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As a soft material with biocompatibility and stimulation response, ionic conductive hydrogel‐based wearable strain sensors show great potential across a wide spectrum of engineering disciplines, but their mechanical toughness is limited in practical applications. In this study, freeze‐thawing techniques were utilized to fabricate double‐network hydrogels of poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyacrylamide (PVA/PAM) with both covalent and physical cross‐linking networks. These double‐network hydrogels demonstrate excellent mechanical performance, with an elongation at break of 2253% and tensile strength of 268.2 kPa. Simultaneously, they also display a high sensitivity (Gage factor, GF = 2.32 at 0%–200% strain), achieve a rapid response time of 368 ms without the addition of extra conductive fillers or ions, stable signal transmission even after multiple cycles, and fast response to human motion detection.

• The critical temperature of austenite transition was determined. • The grain boundary and phase were characterize to interpret the austenite transition. • The effects of austenitizing temperatures on the martensite transformation were disclosed. • The changes of lath martensitic structure and the martensitic variants at different austenitizing temperatures were revealed. • This study paves the foundation for understanding the new alloy at different temperatures. SA508Gr.4 N steel is commonly used in nuclear pressure vessels. The current study discloses the impact of austenitizing temperature on its martensitic transformation. Various austenitizing temperatures were employed to examine the martensitic transformation at different experimental conditions. The characteristics of grain boundaries, microstructure, transformation kinetics, and crystallography of the martensitic phase following the austenitizing process and martensitic transformation were analyzed. Austenitizing temperatures had minimal effects on the critical temperature of the austenitizing phase transition. However, an increase in austenitizing temperature resulted in larger grain sizes. The phase composition primarily consisted of lath martensite, accompanied by a small amount of residual austenite (RA). As the austenitizing temperature increased, the temperature of martensite-start temperature (M s) initially decreased and then increased. On the other hand, the temperature of martensite-finish (M f) showed no significant sensitivity to changes in the austenitizing temperature. Moreover, the average size of the lath martensite structure was increased, and there was an increased tendency for variant selection as the austenitizing temperature increased, and the combination of specific orientation relationships appeared. This study is very valuable for revealing the microstructure evolution at different temperatures. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a developed easy-operation method was adopted to generate ultralight and compressible graphene aerogels by using graphene oxide and ammonia. By changing the process parameters, such as reduction temperature, reducing agent content and ammonia concentration, the variation laws of the density and pore size of aerogels were obtained, which aided in realizing the controllable preparation of aerogel structures. The prepared graphene aerogel has good compressive performance, and its density can reach 5.26 mg/cm3. Although it was repeatedly compressed 200 times under a load that was 4000 times as large as its own weight, it maintained its structural integrity and mechanical properties. An ideal model of three-dimensional graphene aerogel was constructed, and the electromagnetic wave absorption performance was simulated using the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio software. The results showed that when the thickness, pore size and height of the sheet were 1.4, 5 and 14 mm, respectively, an optimal electromagnetic wave absorption effect of −31.08 dB could be obtained. Furthermore, the effects of thickness, pore size and height of the sheet on the electromagnetic wave absorption performance are revealed, which provide a reference for the structural design of aerogels with both compressibility and electromagnetic wave absorption performance.

ABSTRACTWeirs and gates are hydraulic structures installed in canals, mainly for controlling the discharge. Because of their existence, unfavorable influences regarding the downstream bed configurations were recorded. This study experimentally explores the combined effect of simultaneous flow through a hydraulic device consisting of a V-notch sharped weir with an inverted V-shaped gate, aiming to minimize the downstream bed scour. Eighty-one runs were carried out using nine weir-gate models with three different vertex angles. The tests were executed considering three upstream and three downstream water depths. A V-notch weir with an angle of 120º was tested under similar hydraulic conditions and was used for comparison. The results revealed that the length of backflow was increased by the decrease in weir angle under a fixed 120° gate angle. The bed configurations were sensitive to gate angle. The combined device showed a significant decrease in bed disturbances regardless of the angles used compared to the traditional V-notch weir. Simple formulas were developed to predict the scour parameters.

