Recent Developments In Materials Research Articles

Recent developments in materials and applications of triplet dynamic nuclear polarization

Recent developments in materials and applications of triplet dynamic nuclear polarization

Recent development of photoresponsive materials toward 3D printing: From materials to application

AbstractThe rapid development of 3D printing has achieved considerable progress in architecture innovation, optical advancements, energy systems, dental care, pharmaceutical delivery, and personalized medical treatments. Nevertheless, the current technology of 3D printing is still limited to a single function. In recent years, the combination of photoresponsive materials and additive manufacturing has become a booming area for achieving intelligent photoresponsive 3D structures and stimulus‐responsive devices. By incorporating photoresponsive materials, 3D‐printed structures can change their shapes or colors under external stimuli. It is expected that the connection of photoresponsive materials and smart 3D printing will contribute to the development of adaptive camouflage, data retention, and molecular robotics. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current development of photoresponsive materials used in 3D printing, with an emphasis on photochromic materials, photodeformable materials, and photothermal materials. Additionally, the differences in the applications of these materials in 3D printing are compared. Finally, the current challenges and perspectives in the development of photoresponsive materials for additive manufacturing are also discussed.

The durability and rehabilitation technologies of concrete sewerage pipes: A state-of-the-art review

This paper reviews the literature available on the subject of the durability of concrete sewer pipes and the corresponding rehabilitation technologies. An introduction related to the importance of the sewer system in urban life and its durability issues was first discussed as most people did not recognise the scale and complexity of the underground sewer system. Then the recent development of alternative binder materials or filler materials to improve the acid resistance of concrete was specified. For instance, the effects of alternative binders on the hydration products and the mechanism of biogenic corrosion were discussed in detail. The paper ends with the current rehabilitation technologies and the structural performance of rehabilitated sewer pipes. Also, some suggestions associated with future research were made.

Comparison of 3 Different Surgical Techniques for Rotator Cuff Repair in a Rabbit Model: Direct Suture, Inlay Suture, and Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Suture Anchor

Background: Rotator cuff tears have been repaired using the transosseous method for decades. The direct suture (DS) technique has been widely used for rotator cuff tears; however, the retear rate is relatively high. Suture anchors are now used frequently for rotator cuff repair (RCR) in accordance with recent developments in materials. However, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) may still cause complications such as the formation of cysts and osteophytes. Some studies have developed the inlay suture (IS) technique for RCR. Purpose/Hypothesis: To compare how 3 different surgical techniques—namely, the DS, IS, and PEEK suture anchor (PSA)—affect tendon-bone healing after RCR. We hypothesized that the IS technique would lead to better tendon-to-bone healing and that the repaired structure would be similar to the normal enthesis. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Acute infraspinatus tendon tears were created in 36 six-month-old male rabbits, which were divided into 3 groups based on the technique used for RCR: DS, IS, and PSA. Animals were euthanized at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively and underwent a histological assessment and imaging. The expression of related proteins was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Mechanical properties were evaluated by biomechanical testing. Results: At 12 weeks, regeneration of the enthesis was observed in the 3 groups. However, the DS group showed a lower type I collagen content than the PSA and IS groups, which was similar to the results for scleraxis. The DS group displayed a significantly inferior type II collagen expression and proteoglycan deposition after safranin O/fast green and sirius red staining. With regard to runt-related transcription factor 2 and alkaline phosphatase, the IS group showed upregulated expression levels compared with the other 2 groups. Conclusion: Compared with the DS technique, the PSA and IS techniques contributed to the improved maturation of tendons and fibrocartilage regeneration, while the IS technique particularly promoted osteogenesis at the enthesis. Clinical Relevance: The IS and PSA techniques may be more beneficial for tendon-bone healing after RCR.

Codelivery of Gaseous Signaling Molecules for Biomedical Applications.

