Advanced Nanocomposites最新文献

The development of high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials is of great significance for preventing EM radiation. For traditional shielding materials, the pursuit of superior conductivity is the primary designing strategy to achieve highly efficient shielding performance. However, high conductivity will inevitably produce serious EM wave reflections and cause secondary EM radiation pollution. Therefore, absorption-dominated EMI shielding materials known as “green shielding materials” have become an ideal solution for conferring reliable EMI protection to next-generation electronics in complex EM environments. Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) as novel shielding materials have advantages in terms of flexible processability and adjustable EMI shielding performance, hence providing possibility to obtain absorption-dominated shielding materials. In this review, we introduce the evaluation method of absorption-dominated EMI shielding materials and discuss principles and strategies for designing efficient absorption-dominated shielding polymer composites. The recent advances of structural design approaches and processing methods of green shielding CPCs as well as the shielding mechanism of CPCs with low reflection shielding characteristics are systematically summarised. Major challenges of designing efficient EM wave dissipation structure are discussed and potential research frontiers in developing advanced absorption-dominated EMI shielding polymer composites are prospected. It is expected that green EMI shielding CPCs with high efficiency and long-term durability, favourable environmental adaptability as well as multifunctionality will eventually be widely used in the EM compatibility and protection of the next-generation electronic devices.

Photocatalytic concrete technology is gaining attention in sustainable building and infra–structure for its crucial role in catalyzing the decomposition of harmful air pollutants and improving air quality. It incorporates photocatalysts such as Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and Zinc oxide (ZnO) to purify the air and offer self-cleaning capabilities. This review examines the pollutant removal capabilities of photocatalytic concrete, analyses the factors influencing its efficacy, explores different preparation methods and mechanical properties, and includes a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate its environmental impact. Cement-based materials, serving as a carrier for photocatalysts, exhibit varying effects based on the type of photocatalysts, especially different types of TiO₂ crystals. Analysis of preparation methods, including mixing, spraying and impregnation, emphasizes the imperative need for research aimed at improving the active lifespan and bonding strength of the coating to the substrate. The discussion covers strategies for enhancing photocatalyst performance through surface modification, addressing the associated technical and future challenges. Innovative methods such as the use of recycled glass to increase nitrogen oxides removal rates and the incorporation of porous materials such as zeolites to increase the photocatalytic efficiency of sulfur dioxide SO₂ and CO₂ have been evaluated. The TiO₂ nanoparticle fraction significantly influences the hydration and overall performance of cement-based materials, with an optimal range of 4–10 wt % of the cement mass recommended. LCA analyses indicate the need for exploring more environmentally friendly design options to enhance the application of photocatalytic technology in concrete infrastructure such as roads and building facades.

As a member of the two-dimensional materials’ family, MXene sheets exhibit unique structure and outstanding functional properties, garnering extensive interest in many emerging fields. Among them, the MXene derivatives with low emissivity and inorganic feature have positioned them as promising candidates for thermal camouflage and fire safety. Nevertheless, the present literature still lacks a comprehensive and comparative review focused on both the thermal radiation protection and fire safety of advanced MXene-based nanocomposite materials. This paper is dedicated to offering an overview of recent advances and progress empowering the MXene-based nanocomposites in the context of the MXene synthesis and operational principle, structural characteristics, multifunctional performance and emergent thermal radiation protection and fire safety applications. Special emphasis is placed on reviewing the thermal camouflaging (infrared stealth), flame-retardant (passive) and fire early warning (active) to understand the relationships between the material compositions, fabricating process, multi-scale structures and multiple functionalities. Finally, future challenge and direction of advanced MXene-based nanocomposites in thermal camouflage and fire safety applications are discussed and analyzed.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are rod-shaped crystalline nanoparticles generated by acidolysis of cellulose, and they exhibit exceptional physical and chemical properties as well as biocompatibility. As a class of natural polymer, CNCs have been combined with other polymers to create high-performance nanocomposites. Leveraging the lyotropic liquid crystal properties of CNCs enables the development of a distinctive optical responsive system. This system finds applications in a variety of fields, including anti-counterfeiting technology, sensing, painting and medicine, among others. In addition, the combination of CNC-based hydrogels with various drugs and functional nanoparticles can be applied to a variety of emerging treatments to solve specific medical problems that cannot be solved by previous treatment systems. In this article, we review the recent progress in functionalizing CNCs and their use to form CNC-based hydrogel nanocomposites for medical applications. The development and functional mechanisms of these nanocomposites, incorporating nanoparticles and polymers for tumor therapy and controlled drug delivery systems, will be thoroughly examined. Finally, the research prospects and application orientation of these nanocomposites are provided.

