Unveiling the plasmonic electron origin: dual vacancies synergy in an S-scheme Cu7S4@ZnIn2S4 heterojunction boosting hot electron flow for photothermal H2 evolution.

A high-performance PdO@SWCNTs/NiO nanocomposite-based electrochemical sensor for sensitive and selective detection of hydroquinone.

Battery-type electrode materials store charge through chemical reactions, leading to low power densities and rendering it difficult to reach the performance levels associated with capacitors. This study introduces a coordination polymer electrode material for hybrid supercapacitors, specifically, poly[[tri-μ-ethanolato-di-μ3-sulfido-hexakis(μ4-2-sulfidobenzoato)dinickel(II)tetranickel(III)dipotassium(I)[potassium(I)/sodium(I)(0.60/0.40)]] quaterhydrate], {[NiIII4NiII2K2.60Na0.40(C2H5O)3(C7H4O2S)6S2]·0.25H2O}n or Ni-mba-K(Na), where H2mba is 2-mercaptobenzoic acid, (1). As a hybrid capacitor electrode material, Ni-mba-K(Na) exhibits the characteristics of battery-type electrode materials but demonstrates a capacitor-level power density and cycling stability. The microstructure, element composition, phase structure and thermodynamic stability of Ni-mba-K(Na) are characterized through techniques such as crystal structure determination and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows that compound (1) consists of a hexanuclear nickel cluster, two mononuclear K nodes and a mononuclear K0.60/Na0.40 shared node, resulting in the formation of a complex covalent three-dimensional network. Due to this novel structure, Ni-mba-K(Na) exhibits supercapacitor performance that combines high energy density and high power density.

Electron-modulated amorphous RH(OH)3-decorated NiMn-LDH: A superior bifunctional electrocatalyst for industrial-current-density water splitting.

Visual electron orbital engineering enables industrially durable acidic OER on IrxCo0.3-xRu0.7O2.

Dendritic mixed-mode stationary phases prepared by thiol-epoxy click reaction for the determination of bisphenols in a variety of complex samples.

Self-reduced CuₓO multichannels at TiO2/porphyrin metal-organic frameworks interface for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Diluted CO2 photoreduction and charge transfer dynamics investigation in biomimetic S-scheme heterojunction.

Construction of S-scheme heterojunction dual-path photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide synthesis by covalent organic frameworks loaded with AgInS2 quantum dots.

Programmable PNA-nanoparticle hybrids as nanoscale recognition architectures for amplification-free nucleic acid recognition.

Epoxy resin (EP) faces significant limitations in electronic applications due to its short corona resistance lifetime, while nanomaterial modification technology offers new avenues for enhancing its performance. This study synthesized a composite oxide (organic Si-Al-B composite oxide) using phenyl triethoxysilane (PTES), tributyl borate, and aluminum isopropoxide as monomers via a hydrolytic condensation reaction. By adjusting different doping levels, a series of epoxy resin composites (Si-Al-B/EP composites) were prepared. This study aimed to enhance the material's corona resistance while maintaining other electrical properties. The epoxy composite was systematically characterized and evaluated through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dielectric property testing, breakdown field strength testing, volume resistivity measurement, and corona life testing. Results indicate that the Si-Al-B/EP composite exhibits optimal comprehensive performance when the molar ratio of Si:Al:B is 9:2.5:1 and the doping level is 8 wt %. Compared to pure EP, this composite demonstrates an approximately 13-times higher corona resistance lifetime and a 35% increase in breakdown field strength, while achieving a slight reduction in both dielectric constant and dielectric loss.

