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{"title":"Silica derived from rice husk waste as anode material for lithium-ion battery: A comprehensive study","authors":"P.U. Nzereogu ,&nbsp;A.D. Omah ,&nbsp;F.I. Ezema ,&nbsp;E.I. Iwuoha ,&nbsp;A.C. Nwanya","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101615","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101615","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research investigates the synthesis and characterization of silica extracted from rice husks sourced from Adani in Enugu State, Nigeria, and its application in lithium-ion batteries. In this work, two methodologies for extracting SiO₂ from rice husk were explored: rice husk pre-treatment process (acid leaching) and rice husk post-treatment process (alkaline digestion). The rice husks underwent acid leaching with 10 % HCl, followed by calcination at temperatures ranging from 500°C to 800°C. The sample post-treatment involved alkaline digestion using a 1 N sodium hydroxide solution. Results from structural analysis showed a progressive increase in purity and amorphous properties of silica up to a calcination temperature of 700°C. At 800°C, crystalline forms of silica, such as cristobalite and tridymite, were observed. The post-treated samples, especially those calcined at 700°C (PT700), exhibited comparative higher purity. Electrochemical studies were carried out using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Galvanostatic Charge/Discharge (GCD) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and the results show that the post treated rice husk that was calcined at 700 °C (PT700) had the highest specific capacity of 913 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹ and retained ∼89 % of this capacity after 1000 charge-discharge cycles. The energy density of the PT700 sample was 302 Wh kg⁻¹ , demonstrating its potential as a viable alternative to graphite in lithium-ion battery applications. The study concludes that silica extracted from rice husks is a sustainable and efficient material for use in energy storage devices, offering significant advantages in terms of reactivity, surface area, and electrochemical performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101615"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High field magnetization of Eu spin clusters, carrier spin polarization and Lattice diamagnetism in p-type Sn1−xEuxTe Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor","authors":"Sashi S. Behera,&nbsp;Saptarshi Nayak","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101604","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101604","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;We present a theoretical model for the magnetization p-type &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;S&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;n&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;1&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;mo&gt;−&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mi&gt;x&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;mi&gt;E&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;u&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;x&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;mi&gt;T&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mi&gt;e&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS), incorporating the contributions from itinerant-localized spin interaction, intrinsic diamagnetism of the lattice, and &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;E&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;msup&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;u&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mo&gt;+&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mn&gt;2&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msup&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; local moments, as functions of magnetic field at T=4.2K. We evaluate the magnetization contribution from hole spin-polarization using a &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mover&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;k&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mo&gt;→&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;/mover&gt;&lt;mi&gt;⋅&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;mover&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;π&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mo&gt;→&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;/mover&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; formalism. The Hamiltonian in this formalism encompasses spin-orbit interaction, the interaction between carrier spins and localized moments in the presence of a magnetic field. Additionally, we include a diamagnetic contribution from the host lattice, originating from interband orbital and spin-orbit effects. Furthermore, the impurity spin magnetization, &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;M&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;E&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;msup&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;u&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mo&gt;+&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mn&gt;2&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msup&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, is expressed as the sum of three components: &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;M&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;E&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;msup&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;u&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mo&gt;+&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mn&gt;2&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msup&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt;=&lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;M&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;s&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt;+&lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;M&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;p&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt;+&lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;M&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;t&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, where &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;M&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;s&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; represents the principal contribution from a single-ion (isolated spin), and &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;M&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;p&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;M&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;t&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; arise from correlated spin pairs and triplets, respectively. Our results indicate that &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;M&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;E&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;msup&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;u&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mo&gt;+&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;mn&gt;2&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msup&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; is the dominant contribution to the total magnetization &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mo&gt;(&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;M&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;T&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;mo&gt;)&lt;/mo&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, primarily governed by isolated Eu spins. However, the contributions from spin clusters &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;M&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;p&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;M&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;t&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; become increasingly significant with higher Eu concentration. The magnetization due to carrier spin polarization (&lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;M&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101604"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In situ self-growth of NiOOH/CrO₂ catalyst via constant current electrooxidation for urea oxidation reaction","authors":"Xuehui Yu ,&nbsp;Li Lin ,&nbsp;Ao Chen ,&nbsp;Siying Zhu ,&nbsp;Jiahui Cai ,&nbsp;Zhenming Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101608","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101608","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, the catalyst is generated in situ on the electrode surface, which breaks through the traditional electrode preparation methods. The Ni-Cr alloy is simply subjected to anodic leaching treatment in KSCN and KOH solutions, followed by activation treatment in a 1 M KOH and 0.33 M urea solution to complete the final step of electrode preparation. The urea oxidation reaction (UOR) achieves 10 mA cm⁻² at 1.362 V (RHE) and reaches the same current density at 1.355 V after 10 h of chronopotentiometry (CP) aging. The C_dl values before and after CP-aging are 39.27 mF cm⁻² and 40.82 mF cm⁻², respectively. The performance of the catalyst is attributed to the anti-poisoning ability of CrOOH and CrO₂, the synergistic effect between high-valent Cr and Ni, as well as the high electronic conductivity of Cr³⁺ and Cr⁴⁺.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101608"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparation and characterization of hybrid composites using jute fiber, carbon nanotubes, polypropylene","authors":"Greiciele da Silva Ferreira ,&nbsp;Joziane Silva da Cunha ,&nbsp;Gilberto Garcia del Pino ,&nbsp;Nayra Reis do Nascimento ,&nbsp;Bianca Marinho da Silva ,&nbsp;Gabriel Fabricio Rocha de Carvalho Pádua ,&nbsp;Samantha Coelho Pinheiro ,&nbsp;Antonio Claúdio Kieling ,&nbsp;José Costa de Macêdo Neto","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101596","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101596","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing demand for lightweight and sustainable materials has driven the development of hybrid polymer composites that combine natural fibers with nanoscale reinforcements. In this study, a polypropylene-based hybrid composite reinforced with 10 wt% jute fibers and 0.5 wt% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was prepared by extrusion and injection molding. The thermo-mechanical behavior of the materials was evaluated through tensile and Izod impact tests, FTIR, SEM/TEM, TGA, DSC and VICAT analyses. The hybrid composite (J/PP/CNT) showed a 2.14 % increase in tensile strength (34.56 MPa) compared to pure PP (32.57 MPa), while the jute-only composite reached 36.70 MPa. The Young’s modulus increased from 1116 MPa (J/PP) to 1160 MPa (J/PP/CNT), evidencing CNT-induced nucleation effects; however, elongation decreased to 2.02 mm/mm, consistent with increased rigidity. Impact resistance improved significantly, rising from 35.89 J/m² (J/PP) to 40.37 J/m² in the hybrid composite, surpassing even pure PP (39.20 J/m²). Thermal analysis showed that the Tonset increased from 249.2 °C (J/PP) to 260.8 °C (J/PP/CNT), and the final residue rose from 0.6 % to 2.3 %, reflecting the thermal stability of CNTs. VICAT softening temperature increased from 129.15 °C (PP) to 141.16 °C (hybrid). DSC revealed a slight reduction in crystallinity compared to pure PP (from 60.32 % to 49.15 % in the hybrid), but without changes in melting temperature (168 °C). FTIR confirmed characteristic interactions among PP, jute functional groups and oxidized CNT surfaces. Overall, the incorporation of CNTs enhanced impact resistance, thermal behavior and stiffness, confirming a synergistic reinforcement effect and indicating the potential of PP/jute/CNT composites for sustainable, high-performance industrial applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101596"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of natural rubber encapsulation technology using spray drying: A comprehensive review","authors":"Afrizal Vachlepi ,&nbsp;Soen Steven ,&nbsp;Ernie S.A. Soekotjo ,&nbsp;Hafis Pratama Rendra Graha ,&nbsp;Akhmad Zainal Abidin ,&nbsp;Tjokorde Walmiki Samadhi ,&nbsp;Arief Ameir Rahman Setiawan","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101592","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101592","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The