Quantum dots (QDs) have sparked great interest due to their unique electronic, optical, and structural properties. In this review, we provide a critical analysis of the latest advances in the synthesis, properties, and applications of QDs. We discuss synthesis techniques, including colloidal and hydrothermal synthesis, and highlight how the underlying principles of these techniques affect the resulting properties of QDs. We then delve into the wide range of applications of QDs, from QDs based color conversion, light-emitting diodes and biomedicine to quantum-based cryptography and spintronics. Finally, we identify the current challenges and future prospects for quantum dot research. By reading this review, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the current state-of-the-art in QDs research and the potential for future development.
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Kushagra Agarwal et al 2023 Mater. Res. Express 10 062001
William Xaveriano Waresindo et al 2023 Mater. Res. Express 10 024003
Hydrogel is being broadly studied due to their tremendous properties, such as swelling behavior and biocompatibility. Numerous review articles have discussed hydrogel polymer types, hydrogel synthesis methods, hydrogel properties, and hydrogel applications. Hydrogel can be synthesized by physical and chemical cross-linking methods. One type of the physical cross-linking method is freeze-thaw (F–T), which works based on the crystallization process of the precursor solution to form a physical cross-link. To date, there has been no review paper which discusses the F–T technique specifically and comprehensively. Most of the previous review articles that exposed the hydrogel synthesis method usually mentioned the F–T process as a small part of the physical cross-linking method. This review attempts to discuss the F–T hydrogel specifically and comprehensively. In more detail, this review covers the basic principles of hydrogel formation in an F–T way, the parameters that influence hydrogel formation, the properties of the hydrogel, and its application in the biomedical field.
Ahmad Y Al-Maharma et al 2020 Mater. Res. Express 7 122001
In the present review, the effect of porosity on the mechanical properties of the fabricated parts, which are additively manufactured by powder bed fusion and filament extrusion-based technologies, are discussed in detail. Usually, additive manufacturing (AM) processes based on these techniques produce the components with a significant amount of pores. The porosity in these parts typically takes two forms: pores with irregular shapes (called keyholes) and uniform (spherical) pores. These pores are present at different locations, such as surface, sub-surface, interior bulk material, between the deposited layers and at filler/matrix interface, which critically affect the corrosion resistance, fatigue strength, stiffness, mechanical strength, and fracture toughness properties, respectively. Therefore, it is essential to study and understand the influence of pores on the mechanical properties of AM fabricated parts. The technologies of AM can be employed in the manufacturing of components with the desired porous structure through the topology optimization process of scaffolds and lattices to improve their toughness under a specific load. The undesirable effect of pores can be eliminated by using defects-free raw materials, optimizing the processing parameters, and implementing suitable post-processing treatment. The current review grants a more comprehensive understanding of the effect of porous defects on mechanical performance and provides a mechanistic basis for reliable applications of additively manufactured components.
Yangang Li et al 2022 Mater. Res. Express 9 122001
Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted extensive attraction due to their unique properties in novel physical phenomena, such as superconductors, Moiré superlattices, ferromagnetics, Weyl semimetals, which all require the high quality of 2D TMDs. Mechanical exfoliation (ME) as a top-down strategy shows great potential to obtain 2D TMDs with high quality and large scale. This paper reviews the theoretical and experimental details of this method. Subsequently, diverse modified ME methods are introduced. Significantly, the recent progress of the Au-assisted ME method is the highlight. Finally, this review will have an insight into their advantages and limitations, and point out a rational direction for the exfoliation of TMDs with high quality and large size.
