Chemistry and Materials Science

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Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

José Roberto Vega-Baudrit

,

Mary Lopretti

,

Felipe Orozco

Abstract: Nanoplastics (NPs) in drinking water should be interpreted as the downstream analytical endpoint of a broader continuum of aquatic plastic pollution rather than as an isolated problem. Their detection remains analytically immature because environmentally relevant concentrations are low, particle chemistries are heterogeneous, natural colloids and treatment residuals interfere with measurement, and no single method can simultaneously resolve size, morphology, polymer identity, and mass concentration. Unlike occurrence-centered reviews, this PRISMA-guided review treats drinking-water nanoplastics as a metrological and molecular-identification problem in which preprocessing, particle-level confirmation, polymer-specific quantification, and uncertainty reporting must be integrated. A formal search was closed on 11 April 2026 using prespecified query families across publicly accessible scholarly records and backward citation chaining; 33 unique records were screened, 25 full texts were assessed, and 22 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Current evidence indicates that conventional FTIR and routine Raman workflows are inadequate for true nanoscale analysis, whereas advanced Raman-based approaches, AFM-IR, optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry offer complementary strengths but still have major limitations in throughput, particle-level information, or quantification. The main conclusion is that current uncertainty reflects unresolved analytical chemistry and metrological constraints as much as environmental variability. Regulatory progress will depend on orthogonal workflows, contamination-controlled preprocessing, validated reference materials, LOD/LOQ reporting, and interlaboratory harmonization.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Pasquale D’Angelo

,

Giuseppe Tarabella

Abstract: Aerosol Jet Printing, AJP, has emerged as a versatile direct ink writing technology enabling high-resolution, non-contact patterning of diverse biomaterials across a broad viscosity range. This capability facilitates the fabrication of complex micro- and mesoscale architectures on planar and non-planar substrates, advancing applications in biosensing, microfluidics, tissue engineering, and drug delivery fields. Herein, we review the integration of this high resolution, rapid prototyping method with bioinks, including proteins, DNA, collagen, gelatin, and silk fibroin, and analyze how processing parameters influence structural and functional outcomes designed for applications for the above mentioned bechnological fields. The ability by aerosol jet printing to combine structural, electrical, and biological functionalities within single platforms supports the development of multifunctional biomedical devices with higher potential with respect to analogies produced using other direct ink writing techniques. While challenges such as bioink stability and process scalability, as well as the lack of deeper analyses about the efficiency of real applicability of aerosol jet printed biotools, still remain open, AJP demonstrates significant promise as an enabling technology for next-generation biofabrication, offering new avenues for personalized and flexible biomedical applications.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Hamsa Noreen

,

Uzair Ali

,

Rozina Khattak

Abstract: This study successfully fabricated a graphene nanoplatelets-polythiophene (GNP-PTh) nanocomposites containing varying graphene concentrations (10-50 wt.%) through oxidative polymerization technique. The resulting nanocomposites revealed effective degradation of bromophenol blue and anticancer activity against U-87 glioma cells. The nanomaterials were characterized using FTIR and SEM that confirmed the integration of graphene nanoplatelets within the polythiophene matrix. UV-Vis spectroscopy and Tauc plot measurements reported the improved optical behavior and gradual decrease in band gap energy from 2.28 eV for pure PTh to 1.76 eV for GNP-PTh(50), representing better electronic connection and charge carrier transfer characteristics. The photocatalytic degradation of the synthesized nanocomposites was systematically assessed under different pH (5, 7 & 11) and temperature conditions (25-70 °C). The effects of pH and temperature exposed that alkaline conditions and optimized temperature favorably enhances the photocatalytic degradation kinetics and decrease the activation energy. In addition to wastewater treatment, the prepared nanocomposites explored remarkable concentration-dependent anticancer action against U-87 glioma cells. The GNP-PTh(50) showed considerably lesser IC₅₀ values and higher cytotoxic effects compared to pure PTh NPs. Conclusively, the synergistic effects of GNPs with PTh improved the structural, optical, photocatalytic, and biomedical features of the nanocomposites. These findings highlighted the potential of GNP-PTh nanocomposites, explicitly GNP-PTh(50), as a promising multifunctional nanomaterials for wastewater remediation and anticancer effects.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Lawrence E Murr

