Development Of Materials Research Articles

Sustainable materials systems for triboelectric nanogenerator

AbstractBenefiting from the high sensitivity and electromechanical conversion efficiency, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are widely used in various fields of self‐powered sensing and mechanical energy harvesting, which have great potential for application in future smart Internet of Things. The development of sustainable triboelectric materials with high‐performance has a vital impact on the construction of TENG devices that combine high‐output performance and environmental friendliness, which have a positive impact on the sustainable development of humanity. This review systematically and comprehensively summarizes the latest research work on TENG's sustainable materials. First, an overall overview is provided based on the composition of the materials, including amino acids, polysaccharides, and synthetic polymer, and the representative research works are further classified and summarized in detail. In addition, the latest research progress of TENG with sustainable materials in the fields of self‐powered sensing and mechanical energy harvesting applications is also summarized. Finally, the overviews are provided for the various challenges in the current development of TENG's sustainable material, and the related outlooks are offered on the corresponding development strategies and directions of this field in the future.

A triple-mode strategy combining low-temperature photothermal, photodynamic, and chemodynamic therapies for treating infectious skin wounds.

The skin is the first natural barrier of the human body. Bacterial infections severely hinder the healing process of skin wounds and pose a great threat to human health. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to develop new antimicrobial strategies for bacterial pathogen clearance and wound healing. In this study, a metal-organic framework (MOF), Fe-MIL88B-NH2, was incorporated with the photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG) to construct composite nanoparticles (MOF@ICG NPs) with multiple antibacterial activities. Under mild near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, the photosensitizer ICG in the MOF@ICG NPs undergoes photothermal conversion (∼45 °C) and photodynamic reactions to generate heat and singlet oxygen (1O2). In addition, the Fenton reaction of the NPs with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the bacterial infection microenvironment resulted in the generation of hydroxyl radicals (˙OH), thus achieving the three-mode combination of low-temperature photothermal therapy (PTT)/photodynamic therapy (PDT)/chemodynamic therapy (CDT). The in vitro experimental results showed that MOF@ICG MPs had excellent antibacterial properties and good cytocompatibility, with some ability to promote the migration of L-929 fibroblasts. Furthermore, under NIR irradiation, MOF@ICG NPs could significantly kill bacteria and promote skin wound healing according to the results of animal experiments. The wound healing rate reached 87.1% after 7 days of treatment. The research results break through the limitations of single-mode antibacterial technology and provide certain theoretical guidance and technical support for the research and development of new antibacterial materials.

The Stability Challenge of Furanic Platform Chemicals in Acidic and Basic Conditions.

The transition toward renewable resources is pivotal for the sustainability of the chemical industry, making the exploration of biobased furanic platform chemicals derived from plant biomass of paramount importance. These compounds, promising alternatives to petroleum-derived aromatics, face challenges in terms of stability under synthetic conditions, limiting their practical application in the fuel, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Our study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the stability of furan derivatives in various solvents and under different conditions, addressing the significant challenge of their instability. Through systematic experiments involving GC‒MS, NMR, FT‒IR and SEM analyses, we identified key degradation pathways and conditions that either promote stability or lead to undesirable degradation products. These findings demonstrate the strong stabilizing effect of polar aprotic solvents, especially DMF, and reveal the dependence of furan stability on solvent and additive type. This research opens new avenues in the utilization of renewable furans by providing critical insights into their behavior under synthetic conditions, significantly impacting the development of sustainable materials and processes. The broad appeal of this study lies in its potential to guide the selection of conditions for the efficient and sustainable synthesis of furan-based chemicals, marking a significant advance in green chemistry and materials science.

Ferroelectric Polarization Enhanced Optoelectronic Synaptic Response of a CuInP2S6 Transistor Structure.