Purpose The study aims to enhance the corrosion resistance of mild steel by developing advanced nanocomposite coatings based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) reinforced with nanoscale fillers that improve both barrier and electroactive protective mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach α-Fe2O3 and γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized via co-precipitation and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, revealing crystallite sizes of 8.4 nm and 6.4 nm, respectively. PEDOT and its nanocomposites were electrodeposited onto steel substrates through electrochemical polymerization. Corrosion performance was systematically evaluated using open-circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 0.05 M H2SO4. Complementary analyses, including atomic absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, provided insights into morphology, elemental composition and passive film formation. Findings The incorporated nanoparticles enhanced the electropolymerization of EDOT and improved the protection efficiency (PE) of the resulting polymer coatings. Electrochemical measurements showed PE values of 56.9% and 77.2% for the PEDOT/ γ-Al2O3 and PEDOT/ α-Fe2O3 coatings, respectively. Atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis further confirmed that the PE increased upon aging in the solution, reaching 88.77%, 90.32% and 92.53% for the PEDOT, PEDOT/ α-Fe2O3 and PEDOT/ γ-Al2O3 coatings after six days, respectively. Thick, compact deposits of iron oxides and oxides of minor elements were observed to accumulate beneath the coating. Originality/value This study establishes PEDOT/metal oxide nanocomposites as eco-friendly, high-performance coatings that combine barrier reinforcement with redox-driven self-passivation. The synergistic role of α-Fe2O3 and γ-Al2O3 highlights a sustainable pathway for developing long-term corrosion protection strategies for steel in aggressive environments.

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a versatile, conductive, and highly porous material suitable for use in flexible electronics. However, its application in stretchable devices remains limited due to mechanical and interfacial challenges under strain. Here, we report the development of a stretchable electrochemical sensor based on LIG that maintains electrochemical performance under uniaxial strain up to 20%. The electrode fabrication involves a simple transfer process to elastomeric substrates, which preserves structural integrity and conductivity during deformation. Structural and chemical characterization, including Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, confirm the characteristic morphology and composition of the LIG network. The electrodes exhibited stable cyclic voltametric responses and maintained their electrochemical characteristics during repeated folding and stretching-relaxation cycles. Moreover, no statistically significant difference in anodic peak current was observed between the relaxed and stretched states (p > 0.05). As a proof of concept, the electrodes were modified with Prussian blue and lactate oxidase for lactate sensing in artificial sweat. The sensor exhibited a linear response range toward lactate (5 to 30 mmol L-1), effectively covering the clinical window for sweat lactate monitoring and reproducible signals across different deformation states, with a sensitivity of 0.25 μA mM-1. This work demonstrates the feasibility of fully stretchable LIG-based electrochemical sensors and supports their potential integration into wearable sensing platforms.

Poly(ethylene glycol)-based ultrathin films were prepared using hydrazide-poly(ethylene glycol)12-hydrazide (HZ-PEG-HZ) and 4-[[4,6-bis(4-formylphenoxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]oxy]benzaldehyde (TOB) at the air/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) interface via interfacial polymerization (IP). The resulting ultrathin PEG-TOB films exhibited asymmetric properties, with lower wettability and roughness on the air side (AS) compared to those on the DMSO side (DS). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicate a higher PEG content on the DS. The mechanical properties of the films were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation mapping using small (radius, R = 10 nm) and large (R = 29 nm) tips. The AS has a higher elastic modulus than the DS in both air and water. These asymmetries are attributed to preferential enrichment of hydrophobic aromatic groups on the AS and greater exposure of hydrophilic PEG chains on the DS during IP. Additionally, a higher elastic modulus was observed with the large tip in air at small indentations (less than 10 nm), attributed to contact stiffening due to the formation of an interface region upon compression. Furthermore, due to the substrate effect, the elastic modulus increased markedly at larger indentations. The present study provides a new understanding of the asymmetric mechanical properties of ultrathin interfacial films, improving the design of functional thin films.

A novel and effective palladium catalyst loaded on polymer microspheres modified with magnesium oxide for the telomerization of 1,3-butadiene with CO2 (carbon dioxide) was prepared by using the Shirasu Porous Glass (SPG) membrane emulsification technique. A series of characterizations were carried out on the catalyst, such as CO2-TPD (Carbon Dioxide Temperature-Programmed Desorption), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy), etc., to verify that the introduction of magnesium oxide enhances the catalyst's ability to adsorb and activate carbon dioxide. The electron transfer between magnesium oxide and palladium stabilizes the palladium active species, and the surface-formed magnesium oxide can improve the mechanical strength of the catalyst and reduce its breakage. Only 0.025 mol % of catalysts were needed to obtain δ-lactones [(E)-3-ethylidene-6-vinyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one] with 57% yield and 95% selectivity under 60 °C conditions using acetonitrile as the solvent. With simple filtration and drying, the catalyst can be reused five times and still has a good catalytic effect.