latex processing stage is a critical step in the natural rubber industry. The choice of an appropriate processing method determines the sequence and duration of each stage, ultimately influencing both investment and operational costs. This review examines the encapsulating of natural rubber using spray drying technology and its market prospects. Conventional natural rubber processing involves intensive stages and a considerable amount of equipment, such as coagulation, milling, pre-drying, shredding, and drying. Simplifying this lengthy procedure and minimizing the need for intensive equipment can be achieved by employing encapsulation technology through spray drying. One of the key factors in the encapsulation of natural rubber particles is the use of non-adhesive additives, which help reduce the inherent tackiness of natural rubber. These additives act as encapsulating agents, enveloping natural rubber particles and preventing stickiness between them. The selection of additive materials is one of the crucial factors in applying spray drying technology for natural rubber. Given its numerous advantages, spray drying technology is suitable for small-scale applications, particularly in smallholder plantations. Encapsulated natural rubber products exhibit significant market potential as innovative alternatives. Several studies have investigated the drying process of natural rubber using spray drying technology with various encapsulating material alternatives. The results of these studies indicate that natural rubber latex can be processed into encapsulated natural rubber. Further comprehensive research is needed to evaluate its applicability in the production of end-use rubber products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101592"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of friction-stir processing on microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-Cr-Zr-Y alloy","authors":"M. Tkachev,&nbsp;E. Tkachev,&nbsp;A. Bodyakova,&nbsp;S. Mironov,&nbsp;R. Kaibyshev","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101605","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101605","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined the effect of friction stir processing (FSP) on the microstructure and properties of a novel Cu-Cr-Zr-Y alloy. In addition, the microstructural aspects of doping Cu-Cr-Zr bronze with yttrium were considered. It was found that owing to the extremely low solubility of yttrium in copper, this alloying element was primarily concentrated in a secondary phase. Owing to the low melting point of the Y-rich phase, it precipitated as coarse inclusions and thus exerted only a minor influence on the material behavior. In contrast, FSP was found to be quite feasible for the thermomechanical processing of the Cu-Cr-Zr-Y alloy. Specifically, a single FSP pass resulted in a more than three-fold increase in strength characteristics and simultaneously provided a substantial enhancement in electrical conductivity. This effect was attributed to the formation of an ultrafine-grained structure and the precipitation of Cr-rich dispersoids within the stir zone.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101605"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Template-assisted synthesis of LaCoO3 from bio-silica: Catalytic insights into rice husk pyrolysis","authors":"Jhoan F. Téllez ,&nbsp;Juliana M. Juárez ,&nbsp;Verónica Brunetti ,&nbsp;Miguel A. Laguna-Bercero ,&nbsp;Valeria C. Fuertes ,&nbsp;Juan M. De Paoli ,&nbsp;E. Laura Moyano","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101593","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101593","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents the synthesis of LaCoO₃ perovskites via a nanocasting approach using bio-silica extracted from residual rice husk (RH). The bio-silica was employed to prepare MCM-41 and SBA-15 hard templates, which served as scaffolds for perovskite formation. The resulting materials were thoroughly characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen physisorption. The MCM-41 and SBA-15 templates exhibited high surface areas (1011 and 867 m² g⁻¹, respectively), comparable to commercial silica. After template removal, the LaCoO₃ perovskites retained significant surface areas of 55 m² g⁻¹ (MCM-41) and 80 m² g⁻¹ (SBA-15), with their texture and structure strongly influenced by the template type. The catalytic performance of nanocast LaCoO₃ perovskites and a sol–gel reference sample was evaluated in the fast pyrolysis of rice husk at 400 °C using 5 and 20 wt% catalyst loadings. Catalysts slightly increased the overall bio-oil yield (34–45 %), particularly at higher loading. Remarkably, while non-catalytic and 5 wt% catalytic pyrolysis produced bio-oils containing over 50 compounds, increasing the catalyst loading to 20 wt% reduced this number to 17–26 compounds, depending on the catalyst employed. The bio-oils were mainly composed of anhydrosugars; oxygenates (mainly furans and carbonyl-containing compounds); and aromatics, primarily phenolic derivatives. At higher loading, perovskite catalysts promoted selective pathways, enriching the pyrolysates in valuable products such as levoglucosan and 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran. These findings demonstrate the potential of LaCoO₃-based catalysts to modulate product selectivity in the fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, offering promising opportunities for the valorization of agro-industrial residues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101593"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimizing biodegradable starch composite films reinforced with oil palm cellulose: A structure–property–degradability approach for sustainable packaging","authors":"Sasikan Suwanprateep ,&nbsp;Natchanun Angsuseranee ,&nbsp;Sompong Piriyayon","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101602","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101602","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study is an investigation of cellulose fibers from oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) and their effect on the properties of cassava starch biocomposite films at concentrations ranging from 0 % to 8 % by weight. At low cellulose concentration levels, SEM analysis uncovered smooth surfaces with precipitation