Abstract: This overview explores the development of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) over the past two decades augmented by increasing prediction and discovery strategies of artificial intelligence (AI) and related subsets such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning. The fundamental design principles involving thermodynamic parameters, atomic size, valence electron concentrations and related parameters along with elemental compositions in relation to residual mechanical properties of additively manufactured components are explored. HEAs having densities ranging from < 3 g/cm3 to > 20 g/cm3, melting points of ~ 2500 °C, and superior micro indentation hardnesses of ~ 8 GPa and corresponding yield strengths of ~ 2.5 GPa are described. As-built electron and laser beam powder-bed fusion (PBF) HEA fabricated component microstructures are generally columnar grains aligned with the build direction; consistent with contemporary alloy PBF fabricated components. The optimization of electron and laser beam PBF process parameters for HEA fabrication is described along with the use of experimental test matrix concepts augmented by artificial neural network maps using numerous HEA relational databases in AI and ML algorithm development. The dominance of laser beam powder-bed fusion (LB-PBF) especially in the emergence of multi-laser PBF machines use in fabricating large, commercial rocket and turbine components and products using pre-alloyed powders or elemental powder blends in 1000 kg or larger cassette bed feeders is described. Contemporary metallurgical strengthening mechanisms involving interstitial and dispersion strengthening of HEA compositions is described as these allow the development of superior HEA mechanical property development and applications in emerging technologies such as hypersonic vehicles, nuclear (especially fusion) reactor development and related aerospace and industrial technologies.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Christopher Hale

,

Zhigang Xu

,

Jagannathan Sankar

,

Prithu Dhar

Abstract: Single-pass differential speed rolling (DSR) is an effective route for strengthening magnesium alloys through grain refinement induced by dynamic recrystallization (DRX); however, the accompanying strong basal texture often limits ductility and formability. In previous work, an Mg–2Al–0.5Ca–0.4Mn (AXM20504) alloy in the T4 condition was subjected to single-pass DSR with thickness reductions of 20% and 40%, followed by post annealing at 350–450 °C for durations of 20–60 min to systematically investigate static recrystallization (SRX), texture evolution, and mechanical response. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) revealed that post annealing promoted progressive SRX, with nearly complete recrystallization achieved at 450 °C for 40 min. This transition was accompanied by substantial basal texture weakening, reduced kernel average misorientation (KAM), and significantly lower grain orientation spread (GOS), indicating effective stress relief and formation of strain-free grains. As a result, tensile ductility increased from ~5% in the 40% as-rolled condition to ~12% after optimized post annealing, while ultimate tensile strengths were retained above 200 MPa, much higher than the initial T4 strength. While these findings demonstrate that post annealing is a critical step in restoring ductility and enhancing the formability of DSR-processed Mg alloys, certain types of alloying can also assist in a favorable balance between strength and formability for sheet forming applications. Alloying with Zn, which has shown to improve ductility to higher than 20% elongation at break as compared to 5% for the T4 AXM base material, showing that processing techniques and alloying have a high impact on the formability of Mg-based alloys.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

José Roberto Vega-Baudrit

,

Mary Lopretti

,

Felipe Orozco

Abstract: Detection of nanoplastics in drinking-water systems is only the first analytical step toward exposure interpretation; the next challenge is source attribution. This review examines molecular fingerprinting and transformation pathways that can link nanoscale polymer signals to source waters, drinking-water treatment, distribution infrastructure, packaging materials, laboratory background, or aging processes across the potable-water chain. The synthesis evaluates how polymer identity, particle morphology, surface oxidation, additive and oligomer profiles, thermal degradation markers, and matrix context can be combined into defensible source assignments. Particular attention is given to packaging-derived PET and polyolefin particles, disinfection- and treatment-induced aging, biofilm and colloid interactions, and the analytical consequences of weathering for Raman, SERS, AFM-IR, O-PTIR, SRS, Py-GC/MS, AF4-Py-GC/MS, MALDI-TOF-MS, and chemometric workflows. The central conclusion is that source attribution cannot be inferred from polymer identity alone. Robust interpretation requires convergent evidence from particle-level chemistry, polymer-specific mass, additive or marker-ion signatures, aging state, blanks, recovery, and contextual sampling design.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Kaikai Li

