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Capacitive humidity sensors typically consist of interdigitated electrodes coated with a dielectric layer sensitive to varying relative humidity levels. Previous studies have investigated different polymeric materials that exhibit changes in conductivity in response to water vapor to design capacitive humidity sensors. However, lipid films like monoolein have not yet been integrated with humidity sensors, nor has the potential use of capacitive sensors for skin hydration measurements been fully explored. This study explores the application of monoolein-coated wireless capacitive sensors for assessing relative humidity and skin hydration, utilizing the sensitive dielectric properties of the monoolein–water system. This sensitivity hinges on the water absorption and release from the surrounding environment. Tested across various humidity levels and temperatures, these novel double functional sensors feature interdigitated electrodes covered with monoolein and show promising potential for wireless detection of skin hydration. The water uptake and rheological behavior of monoolein in response to humidity were evaluated using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring. The findings from these experiments suggest that the capacitance of the system is primarily influenced by the amount of water in the monoolein system, with the lyotropic or physical state of monoolein playing a secondary role. A proof-of-principle demonstration compared the sensor's performance under varying conditions to that of other commercially available skin hydration meters, affirming its effectiveness, reliability, and commercial viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycled concrete paste (RCP) can be transformed to the carbonated RCP (cRCP) as supplementary cementitious materials (SCM). By blending cRCP with calcined clay prepared from excavated waste, a distinctive limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) was produced. The aim of this research was to assess the reactivity of LC3 produced from the cRCP utilizing different carbonation procedures, via isothermal calorimetry. The carbonation process occurred at 100% R.H. and 20 vol.% CO2 concentration. To investigate the effect of pre-wetting treatment on the carbonation degree, the RCP was pre-wetted using either deionized water or 0.1 mol L−1 NaOH solution. The carbonation degree and microstructure of cRCP were analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance. The results revealed that pre-wetting methods significantly impact carbonation degree, while the alkali solutions had moderate influence. Notably, the pre-wetting procedure aided in decalcifying other hydrates apart from portlandite, leading to compositional variations within the cRCP. Nevertheless, these variations did not significantly affect the cRCP's reactivity in LC3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid‐solid triboelectric nanogenerator (LS‐TENG) harvests energy efficiently while eliminating wear issues associated with solid‐solid TENG. However, the effect of ions or charges in the liquid on output performance needs further examination. In this work, the impact of fluorine and copper ions introduced through deionized water with sodium fluoride (DI‐NaF) and deionized water with copper sulfate (DI‐CuSO4) solution on the output voltage, charge and current of a tubular LS‐TENG with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Nylon as solid materials is examined. The results indicate that fluorine and copper ions have opposite effects on PTFE and Nylon LS‐TENG's output. The fluorine (F−) ions enhance the triboelectric effect and charge transfer in Nylon LS‐TENG, increasing output, while they hinder the charge transfer process in PTFE LS‐TENG, consequently decreasing its output. Conversely, the copper (Cu2+) ions have a positive effect on the output of PTFE LS‐TENG and a detrimental effect on Nylon LS‐TENG's output. Moreover, the results indicate that LS TENG's output performance depends on the charges of solid and liquid triboelectric materials. Thus, this study provides insights into material‐ion interaction in LS‐TENG and underscores the importance of triboelectric material selection for optimizing output performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex and precise 3D microfabrication technology is the basis for the development of fields including chip‐based bioassay, microelectronic communication, and micromachine manufacturing. Among them, assembled 3D structures provide new ideas to the development of 3D integration of 2D components due to their convenience and high efficiency. In this work, a micro‐casting/assembly technique that can create 3D micro devices is provided with bismuth‐based liquid metal (LM). The liquid metal is first injected into a micro‐mold. The micro‐mold is made by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and porous polycarbonate track‐etched (PCTE) membranes. The mold is then treated with ethanol and deionized water to release the inner injected 2D micro metal components. The effect of each parameter on the generated metal structures is experimentally validated and a LM line with a minimum width of 10 µm is also obtained. For making more functional components, the 2D structures are assembled into 3D. To demonstrate the potential of the technique, reconfigurable micro‐antennas and 3D flow sensors are fabricated and tested at the end of this work, demonstrating potential applications for the micro casting/assembly technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycled concrete paste (RCP) can be transformed to the carbonated RCP (cRCP) as supplementary cementitious materials (SCM). By blending cRCP with calcined clay prepared from excavated waste, a distinctive limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) was produced. The aim of this research was to assess the reactivity of LC3 produced from the cRCP utilizing different carbonation procedures, via isothermal calorimetry. The carbonation process occurred at 100% R.H. and 20 vol.% CO2 concentration. To investigate the effect of pre-wetting treatment on the carbonation degree, the RCP was pre-wetted using either deionized water or 0.1 mol L−1 NaOH solution. The carbonation degree and microstructure of cRCP were analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance. The results revealed that pre-wetting methods significantly impact carbonation degree, while the alkali solutions had moderate influence. Notably, the pre-wetting procedure aided in decalcifying other hydrates apart from portlandite, leading to compositional variations within the cRCP. Nevertheless, these variations did not significantly affect the cRCP's reactivity in LC3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum powder-mixed EDM is operated on Nimonic C-263 with varied process parameters using eco-friendly deionized water as a dielectric. Performance evaluation includes material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), average surface roughness (Ra), EDM ratio (ER), and SEM analysis. MRR has been found to increase with higher peak current (Ipc), pulse-on-time (To), and pulse-off-time (Tf), achieving a peak of 2.183777 mm3/min at 12 A Ipc and 12 g/lit powder concentration (C). TWR is minimum (0.002455 mm3/min) at 12 g/lit C and 7 µs Tf. The least Ra (1.182 µm) is observed at 9 g/lit C and 7 µs Tf; however, it increases with higher duty cycle. ER rises with Ipc and Tf while it declines with To. SEM images reveal larger craters and debris globules at higher Ipc. Overall, optimized parameters enhance MRR while minimizing TWR and Ra, albeit with observed debris formation at higher Ipc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal oxide (TMO)/crystalline silicon (c‐Si) junction‐based heterostructure crystalline silicon solar cells have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional silicon solar cells. However, the power conversion efficiency of c‐Si solar cells utilizing a nickel oxide (NiOx) hole transport layer (HTL) still lags behind those employing a fully developed TMO layer. This disparity may be attributed, at least in part, to inefficient hole extraction. Atomic layer deposited (ALD) aluminum nickel oxide (Al1−xNixO) films, synthesized using bis(N,N′‐di‐t‐butylacetamidinato)nickel(II) (NiAMD) and trimethylaluminum (TMA) as precursors, along with deionized water as a co‐reactant, have been observed to improve the contact properties with p‐type silicon compared to NiOx. Al1−xNixO films with varying Al concentrations (0.25, 0.44, and 0.87) are examined for their contact performance on p‐Si, resulting in the lowest contact resistivity of 85 mΩ cm2. Optimized Al1−xNixO films exhibit superior hole extraction capability from p‐type silicon, leading to a remarkable conversion efficiency of 19.35% in the constructed p‐Si/Al1−xNixO/Ag solar cell. These findings underscore the advantages of utilizing ALD Al1−xNixO as a hole‐selective contact for crystalline p‐Si solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suffering from the susceptibility to decomposition, the potential electrochemical application of FeOCl has greatly been hindered. The rational design of the soft‐hard material interface can effectively address the challenge of stress concentration and thus decomposition that may occur in the electrodes during charging and discharging. Herein, interlayer structure manipulation of FeOCl/MXene using soft‐hard interface design method were conducted for electrochemical dechlorination. FeOCl was encapsulated in Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets by electrostatic self‐assembly layer by layer to form a soft‐hard mechanical hierarchical structure, in which Ti3C2Tx was used as flexible buffer layers to relieve the huge volume change of FeOCl during Cl− intercalation/deintercalation and constructed a conductive network for fast charge transfer. The CDI dechlorination system of FeOCl/Ti3C2Tx delivered outstanding Cl− adsorption capacity (158.47 ± 6.98 mg g−1), rate (6.07 ± 0.35 mg g−1 min−1), and stability (over 94.49 % in 30 cycles), and achieved considerable energy recovery (21.14 ± 0.25 %). The superior dechlorination performance was proved to originate from the Fe2+/Fe3+ topochemical transformation and the deformation constraint effect of Ti3C2Tx on FeOCl. Our interfacial design strategy enables a hard‐to‐soft integration capacity, which can serve as a universal technology for solving the traditional problem of electrode volume expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical desalination technique is recognized as a promising solution to alleviate freshwater shortages, challenges yet persists in achieving optimal energy efficiency and cost‐effectiveness. Herein, a hybrid acid/alkali zinc air desalination battery (hAA‐ZADB) capable of concurrent desalination and high‐power density is reported. To improve cathodic efficiency and cost‐effectiveness, an electrocatalyst with dual atomic Fe–Mn sites on porous dodecahedral carbon (Mn‐Fe/p‐DC) is fabricated through a simple direct pyrolysis strategy for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The Mn–Fe/p‐DC‐900 electrocatalyst demonstrates exceptional electrocatalytic activity (E1/2 = 0.8 V in 0.5 m H2SO4) for ORR. This innovative hybrid acid/alkali cell design, coupled with advanced electrocatalysts, empowers the hAA‐ZADB system to achieve outstanding performance benchmarks with a high open circuit voltage of 2.22 V, an impressive power density of 375 mW cm−2, and notably elevated energy output of 106.9 kJ mol−1 even at a current density of 100 mA cm−2 during desalination. Distinguishing this work is its additional functionality, evident in a rapid salt removal rate of 3.64 mg cm−2 min−1 during desalination, achieving an impressive 88.67% removal of 0.6 M NaCl. This study highlights the promising potential of employing metallic air batteries for a self‐powered desalination technique applicable to specific scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the feasibility of the capacitance method for detecting the water content in standing tree trunks was investigated using capacitance-based equipment that was designed for measuring the water content of standing tree trunks. Methods: In laboratory experiments, the best insertion depth of the probe for standing wood was determined by measurement experiments conducted at various depths. The bark was to be peeled when specimens and standing wood were being measured. The actual water content of the test object was obtained by specimens being weighed and the standing wood being weighed after the wood core was extracted. Results: A forecast of the moisture content of standing wood within a range of 0 to 180% was achieved by the measuring instrument. The feasibility of the device for basswood and fir trees is preliminarily studied. When compared to the drying method, the average error of the test results was found to be less than 8%, with basswood at 7.75%, and fir at 7.35%. Conclusions: It was concluded that the measuring instrument has a wide measuring range and is suitable for measuring wood with low moisture content, as well as standing timber with high moisture content. The measuring instrument, being small in size, easy to carry, and capable of switching modes, is considered to have a good application prospect in the field of forest precision monitoring and quality improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the northern regions, seasonal temperature fluctuations cause cyclic thawing and freezing of soils and rocks, which is accompanied by dangerous natural phenomena, including landslides. Special conditions arise on the mountain slopes of many reservoirs due to the fluctuations of water levels and the interaction of humified waters with rocks. The paper presents the results of an experimental study of the biotransformation of sodium humate (SH) and changes in the microstructure of the surface of silicate rock that is a part of the Bureya landslide body under various conditions of cyclic freezing–thawing (CFT). Freezing of samples was carried out at a temperature of –18°C, and thawing at different temperature ranges (+4 and +23°C). The role of biogenic factor was played by four strains of microorganisms isolated from the surface and bottom waters in the Bureya Reservoir above and below the landslide body. The nature of the SH biotransformation during CFT was studied by spectral methods at different wavelengths (254, 275, and 465 nm). Analysis of the composition of water-soluble forms of chemical elements in an aqueous environment during rock destruction was carried out by ICP-MS, and changes in the surface microstructure was studied using scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the aromatic component of SH was subjected to the most intense transformation. After CFT, the strain Actinomyces sp. 45VD isolated from bottom waters showed maximum activity at a thawing temperature of +4°C relative to SH and leaching of elements from rock (Al, Ca, Mg, Mn). Its activity was comparable to the intensity of element leaching by a natural microbial consortium of non-sterile rock. Rocks subjected to CFT in deionized water were used for comparison; in this case, the content of water-soluble forms of many chemical elements (Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Ag, Cd, Tl, Bi, As) was below the detection limits (<0.001). The high biogeochemical activity of Actinomyces sp. 45VD is confirmed by the analysis of SEM-images of the microstructure of the silicate rock surface and the formation of a wide variety of isomorphic biominerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propineb is a widely used protective fungicide in farmland. To investigate the effects of propineb on cadmium (Cd) accumulation and the physiological characteristics of wheat seedlings under Cd stress, we performed a hydroponic experiment with artificially added Cd. The results indicated that the application of propineb leads to a decrease in Cd accumulation in the shoots of wheat. During the low-Cd treatment experiment, propineb caused Cd to transfer from the soluble component to the cell wall. In terms of the chemical morphological distribution of Cd in wheat seedlings, propineb reduced the proportions of ethanol extracted state and deionized water extracted state, whereas the proportions of acetic acid extracted state and hydrochloric acid extracted state increased. The photosynthetic rate of wheat seedlings significantly increased, but there was no significant effect on the chlorophyll content. Foliar application of propineb increased the O2− clearance rate and hydrogen peroxide content in the wheat. However, the catalase content decreased. This study indicates that the application of propineb could decrease Cd accumulation in wheat seedlings and partially improve the physiological functions of plants. This study provides useful information for studying the effects of pesticides on Cd accumulation in crops and the physiological characteristics of Cd stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, alkali-activated materials (AAMs) were prepared combining waste coral powder (CP) and blast furnace slag (BFS) as precursors, artificial seawater and deionized water as mixing water, and blends of NaOH and sodium silicate solution as alkaline activators. The effect of CP and seawater on the fluidity, mechanical properties, and hydration was discussed. The experimental results showed that a 15% CP content effectively improved the fluidity of fresh paste while having little effect on compressive strength of the samples. Compared with deionized water, the use of seawater for sample preparation resulted in a reduction of the fluidity and mechanical properties of the samples. The pore structure could be refined by CP and seawater, but gel micropores increased significantly when the CP content reached 25%. The use of CP and seawater did not cause significant changes in the type of hydration products. Although the amount of hydration products in the early stages of the samples prepared with seawater was relatively low compared with those prepared with deionized water, it gradually surpassed that in samples prepared with deionized water with increasing curing time. Increasing the CP content led to a higher reaction degree, and a CP content of 25% resulted in a reaction degree of approximately 30%–50%, which was roughly twice that of a sample containing 5% CP. These findings have important implications for the development of sustainable construction materials for utilization in marine engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is focused on fractionation of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) using a new electro-based membrane process calledelectrodialysis with filtration membranes (EDFM). Before EDFM, different pretreatments were tested, and four pH conditions (4.25, 3.85, 3.45, and 3.05) were used during EDFM. It was demonstrated that a 1:1 dilution of defatted colostrum with deionized water to decrease mineral content followed by the preconcentration of GFs by UF is necessary and allow for these compounds to migrate to the recovery compartment during EDFM. MS analyses confirmed the migration, in low quantity, of only α-lactalbumin (α-la) and β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) from serocolostrum to the recovery compartment during EDFM. Consequently, the ratio of GFs to total protein in recovery compartment compared to that of feed serocolostrum solution was 60× higher at pH value 3.05, the optimal pH favoring the migration of IGF-I and TGF-β2. Finally, these optimal conditions were tested on acid whey to also demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed process on one of the main by-products of the cheese industry; the ratio of GFs to total protein was 2.7× higher in recovery compartment than in feed acid whey solution, and only α-la migrated. The technology of GF enrichment for different dairy solutions by combining ultrafiltration and electrodialysis technologies was proposed for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of water eutrophication, global energy crisis and the carbon neutrality policies, the ammonia recovery from wastewater with high efficiency and low energy consumption is crucial for preserving the ecological environment and achieving sustainable development. Transmembrane electro-chemisorption (TMECS), which integrates transmembrane chemisorption with electrochemical systems to reduce the addition of chemicals and improve recovery efficiency, is a promising technology for ammonia recovery from wastewater. Accordingly, this paper first reviews the recent advances in TMECS for ammonia recovery from wastewater. In particular, the technology principles, including ammonia stripping by cathodic base, ammonia recovery by TMECS with authigenic acid and base, and ammonia recovery by membrane cathode with in situ cathodic base are elucidated. Couplings of TMECS with other electrochemical systems, including electrodialysis, flow-electrode capacitive deionization, and electrochemical precipitation, are further summarized and compared. Finally, the challenges and prospects of the TMECS technology are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel liquid nitrogen quenching strategy is engineered to fulfill iron active center coordination reconstruction within iron carbide (Fe3C) modified on biomass‐derived nitrogen‐doped porous carbon (NC) for initiating rapid hydrogen and oxygen evolution, where the chrysanthemum tea (elm seeds, corn leaves, and shaddock peel, etc.) is treated as biomass carbon source within Fe3C and NC. Moreover, the original thermodynamic stability is changed through the corresponding force generated by liquid nitrogen quenching and the phase transformation is induced with rich carbon vacancies with the increasing instantaneous temperature drop amplitude. Noteworthy, the optimizing intermediate absorption/desorption is achieved by new phases, Fe coordination, and carbon vacancies. The Fe3C/NC‐550 (550 refers to quenching temperature) demonstrates outstanding overpotential for hydrogen evolution reaction (26.3 mV at −10 mA cm−2) and oxygen evolution reaction (281.4 mV at 10 mA cm−2), favorable overall water splitting activity (1.57 V at 10 mA cm−2). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirm that liquid nitrogen quenching treatment can enhance the intrinsic electrocatalytic activity efficiently by optimizing the adsorption free energy of reaction intermediates. Overall, the above results authenticate that liquid nitrogen quenching strategy open up new possibilities for obtaining highly active electrocatalysts for the new generation of green energy conversion systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root foraging may allow hyperaccumulator plants to enhance element accumulation. This study compared root proliferation of two annual serpentine endemics: Streptanthus polygaloides (Ni hyperaccumulator) and Streptanthus insignis (nonhyperaccumulator). In a greenhouse experiment, pots were divided by a sealed partition, Ni‐amended soil (800 mg kg −1) in one half, unamended soil in the other. Seeds were germinated over the partition, allowing roots to explore both soils. After 5 months, roots from each side of each pot were harvested, washed, dried, and weighed. Streptanthus polygaloides root biomass was significantly (twofold) greater in Ni‐amended soil whereas S. insignis root biomass was similar in the two soils. In a lab experiment, seedlings were grown in vertical agar‐filled petri dishes to determine if Ni affected seedling root growth. Seedlings were placed on either side of a central filter paper strip soaked in either NiCl2 solution or deionized water. Growth direction of the primary root (toward, away, neutral) and lateral root numbers and lengths were recorded. For seedlings, primary root direction and lateral root numbers/lengths were significantly increased toward Ni‐soaked filter paper only for S. polygaloides. We conclude that S. polygaloides exhibited positive root foraging responses. These may enhance Ni uptake and we suggest the term "nickelophilic root foraging" be applied to this behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of α-HMX to β-HMX was studied by the hydrothermal method, that is, when the solvent is deionized water, α-HMX can be converted to β-HMX. It was confirmed to be β-HMX after being characterized by mid-infrared spectroscopy, and its crystal form was further observed by high-power optical microscope, which was consistent with the infrared characterization results. The method is simple to operate, green and safe, reduces the production cost, and also solves the problem of traditional transcrystallization waste liquid treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study prepared carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) by precipitating a soluble carbon material (SCM) solution synthesized from phloroglucinol. To this end, an SCM was dissolved in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and deionized water, which was used as a poor solvent. After tuning the initial concentration of the SCM-DMF solution (0.5–10 wt. %), the CNPs prepared from SCM (SCMCNPs) dispersions demonstrated changeable particle sizes (18–110 nm). Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that the primary SCMCNPs had a spherical shape, and Raman analysis confirmed that the SCMCNPs had G and D bands, further confirming that they were carbon materials. Moreover, the SCMCNPs, whose zeta potential was − 42.1 mV at pH 7.16, was dispersed in a stable and uniform manner in water, and Tyndall effect was observed. The lubricating properties of the SCMCNP dispersions were evaluated. A smaller coefficient of friction was observed for larger particle sizes. Therefore, the largest SCMCNPs exhibited the best lubricity with a kinetic friction coefficient of 0.3. The SCMCNPs also exhibited rolling lubrication properties because of their spherical shape. Thus, this study demonstrates that size-adjustable SCMCNPs can be synthesized using simple and environment-friendly methods and can be used in aqueous systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problems such as hydrophilic properties of hydrogels, limited encapsulation of hydrophilic drugs, and unintended release amounts damage normal tissues and lead to overdose or repeated doses. This study investigates the development and characterization of drug carrier hydrogel formulations that can protect normal tissues. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel was synthesized by adding melamine (M) and tannic acid (TA) at different weight ratios to limit the hydrophilic properties of the hydrogel. In the analysis of the synthesized hydrogel, the efficiency of drug encapsulation increased from 60 to 90% as the TA content increased. The degree of swelling decreased from 73 to 63%. The contact angle increased from 10.15° to 62.27°, and the surface energy decreased. Drug release analysis was performed both in the presence of ultrasound (US) in a 40 kHz ultrasonic bath at 22 °C and without US at room temperature (22 °C). The drug release of Dox-loaded hydrogels was carried out in deionized water. Hydrogels release about two times more drug under ultrasound. After TA was added to the hydrogel, the drug release decreased by about 1.5 times. Successful results have been obtained with US, which is used to increase the amount of drug in the targeted area in a short time, accelerate the effect of the drug, and get faster results. The findings obtained as a result of all these characterizations and supported by FTIR provide promising contributions for controlled drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical nonlinearity in natural dyes extracted from tea leaves, such as black tea (Bt) and green tea (Gt), in different solvents (dimethyl sulfoxide, methanol, ethylene glycol, and deionized water) was measured with a Z-scan technique using a single CW laser at 532 nm, and a novel all-optical limiter based on nonlinear optical responses in natural dyes was presented. Then, the absorption peaks in the 665 and 675 nm regions were detected by UV-vis spectroscopy, and the nonlinear optical parameter n2 for Bt and Gt were determined in different solvents. Finally, power-absorbing and power-spreading configurations were used in investigating all-limiting behavior for Bt and Gt. Results indicated good all-optical limiting behavior, suggesting that tea leaves are potential materials for fabricating all-optical limiter devices used in sensor protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Commercially available oral rinses contain active ingredients with concentration that is claimed by manufacturers to be effective as antiplaque agent. To date there has been no mention of the effect of oral rinse on the adherence of early plaque colonizers in plaque formation and the concentration to be used before/after meals. OBJECTIVE: The chief aim of the study was to evaluate microbial retention on the salivary pellicle on treatment with oral rinses (CHX & EO)/PS (mimicking after meals use of mouth wash/PS). METHODS: Noordini's Artifical Mouth model was used for developing the single species biofilm with early microbial colonizers of oral biofilm (A. viscosus, Strep. mitis and Strep. sanguinis respectively). The microbial retention on use of oral rinses comprising of CHX and EO as an active ingredients respectively was compared with Curcumin PS. For evaluating the microbial retention, the pellicle with microbial inoculation was developed on the glass beads in the mouth model. Subsequently the respective single specie biofilm was exposed to the mouth wash and PS after inoculation. It mimicked as use of mouth wash/PS after meals. The bacterial count in the dental biofilm was evaluated on serial dilution (CFU/ml). Sterile deionized water was used as a negative control. For qualitative analysis, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the microbial count. RESULTS: From the data it was observed that for the treatment of single species experimental biofilm with commercially available mouth rinses (CHX & EO) and PS (curcumin), there was significant retention for S.mitis, S.sanguinis and A.viscosus. There was no significant difference observed between PS and CHX treated single species biofilm. Whereas a significant difference was observed between EO treated biofilms and CHX/PS treated biofilms (p ⩽ 0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from the results that curcumin PS and CHX should not be used after meals whereas EO containing mouth rinse can be used to maintain the oral mocroflora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hail absorption test of aeroengine is one of the important components of airworthiness certification. The accurate test data are closely related to the density and mechanical properties of the artificial hail used in airworthiness tests. Through experimental research, this study explores the impact of distilled water, carbonated water and deionized water on the density and mechanical properties of artificial hail. The study addresses the significant differences between the density and mechanical properties of artificial hail and natural hail in existing studies. Based on this, a new method for preparing airworthiness test hail is proposed. The results indicate that artificial hail samples with distilled water as the hail core and carbonated water as the hail shell have densities ranging from 0.87 cm3 to 0.89 cm3. Furthermore, the estimated average maximum compressive strength of samples is 6.538 MPa, with some samples as low as 3.681 MPa. The mechanical properties of this artificial hail are more similar to those of natural hail. This method can more realistically simulate natural hail environments and can be used for the fine design of airworthiness certification criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following study involved the utilization of dispersion polymerization to synthesize micron/nano-sized polystyrene (PS) spheres, which were then deposited onto a silicon substrate using the floating assembly method to form a long-range monolayer. Subsequently, dry etching techniques were utilized to create subwavelength structures. The adjustment of the stabilizer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), together with changes in the monomer concentration, yielded PS spheres ranging from 500 nm to 5.6 μm in diameter. These PS spheres were suspended in a mixture of alcohol and deionized water before being arranged using the floating assembly method. The resulting tightly packed particle arrangement is attributed to van der Waals forces, Coulomb electrostatic forces between the PS spheres, and surface tension effects. The interplay of these forces was analyzed to comprehend the resulting structure. Dry etching, utilizing the PS spheres as masks, enabled the exploration of the effects of etching parameters on the resultant structures. Unlike traditional dry etching methods controlling RF power and etching gases, in the present study, we focused on adjusting the oxygen flow rate to achieve cylindrical, conical, and parabolic etched structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study manufactured and utilized the chitosan-coated fumed silica composite (CS@silica) for simultaneous adsorption of rare earth elements (REEs) of Ce(III), La(III), and Nd(III) cations in an aqueous solution. The CS@silica composite underwent characterization using a CHNOS analyzer, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyzer, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) spectrophotometer, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyzer. The findings indicated that the CS@silica composite exhibited a lack of pores and possessed a specific surface area of 1.27 m2/g. Additionally, it was observed that the composite contained a significant amount of oxygen and nitrogen atoms, which serve as the active sites for the adsorption of REEs. The maximum adsorption capacities of Ce(III), La(III), and Nd(III) cations were determined under optimal experimental conditions. These parameters included a pH of 4, an adsorbent dose of 0.01 g, and an equilibrium duration of 20 min. The maximum adsorption capacities for Ce(III), La(III), and Nd(III) cations were found to be 341, 241, and 299 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The desorption percentage of REEs-loaded CS@silica composite was significantly low when exposed to deionized water and hydrochloric acid (0.01 and 0.02 M). This suggests that there is a chemical interaction between the REEs and the active site on the surface of the composite. The predominant adsorption process proposed was complexation, with ion exchange and electrostatic contact playing a minor role. The CS@silica composite is highly promising for the recovery of REEs because of its rapid adsorption and high adsorption capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Excessive phosphorus discharge causes water eutrophication and disturbs the homeostasis of aquatic ecosystems. Capacitive deionization (CDI) has been proven to be a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technology for removing phosphorus. Raw carbon (Raw C) electrodes are widely used in CDI. However, the phosphorus removal capacity of most unmodified Raw C still needs to be enhanced. Therefore, the Fe, N-co-doped carbon prepared in this study was expected to further improve the phosphorus removal performance. Herein, the optimal electrode with 5% Fe (FeNC) had an approximately 2.7 times higher adsorption capacity than Raw C. At a low concentration (5 mg P/L), FeNC exhibited a high maximum removal capacity of 4.28 mg P/g. Under reversed voltage, the phosphorus was easily desorbed by deionized water. Ion competition studies showed that coexisting ions adversely affected phosphorus adsorption onto FeNC in the order SO42- > NO3- > Cl-. Furthermore, the energy consumption of FeNC was calculated to be as low as 0.0069 kWh/g P and 0.023 kWh/m3 water under 1.2 V. More importantly, phosphorus removal by FeNC during CDI was demonstrated in simulated natural water from the Jinjiang River (Chengdu, China). This study indicated that FeNC is expected to be a potential electrode for CDI dephosphorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quest for a smooth transition from fossil fuels to clean and sustainable energy has warranted studies on alternative energy materials. Herein, we report on an experimental and theoretical study focused on hydrogen generation through the hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) treated in different media (deionized water, sodium hydroxide) and MCC functionalized with magnesium (MCC-Mg), titanium (MCC-Ti), and niobium (MCC-Nb). The XRD results reveal the decreased crystallinity of MCC due to ball milling along with the formation of metal oxide composites between MCC and various metals (magnesium, titanium, and niobium). Theoretical studies using NVT molecular dynamic simulations with the NH chain thermostat implemented in the Dmol3 provides further support to the experimental results reported herein. The results from the experimental and theoretical studies revealed that ball milling and composite formation with metal species enhanced the kinetics of the hydrolysis of MCC and, consequently, hydrogen generation, while the addition of NaOH and urea inhibited the hydrogen yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs), recognized as endocrine disruptors, are identified as predominant organic pollutants in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), a representative PAE, has been extensively studied for its sources, distribution and ecological risks. However, there are few studies on the adsorption of DBP by sediment from the TGR, and the adsorption characteristics of surface sediment on DBP are not clear. Therefore, based on the actual sediment contents and particle sizes in the TGR, the kinetics and isothermal adsorption characteristics of surface sediment on DBP were investigated in this study. The results showed that the equilibrium time was 120 min, the adsorption kinetics were more in line with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the sediment in water from the Yangtze River exhibited a higher adsorption rate and maximum adsorption amount on DBP than that observed in deionized water. Additionally, a decrease in DBP adsorption was observed with increasing sediment content, while sediment particle size and specific surface area had a slight influence. Analysis using SEM, TGA and FTIR revealed that organic matter on the sediment surface significantly contributed to DBP adsorption. This study contributes valuable insights into the adsorption characteristics of DBP by the surface sediment from the TGR, providing a scientific foundation for understanding the migration and transformation of DBP in this critical reservoir in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underbalanced foam drilling (UBFD) represents a pivotal technique aimed at enhancing safety and operational efficiency within drilling operations. Despite its recognized benefits, the challenge of maintaining foam stability persists, particularly in conditions characterized by elevated water salinity and alkalinity. This study endeavors to bridge this gap by introducing the eco-friendly Gemini surfactant (GS12) for drilling foams and evaluating its performance under mildly alkaline conditions. Employing a dynamic foam analyzer, diverse foam properties of GS12 foams were systematically assessed, including stability, foamability, and bubble structure. Results elucidate that the optimal surfactant concentration for maximal foam stability stands at 1.5 wt%; however, a threefold concentration increase (from 0.5 to 1.5 wt%) merely yields a 30% improvement, emphasizing the economic viability of a 0.5 wt% concentration for practical UB applications. Additionally, the study demonstrates a correlation between foam stability and water salinity, with seawater exhibiting a twofold reduction in foam half-life compared to deionized water (decreasing from 27 to 13 min), mitigated by the addition of PAC polymer, which increases foam half-life from 13 to 56 min. Moreover, GS12 + PAC foaming systems exhibit surpassing stability compared to a typical commercial blend, boasting a 78% increase in foam half-life (245 min) and a 21% increase in initial foam volume (245 mL), thereby positioning it as a promising candidate for UB drilling applications. The introduction of GS12 for UB drilling and its comprehensive evaluation under mildly alkaline conditions underscore its potential for sustainable foam drilling, advocating for the utilization of environmentally friendly surfactants and green polymers to enhance drilling sustainability and address pressing industry challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐solid‐state batteries (ASSB) are currently developed at high pace and show a strong potential for market introduction within the next years. Though their performance has improved considerably over the last years, investigation of their sustainability and the development of suitable recycling strategies have received less attention. However, their potential for efficient circular processes must be accessed comprehensively. In this article, the separation of the solid electrolyte β‐Li3PS4 from different lithium transition metal oxide electrode materials (LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2, LiFePO4, LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2, and Li4Ti5O12) are investigated via an approach based on the dissolution and subsequent precipitation of the thiophosphate using N‐methylformamide as solvent. A combination of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, iodometric titration, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical characterization is used to characterize the electrolyte and electrode materials before and after separation. Herein, it is found that the presence of electrode materials in the dissolution process can lead to significant chemical reactions. These interactions can (but most not) lead to strong alteration of the electrochemical characteristics of the individual compounds. Thus, it is shown that an efficient recovery of materials likely depends on the precise material combination within an ASSB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and introduction of a vacuum release aluminum (VRA) lug closure into the glass jar market constitutes an important innovation in the food packaging industry by significantly reducing the torque needed to remove the lid from the glass jar, thus facilitating jar opening by consumers. The new lids were compared with the industry standard, steel lug closures, for sealing performance and torque removal. Closure of glass jars hotpacked with deionized water was evaluated by measuring pull-up, vacuum, security, and removal torque. The effects of hot-pack temperature from 82 to 93°C and headspace at 6 and 10% on the integrity and opening of glass closures were studied. Jars packed with tomato sauce and capped with both types of lids were evaluated for ease of opening by measuring removal torque. Performance of the new VRA lug lids was similar to that of the standard lids for all parameters measured except removal torque. Removal torque values for jars sealed with VRA lids were 20 to 51% lower than those for the standard lids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a challenge that extracting rubidium directly from the salt lakes by electrochemical method, because of the low content of rubidium ions and other complex co-existing ions in the salt lakes. Copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF) with good electrochemical performance in desalination and aqueous batteries, may be used as the electrode material of electrochemical extracting rubidium. In this paper, CuHCF is synthesized by one-step precipitation method by adding copper ions in K3Fe(CN)6 solution. Cyclic voltammetry is studied with the CuHCF electrode sheets in alkali metal ions and simulated brine electrolytes. The alkali metal ions insertion and de-insertion in the electrodes are mainly controlled by diffusion process with cyclic stability. The diffusion rate of K+ is the largest, Li+ the smallest. The insertion and de-insertion process are reversible in Na+, K+ and Rb+ ionic solutions. The cyclic voltammetry current of the CuHCF electrode sheet in Na+ ionic solution shows two pairs of redox peaks. The cyclic voltammetry currents of CuHCF electrode sheet in simulated brine mainly show is the peak current of that in Na+ and K+ ionic solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a coaxial dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor was employed using various gases: compressed air (CA), helium (He), or argon (Ar) to produce plasma-activated water (PAW) from deionized water. The influence of these gases on the generation and quantification of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) was examined. Their impact on PAW's physicochemical properties, including pH, oxygen reduction potential (ORP), and conductivity, was also assessed. In parallel, the efficacy of produced PAW against microbial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans was evaluated, in addition to their cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. Notably, after a 10-min contact, a 99.99% reduction in S. aureus and E. coli was observed when CA and Ar were used, and reductions of 99.96% and 99.95% were seen when He was employed, respectively. For C. albicans, reductions of 12.05% with CA, 22.89% with Ar, and 39.76% with He was observed. After 30 min, a reduction of up to 53.41% was achieved with Ar. Additionally, PAW generated with all the gases were classified as non-cytotoxic. These findings underscore the potential of the coaxial DBD reactor system in PAW production, emphasizing its significant antimicrobial properties and low toxicity to mammalian cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common issue in studies on liquid-phase chemical processes is that the natural solid nanoimpurities present in reagent-grade chemicals are ignored. Little is known about these impurities' nature, sizes, concentrations, and behavior, yet they significantly affect the efficiency of antiscalants in municipal and laboratory solutions. Recent research has focused on: (i) estimating nanoimpurity concentrations in in-house deionized water and semiconductor-grade isopropanol using "light sheet" optical ultramicroscopy, and (ii) visualizing antiscalant sorption on these impurities. Using a fluorescent-tagged antiscalant aminobis(methylenephosphonic acid) (ADMP-F), we tracked its affinity to particulate matter in deionized water and reagent-grade KCl solutions. Our study showed that the total concentration of nanoparticles with a size larger than 20 nm is about 106 units/mL in deionized water and 105 units/mL in isopropanol. Extrapolation of these values to a size ≥1 nm resulted in concentrations of 1011 and 108 units/mL. The addition of KCl or ADMP-F significantly increased foreign nanoparticle populations. ADMP-F is selectively adsorbed by only some impurities, while most antiscalant molecules remain as true solution. To our knowledge, this is the first instance of fluorescently labeled aminoalkylphosphonates being able to differentiate particulate matter traces in reagent-grade purity solutions. Therefore, the role of nanoparticles as crystallization centers should be seriously reconsidered, especially in their important application in scale inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Older to further improve the the insulation performance of SiO, aerogel coated fabric and deplore the influence of coating process on the performance of SiO, aerogel/potassium hexatitanate whisker composite coated fabric, both single SiO, aerogel coating fabric and SiO, aerogel/potassium hexatitanate whisker composite coating fabric were prepared, and their thermal insulation were tested. The results slow that the thermal insulation performance of the fabric coated with single SiO, aerogel is in direct proportion to the content of thermal insulation particles. The thermal insulation performance of the fabric is further improve^ after doping potassium hexatitanate whiskers. And the thermal insulation performance of the fabric first increases and then decreases with the increase of the SiO, aerogel content. When the ratio of SiO, aerogel to potassium hexatitanate whiskers is 3 : 7, the thermal insulation performance of the coated fabric is the best. The thermal insulation performance of coated fabrics is also affected by the content of polyacrylate. With the increase of polyacrylate content, the thermal insulation performance of coated fabrics shows a downward trend. When the ratio of deionized water to polyacrylate is 9 : 1, the thermal conductivity of the composite coated fabric is the lowest of 0. 231 5 W/( m • K), which is 19. 4% lower than that of the original fabric. When the ratio of polyacrylate to deionized water is 2 : 8, the coated fabric has the lowest temperature rise rate on the inner and surface under heat source irradiation, which is 19. 70 °C lower than that of the original fabric [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Electrowetting on conventional dielectrics requires direct fluid-electrode contact to generate strong electric fields at the three-phase contact line to modulate the wetting. Since the electric field alters wetting, the modulation of wetting can be achieved by applying an external electric field through insulated electrodes, preventing the liquid from contacting the electrodes. A simple and efficient method for non-contact between the fluid and the electrode external electric field modulation of fluid wetting was proposed. The switching ability of droplets on microgroove surfaces from Cassie-Baxter to Wenzel wetting state under an external electric field was used to drive and quantify the relationship between wetting, contact angle, and the applied voltage. Applying an external electric field modulates the wetting of deionized water, ionic liquids, and high-viscosity liquids on microgrooves. The wetting degree of liquid can be controlled by adjusting the external voltage parameters. The finite element simulations revealed that the Maxwell force drove this process. The effects of substrate size and liquid properties on wetting behavior were also examined. Post-application cross-sectional imaging showed the formation of a conformal interface, highlighting the relevance of the proposed method in advanced adaptive shape fabrication and microfluidic control, among other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the development on sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has paid more and more attention. The polyglycolic acid (PGA), a biodegradable polymer, has emerged as a prime candidate due to its remarkable mechanical strength, rigidity, and gas barrier properties, which has been widely used in various practical applications. To gain insights into the PGA's behavior and properties under acidic and neutral and basic situations, a comprehensive theoretical and experimental study were performed to investigate PGA's hydrolysis behaviors in aqueous solutions. The density functional theory calculation was carried out to unveil the difference of PGA degradation mechanisms. The calculated results demonstrate that different degradation solutions play a significant impact on the degradation rates of PGA. Specifically, PGA degradation was the fastest in NaOH solution, followed by acidic solutions, with the slowest degradation observed in deionized water. Meanwhile, the experiments were performed and verified this preference of PGA degradation under basic condition. It was observed that the PGA experienced a greater degree of mass loss when exposed to basic condition, compared to those exposed to neutral and acidic environments. This work pointed out that the alkaline environment will facilitate the hydrolysis reaction of PGA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work uses an alumina wheel to investigate the eco-benign grinding for better surface integrity of Inconel 625 (IN 625). To achieve this, applying nanofluids (NFs) with the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) principle has been adopted, aiming at eco-benign grinding practices. In this work, MoS 2 NFs, MWCNTs NFs and hybrid NFs (prepared by mixing MoS 2 and MWCNTs in a 1:1 ratio) prepared using deionized water as the base fluid have been used. An in-house developed MQL setup is used to aim the NFs inside the grinding zone. The first attempt has been made to grind IN 625 in these environments. The characterisation of NFs in terms of nanofluid stability, dynamic viscosity, thermal conductivity and surface wettability have been performed before their utilization in grinding operations. A comparison has been made between the results obtained from NFs grinding and those from dry and soluble oil-based MQL grinding. It has been found that hybrid NFs provide excellent lubrication and cooling effects, reducing grinding forces and improving surface quality. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photon spectroscopy are applied to investigate the ground surfaces under different grinding conditions. Also, residual stress (with the help of X-ray diffraction and electron backscattered diffraction) and microhardness have been determined to gain further insights into the grinding behaviour. The wheel and chip morphology analyses have been performed to support the findings. The findings from this investigation lead to the conclusion that applying nano-MQL improves grinding effectiveness and promotes cleaner grinding outcomes. Hybrid NFs prove especially effective, as the physical synergistic effect enhances and safeguards the surface integrity of the produced ground components. [Display omitted] • This work endorses the grindability improvement of Inconel 625 using nano-MQL. • Thermos-physical and tribological characteristics of developed nanofluids have been investigated. • Ground surfaces have been investigated using SEM, EDS, EBSD, XRD and microhardness techniques. • Findings have been corroborated with the wheel and chip morphology investigations. • Nano-MQL has shown promising results in grindability improvement of Inconel 625. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacity deionization (CDI), which combines capacitive carbon electrodes and redox-active electrodes, has emerged as a promising method for water desalination. It enables higher ion removal capacity than CDI-containing carbonaceous electrodes. Our work aimed to synthesize layered structure δ-MnO2/CNTs composites via the sol-gel method, examining their suitability for hybrid capacitive deionization (HCDI). The XRD results showed a layered structure birnessite for all composites with a distance interlayer over 7.0 Å, while the SEM images confirmed the intercopration of MnO2 particles and CNT fibers. The electrochemical evaluations evidenced the role of CNTs in enhancing the charge transfer and ionic diffusion in composites. Composite δ-MnO2/CNTs presented a specific capacitance of 160 F g−1 at a charge-discharge rate of 1 A g-1 upon 1600 cycles. In salt removal performance, the asymmetric cell AC||δ-MnO2/CNTs-1 showed the highest salt adsorption capacity (SAC) of 30.2 mg g−1 and fast average salt adsorption rate (ASAR) of 3 mg g−1 s−1 under a constant applied potential 1.4 V in 200 ppm NaCl, rendering it a promising candidate for efficient and sustainable desalination technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to evaluate a membrane based on type B gelatin (G) and porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix (PUB-EM), highlighting the potential effect of the combination evaluated by biocompatibility and regulation of the expression of transcription factors involved in tissue regeneration. G-PUB-EM membranes were prepared at 12.5, 25, and 50% w/v, and evaluated for biocompatibility with Fibroblast. Chemical characterization by FTIR-ATR showed complex spectra during crosslinking process with glutaraldehyde. Physical tests were performed in deionized water and PBS for 48 h. A significant increase in swelling was observed during the first 2 h. Biocompatibility testing (MTS) and evaluation of the expression profile of genes involved in the cell cycle (Cyclin-D1 VEGF, TNF and NF-κ-B) by PCR showed an increase in viability in a PUB-EM content-dependent way, except for 50% PUB-EM membrane which showed cytotoxic effects with a decrease in cell viability below 70%. The membranes showed an increase in the expression of some factors of cell cycle, as well as inflammatory processes that could promote tissue repair. 12.5 and 25% gelatin type B/porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix (G/PUB-EM) based membranes have potential for tissue regeneration applications. Impact Statement: The use of membranes based on type B gelatin and porcine urinary bladder for tissue engineering represents a novel strategy. Biocompatibility and signaling pathways play a primary role in tissue repair and wound recovery. Transcription factors that mediate signaling, cell division and vascularization are part of molecules that intervene in the regenerative potential of cells. These techniques will have a significant impact on tissue repair and regeneration and thus stop depending on tissue donors or other surgical sites from the same patient, as is the case with burn patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon carbide (SiC) is one of the most promising three-generation semiconductor materials owing to its remarkable properties and numerous potential applications. Nevertheless, the polishing efficiency of hard-to-process single-crystal SiC remains a significant challenge due to its high hardness and chemical inertness. A novel approach by employing nanosecond laser irradiation as a pre-process for the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process was presented. By irradiating the Si-face, the substrates were processed with CMP for a short time using normal 1 wt% diamond+ 99 wt% deionized water eco-friendly slurry. The performance of nanosecond laser irradiation assisted chemical mechanical polishing (NLIA-CMP), including material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (R a), was evaluated. Besides, the possible effects were investigated. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to observe the morphologies of SiC wafers after NLIS-CMP. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were used to characterize the surface morphologies and chemical composition of the SiC wafers treated with nanosecond laser. The results indicate that a highly efficient SiC-CMP with good surface quality can be realized by employing nanosecond laser irradiation as the pre-treatment and using an eco-friendly polishing slurry. The present study was a beneficial exploration of expanding the application of nanosecond laser to the CMP process. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Prussian Blue Analogues (PBAs), which are characterized by their open structure, high stability, and non-toxic properties, have recently been the subject of research for various applications, including their use as electrode precursors for capacitive deionization, gas storage, and environmental purification. These materials can be readily tailored to enhance their affinity towards gases for integration with sensing devices. An improved understanding of PBA-gas interactions is expected to enhance material development and existing sensor deposition schemes greatly. The use of inverse gas chromatography (IGC) is a robust approach for examining the relationship between porous materials and gases. In this study, the adsorption properties of (functionalized) hydrocarbons, i.e., probe molecules, on the copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF) lattice were studied via IGC, demonstrating that alkylbenzenes have a higher affinity for this material than n-alkanes. This difference was rationalized by steric hindrance, π–π interactions, and vapour pressure effects. Along the same line, the five isomers of hexane showed decreasing selectivity upon increased steric hindrance. Enthalpy values for n-pentane, n-hexane and n-heptane were lower than that of toluene. The introduction of increased probe masses resulted in a surface coverage of 46% for toluene. For all n-alkane probe molecules this percentage was lower. However, the isotherms of these probes did not show saturation points and the observed linear regime proves beneficial for gas sensing. Our work demonstrates the versatility of CuHCF for gas sensing purposes and the potential of IGC to characterize the adsorption characteristics of such a porous nanomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphides with high theoretical capacity are considered ideal anode materials for lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs), but poor electronic conductivity as well as unsatisfied cyclic stability limits the performance of the phosphides. Here a covalently bonded CoP@C heterostructure is reported, which consists of 5 nm CoP quantum dots (QDs) like pomegranate seeds pinned in carbon polyhedron through interfacial Co─P─C bonding. The ultrafine size of CoP QDs provides more reactive sites and a shorten electrons/ions diffusion path, boosting the specific capacity. The Co─P─C bond induces the energy band variation of CoP and increases the interfacial charge density, bringing about fast kinetics. Besides, the Co─P─C bond introduces a robust pining effect among CoP QDs and carbon polyhedra, greatly improving the structure stability of 5 nm CoP QDs. The CoP@C heterostructure electrode exhibits high capacity (nearly 1000 mAh g−1) and superior cycling stability. It is worth noting that a prototyped LIC full‐cell of YP80//CoP@C presents an impressive high energy density of 172 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 10.8 kW kg−1. Moreover, the LIC possesses an ultra‐long life, retaining 80% after 20,000 cycles. This study offers an effective design for phosphides achieving fast kinetics and superior structure stability through an interfacial bonding approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]