Sponge-like Structure Research Articles

Highly Monodisperse Stable Gold Nanorod Powder for Optical Sensor.

Gold nanorods (GNRs) as plasmonic metal nanoparticles are valuable for optical applications due to their tunable plasmonic properties. However, conventional colloidal GNRs face significant optical instability during storage, which limits their practical use. In this work, we developed a highly dispersible GNR powder using an octadecyl trimethylammonium bromide (C18TAB)-assisted freeze-drying method, preserving the optical and chemical sensing properties of GNRs for over 4 months. Compared with C16TAB, C18TAB significantly enhances the GNRs dispersibility even at lower concentrations. Our study demonstrates that C18TAB forms a sponge-like crystal structure that prevents aggregation during the freeze-drying process. The resulting GNR powder retains its plasmonic features and water dispersibility, achieving near-identical optical properties to those of fresh GNR solutions. This stability enabled creation of a liquid-free colorimetric test kit with a long shelf life. This work marks a significant step forward in the use of GNRs as standard analytical reagents, opening new avenues for real-world applications.

Fabrication of hierarchically porous trabecular bone replicas via 3D printing with high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs)

Combining emulsion templating with additive manufacturing enables the production of inherently porous scaffolds with multiscale porosity. This approach incorporates interconnected porous materials, providing a structure that supports cell ingrowth. However, 3D printing hierarchical porous structures that combine semi-micropores and micropores remains a challenging task. Previous studies have demonstrated that using a carefully adjusted combination of light absorbers and photoinitiators in the resin can produce open surface porosity, sponge-like internal structures, and a printing resolution of about 150µm. In this study, we explored how varying concentrations of tartrazine (0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.08 wt%) as a light absorber affect the porous structure of acrylate-based polymerized medium internal phase emulsions fabricated via vat photopolymerization. Given the importance of a porous and interconnected structure for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, we tested cell behavior on these 3D-printed disk samples using MG-63 cells, examining metabolic activity, adhesion, and morphology. The 0.08 wt% tartrazine-containing 3D-printed sample (008 T) demonstrated the best cell proliferation and adhesion. To show that this high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) resin can be used to create complex structures for biomedical applications, we 3D-printed trabecular bone structures based on microCT imaging. These structures were further evaluated for cell behavior and migration, followed by microCT analysis after 60 days of cell culture. This research demonstrates that HIPEs can be used as a resin to print trabecular bone mimics using additive manufacturing, which could be further developed for lab-on-a-chip models of healthy and diseased bone.

Robust polymer electrolytes with fast ion-transport nanochannels constructed by carbon dots for long lifespan Li metal batteries

As an anode material in energy storage systems, Li metal has exceptional merits, including high specific capacity, low density, and low redox potential. However, challenges such as lithium dendrites and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) hinder the practical application of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), notably PVDF-HFP, are expected to overcome the above problems because of their mechanical merits and safe features, but their limited ion transportation behaviors result in insufficient ionic conductivity at room temperature. Herein, we invent an approach to prepare high performance electrolytes composed by porous PVDF-HFP and functionalized carbon dots (CDs). Such porous PVDF-HFP polymer membranes are created by a subtle phase inversion process, possessing a sponge-like structure, vertical lithium-ion transport channels and CDs decorated surfaces, thus able to uptake the liquid electrolyte (LE) to form gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). The CDs fillers are produced in large scale with adjustable surface states, which can enhance Li salts disassociation to release free Li ions. As a result, the optimal conductivity of the as-prepared GPEs at room temperature is up to 8.7 mS cm−1 and the lithium transference number reaches 0.64. Our GPEs endow Li symmetric batteries with very stable SEI and long cycling life over 2200 h, and help realize high capacities and retention rates of the LMBs using LiFePO4(LFP) or LiCoO2(LCO) cathodes.