Abstract: The irreversible cyclic strain/stress in battery electrodes during ion intercalation/deintercalation drives mechanical energy dissipation, accelerating cycle life degradation. However, the lack of quantitative methods to assess stress and mechanical energy dissipation hinders a mechanistic understanding of mechanical behavior in electrochemical systems. This work aims to develop a theoretical framework to quantify stress and strain energy evolution in practical heterogeneous composite electrodes. Under assumptions of plane stress and elastic deformation, the average stress/strain energy per cycle can be derived for battery electrode during dynamic ion insertion/extraction. By considering a concentration-dependent modulus, the present framework allows for the simultaneous determination of both the bilayer stress, the apparent and local modulus of the electrode through measurements of its curvature and intrinsic chemical strain.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Haemyeong In

,

Changyun Kim

,

Jeonghyeok Lee

,

Yeongdo Kim

,

Kang Hyun Park

Abstract: The transition toward a sustainable hydrogen economy demands cost-effective, durable, and highly active catalysts that span the entire H2 value chain from green production through storage and transport to end-use conversion. Carbon-based catalytic materials have emerged as a uniquely versatile platform, offering tunable electronic structure, abundant defect- and edge-derived active sites, hierarchical porosity, chemical robustness, and compatibility with both metal-free and single-atom architectures. This review provides a comprehensive overview of advanced carbon-based catalysts designed for the hydrogen economy. We begin with the fundamentals of heteroatom doping, defect and curvature engineering, and M–N4/M–N3 coordination environments that govern binding of hydrogen-relevant intermediates (ΔGH*, ΔGOH*, ΔGO*). Three application pillars are then systematically examined: (i) hydrogen production through HER and OER across PEMWE, AEMWE, AWE, and SOEC platforms, including emerging seawater and biomass-/waste-coupled electrolysis; (ii) hydrogen storage and chemical carriers, encompassing physisorption on porous carbons and catalytic (de)hydrogenation of liquid organic hydrogen carriers, ammonia, and formic acid; and (iii) hydrogen utilization in PEMFCs, AEMFCs, direct liquid fuel cells, and hydrogen-coupled CO2 and N2 reduction. Particular emphasis is placed on structure–activity descriptors, operando mechanistic probes, device-level benchmarking from rotating-disk electrodes to membrane-electrode assemblies, and techno-economic considerations including the levelized cost of hydrogen. We conclude by highlighting critical challenges — carbon corrosion, PGM-free durability, and scalable synthesis — and outline future directions that integrate AI-accelerated discovery, atomic-precision synthesis, and biomass-derived circular-economy carbons for next-generation hydrogen technologies.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Andrés González-Hernández

