Surface Modification Agent Research Articles

Nanographene Oxide Promotes Angiogenesis by Regulating Osteoclast Differentiation and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Secretion.

An imbalanced system of angiogenesis-osteoblasts-osteoclasts is regarded as the main factor in bone remodeling dysfunction diseases or osseointegration loss. Osteoclast precursors are the key cells that accelerate bone-specific angiogenesis and maintain normal osteoblast and osteoclast function. Graphene oxide is an effective scaffold surface modification agent with broad application prospects in bone tissue engineering. However, the effect of graphene oxide on the interaction between osteoclasts and angiogenesis has not yet been elucidated. In this study, a rat calvarial defect model was established and treated with an electrochemically derived nanographene oxide (ENGO) hydrogel. Higher angiogenesis and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) B in preosteoclasts were observed in the ENGO group compared with that in the control group. Moreover, in vitro experiments demonstrate the efficacy of ENGO in substantially reducing the expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast-associated markers and inhibiting bone resorption activity. Additionally, ENGO enhances the secretion of the osteoclast-derived coupling factor PDGF-BB and promotes angiogenesis. Our investigation revealed the crucial role of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) in the ENGO-mediated regulation of osteoclast differentiation and PDGF-BB secretion. The decreased expression of IDH1 reduces the level of histone lysine demethylase 7A (KDM7A) and subsequently increases the H3K9me2 level in the cathepsin K promoter region. In summary, we found that ENGO promotes angiogenesis by inhibiting the maturity of RANKL-induced osteoclasts and enhancing PDGF-BB secretion. These results indicate that ENGO holds promise for the application in fostering osteoclast-endothelial cell crosstalk, providing an effective strategy for treating bone resorption and osteoclast-related bone loss diseases.

Lithium-Ion battery silicon Anodes: Surface engineering with novel additives for enhanced ion and electron transport

Silicon (Si) stands as a promising candidate for high-capacity anode materials in the next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to extremely high specific capacity. However, silicon application is hindered by its inherently poor electron and ion conductivities, as well as structural instability during the repeated charging/discharging. To address these challenges, a novel functional surface modification agent, diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic) acid (DTPMP), was decorated on the surface of silicon particles for the first time. The experimental results demonstrate that the DTPMP effectively enhances the cohesion between nano Si particles. This study combines experimental observations with theoretical calculations to analyze the nucleophilic and electrophilic sites of DTPMP and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), elucidating the existence state of DTPMP on the nano Si surface. Furthermore, by examining the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), along with the electrostatic potential (ESP) of DTPMP and solvent molecules in conjunction with Li+, the impact of the phosphate group on the diffusion of Li+ and electrons at the nano Si surface was studied. The electron density difference (EDD) maps for DTPMP and CMC reveal that DTPMP exhibits a more pronounced response in the presence of an electric field, suggesting its enhanced role in facilitating Li+ diffusion. This research offers a novel perspective on enhancing the electrochemical performance of nano Si surfaces, paving the way for the development of advanced LIBs with improved energy storage capabilities.

Bond behavior between recycled macro fibers and ultra-high-performance concrete matrix: Tests and property characterization

A green and cost-efficient ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has been proposed using discrete macro fibers recycled from waste glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). The tensile properties of such composites are significantly affected by the macro fiber/UHPC bond properties. However, there is very little work characterizing the bond properties of the macro fiber/UHPC interface. Furthermore. lack of study focused on the methods for macro fiber surface treatment and their effects on macro fiber/UHPC interfacial bonding. Therefore, the present study first carried out pullout tests in two series consisting of 128 pullout specimens. Series 1 aimed to characterize the bond behavior of the macro fiber/UHPC interface, while Series 2 aimed to investigate the effect of surface-modifying agents on macro fiber/UHPC interfacial bonding. The results demonstrated that the bond strength increased from 19.3 to 20.9 MPa when the embedded length of the 8 mm-wide fiber increased from 5 to 10 mm. The modification of neutral Nano SiO2 (NNS) enhanced the bond strength by up to 20.5 %, while alkaline Nano SiO2 (ANS) and silane coupling agent (SCA) showed a negative effect on bond strength. Then, the shear-lag theory was utilized for predicting the pull force-slip curves of the fibers embedded in UHPC, and then the bond parameters of the interfaces were obtained through an inverse analysis. A good agreement is exhibited with integral absolute error (IAE) from 4.5 % to 10.5 % between predicted results and test results.

