Potential Material Research Articles

Conductive 1D Metal–Organic Frameworks DDA‐X (DDA = Hexacoordinated 1,5‐Diamino‐4,8‐Dihydroxy‐9,10‐Anthraceneedione, X = Co, Ni, and Cu) for Highly Efficient Sulfur Redox Kinetics in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: A Density‐Functional Theory Study

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LiSBs) are considered as the prominent candidates for next‐generation energy storage systems. However, the commercial applications of LiSBs are impeded by shuttling effect and sluggish conversion kinetics of the lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Herein, it is proposed that the 1D metal–organic framework (1D MOF) DDA‐X (DDA = hexacoordinated 1,5‐diamino‐4,8‐dihydroxy‐9,10‐anthraceneedione, X = Co, Ni, and Cu) can be a potential sulfur host material for LiSBs. Through the first‐principles calculations, it is revealed that the DDA‐X with excellent electronic conductivity mitigates the insulating properties of S‐based electrodes. Because of the significant synergistic effect based on the XS bond and the LiN bond, the DDA‐X can intensely interact with LiPSs and substantially prevent soluble LiPSs species into the electrolyte. Particularly, the battery with the DDA‐Co cathode has excellent electrocatalytic activity for the redox reaction of LiPSs, which has low Gibbs free energy barriers (0.398 eV) and Li2S decomposition energy barriers (1.45 eV) during the charge–discharge cycle, and it is due to the upshift of the d‐band center of Co in DDA‐Co. Through these findings, the application of the 1D MOF materials in high‐performance LiSBs is facilitated.

Characteristics of natural sponge fibres and their effects on the properties of cement-based materials

Literature indicates that natural fibre-reinforced concrete (NFRC) can effectively serve as an alternative to conventional fibre concrete for reducing brittleness. Yet, there are limited studies on how natural sponge fibre (NSF) affects the properties of concrete. Hence, this study aims to assess the properties of reinforced concrete containing non-chemically (NonC) and NaOH (N)-treated NSF, along with their composite’s potential for structural advantage and environmental sustainability. In the experimental method, mass concrete was prepared by adding NonC and N-treated NSF in varied ratios of 0.00%, 0.75%, 1.00%, and 1.25% by mass. The impact of NonC and N-treated NSF on the physical and mechanical properties of NSFRC was evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the effects of treatments. It was observed that the strength and durability properties of the N-treated NSFRC composites improved; however, the workability was reduced compared to the NonC-treated NSFRC and the control concrete. The strain at peak stress (ε2) of N-treated composites was more than 0.002 in conventional concrete. Also, the SEM validation supported the mechanism, which led to the results of this study. In conclusion, the strength of N-treated NSFRC makes it a potential construction material for structural advantage.

High-efficient spin injection in Co/GeSn with ferromagnetic resonance driven spin pumping

Germanium tin (GeSn) is one of the candidates for spintronic materials owing to its tunable spin–orbit interaction and barrier height with increasing the Sn content. However, as a potential spintronic material, its spin related properties have not been fully understood yet. We investigate the efficiency of spin current detection in GeSn by using the technique of ferromagnetic resonance drive spin pumping. Some fundamental spintronic parameters can be extracted from our experimental results to measure the change of spin injection/conversion efficiency. A Co layer is deposited on the top GeSn thin films to serve as the spin current generator. Here, the effective spin mixing conductance (geff↑↓) and the product of spin diffusion length and spin Hall angle [λsθISHE(%)] represent the spin injection efficiency and the spin-charge conversion efficiency, respectively. geff↑↓ and λsθISHE(%) are 9.3 × 1019 m−2 and 1.39 nm for p-type GeSn; and 7.4 × 1019 m−2 and 2.09 nm for n-type GeSn. The high-efficient spin injection in both p-type and n-type Co/GeSn systems is attributed to a low barrier height at the Co/GeSn interface because the spin current at the interface is proportional to the square root of barrier height. Our experimental results show that GeSn is effective as a spin current sink.

