Search

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and nanofibers (CNF) have been broadly studied as renewable nanomaterials for various applications, including additives in cement and plastics composites. Herein, life cycle inventories for 18 previously examined processes are harmonized, and the impacts of CNC and CNF production are compared with a particular focus on GHG emissions. Findings show wide variations in GHG emissions between process designs, from 1.8-1100 kg CO2-eq/kg nanocellulose. Mechanical and enzymatic processes are identified as the lowest GHG emission methods to produce CNCs and CNFs. For most processes, energy consumption and chemical use are the primary sources of emissions. However, on a mass basis, for all examined production methods and impact categories (except CO emissions), CNC and CNF production emissions are higher than Portland cement and, in most cases, are higher than polylactic acid. This work highlights the need to carefully consider process design to prevent potential high emissions from CNCs and CNF production despite their renewable feedstock, and results show the magnitude of conventional material that must be offset through improved performance for these materials to be environmentally favorable.

Molecular systems with coincident cyclic and superhelical symmetry axes have considerable advantages for materials design as they can be readily lengthened or shortened by changing the length of the constituent monomers. Among proteins, alpha-helical coiled coils have such symmetric, extendable architectures, but are limited by the relatively fixed geometry and flexibility of the helical protomers. Here we describe a systematic approach to generating modular and rigid repeat protein oligomers with coincident C2 to C8 and superhelical symmetry axes that can be readily extended by repeat propagation. From these building blocks, we demonstrate that a wide range of unbounded fibres can be systematically designed by introducing hydrophilic surface patches that force staggering of the monomers; the geometry of such fibres can be precisely tuned by varying the number of repeat units in the monomer and the placement of the hydrophilic patches.

Electrospinning is an important technique to fabricate nanofibers. In recent years, near-field electrospinning (NFES) has been developed to enhance the control of nanofiber deposition compared to conventional electrospinning, achieved by reducing the operating distance and electric field. This enables the construction of high-aspect ratio 3D structures in a self-aligned, layer-by-layer manner. However, the alignment of fiber deposition can be hindered by charge accumulation in the polymer fibers. Furthermore, a theoretical understanding of the underlying fiber deposition mechanism is still lacking. Herein, we present a numerical model for studying the charge transport, dissipation, and accumulation of NFES polymer fiber deposition. The model reveals that the presence of a trapped state in polymeric materials imposes limitations on the quality of charged fiber deposition. Moreover, the effect of different substrate materials on charge dissipation in fiber deposition is studied. To validate the model, we compare the simulation results with NFES experiments, demonstrating qualitative agreement. We also analyze the effect of the fiber materials and experimental parameters on the printing quality. This model provides an approach to analyze and optimize the operating parameters of NFES to achieve precise and stable nanofiber deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning (ML) methods are of rapidly growing interest for materials modeling, and yet, the use of ML interatomic potentials for new systems is often more demanding than that of established density-functional theory (DFT) packages. Here, we describe computational methodology to combine the CASTEP first-principles simulation software with the on-the-fly fitting and evaluation of ML interatomic potential models. Our approach is based on regular checking against DFT reference data, which provides a direct measure of the accuracy of the evolving ML model. We discuss the general framework and the specific solutions implemented, and we present an example application to high-temperature molecular-dynamics simulations of carbon nanostructures. The code is freely available for academic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Supercapacitors and water splitting cells have recently played a key role in offering green energy through converting renewable sources into electricity. Perovskite-type electrocatalysts such as BaTiO3, have been well-known for their ability to efficiently split water and serve as supercapacitors due to their high electrocatalytic activity. In this study, BaTiO3, Al-doped BaTiO3, Ce-doped BaTiO3, and Al-Ce co-doped BaTiO3 nanofibers were fabricated via a two-step hydrothermal method, which were then characterized and compared for their electrocatalytic performance. Based on the obtained results, Al-Ce co-doped BaTiO3 electrode exhibited a high capacitance of 224.18 Fg−1 at a scan rate of 10 mVs−1, high durability during over the 1000 CV cycles and 2000 charge–discharge cycles, proving effective energy storage properties. Additionally, the onset potentials for OER and HER processes were 11 and − 174 mV vs. RHE, respectively, demonstrating the high activity of the Al-Ce co-doped BaTiO3 electrode. Moreover, in overall water splitting, the amount of the overpotential was 0.820 mV at 10 mAcm−2, which confirmed the excellent efficiency of the electrode. Hence, the remarkable electrocatalytic performance of the Al-Ce co-doped BaTiO3 electrode make it a promising candidate for renewable energy technologies owing to its high conductivity and fast charge transfer.

