Traditional Materials Research Articles

External ligand-free nickel-catalyzed synthesis of polypyrazines towards stable, high-capacity and low-potential sodium ion storage

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) have been regarded as a promising alternative to lithium-ion battery owing to low cost and good sustainability, but its competitiveness in energy storage is still limited largely by the development of suitable electrode materials. Traditional inorganic anode materials for SIBs face the problems of sluggish electrochemical kinetics and large volume strain due to the insertion/extraction of large size Na+. By comparison, organic anodes have the advantages of abundance resources, renewability, and designability, but suffer from the lack of stable electrode materials with both high specific capacity and low redox potential. Here, a class of pyrazine rings-rich organic polymers (polypyrazines) were designed and synthesized through external ligand-free nickel-catalyzed carbon–carbon coupling reactions. Among them, poly(2,6-pyrazine) shows the lowest synthetic cost, the highest porosity and the best conductivity. Consequently, as the anode of SIBs, poly(2,6-pyrazine) delivers a low redox potential (about 1 V, vs Na+/Na), high-specific-capacity (617.2 mA h/g at 0.1 A/g), excellent rate-capability (300 mA h/g at 10 A/g) and long-term cycling stability (81 % after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A/g). The low preparation cost and outstanding electrochemical performance of poly(2,6-pyrazine) make it a promising anode candidate for further boosting the energy density of SIBs.

Natural filter: Adjustable hydrophobicity from biodegradable zein nanofiber membrane for high efficiency air purification

Faced with the fact that air filtration materials prepared from traditional petroleum-based materials do not have good biodegradability and have the risk of causing secondary pollution to the environment, a kind of nanofiber membrane with biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) and zein was prepared by electrospinning method. The morphology of as-prepared membrane was carried out along with filtration performance and degradation performance both experimentally and theoretically. The results showed that the hydrophobicity of nanofiber membrane can be adjusted by changing the ratio of PLA and zein. In addition, the highest filtration efficiency for PM2.5 and PM10 was achieved when the ratio of PLA to zein was 1:1, and it could be stabilized at 98.14 % and 97.39 %, and had the highest quality factor (QF) of 0.00738 Pa−1. Moreover, the fiber membrane has excellent adsorption effect on aqueous particles as well as oily particles. Notably, the as-prepared composite filter can be easily biodegraded thus contributing to green ecological environment.

Lead-Free Halide Double Perovskites for Sustainable Environmental Applications

The development of renewable energy sources has become a crucial objective in today's world due to increasing environmental concerns and the depletion of fossil fuels. Solar energy has emerged as a promising alternative. In recent years, there has been a significant focus on perovskite solar cells due to their remarkable power conversion efficiencies and their ability to be produced in a cost-effective manner. These cells have attracted considerable attention from researchers and industry professionals alike. However, traditional perovskite materials often contain toxic lead, raising concerns about their environmental impact and long-term sustainability. This article highlights the environmental concerns associated with lead-based perovskite materials and explores the advantages, challenges, and potential of lead-free halide double perovskites as sustainable alternatives for achieving an enlightening and sustainable future in the field of photovoltaics. Lead-free halide perovskites have been an area of active research in the field of nanotechnology and material science due to their potential for various applications. We provide an overview of perovskite solar cells as a promising technology, discussing their material properties and device performance. Furthermore, we present a comparative analysis between lead-based and lead-free perovskites, emphasizing the challenges and future perspectives associated with the development and implementation of lead-free alternatives. Through this analysis, we aim to shed light on the potential of lead-free halide double perovskites and inspire further research in the quest for environmentally friendly materials for solar energy applications.