With the continuous development of the semiconductor industry, shallow trench isolation (STI) technology is facing increasingly stringent performance requirements. Building on previous research on the dual-action mechanism of CeO2/PVA abrasive particles, this study further optimized the performance of the abrasives through Y3+ doping modification. Combined with the results of ultraviolet spectroscopy analysis, photocatalytic degradation tests, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization, it was found that Ce0.96Y0.04O2/D-PVA abrasive particles exhibit the best photocatalytic effect. Therefore, based on the Ce0.96Y0.04O2/D-PVA system, the influence of pre-irradiation of the polishing slurry on the performance of STI CMP was further investigated. The study revealed that the polishing slurry pre-irradiated for 10 min achieved a SiO2 removal rate of 2540.5 Å/min, which was 43.91% higher than that of the non-pre-irradiated group. The Si3N4 removal rate was 61.53% lower than that of the non-pre-irradiated group, and the selectivity ratio increased by 276.32% to 14.3. Meanwhile, the surface roughness of SiO2 and Si3N4 was reduced to 0.139 and 0.128 nm, respectively, indicating a significant improvement in surface quality.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the synthesis, characterization and corrosion inhibition performance of a novel MgO@MnO2@graphite hybrid nanocomposite for carbon steel protection in acidic media. The study demonstrates its high inhibition efficiency (up to 98.86% at 300 ppm) through electrochemical and surface analyses. The work also explores the underlying adsorption mechanism using thermodynamic and kinetic evaluations. These findings highlight the potential of MgO@MnO2@graphite as an effective, low-cost and environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor, aligning with current research interests in advanced materials for industrial corrosion control. Design/methodology/approach This study used a sol–gel synthesis approach to prepare MgO and MnO2 nanoparticles, which were subsequently integrated with graphite via ultrasonication to form a MgO@MnO2@graphite nanocomposite. Comprehensive characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible, atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to confirm structure and morphology. The corrosion inhibition performance of the nanocomposite on carbon steel in 1 M HCl was evaluated using weight loss analysis, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrochemical frequency modulation. Surface analysis further supported the protective film formation mechanism. All tests were conducted under standardized conditions and validated through repeat measurements. Findings The MgO@MnO2@graphite nanocomposite exhibited remarkable corrosion inhibition performance for carbon steel in 1 M HCl. Weight loss, electrochemical and surface analyses confirmed a concentration-dependent inhibition efficiency, reaching 98.86% at 300 ppm. Potentiodynamic polarization and EIS studies indicated mixed-type inhibition, enhanced charge transfer resistance and reduced corrosion rates. Surface analyses (AFM and XPS) verified protective layer formation. Thermodynamic and kinetic evaluations revealed a spontaneous, exothermic adsorption process involving both physisorption and chemisorption. Adsorption followed Frumkin isotherm behavior. These comprehensive findings highlight the nanocomposite’s potential as a highly efficient and stable corrosion inhibitor in aggressive acidic environments. Originality/value This study introduces a novel MgO@MnO2@graphite nanocomposite synthesized via a simple sol–gel and ultrasonication route for corrosion protection of carbon steel in acidic media. The originality lies in the synergistic integration of MgO and MnO2 with graphite, offering enhanced inhibition efficiency through a mixed physisorption-chemisorption mechanism. Comprehensive evaluation using electrochemical, surface and thermodynamic analyses demonstrated superior protection efficiency (up to 98.86%) and long-term stability. The findings provide valuable insight into designing multifunctional nanocomposites as environmentally friendly, low-cost alternatives for corrosion mitigation in industrial applications, particularly where aggressive acidic conditions are encountered.

