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Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Xiangxu Du

,

Lei Wang

,

Yuxiang Yang

Abstract: This study introduces a rational, template-free synthetic strategy for the scalable preparation of high-performance monodisperse spherical mesoporous silica particles (MSPs), engineered specifically as advanced heterogeneous catalytic supports. Leveraging Ostwald ripening as the core morphogenetic driver—rather than conventional organic structure-directing agents—the approach achieves both environmental compatibility and process robustness. Precise pH modulation to 8.0 using biocompatible organic acids (e.g., acetic or citric acid) enables controlled silica dissolution–reprecipitation kinetics, yielding MSPs with exceptional sphericity (PDI < 0.08), narrow size distribution, a specific surface area of up to 484 m²/g, uniform pore diameters centered at ~2 nm, and radially aligned, thermodynamically stabilized mesochannels—structural attributes that collectively satisfy stringent design criteria for high-efficiency catalytic carriers, including maximized active-site accessibility, minimized diffusion limitations, and mechanical resilience under reaction conditions. A systematic pH-screening study reveals a distinct structural transition: at pH < 7.5, incomplete condensation and suppressed ripening yield polydisperse aggregates with disordered worm-like porosity; at pH > 8.5, accelerated silicate dissolution induces particle coalescence and partial mesostructural degradation. Critically, pore ordering, channel dimensionality, surface area, and particle morphology are all quantitatively modulated by pH—establishing it as a master variable for hierarchical textural programming. This study compares the methoxychlor (MXC) degradation efficiency of polyhedral Bi2WO6 and MSP/Bi2WO6 under identical irradiation conditions to assess MSP’s catalytic impact. Mechanistic analysis of charge dynamics, interfacial electron transfer, and active species reveals how MSP enhances photocatalytic activity.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Jizhong Yuan

,

Yaohuang Jiang

,

Mengle Liu

,

Peipei Wu

,

Guoxian Feng

,

Yanchun Yu

,

Xiongfa Yang

Abstract: UV−curable L(-)−borneol−functionalized antibacterial hydrogels for packaging of fresh−cut banana and cherry tomato (UV−LBs) were designed from L(-)−Borneol−Functionalized polyurethane acrylate prepolymers (LB−PUAs) and thiol–functionalized PVA (PVA–SH) by UV initiated thiol−ene click reaction. UV−LBs exhibit good thermal stability with Td5 in the range of 225−240 oC, high mechanical performance with the tensile strength and the elongation at break in the range of 1.38−2.05 MPa and 44.4−68.6%, respectively. The antibacterial efficiency of UV−LBs against S. aureus, E. coli, and M. albican can reach 67.4%, 75.6% and 83.7%, respectively. The storage time of fresh−cut banana and cherry tomato packaged can be extended from 12 h to 30 h, 4 d to 5 d, respectively.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Axel Becker

,

Carolina von Essen

,

Lars Burgdorf

,

Marc Lecomte

,

Daniel Bischof

Abstract: Background: A lean crystal engineering study was performed on early pre-clinical POLθ inhibitor MSC178 to enable sufficient exposure for high-dose PK studies. Methods: COSMOquick derived excess enthalpies in combination with toxicological assessment of co-formers were used for selection of four co-formers. Experimental crystallization trials were performed in a staged approach from 15 mg-scale over 50 mg upscale to final g-scale upscale of most promising co-crystal form with 2,4-DHBA. Results: 2,4-DHBA co-crystal form revealed a more enhanced and sustained supersaturation profile in biorelevant non-sink dissolution test compared to amorphous free base form as well as compared to 3,4-DHBA co-crystal form and 1,2-EDSA salt form. Moreover, 2,4-DHBA co-crystal form was shown to be physically stable in suspension vehicle for PK study. The high physical stability towards physical form conversion in the suspension vehicle as well as the more sustained supersaturation behavior in non-sink dissolution profile could be attributed to intrinsic features of the crystal structure as well as surface hydrophilicity assessment of the co-crystal particles, both suggesting that rather hydrophobic surfaces are present that aid to preferably attract stabilizing surfactants from the dissolution medium (taurocholate) and from the suspension vehicle (polysorbate, methocel), respectively. Successful upscale of the 2,4-DHBA co-crystal form was achieved in small g-scale, revealing mainly isotropic crystal growth in primary particles as well as pronounced tendency for isotropi-cally shaped dendrite-like secondary particles, both being favored by multi-dimensional hydrogen bonding network being present. Resulting favorable powder properties are also deemed highly promising for application in more sophisticated formulation vehicles such as Powder-In-Capsules for higher species animal PK studies. Excellent agreement was shown for extent of in-vitro supersaturation behavior and in-vivo exposure gain in high-dose PK study for the 2,4-DHBA co-crystal form vs amorphous free form. Conclu-sion: Co-crystal strategy can be successfully developed in early pre-clinical industrial re-search with lean methodologies to optimize sub-optimal phys.-chem. properties of a free base compound to achieve improved and less variable in-vivo exposure between animals in high-dose PK studies.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Zhebiao Xu