Nitrogen-doped porous carbon skeleton derived from glycine boosting superior rate capability and long lifespan for Na3V2(PO4)3 with high thermal safety

Currently, the both low electronic and ionic conductivity have seriously hindered the further application of Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP). Nevertheless, traditional carbon materials modification only improves the electronic conductive property, rather than modifying the ionic conductivity. Herein, N-rich carbon resources of glycine (GLY) is introduced to synthesize NVP, which can act as reducing agent and morphology inducer to optimize NVP sample. Notably, GLY supplies favourable N-doped carbon skeleton, and this defective carbon structure benefits for the accelerated electronic conductivity. Besides, porous construction is established after introducing GLY. This unique morphology significantly improves the infiltration effects of electrolyte, thus providing more electrochemical active sites for Na+ de-intercalation to improve the ionic conductivity. Meanwhile, porous framework supplies enough space for the shrinkage of crystal cells, so the stress-strain effect is highly restrained, which is demonstrated by Ex-situ XRD. The stabilized crystal and morphological structure of NVP@GLY-2 has been verified by after-cycled XRD/SEM/XPS. Highly improved kinetic characteristics are also investigated by In-situ EIS. Moreover, Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (ARC) measurements indicate that NVP@GLY-2-based half and full cells also have excellent thermal safety properties. Comprehensively, NVP@GLY-2 reveals a high capacity of 119 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C. It reveals 84.5 and 71.2 mAh g-1 at 10 and 50 C, with capacity retention rates of 88.9% and 85.8% after 1000 cycles.

Constitutive behaviour of a granular matrix containing coal mine waste intermixed with rubber crumbs

AbstractTraditional railway substructure materials (i.e., natural crushed rock aggregates used for ballast and capping layers) degrade under service loads, incurring higher periodic maintenance costs compared to recycled materials. Using recycled waste materials such as coal wash and rubber crumbs for infrastructure upgrades not only reduces construction and maintenance costs but also supports environmental sustainability. By exploring unconventional avenues, earlier studies have delved into the viability of blending rubber crumbs (RC) and coal wash (CW) as an innovative substitute for traditional railway substructure materials, with a specific focus on the capping layer. This study introduces a semi-empirical constitutive model to simulate the response of mixtures of coal wash and rubber crumbs (CWRC) using the bounding surface plasticity framework. The novelty of this study is that a modified volumetric strain expression is introduced to capture the compressibility of rubber, thus enabling a more accurate representation of the internal deformation of rubber within the granular matrix. The variation of rubber content in the mixture is captured by the corresponding critical state void ratio surface and the hardening modulus. The theoretical model is then calibrated and validated using static drained triaxial test data for CWRC mixtures as well as mixtures of steel furnace slag, coal wash, and rubber crumbs (SFS + CW + RC).

A novel photocurable polymeric solid–solid phase change material for intelligent temperature regulators

The advancement of solid–solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) with crystalline segments embedded onto crosslinked polymer backbones offers a promising solution to the leakage problems associated with traditional phase change materials. Despite its potential, this technology faces challenges, including energy-intensive synthesis processes of SSPCMs and difficulties in custom designing materials for confined spaces. Herein, we introduce a novel strategy for the rapid preparation of polyurethane acrylate-based SSPCMs via UV-initiated polymerization. By leveraging crystalline segments from polyethylene glycol, the resulting SSPCM exhibits an impressive enthalpy of 110.4 J⋅g−1, enabling seamless transitions from rigid to soft states during solid–solid phase changes. When applied in portable electronic devices, this SSPCM can be synthesized in-situ to meet various size requirements, demonstrating exceptional temperature regulation performance based on latent thermal energy storage mechanisms. Furthermore, by integrating thin layers of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto the rough surfaces of SSPCM films and employing a face-to-face configuration to convert temperature-sensitive mechanical changes into electric resistance variations, we have engineered high-temperature alarms for SSPCM-based temperature regulators. The advantages of this preparation strategy, combined with the thermal regulation capabilities and innovative temperature alarm design, underscore the significant potential for intelligent and adaptive applications of SSPCMs in advanced technological landscapes.

Assessments and Investigation of Process Parameter Impacts on Surface Roughness, Microstructure, Tensile Strength, and Porosity of 3Dprinted Polyetherether Ketone (PEEK) Materials:

