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Editor’s Choice Articles

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

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16 pages, 22531 KiB  
Article
Aggregation–Growth and Densification Behavior of Titanium Particles in Molten Mg-MgCl2 System
by Xin Yang, Kaihua Li, Jun Li, Zhuo Sheng and Ying Liu
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2904; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122904 - 13 Jun 2024
Viewed by 886
Abstract
In this work, the preparation of titanium sponge by magnesium thermal method is regarded as the liquid-phase sintering process of titanium, and powder-metallurgy sintering technology is utilized to simulate the aggregation–growth and densification behavior of titanium particles in a high-temperature liquid medium (the [...] Read more.
In this work, the preparation of titanium sponge by magnesium thermal method is regarded as the liquid-phase sintering process of titanium, and powder-metallurgy sintering technology is utilized to simulate the aggregation–growth and densification behavior of titanium particles in a high-temperature liquid medium (the molten Mg-MgCl2 system). It was found that compared with MgCl2, Mg has better high-temperature wettability and reduction effect, which promotes titanium particles to form a sponge titanium skeleton at lower temperature. The aggregation degree of titanium particles and the densification degree of a sponge titanium skeleton can be improved by increasing the temperature and the relative content of Mg in the melting medium. The kinetics study shows that with the increase in temperature, the porosity of the titanium particle aggregates and the sponge titanium skeleton decreases, and their density growth rate increases. With the extension of time, the aggregation degree of titanium particles and the densification degree of sponge titanium gradually increase. This work provides a theoretical reference for controlling the density of titanium sponge in industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous Metals: Preparation, Microstructure, Properties and Performance)
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12 pages, 4984 KiB  
Article
Influence of the Polymerization Parameters on the Porosity and Thermal Stability of Polymeric Monoliths
by Małgorzata Maciejewska
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2860; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122860 - 12 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1062
Abstract
Rigid porous polymeric monoliths are robust, highly efficient, versatile stationary phases. They offer simple preparation and convenient modification provided by a whole range of synthesis factors, e.g., starting monomers, cross-linkers, initiators, porogens, polymerization techniques, and temperature. The main aim of this study was [...] Read more.
Rigid porous polymeric monoliths are robust, highly efficient, versatile stationary phases. They offer simple preparation and convenient modification provided by a whole range of synthesis factors, e.g., starting monomers, cross-linkers, initiators, porogens, polymerization techniques, and temperature. The main aim of this study was to synthesize polymeric monoliths and determine the correlation between polymerization parameters and the porosity and thermal stability of the obtained materials. Polymeric monoliths were synthesized directly in HPLC columns using N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP) and 4-vinylpiridine (4VP) as functional monomers, with trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TRIM) serving as the cross-linking monomer. During copolymerization a mixture of cyclohexanol/decane-1-ol was used as the pore-forming diluent. Polymerization was carried out at two different temperatures: 55 and 75 °C. As a result, monoliths with highly developed internal structure were synthesized. The value of their specific surface area was in the range of 92 m2/g to 598 m2/g, depending on the monomer composition and polymerization temperature. Thermal properties of the obtained materials were investigated by means of thermogravimetry (TG). Significant differences in thermal behavior were noticed between monoliths synthesized at 55 and 75 °C. Additionally, the poly(NVP-co-TRIM) monolith was successfully applied in GC analyses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials: Research, Development and Application)
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14 pages, 5499 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Magnetron-Sputtered and Cathodic Arc-Deposited Ti and Cr Thin Films on Stainless Steel for Bipolar Plates
by Nils Fredebeul-Beverungen, Maximilian Steinhorst and Teja Roch
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2864; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122864 - 12 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1094
Abstract
In this work, the potential of magnetron sputtering, as well as cathodic arc evaporation, is investigated with regard to its suitability as a bipolar plate coating of a PEM fuel cell. For this purpose, Cr and Ti thin films were deposited onto a [...] Read more.
In this work, the potential of magnetron sputtering, as well as cathodic arc evaporation, is investigated with regard to its suitability as a bipolar plate coating of a PEM fuel cell. For this purpose, Cr and Ti thin films were deposited onto a 0.1 mm SS316L by varying the power and bias voltage. The surface structure and thickness of the coatings are examined via SEM and tactile profilometry. Moreover, the coating variants are compared with each other based on the electrical and electrochemical properties relevant to bipolar plates. The sputtered Cr thin films achieve the lowest contact resistance values and exhibit a columnar structure with a smooth surface. Regarding the electrochemical properties, titanium deposited via cathodic arc evaporation has a low current density in the passive region and high breakthrough potential. All in all, both deposition techniques have their individual advantages for the preparation of bipolar plates’ coatings. However, Ti thin films prepared via cathodic arc seem to be the most suitable option due to the combination of a high deposition rate, a low cost and good coating properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Friction, Corrosion and Protection of Material Surfaces)
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12 pages, 2219 KiB  
Article
Phosphorus-Doping Enables the Superior Durability of a Palladium Electrocatalyst towards Alkaline Oxygen Reduction Reactions
by Wen-Yuan Zhao, Miao-Ying Chen, Hao-Ran Wu, Wei-Dong Li and Bang-An Lu
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2879; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122879 - 12 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1120
Abstract
The sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) require considerable Pd in the cathode, hindering the widespread of alkaline fuel cells (AFCs). By alloying Pd with transition metals, the oxygen reduction reaction’s catalytic properties can be substantially enhanced. Nevertheless, the utilization of Pd-transition [...] Read more.
The sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) require considerable Pd in the cathode, hindering the widespread of alkaline fuel cells (AFCs). By alloying Pd with transition metals, the oxygen reduction reaction’s catalytic properties can be substantially enhanced. Nevertheless, the utilization of Pd-transition metal alloys in fuel cells is significantly constrained by their inadequate long-term durability due to the propensity of transition metals to leach. In this study, a nonmetallic doping strategy was devised and implemented to produce a Pd catalyst doped with P that exhibited exceptional durability towards ORRs. Pd3P0.95 with an average size of 6.41 nm was synthesized by the heat-treatment phosphorization of Pd nanoparticles followed by acid etching. After P-doping, the size of the Pd nanoparticles increased from 5.37 nm to 6.41 nm, and the initial mass activity (MA) of Pd3P0.95/NC reached 0.175 A mgPd−1 at 0.9 V, slightly lower than that of Pd/C. However, after 40,000 cycles of accelerated durability testing, instead of decreasing, the MA of Pd3P0.95/NC increased by 6.3% while the MA loss of Pd/C was 38.3%. The durability was primarily ascribed to the electronic structure effect and the aggregation resistance of the Pd nanoparticles. This research also establishes a foundation for the development of Pd-based ORR catalysts and offers a direction for the future advancement of catalysts designed for practical applications in AFCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Chemistry)
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14 pages, 2127 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Cesium Incorporation on the Vibrational and Elastic Properties of Methylammonium Lead Chloride Perovskite Single Crystals
by Syed Bilal Junaid, Furqanul Hassan Naqvi and Jae-Hyeon Ko
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2862; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122862 - 12 Jun 2024
Viewed by 969
Abstract
Hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites (LHPs) have emerged as a highly significant class of materials due to their tunable and adaptable properties, which make them suitable for a wide range of applications. One of the strategies for tuning and optimizing LHP-based devices is [...] Read more.
Hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites (LHPs) have emerged as a highly significant class of materials due to their tunable and adaptable properties, which make them suitable for a wide range of applications. One of the strategies for tuning and optimizing LHP-based devices is the substitution of cations and/or anions in LHPs. The impact of Cs substitution at the A site on the structural, vibrational, and elastic properties of MAxCs1−xPbCl3-mixed single crystals was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman and Brillouin light scattering techniques. The XRD results confirmed the successful synthesis of impurity-free single crystals, which exhibited a phase coexistence of dominant cubic and minor orthorhombic symmetries. Raman spectroscopy was used to analyze the vibrational modes associated with the PbCl6 octahedra and the A-site cation movements, thereby revealing the influence of cesium incorporation on the lattice dynamics. Brillouin spectroscopy was employed to investigate the changes in elastic properties resulting from the Cs substitution. The incorporation of Cs cations induced lattice distortions within the inorganic framework, disrupting the hydrogen bonding between the MA cations and PbCl6 octahedra, which in turn affected the elastic constants and the sound velocities. The substitution of the MA cations with smaller Cs cations resulted in a stiffer lattice structure, with the two elastic constants increasing up to a Cs content of 30%. The current findings facilitate a fundamental understanding of mixed lead chloride perovskite materials, providing valuable insights into their structural and vibrational properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Terahertz Vibrational Spectroscopy in Advanced Materials)
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17 pages, 3917 KiB  
Article
Polyurethane Composites Recycling with Styrene–Acrylonitrile and Calcium Carbonate Recovery
by Jesús del Amo, Subramaniam Iswar, Thomas Vanbergen, Ana Maria Borreguero, Simon Dirk E. De Vos, Isabel Verlent, Jan Willems and Juan Francisco Rodriguez Romero
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2844; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122844 - 11 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1119
Abstract
The glycolysis process of flexible polyurethane foams containing styrene–acrylonitrile and calcium carbonate as fillers was explored in detail. The use of DABCO as a catalyst allowed us to reduce the catalyst concentration and the polyurethane-to-glycol mass ratio to 0.1% and 1:1, respectively. The [...] Read more.
The glycolysis process of flexible polyurethane foams containing styrene–acrylonitrile and calcium carbonate as fillers was explored in detail. The use of DABCO as a catalyst allowed us to reduce the catalyst concentration and the polyurethane-to-glycol mass ratio to 0.1% and 1:1, respectively. The glycolysis process allowed us to obtain a high-purity polyol (99%), which can totally replace raw polyols in the synthesis of new flexible polyurethane foams, maintaining the standard mechanical properties of the original one and modifying the ratio of isocyanates employed to correct the closed cell structure caused by the impurities present in the recovered polyol. This isocyanate mixture was also optimized, resulting in a ratio of 30 and 70% of the isocyanates TDI80 and TDI65, respectively. Additionally, the fillers incorporated in the glycolyzed foams were recovered. Both recovered fillers, styrene–acrylonitrile and calcium carbonate, were fully characterized, showing a quality very similar to that of commercial compounds. Finally, the replacement of commercial fillers by the recovered ones in the synthesis of new polyurethane foams was studied, demonstrating the feasibility of using them in the synthesis of new foams without significantly altering their properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physics and Chemistry of Polymers and Sustainable Polymer-Based Materials)
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14 pages, 5388 KiB  
Article
Additively-Manufactured Broadband Metamaterial-Based Luneburg Lens for Flexible Beam Scanning
by Xuanjing Li, Rui Feng, Quilin Tan, Jianjia Yi, Shixiong Wang, Feng He and Shah Nawaz Burokur
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2847; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122847 - 11 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1432
Abstract
Multi-beam microwave antennas have attracted enormous attention owing to their wide range of applications in communication systems. Here, we propose a broadband metamaterial-based multi-beam Luneburg lens-antenna with low polarization sensitivity. The lens is constructed from additively manufactured spherical layers, where the effective permittivity [...] Read more.
