Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as one of the most exciting families of carbon nanomaterials. Their hollow tubular architecture, with a nanometric inner cavity, not only defines their distinct physical and chemical behavior but also enables the encapsulation of a wide range of materials, including inorganic and organic compounds. This encapsulation capability allows CNTs to function as nanocontainers, protective hosts, and confined reaction vessels, leading to novel hybrid materials with tailored optical, electronic, catalytic, and mechanical properties. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the methodologies employed for filling CNTs, including in situ and ex situ approaches. We critically examined the diverse range of materials encapsulated within CNTs, highlighting how confinement at the nanoscale influences their chemical reactivity, phase stability, and emergent quantum phenomena. Special attention is given to the wide range of applications of filled CNTs in addressing societal challenges. These include biomedicine, catalysis, energy storage, gas separation, filtration membranes, sensing technologies, and nanoelectronics. Beyond revisiting the current state-of-the-art, this review offers a critical discussion of future directions and challenges in this field.

Superior calcium-magnesium-alumino-silicate (CMAS) corrosion resistance, along with favorable thermophysical properties, is crucial for high-entropy rare-earth disilicates (HEREDSs) to be used as environmental barrier coatings. To achieve this goal, we expand the composition space of HEREDSs and develop 9- to 16-cation HEREDSs using a laser-driven synthesis technique. Specifically, the intensified sluggish diffusion effect induced by extreme elemental mixing and the superior stability of the F-type phase in HEREDSs is beneficial for reducing the dissolution rate of the formed multicomponent apatite in the CMAS melt, while the inclusion of more elements with great atomic weight differences can induce phase separation, leading to deteriorated corrosion behavior. As a result, the synthesized (Lu, Yb, Tm, Er, Ho, Dy, Gd, Sm, Nd, Pr, Ce, La, Eu, Tb)2Si2O7 (14HEREDS) is found to demonstrate superior CMAS corrosion resistance with a low corrosion rate of 6.7 μm h-1 at 1400 °C for 48 h. Moreover, remarkable thermophysical properties, including superior phase stability over 1600 °C, extremely low room temperature thermal conductivity (1.05 W m-1 K-1), and excellent match of coefficient of thermal expansion (5.4 × 10-6 K-1) with SiCf/SiC composites (4.5-5.5 × 10-6 K-1), are observed in the synthesized 14HEREDS. Our work develops a novel material with remarkable CMAS corrosion resistance and thermophysical properties, showing great promise for environmental barrier coating applications.

Superelasticity - exhibiting either Hookean (linear) or non-Hookean (nonlinear) recoverable strain beyond 2% - has been realized in distinct material systems such as metallic glasses, shape memory alloys, strain glass alloys and Gum metals, enabling diverse technological applications. Here we demonstrate that, through compositional tuning in a high-entropy alloy, the elastic behavior can be continuously and reversibly modulated between Hookean superelasticity, non-Hookean superelasticity with an ultrahigh recoverable strain of ~8%, and back to the Hookean regime. By combining atomic-scale strain mapping and extensive first-principles calculations, we reveal that this tunability is governed by a hidden strain order, arising from frustrated crystallization of two competing phases. As a result, local lattice distortion arises, producing a heterogeneous strain landscape that modulates phase stability, phase transformation propensity, and elastic response. Our findings establish a materials design strategy for programming Hookean and non-Hookean elasticity behavior on demand, with promising applications in microelectromechanical systems, high-precision actuators, and adaptive damping devices.

Synergistic Regulation of the TRIP Effect and Phase Stability on the Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Behavior of Metastable TiZrHfNb Alloys

Phase stability, thermal cycling behavior and CMAS resistance of Gd2O3-Yb2O3-Y2O3 co-doped ZrO2 EB-PVD thermal barrier coatings

Phase stability and tunable structural, hyperfine, and magnetic properties of Sol–Gel FeNi nanoparticles

Exploiting salting effects to tune morphology and phase boundaries of lipidic mesophases.

