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The wettability of ionic liquids (ILs) is relevant to their use in various applications. However, a mechanistic understanding of how the cation-anion pair affects wettability is still evolving. Here, focusing on phosphonium ILs, wettability was characterized in terms of contact angle using experiments and classical molecular dynamics simulations. Both experiments and simulations showed that the contact angle was affected by the anion and increased as benzoate < salicylate < saccharinate. Further, the simulations showed that the contact angle decreased with increasing cation alkyl chain length for these anions paired with five different tetra-alkyl-phosphonium cations. The trends were explained in terms of adhesive and cohesive energies in the simulations and then correlated to the atomic scale differences between the anions and the cations.

ABSTRACT The study investigated the potential of waste plastic oil (PO) as an alternative to petroleum‐based lubricants, specifically mineral oil. The rheological properties, dispersion stability, friction, and wear performance of PO were examined and compared with mineral oil. Results showed that PO demonstrated similar lubrication performance to mineral oil. To enhance the lubrication performance of PO, the study incorporated various concentrations of nano CuO solid lubricant additives, resulting in the formation of CuO nano lubricants. These lubricants showed an improvement in friction and wear by 20% and 44% compared with PO. Furthermore, the CuO solid lubricant additives were functionalized and incorporated in the same concentrations into PO, resulting in the formation of functionalized nano lubricants, which further lowered the friction and wear by 28% and 91% compared with PO. The novelty of the paper is that a simple chemical functionalization process that not only helped in improving its dispersion stability of additives in the PO, but also enhanced the wear performance. The mechanisms behind the enhancement of friction and wear performance were discussed. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that incorporating functionalized nano additives in PO improve friction and wear performance in mechanical components, promoting wider utilisation of PO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of lithium into technological applications has profoundly influenced human development, particularly in energy storage systems like lithium-ion batteries. With global demand for lithium surging alongside technological advancements, the sustainable extraction and recovery of this critical material have become increasingly vital. This paper explores lithium's role, its chemical properties, and the environmental and economic considerations associated with its extraction and recovery. We examine various lithium recovery methods, including conventional techniques such as hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and direct physical recycling, as well as emerging technologies like mechanochemistry, ion pumping, and bioleaching while emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to address environmental challenges. The review also discusses the challenges and future directions of lithium recovery. Advances in technology have streamlined lithium recovery processes and spurred the development of innovative extraction techniques. This paper concludes with an emphasis on further research essential to deepen our understanding of lithium recovery methods, their strengths and limitations, and the need to explore new strategies to meet the growing global demand for this indispensable resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global shift towards sustainability is driving the electrification of transportation and the adoption of clean energy storage solutions, moving away from internal combustion engines. This transition significantly impacts lithium-ion battery production in the electric vehicle (EV) market. This paper summarizes specialized topics to highlight regional differences and specific challenges related to electric batteries, focusing on how pollution from gas consumption, distribution, usage, and lithium production affects society. EV batteries offer promising opportunities for a sustainable future, considering their economic and environmental impacts and the importance of understanding their lifecycle. This analysis delves into the recovery of materials and various methods for extracting lithium and manufacturing EV batteries. Efficient lithium recovery is crucial and globally significant, with liquid extraction presenting a more environmentally friendly option. By addressing these challenges, this paper provides an overview of the rationale behind supporting the future of EVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser shock peening (LSP) is a formidable cold working surface treatment that provides high-energy precision to enhance the mechanical properties of materials. This paper delves into the intricacies of the LSP process, offering insights into its methodology and the simulation thereof through the finite element method. This review critically examines various points, such as laser energy, overlapping of shots, effect of LSP on residual stress, effect of LSP on grain refinement, and algorithms for simulation extrapolated from finite element analyses conducted by researchers, shedding light on the nuanced considerations integral to this technique. As the significance of LSP continues to grow, the collective findings underscore its potential as a transformative technology for fortifying materials against mechanical stress and improving their overall performance and longevity. The discourse encapsulates the evolving landscape of the LSP, emphasizing the pivotal role played by finite element analysis in advancing our understanding and application of this innovative surface treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]