Pressure-Modulated Luminescence Enhancement and Quenching in a Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Framework.

Light emission in the solid state is central for illumination, sensing, and imaging applications. Unlike luminescence in dilute solutions, where the excited states are unimolecular in nature, intermolecular interaction plays a significant role in the quantum yield of solid-state luminophores, manifested as competing aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) and aggregation-induced enhancement (AIE). Both effects are extensively studied in various systems; however, it remains unclear how their competition depends on molecular conformation and intermolecular stacking. Here the direct observation of pressure-modulated AIE-ACQ competition in a crystalline hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) is reported. Using in situ spectroscopies and computational modeling, the intramolecular vibration and intermolecular π-π stacking directly responsible for the non-radiative decay of the excited state are identified. The extent of these two contributions is modulated by hydrostatic pressure and guest molecules in the HOF pores. This work demonstrates a physically neat model system to understand and control solid-state luminescence, and a potential material platform for piezoluminescent sensing.

The Experimental Study on the Thermoelectric Properties of Sputtered Amorphous Molybdenum Disulfide Films

ABSTRACT Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a promising two-dimensional material, has attracted significant attention due to its unique electronic and thermal properties, making it a potential thermoelectric material Extensive research is underway to improve the thermoelectric properties of MoS2 by enhancing the figure of merit (ZT). However, there is currently limited research on the effects of thickness and temperature on the thermoelectric properties of MoS2 films prepared by magnetron sputtering. In this paper, amorphous MoS2 films with different thicknesses were first deposited using magnetron sputtering, ranging from 43nm to 231nm. The Frequency Domain Thermoreflectance (FDTR) system was established to measure the thermal conductivity of MoS2 film. The experimental results indicate a thermal conductivity range of 0.49 to 0.53W/m·K, with thickness showing minimal impact. The thermal boundary conductance between the sputter-deposited MoS2 film and the SiO2 substrate is measured at 12±5MW/m2 ·K. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient were measured in the temperature range of 300 K to 450 K using LSR-3 equipment. The results indicate that the MoS2 films prepared in this study were all p-type semiconductors, with electrical properties increasing with temperature. Within the temperature range of 300–430 K, the power factor of all films increases with the rise in temperature, reaching a maximum value of 0.36 µW/cm·K2

A novel cocrystal of the Zn(II) coordination molecule and the benzimidazole for efficient detection of triethylamine and antibacterial property

A new cocrystal of the Zn(II) coordination molecule and the benzimidazole (bim), [Zn(bim)(SCN)3]-[Hbim] (C10H6N5S3Zn-C7H7N2, cocrystal 1) was directly synthesized at room temperature. X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis showed that cocrystal 1 is extended into a 3D supramolecular network via hydrogen bonding and π⋅⋅⋅π stacking interactions. Information on non-covalent interactions were gathered by calculating the Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint of the crystal stacking of cocrystal 1. Photoluminescence experiments demonstrated that cocrystal 1 not only possessed good solid-state fluorescence performance but also favorable fluorescence characteristics and stability in aqueous solutions. Notably, cocrystal 1 exhibited excellent anti-interference properties, high sensitivity, high fluorescence enhancement, and low limit of detection (LOD: 59.8 μM) against triethylamine (TEA) in aqueous medium via the “Turn-On” effect. In addition, the antimicrobial properties of the cocrystal were investigated. The results of antimicrobial experiments revealed that cocrystal 1 inhibited Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Molecular docking analysis unraveled the mode of interaction with DNA in bacteria. Cocrystal 1 is a potential multifunctional material for the preparation of TEA sensors and antimicrobial agents. Finally, the possible enhancing mechanism and potential antimicrobial mechanism were researched.