Abstract CO 2 curing can greatly enhance the properties of concrete while actively sequestering CO 2 . However, the influencing mechanisms of CO 2 curing on the passivation film of steel bars in concrete remains unclear. In this study, the passivation and depassivation behaviors of steel bars in CO 2 -cured mortar were investigated via electrochemical measurements, and the microscopic morphology and chemical composition of the passivation film were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results demonstrate that CO 2 curing can accelerate the passivation of steel bars, which can be attributed to the higher oxygen partial pressure around the steel bars when compared to standard curing. Although the thickness of passivation film on steel bars in CO 2 -cured specimens (4.06 nm) is less than that in standard-cured specimens (4.73 nm), the charge transfer resistance in CO 2 -cured specimens (458.54 kΩ·cm 2 ) is higher than that in standard-cured specimens (384.49 kΩ·cm 2 ). Specifically, the dense and ordered microstructure observed by SEM, together with the relatively high Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ atomic ratio (0.90 vs. 0.63) of the passivation film detected by XPS, contributes to the enhanced electrochemical stability. In addition, it is found that CO 2 curing significantly delays the depassivation onset of steel bars in mortar when subjected to chloride drying-wetting cycles, with the depassivation of standard-cured specimens initiating after 18 cycles and that of CO 2 -cured specimens being postponed to 30 cycles. Consequently, the protective performance of the passivation film in CO 2 -cured specimens surpasses that in standard-cured specimens despite the slightly thinner thickness.

Silicon-carbon composite materials prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) have become one of the most promising anode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. However, the capacity oscillation mechanism of silicon-carbon composite anodes in half-cells under the constant-current charge-discharge protocol remains poorly understood, hindering their performance assessment and practical application. In this work, we quantify the trapped active lithium due to kinetic limitations after different numbers of cycles by using a constant current-constant voltage (CC-CV) protocol. Subsequently, we characterize the electrochemical performance and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer of the silicon-carbon composite anodes at different cycling stages through differential capacity curve (dQ/dV) analysis, electrochemical impedance microscopy (EIS), galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We find that polarization is the main influencing factor governing abnormal capacity variation. During the first cycling stage, a low content of trapped active lithium impedes lithium-ion diffusion at low potential, while continuous SEI growth induces a significant polarization increase. In contrast, moderate trapped active lithium and stable SEI during the second stage enhance diffusion kinetics and reduce overall polarization. This work provides deeper insights for the development and evaluation of silicon-carbon composite anodes in half-cells.

GaN-based metal-insulator-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors (MIS-HEMTs) are pivotal for next-generation power electronics due to their high breakdown voltage, low gate leakage current, and reliable operation stability compared with HEMT devices. The lack of high-quality native oxides necessitates a rigorous evaluation of gate dielectrics. Atomic-layer-deposited (ALD)-SiNx emerges as a promising candidate that enables superior device characteristics. However, defects at the ALD-SiNx/(Al)GaN interface or in the ALD-SiNx bulk, such as silicon or nitrogen dangling bonds, can induce charge trapping/detrapping under bias, leading to threshold voltage (VTH) instability and dynamic ON-resistance (RON) degradation. This study systematically investigates defect evolution at the ALD-SiNx/(Al)GaN interface and within the dielectric layer using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). Correlating the postdeposition annealing (PDA) treatments with specific defect revolution reveals the underlying mechanisms governing device performance. Results demonstrate that N2 annealing (550 °C, 5 min) achieves suppressed interface state density without compromising dielectric quality, whereas oxygen-containing annealing introduces thermally aggravated bulk defects despite partial interface improvement. Benefiting from the optimized N2-based annealing strategy, the fabricated AlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMTs exhibit significantly enhanced performance metrics: suppressed VTH hysteresis, steep subthreshold swing (SS), stable dynamic RON, and robust threshold voltage stability. These results highlight the critical role of defect control in ALD-SiNx dielectrics, particularly through N2 annealing-induced suppression of deep-level interface states, thereby providing a practical strategy to enhance the interface quality and electrical performance of AlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMTs.