties. For instance, BC crosslinked with oxidized edible oil showed a tensile strength of 82.14 MPa, surpassing traditional cowhide used in shoe uppers by 2.08 times. When plasticized with glycerol, the tensile strength reached 56.19 MPa, with breaking elongation of 36%. Beyond its mechanical prowess, the product also achieved economic and environmental benefits through waste repurposing, contributing to a natural energy cycle. BC-BioLeath was identified as a more humane and eco-friendly leather alternative. This method showcased not just efficient waste repurposing but also introduced a novel, microbe-focused sustainable production approach. Such a model offered a genuine circular economy solution for high-polluting sectors, such as the leather fashion industry. A cost analysis showed that BC-BioLeath's production cost of $97.92/m2 (excluding labor and operating costs: $7.52/m2) was within the commercial leather range of $39.7 to $220.8/m2. This indicated its sustainability as a competitive alternative.

Enhancing Multi-Junction Solar Cell Performance: Advanced Predictive Modeling and Cutting-Edge CIGS Integration Techniques

Historically, multi-junction solar cells have evolved to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight, significantly enhancing efficiency beyond conventional solar technologies. In this study, we utilized Silvaco TCAD tools to optimize a five-junction solar cell composed of AlInP, AlGaInP, AlGaInAs, GaInP, GaAs, InGaAs, and Ge, drawing on advancements documented in the literature. Our research focused on optimizing these cells through sophisticated statistical modeling and material innovation, particularly examining the relationship between layer thickness and electrical yield under one sun illumination. Employing III-V tandem solar cells, renowned for their superior efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity, we applied advanced statistical models to a reference solar cell configured with predefined layer thicknesses. Our analysis revealed significant positive correlations between layer thickness and electrical performance, with correlation coefficients (R2 values) impressively ranging from 0.86 to 0.96 across different regions. This detailed statistical insight led to an improvement in overall cell efficiency to 44.2. A key innovation in our approach was replacing the traditional germanium (Ge) substrate with Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS), known for its adjustable bandgap and superior absorption of long-wavelength photons. This strategic modification not only broadened the absorption spectrum but also elevated the overall cell efficiency to 47%. Additionally, the optimization process involved simulations using predictive profilers and Silvaco Atlas tools, which systematically assessed various configurations for their spectral absorption and current–voltage characteristics, further enhancing the cell’s performance. These findings underscore the critical role of precise material engineering and sophisticated statistical analyses in advancing solar cell technology, setting new efficiency benchmarks, and driving further developments in the field.

Behavior of backfill material made of high-water material and recycled concrete lumps for highwall mining

The highwall mining technique is the family member of green mining system, for which the development of the cost-effective backfill material is always the critical issues to be accounted for. In the present research, an innovative backfill material made of the high-water material and recycled concrete lumps was introduced. A total of 42 specimens with variable configurations were prepared and tested to evaluate the effects of the water-to-powder of the high-water material and particle size of concrete lumps on the compressive behaviour of the developed backfill material. Both the acoustic emission (AE) and the digital image correlation (DIC) instruments were applied to investigate the progressive failure modes of tested specimens in parallel. Test results revealed that the high-water material cemented recycled concrete present an ideal ductility when it is subjected to the uni-axial compressive loading, which is different from normal backfill materials featured with brittleness in natural. It also suggested that the effect of the water-to-power ratio of the high water material is much more obvious than that of the lumps size on the enhancement of deformation ability. In terms of the peak strength, these specimens with the 20 mm to 35 mm lumps is higher than that of its counterparts, which suggested that the lump size is one of the most important factor during the design of the proposed backfill material. Moreover, the peak strength of specimens with the small water-to-powder ratio (i.e., 0.75) surpasses those with ratios of 1.0 and 1.25 by 20.4 % and 29.5 %, respectively. Although the specimens with smaller water-to-powder ratio of high water material exhibited the higher compressive strength, it should be noted that the reduced flowability of which will affect the casting process in turn. Research outcomes obtained from this study is expected to facilitate the wide application of the highwall mining.

