Abstract: The substantial presence of nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) in outdoor environments detrimentally impacts natural ecosystems and exerts significant influence on urban climates. Conventional NOx treatment methods frequently suffer from challenges such as harsh reaction conditions and high energy consumption. Consequently, the development of advanced photocatalytic systems to efficiently degrade NOx while minimizing the formation of toxic byproducts represents a critical challenge in environmental catalysis. In this study, a novel ternary composite material (5% Mo-CN/InP-NBOC) was constructed via hydrothermal synthesis and surface modification strategies, achieving 42% NO oxidation efficiency under visible light irradiation with a mere 0.9% NO2 generation rate. This performance demonstrates efficient photocatalytic NO oxidation while effectively suppressing NO2 production. Systematic characterization techniques, including XRD, TEM, and XPS, confirmed the successful integration of InP quantum dots (5–10 nm) and amorphous Mo-CN onto NBOC nanosheets, forming an intimate heterojunction structure. PL and ESR analyses revealed that Mo-CN enhances charge carrier separation and governs the NO oxidation process through the activation of dual free radical pathways (•O2⁻ and •OH). This work establishes a "quantum dot-primary catalyst-cocatalyst" ternary collaborative design paradigm, providing experimental evidence and theoretical models to address the challenges of synergistic optimization among activity, selectivity, and stability in photocatalytic NOx treatment.

Abstract: Perfluoropropionic acid (CF₃CF₂C(O)OH) will be investigated with a focus on its complex structural properties. As a formal derivative of propanoic acid, the incorporation of fluorine atoms imparts unique structural features, including three distinct monomeric conformations and a dimeric structure. This study presents experimental findings, supported by computational modeling, to explore these characteristics. The analysis includes an FTIR study of the isolated species in an Ar-cryogenic matrix and the low-temperature determination of its crystalline structure using single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Abstract: The rapid advancement of materials science is driving the development of emerging advanced materials such as nanomaterials, composites, biomaterials, and high-performance metals. These materials possess unique properties and offer significant potential for innovative applications across industries. Standardization plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability, consistency, and comparability of material quality assessments. Although typical material specification standards, which rigidly define allowable characteristic ranges, are well-suited for established materials like steel, they may not be directly applicable to emerging advanced materials due to their novelty and evolving nature. To address this challenge, a distinct approach is required—flexible yet robust testing standards. This paper introduces scenario-based methodologies, a structured approach to developing such standards, with a particular focus on metrological aspects of measurement methods and procedures. Additionally, self-assessment processes aimed at verifying measurement reliability are integrated into the methodology. These methodologies involve defining target materials and their applications, identifying critical material characteristics, specifying appropriate measurement methods and procedures, and promoting adaptable yet reliable guidelines. To maintain relevance with metrological advancements and evolving market demands, testing standards should undergo periodic review and updates. This approach enhances industrial confidence and facilitates market integration.

Abstract: Arising from Zhang et al. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08387-9 The authors present a multi-layer-stacked crystalline 2D Polyaniline (PAni) structure with metallic out-of-plane electrical conductivity.[1] They claim this out-of-plane metallic conductivity (15 S/cm) to be the highest conductivity of this type ever published. The PAni structure presented would in fact be unique and a new structure principle for conductive polymers as their model involves single chains as network strings in a 2D layer. While this publication offers some interesting prospects, there are too many unsupported statements, hence having found a new principle may be least premature. [1] Zhang, T., Chen, S., Petkov, P.S.et al.Two-dimensional polyaniline crystal with metallic out-of-plane conductivity.Nature638, 411–417 (2025)

Abstract: To keep up with the times, speed is one of the features of the turbofan engine, and this means operating under harsh conditions of high temperature and pressure. This is why engine parts, especially the high pressure turbine blades (HPT- Bs), often suffer from damage due to high temperature, high pressure, foreign bodies (FOD) impact and other factors. This study aims to apply a new thermal barrier coating (TBC) to increase HPT-Bs service cycles, reduce replace and maintain cost so preserve natural resources for future generations. To achieve this, a thermal spray method was used to apply NiCrBSi (as bond coat) and Ni based reinforced with tungsten carbide (WC) (as top coat) as composite TBC system with thickness 200-300 ?m, onto nickel based alloy substrate under conditions selected using the Taguchi program. By the microstructure, micro-hardness, thermal cycling and hot erosion tests, the TBC layer performance was investigated. Moreover, results were studied and discussions using a SEM, Optical microscopy and XRD analysis.