Badrut Tamam Ibnu Ali et al 2022 Mater. Res. Express 9 125302
The selection of the solvent during the membrane preparation process significantly affects the characteristics of the resulting membrane. The large number of organic solvents available for dissolving polymers renders this experimental approach ineffective. A computational approach can select a solvent using the solvation energy value approach. In addition, no organic waste is generated from the computational approach, which is a distinct advantage. A computational approach using the DFT/B3LYP/def2-TZVP RIJCOSX method was used to optimize the structure of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The PET for the experiment was obtained from the utilization of plastic bottle waste. In addition, a review of the thermodynamics, geometry, HOMO-LUMO orbitals, and vibrational frequencies was conducted to validate the PET molecule against the experimental results. A conductor-like polarizable continuum model was used to determine the best solvent for dissolving the PET plastic waste. The results demonstrated that the Fourier Transform Infra-Red and Fourier Transform Raman spectra obtained from computational calculations were not significantly different from the experimental results. Based on a thermodynamic approach, computationally the Gibbs free energy (−724.723), entropy (0.0428), and enthalpy (−724,723 Kjmol−1 ) values of the PET dimer molecule are not much different from the experimental values (−601, 0.042, and −488 Kjmol−1). The computational approach was successful in selecting solvents that can dissolve PET plastic bottle waste. Phenol solvent has the lowest solvation energy value (−101.879 Kjmol−1) and the highest binding energy (2.4 Kjmol−1) than other solvents. Computational and experimental results demonstrated that the phenol solvent was able to dissolve PET plastic bottle waste better than the other solvents.
Xi Huang et al 2020 Mater. Res. Express 7 066517
The oxidation behavior of 316L stainless steel exposed at 400, 600 and 800 °C air for 100, 500 and 1000 h was investigated using different characterization techniques. Weight gain obeys a parabolic law, but the degree of deviation of n index is increasingly larger with the increase of temperature. A double oxide film, including Cr2O3 and Fe2O3 oxide particles in outer and FeCr2O4 oxides in inner, is observed at 400 °C. As regards to samples at 600 °C, a critical exposure period around 100 h exists in the oxidation process, at which a compact oxide film decorated with oxide particles transforms to a loose oxide layer with a pore-structure. In addition, an oxide film containing Fe-rich outer oxide layer and Cr-rich inner oxide layer is observed at 600 °C for 500 and 1000 h. Spallation of oxide scale is observed for all samples at 800 °C regardless of exposure periods, resulting in different oxidation morphologies, and the degree of spallation behavior is getting worse. A double oxide film with the same chemical composition as 600 °C is observed, and the thickness increases over exposure periods.
Jianxin Wu et al 2022 Mater. Res. Express 9 032001
Aluminum and its alloys having lots of advantageous properties are among the most-used metallic materials. So, it is of immense importance to find suitable processes and methods leading to high-quality purified Al melt. In this regard, there are numerous challenges in achieving high purity Al melts, such as its propensity to react with air, oxygen, and water vapor, the presence of a variety of oxide, non-oxide, and solid particle inclusions that lead to the production of pores, cracks, pinholes, and dross, finally adversely influencing the overall quality of the product. The main methods of melt refining are fluxing, floatation, and filtration, but more sophisticated methods have also emerged. The best method for purification can be chosen based on the type of impurities and the desired level of purification. With the industrial development, the need to establish more cost-effective and simpler methods has increased, and in addition, methods should be considered for recycling large volumes of scarp Al parts that contain more impurities. Moreover, achieving high purity melt is also a vital issue for use in specific applications. The present article has been written to discuss the above issues and focus on the study of various methods of aluminum purification.
Muhammad Hafeez et al 2020 Mater. Res. Express 7 025019
Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4-Nps) have many applications and now a days the green methods of synthesis of these NPs are preferred over other methods because of associated benefits. In this study, Co3O4-Nps were synthesized by using leaves extract of Populus ciliata (safaida) and cobalt nitrate hexa hydrate as a source of cobalt. The synthesized NPs were analyzed by different techniques such as fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antibacterial activities of the synthesized Co3O4-Nps were evaluated against gram negative and gram positive bacteria and found active against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebseilla pneumonia (K. pneumonia), Bacillus subtillus (B.subtillus) and Bacillus lichenifermia (B. lichenifermia). The activity results were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA, with 'Dunnett's Multiple Comparison Test'. The maximum mean activity (21.8 ± 0.7) was found for B. subtilis and minimum mean activity (14.0 ± 0.6) was observed for E. coli.