Designed nano architectonics of rare earth sesquioxides Gd2O3-Y2O3 bimetallic nanocomposite as a potential electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitor application

Designed nano architectonics of rare earth sesquioxides Gd2O3-Y2O3 bimetallic nanocomposite as a potential electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitor application

New Potential Barite Reference Materials for LA-MC-ICP-MS Sulfur Isotope Analysis with Application to Hydrothermal Barite in the Huayangchuan Deposit, Western China

New Potential Barite Reference Materials for LA-MC-ICP-MS Sulfur Isotope Analysis with Application to Hydrothermal Barite in the Huayangchuan Deposit, Western China

Sol-gel auto-combustion synthesis and characterization of Eu2CrMnO6 nanostructures as a potential electrochemical hydrogen storage material

Sol-gel auto-combustion synthesis and characterization of Eu2CrMnO6 nanostructures as a potential electrochemical hydrogen storage material

Quantitative Analysis of Peanut Skin Adulterants by Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics

Peanut skin is a potential medicinal material. The adulteration of peanut skin samples with starchy substances severely affects their medicinal value. This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the adulterants present in peanut skin using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy. Two adulterants, sweet potato starch and corn starch, were included in this study. First, spectral information of the adulterated samples was collected for characterization. Then, the applicability of different preprocessing methods and techniques to the obtained spectral data was compared. Subsequently, the Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS) algorithm was used to extract effective variables from the preprocessed spectral data, and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), a Support Vector Machine (SVM), and a Black Kite Algorithm-Support Vector Machine (BKA-SVM) were employed to predict the adulterant content in the samples, as well as the overall adulteration level. The results showed that the BKA-SVM model performed excellently in predicting the content of sweet potato starch, corn starch, and overall adulterants, with determination coefficients (RP2) of 0.9833, 0.9893, and 0.9987, respectively. The experimental results indicate that FT-NIR spectroscopy combined with advanced machine learning techniques can effectively and accurately detect adulterants in peanut skin, providing a reliable technological support for food safety detection.

Tuning the magnetic properties by partial substitution of Cr in D022-Mn3Ga: A potential material for spin transfer torque applications

This report presents the effect of partial substitution of the Cr atom at the itinerant octahedral site (Y2b site) of D022-type Mn3Ga. The Cr introduces a reduction of magnetization due to the antiparallel alignment of Cr atoms at the itinerant site to Mn atoms at the localized site (X4d) with variation in mixed valence states (Mn4+ and Mn3+) from that of the pristine as revealed from the deconvolution of the Mn2p peak. The alloy possesses irreversible magneto-structural phase transformation during heating and cooling modes of temperature-dependent magnetization study. During heating, the magnetic interaction between Mn and Cr atoms possesses an abrupt change in magnetization over temperature, leading to Hopkinson’s like effect with magneto-structural transition temperature (Tc) ∼ 780 K, notably higher than the parent alloy. The thermal variation of uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy ≈1.20-0.2 Merg/cc in addition to high coercivity (∼1.2–2.85 kOe) can be utilized as potential material for spin transfer torque-based memory applications.

Double-phase Nd3+, Yb3+:CeF3/CeO2 nanoparticles as potential materials for optical temperature sensing

Double-phase Nd3+, Yb3+:CeF3/CeO2 nanoparticles as potential materials for optical temperature sensing

Green Synthesis of Pachyrhizus erosus‐Derived Carbon Aerogels for Adsorption of Oil and Organic Solvents and Investigation of Their Electrochemical Properties

AbstractIn this study, to make the most of biomass as raw material, carbon aerogel was fabricated by green synthesis and low‐cost methods with high applicability. Pachyrhizus erosus‐derived carbon aerogel (PCA) was synthesized through a simple process by hydrothermal freeze‐drying combined with pyrolysis. The effect of pyrolysis temperature on the characterization and applications of PCA was investigated at 600, 700, and 800 °C. Characterization of PCA was analyzed by modern methods: scanning electron microscope, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. With its diverse pore structure and bulk form, PCA was investigated for applications of oil and organic solvent adsorption and energy storage. From that, PCA becomes a potential material application in adsorption and energy storage with an oil adsorption capacity 31 times its volume and a specific capacitance of up to 349.9 F/g for PCA pyrolysis at 700 °C.

