Opportunities For Applications Research Articles

Stability of a Multiresponsive Sulfonium Vinyl Sulfide Linker toward Nucleophilic/Radical Thiols, Reactive Nitrogen Species, and in Cells under Pro-inflammatory Stimulation.

Chemical linkages that respond to biological stimuli are important for many pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications, making it relevant to explore new variants with different responsivity profiles. This work explores the responsiveness of a TAT peptide-based sulfonium vinyl sulfide probe that responds to nucleophilic thiols, radical thiol species (RTS), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Under model conditions, response to nucleophilic thiols was very slow (hours/days), though fast with down to molar equivalents of either RTS or RNS (minutes). These reactions led to the traceless release of a methionine-containing peptide in the first two cases and to a hydroxy nitration adduct in the third case. Despite the sensitive nature of the probe, it remained stable for at least ∼2 h in the presence of cells during TAT-mediated trafficking, even under pro-inflammatory stimulation. The thiol-responsiveness is intermediate to that observed for disulfide linkers and conventional cysteine-maleimide linkers, presenting opportunities for biotechnological applications.

Heavy Metal-Based Toxic Oxo-Pollutants Sequestration by Advanced Functional Porous Materials for Safe Drinking Water.

ConspectusWater scarcity as a consequence of either environmental or economic actions is the most compelling global concern of the 21st century, as ∼2 billion people (26% of the total population) struggle to access safe drinking water and ∼3.6 billion (46% of the total population) lack access to clean water sanitation. In this context, groundwater pollution by toxic heavy metals and/or their oxo-pollutants, such as CrO42-, Cr2O72-, AsO43-, SeO32-, SeO42-, TcO4-, UO22+, etc., have been becoming rapidly growing global concerns. The severe toxicity upon bioaccumulation of these oxo-anions has prompted the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to mark these persistent and hazardous substances as priority pollutants. Additionally, the heavy-metal-based pollutants are difficult to transform into eco-friendly substances, thus presenting serious challenges toward human health and environmental preservation. To this end, the emergence of advanced functional porous materials (AFPMs), including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), metal-organic polyhedrons (MOPs), porous organic polymers (POPs), etc., have presented extraordinary opportunities in material research and water treatment applications. The liberty in designing and structural tunability of AFPMs, facilitated by utilization of structure-encoded molecular building blocks, enables precise control over target-specificity and structure-property correlations. Bridging the gap between strategic material design and on-demand real-world application can facilitate the development of next-generation sorbents/ion-exchangers for efficient water treatment.In this Account, we summarize the recent advancements from our group toward the development of cutting-edge multifunctional ionic-porous sorbents, offering viable solutions toward providing clean and safe drinking water. Our vision allows us to comprehend this challenge through two strategic factors: efficient oxo-anion capture via ion-exchange and specific host-guest interactions via installation of modular functional groups. To provide an overview, we first highlight the different structural variants and coexistance of various toxic oxo-anions depending on the pH of the medium and their adverse effects. Next, we highlight the promising potential of water stable cationic MOFs toward selective remediation of toxic Cr(VI), Mn(VII), Tc(VI), Se(IV), Se(VI), U (VI), As(III), and As(V)-based toxic oxo-pollutants from water. In the subsequent sections, we summarize the target-specific design strategies and oxo-anion remediation performances of ionic porous organic polymers and hybrid functional porous materials. The key role of target-specific designability and/or structural fine-tuning of AFPMs toward preferential sorption of oxo-pollutants is systematically demonstrate. Particularly, the role of ion-exchange (anion-exchange) processes toward targeted oxo-pollutant capture by ionic AFPMs has been discussed in details. In several examples, the AFPMs were successful in reducing the toxic oxo-anion concentration levels lower than the permitted values for drinking water by the World Health Organizing Committee (WHO), showcasing their real-world applicability potency.Our contemporaneous endeavors in exploring ionic AFPMs for selective toxic oxo-anion sequestration may serve as a blueprint to researchers for future development of the next generation sorbent materials for energy-economically feasible water treatment methods.

