Protective Layer Research Articles

Investigating the Temperature Dependency of Trimethyl Aluminum Assisted Atomic Surface Reduction of Li and Mn-Rich NCM

Most next-generation electrode materials are prone to interfacial degradation, which eventually spreads to the bulk and impairs electrochemical performance. One promising method for reducing interfacial degradation is to surface engineer the electrode materials to form an artificial cathode electrolyte interphase as a protective layer. Nevertheless, the majority of coating techniques entail wet processes, high temperatures, or exposure to ambient conditions. These experimental conditions are only sometimes conducive and can adversely affect the material structure or composition. Therefore, we investigate the efficacy of a low-temperature, facile atomic surface reduction (ASR) using trimethylaluminum vapors as a surface modification strategy for Li and Mn-rich NCM (LMR-NCM). The results presented herein manifest that the extent of TMA-assisted ASR is temperature-dependent. All tested temperatures demonstrated improved electrochemical performance. However, ASR carried out at temperatures >100 °C was more effective in preserving the structural integrity and improving the electrochemical performance. Electrochemical testing revealed improved rate capabilities, cycling stability, and capacity retention of ASR-treated LMR-NCM. Additionally, post-cycling high-resolution scanning electron microscopy analysis verified that after extended cycling, ASR carried out at T > 100 °C showed no cracks or cleavage, demonstrating the efficiency of this method in preventing surface degradation.

Damage evolutions and failure mechanism of reinforced concrete impacted by abrasive water jet

Numerical simulations were conducted based on the smoothed particle hydrodynamics–finite element method coupling method to investigate the damage evolutions and failure mechanism of reinforced concrete impacted by abrasive water jet. The response processes of damage and fragmentation of reinforced concrete were analyzed. The influences of key jet parameters on fracture characteristics of reinforced concrete were obtained. In addition, evolution laws of stress and damage and the failure mechanism of reinforced concrete impacted by abrasive water jet were revealed. The results indicate that the morphologies of broken pits undergo changes in the following sequence: V-shape, U-shape, and hourglass-shape. The broken pit range almost linearly increases with the impact time. Increasing abrasive concentration is more conducive to peeling concrete above steel, but an appropriate concentration is more suitable for cutting steel. Increasing jet diameter can expand the broken pit width, especially its bottom width, and increase damage to concrete below steel. The concrete stresses beneath steel display a raindrop-like distribution pattern. The concrete protective layer mainly suffers from the multiple stepwise damage accumulation failure caused by compressive shear and tensile stresses, and the interface concrete between steel and protective layer undergoes brittle failure due to weak bonding strength and massive stress concentration. The concrete beneath steel mainly undergoes brittle failure due to strong extrusion effect of steel. In addition, the concrete within steel reinforcement framework is influenced by various forces, such as tensile stress and shear stress, leading to occurrence of damage accumulation without failure. The research results would lay the theoretical foundation for abrasive water jet efficiently crushing reinforced concrete.

A review on improving the sensitivity and color stability of naturally sourced pH-sensitive indicator films.

Naturally sourced pH-sensitive indicator films are of interest for real-time monitoring of food freshness through color changes because of their safety. Therefore, natural pigments for indicator films are required. However, pigment stability is affected by environmental factors, which can in turn affect the sensitivity and color stability of the pH-sensitive indicator film. First, natural pigments (anthocyanin, betalain, curcumin, alizarin, and shikonin) commonly used in pH-sensitive indicator films are presented. Subsequently, the mechanisms behind the change in pigment color under different pH environments and their applications in monitoring food freshness are also described. Third, influence factors, such as the sources, types, and pH sensitivity of pigments, as well as environmental parameters (light, temperature, humidity, and oxygen) of sensitivity and color stability, are analyzed. Finally, methods for improving the pH-sensitive indicator film are explored, encapsulation of natural pigments, incorporation of a hydrophobic film-forming matrix or function material, and protective layer have been shown to enhance the color stability of indicator films, the addition of copigments or mental ions, blending of different natural pigments, and the utilization of electrospinning have been proved to increase the color sensitivity of indicator films. This review could provide theoretical support for the development of naturally sourced pH-sensitive indicator films with high stability and sensitivity and facilitate the development in the field of monitoring food freshness.