Abstract There is an increasing demand for innovative strategies that effectively promote osteogenesis and enhance bone regeneration. The critical process of bone regeneration involves the transformation of mesenchymal stromal cells into osteoblasts and the subsequent mineralization of the extracellular matrix, making up the complex mechanism of osteogenesis. Icariin’s diverse pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and osteogenic effects, have attracted considerable attention in biomedical research. Icariin, known for its ability to stimulate bone formation, has been found to encourage the transformation of mesenchymal stromal cells into osteoblasts and improve the subsequent process of mineralization. Several studies have demonstrated the osteogenic effects of icariin, which can be attributed to its hormone-like function. It has been found to induce the expression of BMP-2 and BMP-4 mRNAs in osteoblasts and significantly upregulate Osx at low doses. Additionally, icariin promotes bone formation by stimulating the expression of pre-osteoblastic genes like Osx, RUNX2, and collagen type I. However, icariin needs to be effectively delivered to bone to perform such promising functions. Encapsulating icariin within nanoplatforms holds significant promise for promoting osteogenesis and bone regeneration through a range of intricate biological effects. When encapsulated in nanofibers or nanoparticles, icariin exerts its effects directly at the cellular level. Recalling that inflammation is a critical factor influencing bone regeneration, icariin's anti-inflammatory effects can be harnessed and amplified when encapsulated in nanoplatforms. Also, while cell adhesion and cell migration are pivotal stages of tissue regeneration, icariin-loaded nanoplatforms contribute to these processes by providing a supportive matrix for cellular attachment and movement. This review comprehensively discusses icariin-loaded nanoplatforms used for bone regeneration and osteogenesis, further presenting where the field needs to go before icariin can be used clinically.

Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and its combined usage with cationic starch and a cationic copolymer of acrylamide were studied in relation to the properties of paper. Independent pulp treatments using additives separately included 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% refined long fiber pulp, 3 and 6% NFC, 0.75 and 1.5% cationic starch and 0.07% and 0.15% cationic polyacrylamide and combined treatments. Handsheets were made of the above treatments, and finally their optical and microscopic properties were evaluated. Increasing the NFC content to 6% increased the brightness and yellowness of the white liner by 13% and 21%, respectively. The liner opacity was also reduced by 1%. Additionally, increasing NFC by 6% compared to imported long fibers, the brightness and yellowness of the white liner increased 5.44% and 6.3%, respectively. The liner opacity was also reduced by 1%. A 1.5% cationic starch addition to NFC increased the brightness of the white liner by 4.4%, its whiteness increased 1.5%, and its yellowness increased 2.1%. The opacity of the liner was also reduced by 7.1%. The use of NFC and cationic starch can improve the optical properties of the white liner, while imported long fibers may be problematic.

Abstract The production of micro and nanofibers through the electrospinning technique is a well assessed technology that finds application in a variety of fields. Indeed, the specific features of electrospun fibers, as well as the possibility to be modelled and functionalized, ensure their great versatility. In the last decades, the widespread use of electrospun fibers promoted studies related to the evaluation of both human health and environmental risks associated to their handling and exposure. However, to date, the environmental impact strictly related to the use of the manufacturing process has been barely considered. Therefore, the present work aims to assess the environmental impacts of the electrospinning technology used to produce micro and nanofibers. To this purpose, a model polymer was systematically electrospun, varying the main system, process and external parameters, that control the electrospinning technique. A simplified life cycle assessment analysis was finally used to evaluate how the fibrous morphology, closely linked to the choice of the technological parameters, intrinsically affected the environmental impacts.

There are several uses for electrospun nanofiber membranes because of their unique properties. Electrospinning, under suitable conditions, has allowed for the successful fabrication of nanofibrous membranes. This research, a dual-layer membrane was prepared and applied in a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) system. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based electrospun nanofibers comprised the initial (base) layer. Hydrophobic electrospun nanofibers made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) comprised the second (top) layer. The analysis was carried out using contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the morphology and wetting of a series of two-layer nanofiber membranes that were made with different percentages of PAN: PMMA. The study examined how the permeate flux was affected by changes in feed concentration, feed temperature, and feed flow rate. and optimized within a logical framework. These included feed inlet temperatures between 35 and 55 oC, salt concentrations between 70,000 and 210,000 ppm, and rates of supply flow of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 L/min. DCMD findings for the (25 PAN:75PMMA) membrane displayed that the amount of salt it rejected was better than 99.356% with flux 51.872 kg/m2.h and a penetrate through conductivity lower down 334 µs/cm when performed under optimally supplied conditions (i.e., 70 g/L; 0.6 L/min; and 55°C).

Abstract This research aimed to study on nanocellulose production from palm bunch using process design and cost analysis. Choline chloride based deep eutectic solvent pretreatment was selected for high-purity cellulose separation at mild condition, followed by nano-fibrillation using mechanical treatment. Three types of choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents employing different hydrogen-bond donors (HBDs) namely lactic acid, 1,3-butanediol and oxalic acid were studied. The optimal cellulose extraction condition was choline chloride/lactic acid (ChLa80C) pretreatment of palm empty bunch at 80 °C followed by bleaching yielding 94.96%w/w cellulose content in product. Size reduction using ultrasonication and high-pressure homogenization produced nanocellulose at 67.12%w/w based on cellulose in raw material. Different morphologies of nanocellulose were tunable in the forms of nanocrystals, nano-rods and nanofibers by using dissimilar deep eutectic solvents. This work offered a sustainable and environmentally friendly process as well as provided analysis of DES pretreatment and overview operating cost for nanocellulose production. Application of nanocellulose for the fabrication of highly functional and biodegradable material for nanomedicine, electronic, optical, and micromechanical devices is achievable in the near future.