Neuromorphic computing can simulate brain function and is a pivotal element in next-generation computing, providing a potential solution to the limitations brought by the von Neumann bottleneck. Optoelectronic synaptic devices are highly promising tools for simulating biomimetic nervous systems. In this study, we developed an optoelectronic neuromorphic device with a transistor structure constructed using ferroelectric CuInP2S6. Essential synaptic behaviors in this device are observed in response to light and electrical stimuli. The optoferroelectric coupling is revealed, and the highly tunable gate modulation of the charge carrier is realized in a single device. On this basis, the light adaptation of the biological eyes and smarter Pavlovian dogs was implemented successfully and enhanced by ferroelectric polarization. The gate voltage application promotes the migration of additional Cu+ ions in the in-plane direction, thus enhancing the synaptic performance of electrical stimulation. Meanwhile, the processing ability of convolutional kernel noise images in ferroelectric devices has been achieved. Our results offer the important observation and application of ferroelectric polarization-enhanced synaptic properties of a transistor structure and have great potential in promoting the development of two-dimensional van der Waals materials and devices.

Rational Design of 3D Hierarchical Fe3S4 for Superior Sodium‐Ion Battery Anode Material

AbstractAmong various transition metal sulfides, iron‐based sulfides have attracted wide attention due to their abundant resources, low cost, and non‐toxicity, showing considerable research value in the field of secondary batteries. Thereinto, Fe3S4 has a high theoretical specific capacity of 785 mAh g−1. However, at present, the research related to Fe3S4 anode for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) is still in its infancy, and it also suffers from severe volume expansion and limited preparation. Therefore, to further boost its sodium storage potential, the Fe3S4@rGO composite with hierarchical structure and carbonaceous network is proposed in this study. Beneficial from the ingenious hierarchitectures and flexible graphene coating, the Fe3S4@rGO anode exhibits outstanding sodium storage performance, which can deliver a high capacity of 603 mAh g−1 after 1500 cycles with a superior capacity retention of 98%. The micron flower‐like structure composed of 2D nanosheets can provide sufficient active sites and promote the rapid transport of Na+. Meanwhile, the 3D interconnected graphene carbon network makes a crucial contribution to alleviating volume changes and enhancing electrical conductivity. This work reveals the application potential of Fe3S4 as an anode electrode for SIBs and provides available insights for the development of other electrode materials.

Rapid and controllable microwave synthesis of nickel cobalt sulfide electrodes for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors

The efficient and controllable synthesis method of high-performance energy storage electrode materials is crucial for advancing the development of energy storage technologies. Herein, by leveraging microwave heating technology in the sulfidation of nickel cobalt MOF, we effectively enhanced the efficiency of the synthesis process. Notably, sulfidation time emerged as a pivotal factor in tuning the crystalline phase structure and conductive properties of the material, leading to the successful development of NCS2 electrode material with a unique structure through optimized sulfidation conditions. Electrochemical performance tests of the NCS2 material revealed exceptional results; it exhibited a specific capacity of 1311 Fg[Formula: see text] at a current density of 1 Ag[Formula: see text] and retained 73.4% of its initial capacity when the current density increased to 10 Ag[Formula: see text], demonstrating outstanding rate performance. The composite NCS2//AC supercapacitor exhibits an energy density of 24.2 Whkg[Formula: see text] at power density of 800 Wkg[Formula: see text], even though after 1000 consecutive charge-discharge cycles, the capacity retention rate remained high at 77.1%, validating the exceptional stability and reliability of the NCS2 material during cycling. This work employs microwave sulfidation for the rapid and controlled synthesis of nickel cobalt sulfides, providing a green and efficient synthetic strategy for metal sulfide active materials.

Advanced Applications of Nanomaterials in Atherosclerosis Diagnosis and Treatment: Challenges and Future Prospects.