Additive manufacturing (AM) is emerging as a competitive technology with promising applications across various sectors, including biomedical, automotive, construction, and dental implants. This study investigates the influence of key process parameters on the surface roughness, microstructure, tensile strength, and porosity of Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK), a high-performance thermoplastic used in dental prosthetics. Traditionally, metals and ceramics have been the standard for dental restorations, but advancements in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) have improved accuracy, particularly for implant-supported prostheses. However, conventional methods like CAD-milling face challenges such as material waste and tool wear. AM techniques, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), offer a solution by constructing objects layer by layer, minimizing waste. This research explores the effects of nozzle temperature on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed PEEK, emphasizing its role in optimizing performance and minimizing issues like porosity. Key factors like surface roughness and microstructure are highlighted as critical to the biocompatibility and longevity of dental restorations. The study identifies the optimal nozzle temperature range for PEEK 380-440°C, noting that deviations from this range lead to compromised mechanical properties. Overall, the findings provide valuable insights into optimizing the AM process for PEEK in dental applications and suggest that further biological and chemical studies are necessary to fully realize the material's potential in replacing traditional dental restoration materials.

Research Progress of Maillard Reaction and its Application in Processing of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Maillard reaction, also known as the ‘non-enzymatic browning reaction’, involves a reaction between reducing sugars and amino compounds, including amino acids and proteins. The Maillard reaction has been increasingly used in the production of traditional Chinese medicine and food. This study thoroughly examines the mechanism of the reaction, the factors that influence it and the techniques used for extracting, separating and purifying Maillard reaction products (MRPs) in food and Chinese medicine processing. Additionally, the article explores the physiological functions of MRPs, highlighting their antioxidant, hepato-protective, antibacterial, immune-boosting, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, health-promoting, detoxifying and antiviral effects. MRPs have diverse outcomes because of various influencing factors; they can contain trace amounts of potentially harmful constituents, such as acrylamide, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and advanced glycosylation products. The study also includes a comparative analysis of common methods used for the separation and purification of concentrated MRPs. These methods consist of ultrafiltration, macroporous resin, gel chromatography, ion exchange chromatography and dialysis. Results indicate that each method has advantages and disadvantages, and thus careful consideration should be placed on specific applications. Furthermore, a future outlook for the research and development of Maillard reaction and its products is proposed. Given that the physiological activities of MRPs are diverse, thorough qualitative and quantitative analysis of the reaction mechanisms, influencing factors and pharmacologically active ingredients is needed. This study offers valuable insights into the advancement of MRPs for industries involved in food and traditional Chinese medicinal material processing. These insights can be effectively utilised in healthcare and clinical practice, offering innovative ideas for scientific and technological professionals involved in research and development.

Risk assessment of mold growth on engineered bamboo and its application

Engineered bamboo, as a low-carbon biomass building material, is more prone to mold growth than traditional building materials. Mold not only threatens the structural integrity of buildings but also poses health risks to occupants. Current mold prediction models cannot accurately assess the risk of mold growth on engineered bamboo. This research first examined mold growth on three commonly used types of engineered bamboo under 20 different operational conditions. A prediction model was then developed and validated specifically for engineered bamboo. Results showed that bamboo surfaces became fully covered in mold at high relative humidity (RH ≥ 85%). When RH was reduced from 95% to 75%, mold germination was delayed by about 70 days. A relative humidity of 60% at temperatures between 15°C and 35°C was identified as a safe range for all engineered bamboo types. Additionally, the prediction model demonstrated high accuracy in forecasting mold risk. The findings also indicated that raising the air conditioning heating setpoint from 18°C to 20°C is more effective in reducing mold risk than lowering the cooling setpoint from 28°C to 26°C. This research offers a method to quantify indoor mold growth risks in engineered bamboo buildings under various climates, helping to optimize their design and operation.

Bacterial film-based degradable triboelectric nanogenerator for both contact and non-contact sensing

As an emerging environmentally friendly energy conversion device, degradable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) play an important role in self-powered sensing, health care and human–machine interaction. However, traditional degradable materials used in TENGs often suffer from limited material sources and complex preparation processes, restricting large-scale production for widespread applications. Here, we propose a simple and efficient way to prepare degradable TENGs with inactivated bacterial film, taking advantage of wide source, self-proliferation and easy culture properties of bacteria. The prepared bacterial film-based TENG (BF-TENG) has stable electrical output, good durability and fatigue resistance, along with superior capabilities in both contact and non-contact sensing. In contact mode, the BF-TENG can generate a peak voltage of up to 83.3 V, which is employed for accurate Morse code transmission. In non-contact mode, the BF-TENG is capable of effectively perceiving the target polymer at a distance of 150 cm. The non-contact LED control circuit and a sensing array based on BF-TENG further demonstrate its practical potential for gesture recognition and spatial position perception. Furthermore, the fully degradable nature of BF-TENG ensures effortless disposal after use without environmental impact, serving as a promising solution for the new generation of eco-friendly and sustainable sensing devices.