Multi-beam microwave antennas have attracted enormous attention owing to their wide range of applications in communication systems. Here, we propose a broadband metamaterial-based multi-beam Luneburg lens-antenna with low polarization sensitivity. The lens is constructed from additively manufactured spherical layers, where the effective permittivity of the constituting elements is obtained by adjusting the ratio of dielectric material to air. Flexible microstrip patch antennas operating at different frequencies are used as primary feeds illuminating the lens to validate the radiation features of the lens-antenna system. The proposed Luneburg lens-antenna achieves ±72° beam scanning angle over a broad frequency range spanning from 2 GHz to 8 GHz and presents a gain between 15.3 dBi and 22 dBi, suggesting potential applications in microwave- and millimeter-wave mobile communications, radar detection and remote sensing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obtaining and Characterization of New Materials (5th Edition))
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18 pages, 5494 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional-Printed Composite Structures: The Effect of LSCF Slurry Solid Loading, Binder, and Direct-Write Process Parameters
by Man Yang, Santosh Kumar Parupelli, Zhigang Xu and Salil Desai
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2822; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122822 - 10 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1047
Abstract
In this research, a direct-write 3D-printing method was utilized for the fabrication of inter-digitized solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) using ceramic materials. The cathode electrode was fabricated using the LSCF (La0.6Sr0.2Fe0.8Co0.2O3-δ) slurry loading [...] Read more.
In this research, a direct-write 3D-printing method was utilized for the fabrication of inter-digitized solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) using ceramic materials. The cathode electrode was fabricated using the LSCF (La0.6Sr0.2Fe0.8Co0.2O3-δ) slurry loading and the Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) binder. The rheological parameters of slurries with varying LSCF slurry loading and PVB binder concentration were evaluated to determine their effect on the cathode trace performance in terms of microstructure, size, and resistance. Additionally, the dimensional shrinkage of LSCF lines after sintering was investigated to realize their influence on cathode line width and height. Moreover, the effect of the direct-write process parameters such as pressure, distance between the nozzle and substrate, and speed on the cathode line dimensions and resistance was evaluated. LSCF slurry with 50% solid loading, 12% binder, and 0.2% dispersant concentration was determined to be the optimal value for the fabrication of SOFCs using the direct-write method. The direct-write process parameters, in addition to the binder and LSCF slurry concentration ratios, had a considerable impact on the microstructure of cathode lines. Based on ANOVA findings, pressure and distance had significant effects on the cathode electrode resistance. An increase in the distance between the nozzle and substrate, speed, or extrusion pressure of the direct writing process increased the resistance of the cathode lines. These findings add to the ongoing effort to refine SOFC fabrication techniques, opening the avenues for advanced performance and efficiency of SOFCs in energy applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D-Printed Composite Structures: Design, Properties and Application)
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22 pages, 3109 KiB  
Article
Determination of Fluorine by Ion-Selective Electrode and High-Resolution Continuum Source Graphite Furnace Molecular Absorption Spectrometry with Respect to Animal Feed Safety
by Zofia Kowalewska, Karolina Goluch, Waldemar Korol, Rafał Olchowski and Ryszard Dobrowolski
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2812; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122812 - 9 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1400
Abstract
Fluorine, depending on its concentration and chemical form, is essential or toxic to humans and animals. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to determine it reliably. In this study, fluorine was determined in animal feed after extraction with HCl (gastric juice simulation). [...] Read more.
Fluorine, depending on its concentration and chemical form, is essential or toxic to humans and animals. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to determine it reliably. In this study, fluorine was determined in animal feed after extraction with HCl (gastric juice simulation). The standard potentiometric method with a fluoride-selective electrode (ISE) and newly developed high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GFMAS) method was applied. Feed samples turned out to be a challenge for HR-CS GFMAS. Chemical interferences (formation of competing molecules, CaF, GaCl, and GaP, instead of the target GaF molecule) and spectral effects (including a phosphorous molecule spectrum and atomic lines) were identified. An additional difficulty was caused by reagent contamination with F and memory effects. Difficulties were eliminated/reduced. The quality of ISE analysis was multi-directionally verified (including comprehensive proficiency testing). A risk of inaccuracy at low F concentration, where the calibration relationship is nonlinear, was investigated. The results of both methods were consistent, which confirms the accuracy of the methods and informs that the extracted fluorine is in fluoride form. The results of extensive ISE tests conducted in Poland in 2021–2023 have shown that, in most cases, the fluoride content is significantly lower than the threshold values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical Material Science and Electrode Processes)
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12 pages, 3520 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study for Propranolol Adsorption on the Biochars from Different Agricultural Solid Wastes
by Wenjie Nie, Qianqian Che, Danni Chen, Hongyu Cao and Yuehua Deng
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2793; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122793 - 7 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 826
Abstract
Currently, large amounts of agricultural solid wastes have caused serious environmental problems. Agricultural solid waste is made into biochar by pyrolysis, which is an effective means of its disposal. As the prepared biochar has a good adsorption capacity, it is often used to [...] Read more.
Currently, large amounts of agricultural solid wastes have caused serious environmental problems. Agricultural solid waste is made into biochar by pyrolysis, which is an effective means of its disposal. As the prepared biochar has a good adsorption capacity, it is often used to treat pollutants in water, such as heavy metals and pharmaceuticals. PRO is an emerging contaminant in the environment today. However, there are limited studies on the interaction between biochars with PRO. Thus, in this study, we investigate the adsorption of PRO onto the biochars derived from three different feedstocks. The order of adsorption capacity was corn stalk biochar (CS, 10.97 mg/g) > apple wood biochar (AW, 10.09 mg/g) > rice husk biochar (RH, 8.78 mg/g). When 2 < pH < 9, the adsorption capacity of all the biochars increased as the pH increased, while the adsorption decreased when pH > 9, 10 and 10.33 for AW, CS and RH, respectively. The adsorption of PRO on biochars was reduced with increasing Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations from 0 to 200 mg·L−1. The effects of pH and coexisting ions illustrated that there exist electrostatic interaction and cation exchange in the process. In addition, when HA concentration was less than 20 mg/L, it promoted the adsorption of PRO on the biochars; however, when the concentration was more than 20 mg/L, its promoting effect was weakened and gradually changed into an inhibitory effect. The adsorption isotherm data of PRO by biochars were best fitted with the Freundlich model, indicating that the adsorption process is heterogeneous adsorption. The adsorption kinetics were fitted well with the pseudo-second-order model. All the results can provide new information into the adsorption behavior of PRO and the biochars in the aquatic environment and a theoretical basis for the large-scale application of biochar from agricultural solid wastes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adsorption Materials and Their Applications)
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24 pages, 5331 KiB  
Review
Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing of Ceramics: A Review on Filament-Based Process
by Roberto Spina and Luigi Morfini
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2779; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112779 - 6 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2179
Abstract
Additive manufacturing is very important due to its potential to build components and products using high-performance materials. The filament-based 3D printing of ceramics is investigated, revealing significant developments and advancements in ceramic material extrusion technology in recent years. Researchers employ several typologies of [...] Read more.
Additive manufacturing is very important due to its potential to build components and products using high-performance materials. The filament-based 3D printing of ceramics is investigated, revealing significant developments and advancements in ceramic material extrusion technology in recent years. Researchers employ several typologies of ceramics and binders to achieve fully dense products. The design of the filament and the necessary technological adaptations for 3D printing are fully investigated. From a material perspective, this paper reviews and analyzes the recent developments in additive manufacturing of material-extruded ceramics products, pointing out the performance and properties achieved with different material-binder combinations. The main gaps to be filled and recommendations for future developments in this field are reported. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing Technology of Materials)
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13 pages, 4593 KiB  
Article
Effect of Carbon Fiber Paper with Thickness Gradient on Electromagnetic Shielding Performance of X-Band
by Zhi Liu, Meiping Song, Weiqi Liang, Xueping Gao and Bo Zhu
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2767; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112767 - 6 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1131
Abstract
Flexible paper-based materials play a crucial role in the field of flexible electromagnetic shielding due to their thinness and controllable shape. In this study, we employed the wet paper forming technique to prepare carbon fiber paper with a thickness gradient. The electromagnetic shielding [...] Read more.
Flexible paper-based materials play a crucial role in the field of flexible electromagnetic shielding due to their thinness and controllable shape. In this study, we employed the wet paper forming technique to prepare carbon fiber paper with a thickness gradient. The electromagnetic shielding performance of the carbon fiber paper varies with the ladder-like thickness distribution. Specifically, an increase in thickness gradient leads to higher reflectance of the carbon fiber paper. Within the X-band frequency range (8.2–12.4 GHz), reflectivity decreases as electromagnetic wave frequency increases, indicating enhanced penetration of electromagnetic waves into the interior of the carbon fiber paper. This enhancement is attributed to an increased fiber content per unit area resulting from a greater thickness gradient, which further enhances reflection loss and promotes internal multiple reflections and scattering effects, leading to increased absorption loss. Notably, at a 5 mm thickness, our carbon fiber paper exhibits an impressive average overall shielding performance, reaching 63.46 dB. Moreover, it exhibits notable air permeability and mechanical properties, thereby assuming a pivotal role in the realm of flexible wearable devices in the foreseeable future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon-Based Functional Nanomaterials: Preparation, Properties and Applications)
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15 pages, 5009 KiB  
Article
Strength of Composite Pressure Insulators for High Voltage Circuit Breakers: An Experimental and Numerical Investigation
by Jan Ferino, Gabriela Loi, Andrea Meleddu, Francesco Aymerich, Iuri Mazzarelli and Elisa Pichini
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2741; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112741 - 4 Jun 2024
Viewed by 938
Abstract
Glass fiber-reinforced composite cylinders, capable of withstanding internal pressure generated during service, are increasingly utilized as insulators in high voltage circuit breakers. Different testing procedures have been suggested by various standards to assess the pressure resistance of these components. Due to its simplicity [...] Read more.