Abstract: Magnesium-lithium alloys, currently the lightest metallic structural materials, exhibit exceptional specific strength, superior damping capacity, and remarkable electromagnetic shielding properties. These characteristics endow them with significant potential for engineering applications in automotive, aerospace, satellite, and military industries. However, their poor corrosion resistance severely restricts practical implementation. This review systematically examines recent advances in surface engineering techniques for magnesium-lithium alloys, with a focus on corrosion protection strategies. Key approaches are critically analyzed, including chemical conversion coatings, electroless plating, anodization, and advanced coating technologies. Furthermore, emerging hybrid methods combining multiple surface treatments are highlighted. Finally, future research directions are proposed to address existing challenges in surface protection of magnesium-lithium alloys.

Abstract: Engineered substances that demonstrate superior properties compared with conventional materials are called advanced materials. Thermal energy storage systems based on Phase Change Materials (PCMs) offer an eco-friendly solution to reduce fuel and electricity consumption. The PCMs are compounds that can store thermal energy in the form of latent heat during phase transitions. Green synthesis of core/shell composite PCMs is an environmentally friendly method for producing these materials, focusing on reducing energy consumption, minimizing the use of harmful chemicals, and utilizing biodegradable or sustainable materials. Green synthesis methods typically involve natural materials, solvent-free techniques, green solvents, biomimetic approaches, and energy-efficient processes. This review presents the principles of latent heat thermal energy storage systems with PCMs in accordance with physical chemistry guidance. Furthermore, materials that can be used as PCMs, along with the most effective methods for improving their thermal performance, as well as various passive applications in the building sector, are highlighted. Finally, the focus on the combination of environmentally friendly processes and the performance benefits of composite PCMs that offer a sustainable solution for thermal energy storage and management is also discussed.

Abstract: Resistive gas sensors are among the most widely used sensors for detection of various gases. In this type of gas sensors, gas sensing capability is linked to surface properties of sensing layer and accordingly, modification of sensing surface is of importance to improve sensing output. Plasma treatment is a promising way to modify the surface properties of gas sensors, mainly by changing of amounts of oxygen ions that have a central role on the gas sensing reactions. In this review paper we are focusing on the role of plasma treatment of gas sensing features of resistive gas sensors. After an introduction about air pollution and toxic gases followed by an introduction about resistive gas sensors, the main concepts about plasma are presented. In the next part, the impact of plasma treatment on the sensing characteristics of various sensing materials are discussed. As gas sensing field is an interdisciplinary field, we believe that present review paper is highly interesting for researchers with various backgrounds working on gas sensors.

Abstract: Calcium lignosulfonate was incorporated into rubber compounds based on styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) in the amount ranging from 10 to 60 phr. Sulfur based curing system and peroxide curing system consisting of dicumyl peroxide in combination with methacrylic acid zinc salt were used for cross-linking of rubber compounds. The aim of the work was to investigate the influence of lignosulfonate and curing system composition of curing process, cross-link density, morphology, physical-mechanical and dynamic-mechanical properties of composites. The achieved results showed that peroxide cured composites demonstrated higher cross-link density, which was found not to be influenced by the content of lignosulfonate. The cross-link density of sulfur cured composites was lower and showed a decreasing trend with increasing amount of the biopolymer. Lower cross-linking degree was reflected in higher elongation at break and higher increase of elongation at break of the corresponding composites. On the other hand, peroxide cured composites exhibited higher modulus M100 and higher hardness. The microscopic analysis revealed that co-agent in peroxide vulcanization contributed to the improvement of adhesion between the biopolymer and the rubber resulting in higher tensile strength of the equivalent composites. Higher cross-link density of peroxide cured composites caused higher restriction of the chains segments' mobility due to which these composites exhibited higher glass transition temperature.