,

Siyu Song

,

Zhuangjia Chen

,

Wenzhuo Wang

,

Yushen Huang

,

Fudong Bai

,

Riyang Shu

,

Zhipeng Tian

,

Chao Wang

Abstract: The development of high-performance and sustainable carbon electrodes is increasingly important for next-generation supercapacitors, yet controlling heteroatom doping and hierarchical pore evolution in biomass-derived carbons remains a key challenge. Lignin, as an abundant aromatic biopolymer, offers a structurally rich platform for designing functional carbons, but its rigid cross-linked architecture limits precise pore regulation and efficient nitrogen incorporation. In this work, nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbons were engineered from enzymatically treated lignin through a synergistic urea-assisted nitrogen doping and KOH activation strategy. The urea–KOH co-activation drives the coordinated evolution of micropores and mesopores. This approach yields an optimized carbon material possessing a high BET surface area of 2569 m².g⁻¹, an interconnected micro–mesoporous architecture, and a favorable distribution of pyridinic, pyrrolic, and graphitic nitrogen species. The engineered pore hierarchy enhances ion transport kinetics, whereas nitrogen functionalities introduce redox-active sites and improve interfacial wettability. As a result, selected material delivers a high specific capacitance of 221 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹, strong rate capability with 84.4% retention at 20 A g⁻¹, and excellent cycling durability with 90.7% capacitance retention after 50,000 cycles. This study demonstrates a mechanistically informed, scalable pathway for coupling enzymatic structural regulation with chemical activation, offering a sustainable route for transforming lignin into high-value carbon electrodes suitable for advanced supercapacitor applications.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Alexandre Brailovski

,

Ali Beydoun

,

André Guerra

,

Alejandro D. Rey

,

Phillip Servio

Abstract: Ice adhesion on exposed structures remains a major operational challenge, motivating the search for passive, material-based anti-icing strategies. Molecular Dynamics offers a controlled way to investigate ice-surface interactions beyond the limits of experimental setups. In this work, we develop a simulation framework to model the impact of solid hexagonal ice droplets on metallic substrates. Ice impacts are simulated across a range of velocities (10–120 m/s), temperatures (120–250 K), and face-centered cubic surface materials (gold, copper, silver, aluminum, and nickel). Using LAMMPS, mW water force field, EAM/Alloy metal potentials, and Lennard-Jones water-surface interactions, we quantify phase evolution through angular order parameter and quasi-liquid layer measurements, complemented by the CHILL+ algorithm in OVITO. By isolating all external factors, we show that melting increases with velocity and temperature and correlates with substrate properties: metals with high thermal diffusivity and low Young’s modulus tend to de-crease post-collision ice melting. The ratio of the former to the latter, a derived index of merit Υ, significantly correlates with melting percentage and identifies silver as the most effective anti-ice material examined. Statistical analyses strongly suggest that these surface properties influence interfacial melting, supporting the use of this modelling framework for screening and designing anti-icing materials.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Sergio Gonzalez-Serrud