Evaluating energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in fiberglass prefabricated modular structures

Fiberglass (FG) modular buildings are gaining increasing attention in the construction industry due to their adaptability, and potential for cost and time savings. This study compares the FG modular, house-like cubicles to concrete counter parts with respect to the environmental impacts and cost. The scope of the study encompasses the production and operational phase, especially air conditioning (AC) systems in hyper-arid climates. The effectiveness of insulation, quantified through R-value calculations, is evaluated across varying insulation thicknesses using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The results indicate that AC energy requirements significantly contribute to the climate change impact (CCH), accounting for 77 % and 90.5 %, in concrete and FG modules respectively. FG modules exhibit significantly higher environmental impacts compared to concrete modules in agricultural land occupation (+142.7 %), terrestrial ecotoxicity (+80.6 %), and urban land occupation (+66 %). Employing Net Present Value (NPV), the annual cost for FG and concrete modules was USD 963.9 and USD 550.8 per year, respectively. Sensitivity analysis indicates that increasing insulation (+5.00 cm) in FG modules reduces that annual cost due to cooling by 16.55 %, reduces CCH by 59.47 % but increases metal depletion by 130 %. This signifies the importance of incorporating the use phase when evaluating innovative building materials and methods.

Tailored directional porosity in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) for hypersonic applications

AbstractIn the field of hypersonic systems and their missions, the occurring flows impose extreme mechanical and thermal loads on the materials used. At the German Aerospace Center (DLR), extensive research is conducted in this area, ranging from design and specification to the development of suitable materials concluding with the proof of concept under realistic conditions in wind tunnels. In recent years, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) have been investigated for specific aspects of hypersonics. These materials exhibit consistent mechanical behavior over a wide temperature range (up to 1600 °C), coupled with high damage tolerance and thermal shock resistance, distinguishing them from metals and superalloys. Particularly, special porous C/C–SiC ceramics (carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon with silicon carbide) enable innovative material applications for components in transpiration cooling, fuel injection, or boundary-layer transition control. The work presented focuses on the next generation of porous C/C–SiC ceramics currently in development. By deliberately modifying the textile preform, the resulting microstructure and pore morphology are influenced, allowing for control over both the total volume and the orientation of the pores. Relevant parameters influencing porosity have been determined based on the results, and an initial characterization has been conducted. It has been demonstrated that there is a preferred direction of porosity within the sample thickness (Z-axis), and in terms of hypersonic-relevant properties, an absorption coefficient of 0.58 for an acoustic wave at 500 kHz (static pressure of 15 kPa), as well as a length-specific flow resistance of 3.4 MPa s/m2 and an overall porosity of 12.25% were determined. Building upon these promising initial findings, the goal is to further expand the understanding of the parameters influencing porosity and to generate a tailored material for different application scenarios by correlating them with hypersonic properties.

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL BASIS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES OF CONSTRUCTION ENTERPRISES: SECTORAL DIMENSION

The construction industry is a dynamic and complex sector that involves many stakeholders working in tandem to deliver projects that are essential to the growth and development of society. Innovations in technologies, materials, processes and management practices are increasingly becoming catalysts for structural and functional transformations in relationships between participants in investment and construction projects. Since innovations serve as an impetus for structural transformations, changing traditional roles, improving cooperation and stimulating efficiency and sustainability in the construction sector, the actual direction of research is to identify theoretical prerequisites and provide practical recommendations to construction participants to stimulate innovative activities.It was found that the theoretical basis of approaches for research are the works of Ukrainian and foreign scientists who consider innovations within the framework of conceptual approaches, in which innovative activity is considered through the system of coordinates "phenomenon-quality", "process-result", "adaptation-goal" or " system-synergy"It is proposed to consider the innovative development of the enterprise as the process of the operation of the enterprise, which is oriented towards the use and implementation of various forms of innovation in the operational, financial and investment activities of the enterprise in order to increase profitability and competitiveness, and to interpret the innovative activity of the participants of the investment and construction project as a process of operation and development of the enterprise, which focused on the use and implementation of various forms of innovation in operational, financial and investment activities, aimed at new qualitative transformations of construction products, processes and systems of the enterprise or the introduction of innovations in organizational and technological processes, technologies, work methods, promotion on the market, improvement of interaction with by other construction participants and stakeholders within the investment construction project and the target indicators of which can be both an increase in the economic efficiency of individual project participants and qualitative transformations of the organizational and technological relationships of the project participants, leading to the improvement of the parameters of the construction objects or investment project.A step-by-step methodical approach is proposed for development enterprises in order to promote innovative activities of participants in investment and construction projects.