,

Eugenio Rodríguez

,

Edgar Onofre-Bustamante

,

Willian Aperador

,

Rodolfo Barragán-Ramírez

,

Martín Flores-Martínez

Abstract: The annual costs associated with corrosion damage in companies under-score the necessity of implementing efficient measures to prevent corro-sion. This study investigates the deposition of Ni-N thin films using three radio-frequency (r.f.) power sputtering levels: 150, 175, and 200 W. Top-surface color, thickness, roughness, structural, mechanical, and elec-trochemical analyses were evaluated using an optical microscope, pro-filometry, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, nanoindentation, and potentiostat. Top-surface color changes in relation to variations in thickness linked to increasing r.f.-power. Increasing r.f.-power promoted smoother surfaces. The greatest thickness was revealed at r.f.-200W, and the highest roughness was exhibited under r.f.-150W. XRD analysis iden-tified three main phases corresponding to Ni3N hexagonal structure (HCP) for r.f.-150W. However, for r.f.-175W and r.f.-200W two phase tran-sitions are identified from dual-phase Ni4N Face-Centered Cubic (FCC), and Ni3N Hexagonal Close-Packed (HCP) crystalline structures. Notably, the highest hardness values were observed at r.f.-150W during nanoindentation experiments at 5, 10, and 20 mN loads. These results highlight the impact of radio-frequency (r.f.) power on the characteristics of Ni-N thin films, providing valuable information for the optimization of corrosion-resistant coatings intended for industrial use. Significant rela-tionships between surface roughness, deposition parameters, and corro-sion resistance are revealed by the electrochemical behavior of Ni-N thin films. Smoother surfaces are produced by higher radio-frequency powers, which generally improve the coating's corrosion-resistance. On the other hand, minor differences in double-layer resistance highlight how crucial coating uniformity and deposition quality are to overall corrosion perfor-mance.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Rikard Gebart

Abstract: Predicting and preventing thermal runaway during cure remains a key barrier to robust process design of thick composite parts. We present an analytical framework for safe curing of thick composite shells with arbitrary geometry. By mapping the 3D thermal-kinetic problem to a locally one-dimensional through-thickness model evaluated point-wise over the shell surface, we derive a closed-form stability criterion expressed by a critical Damköhler number. The criterion reveals a clean separation between (i) a geometry/heat-transfer factor depending on local principal curvatures and Biot numbers, and (ii) a chemistry/temperature factor governed by Arrhenius sensitivity and processing temperature. The geometric stability limit is obtained from a nonlinear boundary-value problem and represented by compact response surfaces for symmetric and asymmetric boundary conditions. The model is validated against high-precision transient simulations and a quasi-three-dimensional flux assessment, confirming that transverse gradients dominate for industrially relevant curvatures. The resulting formulas provide rapid stability sweeps across complex 3D geometries, estimation of safe thickness, and provide a basis for process monitoring using temperature derivatives.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Martino Fontana

,

Giuseppe Pipitone

,

Nadi Braidy

,

Mariangela Longhi

,

Carlo Pirola

,

Filippo Bossola

,

Ilaria Tornelli

,

Federico Galli

Abstract: The development of highly crystalline tungsten oxide nanomaterials remains challenging for catalytic applications due to the difficulty of achieving high phase purity without sacrificing metal oxide loading. This work addresses this limitation through an innovative fast hydrothermal synthesis at 100∘C for 4h without autoclaves or surfactants, using citric acid as a critical structural directing agent. Such methodology reduce synthesis time by 50-80% compared to existing hydrothermal routes. Citric acid was identified as the critical parameter controlling nanosheet thickness (20nm–35nm) and diameter (109nm–173nm), acting as a coordinating ligand. The resulting nanosheets were used to prepare Pt/WO3/Al2O3 catalysts with well defined crystalline monoclinic WO3 structure at 9.5% wt. loading. Normally this phase is inaccessible by standard impregnation at equivalent loading. NH3-TPD characterization confirmed that crystalline WO3 generates strong acid sites absent in the reference wetness impregnation catalyst. Glycerol hydrogenolysis tests revealed that the presence of monoclinic WO3 reduces the average glycerol conversion rate by a factor of 3.8 and systematically shifts selectivity toward over-hydrogenolysis products (1-propanol and 2-propanol), despite identical WO3 loading and surface densities below the literature optimum of 2.2W atoms nm−2. These results demonstrate that WO3 crystalline phase is a primary determinant of catalytic performance, without taking in account increased loading. Such demonstration will be useful for the rational design of selective glycerol hydrogenolysis catalysts.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Wenzhe Wu