A sustainable strategy to improve photocatalytic degradation properties of CuO and CuO-rGO nanocomposite using Eucalyptus leaf extract

In this study, Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were synthesized using a sustainable approach. The process comprised Eucalyptus leaf extract as both a biological capping agent and a reducing agent. The synthesis process used a one-pot hydrothermal technique to efficiently combine CuO nanoparticles with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Analytical methods were utilized to investigate the prepared nanocomposite's structural, crystalline, morphological, functional, optical, and thermal characteristics. The prepared sample was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, which revealed that CuO nanoparticles have a monoclinic crystal structure, and no impurity peaks were observed. Field emission scanning microscopes displayed the uniform dispersion of spherical CuO nanoparticles with layered and non-agglomerated, resembling a sponge-like structure of rGO. The microstructural analysis also confirmed the dispersion of copper inside reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets. The optical properties, including light absorption and bandgap width, were investigated using UV–visible spectroscopy using bandgap energies of 2.5 and 2.8 eV. In addition, the nanocomposite's ability to degrade cationic Rhodamine 6G and anionic Rose Bengal dyes by photocatalysis was evaluated. The degradation of RB and Rh6G dyes was characterized by nanocatalysis using UV–visible spectroscopy and a pseudo-first-order kinetics model. The pseudo-first-order degradation kinetic rate of Rhodamine 6G was determined to be 2.55 x 10−2 min−1, indicating that the nanocomposite effectively initiates this dye's degradation. The results showed that dye degradation was effective even at reduced catalyst concentrations.

Bifunctional system constructed by NiCu-F/DSA electrode self-coupling for efficient removal of ammonia nitrogen from landfill leachate

ABSTRACT Landfill leachates containing high concentrations of ammonia nitrogen, due to its strong toxicity, large discharge and great environmental hazard, is in urgent need of efficient cleaning treatment. In this work, Ni1Cu0.25-F/DSA catalytic electrode was prepared via electrodeposition by means of fluorination-induced surface reconstruction. The surface of electrode was determined to be a porous sponge-like structure by physical characterizations. The electrode exhibited a superior ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR) activity and stability by a series of electrochemical tests. On this basis, a Ni1Cu0.25-F/DSA || Ni1Cu0.25-F/DSA bifunctional system was developed for efficient removal of ammonia nitrogen in landfill leachate. The results of denitrification experiment indicated that the removal efficiency of NH4 +-N and TN were 99.89% and 68.9%, respectively, when the electrolytic cell potential was 1.7 V, pH was 13 and the initial ammonia concentration was 600 mg L−1. The NH4 +-N removal efficiency remained above 95% after the cyclic denitrification experiment lasting for 6 days, which validates the robust stability of the electrode.

Fabrication of ultrafiltration membranes based on methacrylate copolymers containing quaternary ammonium and PEG units for dye removal

Abstract Phase inversion involves in a complex process due to numerous factors affecting the membrane formation. Among them, polymer chain entanglement from polymeric membrane materials plays a critical role in regulating membrane structure and is still worth further exploration. Herein, a series of methacrylate copolymers with different contents of poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) were designed and synthesized, and ultrafiltration membranes cast from these copolymers were systematically investigated regarding structural evolution and filtration performance. Surface zeta potential of membranes gradually transformed from positive to negative with the increasing PEGMA content due to nonsolvent-induced surface migration of element oxygen, and meanwhile the transformation from finger-like pore structure to sponge-like pore structure in the support layer was observed, which could be attributed to chain entanglement of the PEGMA-rich copolymer. Filtration experiments indicated that sponge-like membranes possessed better separation effect of Victoria blue B compared with finger-like membranes, and the optimized mPP40-15 % showed a retention rate of 99.55 % and permeance of 110.26 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and displayed good selective separation of dye/salt mixture. Besides, sponge-like membranes also exhibited easy regeneration, anti-fouling property and filtration stability. This work will provide guidance for modulating membrane structure and offer an alternative material for membrane separation in handling dye wastewater.

High-performance cellulose-based nanostructured carbons for rechargeable batteries

Binder-free, highly porous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with novel sponge-like pore structures were synthesized for the first time via centrifugal spinning of cellulose-based polymers, and SnO2 was introduced to improve the electrochemical performance. Cellulose-based binder-free centrifugally spun carbon-coated SnO2/carbon nanofibers (C@SnO2/CNFs) were employed as anodes in Na-ion batteries. Owing to their highly porous morphology with novel sponge-like pore structures and SnO2 nanoparticles providing rapid Na-ion transport, better electrolyte accessibility, and good mechanical strength, the C@SnO2/CNFs showed outstanding electrochemical performance, with a high reversible capacity of 660 mAh/g at 50 mA/g, high rate capability, and excellent cycling performance. The specific capacity of C@SnO2/CNFs was approximately 390 mAh/g after 2000 cycles at 0.2 A/g. These results prove that the combination of centrifugal spinning, carbon coating, and heat treatment is a promising and sustainable approach for creating cellulose-based carbon nanostructures with highly porous structures that can be used to synthesize high-performance electrodes for energy storage systems.

