Materials Science Research Research Articles

JUAMI, the joint undertaking for an African materials institute: building materials science research collaborations and capabilities between continents

JUAMI, the joint undertaking for an African materials institute, is a project to build collaborations and materials research capabilities between PhD researchers in Africa, the United States, and the world. Focusing on research-active universities in the East African countries of Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda, the effort has run a series of schools focused on materials for sustainable energy and materials for sustainable development. These bring together early-career researchers from Africa, the US, and beyond, for two weeks in a close-knit environment. The program includes lectures on cutting-edge research from internationally renowned speakers, highly interactive tutorial lectures on the science behind the research, also from internationally known researchers, and hands-on practicals and team-building exercises that culminate in group proposals from self-formed student teams. The schools have benefited more than 300 early-career students and led to proposals that have received funding and have led to research collaborations and educational non-profits. JUAMI continues and has an ongoing community of alumni who share resources and expertise, and is open to like-minded people who want to join and develop contacts and collaborations internationally.

Insights into optoelectronic behaviors of novel double halide perovskites Cs2KInX6 (X = Br, Cl, I) for energy harvesting: First principal calculation

One of the most important areas of materials science research is the creation of novel materials for energy conversion and storage. Computational simulations have become a potent tool for anticipating novel material characteristics and speeding up the discovery process in recent years. In this article, we present a computational investigation of the structural, electronic, and optical properties of double perovskites Cs2KInX6 (X = Br, Cl, and I), with a focus on their potential applications in energy conversion. The purpose of this work is to accomplish a comparative analysis of novel optoelectronic lead-free halide double perovskites. The Cs2KInX6 double perovskites compounds display direct semiconducting behavior with optical bandgap energies values of about 2.60, 3.60, and 1.67 eV for Cs2KInBr6, Cs2KInCl6, and Cs2KInI6, respectively. The results obtained underscore the remarkable characteristics of the studied compounds. Notably, a substantial absorption coefficient exceeding 106 cm−1 in the ultraviolet range and a notable absorption coefficient surpassing 105 cm−1 in the visible spectrum were observed. The obtained optoelectronic characteristics that have been indicate that Cs2KInX6 compounds hold great potential for usage in solar cell applications.

Integration of MXene and Microfluidics: A Perspective.

The fusion of MXene-based materials with microfluidics not only presents a dynamic and promising avenue for innovation but also opens up new possibilities across various scientific and technological domains. This Perspective delves into the intricate synergy between MXenes and microfluidics, underscoring their collective potential in material science, sensing, energy storage, and biomedical research. This intersection of disciplines anticipates future advancements in MXene synthesis and functionalization as well as progress in advanced sensing technologies, energy storage solutions, environmental applications, and biomedical breakthroughs. Crucially, the manufacturing and commercialization of MXene-based microfluidic devices, coupled with interdisciplinary collaborations, stand as pivotal considerations. Envisioning a future where MXenes and microfluidics collaboratively shape our technological landscape, addressing intricate challenges and propelling innovation forward necessitates a thoughtful approach. This viewpoint provides a comprehensive assessment of the current state of the field while outlining future prospects for the integration of MXene-based entities and microfluidics.

Acoustic shock wave-induced ordered to disordered switchable phase transitions: A case study of ferroelectric triglycine sulphate single crystal for the application of molecular switches

Highly efficient switchable materials for external stimuli have impressive applications in the development of precious sensor devices. However, most of the materials do not possess effective switchable structural features such that finding potential switchable materials is one of the critical research tasks for materials science researchers. In the present research perspective, we demonstrate successive switchable phase transitions occurring between the order to disorder states in the ferroelectric triglycine sulphate (TGS) single crystal along the (011) plane with respect to the number of shock pulses (0,1 and 2 counts) and the observed results are evaluated by the diffraction, spectroscopic, microscopic and thermal approaches. The observed switchable phase transitions occur due to the shock wave-induced inter-conversion of planar configuration to the non-planar configuration of Glycine molecules, particularly GII and GIII. The ratio of the normalized Raman bands Sym-CH2/Asym-CH2 is found to be 2.0 and 2.5 for the respective order to disorder states such that these values are identified to be well-matched with the literature reports. In addition to that, the SEM images authenticate that, during the amorphous to crystalline phase transitions, the appearance of well-defined (011) plane on the surface is ensured due to the dynamic recrystallization. To the best of our knowledge, to date, it is probably the first report for the phase switching of order to disorder states of TGS sample by the impact of acoustical shock waves and because of its efficient switchability, it can be strongly suggested for the application of molecular switches.