Abstract: In this paper, we compared the effects of alumina nanoparticles and silicon nitride layer deposited on multi-crystalline silicon separately of structure, optic, and optoelectronic properties, to achieve excellent surface. Alumina nanoparticles -covered mc-Si immersion in HF/H2O2/HNO3 and porous silicon covered with silicon nitride structure are the key factors to achieving a high electronic quality of multi-crystalline silicon. Consequently, the surface reflectivity decreases from 35% to 2% for alumina nanoparticles/PS and to 5% for silicon nitride/PS in the wavelength range of 250–1200 nm. Meanwhile, the minority carrier diffusion length increases from 2 µm to 300 µm for PS combined with SiNx and to 100 µm for alumina nanoparticles/PS. Furthermore, the Two-Dimensional Produced Current measurement shows a significant enhancement compared to bare mc-Si (2.8 nA), reaching a maximum of 34 nA for alumina nanoparticles/PS and 66 nA for PS combined with SiN. These results indicate that multi-crystalline silicon surface passivation using aluminum/PS or PS combined with SiNx is an effective approach to enhancing the electronic quality of mc-Si wafers, thereby improving the efficiency of mc-Si-based solar cells.

Abstract: Although bioleaching of secondary copper sulfides has been industrialized for decades, application of bioleaching to chalcopyrite is still under development due to low leaching rate. The effect of contact microbes on chalcopyrite leaching remains unclear due to the technical challenges in separating the contact (sessile micro-organisms) and the non-contact (planktonic micro-organisms) processes. Chalcopyrite bioleaching experiments were conducted using a novel device which stabilized the redox potential and distinguished between the microbial contact and non-contact effects. The contribution of the microbial “contact mechanism” in chalcopyrite leaching was quantified considering different redox potentials, compared to the “non-contact mechanism”. Based on the copper leaching kinetics and morphology of the leaching residue, it was demonstrated that the leaching rate of chalcopyrite was significantly influenced by the redox potential (850 mV > 650 mV > 750 mV). At each redox potential, the chalcopyrite leaching rate was higher with the presence of sessile microbes than without sessile microbes. Analysis of the leached chalcopyrite surface using time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) revealed the formation of polysulfide and elemental sulfur at the surface. However, the elemental sulfur content at the leach residue surface with the contact microorganisms was less than one-third of the surface elemental sulfur content in the absence of microorganisms. The sulfur-oxidizing microbes preferred sessile acidophiles at the chalcopyrite surface, thus played an important role in degrading the sulfur passivation layer. In chalcopyrite bioleaching, the “contact mechanism” was primarily explained by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria promoting chalcopyrite oxidation through the removal of sulfur intermediates, while the “non-contact mechanism” was explained by ferrous-oxidizing microbes influencing the redox potential.

Abstract: Thin films of bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass slides were successfully formed by the chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. In this work, a new sulfur precursor L-cysteine was used instead of the typical sulfur precursors such as urea, thiosulfate or thioacetamide used for the formation of Bi2S3 films by the CBD method. The synthesized Bi2S3 thin film on FTO substrate was subjected to characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and UV–Visible spectroscopy analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that initially, Bi2S3 films of amorphous structure with elemental sulfur impurities were formed on the FTO surface. During the annealing of the samples, amorphous Bi2S3 was transformed into its crystalline phase with an average crystallite size of about 22.06 nm. EDS studies confirmed that some of the sulfur not bound to bismuth during annealing was removed from the Bi2S3 films. The influence of the morphology of Bi2S3 films on their optical properties was confirmed by studies in the UV-visible range.

Abstract: A combined crystallographic/computational analysis focused on the supramolecular features of the crystal structure of N,N'-diethyloxamide (NNDO) is discussed in this work. The studied compound was obtained unexpectedly during the synthesis of a series of salts of cyclic oximes derivatives. In the solid state NNDO is stabilized essentially through a strong N–H···O hydrogen bond but Hirshfeld surface analysis and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to evaluate the strength of the predominant hydrogen bonds observed in the X-ray structure, as well as the secondary CH···O and CH···N contacts established between the ethyl groups and the perpendicular dioxamide group. These interactions were further investigated using a combination of Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) and Non-Covalent Interaction Plot (NCIplot) computational tools, and were rationalized using Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) surface calculations.