Electrochemical Weakening Material Strength for Accelerated Thinning of Silicon Carbide Substrates

This paper presents a novel approach to expedite the thinning of silicon carbide (SiC) substrates, a crucial step in enhancing material performance and extending chip longevity by reducing volume resistivity. The traditional methods of SiC substrate thinning, such as diamond wheel grinding and plasma etching, have inherent limitations, including the risk of wafer breakage and high processing costs. In response to these challenges, we propose an innovative technique involving the electrochemical etching attenuation of SiC strength, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution.In this study, we employed an electrochemical method to initially weaken the SiC substrate from the surface to a defined depth, followed by fine-tuning its thickness using a conventional diamond grinding wheel. Remarkably, our results demonstrate that SiC substrates subjected to electrochemical treatment exhibit well-structured lattices free from residual stresses. This novel approach not only reduces the risk of wafer breakage but also enhances the material's integrity (Figure 1).To gain deeper insights into the effects of electrochemistry on SiC material strength, advanced characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, were employed. Our findings reveal that the electrochemically treated SiC surface exhibits a sponge-like morphology, with a cross-sectional profile showcasing prominent columnar structures (Figure 2). This sponge-like structure is attributed to the removal of silicon atoms during anodization, affirming the effectiveness of electrochemical methods in rapidly attenuating the material strength of SiC substrates, thereby facilitating their efficient thinning through grinding without compromising substrate integrity.In summary, this research highlights the potential of electrochemical methodologies for the initial weakening of SiC substrates, leading to accelerated and cost-effective thinning processes. This breakthrough not only expedites SiC substrate thinning but also contributes significantly to the advancement of SiC substrate thinning and grinding techniques, promising substantial benefits for future semiconductor device fabrication. Figure 1

Performance Evaluation of Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation with tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide to Benzaldehyde Using the Response Surface Methodology, Artificial Neural Network, and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System Model.

The adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), central composite experimental design (CCD)-response surface methodology (RSM), and artificial neural network (ANN) are used to model the oxidation of benzyl alcohol using the tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) oxidant to selectively yield benzaldehyde over a mesoporous ceria-zirconia catalyst. Characterization reveals that the produced catalyst has hysteresis loops, a sponge-like structure, and structurally induced reactivity. Three independent variables were taken into consideration while analyzing the ANN, RSM, and ANFIS models: the amount of catalyst (A), reaction temperature (B), and reaction time (C). With the application of optimum conditions, along with a constant (45 mmol) TBHP oxidant amount, (30 mmol) benzyl alcohol amount, and rigorous refluxing of 450 rpm, a maximum optimal benzaldehyde yield of 98.4% was obtained. To examine the acceptability of the models, further sensitivity studies including statistical error functions, analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, and the lack-of-fit test, among others, were employed. The obtained results show that the ANFIS model is the most suited to predicting benzaldehyde yield, followed by RSM. Green chemistry matrix calculations for the reaction reveal lower values of the E-factor (1.57), mass intensity (MI, 2.57), and mass productivity (MP, 38%), which are highly desirable for green and sustainable reactions. Therefore, utilizing a ceria-zirconia catalyst synthesized via the inverse micelle method for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol provides a green and sustainable methodology for the synthesis of benzaldehyde under mild conditions.

Straightforward Production Methods for Diverse Porous PEDOT:PSS Structures and Their Characterization.

Porous conductive polymer structures, in particular Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) structures, are gaining in importance due to their versatile fields of application as sensors, hydrogels, or supercapacitors, to name just a few. Moreover, (porous) conducting polymers have become of interest for wearable and smart textile applications due to their biocompatibility, which enables applications with direct skin contact. Therefore, there is a huge need to investigate distinct, straightforward, and textile-compatible production methods for the fabrication of porous PEDOT:PSS structures. Here, we present novel and uncomplicated approaches to producing diverse porous PEDOT:PSS structures and characterize them thoroughly in terms of porosity, electrical resistance, and their overall appearance. Production methods comprise the incorporation of micro cellulose, the usage of a blowing agent, creating a sponge-like structure, and spraying onto a porous base substrate. This results in the fabrication of various porous structures, ranging from thin and slightly porous to thick and highly porous. Depending on the application, these structures can be modified and integrated into electronic components or wearables to serve as porous electrodes, sensors, or other functional devices.