Effect of size on tensile strength parallel to grain of high-performance wood scrimber

With its high strength and excellent dimensional stability, high-performance wood scrimber (HPWS) holds significant promise for applications in load-bearing structures within buildings. However, understanding its behavior concerning size effects, particularly in terms of strength variation with stressed volume dimensions, is essential for establishing design parameters. Despite this importance, research on this aspect remains scarce. To address this gap, this study conducted tension tests on 304 specimens divided into 10 groups, covering a wide range of sizes, with the largest specimen’s volume 162 times that of the smallest. Utilizing the weakest link theory, the study investigated the size effect on tensile strength parallel to grain. Size effect factors were estimated using the shape parameter and slope methods, with discussions on differences related to volume, length, and cross-sectional area factors. It was found that the size effect related to the length and cross-sectional area were 0.0804 and 0.0671, respectively. This difference was due to the load-sharing ability within the cross-section, as the HPWS in tension resembles a net-like structure more than a chain-like structure. The specimens with the smallest cross-section didn’t exhibit the greatest strength. This was because the effects of sawing are particularly severe for very small specimens. This issue requires careful consideration when developing calculation methods. Finally, a calculation method for the tensile strength reduction coefficient, considering size effects, was proposed and demonstrated to align well with experimental findings. This comprehensive analysis serves to advance the structural utilization of HPWS as an innovative building material.

Preliminary Study of Stone Sawing Sludges-based Alkali Activated Materials (AAMs) for the Conservation of Archaeological Ceramics

This paper presents research into the feasibility of using stone sawing sludge-based Alkali Activated Materials (AAMs) for conservation of Cultural Heritage. Sawing sludges are a stone processing waste product resulting from the mixing of rock powder with the water used to cool down the cutting blades. The chemical composition of the sawing sludges, when aluminosilicatic, is suitable for acting as a precursor to produce AAMs. AAMs are known for their low environmental impact and versatility since their existence is drawn from recycling waste materials. One of their possible applications is in the conservation of Cultural Heritage objects. This work presents a preliminary investigation into three sawing sludge-based AAMs with different mineralogical compositions and contributes to formulating guidelines for applying them as fillers on modern and archaeological ceramic pottery based on the evaluation of their workability, appearance and physical properties over time from the moment of application and up to 30 days. Dynamic Vapor Sorption and X-Ray Diffraction results provided an overview of the structural and mineralogical changes under high RH conditions, where the tested AAMs showed a type II isotherm curve, as expected for concrete-like materials, as well as disappearance of thermonatrite after one isothermal cycle. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity test demonstrated the general homogeneity of the AAMs despite the lower velocity exhibited by one of the formulations, probably due to its internal pore distribution and possible presence of microstratification. The Oddy tests, application tests and colourimetric measurements evidenced the advantages and weaknesses of the AAMs, with overall encouraging results ensuing investment in further in-depth studies of these innovative conservation materials in view of their future use in the field of conservation of Cultural Heritage as a result of a circular economy model.