,

Ana Cristina González-Valoys

,

Marina Patricia Arrieta

Abstract: This study investigates the development of mechanically reprocessed poly(lactic acid) (rPLA) films reinforced with rice husk (RH) and rice husk biochar (RHB) to evaluate their processing behavior, key functional properties, and disintegration under composting conditions. rPLA was produced from PLA through an additional processing cycle to simulate the valorization of industrial PLA waste, while composites containing 1 and 3 wt.% RH or RHB were manufactured by melt extrusion followed by compression molding process. Reprocessing increased the melt flow index and decreased intrinsic viscosity and viscosimetric molecular weight, evidencing the occurrence of chain scission during mechanical reprocessing. The addition of RH slightly restricted melt flow and promoted higher surface hydrophilicity, whereas RHB showed a filler-loading-dependent effect on melt flow and increased surface hydrophobicity at low content, consistent with its carbonized and less polar nature. Both RH and RHB promote nucleating effect, with increased crystallinity in RHB-containing films, and tensile tests showed that filler incorporation mainly reduced ductility compared with unfilled rPLA, while stiffness and strength was maintained or exhibited more moderate variations. Despite these contrasting trends in surface properties and thermo-mechanical performance, all formulations achieved complete disintegration within 21 days under composting conditions at laboratory scale level. Overall, RH and RHB provide a viable route to valorize agro-industrial residues in rPLA films and to tune structure–property relationships within circular-economy framework.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Alexander A. Matvienko

,

Andrey S. Skrypnik

,

Pavel A. Gribov

,

Ulanbek K. Mamytbekov

,

Mustafa M. Kidibaev

,

Anatoly A. Sidelnikov

Abstract: This work presents a comprehensive investigation of the thermal decomposition of nickel oxalate dihydrate as a precursor for the synthesis of porous NiO, with particular emphasis on microstructural formation and evolution. The transformations occurring at successive stages of the reaction were examined using SEM, TEM, N₂ adsorption, TG–DSC–MS, and in situ powder XRD, enabling the mechanisms of pore formation to be elucidated. The decomposition results in the formation of a porous pseudomorph composed of NiO nanoparticles with an average size of approximately 4 nm. The resulting microstructure exhibits hierarchical porous architecture. During dehydration, macropores are generated as a result of crystal fragmentation into blocks several hundred nanometers in size. Subsequent oxalate decomposition leads to the formation of mesoporous aggregates composed of nanometer-sized particles. The factors governing the parameters of the porous microstructure are analyzed. Owing to its hierarchical pore system, the obtained NiO demonstrates significant potential for applications in heterogeneous catalysis, gas sensing, electrodes for super-capacitors and Li-ion batteries, and photoelectrochemical devices. In such systems, macropores facilitate mass transport by reducing diffusion resistance, while mesopores provide a high accessible surface area for adsorption and catalytic reactions.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Magda Anna Stefanescu

,

Barbara Traenkenschuh

,

Olivier Messé

,

Bernhard Christian Seyfang

Abstract: This study investigates the corrosion behavior of a WC-6Co cemented carbide (94 wt% WC, 6 wt% Co) in acidic (pH 2) and alkaline (pH 13) aqueous environments, with em-phasis on implications for reconditioning processes. Both electrolytes, characterized by their high electrical conductivity, are used in industrial electrochemical stripping of PVD coatings. While acidic electrolytes are already established for stripping coatings from hard metal substrates, the influence of the alkaline electrolytes on substrate integrity remains insufficiently explored, especially considering the implication of reconditioning. Elec-trochemical characterization was performed using potentiodynamic polarization method, followed by surface analysis via SEM, EDX, and laser confocal microscopy. Two distinct corrosion mechanisms were identified, corresponding to the respective pH conditions and consistent with predictions from Pourbaix diagrams. In acidic media, cobalt dissolution occurred alongside strong passivation of tungsten through the formation of WO₃. In contrast, under alkaline conditions, tungsten formed soluble tungstate ions (WO₄²⁻), leading to progressive leaching of WC grains, while cobalt exhibited passivation via a Co(OH)₂ layer, mitigating binder degradation. Within the scope of this work, electrolytes used for electrochemical stripping were examined. The investigation focused on their corrosive impact on uncoated hard-metal substrates under electrochemical stripping conditions, as these become exposed to both the electrolyte and applied potential once the coating is removed. Coating removal itself was not addressed. A key finding is that oxide or hydroxide passivation on cemented carbides does not inherently guarantee protection. Its effectiveness depends strongly on the nature of the formed layer. In the acidic elec-trolyte, pseudo-passivation by formation of WO₃ layer initially inhibits corrosion but leads to significant material loss upon its breakdown. These findings provide valuable guidance for the application of cemented carbides in electrochemical stripping processes used for PVD coating removal.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Alexander Haynack