Gaseous signaling molecules (GSMs) including nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) have presented excellent therapeutic efficacy such as anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer effects and multiple biomedical applications in recent years. As the three most vital signaling molecules in human physiology, these three GSMs show so intertwined and orchestrated interactions that the synergy of multiple gases may demonstrate a more complex therapeutic potential than single gas delivery. Consequently, researchers have been devoted to developing codelivery systems of GSMs by synthesizing a single molecule as a dual donor to maximize the gaseous therapeutic efficacy. In this minireview, we summarize the recent developments of molecules or materials enabling codelivery of GSMs for biomedical applications. It appears that compared with the abundant cases of codelivery of NO and H2S, research on codelivery of CO and the other two GSMs separately remains to be explored.

The role of grain size in achieving excellent properties in structural materials

Advanced structural materials are expected to display significantly improved mechanical properties and this may be achieved, at least in part, by refining the grain size to the submicrometer or the nanocrystalline range. This report provides a detailed summary of the role of grain size in the mechanical properties of metals. The effect of grain size on the high temperature behavior and the development of superplasticity is illustrated using deformation mechanism maps and the development of exceptional strength through grain refinement hardening at low temperatures is also discussed. It is shown that the deformation mechanism of grain boundary sliding, as developed theoretically, can be used to effectively predict both the high and low temperature behavior of metals having different grain sizes. This analysis explains the increase in strain rate sensitivity in ultrafine-grained metals with low and moderate melting points and the ability to increase both the strength and ductility of these materials to thereby overcome the strength-ductility paradox. The recent development of hybrid materials is also reviewed and it is demonstrated that, although these hybrids have received only limited attention to date, they provide a potential for making significant advances in the production of new structural materials.

Recent Developments in Porphyrin-Based Metal-Organic Framework Materials for Water Remediation under Visible-Light Irradiation.

Access to clean drinking water is a basic requirement, and eliminating pollutants from wastewater is important for saving water ecosystems. The porous structure and surface characteristics of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can function as a perfect scaffold for removing toxic compounds from wastewater. Porphyrins are promising building blocks for constructing MOFs. Porphyrin-based metal-organic frameworks (P-MOFs) have been fabricated using porphyrin ligands, metal clusters, or ions. These materials can harvest light from a wide region of the solar spectrum, and their framework morphology and physicochemical properties can be controlled by changing their peripheral subunits or metal ions. These porous crystalline materials have generated interest because of their distinctive characteristics, including large permanent porosity, interesting surface morphology, broad conformational diversity, high photostability, and semiconducting nature. This article discusses the recent progress and usefulness of P-MOFs. The fabrication procedures of P-MOFs are discussed, followed by the adsorptive and photocatalytic removal of contaminants from wastewater. The relationships between the geometries of P-MOFs and their light-harvesting and charge-transfer mechanisms for the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants are highlighted. Finally, some future perspectives and obstacles in the photodegradation usage of P-MOFs are discussed, along with feasible research directions to standardize efficient photocatalysts for improved photodegradation for water treatment.

Designing Reliable Cathode System for High-Performance Inorganic Solid-State Pouch Cells.

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) based on inorganic solid electrolytes fascinate a large body of researchers in terms of overcoming the inferior energy density and safety issues of existing lithium-ion batteries. To date, the cathode designs in the ASSBs achieve remarkable achievements, adding the urgency of scaling up the battery system toward inorganic solid-state pouch cell configuration for the application market. Herein, the recent developments of cathode materials and the design considerations for their application in the pouch cell format are reviewed to straighten out the roadmap of ASSBs. Specifically, the intercalation compounds and the conversion materials with conversion chemistries are highlighted and discussed as two potentially valuable material types. This review focuses on the basic electrochemical mechanisms, mechanical contact issues, and sheet-type structure in inorganic solid-state pouch cells with corresponding perspectives, thus guiding the future research direction. Finally, the benchmarks for manufacturing inorganic solid-state pouch cells to meet practical high energy density targets are provided in this review for the development of commercially viable products.