Conformal TiO2 Aerogel-Like Films by Plasma Deposition: from Omniphobic Antireflective Coatings to Perovskite Solar Cell Photoelectrodes.

The ability to control the porosity of thin oxide films is a key factor determining their properties. Despite the abundance of dry processes for synthesizing oxide porous layers, a high porosity range is typically achieved by spin-coating-based wet chemical methods. Besides, special techniques such as supercritical drying are required to replace the pore liquid with air while maintaining the porous network. In this study, we propose a new method for the fabrication of ultraporous titanium dioxide thin films at room or mild temperatures (T ≤ 120 °C) by a sequential process involving plasma deposition and etching. These films are conformal to the substrate topography even for high-aspect-ratio substrates and show percolated porosity values above 85% that are comparable to those of advanced aerogels. The films deposited at room temperature are amorphous. However, they become partly crystalline at slightly higher temperatures, presenting a distribution of anatase clusters embedded in the sponge-like open porous structure. Surprisingly, the porous structure remains after annealing the films at 450 °C in air, which increases the fraction of embedded anatase nanocrystals. The films are antireflective, omniphobic, and photoactive, becoming superhydrophilic when subjected to ultraviolet light irradiation. The supported, percolated, and nanoporous structure can be used as an electron-conducting electrode in perovskite solar cells. The properties of the cells depend on the aerogel-like film thickness, which reaches efficiencies close to those of commercial mesoporous anatase electrodes. This generic solvent-free synthesis is scalable and applicable to ultrahigh porous conformal oxides of different compositions, with potential applications in photonics, optoelectronics, energy storage, and controlled wetting.

Hydrophobic binary mixtures containing amphotericin B as lipophilic solutions for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania parasites, requires treatments with fewer side effects than those currently available. The development of a topical solution based on amphotericin B (AmB) was pursued. The considerable interest in deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and their remarkable advantages inspired the search for a suitable hydrophobic excipient. Various mixtures based on commonly used hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) and acceptors (HBAs) for DES preparations were explored. Initial physical and in-vitro screenings showed the potential of quaternary phosphonium salt-based mixtures. Through thermal analysis, it was determined that most of these mixtures did not exhibit eutectic behavior. X-ray scattering studies revealed a sponge-like nanoscale structure. The most promising formulation, based on a combination of trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride and 1-oleoyl-rac-glycerol, showed no deleterious effects through histological evaluation. AmB was fully solubilized at concentrations between 0.5 and 0.8 mg·mL−1, depending on the formulation. The monomeric state of AmB was observed by circular dichroism. In-vitro irritation tests demonstrated acceptable viability for AmB-based formulations up to 0.5 mg·mL−1. Additionally, an ex-vivo penetration study on pig ear skin revealed no transcutaneous passage, confirming AmB retention in healthy, unaffected skin.

Chitosan microflower-embedded gelatin sponges for advanced wound management and hemostatic applications

The study explored the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and hemostatic properties of chitosan microflowers (CMF) in sponge form. The main objective was to enhance the preparation of CMF by employing varying quantities of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and tripolyphosphate (TPP). CMF was then combined with gelatin (GE) in different proportions to produce three sponge samples: CMF0@GE, CMF1@GE, and CMF2@GE. The CMF had a morphology like that of a flower and produced surfaces with a porous sponge-like structure. The antibacterial activity, as determined by the zone of inhibition (ZOI), increased with greater doses of CMF. Among the tested samples, CMF2@GE had the greatest activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecium. CMF2@GE successfully suppressed biofilm formation, decreased clotting time to an average of 212.67 s, and exhibited excellent biocompatibility by preserving over 90 % viability of human skin fibroblast cells at dosages below 100 μg/mL. The results indicated that gelatin sponges filled with CMF have considerable promise as flexible medical instruments for wound healing and infection control.

