Recent Developments In Materials Research Articles

Thermoelectric Materials and Devices for Advanced Biomedical Applications.

Thermoelectrics (TEs), enabling the direct conversion between heat and electrical energy, have demonstrated extensive application potential in biomedical fields. Herein, the mechanism of the TE effect, recent developments in TE materials, and the biocompatibility assessment of TE materials are provided. In addition to the fundamentals of TEs, a timely andcomprehensive review of the recent progress of advanced TE materials and their applications is presented, including wearable power generation, personal thermal management, and biosensing. In addition, the new-emerged medical applications of TE materials in wound healing, disease treatment, antimicrobial therapy, and anti-cancer therapy are thoroughly reviewed. Finally, the main challenges and future possibilities are outlined for TEs in biomedical fields, as well as their material selection criteria for specific application scenarios. Together, these advancements can provide innovative insights into the development of TEs for broader applications in biomedical fields.

Evolving trends and advanced applications of engineering materials in contemporary aircraft: a review

This review article discusses the engineering materials used in aircraft, with a focus on aluminum alloys, titanium alloys and composite materials, including where and why they are most used in aircraft. There are many research papers that deal in detail with materials such as aluminum alloys, titanium alloys and composites used in an aircraft, including theoretical and experimental results. However, the author felt that a review of aircraft materials was necessary, both for himself and to help others interested in similar topics. In addition, the author felt the need of thinking back to the past on what materials used to be prevalent and what materials have superseded them. One such example written in this study is the case of Aluminum that used to be the predominant material in aircraft structural components, has been increasingly supplanted by polymer composites in recent years due to their advantageous properties. It is hoped that from this review article the reader will be able to understand the general trend of recent developments in aeronautical engineering materials and be able to choose which path to follow and which area to focus on in their future research.

Emerging Capacitive Materials for On-Chip Electronics Energy Storage Technologies

Miniaturized energy storage devices, such as electrostatic nanocapacitors and electrochemical micro-supercapacitors (MSCs), are important components in on-chip energy supply systems, facilitating the development of autonomous microelectronic devices with enhanced performance and efficiency. The performance of the on-chip energy storage devices heavily relies on the electrode materials, necessitating continuous advancements in material design and synthesis. This review provides an overview of recent developments in electrode materials for on-chip MSCs and electrostatic (micro-/nano-) capacitors, focusing on enhancing energy density, power density, and device stability. The review begins by discussing the fundamental requirements for electrode materials in MSCs, including high specific surface area, good conductivity, and excellent electrochemical stability. Subsequently, various categories of electrode materials are evaluated in terms of their charge storage mechanisms, electrochemical performance, and compatibility with on-chip fabrication processes. Furthermore, recent strategies to enhance the performance of electrode materials are discussed, including nanostructuring, doping, heteroatom incorporation, hybridization with other capacitive materials, and electrode configurations.

Rational Comparison of Anode Material Properties for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

Due to the increasing need for sustainable energy, the hydrogen (H2) economy is a topic of interest where H2 is used for energy storage and as a fuel [1]. In this regard, the utilization of hydrogen as a promising energy source for achieving global decarbonization goals has led to the exploration of water electrolysis (WE) as a viable route for producing green hydrogen [2,3]. Although proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is established, they suffer from the reliance on expensive noble metals as catalysts. In contrast, recently, anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) is emerging as a low-cost alternative solution that combines the strengths of both alkaline, WE (low capital cost and use of liquid electrolyte), and PEMWE (low ohmic resistance and high gas purity) where cost-effective transition metal oxides can be used [4-5].Among various materials that are being investigated as AEM anodes, Ni-based systems show high promises. However, a rational comparison between different Ni-based benchmarks as AEM anodes under different stages of electrode production is still lacking. Such a comparison would provide insight into the material properties that are relevant for optimization in each stage thereby producing highly performing catalysts. To achieve this, these materials have to be processed under comparable conditions during the electrode fabrication to draw meaningful correlations between the performance and influencing parameters.Herein, we developed a protocol for rationally comparing different commercial benchmark anode materials in AEMWE. The aim is to understand material properties that influence the final catalyst performance and further enhance their catalytic activity by fine-tuning pivotal material properties. We selected Ni-Co-O, Ni-Fe-O, and Ni-Co-O doped by Fe as potential anode materials for AEMWE and performed a systematic evaluation and comparison of the properties in powder, ink, and electrode layer stages.After the initial characterization of the powders by complimentary techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we developed ink formulations from each material. The stability of dispersions in various solvents was assessed using Hanson Solubility Parameters extracted from Analytical Centrifugation (AC) data [6]. AC in conjunction with own developed algorithms were then used to represent long-term stability data as transmittograms. During the ink development, particular care was taken to use solvent matrices that lead to comparable particle size distributions within the materials library together with constant catalyst to binder ratio and ink processing (e.g., ultrasonication) to assure the properties of each material to be the only free parameter in both ink formulation and electrode development. In the subsequent step, electrode layers from each material were obtained by spray deposition with defined deposition parameters (substrate temperature, ink flow and nozzle to substrate distance) that enabled the achievement of comparable electrode layers. These layers were characterized by atomic force microscopy and N2 sorption for understanding the microstructure and specific surface area of each electrode which was used for normalizing the electrochemical data. Specifically, an own developed AFM-based multi-stage data quantification was applied for evaluating the microstructure on larger scales [7]. Finally, the electrochemical performance of these materials as anodes in AEMWE were tested and correlated with the inherent material properties as well as ink and electrode layer characteristics.This work sheds light on a systematic workflow for characterizing AEMWE anode materials at different stages which provides a comprehensive picture about the underlying property-performance relationship. The developed coherent workflow can be expanded to other materials in AEMWE. Staffell, Iain, et al. "The role of hydrogen and fuel cells in the global energy system." Energy & Environmental Science 12.2 (2019): 463-491.Kusoglu, A., Chalkboard 1-the many colors of hydrogen. The Electrochemical Society Interface, 2021. 30(4): p. 44.Harkema, D., G. Palasantzas, and J. Miocic, Hydorgen in the European energy transition: Where will it come from? 2022.Miller, H.A., et al., Green hydrogen from anion exchange membrane water electrolysis: a review of recent developments in critical materials and operating conditions. Sustainable Energy & Fuels, 2020. 4(5): p. 2114-2133.Santoro, C., et al., What is Next in Anion‐Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers? Bottlenecks, Benefits, and Future. ChemSusChem, 2022. 15(8): p. e202200027.Bapat, S., et al., Towards a framework for evaluating and reporting Hansen solubility parameters: applications to particle dispersions. Nanoscale Advances, 2021. 3(15): p.4400-4410.Jain, A., et al., "Small-Area Observations to Insight: Surface-Feature-Extrapolation of Anodes via Multistage Data Quantification. " Under review, ChemCatChem