Atherosclerosis-induced coronary artery disease is a major cause of cardiovascular mortality. Clinically, conservative treatment strategies for atherosclerosis still focus on lifestyle interventions and the use of lipid-lowering and anticoagulant medications. Despite achieving some therapeutic effects, these approaches are limited by low bioavailability, long intervention periods, and significant side effects. With the advancement of nanotechnology, nanomaterials have demonstrated extraordinary potential in the biomedical field. Their excellent biocompatibility, surface modifiability, and high targeting capability not only enable efficient diagnosis of plaque progression but also allow precise drug delivery within atherosclerotic plaques, significantly enhancing drug bioavailability and reducing systemic side effects. Here, we systematically review the current research progress of nanomaterials in the field of atherosclerosis to summarize not only the types of nanomaterials but also their applications in both the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. Notably, in the context of plaque therapy, we provide a comprehensive overview of current nanomaterial applications based on their targeted therapeutic systems for different cell types within plaques. Additionally, we address the persistent challenge of clinical translation of nanomaterials by summarizing current issues and providing directions for innovation and improvement in nanomaterial design. Overall, we believe that this review systematically summarizes the applications and challenges of biomedical nanomaterials in atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy, thereby offering insights and references for the development of therapeutic materials for atherosclerosis.

Enhancing low-energy X-ray excited afterglow in lanthanide-doped fluoride core@shell nanoparticles for autofluorescence-free imaging

Lanthanide-doped fluoride nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit tunable X-ray excited afterglow (XEA), holding great promise for autofluorescence-free flexible X-ray imaging. However, materials with low atomic numbers, while sensitive to low-energy X-ray photons, suffer from weak X-ray absorption coefficients. This poses a significant challenge in achieving high-performance XEA with minimized radiation risk. In this study, we enhance the low-energy XEA of lanthanide activators by engineering the interfacial defect formation energy (Ef) in CaF2-based heterogeneous core/shell nanoarchitectures. Mechanistic investigations demonstrate that a large lattice misfit between the core and shell reduces the interfacial defect Ef, facilitating the formation of Frenkel defects and significantly increasing XEA intensity after low-energy X-ray irradiation. Specifically, the heterogeneous CaF2:Tb@CaLuF5 core/shell NPs, with a misfit of 3.382 %, exhibit approximately ∼ 8.9 times higher XEA intensity compared to the CaF2:Tb@CaF2 homogeneous core/shell NPs at 10 kV. Furthermore, integrating the CaF2:Tb@CaLuF5 NPs into a flexible scintillation screen enables XEA-based delayed imaging with high spatial resolution, up to approximately 14.2 lp mm−1, and an autofluorescence-free background. These findings advance the development of superior low-energy XEA materials and pave the way for autofluorescence-free three-dimensional X-ray imaging.

Architecture of a remelted layer with the nano-lamellar structure at the surface of Fe[sbnd]B materials via laser remelting to resist liquid aluminum corrosion

In this work, a significant enhancement of corrosion resistance of Fe-B materials in liquid Al (750 °C), with a corrosion rate one order of magnitude lower than that of H13 die steel, has been achieved by constructing nano-lamellar structures in the matrix. Results indicate that the nano-lamellar structure can not only effectively obstruct the interdiffusion between the Al and Fe atoms, restricting the growth of corrosion layers, but also accommodate sufficient growth and thermal stresses, suppressing the spallation of corrosion products. Furthermore, the ceramic nanoparticles in-situ formed in the nano-lamellar structure can inhibit the inward diffusion of Al atoms, greatly enhancing the corrosion resistance of α-Fe matrix. Besides, they also provide a robust pinning effect on the corrosion interface, improving the adhesion strength of corrosion products with the matrix. The architecture of nano-lamellar structure with nanoparticles may provide a novel strategy against liquid Al corrosion and shed new light on the development of corrosion-resistant materials.

Unveiling the shielding potential: Exploring photon and neutron attenuation in a novel lead-free XCr2Se4 chalcogenide Spinals alloys with MCNP 4C code

