Materials Science Research Articles

Comparative analysis of cutting methods and their impact on fatigue properties of armor steel

Abstract Armor steel is widely used in various industries due to its exceptional yield strength and hardness. However, the cutting processes employed to shape these materials, such as laser and waterjet cutting, may exert a substantial influence on the fatigue resistance of the end product. Fatigue strength is a critical property in materials science, particularly when it comes to high strength steel. As industries strive for lighter and more efficient structures, the demand for materials with superior fatigue resistance becomes paramount. In this article, it is aimed to investigate the effects of laser and waterjet cutting processes on the fatigue strength of armor steel based on experimental results, highlighting the implications for structural integrity and performance. The samples cut by water jet and laser cutting processes were subjected to fatigue tests with and without anti-buckling apparatus. Fatigue tests were carried out at least four different stress values and S–N diagrams were created for 4 different situations. As a result of this study, it was determined that the fatigue strength of samples obtained by laser cutting method is lower than that of waterjet cutting samples. Additionally, it was observed that the fatigue strength of the samples using anti-buckling apparatus was higher.

Chemistry Meets Plasmon Polaritons and Cavity Photons: A Perspective from Macroscopic Quantum Electrodynamics.

The interaction between light and molecules under quantum electrodynamics (QED) has long been less emphasized in physical chemistry, as semiclassical theories have dominated due to their relative simplicity. Recent experimental advances in polariton chemistry highlight the need for a theoretical framework that transcends traditional cavity QED and molecular QED models. Macroscopic QED is presented as a unified framework that seamlessly incorporates infinite photonic modes and dielectric environments, enabling applications to systems involving plasmon polaritons and cavity photons. This Perspective demonstrates the applicability of macroscopic QED to chemical phenomena through breakthroughs in molecular fluorescence, resonance energy transfer, and electron transfer. The macroscopic QED framework not only resolves the limitations of classical theories in physical chemistry but also achieves parameter-free predictions of experimental results, bridging quantum optics and material science. By addressing theoretical bottlenecks and unveiling new mechanisms, macroscopic QED establishes itself as an indispensable tool for studying QED effects on chemical systems.

Ag-Ag2O nanocomposite biosynthesis by mixed bacterial cultivation and effect of the ph on size and optical properties of the nanocomposite.

This study examines the influence of pH on the energy band gap and crystallite size during the synthesis of a novel Ag-Ag2O nanocomposites through the mixed cultivation of Lactobacillus sp. and Bacillus sp. A range of analytical techniques, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-visible Spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), were employed to investigate the structural and optical characteristics of the nanocomposites. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of cubic phases of Ag and Ag2O, with crystallite sizes varying from 8 to 44 nm; notably, smaller crystallites were observed at a pH of 6.5. UV-vis spectroscopy indicated an energy band gap ranging from 1.83 to 1.897 eV, suggesting promising applications for the material. The optimal pH for synthesis, which yielded the smallest particle size as verified by TEM, was identified as 6.5. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of biologically derived coating agents that may enhance the immutability and bioactivity of the nanocomposite. Antibacterial assays demonstrated significant efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis(E. faecalis) and Escherichia coli, particularly highlighting its effectiveness against E. faecalis. Hemolytic assays confirmed the biocompatibility of the nanocomposite at lower concentrations. These findings indicate the potential applications of the biogenic Ag-Ag2O nanocomposites in medical and environmental fields, offering a sustainable solution to challenges associated with bacterial contamination. Future research may focus on integrating these biologically synthesized nanoparticles into advanced materials and coatings to improve their performance.

Vygotsky on Method and the Education of the Children with Disabilities: Building the Science of the Constitution of Consciousness

ABSTRACT Vygotsky’s approach to the problem of method in face of the crisis in psychology is actual today as was in his time and contributes to the debates concerning the formation of psychology as a mature science. Despite undergoing different stages of development, Vygotsky’s method and theory form a totality that facilitates understanding each of its stages as much as its different constituents. The thread that constitutes this unity in diversity is the concept of ‘consciousness’. In this article, this thesis will be substantiated through an analysis of Vygotsky’s discussions on method, on consciousness as the subject-matter of the science of psychology, and on his approach to the education of children with disabilities. Vygotsky’s theory is based on a transformative praxis that aims for the constitution of independent consciousness.