,

Shaofeng Chen

,

Wei Ling

,

Yiwei Tang

,

Yuji Du

,

Peilin Liang

,

Shi-Jian Su

,

Dongcheng Chen

Abstract: Europium (Eu) is a rare-earth element with unique optoelectronic properties that underpin its applications in displays and lighting, X‑ray imaging, anti‑counterfeiting, and biomedicine. Conventional methods typically involve the synthesis of europium based luminescent materials in powder or crystalline form via high temperature solid state reactions or solution processes, followed by secondary processing such as spin coating or evaporation to fabricate films or devices. In this work, we report a direct approach to prepare trivalent europium based luminescent materials using divalent europium bromide (EuBr₂) as the precursor via a gas-phase vacuum evaporation approach (GPVEA). This “deposition-as-synthesis” method enables the fabrication of the hybrid nanoscale films with various blending ratios, which exhibit changes in the fine structure of the emission peaks. The luminescence spectra remain nearly identical across the temperature range from 80 K to 320 K. The photoluminescence emission intensity is stronger in air than in vacuum. Furthermore, the films show good stability under continuous photoexcitation. Through patterned design, we demonstrate their value for anti‑counterfeiting applications. This work thus provides guidance for the preparation of europium based luminescent nanomaterials via GPVEA and their application in anti‑counterfeiting.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Dimitrios George Papageorgiou

,

Anastasia Alexandratou

,

Dionysios E. Mouzakis

,

Costas Charitidis

,

Dimitrios Manolakos

Abstract: The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the microstructure features of AISI H13 hot work tool steel grade after been shallow (SCT) and deep (DCT) cryogenic hardened. Cryogenic hardening is a method of enchancing primarily wear resistance, as well as toughness and corrosion resistance of tool steels. The specific steel grade studied is of high importance as it is the most used in hot work applications as well as to engineering components requiring moderate to high toughness. Initially, groups of SCT and DCT hardened specimens were reheated covering the tempering range of 1800C to 5500C. Metallographic samples after low tempering to 1800C, as well as to the range of tempering temperatures in the vicinity of the secondary hardening peak, namely, 5000C, 5250C and 5500C were investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. Primary carbides of Cr, V and Mo were found while micron and nanocarbides were found in both SCT and DCT samples. The precipitated carbides are formed on the grain boundaries as well as in-between martensitic laths. Increasing tempering temperature, carbides precipitation is more dispersed along the microstructure and intense to grain boundaries. Lath martensite was observed in both cryogenic procedures.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Abniel Machín

,

Francisco Márquez

Abstract: Half-cell testing has long served as a convenient and informative platform for screening electrode materials in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. However, the electrochemical performance obtained under such simplified conditions often fails to predict the behavior of practical full cells, where electrode balancing, mass loading, areal capacity, electrolyte amount, pressure, and interfacial instability impose much stricter constraints. In this review, we examine the limitations of half-cell-based assessment and discuss why moving beyond idealized configurations is essential for the realistic evaluation of advanced battery materials. Particular attention is given to the dynamic nature of interfacial chemistry, including the formation and evolution of the solid electrolyte interphase and cathode electrolyte interphase, as well as to the role of electrolyte decomposition, additives, binders, and electrode formulation in determining cell performance. We further analyze how operando and in situ characterization techniques, including X-ray-based methods, vibrational spectroscopies, microscopy, and electrochemical impedance analysis, are reshaping the understanding of structural evolution, interphase development, and degradation processes under realistic operating conditions. Major failure pathways in practical cells, such as capacity fade, impedance growth, mechanical degradation, electrolyte consumption, gas evolution, transition-metal dissolution, and surface reconstruction, are critically discussed for both lithium-ion and sodium-ion systems. Representative electrode chemistries are considered to illustrate how promising material-level properties do not always translate into practical-cell success. Finally, we address the metrics that matter for practical relevance, summarize current mitigation strategies, and highlight validation criteria and testing workflows that can better connect academic materials research with realistic battery development. By integrating interfacial chemistry, operando insight, and practical performance criteria, this review aims to provide a more translational framework for the design and assessment of next-generation lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Jairo A. Martínez-Uribe