,

Thomas Kränkel

,

Christoph Gehlen

,

Jithender J. Timothy

Abstract: This study presents a distribution-optimized mesostructure estimation method for modeling near-surface aggregate size distributions in concrete by optimizing the spatial arrangement of polydisperse spherical aggregates with respect to formwork boundaries. The approach is based on minimizing the deviation between a generated cumulative aggregate volume function and an idealized linear target function corresponding to a constant area fraction along the specimen depth. To enable efficient computation for systems containing a large number of aggregates, grain size classes derived from the grading curve are represented using symmetric Beta distributions, allowing each group to be described by a single shape parameter. The resulting optimization problem is solved using a derivative-free Powell algorithm. The method inherently captures wall effects, leading to a migration of smaller aggregates toward the specimen boundaries to compensate for geometric constraints of bigger aggregates. Experimental validation was performed by determining the depth-dependent mean bulk density of a concrete cube using incremental surface grinding combined with high-resolution 3D laser scanning. The optimized mesostructure shows strong agreement with measured density profiles, significantly improving over a non-optimized distribution. Furthermore, increasing aggregate volume fractions intensify near-surface accumulation of fine particles. The proposed method provides a computationally efficient framework for incorporating wall effects into mesoscale concrete models.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Jonathan Kae

,

Constantinos D. Zeinalipour-Yazdi

Abstract: In this study we show that on the basis of simple crystallographic rules applied to the sphere-in-contact model/theorem that we can predict that under ambient conditions of pressure and temperature that the most dense and stable form of lithium in GICs is LiC6 and that two distinct form of LiC8 are possible. We find that other empirical formulas such as MC2, MC3 and M3C8 are possible based on crystallography, but not stable based on intercalate repulsions. The results are based on the unit cell description of GICs with the sphere-in-contact model/theorem that is used to model the intercalation of an arbitrary atom within the AαAα stacking1 of two graphene layers in GICs. We calculate the density and the packing fraction of these materials. This approach offers a simple description of the structure of GICs in which the unit cell can be defined and the diffusion of ions can be estimated on the basis of the void space in these materials. We anticipate that this simple description of GIC will be useful for the rational design of new graphite-based materials that can find use in various energy storage applications such as ion-based batteries but also as an educational tool in which university level education in materials and surface chemistry is directly connected to basic laws in chemistry, physics and mathematics.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Heji Luo

,

Huifang Liu

,

Simin Liu

,

Haiyan Wang

,

Lingling Liu

,

Xibao Li

Abstract: The development of efficient, stable, and sustainably-synthesized photocatalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production remains a critical challenge. Here, we report a novel, green coprecipitation route for the synthesis of calcium-doped zinc oxide (Ca-ZnO) nanosheets, utilizing cactus juice as a natural, multifunctional precipitation medium. This method enables the in-situ incorporation of 3-7% Ca2+ ions into the wurtzite ZnO lattice without the need for harsh chemical agents. Comprehensive analysis confirms that Ca2+ substitutionally replaces Zn2+, preserving the crystal structure while inducing a uniform nanosheet morphology. This doping strategy effectively modulates the electronic band structure, progressively narrowing the bandgap from 3.19 eV to 2.90 eV and significantly enhancing visible-light absorption. Crucially, the incorporation of Ca2+ also generates oxygen vacancies, which act as efficient electron traps to suppress charge recombination. The optimized 5%Ca-ZnO photocatalyst demonstrates an exceptional hydrogen evolution rate of 889 μmol·g-1·h-1 under visible light, with outstanding stability, retaining 94.8% of its activity after four cycles. This work not only presents a high-performance material but also establishes a paradigm for the sustainable design of advanced semiconductor photocatalysts.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Abniel Machín