In this study, a series of MOF-199 were prepared with Cu as the metal center and trimesic acid as the organic ligand. The morphology changes of the MOF-199 under different preparation conditions and its application in the catalytic thermal decomposition of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-s-triazine (RDX) was studied. The morphological changes of MOF-199 were compared by scanning electron microscope (SEM), the crystal structures of MOF-199 were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the effects of MOF-199 with different morphological characteristics on the thermal decomposition behavior of RDX were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show that MOF-199 with different morphologies can effectively adjust the thermal decomposition process of RDX and reduce the decomposition peak temperature of RDX, and the catalytic effect of MOF-199 is different due to different crystal surfaces exposed. Among them, (110) is a highly active crystal plane with high catalytic activity. In addition to the crystal plane structure, the defects on the surface of MOF-199 will also affect its catalytic performance. This study provides some theoretical support for the catalytic mechanism of MOFs in the thermal decomposition of nitro compounds.

• Novel microencapsulated composites with superior comprehensive performance were prepared. • The composites had the highest thermal conductivity of 0.50 W/(m K) and latent heat of 139.64 J/g. • The composite with carbon nanotubes showed good thermal stability and temperature control ability. • The synthesized composites could be applied in a battery thermal management system. • Reasonable analysis and interpretation of crystallization phenomena were provided. In order to maintain the optimal operating temperature of the battery surface and meet the demand for thermal storage technology, battery thermal management system based on phase change materials has attracted increasing interest. In this work, a kind of core-shell structured microcapsule was synthesized by an in-situ polymerization, where paraffin was used as the core, while methanol was applied to modify the melamine-formaldehyde shell to reduce toxicity and improve thermal stability. Moreover, three different types of heat conductive fillers with the same content of 10 wt.%, i.e., nano-Al 2 O 3 , nano-ZnO and carbon nanotubes were added, generating composites. The microcapsules were uniform, and were not affected by the thermal fillers, which were evenly dispersed around. The composite sample with carbon nanotubes (10 wt.%) showed the highest thermal conductivity of 0.50 W/(m K) and latent heat of 139.64 J/g. Furthermore, according to the leakage testing and battery charge/discharge experiments, compared with Al 2 O 3 and ZnO, the addition of carbon nanotubes remarkably enhances the heat storage ability as latent heat from 126.98 J/g for the prepared sample with Al 2 O 3 and 125.86 J/g for the one with ZnO, then to 139.64 J/g, as well as dissipation performance as a cooling effect by decreasing the surface temperature of battery from 2% to 12% of microcapsule, composite sample with carbon nanotubes presents a broad application prospect in battery thermal management system and energy storage field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a prevalent chronic metabolic condition, for which no approved medications are available. As a condiment and traditional Chinese medicine, ginger can be useful in reducing the symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Although its active ingredients and mechanisms of action are unknown, there is a lack of research on them. The purpose of this study is to prepare magnetite (Fe3O4)@Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) materials and analyze them using ultra-high performance liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) for rapid screening of potential inhibitors of SCD1 in ginger. Based on this analysis, it has been shown that the primary components in ginger that bind SCD1 directly are gingerols, with 10-gingerol having a greater affinity for binding to SCD1 than 8-gingerol and 6-gingerol. Moreover, further studies indicated that free fatty acids (FFA)-induced lipid accumulation is improved by this class of compounds in normal human hepatocytes (THLE-3), with 10-gingerol being the most effective compound. This study provides a new insight into the mechanism, by which ginger contributes to the improvement of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and provide support for the effective use of 10-gingerol for the treatment of NAFLD.