Magnetic properties of potential li-ion battery materials

Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) have transformed electrochemical energy storage technologies and made a substantial contribution to grid-scale energy storage and the e-mobility revolution. Notwithstanding their many benefits, safety issues—specifically, thermal runaway incidents—have drawn attention from all around the world. In addition to discussing safety concerns, cooling techniques, and the history of battery materials, this study offers a thorough analysis of the growth, difficulties, and developments in Li-ion battery technology. Quantum Espresso software has been used to compute the magnetic characteristics of several potential Li-ion battery materials, which can enhance Li-ion battery performance.

Enhanced specific surface area in 2D graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets via two-step calcination temperature-induced structural transformation

Graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) has been vigorously investigated as a unique type of two-dimensional (2D) soft material in various areas such as catalyst, energy storage and photoelectronics. The GCN was commonly synthesized by involving a facile one-step calcination process. However, this method produced the GCN with low surface area properties (<30 m2/g). Modifying the structure of GCN is an efficient method for enhancing its surface area properties. A facile two-step calcination method was been thoroughly investigated for its efficacy in attaining an enhanced surface area of GCN. Herein, we investigated a simple two-step thermal polymerization method to achieve exfoliated structures of GCN with higher surface area by using melamine and ammonium chloride as precursor and gas templates. In this study, the GCN was synthesized at elevated temperatures (400, 450, 500, 550, and 600°C) and characterized using BET, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, Raman, and TGA analyses. The evolution of morphological characteristics contributed to achieving the highest GCN surface area at a temperature of 550°C. By using a two-step calcination method, which ultimately leads to the formation of exfoliated structures, the GCN surface area has the potential to be increased to a maximum of 122.5 m2/g. The XRD and FTIR findings also revealed that the production and complete formation of GCN was only attainable at temperatures over 450°C. The as-synthesized GCN with the highest surface area may become a potential material for future usage in diverse applications especially in electrochemical and catalysis purposes. These advancements are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), involving SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The advancement of high-surface-area GCN supports cleaner energy solutions, promotes industrial innovation, and promotes sustainable environmental practices, thus encouraging a greener future.

Advancing Vanadium MXene Cathodes: Strategic Enhancements for Superior Performance in Zinc‐Ion Batteries

AbstractVanadium‐based MXenes have gained attention as potential electrode materials for Zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) because of their layered architecture, excellent electrical conductivity, and tunable redox properties. This review provides strategies such as surface functionalization, interlayer engineering, and hybridization with conductive materials to improve ion diffusion kinetics, structural stability, and energy density. This study addresses several issues including electrode degradation, limited cycling stability, and performance under practical conditions, along with insights into innovative approaches for overcoming these limitations. By summarizing the cutting‐edge developments and offering perspectives on next‐phase research directions, this review aims to guide the strategic enhancement of vanadium MXene cathodes for high‐ efficiency Zinc‐ion batteries, paving the way for their practical application in next‐generation energy storage devices.

Improving the Electrochemical Properties of SiOx Anode for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries by Magnesiothermic Reduction and Prelithiation.

For lithium-ion batteries, silicon monoxide is a potential anode material, but its application is limited by its relatively large irreversible capacity loss, which leads to its low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). In this study, we conduct a two-step reaction for the formation of silicon oxide-based materials, including a magnesiothermic reduction of SiOx with Mg, followed by the solid-state lithiation of silicon oxide with Li2CO3. Our results demonstrate that Mg can reduce SiO2 to Si and form MgSiO3, while Li2CO3 reacts with SiOx to form Li2Si2O5. MgSiO3 and Li2Si2O5 on the surface of SiOx can effectively mitigate the irreversible loss of lithium ions, thus enhancing the ICE of SiOx. The resulting SiOx-Mg-Li2CO3-C nanostructure has an ICE of up to 91.1% and a relatively stable cycle performance. After 100 cycles at 0.5 C, the capacity is still 894.5 mAh g-1, and the capacity retention rate is 87.9%. A lithium-ion full battery with the commercial LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NCM811) as the cathode was assembled to test its practical applicability. The full cell exhibits a stable discharge capacity of 91.4 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 1 C, with a capacity retention of 79.9%.