Enhancement of adsorption of cyanobacteria, Microcystisa aeruginosaby bacterial-based compounds

In the present study, algicidal bacteria cultivated in an aqueous medium were utilized as a surface modification agent to develop an efficient adsorbent for the removal of Microcystis aeruginosa. The modification considerably enhanced M. aeruginosa cell removal efficiency. Moreover, the introduction of bio-compounds ensured specificity in the removal of M. aeruginosa. Additionally, the cyanotoxin release and acute toxicity tests demonstrated that the adsorption process using the developed adsorbent is environmentally safe. Furthermore, the practical feasibility of the adsorptive removal of M. aeruginosa was confirmed through cell removal tests performed using the developed adsorbent in a scaled-up reactor (50 L and 10 tons). In these tests, the effects of the adsorbent application type, water temperature, and initial cell concentration on the M. aeruginosa removal efficiency were evaluated. The results of this study provide novel insights into the valorization strategy of biological algicides repurposed as adsorbents, and provide practical operational data for effective M. aeruginosa removal in scaled-up conditions.

Nanoreinforcement strategies for enhancing biodegradable composites in biochemical applications within agriwaste valorisation

Exploring secondary outputs, specifically leftover materials from steam distillation of Rosmarinus tournefortii de Noé, as agents for reducing metals introduces a novel approach to eco-friendly nanomaterial production. This concept aligns with the creation of environmentally conscious nanoparticles, showcasing potential across various fields, notably biomedicine. By utilizing R. tournefortii de Noé, successful synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was achieved, yielding nanoscale variations influenced by plant's by-products. Beyond structural aspects, investigating biomedical applications, focusing on antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Consistently observing ∼94.9–97.3% scavenging inhibition in water residues at different concentrations and enhanced antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and Rhodotorula glutinis yeast due to these residues. Moreover, a thorough examination using density functional theory unveiled a robust interaction between silver clusters and specific biomolecules found within the residues, namely homoplantaginin, protocatechuic acid-glycoside, caffeic, and rosmarinic acids (ranging from 130.62 to 357.05 kcal/mol). These compounds notably enhance reducing efficacy of Ag + ions and contribute to the enduring stability of AgNPs (ζ values: −22.8 mV and −17.2 mV). Furthermore, the study recognizes challenges in finding alternative surface modification agents and explores intricate toxicity mechanisms of silver nanoparticles, emphasizing their interactions with inflammation. Introducing promising nanomedicine approaches involving rosmarinic acid nanoparticles for inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis, highlighting the potential of rosemary by-products derived compounds in innovative therapeutic interventions for diverse inflammatory conditions.

Biosensing of Alpha-Fetoprotein: A Key Direction toward the Early Detection and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Associated risk factors include, but are not limited to, cirrhosis and underlying liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis B or C infections, excessive alcohol consumption, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and exposure to chemical carcinogens. It is crucial to detect this disease early on before it metastasizes to adjoining parts of the body, worsening the prognosis. Serum biomarkers have proven to be a more accurate diagnostic tool compared to imaging. Among various markers such as nucleic acids, circulating genetic material, proteins, enzymes, and other metabolites, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein marker primarily used to diagnose HCC. However, current methods need a large sample and carry a high cost, among other challenges, which can be improved using biosensing technology. Early and accurate detection of AFP can prevent severe progression of the disease and ensure better management of HCC patients. This review sheds light on HCC development in the human body. Afterward, we outline various types of biosensors (optical, electrochemical, and mass-based), as well as the most relevant studies of biosensing modalities for non-invasive monitoring of AFP. The review also explains these sensing platforms, detection substrates, surface modification agents, and fluorescent probes used to develop such biosensors. Finally, the challenges and future trends in routine clinical analysis are discussed to motivate further developments.