Veera Prabakaran Elanjeitsenni et al 2022 Mater. Res. Express 9 022001
Thin film sensors are used to monitor environmental conditions by measuring the physical parameters. By using thin film technology, the sensors are capable of conducting precise measurements. Moreover, the measurements are stable and dependable. Furthermore, inexpensive sensor devices can be produced. In this paper, thin film technology for the design and fabrication of sensors that are used in various applications is reviewed. Further, the applications of thin film sensors in the fields of biomedical, energy harvesting, optical, and corrosion applications are also presented. From the review, the future research needs and future perspectives are identified and discussed.
Shaktiranjan Mohanty et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 046406
The interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) between two ferromagnetic (FM) layers separated by a non-magnetic (NM) spacer layer gives rise to different types of coupling with the variation of spacer layer thickness. When the NM is metallic, the IEC is attributed to the well-known Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction which shows an oscillatory decaying nature with increasing thickness. Due to this, it is possible to tune the coupling between the two FM to be either ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic. In this work we have studied a Pt/Co/Ir/Co/Pt system where the Co thickness has been taken in the strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy regime which is much less than the spin reorientation transition thickness. By tuning the Ir thickness to 2.0 nm, a canted state of magnetization reversal in the system is observed which gives rise to a possibility of nucleating topologically non-trivial spin textures like skyrmions. Further, with the combination of transport and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) measurements, we have confirmed the presence of skyrmions in our system. These findings may be useful for potential applications in emerging spintronic and data storage technologies using skyrmions.
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Ashish Fande et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 056519
This study investigates the impact of Inconel 625 interlayer on dissimilar welded low nickel austenitic stainless steel (LNiASS) and super duplex stainless steel (S32760) using activated tungsten inert gas (ATIG) welding. Two weldments were prepared: with and without (autogenous) interlayer. Geometrical investigation of the weld cross sections revealed that interlayer-based welding significantly increased the depth of penetration and decreased weld width as compared to autogenous welding at the same welding current. The dual microstructure was observed in the weld zone (WZ) of autogenous weldment while fully austenitic structure with few intermetallics was observed in the WZ of interlayer-based weldment. Mechanical properties, particularly impact strength observed to be improved in the case of interlayer-based weldment (91 ± 2 J) compared to autogenous weldment (68 ± 2 J). Lower microhardness was noticed for the WZ of interlayer-based weldment (258 ± 3 HV0.2) than WZ of autogenous (279 ± 2 HV0.2) weldment due to the presence of higher content of Ni. However, UTS of interlayer-based weldment (654 MPa), falls short in comparison to the autogenous weldment (693 MPa), indicating a compromised joint efficiency of 5.96%. The corrosion resistance was observed to be higher for the WZ of interlayer-based weldment attributed to the higher content of Ni and Mo. The sensitization study revealed 47.33% degree of sensitization in the WZ of autogenous weldments due to dual microstructure, while interlayer-based weldments showed no sensitization.
Tao Xu et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 056520
Flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC) has always posed a significant threat to the safe operation of the secondary circuit in nuclear power units. In this study, we investigated typical carbon steel elbow pipe sections susceptible to FAC failure using fluid dynamics software to analyze the hydrodynamic characteristics at varying inlet velocities (2 m s−1, 4 m s−1, and 6 m s−1). The distribution of the FAC rate was monitored in real time using an array electrode. The results revealed that the outermost side of the elbow pipe section was the most susceptible location to FAC. By comparing different fluid dynamic parameters with the FAC rate, we identified radial velocity as an effective parameter for characterizing the FAC rate. Additionally, we established an empirical formula for predicting flow-accelerated corrosion in elbow pipe sections using the least squares method. The implications of this research are pertinent to the design and operation of pipelines in nuclear power plants.