Abstract: The need for renewable and biodegradable materials for packaging applications has grown significantly in recent years. Growing environmental worries over the widespread using of synthetic and non-biodegradable polymeric packaging, particularly polyethylene linked to this increase in demand. This work focuses on the degradation of the low-de,nsity polyethylene LDPE properties which is basically widely used in the packaging, after adding different natural fillers, which is sustainable, compatible, and biodegradable natural polymers .The LDPE was mixed with (2.5, 5, and 10) wt% of each (sawdust, powder cellulose, and Nano crystalline cellulose CNC). The composites melted and mixed using a twin-screw extruder machine with a screw speed of 50 rpm at 190 C, to produce sheets through a specific die. These sheets used to prepare samples for rheological test through viscosity curve, flow curve and non-Newtonian mathematical model using capillary rheometer at 170, 190,and 210oC. X-ray diffraction and degradation tests at short period carried out in soil with a pH of 6.5 and 50% humidity at 27°C. The results showed that the composites melts were non-Newtonian and the shear thinning behavior dominant during viscosity curves. The shear viscosity increases with the different cellulose additives increasing. The 5% ratio indicated higher viscosity for all composites melts and the LDPE\CNC melts showed higher viscosity at different temperatures. The curve fitting was proved that the suitable model for all flows of the composites melts was power law .The LDPE\ sawdust and powder cellulose melts showed higher flow index n and lower viscosity consistency k compared with the LDPE\CNC melt at different temperatures. The sawdust and powder composites indicate higher weight loss compared with the CNC/LDPE composites, these results supported by digital images after 30 day. The degradation test and weight loss illustrate stronger relation with the viscosity values at low shear rate. The higher the shear viscosity the lower the degradation and vice versa.

Abstract: This study focuses on the development and characterization of biodegradable polymer composite materials with a polypropylene (PP) matrix and hybrid fillers. The fillers incorporated into these composites consisted of a blend of fibers and particles derived from natural, biodegradable materials, such as flax fibers (FF) and wood flour (WF) particles. The compositions of polymer material were expressed as PP/FF/WF weight ratios of 100/0/0, 70/5/25, and 70/10/20. The polymer materials were prepared using conventional plastic processing methods like extrusion to produce composite mixtures, followed by melt injection to manufacture the samples needed for characterization. The structural characterization of the polymer materials was conducted using optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, while thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties were also evaluated. Additionally, their biodegradation behavior under mould exposure was assessed over six months. The results were analyzed comparatively, and the optimal composition was identified as the polymer composite containing the highest flax fiber content, namely PP + 10% flax fiber + 20% wood flour.

Abstract: Due to its admirable adsorption capacity, activated carbon is used widely as an adsorbent. Thus, it proves to be an effective adsorbent for environmental remediation, water purification, and air cleaning. The present work takes a perspective on the synthesis, characterization, and adsorption behavior of activated carbon from walnut shell, an environmental waste material of huge renewable source. High-surface-area activated carbon with high adsorption capacity was prepared by chemical activation based on the utilization of phosphoric acid. The synthesized AC is characterized by using sophisticated techniques: SEM, FTIR, BET, and XRD. Batch adsorption tests using methylene blue (MB) were carried out to measure adsorption efficiency, with recorded maximum adsorption capacity reaching 450 mg/g. These results highlight the walnut shell activated carbon as an efficient, economical, and green adsorbent. This shows the feasibility of this material on the industrial scale for applications to purify water and air: a safe method for treating agricultural waste besides fighting against environmental pollution. Results reveal that even moderate conditions lead to a very porous architecture with BET surface area higher than 1200 m²/g. FTIR and XRD illustrate functional groups and the presence of amorphous carbon structures, corresponding to SEM images of a well-defined porous network. These results underline that WSAC can serve as an effective, sustainable, and economic adsorbent that can find applications in extra-large environmental applications, elaborating a circular economy concept converting agricultural waste into resources for pollution elimination.