Application of machine learning in predicting the thermal conductivity of single-filler polymer composites

Polymer composites with superior thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity are pivotal in the cooling of electronic devices. Despite their prevalence, the accurate prediction of the thermal conductivity of these composites remains a challenge. The emergence of machine learning (ML) provides a groundbreaking approach to solving this issue. In this study, we constructed a comprehensive dataset collected from previous experimental papers and successfully predicted the thermal conductivity of single-filler polymer composites using four ML regression algorithms: random forest regression (RFR), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and Gaussian process regression (GPR). By employing feature engineering to select pertinent features from the original datasets, the accuracy of the four models on the test set was improved, among which GBDT exhibited the highest accuracy with the Pearson correlation coefficient value of 0.981. Factors such as filler volume fraction and matrix thermal conductivity significantly influence the thermal conductivity of composite materials, while the thermal conductivity of the fillers has a relatively minor impact. Additionally, we identified the topological polar surface area (TPSA) as a crucial descriptor for surface modifications, quantifying diverse surface-modifying agents. Due to the incorporation of more descriptors, ML models exhibit higher precision and broader applicability compared to empirical formulas. Our study provides an effective tool for predicting the thermal conductivity of polymer composites with single fillers and underscores the potential of machine learning in accelerating materials design.

Synthesis of seawater-derived superhydrophobic calcium carbonate via CO2 mineralization by utilizing L-Arginine/L-Lysine oleate-based self-assembly structures

Superhydrophobic materials have been gaining popularity owing to their self-cleaning, anti-freezing, and anti-corrosion properties. This study presents an approach for the synthesis of superhydrophobic calcium carbonate via CO2 mineralization using carbon capture utilization (CCU) technology. By using biodegradable amino acids (L-arginine/L-lysine) and oleic acid, various biosurfactant self-assembly structures were formed as surface-modifying agents of calcium carbonate owing to the saponification and lyotropic phase transition. Moreover, calcium cations were recovered from salt-farm wastewater using pH-swing ion separation for sustainability and waste management. we presented various self-assembly structures depending on the ratio of amino acids to oleic acid, such as spherical micelles, liquid crystal nanoparticles, and vesicles for L-arginine oleate and spherical micelles, cylindrical micelles, and planar lamellar structures for L-lysine oleate. The synthesized calcium carbonates were 87.95 % purified scalenohedral calcite under micellar L-arginine oleate and 87.08 % purified spherical calcite under micellar L-lysine. Moreover, their surface areas were 28.85 m2/g for L-arginine and 13.46 m2/g for L-lysine. They were significantly improved and larger than that of commercial calcium carbonate (3.45 m2/g). In comparison, larger agglomerated calcite particles were produced under the other self-assembled structures. During mineralization, the amount of calcium oleate adsorbed on the surface of calcium carbonate played a crucial role in particle formation. Notably, superhydrophobic calcium carbonates were synthesized with a contact angle of 168.66° under spherical micelles of L-arginine oleate and 167.46° under spherical micelles of L-lysine oleate. The in-situ surface modification method utilizing biosurfactant self-assembled structures was expected to revitalize the carbon capture and utilization.

Preparation of thermal interface materials with high thermal conductivity through the synergistic effect of Monoalkoxy-Terminated polysiloxane and branched siloxane oligomers