,

Francisco Márquez

Abstract: Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to lithium-ion systems, driven by the abundance and low cost of sodium resources as well as the urgent demand for sustainable large-scale energy storage. In recent years, re-markable advances have been achieved in electrode materials, electrolytes, and inter-facial engineering, which have significantly improved the electrochemical performance of SIBs. Hard carbons and alloy-type anodes have shown encouraging progress in balancing capacity and stability, while layered oxides, polyanionic compounds, and Prussian blue analogues are leading candidates for cathodes due to their structural diversity and tunable redox properties. Concurrently, the development of advanced liquid and solid electro-lytes, together with strategies to control the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI), is enhancing safety and long-term cycling. Despite these achievements, critical challenges remain, including limited energy density, volumetric expansion in alloying anodes, interfacial instability, and scalability issues. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles, recent material in-novations, and failure mechanisms of SIBs, and highlights the current status of industrial progress led by companies such as Faradion, HiNa Battery, CATL, and Tiamat. Finally, future perspectives are discussed, emphasizing the role of sodium-ion technology in grid-scale storage, renewable energy integration, and sustainable battery recycling. By bridging academic advances and industrial development, this article outlines the roadmap toward the commercialization of sodium-ion batteries.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Adriele Todero

,

Paloma Reatto

,

Fabiana Pereira

,

Alexander Junges

,

Rogério Dal Lago

,

Marcelo Mignoni

Abstract: This review explores the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into glycerol carbonate (GC), positioning this pathway as a sustainable strategy that couples environmental mitigation with the valorization of surplus glycerol from biodiesel production. Glycerol carbonate maintains extensive industrial utility as a green solvent, chemical intermediate, and functional component in polymers, cosmetics, and packaging. Distinct from prior literature, this study systematically integrates the evaluation of catalysts derived from agro-industrial waste and hybrid catalytic systems, correlating their structural architectures with catalytic efficiency. The review evaluates diverse catalytic frameworks, with a primary focus on heterogeneous systems. Silica-based materials are highlighted, particularly those synthesized from rice husk ash, an abundant amorphous silica source. The sol–gel method is identified as a robust route for engineering porous matrices with high surface areas and tunable structural properties. Furthermore, the doping of silica with metal oxides, such as niobium oxide (Nb2O5) and nickel oxide (NiO), is discussed as a strategic approach to introduce synergistic acid–base sites and redox properties that facilitate CO2 activation. The integration of ionic liquids into hybrid systems is also examined as a promising frontier to enhance reaction kinetics and selectivity. Finally, this review delineates the nexus between agro-industrial waste management and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, proposing a circular economy framework for the biodiesel value chain.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Mubarak Ali

Abstract: Both heat and photon energy are integral parts of scientific research. The study of the photon and the electron does not present up-to-date science in some phenomena. A misconception falls at the basic level. To eliminate the misconception, a discussion presents the electron dynamics in the silicon atom. The electron executes confined interstate dynamics for one forward or reverse cycle. As a result, the resulting shaped force-energy defines a unit photon. That unit photon has a shape similar to a Gaussian distribution with turned ends. A featured photon can interact with the side of a laterally orientated electron (of a semisolid or solid atom) to possibly convert into heat energy. When a featured photon interacts with the tip of a laterally oriented electron, that photon can convert into energy bits. The shapes of energy bits are similar to integral symbols. The reference point for the electron executing confined interstate dynamics is the center of a silicon atom. The north-south tips of the electrons align along the north-south poles. The energy shapes around the force tracing along the trajectory of electron dynamics. To execute confined interstate dynamics, forces of the two poles appear conservatively for turning the electron each time. The outer ring electron of the silicon atom reaches the ‘maximum limit point’ during the confined interstate dynamics. There is energy of one bit. In the remaining half cycle, that electron also generates energy of one bit. The electron dynamics of the silicon atom generate photons of a wave shape. Atoms of some other elements generate photons other than wave shapes. The execution of the electron dynamics is nearly at the speed of light. In addition to energy science, the study is useful in physical and chemical sciences.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Vera La Ferrara