Glass fiber-reinforced composite cylinders, capable of withstanding internal pressure generated during service, are increasingly utilized as insulators in high voltage circuit breakers. Different testing procedures have been suggested by various standards to assess the pressure resistance of these components. Due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the split-disk testing method is the most widely used for evaluating the hoop strength of pressure cylinders during the development and verification phases. However, the method presents several aspects, such as those related to the influence of specimen geometry and friction, which require further examination since they may impact the outcome of the experimental tests. The investigation, carried out by a combination of experimental testing and finite element analyses, shows that the friction between the specimen and the semi-disks has a noteworthy effect on the hoop load applied to the specimen. Almost constant load distributions along the hoop direction, representative of the real operating conditions in a pressurized cylinder, can be achieved via proper lubrication of the contact surfaces. Furthermore, FE analyses demonstrate that the notch geometry suggested by specific standards (short notch) is not capable of inducing a uniform strain distribution in the notched region. A different notch geometry (long notch) is proposed in the study to attain a more uniform strain field over the reduced area region. The experimental results indicate that the strength measured on the short notch specimens is higher than that determined on the long notch specimens, thus confirming the significant influence of strain distribution on the strength properties measured with the split-disk method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behaviour of Advanced Metal and Composite Materials)
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17 pages, 17573 KiB  
Article
Revisiting Electronic Topological Transitions in the Silver–Palladium (AgcPd1−c) Solid Solution: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation
by Florian Reiter, Alberto Marmodoro, Andrei Ionut Mardare, Cezarina Cela Mardare, Achim Walter Hassel, Arthur Ernst and Martin Hoffmann
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2743; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112743 - 4 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1226
Abstract
Multiple thick film samples of the AgcPd1−c solid solution were prepared using physical vapour deposition over a borosilicate glass substrate. This synthesis technique allows continuous variation in stoichiometry, while the distribution of silver or palladium atoms retains the [...] Read more.
Multiple thick film samples of the AgcPd1−c solid solution were prepared using physical vapour deposition over a borosilicate glass substrate. This synthesis technique allows continuous variation in stoichiometry, while the distribution of silver or palladium atoms retains the arrangement into an on-average periodic lattice with smoothly varying unit cell parameters. The alloy concentration and geometry were measured over a set of sample points, respectively, via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and via X-ray diffraction. These results are compared with ab initio total energy and electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory, and using the coherent potential approximation for an effective medium description of disorder. The theoretically acquired lattice parameters appear in qualitative agreement with the measured trends. The numerical study of the Fermi surface also shows a variation in its topological features, which follow the change in silver concentration. These were related to the electrical resistivity of the AgcPd1−c alloy. The theoretically obtained variation exhibits a significant correlation with nonlinear changes in the resistivity as a function of composition. This combined experimental and theoretical study suggests the possibility of using resistivity measurements along concentration gradients as a way to gain some microscopic insight into the electronic structure of an alloy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Materials Physics)
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11 pages, 5044 KiB  
Article
Mo-Doped Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7/C Composites for High-Rate and Long-Life Sodium-Ion Batteries
by Tongtong Chen, Xianying Han, Mengling Jie, Zhiwu Guo, Jiangang Li and Xiangming He
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2679; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112679 - 1 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2264
Abstract
Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7/C (NFPP) is a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries, but its electrochemical performance is heavily impeded by its low electronic conductivity. To address this, pure-phase Mo6+-doped Na4 [...] Read more.
Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7/C (NFPP) is a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries, but its electrochemical performance is heavily impeded by its low electronic conductivity. To address this, pure-phase Mo6+-doped Na4Fe3−xMox(PO4)2P2O7/C (Mox-NFPP, x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) with the Pn21a space group is successfully synthesized through spray drying and annealing methods. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that Mo6+ doping facilitates the transition of electrons from the valence to the conduction band, thus enhancing the intrinsic electron conductivity of Mox-NFPP. With an optimal Mo6+ doping level of x = 0.10, Mo0.10-NFPP exhibits lower charge transfer resistance, higher sodium-ion diffusion coefficients, and superior rate performance. As a result, the Mo0.10-NFPP cathode offers an initial discharge capacity of up to 123.9 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, nearly reaching its theoretical capacity. Even at a high rate of 10 C, it delivers a high discharge capacity of 86.09 mAh g−1, maintaining 96.18% of its capacity after 500 cycles. This research presents a new and straightforward strategy to enhance the electrochemical performance of NFPP cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Materials Chemistry)
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8 pages, 1369 KiB  
Article
Separation of Adjacent Light Rare Earth Elements Using Silica Gel Modified with Diglycolamic Acid
by Takeshi Ogata and Hirokazu Narita
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2648; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112648 - 30 May 2024
Viewed by 1027
Abstract
The separation of adjacent rare earth elements (REEs) is a challenging issue due to their chemical similarity. We have investigated the separation of adjacent REEs using four types of adsorbents consisting of silica gel modified with diglycolamic acid with different functional groups at [...] Read more.
The separation of adjacent rare earth elements (REEs) is a challenging issue due to their chemical similarity. We have investigated the separation of adjacent REEs using four types of adsorbents consisting of silica gel modified with diglycolamic acid with different functional groups at the amide position. For all the adsorbents, the adsorption ratio of REEs increased with the increase in atomic number from La to Sm and then became constant for heavy REEs. Among them, EDASiDGA, an adsorbent containing secondary and tertiary amides, showed a high separation factor for Nd/Pr of 2.8. The EDASiDGA-packed column was tested for individual recovery of Pr, Nd, and Sm. After the adsorption of these REEs from 0.10 M HCl, desorption tests were performed with 0.32 and 1.0 M HCl. As a result, Pr and Nd were eluted separately with 0.32 M HCl, and Sm was recovered with 1.0 M HCl. Since the EDASiDGA-packed column showed excellent separation of Pr/Nd/Sm without any chelating agent, it is promising for practical use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends of Functional Materials for Wastewater Treatment Applications)
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13 pages, 3508 KiB  
Article
Influence of Carbon Source on the Buffer Layer for 4H-SiC Homoepitaxial Growth
by Shangyu Yang, Ning Guo, Siqi Zhao, Yunkai Li, Moyu Wei, Yang Zhang and Xingfang Liu
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2612; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112612 - 29 May 2024
Viewed by 1141
Abstract
In this study, we systematically explore the impact of C/Si ratio, pre-carbonization time, H2 etching time, and growth pressure on the buffer layer and subsequent epitaxial layer of 6-inch 4H-SiC wafers. Our findings indicate that the buffer layer’s C/Si ratio and growth [...] Read more.
In this study, we systematically explore the impact of C/Si ratio, pre-carbonization time, H2 etching time, and growth pressure on the buffer layer and subsequent epitaxial layer of 6-inch 4H-SiC wafers. Our findings indicate that the buffer layer’s C/Si ratio and growth pressure significantly influence the overall quality of the epitaxial wafer. Specifically, an optimal C/Si ratio of 0.5 and a growth pressure of 70 Torr yield higher-quality epitaxial layers. Additionally, the pre-carbonization time and H2 etching time primarily affect the uniformity and surface quality of the epitaxial wafer, with a pre-carbonization time of 3 s and an H2 etching time of 3 min found to enhance the surface quality of the epitaxial layer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Techniques in Materials Science for Electronic Devices Applications)
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24 pages, 11296 KiB  
Review
How to Improve the Curing Ability during the Vat Photopolymerization 3D Printing of Non-Oxide Ceramics: A Review
by Xiong Gao, Jingyi Chen, Xiaotong Chen, Wenqing Wang, Zengchan Li and Rujie He
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2626; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112626 - 29 May 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1448
Abstract
Vat photopolymerization (VP), as an additive manufacturing process, has experienced significant growth due to its high manufacturing precision and excellent surface quality. This method enables the fabrication of intricate shapes and structures while mitigating the machining challenges associated with non-oxide ceramics, which are [...] Read more.
Vat photopolymerization (VP), as an additive manufacturing process, has experienced significant growth due to its high manufacturing precision and excellent surface quality. This method enables the fabrication of intricate shapes and structures while mitigating the machining challenges associated with non-oxide ceramics, which are known for their high hardness and brittleness. Consequently, the VP process of non-oxide ceramics has emerged as a focal point in additive manufacturing research areas. However, the absorption, refraction, and reflection of ultraviolet light by non-oxide ceramic particles can impede light penetration, leading to reduced curing thickness and posing challenges to the VP process. To enhance the efficiency and success rate of this process, researchers have explored various aspects, including the parameters of VP equipment, the composition of non-oxide VP slurries, and the surface modification of non-oxide particles. Silicon carbide and silicon nitride are examples of non-oxide ceramic particles that have been successfully employed in VP process. Nonetheless, there remains a lack of systematic induction regarding the curing mechanisms and key influencing factors of the VP process in non-oxide ceramics. This review firstly describes the curing mechanism of the non-oxide ceramic VP process, which contains the chain initiation, chain polymerization, and chain termination processes of the photosensitive resin. After that, the impact of key factors on the curing process, such as the wavelength and power of incident light, particle size, volume fraction of ceramic particles, refractive indices of photosensitive resin and ceramic particles, incident light intensity, critical light intensity, and the reactivity of photosensitive resins, are systematically discussed. Finally, this review discusses future prospects and challenges in the non-oxide ceramic VP process. Its objective is to offer valuable insights and references for further research into non-oxide ceramic VP processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing Technology of Materials)
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14 pages, 1216 KiB  
Article
Crystal Structure Complexity and Approximate Limits of Possible Crystal Structures Based on Symmetry-Normalized Volumes
by Oliver Tschauner and Marko Bermanec
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2618; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112618 - 29 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 852
Abstract
Rules that control the arrangement of chemical species within crystalline arrays of different symmetry and structural complexity are of fundamental importance in geoscience, material science, physics, and chemistry. Here, the volume of crystal phases is normalized by their ionic volume and an algebraic [...] Read more.
Rules that control the arrangement of chemical species within crystalline arrays of different symmetry and structural complexity are of fundamental importance in geoscience, material science, physics, and chemistry. Here, the volume of crystal phases is normalized by their ionic volume and an algebraic index that is based on their space-group and crystal site symmetries. In correlation with the number of chemical formula units Z, the normalized volumes exhibit upper and lower limits of possible structures. A bottleneck of narrowing limits occurs for Z around 80 to 100, but the field of allowed crystalline configurations widens above 100 due to a change in the slope of the lower limit. For small Z, the highest count of structures is closer to the upper limit, but at large Z, most materials assume structures close to the lower limit. In particular, for large Z, the normalized volume provides rather narrow constraints for the prediction of novel crystalline phases. In addition, an index of higher and lower complexity of crystalline phases is derived from the normalized volume and tested against key criteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Application of Advanced Inorganic Composites)
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19 pages, 14601 KiB  
Article
Effect of Si3N4 Additive on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti(C,N)-Based Cermet Cutting Tools
by Ali Elgazzar, Sheng-Jian Zhou, Jia-Hu Ouyang, Zi-Jian Peng, Jun-Teng Yao, Zhan-Guo Liu, Yu-Jin Wang and Ya-Ming Wang
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2586; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112586 - 28 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1750
Abstract
Development of high-performance cutting tool materials is one of the critical parameters enhancing the surface finishing of high-speed machined products. Ti(C,N)-based cermets reinforced with and without different contents of silicon nitride were designed and evaluated to satisfy the requirements. In fact, the effect [...] Read more.
Development of high-performance cutting tool materials is one of the critical parameters enhancing the surface finishing of high-speed machined products. Ti(C,N)-based cermets reinforced with and without different contents of silicon nitride were designed and evaluated to satisfy the requirements. In fact, the effect of silicon nitride addition to Ti(C,N)-based cermet remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of Si3N4 additive on microstructure, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of Ti(C,N)-based cermet cutting tools. In the present work, α-Si3N4 “grade SN-E10” was utilized with various fractions up to 6 wt.% in the designed cermets. A two-step reactive sintering process under vacuum was carried out for the green compact of Ti(C,N)-based cermet samples. The samples with 4 wt.% Si3N4 have an apparent solid density of about 6.75 g/cm3 (relative density of about 98 %); however, the cermet samples with 2 wt.% Si3N4 exhibit a superior fracture toughness of 10.82 MPa.m1/2 and a traverse rupture strength of 1425.8 MPa. With an increase in the contents of Si3N4, the Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of Ti(C,N)-based cermets have an inverse behavior trend. The influence of Si3N4 addition on thermal stability is clarified to better understand the relationship between thermal stability and mechanical properties of Ti(C,N)-based cermets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Ceramic-Based Materials/Coatings for Anti-Wear and Corrosion Applications)
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9 pages, 411 KiB  
Article
Solubility of Hydrogen in a WMoTaNbV High-Entropy Alloy
by Anna Liski, Tomi Vuoriheimo, Jesper Byggmästar, Kenichiro Mizohata, Kalle Heinola, Tommy Ahlgren, Ko-Kai Tseng, Ting-En Shen, Che-Wei Tsai, Jien-Wei Yeh, Kai Nordlund, Flyura Djurabekova and Filip Tuomisto
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2574; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112574 - 27 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1188
Abstract
The WMoTaNbV alloy has shown promise for applications as a solid state hydrogen storage material. It absorbs significant quantities of H directly from the atmosphere, trapping it with high energy. In this work, the dynamics of the absorption of hydrogen isotopes are studied [...] Read more.
The WMoTaNbV alloy has shown promise for applications as a solid state hydrogen storage material. It absorbs significant quantities of H directly from the atmosphere, trapping it with high energy. In this work, the dynamics of the absorption of hydrogen isotopes are studied by determining the activation energy for the solubility and the solution enthalpy of H in the WMoTaNbV alloy. The activation energy was studied by heating samples in a H atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 400 °C and comparing the amounts of absorbed H. The solution activation energy EA of H was determined to be EA=0.22±0.02 eV (21.2 ± 1.9 kJ/mol). The performed density functional theory calculations revealed that the neighbouring host atoms strongly influenced the solution enthalpy, leading to a range of theoretical values from −0.40 eV to 0.29 eV (−38.6 kJ/mol to 28.0 kJ/mol). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future Trends in High-Entropy Alloys (2nd Edition))
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12 pages, 2780 KiB  
Article
Vapor Pressure and Enthalpy of Vaporization of Guanidinium Methanesulfonate as a Phase Change Material for Thermal Energy Storage
by Wenrong Bi, Shijie Liu, Xing Rong, Guangjun Ma and Jiangshui Luo
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2582; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112582 - 27 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 977
Abstract
This paper reports the vapor pressure and enthalpy of vaporization for a promising phase change material (PCM) guanidinium methanesulfonate ([Gdm][OMs]), which is a typical guanidinium organomonosulfonate that displays a lamellar crystalline architecture. [Gdm][OMs] was purified by recrystallization. The elemental analysis and infrared spectrum [...] Read more.
This paper reports the vapor pressure and enthalpy of vaporization for a promising phase change material (PCM) guanidinium methanesulfonate ([Gdm][OMs]), which is a typical guanidinium organomonosulfonate that displays a lamellar crystalline architecture. [Gdm][OMs] was purified by recrystallization. The elemental analysis and infrared spectrum of [Gdm][OMs] confirmed the purity and composition. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) also confirmed its high purity and showed a sharp and symmetrical endothermic melting peak with a melting point (Tm) of 207.6 °C and a specific latent heat of fusion of 183.0 J g−1. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals its thermal stability over a wide temperature range, and yet three thermal events at higher temperatures of 351 °C, 447 °C, and 649 °C were associated with vaporization or decomposition. The vapor pressure was measured using the isothermogravimetric method from 220 °C to 300 °C. The Antoine equation was used to describe the temperature dependence of its vapor pressure, and the substance-dependent Antoine constants were obtained by non-linear regression. The enthalpy of vaporization (ΔvapH) was derived from the linear regression of the slopes associated with the linear temperature dependence of the rate of weight loss per unit area of vaporization. Hence, the temperature dependence of vapor pressures ln Pvap (Pa) = 10.99 − 344.58/(T (K) − 493.64) over the temperature range from 493.15 K to 573.15 K and the enthalpy of vaporization ΔvapH = 157.10 ± 20.10 kJ mol−1 at the arithmetic mean temperature of 240 °C were obtained from isothermogravimetric measurements using the Antoine equation and the Clausius–Clapeyron equation, respectively. The flammability test indicates that [Gdm][OMs] is non-flammable. Hence, [Gdm][OMs] enjoys very low volatility, high enthalpy of vaporization, and non-flammability in addition to its known advantages. This work thus offers data support, methodologies, and insights for the application of [Gdm][OMs] and other organic salts as PCMs in thermal energy storage and beyond. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Obtaining and Characterization of New Materials (5th Edition))
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14 pages, 8494 KiB  
Article
A Water-Soluble Thermoplastic Polyamide Acid Sizing Agents for Enhancing Interfacial Properties of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polyimide Composites
by Chengyu Huang, Peng Zhang, Bo Li, Mingchen Sun, Hansong Liu, Jinsong Sun, Yan Zhao and Jianwen Bao
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2559; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112559 - 26 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1402
Abstract
Carbon-fiber-reinforced polyimide (PI) resin composites have gained significant attention in the field of continuous-fiber-reinforced polymers, in which the interfacial bonding between carbon fiber and matrix resin has been an important research direction. This study designed and prepared a water-soluble thermoplastic polyamide acid sizing [...] Read more.
Carbon-fiber-reinforced polyimide (PI) resin composites have gained significant attention in the field of continuous-fiber-reinforced polymers, in which the interfacial bonding between carbon fiber and matrix resin has been an important research direction. This study designed and prepared a water-soluble thermoplastic polyamide acid sizing agent to improve the wettability of carbon fiber, enhance the van der Waals forces between carbon fiber and resin and strengthen the chemical bonding between the sizing agent and the alkyne-capped polyimide resin by introducing alkyne-containing functional groups into the sizing agent. This study found that the addition of a sizing layer effectively bridged the large modulus difference between the fiber and resin regions, resulting in the formation of an interfacial layer approximately 85 nm thick. This layer facilitated the transfer of stress from the matrix to the reinforced carbon fiber, leading to a significant improvement in the interfacial properties of the composites. Adjusting the concentration of the sizing agent showed that composites treated with 3% had the best interfacial properties. The interfacial shear strength increased from 82.08 MPa to 108.62 MPa (32.33%) compared to unsized carbon fiber. This research is significant for developing sizing agents suitable for carbon-fiber-reinforced polyimide composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymeric Materials)
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17 pages, 12303 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Magnetic Tunnel Junction Structure through Component Analysis and Deposition Parameters Adjustment
by Crina Ghemes, Mihai Tibu, Oana-Georgiana Dragos-Pinzaru, Gabriel Ababei, George Stoian, Nicoleta Lupu and Horia Chiriac
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2554; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112554 - 25 May 2024
Viewed by 1265
Abstract
In this work, we focus on a detailed study of the role of each component layer in the multilayer structure of a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) as well as the analysis of the effects that the deposition parameters of the thin films have [...] Read more.
In this work, we focus on a detailed study of the role of each component layer in the multilayer structure of a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) as well as the analysis of the effects that the deposition parameters of the thin films have on the performance of the structure. Various techniques including atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the effects of deposition parameters on the surface roughness and thickness of individual layers within the MTJ structure. Furthermore, this study investigates the influence of thin films thickness on the magnetoresistive properties of the MTJ structure, focusing on the free ferromagnetic layer and the barrier layer (MgO). Through systematic analysis and optimization of the deposition parameters, this study demonstrates a significant improvement in the tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) of the MTJ structure of 10% on average, highlighting the importance of precise control over thin films properties for enhancing device performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation of Thin Films by PVD/CVD Deposition Techniques)
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23 pages, 5007 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Atmospheric Plasma Treatment Parameters on the Surface and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fabric
by Samuele Sampino, Raffaele Ciardiello, Domenico D’Angelo, Laura Cagna and Davide Salvatore Paolino
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2547; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112547 - 25 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1421
Abstract
The use of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet (APPJ) technology for surface treatment of carbon fabrics is investigated to estimate the increase in the fracture toughness of carbon-fiber composite materials. Nitrogen and a nitrogen–hydrogen gas mixture were used to size the carbon fabrics by [...] Read more.