Abstract The mitigation of hazardous effects of chemical dyes on the environment and living organisms, greatly demands an efficient and effective management of dye-laden wastewater. One such solution gaining prominence is the utilization of metal-infused nanofibers-based dye removal techniques, which are simple, effective, and environmentally friendly. In this report, we present the fabrication of mechanically stable hydrophobic nanofibers infused with metal blends, fabricated through the utilization of electrospinning techniques. The successful fabrication of these mechanically stable hydrophobic nanofibers is evidenced through contact angle measurements, tensile tests, and FESEM analysis. While polystyrene-based nanofibrous mats were anticipated to be effective, nanofibrous mats infused with Cu-Fe and Cu-Ni metal blends exhibit exceptional efficacy in degrading dyes. The size and morphology of nanofibers depend on polymer concentration, with the average diameter increasing from 13 to 20%. At a 20% polystyrene concentration, only nanometer-scale fibers of polystyrene polymers were fabricated, while both Cu-Fe and Cu-Ni metal blend-infused fibers were synthesized in micrometers. Fibers infused with Cu-Fe and Cu-Ni metal blend at a 17% polymer concentration displayed nano-scale diameters, confirmed by FESEM characterizations. The heat-based technique is identified as an accessible and cost-effective approach for industries reliant on color-based processes.

Xu Zhou,1,2,&ast; Aolin Tang,2,3,&ast; Chengjie Xiong,2,&ast; Guoquan Zhang,2 Liangliang Huang,1,2 Feng Xu1,2 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430070, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Orthopaedics, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Liangliang Huang; Feng Xu, Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430070, People’s Republic of China, Email hll666789@163.com; fengxu1969@163.comBackground: Treating peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) with defects remains challenging in clinical practice. The commercial conduits have shown suboptimal nerve regeneration and functional recovery due to their basic tubular design without electroactive and oriented topographical cues.Purpose: To develop a new scaffold with oriented microstructure and electroactive Graphene oxide (GO) and investigate its’ therapeutic effect on nerve regeneration in vitro and in vivo.Methods: This study employed a straightforward approach to co-spin PCL and GO, yielding an oriented hybrid nanofibrous scaffold known as the O-GO/PCL scaffold. The physical and chemical properties of nanofibrous scaffold were tested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), tensile test and so on. Primary Schwann cells (SCs) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were used to investigate the impact of the newly developed scaffolds on the biological behavior of neural cells in vitro. Transcriptome sequencing (mRNA-seq) was employed to probe the underlying mechanisms of the synergistic effect of electroactive GO and longitudinal topographic guidance on nerve regeneration. Furthermore, the developed O-GO/PCL scaffold was utilized to bridge a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect in rat, aiming to investigate its therapeutic potential for peripheral nerve regeneration in vivo.Results and discussion: The SEM and TEM revealed that the newly developed O-GO/PCL scaffold showed longitudinally oriented microstructure and GO particles were homogenously and uniformly distributed inside the nanofibers. Primary SCs were utilized to assess the biocompatibility of the GO-based scaffold, revealing that negligible cytotoxicity when GO concentration does not exceed 0.5%. In vitro analysis of nerve regeneration demonstrated that axons in the O-GO/PCL group exhibited an average length of 1054.88 ± 161.32 μm, significant longer than those in the other groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, mRNA sequencing results suggested that the O-GO/PCL scaffold could enhance nerve regeneration by upregulating genes associated with neural regeneration, encompassing ion transport, axon guidance and cell–cell interactions. Most importantly, we employed the O-GO/PCL scaffold to repair a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect in rat, resulting in augmented nerve regeneration, myelination, and functional recovery.Conclusion: The O-GO/PCL scaffold with oriented microstructure and electroactive GO represents a promising heral nerve reconstruction. Keywords: nanofibers, topographical guidance, electroactive, graphene oxide, nerve regeneration

Hyun Ho Shin,1,&ast; Junyoung Park,2,&ast; Yeo-Jin Kim,3 Donghyeon Kim,2 Eun-Jung Jin,2,4 Ji Hyun Ryu1,3,4 1Department of Chemical Engineering, Wonkwang, University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea; 3Department of Carbon Convergence Engineering, Smart Convergence Materials Analysis Center, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea; 4Integrated Omics Institute, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ji Hyun Ryu, Department of Carbon Convergence Engineering, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea, Email jhryu4816@wku.ac.kr Eun-Jung Jin, Department of Biological Sciences, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea, Email jineunjung@wku.ac.krIntroduction: Cartilage regeneration is a challenging issue due to poor regenerative properties of tissues. Electrospun nanofibers hold enormous potentials for treatments of cartilage defects. However, nanofibrous materials used for the treatment of cartilage defects often require physical and/or chemical modifications to promote the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of cells. Thus, it is highly desirable to improve their surface properties with functionality. We aim to design hydrophilic, adhesive, and compound K-loaded nanofibers for treatments of cartilage defects.Methods: Hydrophilic and adhesive compound K-containing polycaprolactone nanofibers (CK/PCL NFs) were prepared by coatings of gallic acid-conjugated chitosan (CHI-GA). Therapeutic effects of CHI-GA/CK/PCL NFs were assessed by the expression level of genes involved in the cartilage matrix degradation, inflammatory response, and lipid accumulations in the chondrocytes. In addition, Cartilage damage was evaluated by safranin O staining and immunohistochemistry of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) using OA animal models. To explore the pathway associated with therapeutic effects of CHI-GA/CK/PCL NFs, cell adhesion, phalloidin staining, and the expression level of integrins and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARs) were evaluated.Results: CHI-GA-coated side of the PCL NFs showed hydrophilic and adhesive properties, whereas the unmodified opposite side remained hydrophobic. The expression levels of genes involved in the degradation of the cartilage matrix, inflammation, and lipogenesis were decreased in CHI-GA/CK/PCL NFs owing to the release of CK. In vivo implantation of CHI-GA/CK/PCL NFs into the cartilage reduced cartilage degradation induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. Furthermore, the accumulation of lipid deposition and expression levels of IL-1β was reduced through the upregulation of PPAR.Conclusion: CHI-GA/CK/PCL NFs were effective in the treatments of cartilage defects by inhibiting the expression levels of genes involved in cartilage degradation, inflammation, and lipogenesis as well as reducing lipid accumulation and the expression level of IL-1β via increasing PPAR. Keywords: polycaprolactone nanofibers, gallic acid-conjugated chitosan, compound K, hydrophilic coating, adhesive material, cartilage regeneration