Thermal stability and temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopic features of layered SnSe-SnSe2 composite phases

Fe-doping-induced band structure modification and cryogenic phase stability in Cs2AgBiBr6 single crystals

An automated machine learning framework for high-fidelity prediction of phase stability and thermal conductivity in metallic nuclear fuels

We present a method for simultaneously measuring the phase fronts of three or more RF fields using thermal Rydberg atoms. We demonstrate this method using an all-dielectric atomic electrometer acting in a heterodyne configuration to detect three single tone continuous-wave microwave signals propagating in free space. We show that this method can be used to measure the angle of arrival of each source. This method requires no calibration of the incident fields and assumes only far-field distance and phase stability of the incident phase fronts. Because the sensor is minimally perturbing, it provides a direct probe of signal phase even in complex environments, such as the near field of an antenna source or a scattering surface. The measurements presented here are performed using a single scanned sensor, but this technique can trivially be extended to an array of sensors, which would enable phase-sensitive imaging and related applications.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effect of manganese (Mn) doping (1–5 wt. %) on the phase transition of nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH) 2 ) to nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) synthesized via a green route. Phase transition, structural, optical, and magnetic properties of Mn‐doped NiO are thoroughly investigated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals the influence of Mn on the thermal decomposition and the stability of Ni(OH) 2 and the organic compounds from olive leaf extract under inert calcination conditions. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) provides insights into surface chemistry modifications before and after calcination, as well as in the presence of Mn. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirms Mn incorporation and lattice distortion within the NiO structure. HRTEM and BET analyses show that 2 wt. % Mn is a critical concentration, yielding the smallest spherical particle size (6 nm) and the highest surface area. The calculated work function from ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) reveals a decrease from 6.0 eV (0 wt. % Mn) to 5.4 eV (5 wt. % Mn). Analysis of the valence band maximum (VBM) region further indicates a bandgap widening with Mn incorporation. Raman spectra reveal the appearance of the two magnon (2M) vibrational mode, suggesting modified magnetic behavior. Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) indicates a ferromagnetic response, with the appearance of a Néel temperature at 5 wt. % Mn, indicating an antiferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition. This study offers key insights into the design of stable, high‐performance materials for photovoltaic and magnetic applications.

The formation and evolution of secondary phases, such as sigma (σ), chi (χ), Laves, carbides (M23C6), and nitrides (Cr2N), have a fundamental impact on the corrosion resistance of stainless steels. These stages alter the matrix’s local chemistry, compromise the passive film’s quality, and promote micro-galvanic interaction, which enhances localized corrosion issues. The thermodynamic stability, precipitation kinetics, and corrosion consequences of secondary phases in austenitic, ferritic, duplex, and lightweight (Fe–Mn–Al–C) stainless-steel systems are thoroughly reviewed and discussed in this paper. Advances in high-resolution characterization techniques, such as TEM, EBSD, atom-probe tomography, and in situ synchrotron techniques, have made it possible to map corrosion problems caused by secondary phases at the nanoscale. Computational thermodynamics (CALPHAD, DICTRA, TC-PRISMA) and emerging machine-learning models now provide quantitative prediction of phase formation and dissolution. Strategies for mitigation through alloy design, thermal treatment, and surface engineering are summarized, together with additive-manufacturing approaches for microstructural tailoring. Finally, this review highlights the integration of multi-scale modeling and sustainable alloy design to ensure phase-stable, corrosion-resistant stainless steels that enhance asset integrity and infrastructure reliability as per Sustainable Development Goals.