Harnessing Nanotechnology for Advancements in Magnetism: Current Trends and Future Prospects

Nanotechnology has revolutionized various fields, including magnetism, by enabling the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale. This paper explores the current trends and future prospects of harnessing nanotechnology for advancements in magnetism. We discuss the fundamental principles of magnetism at the nanoscale and review recent developments in nanomagnetic materials, fabrication techniques, and applications. Additionally, we highlight the potential impact of nanotechnology on diverse areas such as data storage, biomedical devices, magnetic sensors, and spintronics. Furthermore, challenges and opportunities in the field are addressed, offering insights into the direction of future research and technological innovations.

Recent advances of spectrally selective absorbers: Materials, nanostructures, and photothermal power generation

With the increasing development of photothermal techniques in various fields, particularly concentrated solar power (CSP) systems and solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs), the demand for high-performance spectrally selective absorbers (SSAs) has grown significantly. These SSAs are essential in achieving high solar absorption and minimal infrared thermal loss, thereby significantly enhancing solar utilization efficiency. This need becomes particularly critical in CSP systems, where high temperatures are pivotal for improved efficiency. However, the necessity for high temperatures imposes stringent requirements on the fabrication of SSAs, given the inherent trade-off between optical performance and thermal stability. SSAs typically require nanoscale thin films, but they are prone to oxidation and diffusion at high temperatures. Recent developments in photothermal materials, including ceramic composites, MXenes, high-entropy materials, and graphene, offer promising solutions to enhance SSAs’ performance. This review article provides a comprehensive evaluation of the latest advancements in these emerging photothermal materials. We summarize the strategies for integrating these advanced materials with already established nanostructures, which is a highly promising approach for the development of advanced SSAs. Additionally, the review explores the application of SSAs in CSP systems and STEGs to boost power generation efficiency. We conclude by summarizing the challenges and opportunities in the field of high-temperature SSAs, offering valuable insights into the development of high-performance SSAs and their role in solar-thermal power generation systems.

Hydrochromic Nanocapsule with Real Time Visual In Situ Water Level Sensing Function and Toughening Effect for Plastic Materials

AbstractDespite the recent developments in hydrochromic materials, visual detection of water level in plastic materials without sacrificing mechanical properties remains a meaningful yet challenging topic. Currently, to optimize the sensitivity, hydrochromic agents are usually incorporated into hygroscopic matrixes to form bulk solids, which have restricted compatibility for the direct application inside other polymer materials. In this study, this challenge is tackled by nanoscale incorporation of hydrochromic agent into a hygroscopic polymer by miniemulsion polymerization. The obtained hydrochromic nanocapsule has an average diameter ≈110 nm, shows reversible hydrochromic property after 10 cycles, and can offer the first directly eye‐readable signal about the real time in situ water level in plastic materials with a water level below 4 wt.%, while achieving a 214% enhancement of the toughness at the same time. Comprehensive researches by investigating the composition and viscoelastic transition of the nanocapsules has shed light on the mechanisms concerning hydrochromic sensitivity and toughening effect. This simple methodology not only offers a new route for the nanoscale incorporation and application of different hydrochromic materials, but also inspires the development of smart nanoparticles with other stimuli‐responsive functionalities. All these aspects should render this work interesting for both scientific researches and engineering practices.

Alkali Containing Layered Metal Oxides as Catalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

AbstractImproving the efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is essential to realise energy systems based on water electrolysis. Many catalysts have been developed for the OER to date, with iridium‐based oxides being the most promising due to their relative stability towards corrosion in acidic electrolytes under oxidising potentials. In recent years, examples of catalysts adopting layered structures have been shown to have promising characteristics such as higher conductivity and higher electrochemically active surface area compared to highly crystalline metal oxides. Furthermore, such materials possess additional tuneable properties such as interlayer spacing, identity and concentration of the interlayer species, edge and interlayer active sites, and higher active surface area. Recent attention has focused on mono‐ and polymetallic lithium‐containing layered materials, where the presence of interlayer lithium cations, in situ delithiation processes and combinations of transition metal oxides result in enhanced catalytic properties towards OER. This review aims to provide a summary of the recent developments of such layered materials, in which lithium or other alkali metal ions occupy interlayer sites in oxides.