Hygrothermal and mechanical characterization of novel hemp-lime composites with enhanced consistency

Hemp-lime composites have captured attention in the construction industry due to their sustainability and excellent hygrothermal performance. However, variability and inconsistent performance have hindered their widespread adoption. This research introduces a novel approach to improve the uniformity and hygrothermal characteristics, aiming for reproducibility and consistency comparable to traditional insulation materials. This method included (1) reducing hemp particle size to coarse (1.33 mm), medium (0.92 mm), and fine (0.72 mm) particles; (2) maximizing the hemp proportion to 70 % by weight; and (3) standardizing dry density using vibration techniques. The findings indicate dry density variability reduction in all samples, with a coefficient of variation ranging from 0.16 % to 2.36 %. The hygrothermal analysis demonstrates enhanced insulation and moisture-buffering properties, along with reduced directional disparity in thermal conductivity (1.2–6.8 %) compared to the control sample, particularly in samples with fine particle sizes. Thermal conductivity was within the range of 0.0535–0.0667 W/m K, considerably lower than previously reported values. Also, a positive correlation is observed between moisture-buffering and hemp ratio, indicating that higher hemp ratios in the composite lead to increased moisture capacity, with moisture buffer values of 2.47, 2.28, and 2.12 g/m² RH corresponding to the binder-to-hemp ratio of 30:70, 40:60, and 50:50 by weight, respectively.

3D printing of cordierite glass-ceramics

Compared to traditional ceramic materials, glass-ceramics can also exhibit superior properties and are now widely used in cutting-edge national defense industries technology, aerospace, electronics, construction, and other fields. In this study, it is for the first time reported that novel photopolymerization 3D printable slurries using cordierite glass ceramic powder were prepared. The effects of slurry properties and printing process parameters on the warpage of the printed samples were studied. Cordierite glass-ceramic parts fabricated using photopolymerization 3D printing and heat treatment processes were studied to evaluate the effects of sintering parameters on the properties of the samples. The obtained additively manufactured cordierite glass-ceramics exhibit excellent microstructural and mechanical properties, with a maximum bending strength of 181 MPa, an increase of 95.66 % compared to that of the previously reported 3D printed cordierite ceramics. The underlying mechanisms of the glass and ceramic phase characteristics influence the density and the mechanical properties during and after the courses of sintering were also investigated and unveiled in detail. This study provides a viable method for manufacturing complex-shaped cordierite glass-ceramic components using 3D printing.

Comparative study of pre- and post-Cu modified calcium-based desulfurizers: experimental and theoretical insights into adsorption vs. catalysis

This study focused on the dry desulfurization of calcium-based materials, with the aim of conducting an in-depth investigation into the mechanistic differences in desulfurization between traditional commercial calcium-based materials and their Cu-modified counterparts, utilizing experiments, reaction kinetics, and density functional theory (DFT). Through a fixed-bed reactor, factors affecting desulfurization efficiency were investigated, with characterizations pre- and post-desulfurization. The experimental results showed that Cu significantly improved desulfurization performance of calcium-based materials, shifting the mechanism from adsorption- to catalysis-dominated. Among factors, temperature notably influenced calcium-based materials. Reaction kinetics analyses revealed that temperature boosted both rates of the surface chemical reaction-controlled stage and the internal diffusion process, explaining its significant impact. DFT simulations indicated Ca(OH)2(101) surfaces strongly adsorbed reactants but suffered from saturation and competitive adsorption, hindering efficiency. In contrast, Cu-modified surfaces, while exhibiting reduced adsorptive capacity, introduced new catalytic sites with low energy barriers, thereby enhancing desulfurization efficiency, particularly in the presence of water, which can directly participate in the subsequent formation of sulfate ions.