occurring at 6–8 %. Utilizing XRD, the significant increase in the crystallinity index was confirmed, peaking at the 6 % concentration. This maximum crystallinity level is the structural basis for the optimal mechanical and barrier properties observed. Mechanical testing corroborates that optimal tensile strength occurs at 6 % cellulose (7.21 MPa, 124 % improvement), accompanied by a maximum Young's Modulus (E) of 5.60 MPa, which confirms the highest stiffness elongation will decrease as the cellulose content increases. Barrier properties were optimal at 6 % cellulose, reducing water vapor and oxygen permeability by 44 % and 38 % respectively, but deteriorated at higher concentrations due to agglomeration. The optimal film, StEFB06 %, exhibited superior performance, showing a significant increase in contact angle to 85.68°, corresponding to the lowest Work of Adhesion (WA) of 78.29 mJ/m², confirming the highest hydrophobicity. This optimal formulation also displayed the lowest WVP value, thereby validating EFB cellulose as a promising sustainable reinforcement for food packaging. Optical properties showed increased opacity and decreased transparency with an increasing cellulose content. Biodegradability testing demonstrated reduced weight loss and degradation rates with an increasing cellulose concentration. The 6 % cellulose concentration (StEFB06 %) provided the best balance of enhanced mechanical and barrier properties while maintaining acceptable biodegradability, thus making these films suitable for sustainable food packaging applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101602"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acid-resistant clay bricks incorporating bottom ash and waste glass strengthened by mullite suppression and albite formation","authors":"Siwat Lawanwadeekul ,&nbsp;Prinya Chindaprasirt ,&nbsp;Nattawut Ariyajinno ,&nbsp;Anuwat Srisuwan ,&nbsp;Nonthaphong Phonphuak","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101610","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101610","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study reports a systematic investigation of vitrification-driven modification of fired clay ceramics through the co-utilization of lignite-derived bottom ash (BA) and post-consumer waste glass (WG). Clay bodies containing 2.5–10.0 wt% BA–WG (1:1 mass ratio) were fired at 900–1100 °C to evaluate their physical, mechanical, and chemical performance. The results reveal a competing mechanism within the clay matrix: at low additions (2.5–5.0 wt%), decomposition of BA-derived sulfate (SO₄^2-) induces gas evolution and bloating, reducing bulk density. In contrast, at higher additions (7.5–10.0 wt%), the Na₂O–CaO–SiO₂-rich flux from WG dominates, promoting extensive vitrification and effective pore sealing. This vitrification-driven densification produces glass-rich matrices with reduced water absorption (∼7 %) and compressive strengths of 18–22 MPa, satisfying the minimum requirements of ASTM C62–17 for moderate-weathering clay bricks. Chemical durability is exceptional, with mass loss ≤ 0.02 % after acid immersion at pH 2 for 14 days. XRD and SEM analyses confirm that the high-flux BA–WG system fundamentally alters phase equilibria in the clay body, suppressing the formation of mullite—the typical reinforcement phase in clay and fly ash-based ceramics—and instead promoting a distinct strengthening mechanism: a continuous glassy matrix reinforced by crystalline albite (NaAlSi₃O₈). This vitrification–albitization pathway, distinct from conventional crystalline-reinforcement routes, provides a clay-centered route for producing mechanically robust and acid-resistant fired ceramics while valorizing two industrial waste streams, bottom ash and waste glass.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101610"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ginseng-loaded nanostructured lipid gels for nose-to-brain targeted modulation of 5-HT receptors in cognitive disorders","authors":"Pradeep Yadav ,&nbsp;Roopali T. Biradar ,&nbsp;Vivek D. Zade ,&nbsp;Umesh D. Laddha ,&nbsp;Yatin U. Gadkari ,&nbsp;Kailas K. Moravkar","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101588","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101588","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research sought to enhance the bioavailability and brain delivery of ginseng, a conventional herbal remedy with therapeutic potential for cognitive impairments, which is limited by poor oral bioavailability and brain penetration. Ginseng-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were formulated using a thermal emulsification technique followed by probe sonication. The resultant nanocarriers were characterized with respect to particle size distribution, zeta potential, and stability. The optimized lipid nano-carrier (LNC) was integrated into an in situ gel system and evaluated for its physicochemical properties, muco-adhesion, and permeation through a nasal epithelial cell model. In silico docking studies indicated significant interactions between ginsenosides and the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor, suggesting a possible mechanism for cognitive enhancement. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and <em>in vivo</em> investigations were conducted to support these findings. The ginseng-loaded LNPs demonstrated a particle size distribution between 178 nm and 213 nm, with a negative zeta potential (-9.07) and an encapsulation efficiency of 79.58 %. Docking studies showed a promising docking score of −7, highlighting the binding potential of ginsenosides with the 5-HT receptor. The in situ gel system facilitated sustained release of ginseng and significantly enhanced permeation through the epithelial layer compared to a ginseng suspension. <em>In vivo</em> investigations demonstrated that the ginseng concentration in the CNS was 3.5 times higher in the groups administered the ginseng-loaded NLC in-situ gel than in those given a simple ginseng suspension. The ginseng-encapsulated NLC in-situ gel system shows potential for enhanced cerebral delivery and cognitive enhancement, offering a promising strategy for treating cognitive disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101588"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980670","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}