Abstract Agricultural waste–derived metal matrix composites (MMCs) provide sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to conventional ceramic-reinforced materials. This work provides a systematic assessment of the solid particle erosion behaviour of AlSi10Mg composites reinforced with a silicon-based refractory compound (SiRC) derived from rice husk, synthesized via powder metallurgy, contributing to the development of high-performance engineering materials aligned with circular economy driven manufacturing practices. The SiRC powder was first produced through controlled pyrolysis of rice husk, yielding highly crystalline particles (∼20 µm) composed of cristobalite and quartz, and subsequently used to fabricate AlSi10Mg composites containing 0, 3, 6, and 9 wt.% reinforcement via powder metallurgy. XRD, SEM, and EDS analyses confirmed uniform dispersion and phase stability. Incorporation of SiRC reduced composite density by up to 11% while increasing hardness progressively, achieving an overall improvement of approximately 24% at 9 wt.% reinforcement. Erosion tests under varying impact velocities and impingement angles revealed that the 6 wt.% SiRC composite exhibited superior resistance, attributed to an optimal balance between hardness and deformation resistance. Velocity exponent analysis (n ≈ 2–3, R2 > 0.95) indicated ductile erosion behaviour, while FESEM and surface roughness evaluations confirmed reduced material loss and mechanical embedding of erodent particles. Overall, SiRC incorporation enhanced mechanical integrity and erosion resistance, demonstrating the potential of these composites as sustainable materials for demanding industrial applications.

The properties and stability of hydrous phases are crucial to unraveling the mysteries of the deep water cycle. Under deep lower mantle conditions, water and hydrous phases transition into a superionic state. However, superionic effect on their stability and dehydration behavior remains unclear. Using ab initio and deep learning potential molecular dynamics simulations, we discovered a doubly superionic transition in δ-AlOOH, characterized by the highly diffusive behavior of both hydrogen and aluminum ions within the oxygen sublattice. These highly diffusive elements contribute external entropy to the system, stabilizing the structure at 140 GPa and 3800 K. Our free-energy calculations reveal that water tends to freeze under deep lower mantle conditions, so dehydration becomes energetically and kinetically unfavorable even under core-mantle boundary (CMB) conditions. This implies that superionic water may accumulate in the deep lower mantle over geologic time, forming a long-term reservoir at the base of the mantle.

In-wheel motor-driven systems offer precise torque control and yaw moment compensation, enabling rapid vehicle state adjustments to facilitate lane-changing and obstacle avoidance maneuvers, thus providing an effective platform for vehicle dynamics control research. To address the prediction accuracy issues of dynamically interacting vehicle trajectories during high-speed lane-changing obstacle avoidance scenarios, as well as challenges including increased trajectory tracking errors and stability control degradation, this study developed a lane-changing obstacle avoidance control strategy based on LSTM interactive vehicle trajectory prediction. The system integrates: a lateral MPC trajectory tracking controller, a longitudinal LQR speed tracking controller, a coordinated sliding mode controller for front wheel angle-drive torque synchronization based on phase plane and stability determination coefficients, and a torque distribution controller based on tire adhesion optimization and multi-constraint optimization. Validation was performed through Prescan/Simulink/Carsim co-simulation under typical operating conditions. The results demonstrate, the trajectory prediction accuracy meets the requirements; the maximum lateral position deviation decreases from 0.29 to 0.11 m, and the peak deviation between the tracked centroid sideslip angle and its desired value reduces from 1° to 0.48°. Compared with the baseline control strategy, these metrics show 62% and 52% reductions respectively, achieving significant improvements in trajectory tracking precision and stability.

