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New types of metal–organic framework based hybrid materials are designed and prepared, which involving the hybridization of various content of boron phosphate (BPO4) with the precursor of HKUST‐1. The structure of obtained HKUST‐1/BPO4 hybrid materials (HB) is fully investigated, and then applied to construct sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) based proton exchange membranes (SPEEK/HB). Owing to effective interactions between hybrid materials and SPEEK matrix, the achieved composite membranes reflect a considerable improvement in mechanical and thermal stability, oxidative stability, methanol permeation, and proton conductivity. In particular, the tensile strength of SPEEK/HB‐20 composite membrane is 41.3 MPa, which is 1.5 times higher than pristine SPEEK, and the methanol permeability reduced to one‐third of SPEEK at the same time. The SPEEK/HB‐10 displays the highest proton conductivity of 37.4 mS cm−1 at 80 °C, which is obviously higher than pristine SPEEK. These results reveal that the hybridization of HKUST‐1 with BPO4 provide a promising candidate in the modification of proton exchange membranes (PEMs), and this strategy also possess great application potential in other types of MOFs‐based hybrid materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A composite built with aminated zeolitic imidazolate framework and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of neonicotinoids in agricultural samples is presented. The composite was prepared through the assembly of AuNPs onto the surface of metal-organic framework based on the strong interaction between the amino group and AuNP. These metallic surfaces provided additional interactions based on the affinity of amino and cyano groups present in the target compounds. The composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and surface area measurements. Regarding the SPE protocol, several parameters that can influence the extraction performance were optimized, such as sample volume or composition of elution solvent, among others. After elution, the analytes were determined via HPLC with diode-array detection. Under the selected conditions, satisfactory recoveries of five pesticides (thiamethoxan, clothianidin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid) were obtained (between 80 and 110%) in real samples, whereas the limits of detection ranged from 0.019 to 0.041 μg L−1 in aqueous samples and 0.3 to 0.8 μg g−1 in solid samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their process-induced porous surfaces, additively manufactured structures are not optimized for applications in which friction is a key factor. To improve the frictional properties of additively manufactured titanium inserts of various thicknesses, two tribologically optimized POM materials, which differ in terms of filler composition and contents, were used to overmould the inserts. The titanium inserts were manufactured in two different building directions, resulting in a variation in surface roughness. The main challenge with respect to overmoulding is to maintain an even, thin plastic layer on the titanium insert. In order to evaluate the adhesion between plastic and metal, the interface is examined by optical microscopy and assessment of the peeling resistance. The peeling test shows that the overmoulded titanium inserts with a higher surface roughness are characterized by a higher peeling resistance. It is further revealed that the POM material with a special filler concept shows superior peeling resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the synthesis of a hybrid material through the use of natural pozzolan and titanium(IV) isopropoxide using the sol-gel method and its application in the photocatalytic hexavalent chromium reduction. The characterization data indicated a mesoporous material possessing a surface area of 271.7 m2 g−1. The morphology studies (SEM and TEM) showed nanosheet hybrid structures. The analysis of DRUV, FTIR, XRD, and Mössbauer spectroscopy provides a different electronic structure of the synthetized material when compared with the originals, proving the hybridization process between pozzolan and titanium(IV) isopropoxide. The photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) using the hybrid material showed a better performance than conventional photocatalysts (precursor and TiO2-P25). Operational conditions such as chromium initial concentration (0.02–0.20 mM), solution pH (3–6), and type of scavenger (citric or tartaric acid) were evaluated in order to determine the best experimental conditions for the Cr(VI) photoreduction. At their optimum (catalyst load of 15 mg L−1, tartaric acid as scavenger, [scavenger]0/[Cr(VI)]0 M ratio = 3:1, pH 3, and 25 °C), the total photoreduction of 0.20 mM Cr(VI) was achieved in 180 min. The novel hybrid materials synthesized from pozzolan and titanium(IV) isopropoxide showed to be a potential catalyst for the Cr(VI) reduction in aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel nanofiber membranes with multilayer hierarchical pore structure. • CSQ as a bridge between MOF and PVDF-HFP. • Rigid MOF/CSQ crosslinked structure leads to improved PVDF-HFP performance. • Improved electrochemical performance of modified membranes compared to PVDF-HFP. As an emerging alternative separator, electrospun PVDF-HFP (polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) has been widely studied in lithium battery over the years. However, some shortcomings of PVDF-HFP have limited its further application, such as, poor thermal stability, mechanical and electrochemistry properties. In this work, the cage-like silsesquioxanes (CSQ) and metal–organic-framework (MOF) were chemically bound to PVDF-HFP, and a modified hybrid fibrous membrane with hierarchical pore was fabricated. These hybrid groups were successfully introduced into the backbone of PVDF-HFP, which was not only demonstrated by characterization of their chemical structures, and also demonstrated by morphologies and elemental mass spectrometry with the help of scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Due to the incorporation of these hybrid groups, the membrane exhibited high thermal stabilities and good flame-retardant performance, and could also play an important role in regulating and improving the migration property of lithium ions and interface performance between electrolyte and electrodes during battery charging/discharging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Slow evaporation synthesis method at room temperature of (C 6 H 7 N 2 S)NO 3. • Hybrid nitrate salt of 4-pyridinethioamide with a supramolecular crystal structure. • A good thermal stability for a wide range of temperatures. Organic-inorganic hybrid nitrate salt associating the aromatic organic molecule 4-pyridinethioamide with the (C 6 H 7 N 2 S)NO 3 formula was synthesized by slow evaporation method at room temperature. The obtained material is crystallized in the monoclinic system with the centro-symmetric space group P 2 1 / c. The supramolecular crystal structure was built from nitrate anions N O 3 - entities linked to the organic cations (C 6 H 7 N 2 S)+ by hydrogen bonds and weak interactions. Besides, the aromatic pyridinium rings of 4-pyridinethioamide molecules were proven to form chains through π...