Abstract: Polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) are the most important polymer admixtures in cement and concrete. Developing novel, green, and efficient synthesis methods is essential to lowering energy consumption. Here, a mechanochemical internal mixing polymerization was used to synthesize high-concentration PCEs (INPCEs) for the first time. The optimum reaction temperature, reaction rotating speed, and reaction time were determined using the orthogonal method. The optimum acid-ether ratio (i.e. the molar ratio of acrylic acid (AA) to isopentenyl polyoxyethylene ether (TPEG)) and concentrations of ammonium persulfate (APS) and sodium methacrylate sulfonate (MAS) were also determined. Finally, the molecular structures of the INPCEs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and their performance and energy consumption were compared with PCE synthesized via an aqueous solution polymerization (TPCE). The results showed that the optimum reaction temperature, rotating speed, and time were 60 °C, 70 R/min, and 60 min, respectively. In addition, the acid-ether ratio, concentrations of MAS and APS, and the polymerization method affected the molecular weight and PDI of INPCEs but did not alter the functional groups. At an AA:TPEG:MAS molar of 3.5:1:0.12 and an APS concentration of 1 wt% (relative to TPEG), the initial fluidity of cement paste with INPCE was 312.5 mm at an INPCE dosage of 0.20 wt% and a water-cement ratio of 0.35. Further, the concentrations of the INPCEs were＞99.00 wt%, which is much higher than the TPCE concentration of 39.73 wt%, the dispersion and dispersion retention of INPCE was almost as good as that of TPCE, while requiring much less energy for synthesis. These findings can contribute to the reduction of energy consumption in the concrete industry.

Abstract: Upcycling horticulture residues offers a sustainable solution to reduce environmental impact, maximize resource utilization, mitigate climate change, and contribute to the circular economy. We synthesized and characterized fourteen natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) and applied them to upcycle horticulture residues offering an innovative valorization approach. With initial many factors at a time (MFAT) screening followed by a rotatable central composite response surface methodology (RCCRSM) for optimization, quadratic models fitted the response data for all the synthesized NADESs given: TPC (R2 = 0.984, p < 0.0001), TFC (R2= 0.9999, p < 0.0001), and AA- CUPRAC (R2 = 0.918, p < 0.0001), FRAP (R2 =1.000, P < 0001), and DPPH (R2 = 0.9992, p < 0.0001). Ultrasound temperature 45°C, extraction time 5 min, solvent volume 25 mL, and solvent concentration 90% (v/v) were considered the optimal conditions for maximum desirability (0.9936) of TPC yield; 30°C, 5 min, 25 ml, and 90% (v/v) for maximum desirability (0.9003) for TFC and CUPRAC with maximum desirability (1.00). The maximum desirability for FRAP was (0.9605) at conditions of 45°C, 25 min, 25 ml, and 50%, while DPPH with maximum desirability of (0.9313) had 50°C, 15 min, 15 mL, and 70% (v/v) as the optimized conditions respectively.

Abstract:

The need for early diagnosis of diseases, especially severe and rare diseases, has increased the demand for developing better biosensors for diagnosis. These tools can diagnose diseases at their early stage and sometimes even before the onset of symptoms. This review is focused on the analysis of the methods of biosensor creation and their application for early disease diagnosis. This review includes various categories of biosensors, including nanomaterials, aptamers, and peptides. The focus is on developing these sensors and employing the right materials. Different fabrication techniques are presented, including thin-film deposition, lithography, printing, and microfluidics, due to their merits and disadvantages. This review also examines the effectiveness of these biosensors in clinical practice and various laboratory tests. We also focus on enhancing performance and sensitivity when nanomaterials and nanotechnology are employed. Additionally, we discuss scalability, reproducibility, and suggest ways to overcome these issues. We also describe current and emerging developments in advanced biosensors, including point-of-care and biosensor fusion systems. This review will be helpful for scholars, practitioners, and decision-makers because it concentrates on biosensor design and implementation technology.

Abstract: Hydrogels are promising materials for biomedical applications due to their tunable properties. Despite significant research on optimizing the mechanical and rheological properties of chitosan hydrogels, a comprehensive analysis incorporating pH and molarity of the neutralizing solution is still lacking. This study addresses this gap by evaluating how these factors influence rheological characteristics of chitosan hydrogels. The hydrogels were prepared using an acidic blend and were neutralized with sodium hydroxide solutions. Rheological characterization demonstrated that all samples exhibited pseudoplastic behavior, with viscosity decreasing under shear stress. Higher pH values’ hydrogels showed reduced viscosity, linked to decreased protonation and electrostatic repulsion between chitosan chains, while more acidic conditions led to higher viscosity and entanglements. NaOH concentration impacted gel stability; lower concentrations resulted in more stable gels, whereas higher concentrations increased crosslinking but compromised integrity at elevated pH. These findings are critical for designing chitosan hydrogels with tailored properties for targeted biomedical uses.