A combined strategy to constructure MoX2 (X=Se and S)-based core@shell structure flower-like multicomponent nanocomposites for boosted conduction loss, polarization loss and microwave absorption capacities

Interfacial effects or/and magnetic/dielectric synergy can be utilized effective strategies to improve electromagnetic wave (EMW) attenuation. Herein, using CoNi nanospheres as precursor, core@shell CoNi@C nanospheres could be efficiently fabricated via a facile polymerization and subsequent thermal treatment. And core@shell CoNi/NiSe2/Co9Se8@C@MoSe2 and CoNi2S4/Co9S8@C@MoS2 flower-like multicomponent nanocomposites (MCNCs) were fabricated via hydrothermal reaction amongst the obtained CoNi@C, Mo and Se/S sources. The generated carbon acting as protective layer was verified to greatly restrain the selenization of CoNi nanospheres during the formation of MoSe2 nanosheets, generating CoNi/NiSe2/Co9Se8@C@MoSe2. And the complete sulfidation of CoNi alloys led to the formation of CoNi2S4/Co9S8@C@MoS2. Because of their boosted impedance matching, conductive and polarization loss abilities, the acquired flower-like MoX2 (X=Se and S)-based MCNCs displayed greatly improved EMW absorption characteristics (EMWACs) compared with their precursors. Especially, the extraordinary synergistic effect generated into the magnetic/dielectric MCNCs contributed to outstanding EMWACs of CoNi/NiSe2/Co9Se8@C@MoSe2 flower-like MCNCs. Accordingly, our findings provided a combined strategy to simultaneously make the most of magnetic/dielectric synergistic and interfacial effects for boosted conduction loss, polarization loss and EMWACs.

Effect of VC content on the microstructure, ablation and oxidation resistance of the protective oxide layer of C/C-ZrC-VC-SiC composites

A third reinforcement vanadium carbide (VC) is introduced to improve the compactness, ablation and oxidation resistance of the protective oxide layer of C/C-ZrC-SiC composites, and the effect of VC content on the microstructure and properties of the oxide layer is studied. Results showed that the compactness of the oxide layer gradually increased with the increase of VC content. Excessive oxide melt leaded to an increase in the evaporation and mechanical erosion. Z2V1S6 exhibited the best ablation and oxidation resistance, which was attributed to the formation of a tightly bound composite oxide bi-layer with a dense ZrO2-SiO2-V2O3 inner layer and a ZrO2 skeleton outer layer bonded by SiO2-V2O3 melt.

Tribo-mechanical performance of Al-nano TiC composites processed by microwave-assisted powder metallurgy

This study aims to investigate the microstructural, mechanical, and tribological characteristics of Al-nano TiC composites. The microwave-sintered nanocomposites were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopes, providing valuable insights into the spatial distribution and interaction of TiC within the matrix material. Microstructure characterization confirmed the uniform dispersion of nano TiC particles throughout the Al. Furthermore, the microwave-sintered nanocomposite samples displayed greater hardness than pure aluminum, indicating the strengthening impact of nano-TiC. Al-6 wt.% nanocomposites fabricated using microwave-sintered powder metallurgy showcased an impressive hardness rating of 51 VHN. The assessment of tribological properties revealed that a higher TiC concentration reduced wear rate, showcasing improved surface protection. However, it was observed that the friction coefficient rise with the addition of nano-TiC particles, implying changes in the bonding between the composite and the interacting surface. The thorough examination of worn surfaces yielded insights into the wear mechanisms present in the nanocomposite materials. Detailed examination of worn surfaces highlighted the formation of protective oxide layers, contributing to the improved wear resistance. This research contributes to our understanding of the complex interactions occurring during tribological processes by clarifying the morphological features of worn surfaces.