Poly(curcumin-co-poly(ethylene glycol)) films provide neuroprotection following reactive oxygen species insult in vitro

Objective.Curcumin is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule that may provide neuroprotection following central nervous system injury. However, curcumin is hydrophobic, limiting its ability to be loaded and then released from biomaterials for neural applications. We previously developed polymers containing curcumin, and these polymers may be applied to neuronal devices or to neural injury to promote neuroprotection. Thus, our objective was to evaluate two curcumin polymers as potential neuroprotective materials for neural applications.Approach.For each curcumin polymer, we created three polymer solutions by varying the weight percentage of curcumin polymer in solvent. These solutions were subsequently coated onto glass coverslips, and the thickness of the polymer was assessed using profilometry. Polymer degradation and dissolution was assessed using brightfield microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. The ability of the polymers to protect cortical neurons from free radical insult was assessed using anin vitrocortical culture model.Main results.The P50 curcumin polymer (containing greater poly(ethylene glycol) content than the P75 polymer), eroded readily in solution, with erosion dependent on the weight percentage of polymer in solvent. Unlike the P50 polymer, the P75 polymer did not undergo erosion. Since the P50 polymer underwent erosion, we expected that the P50 polymer would more readily protect cortical neurons from free radical insult. Unexpectedly, even though P75 films did not erode, P75 polymers protected neurons from free radical insult, suggesting that erosion is not necessary for these polymers to enable neuroprotection.Significance.This study is significant as it provides a framework to evaluate polymers for future neural applications. Additionally, we observed that some curcumin polymers do not require dissolution to enable neuroprotection. Future work will assess the ability of these materials to enable neuroprotection withinin vivomodels of neural injury.

PtAu-Carbon Nanotube/Glassy Carbon Electrode Composite Based Electrochemical Sensor for High-Precision Detection of Tetracycline.

With enrichment of tetracycline (TC) in ecosystems, its accurate detection has become a major concern. Noble-metal nano-particles have attracted great interest as potential materials for sensing applications because of their remarkable electrical properties and adaptability. Herein, a novel electro-chemical detection technique based on carbon nano-tubes (CNTs) as the support material is developed to detect TC with high precision. To achieve a characteristic response to TC, a composite electrode for detection electrode is prepared by loading platinum-gold (PtAu) nano-particles on CNTs surface via electro-deposition. The oxidation peak at 0.38 V is used as the signal probe to draw a standard curve by comparing the intensities of the oxidation peaks at various TC concentrations. The PtAu-CNTs/GCE sensor exhibits remarkable sensitivity (LOD=1.05×10-8 mol/L) and anti-interference properties. This study demonstrates the potential for TC detection in complex environments.

Enhancement of Ferroelectric Properties of Ni-Substituted Pb2Fe2O5 Thin Films Synthesized by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering Deposition

Lead ferrite Pb2Fe2O5 (PFO) is a potential multiferroic material due its exhibition of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties. The effects of the substitution with nickel and synthesis temperature on the structural, morphological, and ferroelectric properties of lead ferrite thin films were investigated through the use of reactive magnetron sputtering deposition. Nickel loading concentrations were systematically varied (3%, 5%, and 10% by wt.%). X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of Ni-substituted distorted PFO lattices, while scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy indicated a uniform elemental distribution and surface morphology. Polarization vs. electrical field (P−E) measurements showed improved remnant polarization (Pr) with increasing Ni content and synthesis temperatures, achieving a maximum Pr of 66.7 µC/cm2 at 5 wt.% The Ni loading and substrate (Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si, Nanoshel Company, Cheshire, UK) temperature were 600 °C. These findings suggest that optimizing the synthesis parameters such as temperature and substitution content is crucial for controlling the ferroelectric properties of PFO thin films.