Synchrotron radiation data-driven artificial intelligence approaches in materials discovery

Synchrotron radiation technology provides high-resolution and high-sensitivity information for many fields such as material science, life science, and energy research. Synchrotron radiation data-driven methods have significantly accelerated the development of materials discovery and analysis. However, synchrotron radiation data is complex and large, requiring artificial intelligence for analysis. Artificial intelligence can efficiently process complex high-dimensional data, automate the analysis process, discover hidden patterns and associations, and build predictive models. This review provides an overview of the application and development of combining synchrotron radiation data-driven methods with artificial intelligence in the field of materials discovery. The application of the method in science is still limited by the problems of large and complex synchrotron radiation data, valuable experimental machine time, and uninterpretable artificial intelligence models. To address these problems, this review correspondingly proposes solutions for synchrotron radiation artificial intelligence data banks, standardized experiment records systems, and interpretable artificial intelligence predictive models.

Green development of samarium borosilicate glasses doped silica gel waste for stable orange colored visible host material

This study presents a new way to make luminescent glass doped with SiO2 components using recycled silica gel waste from laboratories and ball milling and melt-quenching methods. A study is conducted on the optical, photoluminescence, and X-ray luminescence characteristics of glasses doped with recycled silica gel waste (RSGW); (69-Y)B2O3–18Li2O–12BaO–YRSGW-1.0Sm2O3 (Y= 0–60 mol%) and Sm2O3-doped; (40-Y)B2O3–18Li2O–12BaO–30RSGW-YSm2O3 (Y= 0–2 mol%). The glass samples undergo characterization using several spectroscopic techniques under standard ambient conditions. The density and refractive index of the YSilicagelSm glasses increase, while their molar volume value decreases with the increase in RSGW content in the glass system. Furthermore, the absorption spectra display the hypersensitive transitions 6H5/2→6P3/2 and 6H5/2→6F7/2 in the visible and near-infrared ranges, respectively. The glasses exhibit four prominent transitions that are indicative of the Sm3+ ion as a result of photoluminescence and X-ray luminescence. Among these, the 4G5/2→6H7/2 (at 600 nm) transition is the most intense. Photoluminescence and X-ray luminescence suggest the highest emission intensity occurs in the host composition containing 30 mol% RSGW. According to the CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram, this glass produces a reddish-orange illumination. A further experiment was prepared with a host glass (40-Y)B2O3–18Li2O–12BaO–30RSGW-YSm2O3 with varying Sm2O3 concentrations. The results from both luminescence experiments support that the concentration of Sm2O3 increases up to 1.0 mol% and then decreases, which is the appropriate quenching concentration of Sm3+. This not only offers another way to repurpose waste but also presents interesting novel possibilities for materials science and photonics research.

Spectroscopic analysis of residual radicals of gamma sterilized UHMWPE with fractional order differential operators

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the Grunwald-Letnikov definition of fractional order derivatives for determining the fractional derivative of ESR signals from UHMWPE free radicals using the fitted Gaussian distribution method. Specifically, the study focused on analyzing two long-lasting oxygen-induced residual radicals di- or tri-enyls with a carbon center radical (R1) and the oxygen-containing radical (R2). The impact of the derivative order on ESR spectral parameters, such as the Landé g-factor and peak-to-peak separation, was analyzed, and new spectral parameters were established for both radicals. The samples were measured in an ESR tube using ESR power saturation techniques at room temperature. Following the measurements, the fitted Gaussian distribution of the ESR signals was used to determine the fractional derivative using the Grunwald-Letnikov definition. Two estimators (I and II) were developed for both radicals, and their values were found to be 9.19 and 4.27 for Radical R1 and 11.51 and 2060.62 for Radical R2. Our results showed that the fractional derivative approach provided accurate and reliable estimations for the radicals. This method can be easily implemented for various ESR signals and can be useful in many applications, including materials science and biomedical research. The accuracy and reliability of our estimators were confirmed by comparing them with the results obtained from the conventional method. Our findings have important implications for materials science and biomedical research, where ESR signals are widely used. This method can help researchers to obtain more accurate and reliable estimations of radicals, which can ultimately lead to more accurate and reliable conclusions in their studies. Additional research is required to assess the effectiveness of this approach on various ESR signals and to investigate its potential use in other fields of study.