This work presents a simple co-precipitation method for making Zn-doped copper oxide (C1−x(Zn)xO) that is nanostructured, porous, active in visible light, and highly conductive. The combined impacts of doping, structural modifications, and nanoscaled synthesis contribute to the development of a novel catalyst that has inherent characteristics. Physicochemical studies confirm the coexistence of all desired features in the C1−x(Zn)xO photocatalyst. The formed photocatalyst’s dye-destroying and antimicrobial properties were carefully examined and compared to those of pristine copper oxide (PCO) that had not been doped. When tested against Escherichia coli(a “negative strain”) and Staphylococcus aureus(a “positive strain”), the antimicrobial properties of the C1−x(Zn)xO photocatalyst were better than those of PCO and on par with those of commercially available drugs. Also, C1−x(Zn)xO photocatalyst gets rid of reactive orange 4 (RO-4) dye more effectively and faster (0.023 min−1) than PCO photocatalyst (0.11 min−1) by using simple sorption and photocatalytic annihilation. The C1−x(Zn)xO photocatalyst eliminated 90.25 % of RO-4 dye under visible light irradiation. Under identical circumstances, the PCO photocatalyst removed 65.12 % of the RO-4 dye. The boosted bactericidal and photocatalytic activity of the C1−x(Zn)xO photocatalyst may be attributed to its larger surface area (56.5 m2g−1), good electrical conductivity (2.33 × 10−3S m−1), low bandgap (1.98 eV), and doping-induced structural defects. The developed features increase the light-capturing sites on the catalyst surface, improve the charge transport kinetics, enable the catalysts to harvest visible light, and limit the charge recombination process, allowing our photocatalyst to show exceptional bactericidal and dye annihilation activities. This study opens new avenues for developing metal-substituted metal oxides with porous nanostructures for environmental and ecological protection.

Industrialization and urbanization have now become major factors in damaging different segments of the environment. Synthesis of novel nanomaterials for the removal of dyes and free radicals from aqueous medium has become a challenge for the researchers. The present work describes formation of novel-franklinite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles (FNPs) which have been synthesized adopting economical route of green method using extracts of fresh and dried leaves of Coriandrum sativum. The fabricated NPs were characterized employing state of the art analytical techniques including UV-visible, FTIR, SEM and XRD. The nanocatalyst exhibited excellent catalytic properties for the degradation of eosin yellow up to 86 % in 22 min and 90 % in 16 min using zinc-ferrite NPs synthesized using dried and fresh leaves respectively. Antioxidant activity of ZnFe2O4in terms of DPPH and ABTS free radicals scavenging was also determined. Nanoparticles synthesized using fresh leaves exhibited better antiradical potential in comparison to NPs synthesized dried leaves. Therefore, synthesis of FNPs with active features can be achieved using extract of fresh plant. Franklinite NPs can be used as promising photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants and scavenging of free radicals.

AbstractFour mononuclear penta coordinated copper(II) chelates, [CuLnBr2] nH2O, containing the tridentate neutral ligands, pyridine-2,6-diimine (Ln), were prepared viathe template technique. Analytical and several physicochemical methods have been used to characterize the prepared metal chelates. Square-pyramidal stereochemistry was described to the current copper(II) complexes. DFT technique has been applied to optimize the structure of the running diimines and their corresponding copper-based compounds. Ligand substitution study performed to link the catalytic potency of the candidate oxidase mimics and their lability characters. Spectral investigations reveal that nature of substituents of the chelated ligands effectively tuning the Lewis acidity of copper(II) centers. Biomimetics of redox proteins specifically containing copper were examined towards the aerobic oxidation of polyphenol. Kinetic studies with the stopped-follow technique showed a close association between the Lewis acidity of the copper(II) nuclei of the prepared chelates and their oxidase-like activity. The catalytic activity of the natural enzyme (catechol oxidase from sweet potatoes) measured and compared with that for the present CuIIchelates. The thermodynamic parameter drive force (ΔG° or λ) of the performed oxidation processes was determined from the values of redox potential of the chemical species involved in these catalytic reactions. The proposed catalytic reactions pathways have been discussed based on the outcomes of the kinetic investigations.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