The inherent flammability of polymer materials is an issue that cannot be ignored and limits their further application in industry. Therefore, much effort has been devoted to the development of flame-retardant polymers. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have received abundant attention in the field of flame-retardant polymers recently because of their unique layered structure and versatility. 2D nanomaterials with unique layered structures, when well dispersed in polymers, not only enhance the thermal stability of polymers significantly, but also further strengthen the role of the char layer in suppressing heat and mass transfer. This review focuses on the properties of the flame-retardant polymer nanocomposites based on the most common 2D nanomaterials, including graphene, MXene and black phosphorus, as well as their flame-retardant efficiency. Moreover, we also provide the design approaches for the future development of the flame-retardant polymer nanocomposites.

In light of the pressing global issues surrounding foodborne illnesses, food waste and plastic pollution from packaging, the necessity for sustainable, advanced food packaging solutions is brought into sharp focus. Alginate, derived from seaweed, has emerged as a focal point for materials innovation due to its renewable nature, biodegradability and versatile functionality. This comprehensive review examines recent developments in the field of alginate-based nanocomposites specifically designed for use in food packaging. Significant advancements entail the incorporation of diverse nanoparticles—such as polysaccharides, carbon-based and metallic species, metal oxides, nanoclays, layered double hydroxides, carbon dots and metal–organic frameworks—into alginate matrices. These integrations markedly elevate the mechanical robustness, thermal stability and barrier effectiveness of the materials. Furthermore, these nanocomposites manifest antimicrobial, antioxidant and sensing capabilities vital for food preservation. Pioneering methodologies encompass the infusion of plant extracts, essential oils and bioactive compounds, which synergistically enhance performance metrics. The review highlights the practical applications of these materials, demonstrating their effectiveness in prolonging shelf life and maintaining quality in a range of food products, such as fresh produce, meat and dairy items. It also presents forward-thinking insights that advocate for cost-effective and biosafe nanofiller exploration, resource-efficient process development and innovative formulation strategies to further amplify material functionality and expand the scope of applications in food packaging.

With the increasing popularity of electronic devices and wireless technology, the issue of electromagnetic interference (EMI) has attracted widespread attention all over the world. In response to this challenge, it is of great significance to develop novel EMI shielding composites with high absorption performance. In recent years, 2D MXene series nanomaterials have gained prominence in the field of EMI shielding due to their remarkable electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and chemically active surfaces. Herein, we review recent progress on polymer/MXene EMI composites. Firstly, the preparation method of MXene nanosheets and the mechanism and experimental calculation of EMI shielding are introduced, and then the main structural design ideas and corresponding preparation methods of polymer/MXene EMI shielding composite materials are objectively summarized, and their advantages and disadvantages in electromagnetic shielding applications are analyzed. Finally, this review highlights the current challenges faced by polymer/MXene composites in EMI shielding applications and puts forth innovative concepts for the development of next-generation high-performance EMI shielding materials.

In industrial settings, thermoplastics are frequently employed as the base materials for composites and often enhanced with micron-sized additives such as glass fibers for improved performance. This study employed twin-screw extrusion as the processing method to compound a common thermoplastic – polycarbonate (PC) with one dimensional (1D) multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and two dimensional (2D) graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). In the PC matrix, GNPs were found to relatively uniformly dispersed, MWCNTs were seen to have two states of dispersion, and CNFs were much shortened with many defects caused by the extrusion. At 10.0 wt%, MWCNTs reduced the electrical resistivity of PC from 4.2 × 10¹⁵ to 4.6 × 10⁷ Ω·cm, and GNPs improved the thermal conductivity from 0.13 to 0.38 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹. GNPs, MWCNTs and CNFs at 1.0 wt% all improved the mechanical properties of PC, i.e. increments of 13.8%, 5.7% and 13.8% for Young's modulus, 6.2%, 11.7% and 21.2% for tensile strength, and 9.6%, 10.2% and 5.7% for impact strength. At 10.0 wt%, the PC/GNP nanocomposite displayed the least reduction of tensile strength of PC whilst the PC/CNF nanocomposite slightly increased the un-notched Charpy impact strength from 161 to 186 kJ/m². The structure-property relationship of these nanocompsoites was analysed, with the relavent mechanisms proposed. Overall, twin-screw extrusion proved effective for dispersing various carbon nanomaterials in PC. This work provides a guide for industry to design and manufacture thermoplastic/carbon nanomaterial composites using the extrusion method.