Floristic Survey of Agroecosystems of Nampula Research Station

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the flora existing in Nampula Agricultural Station, specifically identifying all plant species existing in the surrounding area and classifying them according to their uses. Theoretical Framework: Plant species can be classified according to their use: timber, ornamental, edible, fruit, medicinal, shade and also toxic. From a landscaping/ornamental point of view, plants can be divided into trees, shrubs, climbing plants, palm trees and cycads, herbaceous plants, bedding plants, lawns, aquatic plants, succulents, flowering plants and bromeliads. Ethnobiological studies are important for the conservation of species and cultural heritage in threatened urban spaces. In the species identification system, various identification materials are used, including physical manuals and software. Good identification material should be useful to anyone without any knowledge of botany, easy to use, capable of identifying plants at any stage of growth, tolerant of observable errors, useful in the office as well as in the field and have regularly updated information. Method: The Study was carried out at the Institute of Agricultural Research of Mozambique (IIAM) – Northeast Zonal Centre (CZnd), Nampula Research Station (PAN), Mozambique. The methodology adopted for all species was participatory action research and direct observation, that is, field and/or exploratory research which consisted of random walks through the agronomic station and direct identification of them. For herbaceous plants, one part was identified in the field and another was collected for identification in the laboratory using WIKTROP software and field manuals. Results and Discussion: The results obtained reveal that 37 analyzed plants were grouped into 5 categories and groups (timber, ornamental, medicinal, fruit and shade plants). As a result, ornamental species are the majority of plants found in the PAN (30), followed by medicinal and shade species, with 19 and 18, respectively. Finally fruit trees and timber trees with 11 and 7 trees each. As for herbaceous plants, a total of 20 (twenty) species and 11 (eleven) families were identified. The results of this research make it possible to understand the floristic potential of the place, as well as to know the herbaceous species (weeds and weeds) for their conservation and combat within agricultural ecosystems. One of the major limitations of the study has to do with the seasonality of the species, as well as the lack of adequate instruments for their identification. Research Implications: This study is very important and has great implications for agricultural research since once the species existing in agroecosystems are known, it will allow the researcher to better plan his production and testing area, as well as define the priorities of species to be produced. The study can cover several areas of research and knowledge, involving areas such as the environment, agriculture and livestock. Originality/Value: This study represents the initial milestone in surveying the flora of the Nampula Agricultural Station, which will culminate in the publication of a book and/or compendium of all identified species for future consultation, as well as a field guide. The data obtained in this research can be used as reference material for other researchers, students and the general public. The biggest focus is on identifying herbaceous plants and weeds, which will greatly impact agroecosystems.

Achieving synergistic viscosity and mechanical performance in Poly(aryl ether ketone) copolymers through bisphenol A-phenolphthalein side group ratio modulation

Poly (aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) plays a critical role in the production and application of special engineering plastics. However, the traditional PAEK has some limitations in processing, such as high melt viscosity and high energy consumption. This study successfully synthesized a series of PAEK copolymers with bisphenol A and phenolphthalein side groups through nucleophilic polycondensation, aiming to reduce the high energy consumption associated with material processing. By adjusting the ratio of bisphenol A to phenolphthalein side groups, this research explores their influence on the properties of the copolymers. Comprehensive characterization using various testing methods revealed that increasing the bisphenol A content led to a decrease in heat deflection temperature and glass transition temperature. Although mechanical performance showed a slight decline, it remained comparable to other advanced engineering materials. Notably, tuning the ratio of bisphenol A to phenolphthalein significantly improved the melt rheological properties of the copolymers, reducing melt viscosity, enhancing polymer chain flexibility, decreasing crosslinking tendencies, broadening the processing window, and lowering energy consumption. This study provides a novel strategy for tailoring the performance of PAEK copolymers, offering substantial potential for further research and application. These copolymers are good candidates for next-generation high-performance engineering plastics.

Effect of P doped bimetallic FeCo catalysts on carbon matrix for oxygen reduction in alkaline media

ABSTRACT Catalysts’ redox reactions are crucial for storage and energy conversion. Therefore, the fabrication of cost-effective, structurally rational, and multifunctional advanced catalytic materials continues to be a crucial task. In this study, we obtained P, Fe, and Co co-doped, nitrogen-rich carbon nanofibers by directly forming carbon nanotubes from metal-organic frameworks through electrospinning and pyrolysis. The P0.025-FeCo/C catalyst demonstrated outstanding ORR activity, including an ECSA of 1954.3 cm2, a limited current density of -3.98 mA/cm2, an E1/2 of ~0.84 V, and an Eonset of ~0.94 V. After 5000 cycles, the P0.025-FeCo/C catalyst demonstrated remarkable enduring stability. These function enhancements occurred because of the electronic coupling between the metal and phosphorus, which altered the electron distribution at the metal center and optimized its electronic structure, thereby improving catalytic activity and stability. It exhibits good chemical stability in alkaline media and can maintain its catalytic performance for a long time, demonstrating good durability. Its tubular structure provides many active sites and superior electron transport paths owing to its unique channels and cavities, which help improve its activity and stability. Therefore, P0.025-FeCo/C is expected to become a non-precious metal catalyst for facilitating oxygen reduction reactions.