The use of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet (APPJ) technology for surface treatment of carbon fabrics is investigated to estimate the increase in the fracture toughness of carbon-fiber composite materials. Nitrogen and a nitrogen–hydrogen gas mixture were used to size the carbon fabrics by preliminarily optimizing the process parameters. The effects of the APPJ on the carbon fabrics were investigated by using optical and chemical characterizations. Optical Emission Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared-Attenuated Total Reflection, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy were adopted to assess the effectiveness of ablation and etching effects of the treatment, in terms of grafting of new functional groups and active sites. The treated samples showed an increase in chemical groups grafted onto the surfaces, and a change in carbon structure was influential in the case of chemical interaction with epoxy groups of the epoxy resin adopted. Flexural test, Double Cantilever Beam and End-Notched Flexure tests were then carried out to characterize the composite and evaluate the fracture toughness in Mode I and Mode II, respectively. N2/H2 specimens showed significant increases in GIC and GIIC, compared to the untreated specimens, and slight increases in Pmax at the first crack propagation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties, Structural Design and Applications of Carbon-Fiber Composites)
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14 pages, 3333 KiB  
Article
Spectrally Tunable Lead-Free Perovskite Rb2ZrCl6:Te for Information Encryption and X-ray Imaging
by Guoxue Pan, Mingqing Li, Xiaotong Yu, Yuanhao Zhou, Minghui Xu, Xinxin Yang, Zhan Xu, Qianli Li and He Feng
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2530; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112530 - 24 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 924
Abstract
A series of lead-free Rb2ZrCl6:xTe4+ (x = 0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 5.0%, 10.0%) perovskite materials were synthesized through a hydrothermal method in this work. The substitution of Te4+ for Zr in Rb [...] Read more.
A series of lead-free Rb2ZrCl6:xTe4+ (x = 0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 5.0%, 10.0%) perovskite materials were synthesized through a hydrothermal method in this work. The substitution of Te4+ for Zr in Rb2ZrCl6 was investigated to examine the effect of Te4+ doping on the spectral properties of Rb2ZrCl6 and its potential applications. The incorporation of Te4+ induced yellow emission of triplet self-trapped emission (STE). Different luminescence wavelengths were regulated by Te4+ concentration and excitation wavelength, and under a low concentration of Te4+ doping (x ≤ 0.1%), different types of host STE emission and Te4+ triplet state emission could be achieved through various excitation energies. These luminescent properties made it suitable for applications in information encryption. When Te4+ was doped at high concentrations (x ≥ 1%), yellow triplet state emission of Te4+ predominated, resulting in intense yellow emission, which stemmed from strong exciton binding energy and intense electron-phonon coupling. In addition, a Rb2ZrCl6:2%Te4+@RTV scintillating film was fabricated and a spatial resolution of 3.7 lp/mm was achieved, demonstrating the potential applications of Rb2ZrCl6:xTe4+ in nondestructive detection and bioimaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Preparation and Application of Luminescent Materials)
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10 pages, 1882 KiB  
Article
Research on Evolution of Relevant Defects in Heavily Mg-Doped GaN by H Ion Implantation Followed by Thermal Annealing
by Zonglin Jiang, Dan Yan, Ning Zhang, Junxi Wang and Xuecheng Wei
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2518; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112518 - 23 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1039
Abstract
This study focuses on the heavily Mg-doped GaN in which the passivation effect of hydrogen and the compensation effect of nitrogen vacancies (VN) impede its further development. To investigate those two factors, H ion implantation followed by thermal annealing was performed [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the heavily Mg-doped GaN in which the passivation effect of hydrogen and the compensation effect of nitrogen vacancies (VN) impede its further development. To investigate those two factors, H ion implantation followed by thermal annealing was performed on the material. The evolution of relevant defects (H and VN) was revealed, and their distinct behaviors during thermal annealing were compared between different atmospheres (N2/NH3). The concentration of H and its associated yellow luminescence (YL) band intensity decrease as the thermal annealing temperature rises, regardless of the atmosphere being N2 or NH3. However, during thermal annealing in NH3, the decrease in H concentration is notably faster compared to N2. Furthermore, a distinct trend is observed in the behavior of the blue luminescence (BL) band under N2 and NH3. Through a comprehensive analysis of surface properties, we deduce that the decomposition of NH3 during thermal annealing not only promotes the out-diffusion of H ions from the material, but also facilitates the repair of VN on the surface of heavily Mg-doped GaN. This research could provide crucial insights into the post-growth process of heavily Mg-doped GaN. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electronic Materials)
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13 pages, 5789 KiB  
Article
Alumina Ceramics for Armor Protection via 3D Printing Using Different Monomers
by Dongjiang Zhang, Zhengang Liang, Xin Chen, Chunxu Pang, Xuncheng Guo and Xiqing Xu
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2506; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112506 - 23 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1515
Abstract
Alumina ceramic is an ideal candidate for armor protection, but it is limited by the difficult molding or machining process. Three-dimensional printing imparts a superior geometric flexibility and shows good potential in the preparation of ceramics for armor protection. In this work, alumina [...] Read more.
Alumina ceramic is an ideal candidate for armor protection, but it is limited by the difficult molding or machining process. Three-dimensional printing imparts a superior geometric flexibility and shows good potential in the preparation of ceramics for armor protection. In this work, alumina ceramics were manufactured via 3D printing, and the effects of different monomers on the photosensitive slurry and sintered ceramics were investigated. The photosensitive slurries using dipropylene glycol diacrylate (DPGDA) as a monomer displayed the optimal curing performance, with a low viscosity, small volume shrinkage and low critical exposure energy, and each of the above properties was conducive to a good curing performance in 3D printing, making it a suitable formula for 3D-printed ceramic materials. In the 3D-printed ceramics with DPGDA as a monomer, a dense and uniform microstructure was exhibited after sintering. In comparison, the sample with trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) showed an anisotropic microstructure with interlayer gaps and a porosity of about 9.8%. Attributed to the dense uniform microstructure, the sample with DPGDA exhibited superior properties, including a relative density of 97.5 ± 0.5%, a Vickers hardness of 19.4 ± 0.8 GPa, a fracture toughness of 2.6 ± 0.27 MPa·m1/2, a bending strength of 690 ± 54 MPa, and a dynamic strength of 3.7 ± 0.6 GPa at a strain rate of 1200 s−1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Ceramic and Glass Materials: Preparation, Characterization and Applications—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 9413 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Use of Ultrasonic Waves to Assist Laser Welding
by Mohamad Salimi, Ahmed Teyeb, Evelyne El Masri, Samiul Hoque, Phil Carr, Wamadeva Balachandran and Tat-Hean Gan
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2521; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112521 - 23 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1365
Abstract
This study evaluates the enhancement of laser welding using ultrasonic waves aimed at reorganising the intermetallic position in such a fashion that leads to increased mechanical properties of welds in battery pack assemblies for electric vehicles. The experiment employed 20 kHz and 40 [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the enhancement of laser welding using ultrasonic waves aimed at reorganising the intermetallic position in such a fashion that leads to increased mechanical properties of welds in battery pack assemblies for electric vehicles. The experiment employed 20 kHz and 40 kHz High-Power Ultrasound Transducers (HPUTs) in both contact and contactless modes. A simplified experimental configuration is suggested to represent conditions similar to those found in electric vehicle battery pack assemblies. Measurements of vibration transmission to aluminium alloy 1050 plates revealed more than a 1000-fold increase in acceleration amplitude in contact mode compared to contactless mode. The 20 kHz transducer in contactless mode demonstrated superior performance, showing a 10% increase in load and 27% increase in extension compared to welding without ultrasonic assistance. On the other hand, the 40 kHz transducer, while still improved over non-ultrasonic methods, showed less pronounced benefits. This suggests that lower-frequency ultrasonic assistance (20 kHz) is more effective in this specific context. The study explores ultrasonic assistance in laser welding copper (Cu101) to aluminium alloy 1050 using 20 kHz and 40 kHz HPUTs, showing that both transducers enhance microstructural integrity by reducing copper homogenisation into aluminium, with the 20 kHz frequency proving more effective in this context. A numerical simulation was conducted to evaluate the transmission of pressure into the molten pool of the weld, correlated with the vibration results obtained from the 20 kHz transducer. The numerical simulation confirms that no cavitation is initiated in the molten pool area, and all improvements are solely due to the ultrasonic waves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrasound for Material Characterization and Processing (3rd Edition))
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20 pages, 5223 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Self-Powered Tactile Sensing for Wearable Electronics
by Ling-Feng Liu, Tong Li, Qin-Teng Lai, Guowu Tang and Qi-Jun Sun
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2493; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112493 - 22 May 2024
Viewed by 1301
Abstract
With the arrival of the Internet of Things era, the demand for tactile sensors continues to grow. However, traditional sensors mostly require an external power supply to meet real-time monitoring, which brings many drawbacks such as short service life, environmental pollution, and difficulty [...] Read more.
With the arrival of the Internet of Things era, the demand for tactile sensors continues to grow. However, traditional sensors mostly require an external power supply to meet real-time monitoring, which brings many drawbacks such as short service life, environmental pollution, and difficulty in replacement, which greatly limits their practical applications. Therefore, the development of a passive self-power supply of tactile sensors has become a research hotspot in academia and the industry. In this review, the development of self-powered tactile sensors in the past several years is introduced and discussed. First, the sensing principle of self-powered tactile sensors is introduced. After that, the main performance parameters of the tactile sensors are briefly discussed. Finally, the potential application prospects of the tactile sensors are discussed in detail. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends and Future Challenges of Electronic and Photonic Materials)
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14 pages, 3592 KiB  
Article
Phonon Properties and Lattice Dynamics of Two- and Tri-Layered Lead Iodide Perovskites Comprising Butylammonium and Methylammonium Cations—Temperature-Dependent Raman Studies
by Mirosław Mączka, Szymon Smółka and Maciej Ptak
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2503; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112503 - 22 May 2024
Viewed by 1441
Abstract
Hybrid lead iodide perovskites are promising photovoltaic and light-emitting materials. Extant literature data on the key optoelectronic and luminescent properties of hybrid perovskites indicate that these properties are affected by electron–phonon coupling, the dynamics of the organic cations, and the degree of lattice [...] Read more.
Hybrid lead iodide perovskites are promising photovoltaic and light-emitting materials. Extant literature data on the key optoelectronic and luminescent properties of hybrid perovskites indicate that these properties are affected by electron–phonon coupling, the dynamics of the organic cations, and the degree of lattice distortion. We report temperature-dependent Raman studies of BA2MAPb2I7 and BA2MA2Pb3I10 (BA = butylammonium; MA = methylammonium), which undergo two structural phase transitions. Raman data obtained in broad temperature (360–80 K) and wavenumber (1800–10 cm−1) ranges show that ordering of BA+ cations triggers the higher temperature phase transition, whereas freezing of MA+ dynamics occurs below 200 K, leading to the onset of the low-temperature phase transition. This ordering is associated with significant deformation of the inorganic sublattice, as evidenced by changes observed in the lattice mode region. Our results show, therefore, that Raman spectroscopy is a very valuable tool for monitoring the separate dynamics of different organic cations in perovskites, comprising “perovskitizer” and interlayer cations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Terahertz Vibrational Spectroscopy in Advanced Materials)
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12 pages, 2748 KiB  
Article
Processability and Separability of Commercial Anti-Corrosion Coatings Produced by In Situ Hydrogen-Processing of Magnetic Scrap (HPMS) Recycling of NdFeB
by Laura Grau, Peter Fleissner, Spomenka Kobe and Carlo Burkhardt
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2487; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112487 - 21 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1413
Abstract
The recycling of NdFeB magnets is necessary to ensure a reliable and ethical supply of rare earth elements as critical raw materials. This has been recognized internationally, prompting the implementation of large-scale legislative measured aimed at its resolution; for example, an ambitious recycling [...] Read more.
The recycling of NdFeB magnets is necessary to ensure a reliable and ethical supply of rare earth elements as critical raw materials. This has been recognized internationally, prompting the implementation of large-scale legislative measured aimed at its resolution; for example, an ambitious recycling quote has been established in the Critical Raw Materials Act Successful recycling in sufficient quantities is challenged by product designs that do not allow the extraction and recycling of these high-performance permanent magnets without excessive effort and cost. This is particularly true for smaller motors using NdFeB magnets. Therefore, methods of recycling such arrangements with little or no dismantling are being researched. They are tested for the hydrogen-processing of magnetic scrap (HPMS) method, a short-loop mechanical recycling process. As contamination of the recycled material with residues of anti-corrosion coatings, adhesives, etc., may lead to downcycling, the separability of such residues from bulk magnets and magnet powder is explored. It is found that the hydrogen permeability, expansion volume, and the chosen coating affect the viable preparation and separation methods as recyclability-relevant design features. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Hard Magnetic Materials: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)
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12 pages, 6907 KiB  
Article
Flexible Nanofiber Pressure Sensors with Hydrophobic Properties for Wearable Electronics
by Yang Liu, Baoxiu Wang, Jiapeng Chen, Min Zhu and Zhenlin Jiang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2463; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102463 - 20 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1350
Abstract
In recent years, flexible pressure sensors have received considerable attention for their potential applications in health monitoring and human–machine interfaces. However, the development of flexible pressure sensors with excellent sensitivity performance and a variety of advantageous characteristics remains a significant challenge. In this [...] Read more.
In recent years, flexible pressure sensors have received considerable attention for their potential applications in health monitoring and human–machine interfaces. However, the development of flexible pressure sensors with excellent sensitivity performance and a variety of advantageous characteristics remains a significant challenge. In this paper, a high-performance flexible piezoresistive pressure sensor, BC/ZnO, is developed with a sensitive element consisting of bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibrous aerogel modified by ZnO nanorods. The BC/ZnO pressure sensor exhibits excellent mechanical and hydrophobic properties, as well as a high sensitivity of −15.93 kPa−1 and a wide range of detection pressure (0.3–20 kPa), fast response (300 ms), and good cyclic durability (>1000). Furthermore, the sensor exhibits excellent sensing performance in real-time monitoring of a wide range of human behaviors, including mass movements and subtle physiological signals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Smart Materials)
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15 pages, 7502 KiB  
Article
Rheological Properties and 3D Printing Behavior of PCL and DMSO2 Composites for Bio-Scaffold
by Jae-Won Jang, Kyung-Eun Min, Cheolhee Kim, Chien Wern and Sung Yi
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2459; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102459 - 20 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1427
Abstract
The significance of rheology in the context of bio three-dimensional (3D) printing lies in its impact on the printing behavior, which shapes material flow and the layer-by-layer stacking process. The objective of this study is to evaluate the rheological and printing behaviors of [...] Read more.
The significance of rheology in the context of bio three-dimensional (3D) printing lies in its impact on the printing behavior, which shapes material flow and the layer-by-layer stacking process. The objective of this study is to evaluate the rheological and printing behaviors of polycaprolactone (PCL) and dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2) composites. The rheological properties were examined using a rotational rheometer, employing a frequency sweep test. Simultaneously, the printing behavior was investigated using a material extrusion 3D printer, encompassing varying printing temperatures and pressures. Across the temperature range of 120–140 °C, both PCL and PCL/DMSO2 composites demonstrated liquid-like behavior, with a higher loss modulus than storage modulus. This behavior exhibited shear-thinning characteristics. The addition of DMSO2 10, 20, and 30 wt% into the PCL matrix reduced a zero-shear viscosity of 33, 46, and 74% compared to PCL, respectively. The materials exhibited extrusion velocities spanning from 0.0850 to 6.58 mm/s, with velocity being governed by the reciprocal of viscosity. A significant alteration in viscosity by temperature change directly led to a pronounced fluctuation in extrusion velocity. Extrusion velocities below 0.21 mm/s led to the production of unstable printed lines. The presence of distinct viscosities altered extrusion velocity, flow rate, and strut diameter. This phenomenon allowed the categorization of pore shape into three zones: irregular, normal, and no-pore zones. It underscored the importance of comprehending the rheological aspects of biomaterials in enhancing the overall quality of bio-scaffolds during the 3D printing process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Processes)
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8 pages, 2325 KiB  
Article
Photoluminescence Spectra Correlations with Structural Distortion in Eu3+- and Ce3+-Doped Y3Al5-2x(Mg,Ge)xO12 (x = 0, 1, 2) Garnet Phosphors
by Heonji Ha, Sungjun Yang and Sangmoon Park
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2445; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102445 - 19 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1125
Abstract
Garnet-type materials consisting of Y3Al5-2x(Mg,Ge)xO12 (x = 0, 1, 2), combined with Eu3+ or Ce3+ activator ions, were prepared by a solid-state method to determine the structural and optical correlations. The structure [...] Read more.
Garnet-type materials consisting of Y3Al5-2x(Mg,Ge)xO12 (x = 0, 1, 2), combined with Eu3+ or Ce3+ activator ions, were prepared by a solid-state method to determine the structural and optical correlations. The structure of Y3Al5-2x(Mg,Ge)xO12 (x = 1, 2) was determined to be a cubic unit cell (Ia-3d), which contains an 8-coordinated Y3+ site with octahedral (Mg,Al)O6 and tetrahedral (Al,Ge)O4 polyhedra, using synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction. When Eu3+ or Ce3+ ions were substituted for the Y3+ site in the Y3Al5-2x(Mg,Ge)xO12 host lattices, the emission spectra showed a decrease in the magnetic dipole f-f Eu3+ transition and a redshift of the d-f Ce3+ transition, related to centrosymmetry and crystal field splitting, respectively. These changes were monitored according to the increase in Mg2+ and Ge4+ contents. The dodecahedral and octahedral edge sharing was identified as a key distortion factor for the structure-correlated luminescence in the Eu3+/Ce3+-doped Y3Al5-2x(Mg,Ge)xO12 garnet phosphors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Photoelectric Materials: Preparation, Properties, and Applications)
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23 pages, 6508 KiB  
Article
The Influence of the Alkylamino Group on the Solvatochromic Behavior of 5-(4-substituted-arylidene)-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4,6-triones: Synthesis, Spectroscopic and Computational Studies
by Ilona Pyszka, Przemysław Krawczyk and Beata Jędrzejewska
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2447; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102447 - 19 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1031
Abstract
Advances in electronics and medical diagnostics have made organic dyes extremely popular as key functional materials. From a practical viewpoint, it is necessary to assess the spectroscopic and physicochemical properties of newly designed dyes. In this context, the condensation of 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid with [...] Read more.
Advances in electronics and medical diagnostics have made organic dyes extremely popular as key functional materials. From a practical viewpoint, it is necessary to assess the spectroscopic and physicochemical properties of newly designed dyes. In this context, the condensation of 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid with electron-rich alkylaminobenzaldehyde derivatives has been described, resulting in a series of merocyanine-type dyes. These dyes exhibit intense blue-light absorption but weak fluorescence. An electron-donating alkylamino group at position C4 is responsible for the solvatochromic behavior of the dyes since the lone electron pair of the nitrogen atom is variably delocalized toward the barbituric ring, which exhibits electron-withdrawing properties. This was elucidated, taking into account the different geometry of the amino group. The intramolecular charge transfer in the molecules is responsible for the relatively high redshift in absorption and fluorescence spectra. Additionally, an increase in solvent polarity moves the absorption and fluorescence to lower energy regions. The observed solvatochromism is discussed in terms of the four-parameter Catalán solvent polarity scale. The differences in the behavior of the dyes were quantified with the aid of time-dependent density functional theory calculations. The obtained results made it possible to find regularities linking the basic spectroscopic properties of the compounds with their chemical structure. This is important in the targeted search for new, practically important dyes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Size-Dependent Effects in Materials for Environmental Protection and Energy Application (2nd Edition))
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12 pages, 4077 KiB  
Article
First-Principles Study of Discharge Products and Their Stability for Lithium-Nitrogen Batteries
by Guoxiong Qu, Xudong Zhao, Chengdong Wei, Hongyi Zhang, Yutong Yang, Hongtao Xue and Fuling Tang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2429; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102429 - 18 May 2024
Viewed by 1139
Abstract
Li-N2 batteries present a relatively novel approach to N2 immobilization, and an advanced N2/Li3N cycling method is introduced in this study. The low operating overpotential of metal–air batteries is quite favorable to their stable cycling performance, providing [...] Read more.
Li-N2 batteries present a relatively novel approach to N2 immobilization, and an advanced N2/Li3N cycling method is introduced in this study. The low operating overpotential of metal–air batteries is quite favorable to their stable cycling performance, providing a prospect for the development of a new type of battery with extreme voltage. The battery system of Li-N2 uses N2 as the positive electrode, lithium metal as the negative electrode, and a conductive medium containing soluble lithium salts as the electrolyte. In accordance with its voltage-distribution trend, a variety of lithium-nitrogen molecule intermediates are produced during the discharge process. There is a lack of theoretical description of material changes at the microscopic level during the discharge process. In this paper, the first-principles approach is used to simulate and analyze possible material changes during the discharge process of Li-N2 batteries. The discharge process is simulated on a 4N-graphene anode substrate model, and simulations of its electrostatic potential, Density of States (DOS), HOMO (Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital) and LUMO (Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital) aspects confirm that the experimentally found Li3N becomes the final stabilized product of the Li-N2 battery. It can also be seen in the density of states that graphene with adsorption of 4N transforms from semiconducting to metallic properties. In addition, the differential charge also indicates that the Li-N2 material has a strong adsorption effect on the substrate, which can play the dual role of electricity storage and nitrogen fixation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electrode Materials for Batteries)
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15 pages, 4395 KiB  
Article
Study on the Flow Field Distribution in Microfluidic Cells for Surface Plasmon Resonance Array Detection
by Wanwan Chen, Jing Li, Peng Wang, Shuai Ma and Bin Li
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102426 - 17 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 960
Abstract
This research is dedicated to optimizing the design of microfluidic cells to minimize mass transfer effects and ensure a uniform flow field distribution, which is essential for accurate SPR array detection. Employing finite element simulations, this study methodically explored the internal flow dynamics [...] Read more.