Bioinspired Composites a Review: Lessons from Nature for Materials Design and Performance

Bioinspired composites have become an increasingly popular area of research in materials science, as they offer a promising approach to developing high-performance materials. By drawing inspiration from the structures and properties of natural materials, researchers can design composites with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and other properties. This review article discusses the lessons that can be learned from nature for materials design and performance, with a focus on the structures and properties of biological materials such as bone, spider silk, and nacre. We explore the key mechanisms that give these materials their unique properties, including hierarchical structures, nanoscale building blocks, and interfacial interactions. By understanding these mechanisms, researchers can develop new materials with improved strength, toughness, and other desirable properties. We also discuss the potential applications of bioinspired composites in fields such as aerospace, engineering, and biomedical science. Overall, this review highlights the importance of nature as a source of inspiration for materials design and provides insights into the development of high-performance composites.

Bio�Cbased polymers from lignin

<p>Lignin, the most abundant natural aromatic compound on earth, offers valuable resources for the development of bio�Cbased polymers. In recent years, a plethora of diverse polymer materials has been reported using either separated lignin or lignin�Cderived monomers. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of recent achievements and compare these two well�Cknown strategies. While utilizing lignin directly as starting materials has advantages in terms of cost�Ceffectiveness and wider options, employing lignin�Cderived monomers suffer from higher costs and limited structural variety. However, the well�Cdefined structure of lignin-derived aromatic monomers, and retention of functional group characteristics make this a promising strategy for future applications. Through this review paper, we aim to inspire more researchers in material science to focus on lignin��an intriguing and emerging carbon-neutral biomaterial.</p>

Benzene layer-aligned electrochemical transformation of SWCNTs to redox-active macro-walled CNTs: enabling oxygen interference-free monitoring of ROS release from HeLa cancer cells

The search for novel carbon allotropes with unique electrochemical properties remains a key area of research in materials science.

Analysis of thermal diffuse scattering intensity of scandium oxide (Sc<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>)

Atoms in crystals will generate thermal diffuse scattering during thermal vibration. Thermal diffuse scattering analysis has great potential applications in condensed matter physics and material science research. Scandium oxide (Sc<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) has unique physical and chemical properties, which make it have high research and application value. In this work, X-ray diffraction experiment is performed on Sc<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> at room temperature of 26℃. The thermal diffuse scattering intensity exhibits a clear vibrational shape. The full diffraction back-based intensity equation of Sc<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> is expanded, and the theoretical value of the thermal diffuse scattering intensity is calculated until the full diffraction back-based intensity spectrum of the 14th nearest atom (<i>r</i> = 0.3816nm) is calculated. By fitting the theoretical value to the experimental value, we can see the inter-atomic thermal vibration correlation effect <i>μ</i> values corresponding to the nearest neighbor atom to the 7th nearest neighbor atom, the values of distance <i>r</i> from the nearest neighbor atom to the 7th nearest neighbor atom are 0.2067, 0.2148, 0.2161, 0.2671, 0.2945, 0.3229 and 0.3265nm, respectively, corresponding to their inter-atomic thermal vibration correlation effect <i>μ</i> values of 0.64, 0.63, 0.62, 0.61, 0.60, 0.58 and 0.57. Research result shows that the intensity of thermal diffuse scattering in Sc<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> is closely related to the atomic thermal vibration, the most significant influence on the vibration shape of thermal diffuse scattering intensity is the thermal vibration correlation effect between the 7th nearest atom Sc<sub>1</sub>-Sc<sub>2</sub>. Inter-atomic thermal vibration correlation effect <i>μ</i> values will provide important parameters for studying the mechanical and thermal properties of materials, laying the foundation for the next-step calculating specific heat and interatomic force constant, and thus playing a crucial role in the use and development of materials.