π interactions. The Hirshfeld analysis results have shown that in all potential molecular contacts, the H...O/O...H constitutes the most important interaction in the crystal with a contribution percentage of 39 %. The thermal behavior studied by thermogravimetric analyses revealed good stability up to 175 °C. Preliminary analyses recorded with infrared and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the existence of vibrational modes corresponding to the formation of the hybrid compound before performing the characterization by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The optical absorption spectrum exhibits two bands located at 4.82 eV (257 nm) and 3.95 eV (314 nm), which can be even observed with the naked eye at room temperature and is due to exaction emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the development of global population and industry civilization, the accurate and sensitive detection of intended analytes is becoming an important and great challenge in the field of environmental, medical, and public safety. Recently, electrochemical biosensors have been constructed and used in sensing fields, such as antibiotics, pesticides, specific markers of cancer, and so on. Functional materials have been designed and prepared to enhance detection performance. Among all reported materials, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are emerging as porous crystalline materials to construct electrochemical biosensors, because COFs have many unique advantages, including large surface area, high stability, atom-level designability, and diversity, to achieve a far better sensing performance. In this comprehensive review, we not only summarize state-of-the-art electrochemical biosensors based on COFs and their hybrid materials but also highlight and discuss some typical examples in detail. We finally provide the challenge and future perspective of COFs-based electrochemical biosensors. This review systematically describes state-of-the-art electrochemical biosensors based on COFs and hybrid materials for detecting different analytes. [Display omitted] • Electrochemical biosensors have been widely used in various sensing fields. • Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) provide a good platform to construct electrochemical biosensors. • Electrochemical biosensors based on COFs and hybrid materials are divided into three classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have synthesized a kind of cyano-substituted oligo(p -phenylene) hybrid materials by Knoevenagel condensation reaction, which can be used as ratiometric relative humidity (RH) sensor. When the RH increased from 5 % to 90 %, the maximum emission peak of C1-3/SG gradually redshifted from 530 nm to 575 nm with the fluorescence changed from green to orange. This phenomenon can be attributed to the water vapor induced aggregation of dyes on the matrix. The non-covalent force between the dyes and the silica gel could be adjusted by altering the structures of the dyes, and the RH sensing property of the final hybrid materials could be further regulated. R2-3/SG hybrid fabricated by R2 with large steric isooctyl groups possessed indiscernible RH sensing properties, while the R1-3/SG without hydrogen bond interactions between dyes and substrate was more susceptible to water vapor. The surface properties and specific surface area of the substrate were critical for RH sensing. RH sensing properties were not presented for the substrates without hydroxyl groups or low specific surface area such as PET or PP fibers. Moreover, we have prepared a kind of C1 loaded paper strips, which exhibited potentially ability in anticounterfeiting application. We reported our findings on a kind of cyano-substituted oligo(p -phenylene) hybrid material that could be used as ratiometric relative humidity (RH) sensor. This phenomenon was attributed to the water vapor induced aggregation of dyes on the matrix. The surface properties and specific surface area of the substrate were critical for RH sensing. RH sensing properties were not presented for the substrates without hydroxyl groups or low specific surface area. [Display omitted] • A new cyano-substituted oligo(p -phenylene) hybrid materials could be used as ratiometric relative humidity sensor. • The RH sensing property of the final hybrid materials could be regulated. • RH sensing properties were not presented for the substrates without hydroxyl groups or low specific surface area. • C1 loaded paper strips were fabricated, which exhibited potentially ability in anticounterfeiting application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gemini (g-16–3-16–Bt)–Bentonite clay hybrid material was prepared. • The novel material was found to have good adsorption capacity towards CR and EBT. • The removal efficiency was tested in laboratory conditions and in wastewater sample. • The g-16–3-16-Bt hybrid material exhibits 94 % removal efficiency for studied dyes. This work addresses intercalation of a gemini surfactant, propane-1,3-bis(hexadecyldimethylammonium bromide) (g-16–3-16), into bentonite (Bt) clay for developing a novel hybrid material which can eliminate dyes from the wastewater. The prepared g-16–3-16-Bt hybrid material was characterized through FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, and BET. The material exhibited an approximate removal efficiency of 95 % for congo red (CR) and eriochrome black T (EBT) under optimal conditions (pH = 3, concentration of dyes = 10 mg/L, adsorbent dose = 2 g/L, equilibrium time = 180 min., temperature = 25 °C). With increase in concentration of both the dyes (1 to 25 mg/L), the g-16–3-16-Bt demonstrates a notable increase in adsorption capacity towards CR (0.4 to 11.1 mg/g) and EBT (0.5 to 10.7 mg/g), respectively. The adsorption was examined with several co-existing ions and found that among the Mg2+, Ca2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, EDTA, sulphate, bicarbonate and glycine, only bicarbonate and Mg2+ slightly impacted the EBT removal (from 95 % to 83 % and 78 %, respectively), whereas all affected in the case of CR. With a rise in the NaCl concentration, the efficiency of g-16–3-16-Bt towards CR removal declined (from 88 % to 62 %) considerably, however, it did not affect much with EBT. The results of adsorption studies were found to follow pseudo-second-order kinetic model and match well with the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity of g-16–3-16-Bt towards CR and EBT were found to be 30.95 and 19.15 mg/g respectively. The g-16–3-16-Bt hybrid material exhibited a good efficiency even after 4th adsorption–desorption cycle (∼79 % removal) and was found to be efficient for the elimination of CR and EBT from real wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an alternative to the currently increasing use of fossil fuels, hydrogen has become very important as a clean energy carrier. Herein, facile fabrication of N doped-heterostructured hybrid particles based montmorillonite (M) incorporated on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) with calcination and hydrothermal nitric acid activation was performed. The N-doped heterostructured g-C 3 N 4 -M hybrid material was used as a metal-free hybrid catalyst for NaBH 4 dehydrogenation in methanol for the first time. The hydrogen generation rate (HGR) of 11,200 ml min−1 g−1 in methanol was obtained. XRD, SEM, FTIR, EDS, XPS and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analyses were used to characterize the physicochemical properties of heterostructured composites. Also, the mechanism of catalytic activity was evaluated with the obtained N-doped g-C 3 N 4 -M hybrid material. [Display omitted] • N-doped heterostructured hybrid material based on g-C 3 N 4 and montmorillonite was fabricated. • N-doped g-C 3 N 4 -M hybrid material was used for NaBH 4 dehydrogenation in methanol. • The HGR value by 2.5 % NaBH 4 in methanol was 11,200 ml min−1 g−1. • The mechanism of catalytic activity was evaluated with N-doped g-C 3 N 4 -M hybrid material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of low-temperature waste heat power conversion modules will require the development of thermoelectric materials based on mass-produced nanotubes such as super-growth carbon nanotubes (SGCNTs), rather than high-quality nanotubes generated on the laboratory scale. In this work, SGCNT films co-loaded with colloidal ZnO (which has a high Seebeck coefficient) and Ag (which enhances electrical conductivity) were prepared to optimize both carrier concentration and mobility. The resulting carbon-based hybrid films were found to have a p-type power factor of 100.4 µW m−1 K−2 at 383 K, which represented one of the highest values yet reported for a SGCNT system.

We have prepared different hybrid polymer-phthalocyanine materials by solution processing, starting from two sulfonated phthalocyanines, s-CoPc and CuTsPc, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) (PAA-AM), poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and polyaniline (PANI) as polymers. We also studied the response to ammonia (NH3) of resistors prepared from these sensing materials. The solvent casted films, prepared from s-CoPc and PVP, PEG and PAA-AM, were highly insulating and very sensitive to the relative humidity (RH) variation. The incorporation of s-CoPc in PDDA by means of layer-by-layer (LBL) technique allowed to stabilize the film, but was too insulating to be interesting. We also prepared PANI-CuTsPc hybrid films by LBL technique. It allowed a regular deposition as evidenced by the linear increase of the absorbance at 688 nm as a function of the number of bilayers. The sensitivity to ammonia (NH3) of PANi-CuTsPc resistors was very high compared to that of individual materials, giving up to 80% of current decrease when exposed to 30 ppm NH3. Contrarily to what happens with neutral polymers, in PANI, CuTsPc was stabilized by strong electrostatic interactions, leading to a stable response to NH3, whatever the relative humidity in the range 10%-70%. Thus, the synergy of PANI with ionic macrocycles used as counteranions combined with their simple aqueous solution processing opens the way to the development of new gas sensors capable of operating in real world conditions.

Relevance One of the priority directions of selection is the creation of varieties that are most adapted to local conditions with high productivity. Methods The object of study – varieties and hybrids of pumpkin of three Botanical species: Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita pepo. The purpose of the work is the creation and introduction into production of high-yielding varieties of pumpkin with high quality fruits, resistant to bio-and abiotic conditions of the lower Volga region. Research objectives: the study of varietal diversity and identification of genetic sources adapted to the conditions of the region; artificial hybridization, evaluation of the obtained source material on the main economic and valuable features, selection of the best hybrid combinations and testing them in comparison with the best zoned varieties. Results The collection identified genetic sources of productivity: Chino, Sviten, Kham, Creen Warted Habbard, Zukat, Arina, Madam; the quality of the fruit: Sorme poire, Burgess Buttercup Wintes, Malishka, Duchess, Konfetka. Using the selected genetic sources in crossbreeding, new hybrid combinations were obtained, after testing of which the source material for breeding was formed in the hybrid nursery. The table shows the characteristics of the best hybrid populations of pumpkin species S. maxima, S. moschata. The best zoned varieties of table pumpkin created in recent years. Izyashnaya – medium-ripe, shortleaved, high-yielding (17.0-26.0 t/ha), with high quality fruits (12.0-16.0% solids); Izobilie – yield (18.0-25.0 t/ha), drought-resistant; Romantika – medium-ripe, resistant to powdery mildew, yielding (16.0-20.0 t/ha), high quality fruits (10.0-15.0% dry-VA, 60.4 mg% carotene).

N’-(5-nitro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene) thiophene-2-carbohydrazide (NH) was successfully synthesized as a ligand, then grafted onto the surface of mesoporous silica SBA-15 via an aminopropyl bridge. The successful grafting of ligand NH onto the hybrid nanomaterial (SBA-15/APTES-NH) was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. On excitation at 276 and 370 nm, the ligand NH and the hybrid nanomaterial SBA-15/APTES-NH showed a strong and narrow emission peak centered at 533 nm. By dispersing SBA-15/APTES-NH in an aqueous solution containing metal ions, the resulting solid materials showed a higher binding of NH sensing site to Fe3+ ions as compared to the others with a quench of the emission intensity up to 84%. This result showed that the hybrid nanomaterial is a potential chemosensor that requires development for the detection of metal ions.

The mesoporous silica particles were prepared by the sol–gel method in one-step synthesis, in acidic conditions, from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and methyltriethoxysilane (MTES), varying the mole ratio of the silica precursors. Nitric acid was used as catalyst at room temperature and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as structure directing agent. Optical properties, porosity and microstructure of the materials in function of the MTES/TEOS ratio were evaluated using infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption and small angle X-ray scattering. All materials showed the ordered pore structure and the high specific surfaces, making them suitable as the drug delivery systems. Drug loading and release tests using ketoprofen were performed to assess their performance for drug delivery applications. The amount of the methylated precursor used in the synthesis had little effect on the drug loading capacity, but had a strong influence on the initial rate of the drug release.

A series of solid-phase uranium extractants were prepared by post-synthesis impregnation of a mesoporous silica support previously functionalized with octyl chains by direct silanization. Five materials were synthesized with 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mmol of the amidophosphonate ligand DEHCEBP per gram of functionalized solid, and the effect of the ligand concentration on the uranium extraction efficiency and selectivity of the materials was investigated. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption data show that with increasing ligand loadings, the specific surface area and average pore volume decrease as the amidophosphonate ligand fills first the micropores and then the mesopores of the support. Acidic uranium solutions with a high sulfate content were used to replicate the conditions in ore treatment leaching solutions. Considering the extraction kinetics, the equilibration time was found to increase with the ligand concentration, which can be explained by the clogging of micropores and the multilayer arrangement of the DEHCEBP molecules in the materials with their highest ligand contents. The fact that the equilibrium ligand/uranium ratio is about 2 mol/mol regardless of the ligand concentration in the material suggests that all the ligand molecules remain accessible for extraction. The maximum uranium extraction capacities ranged from 30 mg∙g−1 at 0.2 mmol∙g−1 DEHCEBP to 54 mg∙g−1 in the material with 0.5 mmol∙g−1 DEHCEBP. These materials could therefore potentially be used as solid-phase uranium extractants in acidic solutions with high sulfate concentrations.

This study investigates the influence of local hybridization of Thin and Thick-Ply CFRP laminates on the open-hole and bearing properties. The area weight of the CFRP unidirectional prepregs used is 40 gsm in the case of Thin-Ply layers and 160 gsm in the case of Thick-Ply layers. The steel used is a 1.4310 stainless-steel foil with the same layer thickness as the prepregs. In the hybrid area, 90∘ layers were locally replaced by stainless steel patches. The local metal foil content varies from 6.25%, 12.5% to 25.0%. For notched laminates, the open hole tensile strength is significantly decreased with thinner layer thicknesses. The failure behavior changes from complex delamination dominated failure to brittle failure. By using stainless steel foils in the regions of stress concentrations, energy can be dissipated by plastic deformation of the steel foil and stresses can be deflected to neighbouring areas. For Thin-Ply samples with a local steel content of 25% the open hole tensile strength increases by 64% in comparison to the reference Thin-Ply specimens and the sensitivity towards stress concentrations decreases. The bearing strength of the hybrid CFRP laminates is increased by up to 54.6% in comparison to the reference material, due to the confinement of the steel foil and the resulting higher compressive strength and the plastic deformation at high stresses. The stress–strain diagrams and micrographs of the fibre metal samples reveal that damage is initiated before the maximum bearing strength. However, the damage offset bearing strength increase concerning the specific density of the material significantly.

Composite films of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hybrid materials based on salicylic acid –layered zinc hydroxide acetate (ZHA-SA) using zinc hydroxide acetate (ZHA) as host matrix were obtained by the casting method. The resulting composite films were characterized by FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) evidencing the incorporation of the layered materials in PVA matrix with relatively smooth and orderly surfaces. A significant reduction in the crystallinity of neat PVA film and a slight increase in transport coefficients of oxygen through the composite films have been observed. This behaviour has been attributed to a high compatibility and adhesion between the fillers and polymeric matrix. Evaluation of the mechanical properties, in terms of stress, revealed that a low content of fillers (1.0 wt %) were able to increase the response of PVA composites by ~63% with the addition of ZHA, and ~45% with ZHA-SA. The results demonstrated the potential application of ZHA and ZHA-derived hybrid material in the preparation of multifunctional polymer composites to be used in packaging food systems.

Materials which are chemically, energetically and operationally acceptable for arsenic water treatment are highly required. In this study a hybrid material (SICC) of aminated starch, oxyhydroxide of iron and OMMT clay has been demonstrated for arsenic treatment. This new material was highly efficient in arsenic water treatment which could reduce arsenic concentration far below detection limits. All binding interactions during material preparation and arsenic sorption were exclusively characterized with FT-IR, XRD and other spectroscopic tools. A molecular modeling on the basis of density functional theory was carried out to verify the above findings. Influence of material dose, treatment time, initial ion concentration, varying temperatures, etc., on extent of sorption was studied in detail. The thermodynamic parameters viz. ΔG (>-11 kJ/mol), ΔH (42.48 kJ/mol), ΔS (177.6 JK-1 mol-1) and E a (59.16 kJ/mol) determined the feasibility of the process, its endothermic behavior and most importantly the chemical nature of the sorption accompanied by ion-exchange to some extent. The sorption followed a monolayer chemisorption pattern as determined by the Langmuir model (R² = 0.973, R L = 0.081) with a qmax = 2.04 at 303 K. The binding of As(III) on the material was governed by a pseudo second order kinetic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The employment of hybrid material thin-walled sections in the vehicle body structure is an emerging approach adopted towards manufacturing of lightweight energy-absorbing components in the automotive industry. Utilizing multi-materials such as aluminum-steel in the automotive industry poses some manufacturing challenges in terms of joining technologies of dissimilar materials. Clinching is a cold forming process that includes severe local plastic deformation of the sheets leading to permanent mechanical interlock. This study undertakes the experimental investigation of bending energy absorption of the clinched top-hat thin-walled beams by means of a series of quasi-static three-point bending tests. Different types of clinched beams including homogeneous as well as hybrid material beams, with aluminum alloy Al5052/SPCC mild steel and Al5052/SPFC 390 high strength steel combinations, are studied. The bending behavior of such beams under two different loading conditions is investigated and compared in terms of crashworthiness indices such as specific energy absorption (SEA), initial peak force (Fip) and crash force efficiency (CFE). It is found that although the hybrid clinched beams show higher SEA as well as lower Fip than their steel counterparts, their CFE values are lower than the steel beams. Furthermore, the sheets arrangement change with respect to the punch and the die is shown to influence the energy absorbing capability of the hybrid clinched beams. Moreover, it is revealed that while the clinched beams show reduced Fip under the load applied to their hat-shaped part, they exhibit lower CFE values compared to when the load is applied to their plate part. Finally, considering SEA, Fip, and CFE as three criteria, TOPSIS as a multi-criteria decision-making method is employed to select the best compromise design solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a new class of hybrid gel polyelectrolytes (GPEs) through sol–gel technology has been synthesized and characterized. The reaction mechanism of gel polymer electrolyte is based on the hydrosilylation and sol–gel reactions of poly(propylene glycol) bis(2-aminopropyl ether), pyromellitic dianhydride, glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and 3-isocyanatepropyltriethoxysilane. The gel polymer electrolyte exhibits excellent ion-conductive and thermostability performance. The maximum ionic conductivity value of 3.1 × 10−4 S cm−1 and Li-ion transference numbers (t+) reaching 0.49 at 25 °C are achieved for the gel polymer electrolyte. The thermogravimetric analysis results show that the electrolyte samples are nearly 1% weight loss when the temperature reaches up to 100 °C. The gel polymer electrolytes display a prominent electrochemical stability, which could bear potential up to 10 V. In addition, the prototype electrochromic device using electrolyte sample as the conductive layer presents excellent coloration efficiency of 198.9 cm2 C−1, stable cycle of 125 periods under 5-V high-voltage environment, and stable cycling performance (achieving 300 stable cycles from the voltage of −3.5 to 2.5 V). As a result, the GPEs exhibit an excellent electrochemical performance, which is suitable for electrochromic application and offers a remarkable prospective. Highlights: A hybrid gel polymer electrolyte with imide groups modified by the coupling agent is successfully synthesized according to sol–gel process. The electrolyte possesses excellent electrochemical stability. Gel polymer electrolyte possesses excellent thermal stability. An archetype electrochromic device with the electrolyte exhibits an excellent coloration efficiency and good cycle performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An organic–inorganic hybrid species based on the Wells–Dawson polyoxotungstate [P2W18O62]6− and novel fluorescent benzothiadiazole–imidazolium cations, [BTD-4,7-ImH]2+, has been synthesized. X-ray crystallographic analysis shows that the inorganic and organic components form a hydrogen-bonded superstructure and that the cations are revealed to be non-equivalent with varying degrees of rotation between the BTD and imidazolium rings due to competition between weak intra- and intermolecular interactions. The UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra indicate that the hybrid has a band gap of 3.13 eV, while the solid-state fluorescence properties of the cation are quenched in the hybrid material, suggesting the existence of electron transfer between the inorganic and organic components. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies of the polyoxometalate (POM) and BTD-4,7-ImH precursors, estimated through UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, indicate that electron transfer from the BTD cations to the POM may occur in the excited state.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was successfully deposited onto the surface of woven carbon fiber (CF) using the electrospray deposition method to produce a woven hybrid CF-CNT. The effect of voltage and spray times on the morphology of the woven hybrid CF-CNT have been studied. The voltage and spray time is crucial towards achieving a homogeneous CNT coating on the woven CF surface. The epoxy composite laminated with optimized woven hybrid CF-CNT and woven CF without the deposited CNTs were then prepared, and its tensile and thermal properties subsequently determined. The results showed that the woven hybrid CF-CNT epoxy composite laminates tensile strength increased by ~21%, its tensile modulus increased by ~37%, its interlaminar shear strength increased by ~25%, and its thermal conductivity increased by ~35% relative to that of the woven CF epoxy composite laminates.

Vapor phase infiltration into a self-assembled block copolymer (BCP) to create a hybrid material in one of the constituent blocks can enhance the etch selectivity for pattern transfer. Multiple pulse infiltration into carbohydrate-based high-χ BCP has previously been shown to enable sub-10 nm feature pattern transfer. By optimizing the amount of infiltrated material, the etch selectivity should be further improved. Here, an investigation of semi-static sequential infiltration synthesis of trimethyl aluminum (TMA) and water into maltoheptaose (MH) films, and into hydroxyl-terminated poly(styrene) (PS-OH) films, was performed, by varying the process parameters temperature, precursor pulse duration, and precursor exposure length. It was found that, by decreasing the exposure time from 100 to 20 s, the volumetric percentage on included pure Al2O3 in MH could be increased from 2 to 40 vol% at the expense of a decreased infiltration depth. Furthermore, the degree of infiltration was minimally affected by temperature between 64 and 100 °C. Shorter precursor pulse durations of 10 ms TMA and 5 ms water, as well as longer precursor pulses of 75 ms TMA and 45 ms water, were both shown to promote a higher degree, 40 vol%, of infiltrated alumina in MH. As proof of concept, 12 nm pitch pattern transfer into silicon was demonstrated using the method and can be concluded to be one of few studies showing pattern transfer at such small pitch. These results are expected to be of use for further understanding of the mechanisms involved in sequential infiltration synthesis of TMA/water into MH, and for further optimization of carbohydrate-based etch masks for sub-10 nm pattern transfer. Enabling techniques for high aspect ratio pattern transfer at the single nanometer scale could be of high interest, e.g., in the high-end transistor industry.

This work introduces the facile and scalable two‐step synthesis of Ti2Nb10O29 (TNO)/carbon hybrid material as a promising anode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The first step consisted of a mechanically induced self‐sustaining reaction via ball‐milling at room temperature to produce titanium niobium carbide with a Ti and Nb stoichiometric ratio of 1 to 5. The second step involved the oxidation of as‐synthesized titanium niobium carbide to produce TNO. Synthetic air yielded fully oxidized TNO, while annealing in CO2 resulted in TNO/carbon hybrids. The electrochemical performance for the hybrid and non‐hybrid electrodes was surveyed in a narrow potential window (1.0–2.5 V vs. Li/Li+) and a large potential window (0.05–2.5 V vs. Li/Li+). The best hybrid material displayed a specific capacity of 350 mAh g−1 at a rate of 0.01 A g−1 (144 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1) in the large potential window regime. The electrochemical performance of hybrid materials was superior compared to non‐hybrid materials for operation within the large potential window. Due to the advantage of carbon in hybrid material, the rate handling was faster than that of the non‐hybrid one. The hybrid materials displayed robust cycling stability and maintained ca. 70 % of their initial capacities after 500 cycles. In contrast, only ca. 26 % of the initial capacity was maintained after the first 40 cycles for non‐hybrid materials. We also applied our hybrid material as an anode in a full‐cell lithium‐ion battery by coupling it with commercial LiMn2O4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simple solvothermal self-assemble of CuI, 1,4-bis(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)butane (L1) and HI in a C2H5OH solvent at pH = 2 created a new H2(L1)2+-templated 1-D chained iodocuprate(I) [H2(L1)][Cu3I5] 1. The crystal data reveal that the Cu-I chain mode in 1 is rare. Two folded Cu2I2 cores first aggregate into a trinuclear cluster by sharing an edge. Then the extra I− ions doublely bridge these trinuclear clusters into the title 1-D chain of 1. Synchronously, a non-folded Cu2I2 cluster is formed. In 1, all of the Cu···Cu distances are smaller than 2.8 Å. The investigation on photoluminescence property indicates that with the decrease of the temperature, the photoluminescence emission for 1 exhibits a minor change from the green-yellow light (298 K) to yellow light (77 K). This means that 1 might possess the fluorescent thermochromic property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we demonstrate the in-situ synthesis of a functional hybrid material of calcium alginate (CaAlg)/nano-silver phosphate (nano-Ag 3 PO 4). The morphology of nano Ag 3 PO 4 was in spherical shape with a diameter of 10–60 nm, and uniformly distributed in the continuous phase of CaAlg. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the hybrid material reached 61.4%, which was about 53.0% higher than that of CaAlg. In addition, its heat release rate, total heat release and smoke emission were much lower than those of CaAlg. The thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared analysis and pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry results indicate that the synthesized material released less flammable gas, compared to CaAlg, and the thermal mechanism of CaAlg/Ag 3 PO 4 was proposed based on the data. Furthermore, the antibacterial rate of the hybrid material against common pathogens was >97%. This study prefigures the promising application of the marine polysaccharide functional materials in the field of the fire protection and epidemic prevention. Unlabelled Image • Highly properties composites were synthesized with a simple sol-gel method. • Sodium alginate acts as a stabilizer for nano-Ag 3 PO 4 before becoming gel. • The limiting oxygen index value of calcium alginate/nano-Ag 3 PO 4 was 61.4. • The composites have lower TSR, better flame retardant and antibacterial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite halide materials are currently attracting considerable attention owing to their superior optical and electrical properties. This study proposes a reliable process for synthesizing hybrid nanomaterials made of methylammonium tin iodide (MASnI 3) submicron spheres and tin dioxide (SnO 2) nanowires. Post-fabricated hybrid nanomaterials were investigated for NO 2 sensing properties at 25 °C in the dark. The effect of moisture on the NO 2 sensitivity of this material was investigated. The durability of sensor components using this material was also investigated. In this paper, we also discuss the NO 2 sensitivity mechanism of MASnI 3 /SnO 2 hybrid nanomaterials in detail. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of ambient (home, office, outdoor) atmosphere in order to check the presence of dangerous gases is getting more and more important. Therefore, tiny sensors capable to distinguish the presence of specific pollutants is crucial. Herein, a resistive sensor based on a carbon modified tin oxide nanowires, able to classify different gases and estimate their concentration, is presented. The C-SnO2 nanostructures are grown by chemical vapor deposition and then used as a conductometric sensor under a temperature gradient. The device works at lower temperatures than pure SnO2, with a better response. Five outputs are collected and combined to form multidimensional data that are specific of each gas. Machine learning algorithms are applied to these multidimensional data in order to teach the system how to recognize different gases. The six tested gases (acetone, ammonia, CO, ethanol, hydrogen, and toluene) are perfectly classified by three models, demonstrating the goodness of the raw sensor response. The gas concentration can also be estimated, with an average error of 36% on the low concentration range 1–50 ppm, making the sensor suitable for detecting the exceedance of the danger thresholds.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was synthesized by heating urea at different temperatures (773–923 K) in air, and was examined as a photocatalyst for CO2 reduction. With increasing synthesis temperature, the conversion of urea into g-C3N4 was facilitated, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The as-synthesized g-C3N4 samples, further modified with Ag nanoparticles, were capable of reducing CO2 into formate under visible light (λ > 400 nm) in the presence of triethanolamine as an electron donor, with the aid of a molecular Ru(II) cocatalyst (RuP). The CO2 reduction activity was improved by increasing the synthesis temperature of g-C3N4, with the maximum activity obtained at 873–923 K. This trend was also consistent with that observed in photocatalytic H2 evolution using Pt-loaded g-C3N4. The photocatalytic activities of RuP/g-C3N4 for CO2 reduction and H2 evolution were thus shown to be strongly associated with the generation of the crystallized g-C3N4 phase.

Two new organic-inorganic hybrid compounds containing dicarboxylic pyridine acids have been obtained and characterized. Both compounds are potassium oxidodiperoxidomolybdates with 2,6-dicarboxylicpyridine acid or 3,5-dicarboxylicpyridine acid moieties, respectively. The chemical formula for the first one is C14H7K3Mo2N2O18 denoted as K26dcpa, the second C7H4K1Mo1N1O11.5—K35dcpa. Their crystal structures were determined using single crystal (K26dcpa) or XRPD—X-ray powder diffraction techniques (K35dcpa). The purity of the compounds was confirmed by elemental analysis. Their thermal stability was determined with the use of non-ambient XRPD. In addition, they were examined by IR spectroscopy methods and catalytic activity studies were performed for them. Catalytic tests in the Baeyer–Villiger reaction and biological activity have been performed for eight compounds: K26dcpa, K35dcpa, and six peroxidomolybdates previously obtained by our group. The anti-proliferative activity of peroxidomolybdenum compounds after 24 h of incubation was studied in vitro against three selected human tumor cell lines (SW620, LoVo, HEP G2) and normal human cells (fibroblasts). The data were expressed as IC50 values. The structure of the investigated oxodiperoxomolybdenum compounds was shown to have influence on the biological activity and catalytic properties. It has been shown that the newly-obtained compound, K35dcpa, is a very efficient catalyst in the Baeyer–Villiger reaction. The best biological activity results were obtained for Na-picO (previously obtained by us), which is a very effective anti-cancer agent towards SW 620 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been widely used in nanomedicine in the last few years. However, their potential is limited by their intrinsic properties resulting, for instance, in lack of control in drug release processes or complex detection for in vivo imaging. Recent attempts in creating hybrid nanomaterials combining MIPs with inorganic nanomaterials succeeded in providing a wide range of new interesting properties suitable for nanomedicine. Through this review, we aim to illustrate how hybrid molecularly imprinted polymers may improve patient care with enhanced imaging, treatments, and a combination of both.

In the present work, Cu@KCC‐1‐NH‐CS2 as a green, efficient, and reusable nano‐reactor was designed and used for the one‐pot, three‐component synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromene derivatives using the reaction of cyclic 1,3‐diketones, arylglyoxals, and malononitrile, under reflux conditions in EtOH. Engineered nanocatalyst characterized using different methods including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), adsorption/desorption analysis (BET), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). According to the obtained results, presented protocol for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes using Cu@KCC‐1‐NH‐CS2 gave the desired products in higher yields (89–98%) with short reaction times. Also, under mild reaction conditions this green nanocatalyst indicated recyclable behavior five times with minor reduce in its catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of eco-friendly hybrid sol–gel coatings for long term protection of metallic substrates from aggressive environments was one of the emerging areas, competing with conventional chromate and phosphate coatings. Herein, a nanocomposite has been synthesized from TiO 2 and PVA through a novel sol-gel route and the structure and morphology of the same was characterized using X-ray diffraction, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, FESEM with EDAX, and AFM studies. The flower-like structured composite offers excellent corrosion protection properties in NaCl solution of sea water salinity. Impedance and polarization studies were carried out to monitor the anticorrosion performance of the materials coating. This coating on mild steel offers 98% inhibition efficiency in NaCl. The influence of loading PVA on TiO 2 and its effect on corrosion efficiency have also been investigated. It is found that an optimum weight of 20 wt% PVA is required in the composite for beneficial corrosion resistance. 92% inhibition efficiency is registered by the coated MS in NaCl solution after 40 days of exposure and is quite encouraging compared to many of the recent reports. The Ti–O–Ti, and Fe-Ti-O linkage along with compactness and adherence of the material together contribute to better blocking of steel corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive polymers, such as polyaniline (PANI) and polypyrrole (PPy), are widely used in the design of supercapacitors because of their high pseudo-capacitive performance as well as facile synthesis and low cost. In this study, hybrid aerogels based on reduced graphene oxide and ZnMn2O4 were modified by PANI and PPy. The 3D structure of the hybrid aerogels was obtained by using a one-step hydrothermal co-assembly method. Then, aniline and pyrrole were polymerized on and within the structure of the hybrid aerogel through in situ polymerization. The electrochemical properties of the hybrid aerogels were studied via cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge testing to identify the effects of conductive polymers on the electrochemical properties of materials. It has been established that PANI and PPy facilitate an increase of the specific capacitance of rGO/ZnMn2O4 aerogels up to 297.8 F/g and 108.24 F/g at 0.2 A/g scan rate, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new magnetic core-shell multiwalled carbon nanotube@nanodiamond nanocomposite was synthesized, characterized and used as magnetic solid-phase extraction material. The usability of material was checked on the separation and pre-concentration of quercetin in tea samples by magnetic solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector system. There was a linear relationship between chromatographic area and concentration of quercetin in the range of 5.0–600 ng mL−1. The limit of detection and quantification limits were 1.46 and 4.91 ng mL−1, respectively. The developed method has been applied to determine quercetin at trace levels in tea samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing hybrid composites with organic and inorganic materials at different length scales provides unconventional opportunities in the field of thermoelectric materials, which are classified as hybrid crystal, superlattice, and nanocomposite. A variety of new techniques have been proposed to fabricate hybrid thermoelectric materials with homogeneous microstructures and intimate interfaces, which are critical for good thermoelectric performance. The combination of organic and inorganic materials at the nano or atomic scale can cause strong perturbation in the structural, electron, and phonon characteristics, providing new mechanisms to decouple electrical and thermal transport properties that are not attainable in the pure organic or inorganic counterparts. Because of their increasing thermoelectric performance, compositional diversity, mechanical flexibility, and ease of fabrication, hybrid materials have become the most promising candidates for flexible energy harvesting and solid-state cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid composite based on graphene oxide (GO) and covalent organic framework (COF) [GO/COF] was developed via a simple solvothermal method, at which GO was applied as a platform to load COF based on melamine and terephthaldehyde. The synthesized hybrid nanocomposite was characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, EDX and SEM techniques. Morphological analyses carried out by SEM confirm the successful growth of COF over GO. Then, the resultant composite was employed as an amazing and cost‐effective catalyst in the condensation of several aldehydes with malononitrile and produced the corresponding coupling products in high yields (up to 84%) at room temperature under solvent‐free conditions with an amount of catalyst, 15 mg in a very short reaction time of 10 min. The catalyst could be reused without a noteworthy drop in catalytic activity at least eight times. The use of GO/COF catalyst outcomes under mild reaction conditions in very short reaction time, exceptional catalytic activity, high recyclability and an easy work‐up process for the Knoevenagel condensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin-based nanocomposite films were prepared by casting and characterized as a sensitive hybrid material to relative humidity changes in the development of electrical sensors. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and glycerol (Gly) were incorporated as reinforcing and plasticizing agents, respectively, and their effects on the sensibility property of films were investigated. The proposed sensors were investigated at 25 °C. The behavior of gelatin-based films as a function of water presence was analyzed in terms of moisture content (MC), water vapor permeability (WVP), and water contact angle (WCA). The incorporation of ZnO-NPs and Gly induced morphological and structural changes in the composite films. Increased WCA (7.51%) and reduced WVP (18%) were observed for the nanocomposite films. In addition, ZnO-NPs and Gly significantly contributed to a further improvement of relative humidity sensibility of films compared to the control film. Electrical characterizations, carried out at different environments for gelatin-based films, revealed a positive responsive relative humidity behavior of materials and a sensibility of 99.47% for hybrid materials, suggesting the development of a new promising nanocomposite material for monitoring relative humidity conditions at 25 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminated composite structures have attracted the interest of the modern industry due to their high performances and reduced weight when compared to traditional structural materials. However, they are very sensitive towards out-of-plane dynamic loading that can generate Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID) within the structure and cause a drastic detriment of mechanical properties. One solution is proposed to overcome this problem by the hybridisation of the laminate stacking sequence using Shear Thickening Fluids (STFs) for absorption of large fractions of impact energy with a minimal damage generation. This work numerically investigated the impact response of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) when a silica-based STF is embedded within the lamination sequence utilising an innovative Ls-Dyna-based Finite-Element Model (FEM). This was developed using an Arbitrary Lagrangian Element (ALE) approach in a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis and calibrated with an experimental impact campaign to determine the best impact resistance as a function of the STF position along the thickness of the laminate. The results showed an improvement in impact resistance for all the hybrid configurations identifying the optimal STF location in the upper portion of the laminate with a reduction in absorbed energy of ~ 42%, damaged area of ~ 35% alongside an increase in contact force (~ 36%) with respect to conventional laminate with same stacking sequence and number of plies. The results showed that STF/CFRP structures can be successfully employed for applications in several advanced sectors including aerospace, automotive and energy (wind blades) representing an important step-up in the development of high-impact resistant hybrid composite structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thiol-epoxy/thiol-Si-methacrylate (namely polysiloxane-methacrylate) hybrid networks with systematic variations were prepared by free-radical photoinitiator (ITX) and photo-base generator (TBD·HBPh4) that induce photopolymerization. The photopolymerization kinetics investigated with real-time infrared spectroscopy indicated that the thiol-Si-methacrylate reaction was faster and more efficient than the thiol-epoxy reaction (>80% conversion in about 60 seconds and 7–10 min, respectively), and the thiol conversion increased with an increase of the Si-methacrylate content. The effect of the Si-methacrylate content on the microtopography and properties of the UV-cured films was systematically studied. The results showed that the introduction of Si-methacrylate into the hybrid systems can enhance the thermostability and elongation at break of the films, and reduce glass-transition temperature (Tg), hardness and tensile strength. Moreover, the increase of the polysiloxane-methacrylate content in the hybrid networks can reduce the dispersion surface energy of the polymer films to generate a more hydrophobic surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]