Amr A Abd-Elghany et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 055009
Heavy metals and pathogens from contaminated water sources may undoubtedly be removed by creating an efficient bio-adsorbent based on functional spots. Thus, the goal of this work was to produce chitosan (Ch)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) biofilm decorated with graphene oxide (GO) sheets doped with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The nanostructure of prepared GO/Ag nanosheets is examined by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The fabricated film (GO/Ag Ch-PVA) is compared by the control films (Ch, PVA and Ch-PVA). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and tensile strength are used to study the films' structure. Also, the antimicrobial activity was assessed for the films. After doping the polymer matrix with GO/Ag, it was discovered that the tensile strength increased to about 46.18 MPa. Moreover, adsorption experiment for arsenic As (III) ions is explored by the prepared film at different operating conditions. The obtained results validated the enhanced adsorption ability of the GO/Ag Ch-PVA film towards As (III) with the highest adsorption capacity of 54.3 mg g−1 obtained from the isotherm model of Langmuir. Moreover, kinetic mathematical models for the adsorption effectiveness of GO/Ag Ch-PVA film are assessed. The results gathered demonstrated that GO/Ag Ch-PVA film is a potentially useful material for eliminating As (III) and microbial strains from essential water resources.
Chunyu He et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 056518
The service life of weathering steels in wagon body was determined by their corrosion resistance directly. This study investigated the influence of microstructure on the initial corrosion behavior of low carbon steels, systematically. The initial corrosion behavior of ferritic-bainitic (F+B) steel, bainitic (B) steel and ferritic-pearlitic (F+P) steel are thoroughly analyzed using coal leach solution immersion test, macroscopic and microcircuit electrochemical methods. The results revealed that F+B steel exhibited the highest corrosion resistance, with the potential of M-A islands surpassing that of ferrite. The initial corrosion initiates from the dissolution of the ferrite matrix, followed by detachment of the M-A islands. The potential of M-A islands is higher than that of bainitic ferrite lath, and the corrosion originates from ferrite dissolution in B steel. Moreover, F+P steel exhibited the largest potential difference between pearlitic and ferrite, leading to initiation of corrosion from the pearlitic corrosion of internal ferrite. Additionally, the multiphase characteristics of P in F+P steel exacerbates their corrosion susceptibility. Overall, the influence of microstructure on the initial corrosion behavior of low carbon steels can be attributed to the potential difference between different phases. Ferrite is the preferentially dissolved phase due to its negative potential difference.
G Ramanan et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 056517
This paper presents wire cut electrical discharge machining (WEDM) response characteristics of Aluminium 7075 (Al7075) reinforced with powdered activated carbon (PAC) composite. In recent days WEDM has become a significant machining process in targeting its benefits of contributing improved material removal rate (MRR) and low surface roughness (SR). This is due the rising need for intricate, accurate, and superior structural components, the WEDM process emerges as a formidable alternative to traditional machine tools. In this work Pulse-on time (Ton), pulse-off time (Toff), discharge current (IA) and servo speed rate (SS) are the variables to be given as input and machining responses such as MRR and SR are studied. From Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) study it is found that discharge current and servo speed is the significant parameters. The optimal desirability condition is obtained with input parameters Ip: 2000 mA; Ton: 8.9 μs; Toff: 25 μs and SS: 150 rpm for the precision machining. The optimum response parameters are found as MRR 10.46 mm3/min and SR 3.32 μm. Results shows that the model designed for the prediction of MRR produces an above 98.27% and the prediction of SR is above 97.17%. The error percentage among the experimental and predicted MRR and SR were estimated. Additionally confirmatory test is performed with optimal results achieved from response surface methodology (RSM) and desirability technique. Metallurgical tests like electron backscatter diffraction analysis (EBSD) and microstructure are conducted to confirm the surface properties and atomic force morphology (AFM) analysis is applied to clarify the structural features of machined composites. The results revealed that the variation of hard deflection is caused by depression of eroded materials on the top layers of machined surface.