• Ag NWs-SWCNTs (AS) composites with high and sparse density networks were fabricated by ultrasonic. • The AS/AZO (ASA) bilayer showed superior transmittance (92%@550 nm), mechanicity, stability, and adhesion. • The film demonstrates high stability with a ΔR/R 0 = 10% after 10,000 bending times, boiling, taping, and CO 2 plasma. • The power conversion efficiency of photovoltaic devices with flexible ASA TCFs was increased by 26%. • No significant reduction in power conversion efficiency was observed even after bending for 3000 times. [Display omitted] Indium tin oxide (ITO) is widely used in transparent conductive films (TCFs); however, several disadvantages, such as high cost and toxicity of indium, limit its applications. Therefore, it is necessary to develop other materials that can replace ITO. Silver nanowires or single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have attracted considerable interest owing to their unique electrical, optical, and thermal stabilities, and thus, they are ideal for transparent electrodes for flexible or stretchable devices. In this study, we develop a novel architecture of composite TCFs on a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) flexible substrate. Herein, the silver nanowires-SWCNTs films with nested density structure were fabricated through ultrasonic spraying technology by varying the spraying width. For achieving enhanced transmittance, we combined the larger irregular grids and holes with fewer nanowires stacked in the longitudinal direction, more optical channels, and good carrier transport. Thereafter, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) was used as capping to the structure for enhancing the optical properties of the TCFs. The silver nanowires-SWCNTs/AZO (ASA) bilayer was obtained in the optimized architecture, which showed superior optoelectronic performance to that shown by commercial ITO with a high optical transmittance of 92% at the wavelength of 550 nm and low sheet resistance of 17 Ω/sq. In the specially structured conductive film, the significant improvement in the transmittance and uniformity of the sheet resistance was attributed to the effective nanowire junction contact compared to that in ordinary structure of silver nanowires, which reduced the mean density of small clusters of nanowires. Compared with the silver nanowires-SWCNTs films, the ASA bilayer film exhibited excellent resistance to boiling, mechanical bending (10,000 cycles), and CO 2 plasma. Moreover, the sheet resistance of ASA changed slightly after the tape tests, thereby illustrating a strong adhesion to the PEN substrate after the enclosure of AZO. Meanwhile, the AZO capping layer can enhance the optical transmittance between 600 and 1500 nm. In addition, the amorphous silicon photovoltaic devices with flexible ASA TCFs exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.67%. After bending for 3000 times, the PCE was decreased to 8.20%, thereby demonstrating the potential of developed films to replace traditional ITO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding the active center in a bimetallic zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF) is highly crucial for the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In the present study, we constructed a bimetallic ZIF system with cobalt and manganese metal ions and subjected it to an electrospinning technique for feasible fiber formation. The obtained nanofibers delivered a lower overpotential value of 302 mV at a benchmarking current density of 10 mA cm–2in an electrocatalytic OER study under alkaline conditions. The obtained Tafel slope and charge-transfer resistance values were 125 mV dec–1and 4 Ω, respectively. The kinetics of the reaction is mainly attributed from the ratio of metals (Co and Mn) present in the catalyst. Jahn–Teller distortion reveals that the electrocatalytic active center on the Mn-incorporated ZIF-67 nanofibers (Mn-ZIF-67-NFs) was found to be Mn3+along with the Mn2+and Co2+ions on the octahedral and tetrahedral sites, respectively, where Co2+ions tend to suppress the distortion, which is well supported by density functional theory analysis, molecular orbital study, and magnetic studies.

Glassy samples from the undoped ternary system Na2O–ZnO–P2O5in combination with other samples from the same system doped with variable amounts of MoO3(0.25, 0.5, or 1 gm/batch) were successfully melted under ordinary, oxidizing, or reducing conditions followed by annealing. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometric measurements in combination with optical absorption spectra were recorded before and after doping with variable concentrations of MoO3in multiple melting media both as prepared or after being subjected to (8 Mrad) gamma irradiation dose. The studied spectral properties of the glasses were correlated with variations with the existing valence state of the Mo ions and the effects of gamma irradiation on the optical spectra and IR vibrational bands together with the role of the condition of melting the batches. The optical spectra of the glasses reveal pronounced UV and visible bands due to trace iron (Fe3+) ions as impurities or the sharing of the low valence states of the added molybdenum ions. The FTIR peaks show condensed spectra of phosphate groups (Q2, Q3), and the effects of dopant are limited because of low percent. Gamma irradiation causes distinct variations in the undoped spectra, but the MoO3-doped glasses show some shielding behavior.