The study covers shielding properties of three promising lead-free XCr2Se4 alloys, where X represents Mn, Cu, or Ag, across a spectrum of energies between 0.02 MeV and 15 MeV. MCNP4C was employed to simulate the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) for the three selected alloys. After being prepared using the conventional solid-state reaction method, the samples displayed densities ranging from 5.45 g cm−3to 6.22 g cm−3. The simulated results obtained from the MCNP4C are then benchmarked with data obtained using different software such as Phy-X, Py-MLBUF, EPIXS, and GRASP. Upon comparing the acquired results with the Phy-X data, a notable correlation was observed with a relative difference ranging from 0.11% to 8.57%. The accuracy of the simulated data was additionally validated through the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. From the simulated MAC, different ionizing radiation shielding properties including linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), mean-free path (MFP), transmission factor (TF), radiation protection efficiency (RPE), and fast neutron removal cross section (FNRCS) were calculated to provide a comprehensive analysis of the samples' efficacy in dealing with different types of radiation. The LAC for neutrons at different energies is also examined. HVL analysis indicates the radiation-blocking capacity of the samples. The TF shows the alloys’ ability to either permit or restrain the transfer of radiation. Additionally, RPE and FNRCS give indication of the shielding potential of the studied samples. This study is important for nuclear physicians and researchers and serves as useful data for the development of superior shielding materials.

Simultaneous Hydrogenation of an Insulated Diarylacetylene Dimer Incorporated as Axle Molecules in a Cyclodextrin-Based [c2]Daisy Chain Rotaxane.

The [c2]daisy chain rotaxane is an attractive interlocked molecule for the development of functional materials because of its unique mechanical properties that respond to various external stimuli, resulting in extension and contraction motions along the molecular axis. The synthesis of several 'impossible' [2]rotaxanes that do not exhibit obvious binding motifs between their axle and wheel moieties has been achieved through further chemical modification of their axle moieties within pre-prepared [2]rotaxanes. However, no 'impossible' [c2]daisy chain rotaxane has been synthesized using similar strategies until now. In this study, we investigated the hydrogenation of diarylacetylene moieties within a permethylated α-cyclodextrin (PM α-CD)-based [c2]daisy chain rotaxane using Pd/C or Pd/CaCO3 under hydrogen. A new [c2]daisy chain rotaxane featuring two diarylethane moieties was successfully synthesized through the simultaneous full hydrogenation of the insulated diarylacetylene moieties under optimized conditions. The new rotaxane is classified as an 'impossible' [c2]daisy chain rotaxane due to the lack of obvious binding motifs between diarylethane and the PM α-CD. This work demonstrates for the first time that the insulated axle moieties of [c2]daisy chain rotaxanes can undergo novel chemical modifications using a synthetic strategy employing transition-metal-catalyzed hydrogenation, which can potentially advance the development of nanoarchitectures with functional interlocked molecules.

Nanosized CeO2C2 with rich oxygen vacancies embedded in hollow mesoporous carbon as a multifunctional sulfur-loaded matrix for lithium-sulfur batteries

The innovative structural and compositional design of sulfur-loaded matrices is an effective strategy to improve the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs). Herein, nanosized CeO2C2 with rich oxygen vacancies embedded in hollow mesoporous carbon composites (HMC/CeO2C2) were synthesized by hydrothermal and annealing reduction processes. This structure has several advantages: the large specific surface area and mesoporous carbon walls facilitate sulfur penetration and electron/ion transport; the abundant mesopores and hollow inner cavities provide the structural basis for sulfur storage and buffer its volume expansion; the oxygen vacancy-rich CeO2C2 nanoparticles grown in situ in HMC and in close contact with carbon form an electrically favorable CeO2C2/C heterointerface as an efficient catalyst, which is conducive to catalyzing the redox reaction of sulfur. Consequently, the retention capacity of the HMC/CeO2C2/S electrode is 728 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C with a decay rate of 0.056 % per cycle, and it maintains a high reversible area capacity of 3.18 mAh cm−2 and excellent cycling performance even under a high sulfur loading of 4.7 mg cm−2. It provides an idea for the development of multifunctional sulfur-loaded materials with high sulfur loading, high conductivity, and high catalytic activity.

Room-Temperature Synthesis of a Fluorine-Functionalized Nanoporous Organic Polymer for Highly Efficient SF6 Adsorption and Separation.