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Qiaoqiao Lan et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 052001
Bio-based polyurethanes are novel material with potential advantages for sustainable development, and their development play significant roles in promoting sustainability. Curcumin, a natural monomer, possesses high biological activity and features a symmetrical chemical structure with various functional groups such as phenolic hydroxyl, carbonyl and benzene ring. The presence of hydroxyl groups in the structure of curcumin provides essential conditions for its involvement in polyurethane synthesis. This review article provides an overview of the applications of curcumin as a chain extender, crosslinking agent and end-capper in polyurethanes, as well as its effects on the chemical structure, mechanical properties, and chemical stability of polyurethanes. Furthermore, the functional applications of curcumin-based polyurethanes in various fields such as medicine, food packaging, and coatings are discussed. Finally, considering the current research status and inherent properties of curcumin, the future prospects of curcumin-based polyurethanes are contemplated.
Tao Huang et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 032003
As a kind of special energy field assisted plastic forming, electric pulse assisted plastic forming combines multiple physical fields, such as thermal, electrical, magnetic and mechanical effects, has multiple effects on metal. It has a good industrial application prospect in the fields of directional microstructure regulation of materials and preparation of new materials. The flow stress of metal materials can be effectively reduced by electro-pulse assisted forming. The action mechanism of pulse current includes thermodynamics (Joule heating effect) and kinetic (pure electro-plastic effect or athermal effect). Thermodynamically, electric pulses can be used to provide the energy for dislocation migration and atomic diffusion, and aid in microstructure changes such as recrystallization, phase transition and microcrack healing of metals. In terms of dynamics, electric pulse has an effect on the speed and path of dislocation structure evolution. On this basis, a series of theoretical models for accurately predicting the flow stress of materials in electrically assisted forming process were formulated by combining the stress–strain constitutive relationship considering the temperature rise effect and the pure electro-plastic effect. The accuracy of the predicting model is greatly enhanced by the introduction of electrical parameters. The mechanism for electrically assisted forming was further revealed.
Ane Lasa et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 032002
All plasma facing surfaces in a fusion reactor, whether initially pure or an alloy, will rapidly evolve into a mixed material due to plasma-induced erosion, migration and redeposition. Beryllium (Be) erosion from the main chamber, and its transport and deposition on to a tungsten (W) divertor results in the growth of mixed Be-W layers, which can evolve to form beryllides. These Be-W mixed materials exhibit generally less desirable properties than pure tungsten or pure beryllium, such as lower melting points. In order to better understand the parameter space for growth of these alloys, this paper reviews the literature on Be-W mixed material formation experiments—in magnetically confined fusion reactors, in linear plasma test stands, and during thin-film deposition—and on computational modeling of Be-W interactions, as well as briefly assesses the Be-W growth kinetics. We conclude that the following kinetic steps drive the material mixing: adsorption of the implanted/deposited ion on the metal surface; diffusion of the implanted/deposited ion from surface into the bulk, which is accelerated by defects; and loss of deposited material through erosion. Adsorption dominates (or prevents) material mixing in thin-film deposition experiments, whereas diffusion drives material mixing in plasma exposures due to the energetic ion implantation.
Meng Xu et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 032001
Heavy metal ions and organic pollutants cause irreversible damage to water environment, thereby posing significant threats to the well-being of organisms. The techniques of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation offer versatile solutions for addressing water pollution challenges, attributed to their inherent sustainability and adaptability. Silicates exhibit exceptional practicality in the realm of environmental protection owing to their structural integrity and robust chemical/thermal stability during hybridization and application process. Furthermore, the abundance of silicate reserves, coupled with their proven effectiveness, has garnered significant attention in recent years. This detailed review compiles and analyzes the extensive body of literature spanning the past six years (2018–2023), emphasizing the pivotal discoveries associated with employing silicates as water purification materials. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, classification, and chemical composition of diverse silicates and offers a thorough descriptive analysis of their performance in eliminating pollutants. Additionally, the utilization of diatomite as either precursors or substrates for silicates, along with the exploration of their corresponding purification mechanisms is discussed. The review unequivocally verifies the efficiency of silicates and their composites in the effective elimination of various toxic pollutants. However, the development of novel silicates capable of adapting to diverse environmental conditions to enhance pollution control, remains an urgent necessity.