Natural macromolecules like alginate and gelatin are employed to create medication delivery systems that are both safe and effective. Zirconium nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) have been proposed as a means of enhancing the alginate-gelatin hydrogel's physical and biological properties. This study combines the synthesis of the biopolymers gelatin and alginate nanofibers with nanoparticles of zirconium oxide (GA/NF– ZrO2 NPs). UV, XRD, FTIR, and SEM were used to characterize the synthesized nanofibers. The expression of osteogenic genes was analyzed by western blotting and qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Based on our findings, MC3T3-E1 cells are performed for cell viability, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production by GA/NF– ZrO2 NPs through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cell migration was accelerated at 75 μg/mL concentration after 24 h of damage in a scratch wound healing assay. Proliferation of the MC3T3-E1 cell line was also detected. GA/NF–ZrO2 NPs influenced the osteogenic variation of MC3T3-E1 cells by inducing autophagy. Furthermore, the impact of obstruction on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a subject of ongoing discussion and analysis within the context of animal models. Coordinated GA/NF–ZrO2 NPs on biomaterial nanofibers could be used to introduce physical signals for modifying MC3T3-E1 responds for orthodontic engineering constructs.

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) with high energy densities have been demonstrated the potential for energy-intensive demand applications. However, their commercial applicability is hampered by hysteretic electrode reaction kinetics and the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). In this work, an interlayer consisting of high-entropy metal oxide (Cu0.7Fe0.6Mn0.4Ni0.6Sn0.5)O4 grown on carbon nanofibers (HEO/CNFs) is designed for LSBs. The CNFs with highly porous networks provide transport pathways for Li+ and e−, as well as a physical sieve effect to limit LiPSs crossover. In particular, the grapevine-like HEO nanoparticles generate metal-sulfur bonds with LiPSs, efficiently anchoring active materials. The unique structure and function of the interlayer enable the LSBs with superior electrochemical performance, i.e., the high specific capacity of 1381 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 561 mAh g−1 at 6 C. This work presents a facile strategy for exploiting high-performance LSBs.

Inflammatory cytokine storms can trigger disease exacerbation and even death and have reached a consensus in the clinical treatment of acute organ failure. However, the existing strategies remain a great challenge to efficiently suppress inflammatory cytokine storms for promoting organ repair and regeneration. Herein, fully human umbilical cord (UC)-derived adhesive materials (UCAM) that integrate decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) nanofiber hydrogel and homologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are demonstrated to greatly suppress inflammatory cytokine storms, demonstrating high efficacy in treating acute liver failure (ALF) in rats with 90% hepatectomy. The UC-derived adhesive materials have the capacity to secrete a significant quantity of cytokines by MSCs to recruit activated immune cells to migrate into their ECM nanofiber networks, segregating them away from the infection area and thereby greatly suppressing the inflammatory cytokine storms. As expected, the UC-derived adhesive materials can significantly promote hepatocyte proliferation to achieve functional recovery and regeneration of the liver, significantly improving the survival rate in rats. Our fully human UC-derived adhesive materials provide a new avenue in suppressing inflammatory cytokine storms for promoting organ regeneration that would be really utility in clinical organ transplantation-related treatment.