Use of non-conventional raw materials in the production of gluten-free pasta – a review

Currently, about 5% of the earth's population suffers from gluten-related disorders. Modern technologies for gluten-free diets and filling the protein deficit are aimed at manufacturing gluten-free (GF) pasta products using non-conventional plant raw materials with high biological value. GF grains and crops (rice, corn, buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, etc.) are used to produce GF pasta products. However, there is a scarcity of studies that comprehensively understand GF flour addition on the nutritive, sensory and cooking properties. Therefore, the scope of this literature review covers the main types of non-conventional raw materials for GF pasta products and summarizes the research on pasta products made from them. Results indicate that the rheological and sensory attributes of pasta made from pure GF flours such as rice or corn still requires a deeper study of technological processes in producing GF pasta. Incorporating nutrient-dense ingredients such as amaranth, quinoa, sorghum, and chia flours not only enhances the nutritional profile of gluten-free pasta but also offers opportunities for diverse culinary applications. The improvement of sensory attributes in rice-, corn-, buckwheat-based pasta, coupled with the effective use of cooking enhancers like xanthan gum, transglutaminases, inulin, and alternative starches, paves the way for creating more palatable gluten-free options. As techniques such as high-temperature treatment, extrusion cooking, and starch pregelatinization become more refined, future developments may focus on optimizing these processes to further improve the texture, taste, and overall quality of gluten-free pasta. Continued research and innovation in ingredient selection and processing technologies will be crucial for meeting the growing demand for gluten-free products that do not compromise on culinary experience or nutritional value.

Health-Promoting Properties and the Use of Fruit Pomace in the Food Industry-A Review.

Fruit pomace, a by-product of the fruit industry, includes the skins, seeds, and pulp most commonly left behind after juice extraction. It is produced in large quantities: apple residues alone generate approximately 4 million tons of waste annually, which is a serious problem for the processing industry but also creates opportunities for various applications. Due to, among other properties, their high content of dietary fiber and polyphenolic compounds, fruit residues are used to design food with functional features, improving the nutritional value and health-promoting, technological, and sensory properties of food products. This article presents the health-promoting (antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial) properties of fruit pomace. Moreover, the possibilities of their use in the food industry are characterized, with particular emphasis on bread, sweet snack products, and extruded snacks. Attention is paid to the impact of waste products from the fruit industry on the nutritional value and technological and sensory characteristics of these products. Fruit pomace is a valuable by-product whose use in the food industry can provide a sustainable solution for waste management and contribute to the development of functional food products with targeted health-promoting properties.

Smart Bioorthogonal Nanozymes: From Rational Design to Appropriate Bioapplications.

Bioorthogonal chemistry has provided an elaborate arsenal to manipulate native biological processes in living systems. As the great advancement of nanotechnology in recent years, bioorthogonal nanozymes are innovated to tackle the challenges that emerged in practical biomedical applications. Bioorthogonal nanozymes are uniquely positioned owing to their advantages of high customizability and tunability, as well as good adaptability to biological systems, which bring exciting opportunities for biomedical applications. More intriguingly, the great advancement in nanotechnology offers an exciting opportunity for innovating bioorthogonal catalytic materials. In this comprehensive review, the significant progresses of bioorthogonal nanozymes are discussed with both spatiotemporal controllability and high performance in living systems, and highlight their design principles and recent rapid applications. The remaining challenges and future perspectives are then outlined along this thriving field. It is expected that this review will inspire and promote the design of novel bioorthogonal nanozymes, and facilitate their clinical translation.

Fluorescence array sensor based on lanthanide complex for pattern recognition detection of fluoroquinolone antibiotics

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, a class of animal and human useful antibiotics, are widely utilized in numerous fields including biomedical science, animal husbandry, and aquatic finfish farming. Its high demand and wide application have directly or indirectly led to substantial consumption and discharge of antibiotics, affecting not only the environment but also endangering human health through bioaccumulation. Hence, rapid and precise detection of trace antibiotics in water, food, and biological samples is critically important. This research synthesized Tb3+/Eu3+ complexes with dual emission centers, and a fluorescence sensor array was constructed with the fluorescence intensity ratio F1/F2 of the two emission centers as a signal. Different sensitization effect of fluoroquinolone antibiotics towards lanthanide complexes aided in differentiating five fluoroquinolone antibiotics from two others. Additionally, the sensor array can effectively detect fluoroquinolone antibiotics in real samples, suggesting its reliability and practicality of complex sample analysis. The excellent qualitative and quantitative analysis ability of this strategy for fluoroquinolone antibiotics offers a novel perspective for antibiotic residue detection, showcasing a new opportunity for lanthanide complex application in sensor arrays.