Arijit Mitra et al 2024 Mater. Res. Express 11 022002
Magnetic materials at the nanometer scale can demonstrate highly tunable properties as a result of their reduced dimensionality. While significant advancements have been made in the production of magnetic oxide nanoparticles over the past decades, maintaining the magnetic and electronic phase stabilities in the nanoscale regime continues to pose a critical challenge. Finite-size effects modify or even eliminate the strongly correlated magnetic and electronic properties through strain effects, altering density and intrinsic electronic correlations. In this review, we examine the influence of nanoparticle size, shape, and composition on magnetic and tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) properties, using magnetite (Fe3O4) as an example. The magnetic and TMR properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles are strongly related to their size, shape, and synthesis process. Remarkably, faceted nanoparticles exhibit bulk-like magnetic and TMR properties even at ultra-small size-scale. Moreover, it is crucial to comprehend that TMR can be tailored or enhanced through chemical and/or structural modifications, enabling the creation of 'artificially engineered' magnetic materials for innovative spintronic applications.
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Patidar et al
Physical exercise enhances heat generation in human skin and subcutaneous tissues causing thermal stress. This thermal stress causes discomfort in the human body and deteriorates the physical performance of the human subjects. Appropriate choice of cloth for outer covering of human body is necessary to prevent this to provide comfort during the thermal stress. A mathematical model is proposed in this study to analyze the thermal stresses in human skin and subcutaneous tissues covered with various different cloth fabrics. The model considers four compartments namely cloth, epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissues. The bioheat equation along with appropriate boundary condition is employed in this model for one dimensional unsteady state case. The numerical simulation is performed using forward and central finite difference formulas. The findings have been utilized to examine how different types of fabric impact thermal stress experienced by the layers of human skin during physical activity. The polyester is found to be superior in comparison to cotton fabric as it shows less thermal stress and thus can be concluded to be more comfortable as a dress material.
Luthfianti et al
The paper initially focuses on the characteristics of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) hydrogel as smart delivery media, such as chemical stability, biocompatibility, and capacity for controlled release of bioactive compounds. Then, it discusses the effect of loading bioactive compounds into PVA hydrogel, considering their stability of delivery media, controlled release, and targeted delivery, enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Loading bioactive compounds such as diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC), curcumin, carotenoids, andrographolide, and flavonoids into PVA hydrogels can enhance biomedical functionalities. These functionalities include improved drug delivery, wound dressing efficacy, tissue engineering potential, and contact lens applications. Further, while previous review papers have extensively covered aspects such as the source of bioactive compounds, extraction methods, synthesis of PVA hydrogel, and various biomedical applications, there remains a gap in the literature in which no studies have systematically explored the loading of bioactive compounds into PVA hydrogel. This targeted investigation distinguishes our work from previous studies and contributes a novel perspective to the expanding hydrogel market. In light of the projected compound annual growth rate of 7.15% in the hydrogel market from 2021 to 2028, this study provides a pioneering overview of recent advancements in bioactive compound-loaded PVA hydrogels. Finally, this review outlines the challenges in optimizing bioactive compound-loaded PVA hydrogels' performance and their biomedical application. In the future direction, this review explores their potential in smart delivery media, such as optimizing the loading efficiency and releasing kinetics to specific target therapeutic, crosslinking with double or triple network hydrogels, and convergence of nanotechnology with hydrogel that become frontiers in precision medicine.