The (K , Na) Nb O 3 (KNN)-based ceramics have been deemed one of the most promising lead-free piezoelectric materials replacing lead-containing ones. In our study, we have prepared both undoped and Mn-doped KNN nanofibers via the electrospinning method and investigated how the thermal annealing process affects their structural, crystallographic, and piezoelectric properties. X-ray diffraction measurements suggest that the crystallization occurs around 450 ° C in these fibers, and with increasing annealing temperature, both undoped and Mn-doped nanofibers become granular with small grains forming along the fiber, accompanying the crystallization. Both exhibit increasing piezoelectric properties with annealing temperature based on the piezoresponse force microscopy measurements with Mn-doping, leading to a higher piezoelectric response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The foundry industry has gradually become an important concern for carbon emissions. The composite patternless casting, which combines sand mould 3D printing and sand mould milling technologies, is an effective way to explore the potential of energy saving and emission reduction in the foundry industry. However, the technical advantages of composite patternless casting in terms of energy saving and emission reduction have not been fully studied. To address this issue, this paper combines the composite patternless casting with the modular division method, and proposes a influence modelling and analysis method for carbon emissions and carbon efficiency ratio based on the process characteristics stage. The model and method are applied to the patternless casting process of a cylinder block. And the modular division schemes of the mould were proposed. The results show that through different modular division schemes, carbon emissions can be effectively reduced by 8.39%, the carbon efficiency ratio can be increased by up to 30%. This method is helpful to describe the carbon emission influence of the patternless casting forming process, and analyse the energy saving and emission reduction potential and carbon efficiency of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green hydrogen and blue hydrogen play a critical role in mitigating climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. The collaboration between governments and enterprises is essential in determining the trajectory of clean and low-carbon hydrogen production. Consequently, we employ evolutionary game theory to analyze the influence of governmental, market, and technological factors on green and blue hydrogen. Specifically, we examine the scenario where the Chinese government can choose to incentivize either blue hydrogen projects or green hydrogen projects, while energy enterprises decide whether to invest in green or blue hydrogen initiatives. We delve into the factors that determine the costs and benefits for both the government and enterprises, taking into account not only the revenues generated from selling hydrogen energy but also the profits associated with carbon and electricity trading markets. Furthermore, our study considers both static and dynamic incentive scenarios. Building upon these assumptions, we utilize evolutionary game theory to identify the evolutionary stable strategy for each scenario. Subsequently, we conduct a numerical case study to explore the impact of different factors on the evolutionary stable strategy. Based on the findings of the numerical study, we conclude that (1) the dynamic incentive policy scenario is the only context where an evolutionary stable strategy exists; (2) governmental preferences cannot override market-driven actions, even if subsidies are provided for blue and green hydrogen projects; (3) a well-developed carbon market effectively harnesses market power to promote the clean and low-carbon hydrogen production industry; (4) technological breakthroughs serve as catalysts for enterprises to actively invest in the clean and low-carbon hydrogen production industry. Our study proposes relevant policies based on the identified evolutionary stable strategy. • Impact mechanism of governmental, market and technological factors is gauged. • Impact of governmental preference on enterprises' choice is explored. • Promotion of carbon market contributes to the development of clean hydrogen. • Technological innovation of clean hydrogen production facilitates its development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, stacked SiC fibers paper‐reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (SiCnf/SiC CMCs) were prepared by nanoimpregnation and transient eutectic (NITE) process using ultra‐long single‐crystal SiC nanofibers. The effect of the SiCnf surface modification via boron nitride (BN) interphase deposition as well as the sintering additive (Al2O3–Y2O3) content on the density, microstructure, and mechanical properties of SiCnf/SiC CMCs has been investigated systematically. The results revealed that the laminated SiCnf/SiC CMCs feature a significant saw‐tooth‐like curve on the load–displacement test, which indicates that the obtained laminated structure with the weak interlayer binding owning to the BN coating treatment possesses significant toughening to the SiC ceramics. Specifically, the SiCnf/SiC CMCs with the sintering additive content of 12 wt% revealed a fracture toughness of over 10 MPa m1/2 after 60 min of BN interface deposition, which is 104.31% higher than that of the composites prepared without BN coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospun nanofiber membranes (ENMs) have emerged as a cutting‐edge solution for membrane distillation (MD), recognized for their highly porous and interconnected architecture. This distinctive structure enables them to offer minimal mass transfer resistance, making them exceptionally suited for high‐efficiency membrane‐based separation processes. However, the very porosity that defines their strength also renders them vulnerable to fouling, scaling, and wetting during operation, which in turn compromises their performance. Current research efforts are geared toward overcoming these obstacles by refining the surface design and characteristics of ENMs. This review delves into the latest advancements in surface‐enhanced electrospun nanofiber membranes tailored for MD applications. It discusses the existing gaps in research and provides forward‐looking insights into the future of ENMs, spotlighting the development of membranes with precisely tunable surface attributes for optimized performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution blow spinning is a technology that uses high-pressure gas to prepare spinning solution into nanofibers. It has the advantages of high production efficiency and easy operation, and the prepared nanofibers have a large specific surface area, high porosity, and flexible surface functionalization. Therefore, solution blow spinning has received more and more attention in the food field. This paper first introduces the principle of solution blow