,

Marco Martino

,

Antonio Marino

,

Giovanni Landi

,

Silvano Del Gobbo

,

Nicola Lisi

,

Rosanna Viscardi

,

Alberto Giaconia

,

Giulia Monteleone

Abstract: Mixed-halide perovskite solar cells with the composition Cs0.1(MA0.17FA0.83)0.9Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3 were fabricated obtaining solar cells as glass/ITO/SnO2/triple cation perovskite/HTL/Au, subsequently used as photoanodes for efficient solar-driven water splitting by applying commercial catalytic nickel foils onto the Au back-contact pads of devices. To enable operation under alkaline media the de-vices were encapsulated using commercial PET–EVA multilayer films, providing a ro-bust barrier while leaving the Ni foils exposed as the electrochemically active interface. Two operating configurations were investigated and compared: (i) an outside configu-ration, where the perovskite solar cell powered an external electrochemical cell, and (ii) an immersed configuration, in which the encapsulated device was directly integrated into the electrolyte. In particular, the oxygen evolution reaction onset shifted from ~1.32 V vs RHE, when the Ni electrode was not powered by the perovskite absorber, to ~0.34 V vs RHE when the perovskite device powered the nickel foil for both immersed and outside configurations. The IS device achieved a maximum Applied Bias Photon-to-Current Ef-ficiency of ~20% under AM 1.5G illumination (100 mW cm⁻²), among the highest reported for perovskite-based photoanodes.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Eriketi Loizidou

,

Deepshikha Deepshikha

,

Constantinos D. Zeinalipour-Yazdi

Abstract: In this study we explore various non-destructive methods for the determination of density of 27 non-porous natural stones. Among the methods investigated the most accurate method was found to be the mass-based suspension method that uses Archimedes principle, with costs of equipment less than 20$. We have used this density measurement method to measure densities of natural stones and copper reference cube in the range of 1.07 – 8.93 g×cm-3, for stones that have volumes less than 16.4 cm3. The measurement are in excellent agreement with more precise methods that use a 4 decimal place analytical balance. The measurement uncertainty of the method was assessed with a Cu density reference cube and was found to be of the order of 0.1% in measuring the volume of stones with arbitrary shape. Finally, we provide details of the design features of a new liquid-based pycnometer that can measure the density of irregular shape natural stones without the need to form a powder. This pycnometer can also be used to measure density changes in liquids as a function of temperature and solute concentration.

Review
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Ivan Kodrin

,

Ivana Biljan

Abstract: Rising atmospheric CO2 levels have increased the demand for robust, scalable adsorbents for practical CO2 capture and separation. Porous organic polymers (POPs) are attractive candidates because their pore architecture and binding site properties can be precisely tuned via building blocks and linkage formation. This review summarizes experimental and computational studies of azo-linked POPs and, more broadly, nitrogen-nitrogen (N−N) linked systems, emphasizing how synthetic routes, building blocks, and framework topology govern CO2 uptake. We highlight key synthetic strategies and representative systems, including porphyrin-azo networks, and discuss the relatively sparse experimental literature on alternative N−N linked POPs incorporating azoxy and azodioxy motifs. Emphasis is placed on reversible nitroso/azodioxide chemistry as a potential pathway to ordered porous organic materials. Computational studies provide a practical route to connect structure with adsorption behavior in largely amorphous or partially ordered networks. We review hierarchical workflows combining periodic DFT and electrostatic potential properties, grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations and binding-energy calculations to rationalize trends and identify favorable binding environments. Computational findings demonstrate that pore accessibility and stacking models can strongly influence predicted CO2 adsorption. This review provides guidelines for designing POPs with enhanced CO2 adsorption, offering an outlook and discussing challenges for future studies.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Xiaowen Zhang