This research is dedicated to optimizing the design of microfluidic cells to minimize mass transfer effects and ensure a uniform flow field distribution, which is essential for accurate SPR array detection. Employing finite element simulations, this study methodically explored the internal flow dynamics within various microfluidic cell designs to assess the impact of different contact angles on flow uniformity. The cells, constructed from Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), were subjected to micro-particle image velocimetry to measure flow velocities in targeted sections. The results demonstrate that a contact angle of 135° achieves the most uniform flow distribution, significantly enhancing the capability for high-throughput array detection. While the experimental results generally corroborated the simulations, minor deviations were observed, likely due to fabrication inaccuracies. The microfluidic cells, evaluated using a custom-built SPR system, showed consistent repeatability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Physics)
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18 pages, 5739 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Catalytic Performance of Mo2C/MoS2 Composite Heterojunction Catalysts
by Congyi Zhang, Zhigang Pan and Yaqiu Tao
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2355; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102355 - 15 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1718
Abstract
Hydrogen, as a clean, safe, and efficient energy carrier, is one of the hot energy sources that have attracted much attention. Mo2C, due to the introduction of C atoms, makes the atomic spacing of the Mo lattice decrease and changes the [...] Read more.
Hydrogen, as a clean, safe, and efficient energy carrier, is one of the hot energy sources that have attracted much attention. Mo2C, due to the introduction of C atoms, makes the atomic spacing of the Mo lattice decrease and changes the width of the d-band, which makes the electronic properties of Mo2C similar to that of Pt noble metals, exhibiting excellent electrochemical hydrogen precipitation performance. MoS2, due to its special crystal structure and tunable electronic structure, has been widely studied. In this paper, Mo2C nanoparticles were prepared by high-temperature carbonization, and then two-dimensional layered MoS2 were be loaded on Mo2C nanoparticles by the hydrothermal method to synthesize Mo2C/MoS2 composite catalysts. Their electrochemical hydrogen precipitation (HER) performance under acidic conditions was tested. The above catalysts were also characterized by modern material testing methods such as XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS. The results showed that the composite catalysts exhibited the most excellent electrochemical hydrogen precipitation performance at Mo2C/MoS2-3, with the lowest overpotential at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, Tafel slope, and electrochemical impedance. At the same time, the electrochemically active area was dramatically enhanced, with good stability under prolonged testing. The catalytic activity was significantly improved compared with that of Mo2C and MoS2. The characterization and experimental results indicate that the heterogeneous structure of Mo2C and MoS2 formed a built-in electric field between the two, which accelerated the electron transfer efficiency and provided more active sites. The Mo2C/MoS2 composite catalyst is a low-cost, easy-to-prepare, and high-efficiency electrochemical hydrogen precipitation catalyst, providing a new idea for developing green and clean energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Electrocatalytic Materials for Hydrogen Evolution and Oxygen Evolution)
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28 pages, 10078 KiB  
Review
Dry Electrode Processing Technology and Binders
by Kaiqi Zhang, Dan Li, Xuehan Wang, Jingwan Gao, Huilin Shen, Hao Zhang, Changru Rong and Zheng Chen
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2349; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102349 - 15 May 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8148
Abstract
As a popular energy storage equipment, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have many advantages, such as high energy density and long cycle life. At this stage, with the increasing demand for energy storage materials, the industrialization of batteries is facing new challenges such as enhancing [...] Read more.
As a popular energy storage equipment, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have many advantages, such as high energy density and long cycle life. At this stage, with the increasing demand for energy storage materials, the industrialization of batteries is facing new challenges such as enhancing efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and improving battery performance. In particular, the challenges mentioned above are particularly critical in advanced next-generation battery manufacturing. For batteries, the electrode processing process plays a crucial role in advancing lithium-ion battery technology and has a significant impact on battery energy density, manufacturing cost, and yield. Dry electrode technology is an emerging technology that has attracted extensive attention from both academia and the manufacturing industry due to its unique advantages and compatibility. This paper provides a detailed introduction to the development status and application examples of various dry electrode technologies. It discusses the latest advancements in commonly used binders for different dry processes and offers insights into future electrode manufacturing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Energy Materials)
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13 pages, 10556 KiB  
Article
Influence of HiPIMS Pulse Widths on the Structure and Properties of Copper Films
by Xincheng Liu, Heda Bai, Yongjie Ren, Jin Li and Xiangli Liu
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102342 - 15 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1235
Abstract
High-power pulse magnetron sputtering is a new type of magnetron sputtering technology that has advantages such as high peak power density and a high ionization rate compared to DC magnetron sputtering. In this paper, we report the effects of different pulse widths on [...] Read more.
High-power pulse magnetron sputtering is a new type of magnetron sputtering technology that has advantages such as high peak power density and a high ionization rate compared to DC magnetron sputtering. In this paper, we report the effects of different pulse widths on the current waveform and plasma spectrum of target material sputtering, as well as the structure and properties of Cu films prepared under the same sputtering voltage and duty cycle. Extending the pulse width can make the sputtering enter the self-sputtering (SS) stage and improve the ion quantity of sputtered particles. The Cu film prepared by HiPIMS with long pulse width has higher bond strength and lower electrical resistivity compared to the Cu film prepared by short pulse width. In terms of microstructure, the Cu film prepared by HiPIMS with the long pulse width has a larger grain size and lower micro-surface roughness. When the pulse width is bigger than 200 μs, the microstructure of the Cu film changes from granular to branched. This transformation reduces the interface on the Cu film, further reducing the resistivity of the Cu film. Compared to short pulses, long pulse width HiPIMS can obtain higher quality Cu films. This result provides a new process approach for preparing high-quality Cu films using HiPIMS technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Thin Films Materials: Properties, Characterization, Physical Vapor Deposition and Application)
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14 pages, 5421 KiB  
Article
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of SnO2@ZnIn2S4 Composites for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
by Yu-Cheng Chang, Jia-Ning Bi, Kuan-Yin Pan and Yung-Chang Chiao
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2367; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102367 - 15 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1330
Abstract
This research successfully synthesized SnO2@ZnIn2S4 composites for photocatalytic tap water splitting using a rapid two-step microwave-assisted synthesis method. This study investigated the impact of incorporating a fixed quantity of SnO2 nanoparticles and combining them with various materials [...] Read more.
This research successfully synthesized SnO2@ZnIn2S4 composites for photocatalytic tap water splitting using a rapid two-step microwave-assisted synthesis method. This study investigated the impact of incorporating a fixed quantity of SnO2 nanoparticles and combining them with various materials to form composites, aiming to enhance photocatalytic hydrogen production. Additionally, different weights of SnO2 nanoparticles were added to the ZnIn2S4 reaction precursor to prepare SnO2@ZnIn2S4 composites for photocatalytic hydrogen production. Notably, the photocatalytic efficiency of SnO2@ZnIn2S4 composites is substantially higher than that of pure SnO2 nanoparticles and ZnIn2S4 nanosheets: 17.9-fold and 6.3-fold, respectively. The enhancement is credited to the successful use of visible light and the facilitation of electron transfer across the heterojunction, leading to the efficient dissociation of electron–hole pairs. Additionally, evaluations of recyclability demonstrated the remarkable longevity of SnO2@ZnIn2S4 composites, maintaining high levels of photocatalytic hydrogen production over eight cycles without significant efficiency loss, indicating their impressive durability. This investigation presents a promising strategy for crafting and producing environmentally sustainable SnO2@ZnIn2S4 composites with prospective implementations in photocatalytic hydrogen generation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposite Based Materials for Various Applications)
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19 pages, 4414 KiB  
Article
Composite RGO/Ag/Nanosponge Materials for the Photodegradation of Emerging Pollutants from Wastewaters
by Ettore Madonia, Antonella Di Vincenzo, Alberto Pettignano, Roberto Scaffaro, Emmanuel Fortunato Gulino, Pellegrino Conte and Paolo Lo Meo
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2319; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102319 - 14 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3642
Abstract
Some composite materials have been prepared, constituted by a cyclodextrin-bis-urethane-based nanosponge matrix in which a reduced graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles photocatalyst has been dispersed. Different chain extenders were employed for designing the nanosponge supports, in such a way as to decorate their [...] Read more.
Some composite materials have been prepared, constituted by a cyclodextrin-bis-urethane-based nanosponge matrix in which a reduced graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles photocatalyst has been dispersed. Different chain extenders were employed for designing the nanosponge supports, in such a way as to decorate their hyper-cross-linked structure with diverse functionalities. Moreover, two different strategies were explored to accomplish the silver loading. The obtained systems were successfully tested as catalysts for the photodegradation of emerging pollutants such as model dyes and drugs. Enhancement of the photoactive species performance (up to nine times), due to the synergistic local concentration effect exerted by the nanosponge, could be assessed. Overall, the best performances were shown by polyamine-decorated materials, which were able to promote the degradation of some particularly resistant drugs. Some methodological issues pertaining to data collection are also addressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysts for Biomass Conversion and Environmental Remediation)
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26 pages, 9138 KiB  
Review
Progress and Challenges of Ferrite Matrix Microwave Absorption Materials
by Xianfeng Meng, Wenlong Xu, Xujing Ren and Maiyong Zhu
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102315 - 14 May 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1687
Abstract
Intelligent devices, when subjected to multiple interactions, tend to generate electromagnetic pollution, which can disrupt the normal functioning of electronic components. Ferrite, which acts as a microwave-absorbing material (MAM), offers a promising strategy to overcome this issue. To further enhance the [...] Read more.
Intelligent devices, when subjected to multiple interactions, tend to generate electromagnetic pollution, which can disrupt the normal functioning of electronic components. Ferrite, which acts as a microwave-absorbing material (MAM), offers a promising strategy to overcome this issue. To further enhance the microwave absorption properties of ferrite MAM, numerous works have been conducted, including ion doping and combining with other materials. Notably, the microstructure is also key factor that affects the microwave absorption properties of ferrite-based MAM. Thus, this article provides a comprehensive overview of research progress on the influence of the microstructure on ferrite-based MAM. MAMs with sheet and layered structures are also current important research directions. For core-shell structure composites, the solid core-shell structure, hollow core-shell structure, yolk-eggshell structure, and non-spherical core-shell structure are introduced. For porous composites, the biomass porous structure and other porous structures are presented. Finally, the development trends are summarized, and prospects for the structure design and preparation of high-performance MAMs are predicted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Functional Magnetic Nanomaterials)
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21 pages, 8416 KiB  
Article
Wear Mechanisms, Composition and Thickness of Antiwear Tribofilms Formed from Multi-Component Lubricants
by Anna E. Tsai and Kyriakos Komvopoulos
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102324 - 14 May 2024
Viewed by 1311
Abstract
The antiwear properties of tribofilms formed on steel surfaces lubricated with various multi-component lubricants were investigated at an elevated temperature and under load-speed conditions conducive to sliding in the boundary lubrication regime. The lubricants contained base oil, reduced-level (secondary) zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP), [...] Read more.