Research on the antibacterial and anti-pilling properties of polyester-cotton fabrics by the sol-gel technology

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to improve the antibacterial and anti-pilling properties of polyester-cotton fabrics by applying a chitosan-silica coating through sol-gel technology. By optimizing the process parameters, the study aims to enhance the fabrics’ resistance to germs, prevent pilling and maintain their mechanical and functional properties.Design/methodology/approachA transparent sol-gel was obtained by hydrolysis and condensation reactions using silane coupling agent (KH-560), ethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), chitosan and ethanol as precursors and co-solvents, respectively. This sol-gel was employed for the purpose of applying antimicrobial and anti-pilling multifunctional finishes to PC fabrics. An orthogonal experimental design method was employed to optimize the process parameters. The surface morphology and chemical structure of the fabrics were studied using scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy, both before and after finishing. The fabrics were subjected to testing and analysis to evaluate their antimicrobial and anti-pilling properties, as well as the wearing performance.FindingsThe best antibacterial and anti-pilling properties are achieved when the volume ratio of TEOS to KH-560 is 1:3, the concentration of chitosan is 10 g/L, the dipping time is 60 min and the water content is 1:2. The fabric exhibits an anti-pilling grade of 4–5 and an antimicrobial rate of 99.99%. The silica/chitosan gel generated a thin and elastic coating on the fiber surface, acting as a protective barrier against external abrasion and enhancing the anti-pilling property by 2–3 grades. The fabric strength increased significantly, while the air permeability remained practically unaltered compared to untreated fabric.Social implicationsThe development of advanced materials such as chitosan-modified silica sols holds significant social implications. These materials, with their enhanced properties, can lead to innovations in healthcare, environmental remediation and energy storage, improving living standards and fostering sustainable development. Their widespread adoption could also stimulate economic growth and job creation, fostering a more resilient society.Originality/valueThis research introduces an innovative approach using sol-gel technology to enhance the antibacterial and anti-pilling properties of polyester-cotton fabrics. By optimizing the ratio of TEOS to KH-560, chitosan concentration, dipping time and water content, it achieves remarkable results in both performance metrics, offering significant practical value for the textile industry, especially in healthcare and fashion sectors.

Development of new teaching materials that reduce the burden on elementary school teachers and encourage students to take an active role in chemical experiments

There is a need for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) skills in job markets worldwide and therefore a growing emphasis is being placed on these subjects in schools. This requires the right education in terms of lessons for students and also training for teachers. Associate Professor Masatsugu Taneda, Department of Science Education, Osaka Kyoiku University, is interested in how proper training could equip teachers without STEM backgrounds with the skills they need to enhance the education they are providing to students. He is developing quality education materials to assist teachers and inspire students. Drawing on his background in chemistry, Taneda is focusing on chemistry experiments but the project has scope to be rolled out to other STEM subjects. In one study, he developed labware and digital teaching materials for on-demand chemistry experiments that can be carried out at home. This enhances accessibility and flexibility for students while also improving standardisation of education. The digital teaching materials have been tested by student teachers affiliated with Osaka Kyoiku University who were given a lab kit containing the materials needed for the experiments. Given that teachers in Japan often don’t have sufficient time to source new teaching materials, this enables teachers to focus on their role as education facilitators, while practical content can be prepared by STEM professionals. Taneda developed the toolkit in collaboration with Kenis Corporation. The kits were evaluated for safety and content and then rolled out to university students not majoring in scientific fields so that they could be evaluated in the context of no scientific background.

Highly Precise Prediction of Micro- and Supra-pKa Based on 3D Descriptors Integrating Non-Covalent Interactions.