The Emerging Hemp Industry: A Review of Industrial Hemp Materials and Product Manufacturing

There is a growing need for resilient and renewable materials to aid society in global sustainability. It is incumbent upon the agricultural and manufacturing industries to work together to achieve this vision. In particular, the hemp plant has been identified as an emerging industrial crop that will be pivotal in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, this nascent industry has received an influx of research and development activity, resulting in various methods and practices globally, challenging the repeatability of results, research advancement, standards development, and sustainability assessment. A systematic literature review is conducted to identify and document (1) the various practices for harvesting and converting industrial hemp into materials and products and (2) existing hemp-derived products and those under development. Using the PRISMA methodology, 5295 articles were identified, and 109 articles were included for review. Unlike prior reviews focusing on specific hemp plant components, materials, or products, this study systematically evaluates the utilization pathways of the whole plant (stalk, flower, leaf, and seed) to traditional, industrial, and emerging products. Further, myriad opportunities for hemp material and product applications, sustainability performance assessment, and future research are discussed. This review will benefit future hemp research, advancing process technologies, developing novel products, establishing policies and standards, and assessing sustainability performance.

Current developments in elastic and acoustic metamaterials science.

The concept of metamaterial recently emerged as a new frontier of scientific research, encompassing physics, materials science and engineering. In a broad sense, a metamaterial indicates an engineered material with exotic properties not found in nature, obtained by appropriate architecture either at macro-scale or at micro-/nano-scales. The architecture of metamaterials can be tailored to open unforeseen opportunities for mechanical and acoustic applications, as demonstrated by an impressive and increasing number of studies. Building on this knowledge, this theme issue aims to gather cutting-edge theoretical, computational and experimental studies on elastic and acoustic metamaterials, with the purpose of offering a wide perspective on recent achievements and future challenges.This article is part of the theme issue, 'Current developments in elastic and acoustic metamaterials science (Part 2)'.

Amphiphilic Janus nanoparticles with controlled composition and wettability for pickering emulsion with controllable movement and release

Pickering emulsions represent an important class of functional materials with great potentials in field of sustainability and health, such as controlled drug release or catalysis. However, the limited tunability of the amphiphilicity and implementation of multiple components into Pickering emulsion are still challenges for reliable dynamic control. Here, a strategy to obtain a triphasic amphiphilic PS/Fe3O4@SiO2 Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) by cladding Fe3O4 NPs inside biphasic PS@SiO2 JNPs was proposed and validated. The sizes of the triphasic JNPs is in the range of 80–150 nm and water contact angle (θW) varies from 58.9° to 131.4°, indicating the wettability could be controlled at will. The formed JNPs are assembled at the oil-water interface to stabilize water-in-oil (W/O) and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion droplets. The stabilized emulsion droplets exhibit excellent thermodynamic stability which is evidenced by the droplet viability of 50 %-80 % after 6 months or excellent salt and temperature-resistance. Moreover, the movement and demulsification are made possible with magnetic actuation of JNPs. Compared to without magnetism, the release of curcumin dissolved in water within W/O droplet was realized 70 % after 12 days, showing a promising application in controlled active material release. Taking advantage of controllable synthesis and the functionality, this proposed approach could be expanded for preparation of colloidal materials with complex chemical and incorporate additional functionality, suggesting opportunities for further applications in drug delivery, oil recovery fields, and other fields related Pickering emulsion.

A 3D Printed Pumpless Nonaqueous Organic Redox Flow Cell

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) have considerable promise in addressing the ever-increasing demands for robust energy storage devices. The nature of these devices makes it possible to create storage with potential applicability at multiple size scales1. However, conventional RFBs require energy to pump the liquid electrolyte, reducing the overall system efficiency, and limiting its viability to mid- and large-scale operations only2. Eliminating the pumping load can improve overall efficiency and create opportunities for mobile applications. In this work, we demonstrate a 3D printed prototype of a pumpless non-aqueous organic RFB that induces flow in the electrolyte from sinusoidal rocking motion. The body of the flow cell was created using 3D printing, allowing us to modify and adapt geometry easily during testing.First, the compatibility of the 3D-printed material was studied by testing the chemical stability of widely available additive manufacturing materials under RFB conditions. Then, we evaluated the performance of this pumpless system using an easily scalable, soluble, and stable one electron donor phenothiazine derivative, N-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl)phenothiazine (MEEPT) which has been widely studied for RFB applications3. We used 0.25 M MEEPT and its bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide radical cation salt (MEEPT-TFSI) as a redox-active couple in 0.5 M tetraethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TEATFSI)/acetonitrile (MeCN). Our results suggest an inversely proportional empirical relationship between limiting current density and the frequency of sinusoidal motion due to varying mass transfer rates. After 100 cycles in this symmetric cell with an area specific resistance of 2.62 Ωcm2, we achieved a capacity retention of 63% and an average Coulombic efficiency of 96%, with minimal sign of decomposition of the redox couple when analyzed post-cell cycling.The results of this study can be used for 3D printing material selection in numerous electrochemical devices that use organic solvents, including flow cells, supercapacitors, and lithium-ion batteries. Using sinusoidal motion to drive electrolytes instead of a pump can increase the theoretical efficiency and decrease the overall size of a flow cell. This makes it attractive in wearable applications where biomechanical motion can be harnessed.1 Wang, W. et al. Recent Progress in Redox Flow Battery Research and Development. Advanced Functional Materials 23, 970-986 (2013). https://doi.org:10.1002/adfm.2012006942 Tian, C. H., Chein, R., Hsueh, K. L., Wu, C. H. & Tsau, F. H. Design and modeling of electrolyte pumping power reduction in redox flow cells. Rare Metals 30, 16-21 (2011). https://doi.org:10.1007/s12598-011-0229-13 Milshtein, J. D. et al. High current density, long duration cycling of soluble organic active species for non-aqueous redox flow batteries. Energy & Environmental Science 9, 3531-3543 (2016). https://doi.org:10.1039/C6EE02027E