Four mono-alkoxysilyl-terminated asymmetric siloxane oligomers and a dimethylvinylsilyl-terminated branched-chain structure siloxane oligomer were prepared by a series of reactions to improve the filling loads and dispersion of Al2O3 particles in the polysiloxane matrix. Their influence on the surface modification of Al2O3 particles and the viscosity of composite materials was investigated. When the branched-chain siloxane oligomer was not used, mono-trimethoxysilyl-terminated asymmetric siloxane oligomers exhibited the best modification effect on the Al2O3 surface, and the silicone paste prepared by filling 70.8 vol% mixed-size Al2O3 particles had the lowest viscosity. When the branched-chain siloxane oligomer was used, the filling load of the modified Al2O3 particles could be further increased to 84.3 vol% under the synergistic effect of the mono-trimethoxysilyl-terminated asymmetric siloxane oligomers and the branched-chain siloxane oligomer. The viscosity of the silicone paste decreased with the increase in the polymerization degree of the dimethylsiloxane segment in the-mono trimethoxysilyl-terminated asymmetric siloxane oligomers. Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity of these silicone pastes also exhibited an increasing trend with the increase in the polymerization degree of the asymmetric siloxane oligomers. A thermal interface material with a thermal conductivity higher than 8.0 W/(m·K) was successfully prepared by using the asymmetric siloxane oligomers as the surface modification agent for Al2O3 particles and the branched-chain siloxane oligomer as the fluidity modifier for silicone paste.

Effect of segment structure of monotrimethoxysilylethyl-terminated asymmetric polysiloxanes on the thermal management performance of AlN-filled silicone pastes

Three kinds of α-triethylsiloxyl-ω-trimethoxysilyethyl-terminated oligomers (TES-PDMS-TMOS, TES-PTFPMS-TMOS, and TES-PDES-TMOS) were synthesized through an anion catalyzed non-equilibrium ring-opening polymerization reaction of cyclotrisiloxanes and subsequent hydrosilylation reaction with vinyltrimethoxysilane. As the in situ surface modification agent for mixed-size AlN inorganic fillers (1, 20 and 50 μm blended in a mass ratio of 3:5:9), these oligomers have been mixed with Vi-PDMS in a mass ratio of 1:2. Relative to that of silicone pastes using Vi-PDMS as the polymer matrix, the thermal conductivity of silicone pastes made from AlN particles treated with these oligomers is enhanced, while their thermal resistances decreased. With the change of the repeating unit structure in the oligomers, the silicone pastes prepared from these oligomer-treated AlN fillers differ significantly in filler content, thermal conductivity, and thermal resistance. When TES-PTFPMS-TMOS is used and filled with 800 parts (70.3 vol%) of hybrid AlN powders, a silicone paste with a thermal conductivity of 4.56 W/(m. K) could be achieved, which was 37.8% higher than that silicone paste using pure Vi-PDMS as the matrix. When TES-PDES-TMOS is used and filled with 900 parts (72.7 vol%) of hybrid AlN powders, the thermal conductivity of the silicone paste reaches 4.13 W/(m. K). Despite its thermal conductivity being only 3.5% higher relative to the silicone paste using only Vi-PDMS as the polymer matrix, its thermal resistance decreased by 20.3%. When TES-PDMS-TMOS is used and filled with 1200 parts (78.0 vol%) of hybrid AlN powders, the thermal conductivity of the silicone paste could reach up to 4.59 W/(m. K), together with a thermal resistance 29.6% lower than that of silicone paste where 1000 parts (74.7 vol%) of hybrid AlN particles filled in the Vi-PDMS. The heat dissipation of the 30 W high-brightness LED chip also illustrated the excellent thermal conductivities of these silicone pastes. The effect of another terminal group on the monotrimethoxysilylethyl-terminated asymmetric polysiloxanes on the thermal resistance of thermal interface materials was also discussed in detail.

Preparation of stable colloidal dispersion of surface modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles for magnetic heating applications