The antiwear properties of tribofilms formed on steel surfaces lubricated with various multi-component lubricants were investigated at an elevated temperature and under load-speed conditions conducive to sliding in the boundary lubrication regime. The lubricants contained base oil, reduced-level (secondary) zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP), and nitrogenous dispersant. The wear resistance of the tribofilms produced from different oil blends was evaluated in the context of the rate of change in the sliding track volume (wear rate for material loss) and the load-bearing capacity, chemical composition, and thickness of the tribofilms. Surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy were used to quantify the wear performance and detect the prevailing wear mechanisms, whereas X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy elucidated the chemical composition and thickness of the tribofilms. The oil blends without ZDDP did not produce tribofilms with adequate antiwear properties, whereas the oil blends containing ZDDP and dispersant generated tribofilms with antiwear characteristics comparable to those of tribofilms produced from blends with a higher ZDDP content. Although dispersants can suspend oil contaminants and preserve the cleanness of the sliding surfaces, it was found that they can also reduce the antiwear efficacy of ZDDP. This was attributed to an additive-dispersant antagonistic behavior for surface adsorption sites affecting tribofilm chemistry and mechanical properties. Among the blends containing a mixture of ZDDP and dispersant, the best antiwear properties were demonstrated by the tribofilm produced from the blend consisting of base oil, 0.05 wt% ZDDP, and a bis-succinimide dispersant treated with ethylene carbonate. The findings of this investigation demonstrate the potential of multi-component lubricants with reduced-content ZDDP and nitrogen-based dispersant to form effective antiwear tribofilms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Coatings for Wear and Corrosion Applications)
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17 pages, 6703 KiB  
Article
Additively Manufactured Bionic Corrugated Lightweight Honeycomb Structures with Controlled Deformation Load-Bearing Properties
by Jie Li, Han Wang, Xianghao Kong, Zhiwei Jiao and Weimin Yang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2274; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102274 - 11 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1381
Abstract
The rapid development of additive manufacturing (AM) has facilitated the creation of bionic lightweight, energy-absorbing structures, enabling the implementation of more sophisticated internal structural designs. For protective structures, the utilization of artificially controlled deformation patterns can effectively reduce uncertainties arising from random structural [...] Read more.
The rapid development of additive manufacturing (AM) has facilitated the creation of bionic lightweight, energy-absorbing structures, enabling the implementation of more sophisticated internal structural designs. For protective structures, the utilization of artificially controlled deformation patterns can effectively reduce uncertainties arising from random structural damage and enhance deformation stability. This paper proposed a bionic corrugated lightweight honeycomb structure with controllable deformation. The force on the onset state of deformation of the overall structure was investigated, and the possibility of controlled deformation in the homogeneous structure was compared with that in the corrugated structure. The corrugated structures exhibited a second load-bearing capacity wave peak, with the load-bearing capacity reaching 60.7% to 117.29% of the first load-bearing peak. The damage morphology of the corrugated structure still maintained relative integrity. In terms of energy absorption capacity, the corrugated lightweight structure has a much stronger energy absorption capacity than the homogeneous structure due to the second peak of the load carrying capacity. The findings of this study suggested that the combination of geometric customization and longitudinal corrugation through additive manufacturing offers a promising approach for the development of high-performance energy-absorbing structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Simulation and Design)
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10 pages, 7444 KiB  
Article
Zinc Oxide Nanostructure Deposition into Sub-5 nm Vertical Mesopores in Silica Hard Templates by Atomic Layer Deposition
by Tauqir Nasir, Yisong Han, Chris Blackman, Richard Beanland and Andrew L. Hector
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2272; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102272 - 11 May 2024
Viewed by 1042
Abstract
Nanostructures synthesised by hard-templating assisted methods are advantageous as they retain the size and morphology of the host templates which are vital characteristics for their intended applications. A number of techniques have been employed to deposit materials inside porous templates, such as electrodeposition, [...] Read more.
Nanostructures synthesised by hard-templating assisted methods are advantageous as they retain the size and morphology of the host templates which are vital characteristics for their intended applications. A number of techniques have been employed to deposit materials inside porous templates, such as electrodeposition, vapour deposition, lithography, melt and solution filling, but most of these efforts have been applied with pore sizes higher in the mesoporous regime or even larger. Here, we explore atomic layer deposition (ALD) as a method for nanostructure deposition into mesoporous hard templates consisting of mesoporous silica films with sub-5 nm pore diameters. The zinc oxide deposited into the films was characterised by small-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atomic Layer Deposition: From Thin Films to Nanostructured Materials)
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12 pages, 2950 KiB  
Article
Effect of Alloying Elements on the High-Temperature Yielding Behavior of Multicomponent γ′-L12 Alloys
by Chen-Yuan Wang, Sae Matsunaga, Yoshiaki Toda, Hideyuki Murakami, An-Chou Yeh and Yoko Yamabe-Mitarai
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2280; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102280 - 11 May 2024
Viewed by 1717
Abstract
The exceptional mechanical properties of Ni-based high entropy alloys are due to the presence of ordered L12 (γ′) precipitates embedded within a disordered matrix phase. While the strengthening contribution of the γ′ phase is generally accepted, there is no consensus on the [...] Read more.
The exceptional mechanical properties of Ni-based high entropy alloys are due to the presence of ordered L12 (γ′) precipitates embedded within a disordered matrix phase. While the strengthening contribution of the γ′ phase is generally accepted, there is no consensus on the precise contribution of the individual strengthening mechanisms to the overall strength. In addition, changes in alloy composition influence several different mechanisms, making the assessment of alloying conditions complex. Multicomponent L12-ordered single-phase alloys were systematically developed with the aid of CALPHAD thermodynamic calculations. The alloying elements Co, Cr, Ti, and Nb were chosen to complexify the Ni3Al structure. The existence of the γ′ single phase was validated by microstructure characterization and phase identification. A high-temperature compression test from 500 °C to 1000 °C revealed a positive temperature dependence of strength before reaching the peak strength in the studied alloys NiCoCrAl, NiCoCrAlTi, and NiCoCrAlNb. Ti and Nb alloying addition significantly enhanced the high-temperature yield strengths before the peak temperature. The yield strength was modeled by summing the individual effects of solid solution strengthening, grain boundary strengthening, order strengthening, and cross-slip-induced strengthening. Cross-slip-induced strengthening was shown to be the key contributor to the high-temperature strength enhancement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High Entropy Alloys and High Entropy Carbides: Microstructural and Mechanical Properties and Modeling)
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16 pages, 6450 KiB  
Article
Enhancement of Filtration Performance Characteristics of Glass Fiber-Based Filter Media, Part 1: Mechanical Modification with Electrospun Nanofibers
by Laura Weiter, Stephan Leyer and John K. Duchowski
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2209; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102209 - 8 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1341
Abstract
Various modifications of standard glass fiber filtration media using electrospun PA66 nanofibers are described. PA66 were selected because they were readily available from commercial sources. Other polymers, such as PP, PET and PBT, could also be used. The first set of samples was [...] Read more.
Various modifications of standard glass fiber filtration media using electrospun PA66 nanofibers are described. PA66 were selected because they were readily available from commercial sources. Other polymers, such as PP, PET and PBT, could also be used. The first set of samples was prepared by mixing the nanofibers at two, three and five weight percent with glass fibers, and the second by laying the same proportion of the nanofibers directly onto the downstream side of the substrate. The aim of these modifications was to improve the three most basic functionalities of filter media, the separation efficiency, the differential pressure (ΔP) and the dirt holding capacity (DHC). The modified media samples were evaluated with the standard textile characterization techniques and filtration performance evaluation procedures. The results showed differences in the several tens of percentage points achieved with the two modification methods. Moreover, additional differences in performance were observed depending on the percentage of nanofibers admixed to the substrate. These differences were most apparent in the filtration efficiency and the DHC, both by several percentage points, with no apparent effect on the ∆P. The results strongly suggest that the preparation of new filter media by incorporating nanofibers directly into the matrix can result in significant improvements in filtration performance characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Advanced Textile Materials)
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60 pages, 14719 KiB  
Review
Design, Manufacturing, and Analysis of Periodic Three-Dimensional Cellular Materials for Energy Absorption Applications: A Critical Review
by Autumn R. Bernard and Mostafa S. A. ElSayed
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2181; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102181 - 7 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1747
Abstract
Cellular materials offer industries the ability to close gaps in the material selection design space with properties not otherwise achievable by bulk, monolithic counterparts. Their superior specific strength, stiffness, and energy absorption, as well as their multi-functionality, makes them desirable for a wide [...] Read more.
Cellular materials offer industries the ability to close gaps in the material selection design space with properties not otherwise achievable by bulk, monolithic counterparts. Their superior specific strength, stiffness, and energy absorption, as well as their multi-functionality, makes them desirable for a wide range of applications. The objective of this paper is to compile and present a review of the open literature focusing on the energy absorption of periodic three-dimensional cellular materials. The review begins with the methodical cataloging of qualitative and quantitative elements from 100 papers in the available literature and then provides readers with a thorough overview of the state of this research field, discussing areas such as parent material(s), manufacturing methods, cell topologies, cross-section shapes for truss topologies, analysis methods, loading types, and test strain rates. Based on these collected data, areas of great and limited research are identified and future avenues of interest are suggested for the continued maturation and growth of this field, such as the development of a consistent naming and classification system for topologies; the creation of test standards considering additive manufacturing processes; further investigation of non-uniform and non-cylindrical struts on the performance of truss lattices; and further investigation into the performance of lattice materials under the impact of non-flat surfaces and projectiles. Finally, the numerical energy absorption (by mass and by volume) data of 76 papers are presented across multiple property selection charts, highlighting various materials, manufacturing methods, and topology groups. While there are noticeable differences at certain densities, the graphs show that the categorical differences within those groups have large overlap in terms of energy absorption performance and can be referenced to identify areas for further investigation and to help in the preliminary design process by researchers and industry professionals alike. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior and Numerical Simulation of Sandwich Composites)
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