Recent Advance in Electrochromic Materials and Devices for Display Applications.

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) possess the performance advantages in terms of color adjustability, low power consumption, and visual friendliness, emerging as one of the ideal candidates for energy-efficient smart windows, next-generation displays, and wearable electronics. The optical and electrical characteristics of ECDs can be adjusted by modifying the materials or structure of devices. This review summarizes the recent developments of innovative technologies and key materials of ECDs for display applications, highlighting the key issues and development trends in this area.

Recent Developments in Materials for Physical Hydrogen Storage: A Review.

The depletion of reliable energy sources and the environmental and climatic repercussions of polluting energy sources have become global challenges. Hence, many countries have adopted various renewable energy sources including hydrogen. Hydrogen is a future energy carrier in the global energy system and has the potential to produce zero carbon emissions. For the non-fossil energy sources, hydrogen and electricity are considered the dominant energy carriers for providing end-user services, because they can satisfy most of the consumer requirements. Hence, the development of both hydrogen production and storage is necessary to meet the standards of a "hydrogen economy". The physical and chemical absorption of hydrogen in solid storage materials is a promising hydrogen storage method because of the high storage and transportation performance. In this paper, physical hydrogen storage materials such as hollow spheres, carbon-based materials, zeolites, and metal-organic frameworks are reviewed. We summarize and discuss the properties, hydrogen storage densities at different temperatures and pressures, and the fabrication and modification methods of these materials. The challenges associated with these physical hydrogen storage materials are also discussed.

Smart Ultrasound-responsive Polymers for Drug Delivery: An Overview on Advanced Stimuli-sensitive Materials and Techniques.

In recent years, a notable advancement has occurred in the domain of drug delivery systems via the integration of intelligent polymers that respond to ultrasound. The implementation of this groundbreaking methodology has significantly revolutionised the controlled and precise delivery of therapeutic interventions. An in-depth investigation is conducted into the most recent developments in ultrasonic stimulus-responsive materials and techniques for the purpose of accomplishing precise medication administration. The investigation begins with an exhaustive synopsis of the foundational principles underlying drug delivery systems that react to ultrasonic stimuli, focusing specifically on the complex interplay between polymers and ultrasound waves. Significant attention is devoted to the development of polymers that demonstrate tailored responsiveness to ultrasound, thereby exemplifying their versatility in generating controlled drug release patterns. Numerous classifications of intelligent polymers are examined in the discussion, including those that react to variations in temperature, pH, and enzymes. When coupled with ultrasonic stimuli, these polymers offer a sophisticated framework for the precise manipulation of drug release in terms of both temporal and spatial dimensions. The present study aims to examine the synergistic effects of responsive polymers and ultrasound in overcoming biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier and the gastrointestinal tract. By doing so, it seeks to shed light on the potential applications of these materials in intricate clinical scenarios. The issues and future prospects of intelligent ultrasound-responsive polymers in the context of drug delivery are critically analysed in this article. The objective of this study is to offer valuable perspectives on the challenges that must be overcome to enable the effective implementation of these technologies. The primary objective of this comprehensive review is to furnish researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical scientists with a wealth of information that will serve as a guide for forthcoming developments in the development and enhancement of intelligent drug delivery systems that employ ultrasound-responsive polymers to attain superior therapeutic outcomes.

Recent Advancement in Solar‐Driven Interfacial Steam Generation for Desalination: A State‐of‐the‐Art Review

Solar energy is one of the most efficient origins of energy for a wide range of environmentally beneficial purposes. Water desalination by steam generation with the help of solar energy is not only an economical and straightforward approach, but it also utilizes free energy sources to solve the problem of increasing freshwater scarcity. Solar water evaporation is an essential component of the low‐energy method for generating fresh water, which is required for economic development and human health. Freshwater productivity determines how effectively the system captures incoming solar energy and transforms it into usable heat. Effective water distillation has recently gained a lot of attention. The photothermal conversion process is built on the performance of the evaporator. This review thoroughly examines the most recent developments in photothermal materials, structure design, and engineering strategies, including design principles for highly efficient photothermal conversion, thermal management, water transport phenomena, salt rejection behavior, and improved evaporation rate. The prospective applications of this technique in saline water desalination, waste water purification, and energy generation are highlighted. Furthermore, the most recent scientific advancements are utilized to demonstrate the potential, prospects, and challenges of solar‐driven evaporation in energy conversion.