A Review of 3D Printing and Surgical Planning

Three-Dimensional Printing (3DP), also known as rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing, has revolutionized the field of medicine, particularly in preoperative planning. By transforming intricate Two-Dimensional (2D) medical imaging data into tangible, patient-specific Three-Dimensional (3D) models, 3DP enhances surgical precision and patient care. This technology facilitates detailed preoperative visualization, enabling surgeons to interact with accurate anatomical models, plan complex procedures, and anticipate potential challenges. The evolution of 3DP, driven by advances in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Stereolithography (SLA), has democratized access to affordable and sophisticated 3D printers, spurring innovation in medical applications. In this study, a comprehensive review of the literature on the integration of 3DP technology into preoperative planning is conducted. Applications across various surgical disciplines, including cardiovascular, orthopedic, craniofacial, neurosurgical, oncological, transplant, and pediatric surgeries are examined. Benefits of 3DP in providing tactile feedback, creating patient-specific surgical guides and implants, and enhancing surgical simulation and training are evaluated. Additionally, challenges associated with the high costs, time-intensive processes, and material limitations of 3DP are assessed. Findings demonstrate that 3DP significantly reduces operative times, improves surgical outcomes, and lowers complication rates. The study highlights the transformative impact of 3DP on surgical practice and underscores its potential for future advancements. With ongoing research and innovation in materials science, bioprinting, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality, 3DP is poised to further revolutionize preoperative planning, offering more personalized, precise, and patient-centered healthcare solutions.

Prosthodontic Research in the Digital Era: Current Trends and Future Prospects

Prosthodontic Research in the Digital Era: Current Trends and Future Prospects

Revealing the full potential of CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cells: advancements towards enhanced performance.

Cesium lead iodide bromide (CsPbIBr2) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have improved stability compared to other perovskite compositions. However, they still face significant challenges due to their poor photovoltaic performance parameters, which limit the devices' power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). This study proposes a novel device design to tailor the potential of CsPbIBr2 PSCs by improving their optoelectronic properties. An advanced 3D multiphysics approach was rigorously used to investigate the optics and electrical properties of the proposed CsPbIBr2 PSCs. This approach combines finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and finite element method (FEM) techniques with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The outcome from the adapted numerical approach is in good agreement with the experimental results. The optimized CsPbIBr2 PSC demonstrates a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of over 16.4%, associated VOC of 1.53 V, FF of 80.6%, and JSC of 13.4 mA cm-2. Therefore, the potential of CsPbIBr2 perovskites could be further explored with continued research and development in material science and device physics.

Fungal mycelia: From innovative materials to promising products: Insights and challenges.

In transitioning toward a sustainable economy, mycelial materials are recognized for their adaptability, biocompatibility, and eco-friendliness. This paper updates the exploration of mycelial materials, defining their scope and emphasizing the need for precise terminology. It discusses the importance of mycelial type and characteristics, reviews existing and future research directions, and highlights the need for improved understanding, clarity, and standardization in this emerging field, aiming to foster and guide future research and development in sustainable material science.

Interlayer angle dependence of photoelectric properties of Sb/SnC van der Waals heterojunction and its application

The discovery of novel properties in a twisted bilayer graphene has opened up new avenues of research in physics and materials science, making the twistronics a new research hotspot. In this paper, based on two-dimensional tin-based materials and antimonene monolayers, six types of Sb/SnC two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures (vdWH) with different interlayer twist angles are constructed, and their optoelectronic properties and applications are studied by First-principles calculations. All modeling and calculations are performed using the density functional theory (DFT) software Quantum-ATK. The results show that the Sb/SnC vdWHs with six different interlayer twist angles have various band gaps, and when the interlayer twist angles are 10.89°, 19.11°, 23.41°, and 30°, the Sb/SnC vdWH exhibit a type-I band edge alignment, while at 8.95° and 13.59°, they present a type-II band structure. Results of the orbital-projected band structures of the Sb/SnC vdWHs reveals that the change in interlayer twist angles alters the atomic stacking in the heterostructures, thereby modifying orbital coupling and further tuning the electronic structure of the heterostructures. Additionally, the calculated absorption spectra indicate that compared with individual Sb and SnC monolayers, the absorption coefficient of the Sb/SnC vdWHs in the visible light region was significantly enhanced, and the optical absorption characteristics of the heterostructures with different interlayer twist angles varied markedly. In terms of applications, as materials for solar cells, the Sb/SnC vdWHs with interlayer twist angles of 8.95° and 13.59° exhibit photovoltaic conversion efficiencies of 17.48% and 18.59%, respectively; as photocatalysts for the complete water splitting, the Sb/SnC vdWH with an interlayer twist angle of 8.95° could catalytically decompose water across a pH range of 0-2, while a twist angle of 13.59° confines its catalytic activity to pH values of 0 and 1. Therefore, Sb/SnC van der Waals heterostructures, with special rotation angles, hold promise for multifunctional applications in solar energy and photocatalysis fields. More importantly, our study demonstrates that in addition to conventional methods such as strain, doping, and defects, tuning the interlayer twist angle provides a new degree of freedom for manipulating the optoelectronic properties of materials.