spinning, the influence of spinning liquid properties, process parameters, and environmental factors on the spinning process. Secondly, it introduces the materials and ways of applying solution blow-spun nanofibers in the food field, such as bacteriostatic food packaging, slow-release food packaging, and intelligent sensors. Finally, the application of solution blow spinning technology in food is summarized and prospected. This paper provides a reference for further research and application of solution blow spinning in the food field at a later stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new strategy for doping selenium and phosphide in hollow N-doped carbon nanobox (N-CNB)-based porous electrospun N-doped carbon nanofibers (CNFs) was developed. First, lightweight N-CNBs were produced. Then, a hybrid of N-CNBs and CNFs (CNBs/CNFs) was prepared using electrospinning/carbonization techniques. Eventually, P and Se atoms were doped into CNBs/CNFs using a thermal treatment approach to prepare Se/P@CNBs/CNFs. The electrocatalytic capability of the Se/P@CNBs/CNFs composite toward H2O2 oxidation was investigated for H2O2 sensing, which showed performance in a linear range from 200 μM to 1800 μM with a high sensitivity of 171 μA mM−1 cm−2 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 58 μM (S/N = 3). In addition, the ability of Se/P@CNBs/CNFs toward H2O2 sensing in human serum was studied. These results indicated the excellent electrocatalytic performance of the as-prepared Se/P@CNBs/CNFs, which could be related to the unique hollow CNBs/CNFs doped with P and Se elements with a mesoporous structure, the open channels for effective H2O2 diffusion, fast mass/electron transport, and synergistic effect between the P and Se and CNBs/CNFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Needle-punched carbon/carbon (NP C/C) composite is widely used in rocket-engine nozzles and re-entry vehicles. Recyclable technology expedited the research on repeated oxidation and residual mechaincal properties of thermal-protection materials. In this study, the critical longitudinal compression strengths before and after oxidation are derived based on the Timoshenko beam theory. Three repetitions of short-term oxidation cycles and compression experiments are investigated. The average oxidation rate of this composite was 5∼6% in 10 min and kept linear increase. In-plane and out-of-plane compressive strengths of NP C/C composite diminish quasi-linearly due to oxidation at 1000°C, with their moduli decreasing in a periodically slow-sharp pattern. After three oxidation cycles, the levels of residual in-plane modulus and strength were 55.20% and 56.89%, respectively, while the resudual out-of-plane modulus and strength were 44.65% and 47.23%, respectively. The results showed that the material exhibited the pesudo-plastical behaviour after oxidation, cracks grew along the punched conical structures formed by the punching technology. In-plane and out-of-plane modulus were more sensitive than their strengths after first oxidation cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing popularity of wearable electronics has sparked interest in flexible energy harvesters as alternatives to conventional batteries. Flexible magnetoelectric (ME) composites, known for converting ambient magnetic field energy into useable power, are emerging as promising autonomous energy sources for integration into wearable devices. In this study, we prepared flexible (PVDF-AlN)–(NiO–CNF) based ME composites using two different methods: solution-casting and electrospinning techniques. The ME coupling was confirmed by measuring the ferroelectric and magnetic properties of the composite, and it was qualitatively characterized through the ME coupling coefficient. The electrospinning fibers-based ME composite exhibited an optimal value of 10.6 V/cm.Oe, significantly higher than the solution-casting films-based ME composite (1.3 V/cm.Oe) under a 1 kHz AC magnetic field (off-resonance condition). Subsequently, a flexible magneto-mechano-electric (MME) generator was designed using electrospun-derived material, harvesting a sinusoidal wave with a maximum output peak-to-peak voltage of 9.02 V. The generator displayed an optimal DC power density of 97 μW/m2 when exposed to a weak AC magnetic field of 6 Oe at a frequency of 50 Hz. Consequently, it holds great promise as an efficient autonomous power supply for medical sensing and various miniature electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer templates are critical in the preparation of ceramic fibers from precursor solutions, but the available options are limited. Here, ZrO 2 nanofiber films and aerogels are developed by solution blow spinning method using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as templates. The effects of HPMC ratio, polymer concentration, and calcination temperature on the morphology and structure of the ZrO 2 nanofibers are investigated. The nanofiber films with an areal density of 20 mg cm−2 exhibit excellent filtration property, achieving a filtration efficiency of 94.94% and a pressure drop of 136 Pa at an airflow velocity of 32 L min−1. The nanofiber aerogels display low density of 50 mg cm−3, low thermal conductivity of 0.039 W m−1 K−1, as well as superior compressibility, demonstrating significant potential for thermal protection applications. This work expands the formation template option of ceramic fibers, offering significant guidance in the development of flexible, high-temperature-resistant ceramic fiber materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanically reliable photoluminescent bricks were prepared from polyurethane (PUR) by reinforcement with electrospun glass nanofibers (EGNF). To enhance the mechanical qualities of the PUR sheets, EGNF were electrospun and applied to the PUR sheets as a reinforcement agent. We physically incorporated nanoparticles of rare-earth doped strontium aluminate (NRSA) into EGNF@PUR bricks to create photoluminescent and photochromic properties. In order to confirm the transparency of EGNF@PUR with the ability to change color to greenish beneath ultraviolet irradiation, both photoluminescence spectra and CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage) Lab coordinates were examined. When irradiated at 365 nm, an emission peak was monitored at 519 nm. With low concentrations of NRSA, the emission characteristic of the EGNF@PUR hybrid bricks was immediately reversible, revealing fluorescence emission. Persistent emission with delayed reversibility was observed in EGNF@PUR when using high concentrations of NRSA. Examining the morphological properties of NRSA and EGNF using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed diameters of 4-9 nm and 75-125 nm, respectively. Both EGNF and EGNF@PUR bricks were subjected to morphological analysis using different analytical methodologies. As the concentration of NRSA rose, the material became more hydrophobic and more ultraviolet-protective. When compared to NRSA-free EGNF@PUR