Cheng et al
Sufficient residual alveolar bone volume plays an important role in the success rate and service life of dental implants. However, alveolar bone deficiency is a common clinical phenomenon, and the alveolar bone would be further absorbed by peri-implant infection. Therefore, it is highly desirable to promote peri-implant alveolar bone regeneration and inhibit alveolar bone resorption when the alveolar bone mass is insufficient. For this purpose, a pH-sensitive double-layered nanoparticles-microarc oxidation (MAO) composite coating was fabricated on titanium for dental implant application in this study. The pH-sensitive double-layered nanoparticles were prepared by a poly(L-lactic acid) inner layer and a chitosan outer shell, containing stromal cell derived factor 1, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 and osteoprotegerin. The composite coating was fabricated on MAO coating by cross-linking the pH-sensitive double-layered nanoparticles with gelatin. The surface morphology of the composite coating showed that the pH-sensitive double-layered nanoparticles were well distributed and tightly cross-linked in the pores of MAO coating. The composite coating could sustain release the three drugs for more than 30 days. With decreasing pH, the release of osteoprotegerin from the composite coating increased (p<0.05). In vitro biological studies suggested that the composite coating exhibited no cytotoxicity, and can recruit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), promote BMSC differentiation into osteoblasts, and inhibit osteoclast generation. Moreover, with decreasing pH, the inhibitory effect on osteoclast generation was enhanced (p<0.05). It can be concluded that the fabricated composite coating, which can promote bone regeneration and inhibit bone resorption, has the potential to be applied on the surface of dental implant, especially when the residual alveolar bone is in poor condition.
Hamzah et al
In this study, we have extensively investigated an eco-friendly perovskite-based solar cell via a theoretical approach and numerical simulation. For that purpose, firstly, we have conducted a brief literature review to decipher the current status of Pb-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The literature review reflects that the research on Pb-free PSCs is going on with immense interest. By acquiring inspiration from the literature review, we have designed a Pb-free hybrid PSC with a structure of FTO/CdS/FAMASnGeI3/NiO/Ag utilizing SCAPS-1D software. The structure has been optimized by fine-tuning the thickness, and defect density of the light absorbing layer and the thickness, donor density, and band gap of ETL. The optimized structure of Pb-free perovskite material displays promising results with PCE of 30.05 %, Voc of 0.964 V, fill factor of 82.35% and current density of 27.77 mA/cm2. In addition, we have also found that the temperature and light intensity play a crucial role in the performance of the proposed PSC. We have found quantum efficiency as high as 98% for 360 nm thickness of the perovskite absorber layer. Finally, from the dark J–V analysis, lower current density (6.73 × 10−8 mA cm−2), less series resistance (2.8× 10−5 Ωcm2) as well as high shunt resistance (11412.67 Ωcm2) were witnessed, which is expectable for a promising solar cell. Our inclusive exploration unveiled the fact that the suggested novel architecture (FTO/CdS/FAMASnGeI3/NiO/Ag) can be considered an exceptional design for PSCs with greater efficiency and practical suitability.
Lin et al
The in-situ Ti43Zr27Mo5Cu10Be15 amorphous composites were investigated for their corrosion properties in solutions of NaCl, HCl, H2SO4 and NaOH. Electrochemical testing, SEM, EDS and XPS analyses revealed that pitting in NaCl and HCl solutions caused local surfaces damage. Amorphous matrix corrodes slightly in H2SO4 solution. Uniform corrosion occurred in NaOH solution without passive film formed, leading to the worst corrosion resistance. The optimal corrosion performances for NaCl and HCl solution are achieved at 0.5 mol/L and 0.75 mol/L separately which is related to the shortage of oxygen content in the solutions. While, the best corrosion performances for H2SO4 and NaOH solution are at 0.25 mol/L. Moreover, the research on the effect of temperature was conducted in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, it was found that Ti43Zr27Mo5Cu10Be15 amorphous composites exhibited good corrosion resistance at 298K, while the Ecorr declined with increasing solution temperature.