The effect of surface modification on enhancing the magnetic heating behavior of magnetic nano fluids were investigated, for this purpose Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using co-precipitation method and surface modification was done using citric acid, ascorbic acid, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Experimental heating tests using AC magnetic field were done in the frequency of 100 kHz and different magnetic field (H) intensities. Theoretically the specific absorption rate (SAR) in magnetic nano fluids is independent of nanoparticles concentration but the experimental results showed different behavior. The theoretical SAR value @ H = 12kA.m–1 for Nano fluids containing bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles was 11.5 W/g but in experimental tests the obtained value was 9.72 W/g for nano fluid containing 20,000 ppm of dispersed nanoparticles. The experimental SAR calculation was repeated for sample containing 10,000 ppm of nanoparticles and the results showed increase in experimental SAR that is an evidence of nanoparticles agglomeration in higher concentrations. The surface modification has improved the dispersion ability of the nanoparticles. The Ratio of SAR, experimental, 20000ppm to SAR, experimental, 10000ppm was 0.85 for bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles dispersion but in case of surface modified nanoparticles this ratio has increased up to 0.98 that shows lower agglomeration of nanoparticles as a result of surface modification, although on the other hand the surface modification agents were magnetically passive and so it is expected that in constant concentration the SAR for bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles to be higher than this variable for surface modified nanoparticles. At lower concentrations the dispersions containing bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed higher SAR values but at higher concentrations the surface modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed better results although the active agent amount was lower at them. Finally, it should be noted that the nanoparticles that were surface modified using polymeric agents showed the highest decrease in experimental SAR amounts comparing theoretical results that was because of the large molecules of polymers comparing other implemented surface modification agents.

Electrocatalytic Amplified Sensor For Determination of Ofloxacin Using Zn2SnO4/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite As Surface-Modifying Agent

This study describes an electroanalytical approach for the quantification of ofloxacin (OFL) through an electrochemical sensor based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with composite material (Zn2SnO4-rGO/GCE) using square wave voltammetry. Zn2SnO4 was synthesized by hydrothermal treatment and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The analysis suggests a synergistic effect between the composite material, indicating irreversible oxidation of OFL in its protonated form (OFL+), involving two electrons. The electroanalytical methodology was successfully applied to determine OFL in ophthalmic solutions samples, achieving recovery rates ranging from 98.03% to 104.91%. Furthermore, it demonstrated high stability in both repeatability (RSD = 3.20%, n = 12) and reproducibility (RSD = 4.64%, n = 7), with no observed interference when additional substances were added. These results suggest the potential electroanalytical application of Zn2SnO4 and recommend the developed methodology as an alternative tool for OFL determination in commercial pharmaceutical samples.

Enhancing Photostability of Complex Lead Halides through Modification with Antibacterial Drug Octenidine.

The high power-conversion efficiencies of hybrid perovskite solar cells encourage many researchers. However, their limited photostability represents a serious obstacle to the commercialization of this promising technology. Herein, we present an efficient method for improving the intrinsic photostability of a series of commonly used perovskite material formulations such as MAPbI3, FAPbI3, Cs0.12FA0.88PbI3, and Cs0.10MA0.15FA0.75PbI3 through modification with octenidine dihydroiodide (OctI2), which is a widely used antibacterial drug with two substituted pyridyl groups and two cationic centers in its molecular framework. The most impressive stabilizing effects were observed in the case of FAPbI3 and Cs0.12FA0.88PbI3 absorbers that were manifested in significant suppression or even blocking of the undesirable perovskite films' recrystallization and other decomposition pathways upon continuous 110 mW/cm2 light exposure. The achieved material photostability-within 9000 h for the Oct(FA)n-1PbnI3n+1 (n = 40-400) and 20,000 h for Oct(Cs0.12FA0.88)n-1PbnI3n+1 (where n = 40-400) formulations-matches the highest values ever reported for complex lead halides. It is important to note that the stabilizing effect is maintained when OctI2 is used only as a perovskite surface-modifying agent. Using a two-cation perovskite composition as an example, we showed that the performances of the solar cells based on the developed Oct(Cs0.12FA0.88)399Pb400I1201 absorber material are comparable to that of the reference devices based on the unmodified perovskite composition. These findings indicate a great potential of the proposed approach in the design of new highly photostable and efficient light absorbers. We believe that the results of this study will also help to establish important guidelines for the rational material design to improve the operational stability of perovskite solar cells.