(Invited) Scalable Manufacturing and Application of Piezoelectric Biomaterials

Piezoelectric materials are a group of important functional building blocks that interfacing the human body by coupling biomechanical energy and electricity. So far, many technology innovations have advanced piezoelectric materials and composites toward a broad range of biomedical applications, which possess unique biocompatibility and flexibility. Fundamentally, materials design and engineering draw the boundary where this technology may advance. In this talk, I introduce our most recent development of piezoelectric materials and composites that are particularly designed for implantable nanogenerator applications. First, I present our wafer-scale approach to creating piezoelectric biomaterial thin films based on amino acids. The self-assembled sandwich film and truss-like structures enabled both strong piezoelectricity and largely improved flexibility. Then, new ferroelectric composites are presented as a new material used in 3D printing for directly manufacturing of piezoelectric architectures with tunable piezoelectric and mechanical properties. Toward the end, novel applications of implantable piezoelectric materials are introduced, which enable the closed-loop electrostimulations for many biomedical therapeutics.

Recent developments in natural fibre polymer composite materials for interior design applications: an overview from acoustic perspective

Recent developments in natural fibre polymer composite materials for interior design applications: an overview from acoustic perspective

Outcomes of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) Compared to Open Repair in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: An Umbrella Meta-Analysis.

This umbrella meta-analysis aims to investigate two surgical treatments for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open surgery repair (OSR). Our study aims to elucidate the 30-day mortality rate, reintervention rates, and aneurysm-related mortality in EVAR versus OSR for AAA. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of meta-analyses (n = 34 articles) comparing EVAR and OSR for AAA. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol and considered statistical significance at P ≤ 0.05. For the 30-day mortality rate, a pooled odds ratio (pOR) of 0.59 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-0.77, P= 0.0001, and I2 = 98%) indicates that EVAR was associated with a lower risk of mortality compared to OSR. For reintervention rates, a pOR of 1.33 (95% CI = 0.98-1.82, P = 0.11, and I2 = 90%). In aneurysm-related mortality, a pOR of 0.78 (95% CI = 0.63-0.97, P =0.03, and I2 = 43%). In postoperative rupture of aneurysm, a pOR of 3.28 (95% CI = 2.16-4.98, P < 0.00001, and I2 = 50%). Furthermore, when analyzing systemic complications, only for visceral ischemia, significant results showed lower odds for EVAR, with a pOR of 0.57 (95% CI = 0.40-0.80, P = 0.001, and I2 = 0%) was found. EVAR is better in terms of short-term mortality rate and aneurysm-related mortality. Furthermore, EVAR is still a safer procedure in elective settings, as the studies we included recruited patients for this setting. However, given the high reintervention rates and recent developments in surgical techniques and materials, more recent data and extensive research are needed.

Exploring Recent Developments in Graphene-Based Cathode Materials for Fuel Cell Applications: A Comprehensive Overview.