Boosted Photocatalytic Activities of Ag2CrO4 through Eu3+-Doping Process.

Ag2CrO4 is a representative member of a family of Ag-containing semiconductors with highly efficient visible-light-driven responsive photocatalysts. The doping process with Eu3+ is known to effectively tune their properties, thus opening opportunities for investigations and application. Here, we report the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity and stability of Ag2CrO4 by introducing Eu3+cations. The structural, electronic, and photocatalytic properties of Ag2CrO4:xEu3+ (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1%) synthesized using the coprecipitation method were systematically discussed, and their photodegradation activity against rhodamine B (RhB), ciprofloxacin hydrochloride monohydrate (CIP), and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) was evaluated. Structural analyses reveal a short-range symmetry breaking in the Ag2CrO4 lattice after Eu3+ doping, influencing the material morphology, size, and electronic properties. XPS analysis confirmed the incorporation of Eu3+ and alteration of the surface oxygen species. Furthermore, photoluminescence measurements indicated that the doping process was responsible for reducing recombination processes. The sample doped with 0.25% Eu3+ exhibited superior photocatalytic performance compared to pure Ag2CrO4. Scavenger experiments revealed an increase in the degradation via •OH reactive species for the sample doped with 0.25% Eu3+. DFT calculations provided atomic-scale insights into the structural and electronic changes induced by the Eu3+ doping process in the Ag2CrO4 host lattice. This study confirms that Eu3+ doping alters the band structure, enabling different degradation paths and boosting the separation/transfer of photogenerated charges, thereby improving the overall photocatalytic performance.

Lithium Phosphorous Oxynitride as an Advanced Solid‐State Electrolyte to Boost High‐Energy Lithium Metal Battery

AbstractLithium phosphorous oxynitride (LiPON) as one of the most successful solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs), has attracted great interest both in academia and technology due to its exceptional interfacial compatibility, broad electrochemical stability window, and excellent thermal stability, which enables the realization of extremely stable electrolyte/electrode interphase toward high‐energy density solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries (SSLMBs). However, insufficiency in ionic diffusion, mechanical robustness, and interfacial stability hinder its commercialization process. Herein, the characteristics of amorphous structure LiPON, fundamental understanding on the bulk ionic diffusion and electrode/electrolyte interface are systematically discussed, and the improvement strategies to boost the electrochemical performance are highlighted. Then, innovative characterization and computational methods help to unravel the design principle of LiPON are summarized. Furthermore, the approaches to realize high‐efficient preparation of LiPON are analyzed, followed by the investigation of present application of LiPON in current batteries. Finally, remaining challenges associated with the fundamental understanding and rational prediction of structure and interface design, high efficient preparation, and potential opportunities for future application of LiPON are properly prospected.

Theoretical Models for Performance Analysis of Spintronic THz Emitters

The terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum, spanning from 0.1 to 10 THz, offers unique opportunities for imaging, spectroscopy, and communication applications. However, the potential of THz technologies has been limited by the availability of efficient and versatile THz emitters. Spintronic THz emitters (STEs), leveraging the ultrafast dynamics of electron spins in magnetic materials, have emerged as a promising solution to this challenge. STEs offer significant advantages, including broad bandwidth, high power output, and room-temperature operation, positioning them at the forefront of THz technology development. Despite these advances, understanding the operational principles and improving the performance of STEs remain areas of active research. This review focuses on the theoretical models that describe the behavior of STEs, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the underlying physics and suggest directions for future enhancements. Through a detailed examination of these models, the review seeks to clarify the basics of the physics driving STE performance and highlight innovative strategies for their optimization and application expansion.