Efficient and Fully Non-Halogen Solution Processed Cs2AgBiBr6 Perovskite Solar Cell

For traditional hole transport material (HTM) 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N′-di-pmethoxyphenylamino)9,9′-spirbiuorene(Spiro-OMeTAD) used in Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite solar cell (PSC), the strong dependence of its performance on the hygroscopic and volatility additives, together with the mismatched energy level with Cs2AgBiBr6 and gold electrodes, are considered to be the two key factors restricting the improvement of performance. Considering this, we reported a series of dopant-free D-π-D type HTMs comprising of FNP as donor unit and Cz-Mp dimer linked benzene as π-bridge, termed o-PCz, m-PCz, and p-PCz by adjusting the linkage position of π-bridge moieties. HTM p-PCz with planar rigid structure, exhibits higher hole mobility and better film morphology compared with o-PCz and m-PCz. Notably, o-PCz, m-PCz, and p-PCz all show good dissolvability in non-halogenated solvent tetrahydrofuran (THF), making it possible to fabricate Cs2AgBiBr6 PSCs with full non-halogenated solution process. As a result, the dopant-free p-PCz based Cs2AgBiBr6 PSC device achieved an efficiency of 2.44% with enhanced ambient and thermal stability. Hence, the successful development of dopant-free p-PCz would make a great contribution for efficient and stable lead-free Cs2AgBiBr6 PSCs with full non-halogenated solution process.

Optimization design of ultra-fine supplementary cementitious materials ultra-high performance concrete mix proportion based on orthogonal experiment

Traditional ultra-high performance concrete has problems such as high viscosity, high early-age autogenous shrinkage, and high heat release during early hydration. In recent years, with the development of ultra-fine grinding technology, ultra-fine supplementary cementitious materials (USCMs) have received widespread attention, which have higher pozzolanic activity than traditional supplementary cementitious materials. This study investigated the effects of water-binder ratio, silica fume content, and ultra-fine supplementary cementitious materials (USCMs) content on the workability, mechanical properties, and early-age autogenous shrinkage of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) based on orthogonal experiments. In orthogonal experiments, multiple factors and levels were introduced, and a combination of range analysis, variance analysis, and multi-factor interaction analysis were combined to determine the optimization level range of each factor. The results showed that the water-binder ratio had the greatest impact on the fluidity, compressive strength, and autogenous shrinkage of UHPC; The content of silica fume had the greatest impact on the flexural strength of UHPC. Compared with the control group, USCMs can significantly improve the workability and rheological properties of UHPC, reduce early hydration heat release, and inhibit the autogenous shrinkage of UHPC.

Profit-driven distributed trading mechanism for IoT data

Data trading is a crucial means of unlocking the value of Internet of Things (IoT) data. However, IoT data differs from traditional material goods due to its intangible and replicable nature. This difference leads to ambiguous data rights, confusing pricing, and challenges in matching. Additionally, centralized IoT data trading platforms pose risks such as privacy leakage. To address these issues, we propose a profit-driven distributed trading mechanism for IoT data. First, a blockchain-based trading architecture for IoT data, leveraging the transparent and tamper-proof features of blockchain technology, is proposed to establish trust between data owners and data requesters. Second, an IoT data registration method that encompasses both rights confirmation and pricing is designed. The data right confirmation method uses non-fungible token to record ownership and authenticate IoT data. For pricing, we develop an IoT data value assessment index system and introduce a pricing model based on a combination of the sparrow search algorithm and the back propagation neural network. Finally, an IoT data matching method is designed based on the Stackelberg game. This establishes a Stackelberg game model involving multiple data owners and requesters, employing a hierarchical optimization method to determine the optimal purchase strategy. The security of the mechanism is analyzed and the performance of both the pricing method and matching method is evaluated. Experiments demonstrate that both methods outperform traditional approaches in terms of error rates and profit maximization.