Reversible thermochromic K2O·nSiO2-based anti-fire glass with bidirectional responsion and memory function

We describe a low-cost method for the synthesis of reversible thermochromic K2O·nSiO2-based anti-fire materials with bidirectional responsion and memory function, which was significant for energy-saving and fire-resistant applications. Here, the reversible thermochromic (RTC) and inverted reversible thermochromic (IRTC) K2O·nSiO2-based anti-fire glass were prepared via an in-situ reaction using a high solid content and low viscosity SiO2 sol (HSLV SiO2 sol, 55 wt%). The morphological, thermochromic, thermal insulation, and memory performances were systematically characterized. The pincer-like structure, rod-like structure and the layered microporous morphology were clearly shown in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs. The color change, foaming, and memory mechanisms were further investigated in detail. The significant differences appeared in the visible region of RTC and IRTC K2O·nSiO2-based anti-fire glass during heating and cooling process. FTIR spectra were used to characterize the difference among RTC, IRTC and control samples. The results indicated that a small amount of NH4+ caused the K2O·nSiO2-based anti-fire glass to exhibit IRTC characteristics, and the continuous addition of polyhydric alcohols was the key to obtain RTC performance. The IRTC K2O·nSiO2-based anti-fire glass was suitable for the conservatories or greenhouses, and the RTC K2O·nSiO2-based anti-fire glass reduced the direct sunlight exposure to control the indoor temperature. Combined with morphological and Tg analysis, the thermal insulation performance was enhanced by a microporous insulating layer with a sponge-like structure. We also used the bidirectional reversible thermochromic performance to prepare a novel anti-fire glass component for construction with anti-counterfeiting function. This work provided a new approach for the application of multifunctional smart windows.

Bismuth oxychloride nanosheets anchored aramid separator with sponge-like structure for improved lithium-ion battery performance

Functional modification of inorganic particles is an effective approach to tackle the issue of Li+ transport and the lithium dendrites formation in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, PMIA/BiOCl composite separators are prepared by nonsolvent induce phase separation (NIPS) method using P-type semiconductor bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) functionalized poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) separators. Compared with the polypropylene (PP) separator, PMIA has superior thermal stability and the addition of BiOCl further enhances its flame retardancy. And the prepared PMIA/BiOCl separator presents improved porosity (66.47 %), enhanced electrolyte uptake rate (863 %) and higher ionic conductivity (0.49 mS∙cm−1). Besides, the incorporation of BiOCl can anchor PF6- to the three-dimensional network skeleton of the PMIA/BiOCl separators, enabling the desolvation of Li+ and selectively facilitating Li+ transport (the Li+ transfer number is 0.79). Moreover, the uniform porous structure of the PMIA/BiOCl separators and the efficient transport of Li+ uniformly deposite Li+, and minimize the growth of lithium dendrites. Batteries assembled with PMIA/BiOCl separators have a discharge specific capacity of 124.4 mAh∙g−1 and capacity retention of 96.7 % after 200 cycles at 0.2C. Therefore, this work provides an effective route in the design strategy of separators for LIBs.

Exploring the efficacy of biosynthesized cupric oxide nanoparticles from Jasminum sambac flower extract in wastewater treatment: Experimental investigations and potential applications

Researchers have shown significant interest in the creation of sustainable green techniques for synthesising metal oxide nanomaterials in the past few years. Plant-mediated production is considered an affordable and feasible alternative to traditional physical and chemical approaches. This study presents a straightforward approach for the environmentally friendly production of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) by a solution combustion technique utilising Jasminum sambac Flower Extract. The CuO NPs produced during biosynthesis were analysed using UV-Vis, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, HPLC, BET and EDX techniques. The SEM pictures reveal that the fragments possess a sponge-like structure characterised by a substantial surface area. An investigation into the photocatalytic activity of CuO NPs shows that they are effective as a catalyst for the breakdown of methylene blue (MB) when exposed to UV and solar radiation. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a pH dependence in the breakdown of MB. According to the study, the best starting concentration of dye for breaking down things completely is 2.5 parts per million (ppm), which results in a remarkable 79 % disintegration rate. The findings indicate that CuO NPs have the ability to effectively treat water by decomposing contaminants such as methylene blue, providing a sustainable method for treating wastewater.