Novel polyamide nanofiltration membrane PEI-(β-CD@g-C3N5)/TMC based on microfiltration substrate for efficient separation of lithium and magnesium

With the development of industry, the scarcity of lithium resources is becoming increasingly prominent. Therefore, the development of high-performance nanofiltration (NF) membranes for lithium extraction from salt lakes has become crucial. Herein, β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) and amino-rich graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N5) sol were uniformly mixed to form β-CD@g-C3N5, which was then mixed with polyetherimide (PEI) monomer and subjected to interfacial polymerization (IP) reaction with trimesoyl chloride (TMC) on a 0.22 μm microfiltration (MF) membrane to prepare the PEI-(β-CD@g-C3N5)/TMC composite NF membrane. Through thin plate theory and gradient operation pressure filtration tests, it was found that the composite NF membrane prepared on the MF membrane substrate was not only defect-free but also exhibited superior compression resistance. In Li+/Mg2+ filtration tests, the PEI-(β-CD@g-C3N5)/TMC membrane showed superior NF performance, with a Li+/Mg2+ selectivity coefficient of 38.85 and a permeability of 8.91 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1. This was attributed to the effect of β-CD@g-C3N5, which could thin the separation layer, slightly enlarge and more uniformly distribute the pores, increase hydrophilicity, and enhance positive charge; meanwhile, the cavity structure provided by β-CD helped to effectively separate Li+/Mg2+. Furthermore, under conditions of mixed salt solutions with different Mg2+/Li+ mass ratios and 80 h of continuous filtration, the membrane exhibited excellent stability. This work introduces innovative membrane materials and design concepts to the field of lithium extraction via NF, potentially paving the way for the industrial application of NF technology.

Industry perceptions of mass engineered timber (MET) construction: a comparison of South-East Asia with other regions

ABSTRACT Mass Engineered Timber (MET) has emerged as an innovative construction material used in the creation of low-carbon buildings. However, more built examples are found in Europe and North America, with far fewer in Asia, despite its generally higher levels of construction. This research explores these trends by measuring building industry practitioners’ perceptions – their awareness, attitudes and perceived obstacles – across three regions experiencing different levels of MET adoption: Europe and North America (early adopters), Australia and New Zealand (early developing) and South-East Asia (under developed). The research develops a novel framework to understand industry perceptions of MET composed of ‘Enabling Parameters’ and ‘Decision-making Parameters’. This is used to develop a survey which was completed by 186 participants from the three regions. Results show that participants’ perceptions, knowledge and experience of MET are consistently lower in South-East Asia, than the other regions – a finding previously not identified in existing research. Protection against fire and water damage, ease of repair and maintenance, and perceived unsuitability of MET for high-rise building types are the primary concerns of practitioners in South-East Asia. This paper calls for technological advancements for taller MET and hybrid buildings, a review of building codes, provision of incentives, and education among practitioners to improve the perception and adoption of MET in South-East Asia.

Theoretical investigation of benzodithiophene-based donor molecules in organic solar cells: from structural optimization to performance metrics.

Achieving high power conversion efficiency (PCE) remains a significant challenge in the advancement of organic solar cells (OSCs). In the field of organic photovoltaics (OPVs), considerable progress has been made in optimizing molecular structures to improve the PCE. However, innovative material design strategies specifically aimed at enhancing PCE are still needed. Here, we have designed BDTS-2DPP-based molecules and propose a molecular design approach to develop donor materials that can significantly improve the PCE of OSCs. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) methods have been adopted in both gas and solvent phases. Our newly designed molecule M1 shows the highest absorption value (λ max = 846 nm), highest electron reorganization energy (λ e = 0.18 eV), and the lowest energy gap (E g = 1.81 eV) among all the designed molecules. M1 molecule also exhibits the highest dipole moment in both gas (10.62 D) and solvent phase (13.62 D), and their ground and excited state dipole moment difference is also higher (μ e - μ g = 2.99 D), which enhances its separation to make it a suitable candidate for charge transfer between HOMO-LUMO (97%). Newly designed molecule M3 is observed to have the highest voltage when the current is zero (V oc = 1.15 V) highest PCE value (21.90%) and highest fill factor (FF) value (89.42%). The lowest excitation binding energy is estimated by newly designed molecule M2 (E b = 0.30 eV), which indicates a higher rate of dissociation during the excitation as observed in transition density matrix (TDM) plots. Utilizing electron density difference maps, the newly designed molecules in dichloromethane solvent exhibited consistent intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). The designed molecules were evaluated against reference molecule R to determine if they exhibit superior optoelectronic capabilities. It is found that all designed molecules (M1-M5) exhibit reduced band gaps, are red-shifted in wavelength in comparison to a reference molecule R, and have remarkable charge motilities in terms of reorganisation energies.