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is widely used in the power industry and significantly contributes to the greenhouse effect, necessitating the development of efficient materials for SF6 capture, particularly fluorine-containing materials. However, existing fluorine-containing materials often require complex monomers and high synthesis temperatures. Herein, we report the synthesis of a fluorine-functionalized carbazole-based nanoporous organic polymer (CNOP-7) at room temperature, using commercially available 4,4'-bis(9H-carbazole-9-yl)-1,1'-biphenyl and 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone. CNOP-7 contains 14.7% fluorine atoms and exhibits a high specific surface area of 1270 m2·g-1, demonstrating excellent SF6 adsorption and separation performance. The SF6/N2 selectivity of CNOP-7 reaches 107 at 273 K and 73 at 298 K. Furthermore, dynamic breakthrough experiments confirm that CNOP-7 can efficiently and repeatedly separate SF6 from SF6/N2 mixtures. Molecular simulations reveal the mechanism behind its efficient separation. This work offers fresh perspectives on the development and fabrication of adsorbents for efficient SF6 sequestration.

High‐performance MCNTs@MoS2(1‐x)Se2x Nanocomposites in Catalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Advances in electrocatalysis require the development of high specific surface area materials with high electron conductivity. In this study, a series of MCNTs@MoS <sub>2(1‐x)</sub>Se <sub>2x</sub> nanocomposites has been prepared for application in catalytic hydrogen evolution. A uniform growth of MoS <sub>2(1‐x)</sub>Se <sub>2x</sub> nanoflower spheres on MCNTs has been achieved, circumventing stacking and aggregation. The introduction of the conducting material accelerated the electron transport rate in the electrode reaction. Structural characterization has confirmed that S doping increased the specific surface area of the catalyst, exposing more edge defects. As a result, the MCNTs@MoS <sub>2(1‐x)</sub>Se <sub>2x</sub> nanocomposites exhibited enhanced catalytic activity.

Substituted Maleimides: Self-Reportable Linkers and Tags in Bioconjugation, Materials Science, and Nanotechnology.

Substituted maleimides are customisable fluorescent linkers and probes with adaptable reactivity and optical properties. Their compact nature and tunability has led to their use in various applications. For example, their solvatochromic properties offer real-time feedback on linking chemistry and environmental changes, essential for applications in material labelling, drug delivery, and nanoparticle functionalisation. This review focusses on developing, synthesising, and modifying substituted maleimides as environment-sensitive fluorescent linkers and probes. It delves into their photophysical dynamics and strategic applications, highlighting their significant contributions to macromolecule conjugation and the development of self-reporting materials.

Designing L2 pronunciation instruction activities for primary school learners

Abstract This study employs a content analysis approach to examine the presentation of pronunciation instruction (PI) activities in six elementary school English language teaching (ELT) textbook series used in China. Among the textbooks analyzed, two series are published in English-speaking countries for commercial use, while two are published in China for public schools. The remaining two series are jointly released by Chinese and UK publishers, and are utilized in schools at Shanghai and Hong Kong. Categorizing the PI‑related activities based on the framework by Levis and Echelberger (2022), the author discovered that PI is predominantly integrated into listening and speaking activities. The study highlights the evolving design of PI activities in relation to learners’ ages, reflecting the individual preferences and beliefs of textbook developers. Notably, most of the surveyed textbook series acknowledge the effectiveness of phonics for teaching pronunciation, yet the use of phonetic alphabet remains minimal. Young learners are encouraged to grasp pronunciation rules through exposure and observation rather than through direct “top-down” instruction from teachers. This research provides language educators with additional resources for classroom activities and offers textbook writers diverse insights for material development work in the future.