,

Juan Pablo Gevaudan

Abstract: Performance variability in MgO-based cements stems partly from poorly characterized dissolution kinetics of commercial lightly burned magnesia (LBM). Existing studies focus on high-purity materials under acidic conditions, but LBM dissolves also in alkaline condition where Mg(OH)2 precipitation prevents reliable sampling at high pH. We validated pH monitoring against ICP-AES for tracking initial LBM dissolution kinetics across pH 2.0-11.0 and temperatures 25-85°C. Commercial LBM (32 m2/g, 7.5 wt% CaO) exhibited rates one to two orders of magnitude higher than synthetic magnesia (10−8 to 10−12 mol/cm2·s). X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and BET analysis revealed enhanced reactivity from poor crystallinity, multiphase composition, and high surface area with textural porosity. Temperature effects peaked at 75°C before declining due to Mg(OH)2 passivation. The validated method provides practical guidance for MBC quality control and performance optimization.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Shicheng Sun

,

Xiaonan Wang

,

Peiquan Xu

,

Leijun Li

Abstract: Due to faster charging, longer charge–discharge cycles, and broader operating temperature ranges, electrochemical supercapacitors (ES’s) can be used in electric vehicles, electronic devices, and smart grids. NiCo2O4@CC and NiCo2S4@CC composites were synthesized using a two-step hydrothermal method without organic binders on a carbon cloth substrate. NiCo2O4@CC was successfully synthesized through a hydrothermal reaction at 160 °C for 16 h and annealing at 350 °C for 2 h. NiCo2S4@CC was successfully synthesized through a hydrothermal reaction at 160 °C for 16 h, followed by a reaction at 120 °C for 14 h and annealing at 350 °C for 2 h. Annealing was found to make the structure of the loaded compound more stable, which was beneficial in preventing shedding of the active substance. The synergistic effect between polymetals, nanoparticles, porosity and high conductivity of carbon cloth improved the electrochemical performance. The specific capacitance of the NiCo2S4@CC sample at the current density of 1 A/g was about 1.5 times that of the NiCo2O4@CC sample. The electrolyte entered the voids due to the irregular arrangement of needle-like NiCo2S4, which enlarged the contact area between the ions in the solution and NiCo2S4@CC, resulting in an increase in the specific capacitance. A preferred irregular arrangement of nanostructure, sulphur substitution for oxygen atom, and the formation of more active sites can be assumed to be the underlying mechanism. The high flexibility of NiCo2S4@CC enables it to be further used to provide a stable power supply for wearable and portable electronic devices.

Article
Chemistry and Materials Science
Materials Science and Technology

Taifeng Zhang

,

Jinsheng Sun

,

Kaihe Lv

,

Jingping Liu

,

Lei Nie

,

Yufan Zheng

,

Yuanwei Sun

,

Ning Huang

,

Delin Hou

,

Han Yan

+1 authors

Abstract:

In this study, a thermally crosslinking clay-free weak gel water-based drilling fluid based on salt-responsive polymers and crosslinking agents was investigated, a promising and feasible strategy. Firstly, a salt-tolerant polymer was synthesized using N, N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAA), [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfonopropyl) ammonium hydroxide (DMAPS), and acrylamide (AM). BPEI10000 was selected as the thermal crosslinking agent. The optimal crosslinking could be achieved at 180 °C and 36% NaCl when the RMFL concentration was 2.0%, and the BPEI10000 concentration was 0.1%. Performance evaluation demonstrated that the crosslinking between RMFL and BPEI10000 could enhance the AV, PV, and YP of the RMFL(BPEI10000)/CF-WBDFs after aging at 180 °C for 16 h, and reduce FLAPI. The RMFL(BPEI10000)/CF-WBDFs exhibited appropriate shear-thinning behavior, viscoelasticity, thixotropy, and recoverable viscosity under high-temperature, high-salinity, and high-pressure conditions. Mechanism analysis revealed that RMFL and BPEI10000 could form a predominantly negatively charged, three-dimensional crosslinking weak gel at high temperatures. The crosslinking weak gel could form dense filter cakes, improving rheological properties and reducing filtration loss of CFWBDFs in high-temperature, high-salinity environments. This paper proposed a novel method to address the technical challenge of rheological performance failure of CFWBDFs, offering valuable insights for subsequent investigations.

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