Efficient decaffeination with recyclable magnetic microporous carbon from renewable sources: Kinetics and isotherm analysis

Rapid global urbanization and population growth have ignited an alarming surge in emerging contaminants in water bodies, posing health risks, even at trace concentrations. To address this challenge, novel water treatment and reuse technologies are required as current treatment systems are associated with high costs and energy requirements. These drawbacks provide additional incentives for the application of cost-effective and sustainable biomass-derived activated carbon, which possesses high surface area and low toxicity. Herein, we synthesized microporous activated carbon (MAC) and its magnetic derivative (m-MAC) from tannic acid to decaffeinate contaminated aqueous solutions. Detailed characterization using SEM, BET, and PXRD revealed a very high surface area (>1800 m2/g) and a highly porous, amorphous, heterogeneous sponge-like structure. Physicochemical and thermal analyses using XPS, TGA, and EDS confirmed thermal stability, unique surface moieties, and homogeneous elemental distribution. High absorption performance (>96 %) and adsorption capacity (287 and 394 mg/g) were recorded for m-MAC and MAC, respectively. Mechanistic studies showed that the sorption of caffeine is in tandem with multilayer and chemisorptive mechanisms, considering the models’ correlation and error coefficients. π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding were among the interactions that could facilitate MAC-Caffeine and m-MAC-Caffeine bonding interactions. Regeneration and reusability experiments revealed adsorption efficiency ranging from 90.5 to 98.4 % for MAC and 88.6–93.7 % for m-MAC for five cycles. Our findings suggest that MAC and its magnetic derivative are effective for caffeine removal, and potentially other organic contaminants with the possibility of developing commercially viable and cost-effective water polishing tools.

Influence of Current Duty Cycle and Voltage of Micro-Arc Oxidation on the Microstructure and Composition of Calcium Phosphate Coating

The micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique was employed to produce calcium phosphate coatings on titanium surfaces using an electrolyte composed of hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate in an aqueous solution of orthophosphoric acid. The coatings’ morphology and composition were regulated by adjusting electrical parameters, specifically the duty cycle and voltage. This study examined the effects of the duty cycle and voltage during the MAO process on the microstructure and composition of calcium phosphate coatings on VT1–0 titanium substrates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to analyze the microstructure and thickness of the coatings, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to determine their phase composition. The findings reveal that the surface morphology of the calcium phosphate coatings transitions from a porous, sponge-like structure to flower-like formations as the duty cycle and voltage increase. A linear increase in the voltage within the applied duty cycles led to a rise in the size of the forming particles of amorphous/crystalline structures containing phases of monetite (CaPO3(OH)), monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O), and calcium pyrophosphate (γ–Ca2P2O7).

Potential of Carbon Aerogels in Energy: Design, Characteristics, and Applications.

In energy applications, the use of materials with hierarchical porous structures and large surface areas is essential for efficient charge storage. These structures facilitate rapid electron and ion transport, resulting in high power density and quick charge/discharge capabilities. Carbon-based materials are extensively utilized due to their tunable properties, including pore sizes ranging from ultra- to macropores and surface polarity. Incorporating heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, and boron modifies the carbon structure, enhancing electrocatalytic properties and overall performance. A hierarchical pore structure is necessary for optimal performance, as it ensures efficient access to the material's core. The microstructure of carbon materials significantly impacts energy storage, with factors like polyaromatic condensation, crystallite structure, and interlayer distance playing crucial roles. Carbon aerogels, derived from the carbonization of organic gels, feature a sponge-like structure with large surface area and high porosity, making them suitable for energy storage. Their open pore structure supports fast ion transfer, leading to high energy and power densities. Challenges include maintaining mechanical or structural integrity, multifunctional features, and scalability. This review provides an overview of the current progress in carbon-based aerogels for energy applications, discussing their properties, development strategies, and limitations, and offering significant guidance for future research requirements.

Effects of polyvinylpyrrolidone additive on structures and properties of Poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) hollow fiber membranes -experiment observation and computation approach

This study systematically investigates the effect of introduction of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) used as a hydrophilic additive and its molecular weight change on the morphological, mechanical properties, and membrane performances of poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) hollow fiber (HF) membranes prepared by dry-jet wet spinning method. The results of the morphological and mechanical properties clearly show an increased proportion of a sponge-like pore structure and an overall improvement in the mechanical properties of the PMIA HF membranes with higher molecular weight PVP, respectively. Interestingly, molecular dynamics simulation showed that the presence of PVP within the PMIA matrix activated the overall movement of PMIA molecules, suggesting that the overall flexibility of the system, which can potentially inhibit the collapse of relatively brittle membranes, is increased by the presence of PVP. Finally, as the molecular weight of PVP increases, a typical trade-off phenomenon is observed on PMIA HF membranes, where the water permeability decreases while the rejection rate increases. Based on these results, the findings on the influence of PVP additive and its potential as a reinforcing agent observed in this study through experimental analysis and computational approaches are expected to provide new insights into the development of high-performance polymeric HF membranes.