Conformal Frequency Selective Surfaces in Radome Design: A Mini Review

In aerospace engineering, radomes play an important role in protecting antenna systems from external interference and minimizing air resistance during flight. However, traditional radomes often fall short of providing the electromagnetic filtering and stealth capabilities important for modern aircraft applications. Conformal Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) radomes represent an evolutionary step beyond their conventional counterparts. These structures not only continue to protect antenna structures from environmental adversities, but also adapt seamlessly to non-planar surfaces. This adaptation is not only functional but also covers aerodynamic and aesthetic considerations, improving stealth capabilities and multi-band frequency operability, which are key factors for state-of-the-art communications and radar systems. However, design and implementation of conformal FSS radomes have some challenges. Considering that one of the authors has focused on such challenges for new generation air platforms, this study examines the contemporary advancements in conformal FSS radome technology, highlighting the latest research and breakthroughs. It covers latest findings on cutting-edge materials, design methodologies, simulation techniques for performance prediction, and the practical applications and advantages of these radomes. Building on a theoretical foundation of FSS and radome integration, the article discusses material and design innovations, simulation challenges, and practical implementations. It is hoped that this review will act as a bridge for knowledge sharing and a stimulant for continued research within the domain of conformal FSS radome technology

Morphological and Doping Effects on Electrical Conductivity of Aluminum Metal Substrate through Pulsed Electrodeposition Coating of Cu-MWCNT

The demand for more efficient and sustainable electrical systems has driven research in the quest for innovative materials that enhance the properties of electrical conductors. This study investigated the influence of copper (Cu) coating and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on aluminum metal substrate through the pulsed electrodeposition technique. Parameters such as the concentration of chemical elements, current, voltage, temperature, time, and electrode spacing were optimized in search of improving the nanocomposite coating. The metallic substrate underwent anodization as surface preparation for coating. Characterization techniques employed included Field Emission Gun—Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-SEM) for analyzing coating morphology, Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and Kelvin probe for obtaining surface electrical conductivity values. Homogeneous dispersion of the Cu-MWCNTs film coating was achieved across the entire surface of the aluminum plate, creating a complex morphology. The doping effect was highlighted by changes in the vibrational characteristics of the nanocomposite, which affected the Raman spectrum dispersion bands. An increase in surface electrical conductivity by ≈52.33% compared to the control sample was obtained. Therefore, these results indicate that the improvement in the material’s electrical properties is intrinsically related to the complex morphology achieved with the adopted Cu-MWCNT nanocomposite coating process.

Shockvertising - Viewers’ visual communication perspectives of a controversial skincare advertisement

The rise of digital advertising has led to the creation of various innovative materials to capture the target market’s attention. To stay competitive, many advertisers use “shockvertising”, creating controversial advertisements with a significant impact on viewers’ attitudes and sentiments. This survey research is based on Lester’s Six Perspectives in Visual Communication theory which explained that viewers’ personal, historical, technical, cultural, ethical and critical perspectives are the determining factor in nalysing their controversial consideration perception. In this study, the use of the theory is to explore viewers’ perspectives on a controversial Malaysian skincare advertisement. Using a quantitative approach, 250 respondents rated their perception of a SlimmeWhite skincare TV advertisement. The responses were analysed using SPSS to address three research questions, finding correlations and mean results. The study found that personal technical and ethical perspectives significantly influenced viewers’ attitudes towards the advertisement, identifying these as the controversial aspects. In contrast, critical and cultural perspectives were the least controversial. The advertisement was deemed highly controversial, but gender did not affect viewers’ perspectives. This research concludes that the resulting data are very valuable for advertising students, brand advertisers and companies in understanding viewers’ perspectives on controversial elements in Malaysian skincare advertisements.