The influence of microstructure on the oxidation behavior of a TaTiCr refractory complex concentrated alloy

This work explores the effect of microstructure on the oxidation behavior of an equiatomic TaTiCr RCCA after 24h of exposure at 800°C, 1000°C, 1200°C, and 1400°C. Two microstructural conditions, both containing a bcc matrix with C15 Laves precipitates, with one condition having coarser precipitates (~10.9µm diameter) and one condition having finer precipitates (~2.9µm diameter) were studied. At all oxidation temperatures except 800°C, the finer-scale (TaTiCr-F) condition experienced more rapid oxidation kinetics, higher mass gains, and thicker oxide scales and internal reaction zones. However, at 800°C, the microstructure containing coarser precipitates (TaTiCr-C) formed a thicker oxide scale. Continuous, protective Cr2O3 layers were only observed in the coarse precipitate condition and correlations between Cr2O3 layer thickness, subsequent formation of complex refractory oxides, and the initial Laves precipitate size are described. It is proposed that the formation of continuous Cr2O3 is highly dependent on the size and distribution of the Cr-rich Laves phase and only mildly dependent on phase fraction. Oxidation mechanisms for each condition are discussed relative to the initial microstructures, observed oxide species, and related alloy systems.

Wear mechanisms of Ni–W and Ni–W/Al2O3 composite coatings sliding against Si3N4 and AISI 52100 steel counterbodies

In this work, wear mechanisms of electrodeposited Ni–W and Ni–W/Al2O3 coatings sliding against Si3N4 and AISI 52100 steel have been comparatively studied. For both Ni–W and its composite coatings sliding against Si3N4, worn morphology shows the tribochemical reaction (tribooxidation) followed by abrasive wear is the dominated mechanism. Comparing with Ni–W coatings, the protective oxide layer is slower peeled off at tribooxidation stage and wear debris are easier squeezed on the Ni–W/Al2O3 during abrasive wear stage. The incorporated Al2O3 provide load bearing effect during microploughing and improve the wear resistance. As sliding against AISI 52100 steel, wear rate of Ni–W/Al2O3 is several times higher than that of Ni–W coatings. Conformity between surfaces of the Ni–W coating and counterbody leads to mild smoothening wear, while the plastic deformation dominated delamination makes severe wear of Ni–W/Al2O3. Deformation resistance of the coatings and transition of counterbodies materials from ceramic to hard metal are responsible for the different wear mechanisms. For Si3N4 ceramic, low thermal conductivity leads to tribooxidation followed by abrasive wear of both Ni–W and Ni–W/Al2O3 coatings. Relatively high deformation resistance of Ni–W coatings is responsible for the conformity as the premise for mild wear sliding against AISI 52100. Low deformation resistance of composite coatings induced by weak interfaces between Al2O3 and Ni–W matrix makes delamination sustained.

Microstructure and high-temperature wear/oxidation behaviors of TiN/TC4 composites in-situ fabricated by laser melting deposition in N2-containing atmosphere

The TiN/TC4 composites were in-situ fabricated by laser melting deposition in N2-containing atmosphere to investigate their microstructure and high-temperature wear/oxidation behaviors. The well-dispersed TiN reinforcements hindered the growth of grains and facilitated the formation of equiaxed grains. The wear tests at 400 oC indicated that the composite with 25 vol.% N2 exhibited the best wear resistance due to its relatively fine grain structure and high microhardness. The oxidation tests at 400 oC demonstrated that the composite with 25 vol.% N2 also possessed the best anti-oxidation ability, which is attributed to the existence of a more protective oxidation layer composed of TiO2 and Al2O3.

Valorisation of leather buffing dust as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in H2SO4 acid

This work discusses the valorisation and efficacy of the acid-extracted collagenous proteins from leather buffing dust (LBD) on the corrosion inhibition of mild steel (MS) in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution using electrochemical analysis. The extract shows ~95 % inhibition efficiency at 1 wt% of raw LBD loading. The inhibitor interaction follows Langmuir adsorption isotherm, indicating monolayer adsorption through physisorption, leading to complex formation on the MS surface. Post-corrosion characterizations reveal film-forming nature of the inhibitor and the involvement of organic compounds in the complex protective layer formation on the MS in the corrosive media. In addition, surface study through an optical profilometer helps to understand the nature of the corroded MS. In summary, the LBD-H2SO4 extract is extremely capable in mitigating the corrosion of MS in H2SO4 solution, and the inhibition phenomenon is governed by a complex passive layer formation on the MS subjected to the corrosive media.

Patterning functional oxides: Some failures and solutions in fabricating a Hall bar

Functional oxides exhibit diverse useful properties, opening attractive prospects for electronic, magnetic, and optoelectronic devices. However, the chemical instability of these oxides with some microfabrication processes, especially when dealing with thin films (<40 nm) or micrometer-scale lateral dimensions, can pose a considerable challenge. Here, we describe the fabrication process of a Hall bar device used as a test structure for thin functional oxide films. This process employs photolithography and dry etching, utilizing standard clean-room materials and methods. The device layout and fabrication process are described in detail, including conclusions and lessons gained from several failed attempts during process development. A key lesson is the advantage of employing an ultrathin protective layer to protect the oxide film surface. In addition, we encountered two additional fabrication challenges: photoresist hardening during dry etching and edge accumulation of photoresist during spin-coating. Effective solutions to these issues are described. We hope that our lessons and conclusions, not limited to functional oxides, will help to shorten the process development for other materials and devices.

Palmitoylation enhances short polar peptide permeation across stratum corneum lipid bilayer: A molecular dynamics study

Designing chemical molecules that target the skin for non-invasive transdermal drug delivery is of significant interest for both wound healing and skincare applications. These skin-targeting molecules must permeate the outermost protective layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC), which consists of dead corneocytes embedded in a lipid matrix, to fulfill their biological functions. Adsorption onto and diffusion through the lipid matrix in the SC represent two key steps for the successful permeation of a skin-targeting molecule across the SC into the underlying skin layers. Here we compare the effects of cyclization and palmitoylation on the adsorption and diffusion of a short polar peptide across a model SC lipid bilayer using molecular dynamics simulations. The cyclized peptide showed slightly better binding to the SC lipid bilayer and similar interaction energies with SC lipids compared to the unmodified peptide. In contrast, the palmitoylated peptide exhibited much stronger interaction with SC lipids via insertion of its attached fatty acid tail into the SC lipid bilayer. The average diffusivity of the cyclized peptide across the SC lipid bilayer was approximately twice that of the unmodified peptide, whereas the palmitoylated peptide’s diffusivity was about 2.7 times higher. Thus, palmitoylation appears to be a promising strategy for enhancing the binding and permeability of short polar peptides across the SC lipid matrix.

High-temperature protection performance of Mg-doped Al2O3 protective layers on the thin film thermocouples

Mg-doped Al2O3 protective layers were deposited on Pt–PtRh10 (S-type) thin film thermocouples (TFTCs) by reactive magnetron sputtering. The changes in the composition, microstructure, and element distribution of the Mg-doped Al2O3 films before and after annealing at 1200 °C for 3 h were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicate that incorporating MgO into Al2O3 as an enhancement phase not only inhibits the crystallization and phase transformation of Al2O3 but also promotes the formation of MgAl2O4, sequentially further enhancing the material's high-temperature protective properties. The thermoelectric properties of S-type TFTCs with 1.6 μm thick Al2O3 and Mg-doped Al2O3 protective layers were explored, respectively. The results of static calibration at high temperatures demonstrate that the TFTCs with the Mg-doped Al2O3 protective layer can operate at 1148 °C for over 96 h and at 1480 °C for a brief period. Following 4 calibration cycles, compared to the TFTCs with the Al2O3 protective layer, the average Seebeck coefficients of the TFTCs with the Mg-doped Al2O3 protective layer exhibit a slower decline rate, and its drift rate during the 4th cycle is merely 3.28 °C/h. The TFTCs featuring Mg-doped Al2O3 protective layers demonstrate extended lifetimes, superior high-temperature stability, and enhanced reliability when contrasted with those utilizing undoped Al2O3 protective layers. These attributes offer valuable insights into the progression of TFTC technology.

Encapsulation of lycopene in Pickering emulsion stabilized by complexes of whey protein isolate fibrils and sodium alginate: Physicochemical property, structural characterization and in vitro digestion property

In present study, whey protein isolate fibrils and sodium alginate complexes (WPIFs-SA) were prepared and further used to stabilize Pickering emulsions for lycopene delivery. The optimal interaction between WPIFs and SA occurred at pH 3.0, with a mass ratio of 2:1. Increasing the oil fractions and the content of WPIFs-SA complexes significantly improved Pickering emulsions’ stability, concurrently reducing droplet size and increasing viscoelasticity. Meanwhile, it facilitated the formation of a thicker protective layer and a compact network structure around the oil droplets, offering better protection for lycopene against thermal and photo degradation. In vitro digestion studies revealed that as the oil fractions and complex contents increased, the lipolysis degree decreased. The engineered WPIFs-SA Pickering emulsion could be used as an innovative delivery system for the protection and delivery of lycopene.

Facile synthesis, corrosion inhibition, adsorption and DFT studies of 2-(4-(methylsulfanyl) phenyl) −4, 5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole for mild steel in acidic environment

A green, solvent-free, cost effective one-pot synthesis method is employed to produce the innovative corrosion-inhibiting compound 2-(4-(methylsulfanyl)phenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole (MDPI). The molecular structure of MDPI can be identified using CHN analyses, FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectra. Various electrochemical and gravimetric techniques are utilized to evaluate the anti-corrosion properties of MDPI. The results indicate that MDPI effectively inhibits the corrosion of mild steel under all tested conditions. At 306 K, MDPI achieved a maximum corrosion inhibition efficiency of 98.01 % at a concentration of 10 mM. MDPI exhibited strong adsorption and excellent anti-corrosion properties, forming a protective layer on the mild steel surface. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with a ΔGoads value of −39.55 kJ/M was found to be more suitable for this study, indicating that the process occurred by physisorption. Tafel curves indicated that MDPI functions as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor. Surface characteristics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Quantum chemistry studies revealed a HOMO-LUMO energy gap of 3.926 eV, corroborating the anti-corrosion effectiveness of MDPI in hydrochloric acid solution. MDPI exhibited promising anti-corrosion activity due to its heterocyclic ring containing nitrogen heteroatoms as well as a methylsulfanyl functional group.

Construction of gradient structure C/C–ZrC–SiC composites with good ablation resistance

With the upgrade of aircraft and the increasingly harsh service environment, it is urgent to develop high-performance thermal structural materials. In this study, inspired by foliar and root water uptake of trees, we propose a one-step facile method to achieve an autonomous gradient in C/C–ZrC–SiC sharp leading edge composites. The gradual increase of SiC content from top to bottom is beneficial to improve the heat transfer capacity of the composites. After oxyacetylene ablation for 60 s, the mass and linear ablation rates of the samples with gradient structure are 0.83 mg/s and 0.5 μm/s, 35 % and 83 % lower than conventional samples. The composites with gradient structure of ZrC and SiC are favorable to the formation of a compact and smooth ZrO2 oxide protective layer, which not only protects the composites from further penetration of O2, but also resists the mechanical denudation. The novel gradient structure composites with enhanced ablation resistance show a bright application prospect in next-generation thermal protection systems.

One-step synthesis of g-C3N4/TiVCTx MXene electrodes for lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors

The wide-ranging application of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is currently restricted by their slow ion dynamics and low capacity, which hinders the development of innovative electrode materials. Herein, the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)/TiVCTx composite was fabricated through in situ pyrolysis of urea to generate g-C3N4 nanosheets on the surface of TiVCTx nanosheets. The as-prepared g-C3N4 protective layer can reduce the degree of oxidation of TiVCTx MXene, restrain the re-stacking of TiVCTx nanosheets and minimize the risk of undesirable side reactions. As expected, the g-C3N4/TiVCTx electrode exhibits remarkable specific capacity of 1025.3 mAh/g after 150 cycles at 0.1 A/g and 558.3 mAh/g after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A/g for LIBs and a high specific capacitance of 508.9F g−1 in 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolyte at 1.0 A/g after 7000 cycles for supercapacitors (SCs). Furthermore, the assembled g-C3N4/TiVCTx-30//LiFePO4 full cell presents stable specific capacity of 505.5 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g after 100 cycles and 255.2 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g along with a Coulombic efficiency of 97.9 % after 50 cycles at − 20 °C, demonstrating excellent low temperature tolerance. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation results indicated that the g-C3N4/TiVCTx-30 exhibits strongest adsorption capacity for Li+ with an adsorption energy of −3.85 eV. The introduction of g-C3N4 improves the insertion and extraction kinetics of Li+, effectively reducing the diffusion barrier. Consequently, the g-C3N4/TiVCTx-30 electrode exhibits potential application prospects in high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices. Our work provides valuable insights and significant research implications for improving the specific capacity and stability of TiVCTx MXene in the field of energy storage.