Preparation, acid modification and catalytic activity of kaolinite nanotubes in α-pinene oxide isomerization.

In this work kaolinite nanotubes (KNT) were obtained from commercial kaolin AKF-78 (Uzbekistan) by starting material sequential intercalation by DMSO and methanol, followed by treatment with a cetyltrimethylammonium chloride solution. Acid functionalization of KNT for catalytic applications was successfully performed for the first time using a two-step treatment with piranha solution (H2SO4-H2O2), which resulted in the removal of organic impurities as synthetic artifacts and an increase in specific surface area by 3.9 times (up to 159 m2 g-1), pore volume by 1.5 times (0.23 cm3 g-1) and acidity by 4.1 times (49 μmol g-1). The values of the porous structure parameters and concentration of acid sites in processed kaolinite nanotubes practically corresponded to those for natural halloysite nanotubes (HNT) modified in the same way. Both types of materials demonstrated catalytic activity in the model reaction of α-pinene oxide isomerization in various solvents, including green ones, with selectivity to trans-carveol up to 55-57% and campholenic aldehyde of 50-51%, depending on the medium used. A satisfactory correlation between solvent polarity and selectivity was also observed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of using modified kaolinite nanotubes per se as a catalyst. Overall, treatment of KNT with piranha solution provides not only catalytic activity but also the opportunity for further functionalization and application of these nanomaterials.

2D Super-Resolution Metrology Based on Superoscillatory Light.

Progress in the semiconductor industry relies on the development of increasingly compact devices consisting of complex geometries made from diverse materials. Precise, label-free, and real-time metrology is needed for the characterization and quality control of such structures in both scientific research and industry. However, optical metrology of 2D sub-wavelength structures with nanometer resolution remains a major challenge. Here, a single-shot and label-free optical metrology approach that determines 2D features of nanostructures, is introduced. Accurate experimental measurements with a random statistical error of 18nm (λ/27) are demonstrated, while simulations suggest that 6nm (λ/81) may be possible. This is far beyond the diffraction limit that affects conventional metrology. This metrology employs neural network processing of images of the 2D nano-objects interacting with a phase singularity of the incident topologically structured superoscillatory light. A comparison between conventional and topologically structured illuminations shows that the presence of a singularity with a giant phase gradient substantially improves the retrieval of object information in such an optical metrology. This non-invasive nano-metrology opens a range of application opportunities for smart manufacturing processes, quality control, and advanced materials characterization.

Investigating the potential of Nd and Co modified bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) nanoparticles for advanced energy storage and electronic applications

In this study, we synthesized and characterized Nd and Co modified bismuth ferrite nanoparticles (BNFCO) using mechanical milling. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis has provided confirmation of the distorted rhombohedral, mixed rhombohedral-tetragonal and tetragonal perovskite structure with space group R3c and P2mm. Notably, these nanoparticles exhibited a high dielectric constant and low loss values at low frequencies and high temperatures, remaining around 103 up to 373 K before increasing to approximately 104, which opens new avenues for exploring temperature-sensitive dielectric properties. The AC conductivity adhered to Jonscher's power law, with dc conductivity values ranging from 10−5 to 10−3 s/cm, representing a significant advance in understanding electrical conduction in nanomaterials. Furthermore, we assessed the electrochemical behavior of the fabricated samples at varying concentrations using cyclic voltammetry, Galvanostatic charge and discharging (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) on a modified electrode. BNFCO (0.20) displayed exceptional properties with a capacitance of 510 F g−1 and a capacitance retention of 93.9 % after 5k cycles, making BNFCO nanomaterials potential candidates for supercapacitor applications. The multifunctional properties of Nd and Co modified bismuth ferrite nanoparticles presented in this study offer unparalleled opportunities for transformative applications in supercapacitors and optoelectronic devices.