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A PBSeT copolyester was synthesized by introducing a polar amide unit into the molecular chain, coordinating with decyldiamine through hydrogen bonds between the amide groups and hydrogen atoms on the chains. Two-step esterification and one-step polycondensation melt polymerization were adopted. ATR-FTIR and HNMR demonstrated the successful introduction of the amide unit. The effect of adding an amide unit on many properties was also discussed. Due to the formation of hydrogen bonds, both the force of molecular chain and the crystallinity increased by 5.91%. Consequently, yield and tear strength increased by 40.7% and 74.8%, respectively. The addition of 1,10-decyldiamine has no significant effect on the glass transition temperature and thermal stability of polyester. The introduction of an amide unit decreased free volume and increased combined crystallinity, which also increased the water vapor barrier. At the same time, PBSeT copolyester still maintained its biodegradability under hydrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis. Addtionally, the change of surface morphology upon the degradation was examed by AFM. This work discussesed a synthesis method of PBSeT copolyester strengthened by the hydrogen bond. The modified material has higher crystallinity, better mechanical properties, and a better water vapor barrier while maintaining certain biodegradation ability. It can be used in disposable products, food packaging, and other fields.

Graphical abstract: The burning behaviors of 21700 cylinders after different immersion duration were investigated, which might help evaluate the fire risk of batteries and improve safety

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Graphical abstract: A flexible, robust, and degradable PANI-fo-PLA electrode with high electrochemical energy storage performance has been prepared via a both time- and energy- saving approach.

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Graphical abstract: Graphene nanocomposites are designed by solution mixing assisted with non-solvent induced phase separation, and showed epsilon-near-zero properties (ε′ ~ 0) and excellent flexible properties.

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Graphical abstract: Reduced graphene oxide and KCu7S4 are printed to fabricate electrodes for high performance supercapacitors.

Graphical abstract: The energy density of the nanomaterials with 5% BT@PDA filler was 11.15 J/cm3at 378 MV/m electric field intensity.

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A new biomimetic sensor (BS) has been prepared by modifying the carbon paste electrode (CPE) based on [Fe(NTB)Cl2]Cl·EtOH (FeC) {NTB = tris(2‐benzimidazolylmethyl)amine} for the electrochemical detection of acrylamide (AA). The development of the reported BS was focused on the creation of an AA with α‐NH2group of N‐terminal valine of hemoglobin (HG), which reduces the peak current of HG‐Fe+3reduction. The fabricated BS was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV), as well as square wave voltammetry (SWV) for studying the electrochemical properties of AA on its surface. Under optimized conditions, the BS was applied for the direct determination of AA in two linear concentration ranges: 1.0 × 10−6and 1.0 × 10−4M. The first linear was observed from 1.0 × 10−6to 1 × 10−5M with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.465 × 10−7M, while the second linear part was detected from 1.0 × 10−5to 1 × 10−4M with LOD of 5.67 × 10−6M. Finally, the constructed BS was successfully applied for the evaluation of AA in various potato chips, and the results were comparable to those obtained from other electrochemical methods. The density functional theory (DFT) could successfully explain the recognition process of acrylamide, that is, the hydroamination of the alkene group of acrylamide by imidazole moiety of the iron complex. A new biomimetic sensor (BS) has been prepared by modifying the carbon paste electrode (CPE) based on [Fe(NTB)Cl2]Cl (FeC) {NTB = tris(2‐benzimidazolylmethyl)amine} for the electrochemical detection of acrylamide (AA). the constructed BS was successfully applied for the evaluation of AA in various potato chips and the results were comparable to those obtained from other electrochemical methods.

The molecular complexes between thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and halogen molecules (X2= I2, Br2, and Cl2) in different solvents are explored. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations at rwb97xd/lanl2dz were used to corroborate the experimental electronic and optical properties of the molecular adducts. Experimental results (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) show the stability of the complexes by halogen bonding (XB) and competitive hydrogen bonding (HB), which was supported by the DFT calculations. The molecular electrostatic potential and the frontier orbital calculations supported engagement of the thione group in XB rather than the carbonyl group. Based on the Hirshfeld atomic population, noncovalent interaction, and natural bond orbital analysis, the stability of TBAX2adducts increases in the order TBACl2> TBABr2> TBAI2, where the larger charge transfer and highest stabilization energy were calculated for TBACl2adducts. The molecular complexes between thiobarbituric acid and halogen molecules (X2= I2, Br2, and Cl2) in different solvents were investigated. Experimental results (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) show the stability of the complexes by halogen bonding (XB) and competitive hydrogen bonding (HB), which was supported by density functional theory calculations.