Green synthesis and characterization of AgNPs/CDs hybrid system for enhanced oxidation resistance at physiological concentration of H2O2

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents due to their unique properties and broad-spectrum antimicrobial action. However, their interaction with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the bloodstream can lead to their oxidation, thereby reducing their antimicrobial effectiveness and potentially posing threats to human health. This study presents a novel approach to enhance the oxidation resistance of AgNPs by integrating them with carbon dots (CDs) to form an AgNPs/CDs hybrid system. CDs, with their exceptional biocompatibility and functionalized surface, can interact with AgNPs to provide a protective layer. Our green synthesis method employed microwave-assisted techniques using only three reagents: silver nitrate, l-tryptophan, and glucose. The characterization of the hybrid system was conducted using Ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy (UV/Vis), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High Resolution TEM (HRTEM), and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). UV/Vis spectroscopy revealed a red shift in the absorption peak of the hybrid system compared to pure AgNPs, confirming the interaction between CDs and AgNPs. TEM and HRTEM analyses, supported by the PASAD plug-in and Image Pro‐Plus software, respectively, elucidated the structural arrangement and interaction of these nanoparticles. Additionally, FEA computations using FreeFEM software platform forecasted the resonant wavelengths.

Stabilizing Zn anodes via a binder-free MoS2 interface with charge regulation toward stable Zinc-Ion batteries

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) have been a promising candidate for next-generation batteries. However, the uncontrolled dendrite formation and side reactions of the Zn anode significantly restrict their application. Herein, a binder-free MoS2 protective layer were uniformly deposited on Zn foil by electrochemical deposition. The MoS2 protected Zn anode has a lower nucleation barrier and a uniform electric field distribution, which can effectively alleviate the corrosion and side reactions of Zn metal, thus leading to the fast Zn2+ diffusion kinetics. The results show that the MoS2-Zn anode has low voltage hysteresis, long cycle stability at 0.5 mA cm−2/0.1 mAh cm−2 in symmetrical batteries. The MoS2-Zn//α-MnO2 full cell exhibits an exceptional reversible capacity of 225.8 mAh/g at 1C, while maintaining stable cycling performance over 300 cycles. This work provides a promising strategy to construct a 2D coating to improve the stability of Zn anode in AZIBs.

Magic-angle spinning NMR spectral editing of polysaccharides in whole cells using the DREAM scheme

Most bacterial, plant and fungal cells possess at their surface a protective layer called the cell wall, conferring strength, plasticity and rigidity to withstand the osmotic pressure. This molecular barrier is crucial for pathogenic microorganisms, as it protects the cell from the local environment and often constitutes the first structural component encountered in the host-pathogen interaction. In pathogenic molds and yeasts, the cell wall constitutes the main target for the development of clinically-relevant antifungal drugs. In the past decade, solid-state NMR has emerged as a powerful analytical technique to investigate the molecular organization of microbial cell walls in the context of intact cells. 13C NMR chemical shift is an exquisite source of information to identify the polysaccharides present in the cell wall, and two-dimensional 13C–13C correlation experiments provide an efficient tool to rapidly access the polysaccharide composition in whole cells. Here we investigate the use of the adiabatic DREAM (for dipolar recoupling enhancement through amplitude modulation) recoupling scheme to improve solid-state NMR analysis of polysaccharides in intact cells. We demonstrate the advantages of two-dimensional 13C–13C experiments using the DREAM recoupling scheme. We report the spectral editing of polysaccharide signals by varying the radio-frequency carrier position. We provide practical considerations for the implementation of DREAM experiments to characterize polysaccharides in whole cells. We demonstrate the approach on intact fungal cells of Neurospora crassa and Aspergillus fumigatus, a model and a pathogenic filamentous fungus, respectively. The approach could be envisioned to efficiently reduce the spectral crowding of more complex cell surfaces, such as cell wall and peptidoglycan in bacteria.