Accurate pKa prediction is crucial for understanding proton dissociation in complex molecular systems. However, existing models often face challenges in addressing subtle stereoelectronic effects and conformational flexibility. This study presents H-SPOC, a localized 3D descriptor that captures covalent and non-covalent interactions and incorporates solvent effects to predict site-specific pKavalues accurately. H-SPOC was validated on multiple benchmark datasets, including SAMPL6, SAMPL7, and SAMPL8, where it outperformed state-of-the-art methods. H-SPOC also proved versatile across various applications, including aspirin's non-equilibrium conformations, glycine's microstate distributions, and the stereoelectronic anomalies of Janus Sponge and Meldrum's Acid. It addressed challenging supra-pKapredictions in crystalline environments and accurately correlated pKa with reaction rates, selectivity, tautomerism, and pharmacokinetic properties. With its chemically intuitive design and computational efficiency, H-SPOC provides an efficient framework for rapid and precise micro- and supra-pKapredictions, offering significant potential in drug discovery, catalysis, and materials science.

Highly Precise Prediction of Micro‐ and Supra‐pKa Based on 3D Descriptors Integrating Non‐Covalent Interactions

Accurate pKa prediction is crucial for understanding proton dissociation in complex molecular systems. However, existing models often face challenges in addressing subtle stereoelectronic effects and conformational flexibility. This study presents H‐SPOC, a localized 3D descriptor that captures covalent and non‐covalent interactions and incorporates solvent effects to predict site‐specific pKa values accurately. H‐SPOC was validated on multiple benchmark datasets, including SAMPL6, SAMPL7, and SAMPL8, where it outperformed state‐of‐the‐art methods. H‐SPOC also proved versatile across various applications, including aspirin's non‐equilibrium conformations, glycine's microstate distributions, and the stereoelectronic anomalies of Janus Sponge and Meldrum's Acid. It addressed challenging supra‐pKa predictions in crystalline environments and accurately correlated pKa with reaction rates, selectivity, tautomerism, and pharmacokinetic properties. With its chemically intuitive design and computational efficiency, H‐SPOC provides an efficient framework for rapid and precise micro‐ and supra‐pKa predictions, offering significant potential in drug discovery, catalysis, and materials science.

Microfluidics-Assembled Nanovesicles for Nucleic Acid Delivery.

ConspectusMicrofluidic technologies have become a highly effective platform for the precise and reproducible production of nanovesicles used in drug and nucleic acid delivery. One of their key advantages lies in the one-step assembly of multidrug delivery nanovesicles, which improves batch-to-batch reproducibility by minimizing the intermediate steps typically required in conventional methods. These steps often involve complex hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, leading to variability in the nanovesicle composition and performance. Microfluidic systems streamline the encapsulation of diverse therapeutic agents, including hydrophilic nucleic acids, proteins, and both hydrophobic and hydrophilic small molecules, within a single chip, ensuring a more consistent production process. This capability enables the codelivery of multiple drugs targeting different disease pathways, which is particularly valuable in reducing the risk of drug resistance.Despite the promise of nanovesicles for nucleic acid delivery, their clinical translation has been hindered by safety concerns, particularly cytotoxicity, which has overshadowed efforts to improve in vivo stability and delivery efficiency. Positively charged nanovesicles, commonly used to encapsulate negatively charged nucleic acids, tend to exhibit significant cytotoxicity. To address this, charge-shifting materials that respond to pH changes or surface modifications have been proposed as promising strategies. Shifting the surface charge from positive to neutral or negative at physiological pH can reduce the cytotoxicity, enhancing the clinical feasibility of these nanovesicle-based therapies.Microfluidic platforms offer precise control over key nanovesicle properties, including particle size, rigidity, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency. Particle size is relatively easy to adjust by controlling flow rates within microfluidic channels, with higher flow rates generally producing smaller particles. However, continuous tuning of the particle rigidity remains challenging. By manipulation of the interfacial water layer between hydrophobic and amphiphilic components during nanoparticle formation, future designs may achieve greater control over rigidity, which is critical for improving cellular uptake and biodistribution. While shape tuning using microfluidic chips has not yet been fully explored in biomedical applications, advances in materials science may enable this aspect in the future, offering further customization of the nanovesicle properties.The integration of nanovesicle assembly and surface modification within a single microfluidic platform presents challenges due to the differing speeds of these processes. Nanovesicle assembly is typically rapid, whereas surface modifications, such as those involving functional biomolecules, occur more slowly and often require purification steps. Recent advances, such as rotary valve designs and single-axis camshaft mechanisms, offer precise control over flow mixing at different stages of the process, allowing for the automation of nanovesicle assembly and surface modification, thereby improving batch-to-batch reproducibility.In conclusion, microfluidic technologies represent a promising approach for the development of multifunctional nanovesicles with the potential to address key challenges in drug delivery and precision medicine. While obstacles related to cytotoxicity, scalability, and reproducibility remain, innovations in chip design, materials, and automation are paving the way for broader application in clinical settings. Future research, potentially incorporating machine learning, could further optimize the relationship between nanovesicle properties and biological outcomes, advancing the use of microfluidic technologies for therapeutic delivery.