,

Joaly Delgado-Alvarez

,

J. Jesús Velázquez Salazar

,

Daniel Bahena Uribe

,

Miguel Jose-Yacaman

,

Sergio J. Mejía-Rosales

Abstract: Understanding the mechanical behavior of bimetallic nanoparticles under compressive stress is relevant for the use of these nanostructures in catalysis and nanomechanics. In this work, we present molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of compressive deformation in Pt-Ni nanoparticles—and bulk systems for comparison—with varying compositions (PtxNi1−x) and local distributions, performed using LAMMPS. The simulations show that the mechanical response is governed by local strain fields, which influence both elastic and plastic regimes. Post-processing analysis was made using OVITO, simulated STEM imaging, and Geometric Phase Analysis (GPA), which allowed the obtention of high-resolution strain maps. Analysis of von Mises stress distribution allowed us to correlate composition and atomic ordering with the formation and evolution of dislocations in the nanoparticles. The intermetallic compound with x=0.5 exhibits superior mechanical performance under uniaxial compression, with enhanced elastic energy storage is in bulk. In polycrystalline nanoparticles, energy dissipation increased with decreasing average grain size, which is attributed to elevated plastic activity induced by the presence of multiple crystallographic orientations. GPA results show that it is possible to discriminate between compositions differing by as little as Δx = 0.1 based on local strain distributions, and the comparison with GPA performed on real STEM micrographs gives a fair agreement. GPA and atomistic stress maps reveal how strain fields evolve during compression and how they correlate with the development of plasticity. These findings highlight the critical role of local structural heterogeneities in dictating the mechanical behavior of nanoscale Pt-Ni systems, and give strong evidence on the capability of GPA to correlate local strain and composition in real high-resolution micrographs.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Miljana G. Stojanović

,

Ivan M. Savić

,

Jovana Vunduk

,

Ivana M. Savić Gajić

Abstract: In contemporary research on natural bioactive compounds, increasing emphasis is placed on the development of efficient and sustainable extraction technologies. This study aimed to develop and optimize an innovative extraction process for wild cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens Mill.) tubers to maximize the yield of total extractives using a Box-Behnken design. The effects of four extraction parameters were evaluated on the system response. A second-order polynomial model accurately described the extraction process, yielding a coefficient of determination of 0.919. The liquid-to-solid ratio was identified as the dominant factor affecting the extraction efficiency compared to the other factors investigated. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: extraction time of 15.5 min, 13% (v/v) ethanol, liquid-to-solid ratio of 13.5 mL/g, and extraction temperature of 34 °C, resulting in a yield of 53.44%. The optimized process yielded a significant saponin content of 16.19 g/100 g, while the levels of phenolic compounds (132.52 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (12.04 mg QE/100 g) were also quantified. UHPLC–ESI–MS/MS analysis confirmed the presence of triterpene saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. DPPH, ABTS⁺, and CUPRAC assays indicated the antioxidant potential of the extract, while the minimum inhibitory concentration assay showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The established chemical profile and observed biological activities provide the basis for further evaluation of wild cyclamen tubers as a source of bioactive secondary metabolites.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Xiaoying Cui

,

Yixin Cao

,

Yiming Dong

,

Rui Song

,

Zhaoping Song

Abstract: Bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) is a typical bismuth-based visible-light-responsive semiconductor photocatalyst that has attracted significant attention in the fields of environment remediation and energy conversion. In this paper, to address the issues of high photogenerated carrier recombination rate and limited visible-light response range of Bi2WO6, various modification strategies are highlighted, including morphology control, element doping, heterojunction construction, carbon material compositing, and coupling with functional materials such as MOFs, COFs, or conductive polymers. Furthermore, the structure-activity relationships are discussed. On this basis, the latest application progress of Bi2WO6-based photocatalysts in fields such as pollutant degradation, antibacterial activity, and energy conversion and storage is summarized. Finally, prospects are put forward regarding the existing shortcomings and future development directions in the application of Bi2WO6-based photocatalysts, aiming to provide a systematic theoretical reference for the design and application of high-performance Bi2WO6-based photocatalysts.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Shichao Liu