Low-cost, simple preparation and outstanding energy density of glass fiber reinforced PVDF polymer flexible composites

To make the product commercially viable and applicable, the inclusion of glass fiber filler with a low cost and medium dielectric constant (ε) is adopted as the filler. Synchronously, representative polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with high permittivity and breakdown strength is selected as optimal polymer matrix. And surface modifying agent is employed as organic coatings to weaken the surface energy of glass fiber and boost the interfacial inter-action. An investigation of dielectric properties was conducted by preparing flexible composites consisting of various content of glass fiber. The ε of composites can be significantly enhanced in the PVDF composites with glass fiber, and the breakdown strength (BDS) is remained at a high level. Moreover, within a specific content range, glass fiber makes the ε and BDS of the material increase synchronously. This work provides a facile strategy for the development of excellent performance, simple preparation and low-cost flexible composites.

Calcite Surfaces Modified with Carboxylic Acids (C2 to C18): Layer Organization, Wettability, Stability, and Molecular Structural Properties.

A fundamental understanding of the interactions between mineral surfaces and amphiphilic surface modification agents is needed for better control over the production and uses of mineral fillers. Here, we controlled the carboxylic acid layer formation conditions on calcite surfaces with high precision via vapor deposition. The properties of the resulting carboxylic acid layers were analyzed using surface-sensitive techniques, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurements, angle resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and vibrational sum-frequency spectroscopy. A low wettability was achieved with long hydrocarbon chain carboxylic acids such as stearic acid. The stearic acid layer formed by vapor deposition is initially patchy, but with increasing vapor exposure time, the patches grow and condense into a homogeneous layer with a thickness close to that expected for a monolayer as evaluated by AFM and XPS. The build-up process of the layer occurs more rapidly at higher temperatures due to the higher vapor pressure. The stability of the deposited fatty acid layer in the presence of a water droplet increases with the chain length and packing density in the adsorbed layer. Vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy data demonstrate that the stearic acid monolayers on calcite have their alkyl chains in an all-trans conformation and are anisotropically distributed on the plane of the surface, forming epitaxial monolayers. Vibrational spectra also show that the stearic acid molecules interact with the calcite surface through the carboxylic acid headgroup in both its protonated and deprotonated forms. The results presented provide new molecular insights into the properties of adsorbed carboxylic acid layers on calcite.

Improving Surface Quality of Resin Impregnated Paper Used for Laminated Flooring Overlaid

This study aimed to improve the quality properties of impregnated papers used as a coating material in wood-based composites, especially for high-density fiberboard (HDF) floorings, using the Taguchi method and parameter design. Three factors were evaluated in determining the interactions as they are considered the most important in affecting the product quality characteristics such as particle size of Al2O3, surface modification agent and melamine raw material. Experiments were conducted in three replications using the L18 (21 × 32) orthogonal array. Color and gloss measurements were evaluated together with the sensory analysis method, which takes into account the number of the spots in the sample as quality characteristics. The best values obtained as a result of statistical analysis were A2 for the melamine raw material, 30 to 60 μm for the particle size and N-methyl-3-(trimethoxysilyl) propylamine for the surface modifier agent. Whether the experimental factors have a meaningful effect on the quality characteristics was also tested separately by analysis of variance. Only 58 % of the effect of the evaluated factors on the outcome could be expressed with the linear model (R2adj = 0.5785).

Functional Surface Coating to Enhance the Stability of LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2

Parasitic reactions are responsible for continuous performance loss during the normal operation and storage of lithium-ion batteries, particularly for those using nickel-rich cathode materials. Among many contributors, residual Li2CO3 on the surface of nickel-rich cathodes plays a detrimental role in promoting parasitic reactions, and hence accelerates the performance loss of those cathode materials. In this work, a wet impregnation process was utilized to convert the detrimental Li2CO3 and LiOH impurities into a beneficial functional surface coating comprising phosphates. Specifically, hydro-phosphates were used as the functional surface modification agents to mitigate the detrimental effect of surface residuals. The best electrochemical performance was achieved by modifying LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 with a diluted dihydro-phosphate solution (pKa = 7.2), while the metal cation had a negligible impact on the electrochemical performance. This work provides a cheap and simple method for enabling the high performance of nickel-rich cathodes.