Lithium metal based battery systems with ultra-high energy density beyond 500 W h kg-1.

As industries and consumption patterns evolve, new electrical appliances are increasingly playing critical roles in national production, defense, and cognitive exploration. However, the slow development of energy storage devices with ultra-high energy density (beyond 500 W h kg-1) has impeded the promotion and widespread application of the next generation of intelligent, multi-scenario electrical equipment. Among the numerous ultra-high specific energy battery systems, lithium metal batteries (LMBs) hold significant potential for applications in advanced and sophisticated fields. This potential is primarily due to lithium metal's high specific capacity (3860 mA h g-1). However, LMBs face numerous challenges, including the growth of lithium dendrites, poor cycle stability, and safety concerns. In recent years, research on the mechanisms of Li metal-based battery systems, innovation in electrode materials, and optimization of device configurations have made significant progress. In this highlight, we provide a comprehensive overview of the storage mechanisms and the latest advancements in high-energy-density LMBs, represented by systems such as Li-Li1-xMO2, Li-S/Se, Li-gas (CO2/air/O2), Li-CFx, and all-solid-state LMBs. By integrating the current research findings, we highlight the opportunities and future research directions for high-energy-density LMBs, offering new guiding perspectives for their development under practical conditions.

Polypyrrole@TiO2 Composite Nanotube System with Enhanced Capillary Fluid and Charge Transfer for High‐Current Hydrovoltaic Energy Generation and Seawater Purification

AbstractHarnessing the energy generated from the evaporation of water has received considerable research attention in materials science; however, challenges such as poor conversion efficiency and low current output persist. Herein, an innovative synergistic material system based on titanium dioxide nanotubes coated with polypyrrole (PPy@TiO2NTs) is introduced for the simultaneous production of electricity and clean water from solar energy and seawater. The tubular structure of PPy@TiO2NT and the molecular interactions between TiO2 and PPy produce enhanced charge transfer, thereby providing the advantages of the hydrovoltaic effect, solar‐driven water evaporation (SWE), and photocatalysis. Consequently, PPy@TiO2NT‐loaded melamine foam can produce tens or more than a hundred microamperes of current in water of various salinities, which is an order of magnitude improvement over previously reported hydrovoltaic evaporation systems. In addition, under 1 sun irradiation, the system achieved an SWE rate of 2.13 kg m−2 h−1 and a methylene blue removal rate of more than 90% within 2 h. The proposed material system, featuring high electrical output and outstanding dual‐mechanism water treatment capabilities, shows high potential for synergistically harnessing solar energy and seawater, as well as for environmental management.

Syntheses and performance study of three POM-viologen compounds with photo- and electric-stimulation response

In recent years, stimulus responsive materials have received widespread attention. Under solvothermal conditions, three polyoxometalates-viologen organic–inorganic hybrid compounds were successfully constructed by combining a viologen ligand 1-(3-Nitro-benzyl)-[4,4′]bipyridinyl-1-ium bromide (1,3-nibipy·Br) with octamolybdate, namely [Cu2(1,3-nibipy)4(H2O)2(β-Mo8O26)2]·2H2O (1), [Cu2(1,3-nibipy)4(H2O)4(β-Mo8O26)]·(β-Mo8O26) (2) and (1,3-Hnibipy)2·(β-Mo8O26) (3). These three compounds can exhibit color changing properties under both light and electrical stimulation. Through characterizations of PXRD, FT-IR, UV–vis spectra, XPS, EPR, CV, and other tests, the photochromic and electrochromic properties of these three compounds are caused by the generation of viologen radicals. Compounds 1–3 have a rapid photoresponse efficiency and can be made into mixed matrix films for use as ultraviolet detectors. In addition, coated filter paper synthesized from acetonitrile and compounds can serve as an innovative erasable ink-free printing material medium, which is suitable for various erasable ink-free printing and anti-counterfeiting fields. We further investigated the electrochromic devices prepared from compounds 1–3, which achieved color change at a voltage of around −0.2 V and exhibited good stability after 500 cycles.