Within the framework of the present study, a polydentate ligand with S and N donor sites along with its CuII‐based chelates were prepared and characterized. Elemental and thermal analyses, μeffand ΛMmeasurements as well as spectroscopy techniques including FT‐IR, electronic spectra, and EPR are the characterization tools. Computational chemistry calculations were applied to confirm the geometrical assignments of the penta and hexa coordinated perchlorato and chloro derivatives, respectively. Octahedral and trigonal bipyramidal stereochemistries were assigned for these copper(II) chelates. Powder X‐ray spectroscopy data were processed by Expo 2014 computer program for the structural illustration of one of the existing octahedral metal complexes. Biomimicking of copper(II) containing proteins phenoxazinone synthase and catechol oxidase was studied and the obtained results demonstrated promising oxidase‐like activity of the present CuII‐base complexes. Kinetic measurements were also performed to identify the potential catalytic pathways of the studied oxidation processes. The type of the counter‐anion included in the complexes significantly controls the structural features and the catalytic properties. A polydentate ligand with S and N donor sites along with its CuII‐based chelates were prepared and characterized. Biomimicking of copper(II) containing proteins phenoxazinone synthase and catechol oxidase was studied. The type of counteranion included in the complexes significantly controls the structural features and the catalytic properties.

A new series of MnIIand FeIIIchelates containing pyridine and phenolate‐based ligands was synthesized by treating the metal salt in ethanol with the Schiff‐bases, which were formed in situ. Analytical (C, H, N, and M), thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis & differential thermogravimetric), and spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV–Vis, ESR) in addition to molar conductance and magnetic measurements were employed to characterize the prepared metal chelates. Mono‐nuclear metal complexes, with N5donor containing pentadentate Schiff‐base ligands were obtained. In addition, two dibridged homobinuclear iron(III) complexes with N4O donors containing phenolate‐based ligand were successfully isolated. Six‐coordinate complex species in an octahedral environment is proposed for both MnIIand FeIIImetal complexes. The density function theory study was used to optimize the geometrical shapes of three of the existing metal complexes and to identify some global reactivity descriptors. In addition, spectral data of PXRD with Expo 2014's structural solution software were utilized in the structural illustration of a representative MnIIand FeIIIcomplexes. Aerobic catalytic oxidation of 4‐tert‐butylcatechol (4‐TBCH2) and o‐aminophenol under catalytic conditions was studied by using the present manganese(II) and iron(III) complexes. The synthesized MnIIand FeIIIchelates exhibited a promising catalytic activity and probable catalytic sequences have been discussed.

In the present paper, a one-step, simple, efficient and low-cost strategy was demonstrated for preparing of highly stable hybrid platinum-titania (Pt@TiO2) photocatalyst by solvothermal wet chemical process. Platinum (Pt) in the metallic form combined with titania (TiO2) in the crystallographic anatase form has been manufactured using Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent and surfactant using titanium (IV) butoxide and hydrogen hexachloroplatinate(IV) precursors. Full characterization of the hybrid nanomaterials including their morphology, crystalline structure and optical properties was determinate using different experimental techniques such as XRD, TEM and UV–vis spectroscopy. TEM images showed spherically shaped Pt nanoparticles (NPs) of the diameter 5–10nm with good particle size distribution. The EDXRF data revealed that Pt NPs are in metallic form. Optical investigation show that Pt@TiO2NPs exhibits a good optical response under UV–vis light excitation compared to bare-TiO2. Furthermore, photocatalytic investigation of Pt@TiO2colloids photocatalyst towards the photodegradation of diuron, as a model organic pesticide was reported. The hybrid Pt@TiO2photocatalyst prove high-performance on the photodecomposition of the pesticide under solar light within only 60 min. In the other hand, the plasmonic hybrid Pt@TiO2was incorporated into the cotton fabric to attain a modified fiber with high self-cleaning activity.

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Spinel ferrites exhibit exceptional magnetic properties, making them a distinctive class of magnetic materials. The sol–gel technique was utilized for the synthesis of spinel ferrites with the chemical formula Co0.6Sr0.4CexFe2–xO4. Following that, a comprehensive X-ray diffraction analysis unveiled the crystalline cubic structure of the synthesized materials. Through the utilization of the M-Hloop approach, the ferromagnetic attributes of ferrites were assessed, and the assimilation of rare earth elements led to substantial enhancements in saturation magnetization, remanence, and coercivity. Spinel ferrites with a high concentration of rare earth elements have improved direct current resistivity and activation energy. The logarithm of a material's resistance increased from 5.29 to 8.12 Ω cm as cerium is added. With a change in the amount of cerium, the activation energy goes up from 0.19 to 0.29. By changing the frequency from 5.5 to 9.5 GHz, the dielectric characteristics were determined. As the frequency goes up, the dielectric constant goes down. Spinel ferrites that have been made better in every way can be used in high-frequency applications.

Negative permittivity (ε′ < 0), considered a supernormal property, has broadened the range of electromagnetic parameters. It provides a new principle for the design of high-end electronic devices, such as optical circuits, high-integrated chips, and electromagnetic point connectors. Negative permittivity is previously achieved by periodic array and is considered an artificial property. In recent years, the feasibility of realizing negative permittivity was demonstrated in the materials by adjusting the composition and microstructure of materials, especially in percolative composites consisting of conductive fillers and insulative matrix, which then has rapidly attracted great attention of researchers working in the field of materials science and engineering. In this review, we introduced the mechanisms of negative permittivity and summarized the recent research progress of negative permittivity performance in percolative composites with different compositions and microstructures. Besides, we introduced the potential applications of negative permittivity materials in dielectric capacitors and electromagnetic shielding. Finally, we put forward the challenges and prospects of negative permittivity performance in percolative composites, indicating the trend and focus of future research.

Niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) blocking layers are a considerable and effective photoanode material in the fabrication of highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to their higher conduction band edge position than that of titania (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO). Therefore, higher open-circuit voltage and more significant electron lifetime can be achieved along with chemical stability, and improved conversion efficiencies. In the present review, the application of Nb2O5in the fabrication of DSSCs is discussed with detailed examples. The challenges and potential approaches are discussed as well.

Graphical abstract: Kinetic model of solute diffusion including MgZn2/Al-matrix interface is established based on the classical dissolution model.

Graphical Abstract: Systematic review on PVA conductive hydrogels: outlines preparation strategies and applications in flexible electronic devices.

The electrochemical behaviors of Inconel 718 alloy prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) were investigated and compared with commercial rolled counterpart in 0.05 mol/L H2SO4solution. For this purpose, open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses were performed. The corrosion resistance of selective laser melted (SLMed) Inconel 718 alloy is superior to that of the rolled counterpart, which can be attributed to the difference in the microstructure and the chemical compositions of the passive film. The SLMed 718 alloy suffers from severely localized corrosion due to the micro-galvanic corrosion induced by the Laves phase. Furthermore, compared with the rolled counterpart, the passive film formed on SLMed 718 alloy has more content of Cr2O3and less content of NiO. The significance of this study laid in the understanding of the corrosion behavior of Inconel 718 alloy prepared by SLM. These findings aided in the development of strategies to further enhance the corrosion resistance and overall performance of this alloy in various applications.

Direct electrochemical detection of clinically significant and emerging pharmaceutical pollutants, such as nitrofurantoin, is a critical challenge. Herein, we propose an efficient electroactive platform composed of Pd nanocubes (Pd NCs) embedded within partially oxidized MXenes (Ti3C2Tx-TiO2). This proximity between Pd NCs, in-situ generated TiO2, and Ti3C2Txresults in a highly compact and efficient architecture, facilitating enhanced charge transfer and electrocatalytic activity, which results in an efficient cathodic reduction to NFT at a much lower-over potential of − 0.4 V. The optimal composite configuration (Pd-Ti3C2Tx-P) enabled NFT detection in a dynamic concentration range from 1 to 140 nM, with a detection sensitivity reaching down to 0.01 nM (S/N = 3) against Ag/AgCl as the reference electrode. Furthermore, the developed sensor demonstrated outstanding selectivity toward NFT while tolerating probable interfering substances such as biomolecules, drugs, and metal ions. The sensor can detect NFT selectively in complicated environmental matrices such as hospital waste effluent samples. The proposed design offers a simple route to construct advanced electrocatalytic sensors with potential applications in monitoring emerging pharmaceutical pollutants.