Synergistic effects of MXene and Co3O4 in composite electrodes: High-performance energy storage solutions

The development of high-performance electrode materials is crucial for advancing supercapacitor technology. The two-dimensional layered structure of MXene (Ti3C2Tx) presents high conductivity, abundant surface functional groups and accessible ion interaction between layers. However, the MXene suffers from the layer aggregation. To overcome this issue, we synthesized a composite material combining MXene with cobalt oxide (Co3O4) to enhance electrochemical performance in supercapacitors. MXene’s two-dimensional layered structure, high conductivity, and abundant surface functional groups allow for efficient ion intercalation, while Co3O4 contributes high theoretical capacitance and rich oxidation states. The resulted MXene/Co3O4 composite exhibits an impressive areal capacitance of 6.456F/cm2 at a current density of 3 mA/cm2, maintaining 90.52 % capacitance retention at 30 mA/cm2, and 81.37 % capacity after 5000 charge–discharge cycles. Additionally, the asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device fabricated using the MXene/Co3O4 composite achieves a power density of 6.41 mW/cm2 at an energy density of 0.37 mWh/cm2, with 82.3 % capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. These results demonstrate that the MXene/Co3O4 composite material is a promising candidate for high-performance supercapacitors, offering significant improvements in rate capability and long-term cycling stability.

Comprehensive Characterization of Bi1.34Fe0.66Nb1.34O6.35 Ceramics: Structural, Morphological, Electrical, and Magnetic Properties

Recent research in solid-state physics and materials engineering focuses on the development of new dielectric materials, with bismuth-based pyrochlores being already extensively applied in communications technology for their excellent dielectric properties and relatively low sintering temperatures. Herein, the structural, morphological, electrical, and magnetic properties of Bi1.34Fe0.66Nb1.34O6.35 ceramic, prepared by the sol–gel method and sintered at 500 °C, are investigated. The Rietveld refinement of the XRD pattern showed a cubic phase belonging to the space group Fd-3m and a crystallite size of 42 nm. Transmission electron microscopy further confirmed the crystallite size and the homogeneous distribution of Bi, Fe, Nb, and O elements, as evidenced by high-angle annular dark field imaging and STEM-EDX mapping. The morphology of the sample, assessed by scanning electron microscopy, is characterized by submicron-sized spherical particles. Dielectric spectroscopic studies revealed that the dielectric properties, strongly influenced by frequency and temperature, indicate the material’s potential for energy storage due to lower dielectric loss compared to the dielectric constant. The observed relaxation phenomena, confirmed through variations in dielectric loss and loss tangent, highlight the influence of grain boundaries and temperature on electron hopping and charge carrier dynamics. Using SQUID magnetometry, we identified two distinct magnetic phases. The primary phase, corresponding to the Bi1.34Fe0.66Nb1.34O6.35 ceramic, exhibits an antiferromagnetic behavior below its Néel temperature at around 8.8 K. A secondary high-Curie temperature ferrimagnetic phase, likely vestigial maghemite and/or magnetite, was also detected, indicating an estimated fraction below 0.02 wt.%.

Pure metals for creation the nuclear structural materials

The paper presents the main results of research on the development of structural materials for equipment elements of existing and prospective nuclear power plants. The further development of nuclear energy largely depends on the development of advanced structural materials for new generation reactors and the improvement of materials for operating nuclear power plants. The high requirements for structural materials regarding the content of impurity elements can be met only when high-purity metals are used as initial components and new technologies for their production are used. The prospects of using new methods and approaches for evaluating and improving the physico-mechanical and physico-chemical properties (microhardness, corrosion resistance, radiation resistance, etc.) of structural materials for nuclear technologies were considered.

Findings of Using Schema-Building Activities to Improve EFL Learners’ Listening Comprehension

EFL students at a university in Ho Chi Minh City faced some problems in learning listening skills. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing listening learning and whether schema-building activities impact students’ listening comprehension at a private university in Vietnam, which then gave some possible suggestions to improve EFL learners' listening teaching and learning. The study was experimental research, so the researcher employed pre-and post-tests, questionnaires, and class observations to collect the data to address two research questions. A total of 123 students participated in the research, and they were classified into the experimental group (60 students) and the control group (63 students). The findings revealed that schema-building activities had an impact on enhancing EFL students’ listening comprehension. The study's findings contributed some contributions to teaching and learning Second Language (L2) listening skills using schema-building activities. The findings serve as guidelines for teachers and students to teach and learn listening skills and for school managers with material development.