bricks, those containing NRSA had superior scratch resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, pure polyurethane (PU) and poly (lactic) acid-silver nanoparticle (PLA-Ag NP) bicomponent nanofibers were successfully obtained alternately by using in the core or shell with coaxial electrospinning. The effects of displacements in the core and shell of fibers on the characterization, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity properties of whole bicomponent fibers were examined in detail. Using PLA-Ag NPs in the core, produced bicomponent mats that were thinner whereas locating PLA-Ag NPs to the shell, obtained bicomponent nanofibers that were more hydrophobic. TEM and FTIR analysis proved that PLA-Ag NPs and pure PU are obtained as a bicomponent structure without mixing with each other. When pure PU was used in the core, bicomponent mats showed high elasticity and strength. As the Ag NPs ratio in the core has increased, the viability of the mouse fibroblast cell line (L929) also has increased. The bicomponent nanofiber with 10% Ag NP in its core has supported cell growth and has shown a high antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study reported that prepared mats could be used as an antibacterial wound dressing, especially for dry wounds, if renewed every 24 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] As a potential catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), tungsten nitride (W 2 N) has attracted extensive attention, due to its Pt-like characteristic. Nevertheless, insufficient active sites, slow electron transfer, and lack of scale-up nano-synthesis methods significantly limit its practical application. Constructing multi-component active centers and interface-rich heterojunctions to increase exposed active sites and modulate interface electrons is a very effective modification strategy. Therefore, a nano-heterostructure formed from tungsten nitride, tungsten phosphide and tungsten encapsulated in N, P co-doped carbon nanofiber (W 2 N/WP/W@NPC) was synthesized by a flexible and scalable electrospinning technology. Experimental results reveal that abundant heterojunctions are formed, electron transfer occurs between tungsten nitride and tungsten phosphide, and carbon nanofibers play a confinement role. The optimized W 2 N/WP/W@NPC-3 electrocatalyst demonstrates excellent HER catalytic activity and robust stability in both acidic and base media. Furthermore, the overall water splitting performance is tested using W 2 N/WP/W@NPC as the cathode through a two-electrode electrolyzer, which also exhibits impressive electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent decades have seen an increase in using self‐healing technology in fabricating multifunctional rubber materials, which incorporate intrinsic mechanisms. However, achieving commendable self‐healing efficiency while maintaining strength in thin rubber films remains challenging. Herewith, the preparation of self‐healing carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber thin films is presented with 0.40 ± 0.05 mm thickness, reinforced with sustainable TEMPO‐oxidized cellulose nanofibers. The thin films are fabricated using wet mixing and casting methods and translated to prototype fabrication via dipping. The study involves the effect of varying zinc stearate and filler concentrations on healing efficiency via ionic mechanisms alongside other characterization techniques, such as chemical composition, surface morphology, cross‐link density, and thermal stability. The fabricated thin films exhibited a tensile strength of 5.38 MPa and an elongation‐at‐break of 518%. After undergoing a temperature‐induced healing process at 100 °C for 1 h, the healing efficiency for both properties reached 72% and 90%, respectively. Moreover, these films demonstrates the ability to heal repeatedly at the same fracture site over multiple cycles, maintaining a healing efficiency of over 45% after the third cycle. A glove prototype is fabricated and tested using water and air leakage tests to prove the self‐healing technology's successful transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn analytical chemistry, the synergy between innovative sample preparation techniques and advanced chromatographic methods has paved the way for unprecedented advancements in the analysis of complex samples. Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) stands out as a powerful tool for extraction, and preconcentration. When coupled with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a Diode Array Detector (DAD), the integrated SPME-HPLC-DAD system emerges as a sophisticated analytical platform, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and versatility for various applications. Desorption is accomplished by either depositing organic solvent in the desorption chamber or else by flowing the mobile phase through the desorption chamber specificity. An ordinary description, along with a visual illustration, has been thoroughly provided for concepts of developed well-known enhanced thin film SPME cartridges (Figure 2). The tabular representation is also available with proper description like technique name, targeted analyte, column used, mobile phase used, %RSD, extraction recovery, LOD, and data acquired R2 also considered Based on the information available in the present study. Discussed SPME with HPLC-DAD brings a great turning point by successfully utilization in biomedical sciences, environmental monitors, food safety, and clinical analysis This cost-effective, readily available technique is both environmentally friendly and stable, allowing for rapid, reliable, and accurate measurements across a wide range of analyte concentrations, thanks to the utilization of hyphenated techniques. The different strategies of SPME with HPLC -DAD and possible future apllications have been incorporated in the review. The understanding of these techniques is still limited and challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we developed a cascade growth strategy to fabricate laminated heterostructures based on graphdiyne (GDY), which can not only retain the intrinsic structure of GDY to the maximum extent, but can also realize the effective regulation of its basic properties. A chlorine heteroatom-doped GDY film (Cl-GDY/GDY) was prepared by coupling hexaalkynylbenzene with a copper substrate pre-decorated with chlorine-substituted GDY (Cl-GDY). An interweaved aggregating morphology consisting of nanofibers and nanosheets was observed, which can be assigned to Cl-GDY and GDY components, respectively. Moreover, the interaction between Cl-GDY and GDY induced a tunable energy level structure. As a result, the conductive properties of the Cl-GDY/GDY films were enhanced by an order of magnitude rather than the simple superposition of the two components, which was clearly observed in both a carbon/electrolyte electrochemical cell and the carbon-based heterojunction device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiC-based materials