Carbon Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications: Progress and Outlook.

Recent developments in nanoscale materials have found extensive use in various fields, especially in the biomedical industry. Several substantial obstacles must be overcome, particularly those related to nanostructured materials in biomedicine, before they can be used in therapeutic applications. Significant concerns in biomedicine include biological processes, adaptability, toxic effects, and nano-biointerfacial properties. Biomedical researchers have difficulty choosing suitable materials for drug carriers, cancer treatment, and antiviral uses. Carbon nanomaterials are among the various nanoparticle forms that are continually receiving interest for biomedical applications. They are suitable materials owing to their distinctive physical and chemical properties, such as electrical, high-temperature, mechanical, and optical diversification. An individualized, controlled, dependable, low-carcinogenic, target-specific drug delivery system can diagnose and treat infections in biomedical applications. The variety of carbon materials at the nanoscale is remarkable. Allotropes and other forms of the same element, carbon, are represented in nanoscale dimensions. These show promise for a wide range of applications. Carbon nanostructured materials with exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties include graphene and carbon nanotubes. They can potentially revolutionize industries, including electronics, energy, and medicine. Ongoing investigation and expansion efforts continue to unlock possibilities for these materials, making them a key player in shaping the future of advanced technology. Carbon nanostructured materials explore the potential positive effects of reducing the greenhouse effect. The current state of nanostructured materials in the biomedical sector is covered in this review, along with their synthesis techniques and potential uses.

Self-Assembled Monolayer-Based Hole-Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells.

Ever since self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were adopted as hole-transporting layers (HTL) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), numerous SAMs for HTL have been synthesized and reported. SAMs offer several unique advantages including relatively simple synthesis, straightforward molecular engineering, effective surface modification using small amounts of molecules, and suitability for large-area device fabrication. In this review, we discuss recent developments of SAM-based hole-transporting materials (HTMs) for PSCs. Notably, in this article, SAM-based HTMs have been categorized by similarity of synthesis to provide general information for building a SAM structure. SAMs are composed of head, linker, and anchoring groups, and the selection of anchoring groups is key to design the synthetic procedure of SAM-based HTMs. In addition, the working mechanism of SAM-based HTMs has been visualized and explained to provide inspiration for finding new head and anchoring groups that have not yet been explored. Furthermore, both photovoltaic properties and device stabilities have been discussed and summarized, expanding reader's understanding of the relationship between the structure and performance of SAMs-based PSCs.

Recent developments in perovskite materials, fabrication techniques, band gap engineering, and the stability of perovskite solar cells

Organic-inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSC) represent a novel class of optoelectronic semiconductors that have garnered significant attention from photovoltaic researchers globally. This is due to their continually improving efficiency, straightforward solution processing methods, use of lightweight and cost-effective materials, and other notable features. The advantageous properties of perovskite materials, such as superior charge transport, tunable band gap, and distinctive electronic structure, contribute to their appeal. Over the past 6 to 7 years, diverse device architectures and fabrication techniques for PSC have emerged, achieving an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.7%. This review article primarily focuses on recent advancements in PSC fabrication techniques, synthesis, device architecture, charge transport mechanisms, band gap engineering, and stability. Additionally, it provides a summary of recently reported materials used in various layers of PSC, including the perovskite layer, as well as electron and hole transport layers. Lastly, the article outlines the challenges faced in the development of PSC, offers recommendations, and suggests potential directions for future research to guide the field forward.

Research progress of perovskite long afterglow materials

The mechanism and properties of perovskite long afterglow materials and their applications in biological imaging, information storage, anti-counterfeiting, and other fields.