Dusty Plasma: A Comprehensive Review

Dusty plasmas, characterized by the presence of micron or submicron-sized particles (dust) within a plasma of ions, electrons, and neutral species, represent a complex and intriguing state of matter. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of dusty plasmas, covering their formation mechanisms, fundamental properties, theoretical models, experimental techniques, and diverse applications. Dusty plasmas occur naturally in environments such as space, planetary atmospheres, and industrial processes, where they are formed through various mechanisms including micrometeorite impacts, volcanic eruptions, and cometary outgassing. In laboratory settings, they are generated in controlled discharge chambers using radio frequency or direct current sources, facilitating studies on their dynamic interactions and behavior. The physical characteristics and behavior of dusty plasmas are influenced by a range of forces including electrostatic, ion drag, gravitational, thermophoretic, and magnetic forces. These interactions give rise to collective phenomena such as dust acoustic waves, ion-dust interactions, and the formation of ordered structures like Coulomb crystals. Understanding these phenomena is essential for applications in astrophysics, materials science, semiconductor manufacturing, and environmental research. Theoretical approaches, including fluid dynamics, kinetic theories, and Particle-in-Cell (PIC) simulations, provide insights into the complex dynamics of dusty plasmas. Experimental methods such as Langmuir probes, laser scattering, and high-speed imaging are employed to characterize their properties and behaviors. Applications of dusty plasmas span diverse fields, from studying planetary formation processes to enhancing semiconductor device fabrication and environmental monitoring. Despite significant advancements, challenges remain in accurately modeling plasma dynamics and controlling dust particles in industrial applications. Future research directions include advancing diagnostic techniques, refining theoretical models, and exploring novel applications in materials science and technology. The interdisciplinary nature of dusty plasma research ensures continued exploration and innovation in understanding and utilizing this unique state of matter.

Recent Advances in Bio-Tribology From Joint Lubrication to Medical Implants: A Review

Bio-tribology, the study of lubrication, wear, and friction in biological systems, has made recent strides in the lubrication of medical implants and joints. This comprehensive review discusses the most recent developments in bio-tribology, with an emphasis on the transition from basic science to medical engineering applications. An overview of bio-tribology and its increasing significance in medicine commences the study. Following this, recent research on the composition of synovial fluid and its function in minimizing friction in natural joints is discussed. Medical implant tribology, including degradation issues in dental prostheses and joint replacements, is then addressed. This study investigates the manner in which surface modifications and coatings improve the tribological performance of medical implants. It emphasizes recent developments in material science and engineering. This article emphasizes the significance of minimizing implant material degradation in relation to the functionality and longevity of biomedical devices. Following this, digital models, simulations, and state-of-the-art imaging techniques that have propelled bio-tribology forward are highlighted. In addition to proposing potential research avenues to overcome the current obstacles, the article highlights the interdisciplinary nature of bio-tribology and urges collaboration among tribology, materials science, and biomechanics researchers.

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Materials Science Research, Vol. 12, No. 2

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Materials Science Research, Vol. 12, No. 2, 2023.

Демонстрационные исследования стекольных матриц для отвержденных радиоактивных отходов

The paper discusses the instrumentation installed in protective chambers and the methodological refinement of materials science research focused on model radioactive waste (RW) immobilized into an aluminophosphate waste form. The paper considers remote sample preparation and actual research launched in the IRM’s protective chambers to study model glass materials. The study provided basic characteristics of glass matrices (density, mechanical and elastic properties, thermal resistance, phase and elemental compositions) that were required to compare them with actual characteristics of solidified liquid radioactive waste produced by FSUE PA Mayak based on aluminophosphate glass after its long-term container storage.