Low-Rank Variational Quantum Algorithm for the Dynamics of Open Quantum Systems

The simulation of many-body open quantum systems is key to solving numerous outstanding problems in physics, chemistry, material science, and in the development of quantum technologies. Near-term quantum computers may bring considerable advantage for the efficient simulation of their static and dynamical properties, thanks to hybrid quantum-classical variational algorithms to approximate the dynamics of the density matrix describing the quantum state in terms of an ensemble average. Here, a variational quantum algorithm is developed to simulate the real-time evolution of the density matrix governed by the Lindblad master equation, under the assumption that the quantum state has a bounded entropy along the dynamics, entailing a low-rank representation of its density matrix. The algorithm encodes each pure state of the statistical mixture as a parametrized quantum circuit, and the associated probabilities as additional variational parameters stored classically, thereby requiring a significantly lower number of qubits than algorithms where the full density matrix is encoded in the quantum memory. Two variational ansatze are proposed, and their effectiveness is assessed in the simulation of the dynamics of a 2D dissipative transverse field Ising model. The results underscore the algorithm's efficiency in simulating the dynamics of open quantum systems in the low-rank regime with limited quantum resources on a near-term quantum device.

Biosensors integrated within wearable devices for monitoring chronic wound status

Slowly healing wounds significantly affect the life quality of patients in different ways, due to constant pain, unpleasant odor, reduced mobility up to social isolation, and personal frustration. While remote wound management has become more widely accepted since the COVID-19 pandemic, delayed treatment remains frequent and results in several wound healing related complications. As inappropriate management of notably diabetic foot ulcers is linked to a high risk of amputation, effective management of wounds in a patient-centered manner remains important to be implemented. The integration of diagnostic devices into wound bandages is under way, owing to advancements in materials science and nanofabrication strategies as well as innovation in communication technologies together with machine learning and data-driven assessment tools. Leveraging advanced analytical approaches around local pH, temperature, pressure, and wound biomarker sensing is expected to facilitate adequate wound treatment. The state-of-the-art of time-resolved monitoring of the wound status by quantifying key physiological parameters as well as wound biomarkers' concentration is presented herewith. A special focus will be given to smart bandages with on-demand delivery capabilities for improved wound management.

Global Least Squares Algorithm for 3D Elemental Surface Topography Reconstruction Using Quad-Segment Detector in X-ray Spectrometry

Abstract 2D elemental imaging techniques such as micro-X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) and micro-particle-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE) play a critical role in elemental mapping across diverse fields such as biology, geology, materials science, and engineering. However, surface irregularities often introduce shadow effects, hindering accurate spectrometric analysis. Knowing the topography information is essential for addressing this issue. Here, we propose integrating a global least squares algorithm for reconstructing the 3D surface topography in micro-PIXE analysis which is applicable in other similar techniques based on X-ray microscopy. This algorithm utilizes two independent gradient components, distorted by noise, to calculate the gradient vector from X-ray data acquired by an annular quad-segment spectrometer. We demonstrate the capability of this approach on a real homogeneous sample, yielding 3D elemental surface topography. This noniterative code provides surface reconstructions which in turn could find application to enhance the correction of spatial elemental distributions across heterogeneous sample types.

Advanced Neuronal Modulation with Semiconducting Graphitic Carbon Nitride: Insights from In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Studies.

Impaired neuronal functions and cell death within ailments such as neurodegenerative Parkinson's disease pose significant challenges due to their complex pathophysiology and limited treatment options. In this landscape, innovative materials with unique physicochemical properties that ameliorate the debilitated neuronal functions are critically required. Neuronal functions rely on the conduction of nerve impulses, a process that can be effectively targeted using advanced materials that exhibit conducive properties essential for modulating neural activity. For their semiconductor characteristics, combined with well-suited biocompatibility, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets provide promising avenues for such neurotherapeutic applications. Our multidisciplinary study investigates the potential of g-C3N4 nanosheets in promoting neuronal differentiation and network formation across in vitro and in vivo systems. SH-SY5Y cells exposed to g-C3N4 demonstrated enhanced neuronal differentiation and neuritic outgrowth over a chronic 21-days period, accompanied by an increased intracellular Ca2+ influx, pivotal for dopamine biosynthesis, as evidenced by the upregulated expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) genes. Utilizing transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model expressing human α-synuclein, we observed the neuroprotective potential of g-C3N4, as evidenced by reduced protein aggregation and improved dopaminergic functions. In the pursuit of exploring the mechanism of g-C3N4-induced neuronal stimulation, the semiconducting nature of g-C3N4 came forth, which was further validated using theoretical (in silico) models. These models demonstrated an increase in the chemical potential of the material upon the application of electrical biases. Studying Ca2+ channel inhibition, we also observed that phenotypic and molecular effects were the outcomes of the stimulation caused due to the presence of g-C3N4 nanosheets. Our findings, supported by experimental and in silico studies, suggest that g-C3N4 nanosheets can effectively modulate neuronal behavior through their semiconducting properties, offering promising avenues for therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative diseases.

In Situ TEM Characterization of Battery Materials.

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an indispensable analytical technique in materials research as it probes material information down to the atomic level and can be utilized to examine dynamic phenomena during material transformations. In situ TEM resolves transient metastable states via direct observation of material dynamics under external stimuli. With innovative sample designs developed over the past decades, advanced in situ TEM has enabled emulation of battery operation conditions to unveil nanoscale changes within electrodes, at interfaces, and in electrolytes, rendering it a unique tool to offer unequivocal insights of battery materials that are beam-sensitive, air-sensitive, or that contain light elements, etc. In this review, we first briefly outline the history of advanced electron microscopy along with battery research, followed by an introduction to various in situ TEM sample cell configurations. We provide a comprehensive review on in situ TEM studies of battery materials for lithium batteries and beyond (e.g., sodium batteries and other battery chemistries) via open-cell and closed-cell in situ TEM approaches. At the end, we raise several unresolved points regarding sample preparation protocol, imaging conditions, etc., for in situ TEM experiments. We also provide an outlook on the next-stage development of in situ TEM for battery material study, aiming to foster closer collaboration between in situ TEM and battery research communities for mutual progress.

Insights into the Redox Chemistry and Structural Evolution of a P2-Type Cathode Material in Sodium-Ion Batteries

Insights into the Redox Chemistry and Structural Evolution of a P2-Type Cathode Material in Sodium-Ion Batteries

Mosquito-repellent textiles: a systematic review of material innovations, application principles and research trends

In many parts of the world, mosquito-borne illnesses have become a serious threat to public health. The development of mosquito-repellent textiles (MRTs) presents a promising approach to mitigating the risk of mosquito bites and the transmission of vector-borne illnesses. Despite the tremendous advancements in research over the years, it is uncommon to find a systematic review that maps the global research landscape with an in-depth analysis of MRT literature. Using the PRISMA approach, a total of 127 articles were carefully selected in March 2024 from Scopus and Google Scholar databases spanning 1989 to 2024. The data were carefully screened, extracted, and analyzed to understand the geospatial research collaborations, technological and materials innovations, application principles, and the current research trends in MRTs. Current innovations point to the fabrication of sustainable mosquito-repellent inherent polymers, and the use of numerical simulations to understand the complex phenomena of mosquito interactions with humans and textile substrates through machine learning. The worldwide research on MRT reveals an increasing trend toward the design and fabrication of sustainable MRTs using bio-based materials with significant efforts in the design of polymers with inherent mosquito-repellence properties. These findings will help researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders make informed choices about future research directions, funding priorities, and partnerships for the fight against mosquito-borne diseases globally.

Characterizing Electrode Materials and Interfaces in Solid-State Batteries.

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) could offer improved energy density and safety, but the evolution and degradation of electrode materials and interfaces within SSBs are distinct from conventional batteries with liquid electrolytes and represent a barrier to performance improvement. Over the past decade, a variety of imaging, scattering, and spectroscopic characterization methods has been developed or used for characterizing the unique aspects of materials in SSBs. These characterization efforts have yielded new understanding of the behavior of lithium metal anodes, alloy anodes, composite cathodes, and the interfaces of these various electrode materials with solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). This review provides a comprehensive overview of the characterization methods and strategies applied to SSBs, and it presents the mechanistic understanding of SSB materials and interfaces that has been derived from these methods. This knowledge has been critical for advancing SSB technology and will continue to guide the engineering of materials and interfaces toward practical performance.