Plant-based chitosan for the development of biodegradable packaging materials

Plant-derived materials and edible films have developed as viable substitutes for standard packaging materials, enabling sustainable and ecologically acceptable alternatives. Chitosan, a cationic carbohydrate polymer derived from animal or marine sources, as well as from agricultural waste such as mushrooms or various fungi possesses excellent properties such as film formation, mechanical strength, non-toxicity, biodegradability, edibility, UV-blocking ability, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial functionality, justifying its potential as packaging/coating material for fresh agricultural products. Chitosan is obtained through the deacetylation of chitin. The quantity of waste generated in a mushroom farm varies from 5%-20% of the total yielding quantity. Filamentous fungi's cellular structure, which is rich in chitin, provides a convenient method for chitin extraction. Fungal-derived chitosan offers the advantage of controllable physicochemical characteristics, including degree of deacetylation and molecular weight, compared to chitosan obtained from crustaceans. This versatility makes fungal chitosan suitable for various utilizations in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical management. It can be utilised for different purposes in these fields. This review primarily emphasizes the extraction of chitin from mushrooms and various fungal sources, comparing different extraction methods and chitosan-based materials fabrication techniques. Additionally, it discusses the crucial characteristics of chitosan that make it convenient for high value-added functions in the food industry. To sum up, plant-based chitosan films have the potential to completely transform the packaging sector by providing environmentally friendly substitutes for traditional materials. Accepting these advances will help build a more resilient and sustainable earth, encourage the circular economy, and reduce the amount of plastic trash produced.

Integrating Sustainability into Material Design and Selection through Eco-Design: A Case Study on Aluminum Alloy Plates

Traditional material design focuses primarily on performance, properties, structure, and synthesis. Growing environmental awareness necessitates the integration of sustainability considerations into material design and selection. This paper introduced an approach that embeds the eco-design method within material comparison to balance performance requirements and environmental sustainability. Five types of aluminum alloys were examined to demonstrate and validate the proposed method. The alloys are commonly used in shipbuilding and have varying contents of the rare earth element Erbium. The alloys were assessed through a performance-requirement matrix, life cycle assessment, and exergy calculation to evaluate their performance, environmental impact, and resource consumption. A binary integrated decision model was created to compare the five alloys based on either their performance and environmental impact or their performance and resource consumption. Additionally, ternary integrated decision models were formulated to yield a comprehensive analysis of the five alloys, considering all three aforementioned factors. A matrix model was established to allow for comparative assessment no matter how many indicators are involved. Furthermore, a model based on the enumeration method was presented to mitigate the bias introduced by weighting factors. This methodological approach aids in selecting the most suitable alloys for diverse scenarios, thereby enhancing the sustainability of material design.

Wood hemicelluloses as protective materials for preserving the viability of probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG during spray drying

Wood hemicelluloses from forest industry side-streams are promising economic and sustainable alternatives for encapsulating bioactive compounds. This study explores their suitability for probiotic encapsulation, specifically for maintaining cell viability and structure. The ability of galactoglucomannans (GGM) and glucuronoxylans (GX) to support the survival of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) during spray drying at solid feed concentrations of 15 and 20 % and inlet air temperatures of 105 and 140 °C (outlet air temperature of 50 °C) was investigated and compared to the results obtained using maltodextrin (MD). Across all investigated conditions, LGG survival rates exceeded 85 % (>107 cfu/g) in GX and GGM microcapsule powders, which similar to that in MD microcapsules despite the differences in pH, particle size, and viscosity of their feed dispersions. The GX microcapsules demonstrated the highest process yield (50–58 %), followed by MD (39–51 %). All the microcapsule powders exhibited an amorphous structure consisting of spherical particles with an average diameter of 10 μm, sufficient for LGG accommodation. AFM analysis confirmed the encapsulation of LGG cells within microcapsules with intact rod-shaped chains post-spray drying. Overall, the spray-dried microencapsulation of probiotics using wood hemicelluloses maintains high probiotic viability and offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to traditional materials.

The Effectiveness of Applying Artificial Intelligence in Sick Children’s Communication

Pediatric nursing students are required to be taught how to overcome their own psychological stress during their internship in order to understand sick children’s emotional reactions, as well as to be able to interact and communicate with such children. This quasi-experimental study proves that the application of AI image health education e-books by the nursing teacher is more effective than traditional paper handout teaching materials in improving nursing students’ self-efficacy when using therapeutic games to deal with and reduce sick children’s fears of medical examinations and treatments (p < 0.05). AI-driven tools can enable the development of personalized e-learning materials that target specific areas for cognitive improvement. This targeted approach can enhance knowledge retention and skill development, resulting in better-prepared healthcare professionals.