have been hot research topic in the field of high-temperature electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials. SiC–Al 2 O 3 composite EMW absorption materials were prepared via casting process using carbon nanofibers/calcium aluminate cement (CNFs@CAC) as the binder. Effects of CNFs@CAC content on EMW absorption properties of SiC–Al 2 O 3 composites were investigated. Results show that the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of SiC–Al 2 O 3 composites first increases and then decreases with the increase in CNFs@CAC content. SiC–Al 2 O 3 composites with 10 wt% CNFs@CAC (denoted as F10) have excellent EMW absorption properties in X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz), with minimum reflection loss (RL) of −66.12 dB at a thickness of 2.1 mm and a wide EAB of 3.27 GHz. This is attributed to synergistic effects of the network of SiC nanowires generated with CNFs as templates during sintering process and irregular porosity of the structure, which results in SiC–Al 2 O 3 composites having good impedance matching and multiple EMW attenuation mechanisms. In addition, sample F10 exhibits exceptional mechanical properties and oxidation resistance, as indicated by its flexural strength of 25.6 MPa. After oxidation at temperatures in the range of 800 °C-1000 °C for 8 h, EAB of sample F10 is in the range of 3.15–3.30 GHz. Above results indicate that SiC–Al 2 O 3 composites are promising EMW absorption materials for use in harsh environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addressing the issue of poor gas sensitivity in semiconductor CO sensor materials used in mining, such as pure PANI. This study utilized an ice‐water bath in combination with an in‐situ polymerization method to synthesize a new composite material consisting of Cu(II)‐racemic glutamate nanofibers and PANI. The morphology, structure, and chemical bonds of the composite material were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) and spectral analysis. The material's ability to detect CO (100–500 ppm) at room temperature was investigated, revealing a response value of up to 6.8 % for 400 ppm CO detection when the composite material was deposited on a ceramic interdigital electrode. The material exhibited good selectivity and responsiveness to CO detection at room temperature, attributed to the heterojunction formed between Cu(II)‐racemic glutamate nanofibers and PANI, which enhanced carrier migration. Consequently, the Cu(II)‐racemic glutamate nanofiber/PANI composite(Cu(II)‐RGlu/PANI) material shows promise as a high‐performance sensing material for CO detection at room temperature and as a low‐power, integrable sensor material for underground coal mines. This research contributes to the development of a theoretical framework for such applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the solubility of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) in various solvents (to achieve an 8 % (w/v) polymer solution) and its impact on the morphology of electrospun PLA nanofibers. Several solvents, such as dichloromethane (DCM), chloroform (CHL), tetrahydrofuran (THF), acetone (AC), acetonitrile (ACTNR), dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide (DMAc), ethylene glycol (ETGLY), distilled water (WATER), methanol (MEOH), formic acid (FA), and n‐hexane (NHX) were used in their pure and binary forms at several ratios (4 : 1, 2 : 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 2, 1 : 3, and 1 : 4). The study aims to explore the correlation between PLA solubility and its electrospinnability using solvents mapped from the Teas graph across different parameter zones and chemical groups. Hansen solubility parameters, including dispersion cohesion fractional solubility parameter (fd), the polar cohesion fractional solubility parameter (fp) was employed to identify the most effective solvents for PLA dissolution. Teas graph analysis highlighted a correlation between PLA solubility and solvent proximity to Hansen solubility parameters. Additionally, the solubility time varied between 1 hour and 24 hours. Polar solvents such as DCM, CHL, THF, ACTNR, and FA were able to dissolve 8 % (w/v) of PLA at different times, but only very high and effective dissolution of PLA was achieved in pure DCM and CHL whereas FA dissolved PLA in 24 hours, which resulted in the slowest solubility rate. Several structures of nanofibers, such as smooth, heterogenous, porous, fibrous, and beaded, were observed and discussed accordingly in terms of solvent type and ratio. The average nanofiber diameter ranged between 0.18 μm and 3.81 μm. Moreover, physical tests, including surface tension, density, viscosity, and conductivity, were conducted on solvent systems and CHL displayed higher viscosity, while ACTNR had the lowest viscosity and highest conductivity among pure solvents. According to the results of our study, it is possible to design further studies with the aim of deciding which solvents or binary forms should be applied to dissolve PLA within a certain time. The desired structure can be easily arranged to be used as a filter, biomimicking tissue environment, drug delivery system, or extra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospinning is a well-established technique for creating submicron polymer fibers to create distinctive functional nanostructures. Electrospinning parameters including solution concentration, tip-to-collector distance and applied voltage are adjusted to produce nonwovens with variable fiber diameter distributions. This research on the response surface methodology (RSM) is being used to model the diameter of a polyamide-6,6 (PA-6,6) nanofiber mat. The experiments were designed using central composite design (CCD) and RSM, which evaluated the interactions between the operating variables (polymer concentration, applied positive voltage, needle tip to collector distance and spinning angle) on the diameter of the PA-6,6 nanofiber. The average nanofiber diameter increased as the concentration of the PA-6,6 polymer solution increased. The model’s strong regression coefficient (R2 = 0.98) reveals that it did a desirable of predicting the diameter of PA-6,6 fibers. The experimental findings and predicted fiber diameters were in good agreement. The results demonstrate that the optimization of electrospinning process to produce the smallest nanofibers and narrowest diameter distribution (183 ±nm) combined effects of 10% polymer concentration, 21kV applied positive voltage, 18cm needle tip to collector distance and 60∘ spinning angle are substantial interacting effects that have an impact on the surface response nanofibers. The results of the research and several mathematical models will offer useful guidelines for choosing parameter settings for electrospinning PA-6,6 to achieve the required fiber diameter. By saving time, effort and money more effectively, this research will expand the field of investigation for the quality of electrospun nanofibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]