The solid electrolyte Li2ZrCl6 has attracted significant attention due to its low cost and good compatibility with high-voltage cathode materials. Although it exhibits considerable ionic conductivity at room temperature, it still falls short of the requirements for widespread application. Doping has proven effective in enhancing the ionic conductivity of Li2ZrCl6. In this work, the potential of Li2.5Zr0.75Zn0.25Cl6, Li2.25Zr0.75Ga0.25Cl6, and Li2Zr0.75Ge0.25Cl6 as solid electrolytes is investigated using density functional theory and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations based on first principles, with the doping-induced enhancement mechanism analyzed at the atomic scale. Moreover, the electrochemical window and phase stability of these materials are examined by using the Pymatgen tool. Results indicate that the nature of the dopant and a lithium-rich strategy are key factors influencing the Li+ conductivity of Li2.25Zr0.75Ga0.25Cl6. Compared to pristine Li2ZrCl6, Li2.25Zr0.75Ga0.25Cl6 shows significantly improved ionic conductivity, attributed to a reduced migration energy barrier and additional migration pathways in the ab plane. Furthermore, more isosurfaces at the interface suggest that Ga3+ incorporation enhances Li+ conduction between Li2ZrCl6 and Li2S. This study provides a microscopic understanding of how elemental doping improves ion transport, contributing to the development of advanced solid electrolytes and all-solid-state batteries.

This work investigates the synthesis, thermodynamic phase stability and microstructural, mechanical and tribological behavior of the CrFeMoV alloy system and its Al-modified derivatives, CrFeMoV-Al2 and CrFeMoV-Al6, which belong to the family of high- and medium-entropy alloys. The studied systems were produced via Vacuum Arc Melting (VAM), followed by a comprehensive characterization. Thermodynamic and geometric phase-formation models were employed to predict the formation of BCC/Β2 solid solutions and the potential emergence of σ-type intermetallic compounds. An ML model was also employed to further predict elemental interactions and phase evolution. These predictions were experimentally confirmed via X-ray diffraction analysis, which verified the presence of a BCC matrix in all compositions, the presence of σ-phase precipitates whose volume fraction systematically reduced with Al inclusion and the gradual increase in the B2 phase with the increase in the Al content. Scanning electron microscopy and EDX analyses uncovered noticeable dendritic segregation, with Mo and Fe enrichment in dendrite cores and in interdendritic regions, respectively. Cr, V, and Al were more uniformly distributed. Mechanical property data derived by micro hardness testing demonstrated a high hardness of 816 HV for the base alloy, ascribed to σ-phase strengthening, followed by a progressive reduction in this value to 802 HV and 756 HV in Al-containing alloys due to the attenuation of σ-phase formation and the gradual increase in the B2 phase. Dry sliding wear results unveiled a positive correlation between wear resistance and hardness, confirming the beneficial role of intermetallic strengthening. Finally, nanoindentation tests shed light on the nanoscale mechanical response, confirming the trends observed at the microscale. Overall, the combination of thermodynamic modeling and experimental analysis provide a robust framework for understanding phase stability, microstructural evolution, and mechanical performance in Al-alloyed CrFeMoV high-entropy systems, while highlighting the potential of controlled Al additions to tailor microstructure and properties.

Correction: Microstructure, Phase Stability, and Magnetic Properties of AlxCoCrFeMnTi1–x High-Entropy Alloys Synthesized via Mechanical Alloying

Ferroelectrics hold significant promise for a wide range of applications owing to their spontaneous polarization characteristics. Despite exhibiting multiple polarization mechanisms that demonstrate significant potential for electromagnetic functional materials, the practical deployment of ferroelectric polymers has been inhibited by the lack of precise control over polymer chains at the atomic scale and the relatively low stability of the polar phase. Here, a procedure of fortifying the ferroelectric polyvinylidene fluoride phase is proposed by the facet modulation, achieving stable ferroelectric polymer through engineering the interaction between the inorganic rigid crystal facets and organic flexible molecular chains at the atomic scale. The constructed polar ferroelectric polymers composite systems exhibit a broad distribution of relaxation times along with multi-polarization characteristics from megahertz to terahertz frequencies. The composite system mitigates the apparent loss-bandwidth trade-off, thereby achieving broadband polarization properties across multiple frequency bands while maintaining a dissipation efficiency above 99.9%. The demonstrated approach presents a breakthrough in achieving the stable ferroelectric polymers through facet-induced stabilization, providing deep insights for the development of high-performance electromagnetic functional materials.