Fuel cells are at the forefront of modern energy research, with graphene-based materials emerging as key enhancers of performance. This overview explores recent advancements in graphene-based cathode materials for fuel cell applications. Graphene's large surface area and excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical strength make it ideal for use in different solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) as well as proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This review covers various forms of graphene, including graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and doped graphene, highlighting their unique attributes and catalytic contributions. It also examines the effects of structural modifications, doping, and functional group integrations on the electrochemical properties and durability of graphene-based cathodes. Additionally, we address the thermal stability challenges of graphene derivatives at high SOFC operating temperatures, suggesting potential solutions and future research directions. This analysis underscores the transformative potential of graphene-based materials in advancing fuel cell technology, aiming for more efficient, cost-effective, and durable energy systems.

Advanced Polymer Materials for Protecting Lithium Metal Anodes of Liquid‐State and Solid‐State Lithium Batteries

AbstractLithium metal batteries (LMBs) are considered as one type of the most promising next‐generation energy storage devices with high‐energy‐density, and stabilizing the lithium metal anodes (LMAs) to overcome LMBs’ safety concerns and performance degradation has attracted extensive attention. Introducing advanced polymer materials into the critical components of LMBs has proven to be an effective and promising approach for stabilizing LMAs toward practical application of LMBs. In addressing the lack of a timely review on the emerging progress of advanced polymer materials in LMBs for stabilizing LMAs, a comprehensive article summarizing the most recent developments of multiscale cellulose materials, including micron cellulose (MC) and nanocellulose (NC), in LMBs is reviewed. First, the basic structures of cellulose, characteristics comparison, and the development history of introducing cellulose into LMBs are presented. Furthermore, the roles of multiscale cellulose materials and functional mechanisms in various components of LMBs for stabilizing LMAs are summarized. A general conclusion and a perspective on the current limitations and future research directions of cellulose‐based stable LMBs are proposed. The aim of this review is not only to summarize the recent progress of multiscale cellulose materials in stabilizing LMAs but also to lighten the pathways for realizing LMBs’ practical application.

Electrochemical Sensors for Heavy Metal Ion Detection in Aqueous Medium: A Systematic Review.

Heavy metal ions (HMIs) are very harmful to the ecosystem when they are present in excess of the recommended limits. They are carcinogenic in nature and can cause serious health issues. So, it is important to detect the metal ions quickly and accurately. The metal ions arsenic (As3+), cadmium (Cd2+), chromium (Cr3+), lead (Pb2+), and mercury (Hg2+) are considered to be very toxic among other metal ions. Standard analytical methods like atomic absorption spectroscopy, atomic fluorescence spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy are used to detect HMIs. But these methods necessitate highly technical equipment and lengthy procedures with skilled personnel. So, electrochemical sensing methods are considered to be more advantageous because of their quick analysis with precision and simplicity to operate. They can detect a wide range of heavy metals providing real-time monitoring and are cost-effective and enable multiparametric detection. Various sensing applications necessitate severe regulation regarding the modification of electrode surfaces. Numerous nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metal nanoparticles have been extensively explored as interface materials in electrode modifiers. These nanoparticles offer excellent electrical conductivity, distinctive catalytic properties, and high surface area resulting in enhanced electrochemical performance. This review examines different HMI detection methods in an aqueous medium by an electrochemical sensing approach and studies the recent developments in interface materials for altering the electrodes.

Polymer Bioelectronics: A Solution for Both Stimulating and Recording Electrodes.

The advent of closed-loop bionics has created a demand for electrode materials that are ideal for both stimulating and recording applications. The growing complexity and diminishing size of implantable devices for neural interfaces have moved beyond what can be achieved with conventional metallic electrode materials. Polymeric electrode materials are a recent development based on polymer composites of organic conductors such as conductive polymers. These materials present exciting new opportunities in the design and fabrication of next-generation electrode arrays which can overcome the electrochemical and mechanical limitations of conventional electrode materials. This review will examine the recent developments in polymeric electrode materials, their application as stimulating and recording electrodes in bionic devices, and their impact on the development of soft, conformal, and high-density neural interfaces.

Recent Advances and Developments in Phase Change Materials in High-Temperature Building Envelopes: A Review of Solutions and Challenges

The use of phase change materials (PCMs) has become an increasingly common way to reduce a building’s energy usage when added to the building envelope. This developing technology has demonstrated improvements in thermal comfort and energy efficiency, making it a viable building energy solution. The current study intends to provide a comprehensive review of the published studies on the utilization of PCMs in various constructions of energy-efficient roofs, walls, and ceilings. The research question holds massive potential to unlock pioneering solutions for maximizing the usefulness of PCMs in reducing cooling demands, especially in challenging high-temperature environments. Several issues with PCMs have been revealed, the most significant of which is their reduced effectiveness during the day due to high summer temperatures, preventing them from crystallizing at night. However, this review investigates how PCMs can delay the peak temperature time, reducing the number of hours during which the indoor temperature exceeds the thermal comfort range. Additionally, the utilization of PCMs can improve the building’s energy efficiency by mitigating the need for cooling systems during peak hours. Thus, selecting the right PCM for high temperatures is both critical and challenging. Insulation density, specific heat, and thermal conductivity all play a role in heat transfer under extreme conditions. This study introduces several quantification techniques and paves the way for future advancements to accommodate practical and technical solutions related to PCM usage in building materials.

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.