,

Haoyue Huang

,

Chi Chen

,

Yanli Zhao

,

Yuanming Li

,

Chenxi Li

,

Yi Zhou

Abstract: To identify the key factors influencing the cracking behavior of fully ceramic microencapsulated (FCM) fuel, this study employed the MOOSE multi-physics coupling platform and the cohesive phase-field fracture theory to simulate crack initiation and propagation in FCM fuel, with particular attention to the effects of particle spacing and residual pore in the matrix. Results showed that during early irradiation stages, in the absence of matrix defects, particle spacing had minimal influence on the distribution of the maximum principal stress. However, when residual pore was present in the SiC matrix, significant stress concentration occurred at the porosity sites, where the maximum principal stress was localized. Smaller particle spacing promoted crack initiation in the SiC matrix between adjacent particles and led to a higher number of cracks under the same fast neutron fluence. In the presence of residual pore, crack nucleation occurred at porosity sites even at low neutron fluence; at a fluence of 2.3 dpa, through-thickness cracks formed in FCM fuel containing residual pore, resulting in the loss of fission product containment capability.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Muhametkali Mataev

,

Aliya Kamysbayeva

,

Gulbayra Azimbaeva

,

Amangeldi Meldeshov

,

Gulzira Kudaibergenova

Abstract: This study investigates the structural and sorption characteristics of nanostructured polysaccharide biopolymers isolated from the tubers of dahlias (Dahlia spp.) and Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus). The plant raw materials were subjected to preparation and extraction to isolate pectin biopolymers, after which the resulting pectins were purified and dried to a stable state, ensuring their suitability for further physicochemical and sorption studies. The obtained pectin matrices were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze morphology and nanostructure, infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy to identify functional groups, as well as atomic absorption spectrometry to study sorption properties. The use of Raman spectroscopy further confirmed the presence of characteristic structural fragments of pectin and revealed changes in the vibrational spectra of functional groups upon interaction with metal ions. The ability of biopolymers to adsorb the heavy metal ions Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ from aqueous solutions was investigated. It was shown that as the concentration change (ΔC) increases, the sorption capacity increases; in most cases, the sorbent derived from dahlia tubers (DT) exhibits higher activity compared to Jerusalem artichoke (HT), which is associated with structural features and the availability of functional groups. Analysis of sorption isotherms showed that the adsorption of Cu²⁺ is well described by the Langmuir and Freundlich models, indicating a mixed sorption mechanism, whereas the Freundlich model is more appropriate for Zn²⁺, reflecting the heterogeneity of the surface and the presence of active sites with different interaction energies. The obtained data confirm the potential of nanostructured pectin biopolymers as environmentally safe sorbents for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous media and serve as a basis for the development of new sorption materials.

Communication
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Harry Chiririwa

Abstract: This paper was about creating and testing quality, microbial safety, chemical stability, and shelf life of CBD infused bottled water. Regular water does not mix well with lipophilic cannabidiol, which results in dose inconsistency, degradation, microbial contamination, and limited stability. To counteract these problems, a controlled CBD incorporation method was combined with clean, room bottling and systematic quality control protocols. The bottled water was subjected to various tests after being stored for 28 days, including cannabidiol concentration, degradation products, physicochemical parameters (pH, total solids, water activity) and microbial safety, total plate counts, yeast, mold, and pathogenic bacteria. CBD concentration was maintained with negligible degradation and microbial analyses revealed that total counts were low and no pathogens were detected. This proves that aseptic processing is very effective. Physicochemical parameters did not change, which means that the beverage matrix was not affected by either the addition of CBD or the storage. These results guarantee consistent potency, chemical integrity, microbial safety and product stability effectively solving the problem of producing CBD beverages. The paper demonstrates a reliable method of making safe and high, quality CBD functional beverages with a good shelf life. The results are relevant for manufacturing operations of different scales and supply insight on standardized production, quality monitoring, and storage practices. This research is in line with regulatory compliance and consumer safety and consistent product performance, providing a foundation for the safe commercialization of CBD-infused bottled water.

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