Plasmonic CuS 2D nanosheets through biologically and environmentally benign template free one-pot synthesis

Our research unveils a novel and eco-friendly technique for the synthesis of emerging two-dimensional Copper Sulfide (CuS) nanosheets through the sulfidation of surface-modified Cu NPs. These fabricated CuS nanosheets exhibit captivating properties such as fluorescence and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) within the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum, rendering them as remarkable candidates for transformative applications in bioimaging and medical sensing.The structural and optical characterization of the material were carried out, and the morphological characterization using SEM and HRTEM shows the formation of 2D CuS as exfoliated long sheets. The investigation projects a simple and cost-effective method to produce 2D Copper Sulfide (CuS) nanosheets. It is formed through a two-step process, including the synthesis of Cu NPs, and transformation of these colloidal Cu NPs into CuS nanosheets through sulfidation. It is found that the concentrations of sulfur and the surface modifying agents like curcumin and ascorbic acid influence nucleation and promote 2D growth of the nanosheets. The effect of sulfur concentration, pH, and surface modifying agents on SPR properties of the Cu NPs were investigated, and the results are presented here. Additionally, our findings indicate that both seed-mediated syntheses and ligand-assisted surface modification leads to the growth of these CuS nanosheets. The cellular studies show that sulfidation reduces the cellular cytotoxicity of Cu NPs. The sample also exhibits excellent stability and biocompatibility, and it is proved to be a promising candidate for photocatalytic, sensing, and biomedical applications, and hence emerges as a multifunctional 2D material.

Formulation optimization and performance enhancement of polyvinyl chloride-silica micropowder composites with a promising flooring application

Filler agglomeration, single filler type, poor filler-matrix compatibility, and lack of toughness are the main problems that restrict the development of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) manufacturing industry. In this work, PVC composites were prepared with silica micropowder (SMP) as a filler. Titanate coupling agent (TCA-KTTO) modification and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) toughening treatment were utilized to enhance the composites performance. Herein, we successfully obtained SMP/PVC composites with high strength, high toughness, and outstanding heat resistance. The optimal dosage of titanate coupling agent for SMP surface modification was determined to be 1.5 wt% by mechanical and thermal conductivity tests. With an increase in the filling content of modified silica micropowder (mSMP), the density, surface hardness, Young's modulus, flexural modulus, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability of mSMP/PVC composites were significantly improved. The notched impact strength of mSMP/PVC composites shows a significant increase with the addition of CPE. At a CPE dosage of 7.5 parts per hundred parts of resin (phr), the notched impact strength of mSMP/PVC composites was enhanced by 59.15%, and the glass transition temperature was improved by 6.1 °C. The co-extruded hollow flooring, fabricated by the SMP reinforced PVC composites, meets Chinese standard GB/T 24508-2020, which has a wide range of applications in panels and profiles, such as seaside boardwalks and outdoor parks.

3D Printing of Low-Filled Basalt PA12 and PP Filaments for Automotive Components

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) enables many advantages compared to traditional manufacturing techniques, but the lower mechanical performance due to the higher porosity still hinders its industrial spread in key sectors like the automotive industry. PP and PA12 filaments filled with low amounts of basalt fibers were produced in the present work to improve the poor mechanical properties inherited from the additive manufacturing technique. For both matrices, the introduction of 5 wt.% of basalt fibers allows us to achieve stiffness values comparable to injection molding ones without modifying the final weight of the manufactured components. The increased filament density compared with the neat polymers, upon the introduction of basalt fibers, is counterbalanced by the intrinsic porosity of the manufacturing technique. In particular, the final components are characterized by a 0.88 g/cm3 density for PP and 1.01 g/cm3 for PA12 basalt-filled composites, which are comparable to the 0.91 g/cm3 and 1.01 g/cm3, respectively, of the related neat matrix used in injection molding. Some efforts are still needed to fill the gap of 15–28% for PP and of 26.5% for PA12 in tensile strength compared to injection-molded counterparts, but the improvement of the fiber/matrix interface by fiber surface modification or coupling agent employment could be a feasible solution.