Bone cells influence the degradation interface of pure Mg and WE43 materials: Insights from multimodal in vitro analysis

In this study, the interaction of pure Mg and WE43 alloy under the presence of osteoblast (OB) and osteoclast (OC) cells and their influence on the degradation of materials have been deeply analyzed. Since OB and OC interaction has an important role in bone remodeling, we examined the surface morphology and dynamic changes in the chemical composition and thickness of the corrosion layers formed on pure Mg and WE43 alloy by direct monoculture and coculture of pre-differentiated OB and OC cells in vitro. Electrochemical techniques examined the corrosion performance. The corrosion products were characterized using a combination of the focused ion beam (FIB), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Cell viability and morphology were assessed by fluorescent microscopy and SEM. Our findings demonstrate cell spread and attachment variations, which differ depending on the Mg substrates. It was clearly shown that cell culture groups delayed degradation processes with the lowest corrosion rate observed in the presence of OBOC coculture for the WE43 substrate. Ca-P enrichment was observed in the outer-middle region of the corrosion layer but only after 7 days of OBOC coculture on WE43 and after 14 days on the pure Mg specimens. Statement of significanceMagnesium metallic materials that can degrade over time provide distinct opportunities for orthopedic application. However, there is still a lack, especially in elucidating cell-material interface characterization. This study investigated the influence of osteoblast-osteoclast coculture in direct Mg-material contact. Our findings demonstrated that pre-differentiated osteoblasts and osteoclasts cocultured on Mg substrates influenced the chemistry of the corrosion layers. The cell spread and attachment were Mg substrate-dependent. The findings of coculturing bone cells directly on Mg materials within an in vitro model provide an effective approach for studying the dynamic degradation processes of Mg alloys while also elucidating cell behavior and their potential contribution to the degradation of these alloys.

Lignin-polylactic acid biopolymer blends for advanced applications – Effect of impact modifier

In this study, lignin underwent chemical modification via acetylation of hydroxyl groups to enhance its interfacial connection with poly (lactic acid) (PLA). Further enhancement of the blend was attained by adding an impact modifier, Biomax Strong. Incorporating Biomax Strong into PLA-lignin blends resulted in improvements in material characteristics, particularly in impact strength and thermal stability. This blend exhibited a unique set of mechanical properties, characterized by a reduction in tensile modulus as well as an increase in ductility. This will allow a more versatile use of PLA in various applications. The observed improved impact strength highlights the synergistic effect of stress redistribution within the PLA matrix contributing to widespread applications of PLA based composites. This can clearly be observed for the compound containing PLA and 15 wt.% lignin, where the impact strength was approximately 15 kJ/m2. With the addition of 5 wt.% impact modifier, the impact strength increased by 60 %, reaching approximately 25 kJ/m2. This synergy effect reinforces the overall structure, improving the impact toughness behavior. The combination of Biomax Strong and lignin not only address the limitations of PLA but also introduces new opportunities for applications requiring a balance of impact strength, ductility, and thermal stability. These advancements indicate a promising future for composite materials in various applications.

Recent Advancements in the Development of Graphene‐Based Materials for Catalytic Applications

AbstractGraphene, a two‐dimensional material, presents unprecedented opportunities for catalytic applications, attributable to its unique planar structure, outstanding optical transmittance, superior electronic conductivity and mobility, extensive specific surface area, and elevated chemical stability, coupled with its tunability. In recent years, graphene‐based catalysts have garnered significant research attention and interest. This review aims to elucidate recent advancements in the synthesis of graphene‐based catalysts. It encompasses discussions on heteroatom‐doped metal‐free graphene catalysts, graphene composite catalysts (including graphene/metal and graphene/metal oxide composites), and their applications in various catalytic domains such as electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and catalysis of organic reactions.

Best Sales Selection Using a Combination of Reciprocal Rank Weighting Method and Multi-Attribute Utility Theory

The best salespeople are individuals who are not only able to meet or exceed sales targets, but also demonstrate exceptional skills in building relationships with customers, understanding their needs, and offering effective solutions. The problem of selecting the best salespeople often involves the challenge of an objective and fair assessment, as diverse evaluation criteria can affect the final result. One of the main obstacles is the presence of subjectivity in judgment, which can arise from personal preferences or pressure to maintain good relationships. This study aims to implement a sales performance evaluation model that combines the Reciprocal Rank Weighting and Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) methods to obtain a more accurate and objective assessment of sales performance. This research contributes to the management literature and decision support systems by offering a new approach in sales performance evaluation. This opens up opportunities for further research and practical applications in the field of performance evaluation and salesforce management. Based on the final score calculated using the MAUT method, the salesperson rank from best to lowest is as follows: Sales 7 is ranked top with a value of 0.646, indicating the best overall performance. Sales 3 followed in second place with a value of 0.6125, followed by Sales 9 with a value of 0.5604 in third position.