Next Materials最新文献

{"title":"Eco-friendly synthesized copper nanoparticles from Platostoma menthoides (L.): A novel bio larvicidal strategy against Spodoptera frugiperda","authors":"Senthilkumar Pavithra ,&nbsp;Aravinth Annamalai ,&nbsp;P.F. Mishel ,&nbsp;Azhagiya Manavalan Lakshmi Prabha","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101594","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101594","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using an aqueous extract from a medicinal plant, <em>Platostoma menthoides</em> was investigated, emphasizing its larvicidal properties. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of these green-synthesized copper nanoparticles as a sustainable larvicidal agent against pest control agents. The biosynthesized CuNPs were thoroughly characterized through various analytical techniques, including UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT–IR, XRD, SEM, EDAX, particle size analysis and zeta potential, and HR-TEM. The successful synthesis of CuNPs was confirmed by the presence of an absorbance peak at 343 nm. FT–IR spectra identified various functional groups and molecular interactions, while XRD analysis revealed their crystalline nature. SEM analysis confirmed the cubic morphology of the nanoparticles, and EDAX determined the elemental copper composition. Particle size analysis indicated an average size of 152.3 nm and a zeta potential of −34.6 mV affirmed their stability. CuNPs exhibiting crystalline morphology and moderate aggregation, as confirmed by HR-TEM analysis. Potent larvicidal activity against <em>Spodoptera frugiperda</em> was observed. A dosage of 100 μg/mL resulted in LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of 55.64 and 122.79 μg/mL, respectively, at 24 h post-treatment. Histopathological analysis of larvae treated with nanoparticles revealed extensive tissue damage and structural disruption. Furthermore, a Lethality bioassay using <em>Artemia salina nauplii</em> showed a dose-dependent toxic response was observed with 100 μg/mL showing an LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ value of 165.59 and 247.73 μg / mL, indicating that the CuNPs exhibit moderate toxicity. These findings highlight the potential of <em>P. menthoides-derived</em> CuNPs as an eco-friendly pest control agent with promising applications in sustainable agriculture and pest management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101594"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980734","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":"Biomass derived activated carbon infused Sr doped ZnO nanoneedles for pseudocapattery applications","authors":"Dhanabal R,&nbsp;Yamini J,&nbsp;Gomathi Priya P","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101607","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101607","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Strontium doped zinc oxide infused with activated carbon nanocomposites were synthesized via chemical precipitation method and utilized for energy storage applications. Crystal structure, surface morphology, binding energy and surface area were studied using X-Ray diffraction, Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmet-Teller Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry analysis attributed to the pseudocapacitive nature of the synthesized nanocomposites which are confirmed further by the diffusive and capacitive contribution to the specific capacitance and the Dunn plot. The nanocomposites with 2 % activated carbon in the crystal structure showed higher Specific capacitance of 792.42 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g and charge transfer resistance of 3.81 Ω with an energy and power density of 39.62 Wh/Kg and 514.28 W/Kg respectively with a cyclic stability retention of 97.9 % over 2000 cycles for the three-electrode configuration. The SZOA-2 % nanocomposites showed a specific capacitance of 86.95 F/g at 1 A/g with an energy density of 18.56 Wh/Kg and a power density of 619.69 W/kg for the two-electrode system showing the nature of the nanocomposites as a highly reliable hybrid supercapacitor.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101607"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980669","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":"Review of recent progress in enhanced quantum dot solar cells via plasmonic nanostructures","authors":"Tobi Samson Ogundeji ,&nbsp;Gabriel Ayinde Alamu ,&nbsp;Olayinka Joshua Oyewole ,&nbsp;Mayowa James Johnson ,&nbsp;Abdulmutolib Olajide Olaoye ,&nbsp;Shweta Vyas ,&nbsp;Mojoyinola Kofoworola Awodele ,&nbsp;Oluwaseun Adedokun","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101599","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101599","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>One attractive method for enhancing photon harvesting capacities in quantum dot (QD) photovoltaics is through the integration of plasmon enhanced nanostructures. Quantum Dot Solar Cells (QDSCs) possess unique qualities including multiple electron-hole pair generation, photoluminescence and tunable energy gap that can make them suited for energy devices potentially leading to enhanced efficiency. QDSCs due to its potential can surpass the theoretical limit but the challenges in charge carrier separation and transport limit its efficiency. These limitations prevent QDSCs from fully overcoming the fundamental efficiency limit for single-junction solar cells. Surface plasmons are beneficial for enhance light absorption and their nonradiative decay process generate hot electrons. Plasmonic metals have recently been added to QDSCs for better efficiency. The plasmonic resonances in metallic nanostructures allow light absorption, scattering and generation of localized electromagnetic field enhancements within QDSCs to reduce recombination and transition losses. This review examines the recent progress in plasmonic nanostructures for QDSCs, with focus on quantum dot properties, common synthesis routes and the three principal architectures of QDSCs namely; sensitized, depleted heterojunction and Schottky-type configurations. The underlying enhancement mechanisms, including optical field enhancement<strong>,</strong> scattering-induced light trapping<strong>,</strong> hot-electron injection and plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer were also discussed<strong>.</strong> Depending on plasmonic design and device architecture, comparative efficiency summaries are discussed relative to the Shockley–Queisser limit to assess the extent and limitations of plasmonic gains. Key fabrication and stability challenges are discussed and finally future research directions toward achieving next-generation high-performance photovoltaic devices are outlined.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101599"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980667","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":"Structural, morphological, magnetic, and electrical properties of ZrFe2-xNixO5 nanoparticles (x = 0–0.05) synthesized via sol-gel auto-combustion","authors":"Avadhut Manage ,&nbsp;B.G. Hegde ,&nbsp;Shidaling Matteppanavar","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101606","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101606","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The present work focuses on a detailed investigation into the structural, morphological, magnetic, impedance, and dielectric properties of Ni-doped &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Zr&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Fe&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;2&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;O&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;5&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, synthesized via the sol-gel auto-combustion method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements confirm the formation of a &lt;em&gt;monoclinic&lt;/em&gt; crystal structure with the C2/c space group. Rietveld refinement analysis was carried out for all the samples and the lattice parameters. Morphological characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals a non-uniform distribution of grains and distinct grain boundaries indicate both doping and the sol-gel auto-combustion process impacts on the material's structure. Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDAX) study verifies chemical composition of &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Zr&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Fe&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;2&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;O&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;5&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and stoichiometric doping of nickel into &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Zr&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Fe&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;2&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;O&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;5&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt;. Room temperature (300 K) magnetic hysteresis (M-H) loop reveals Ni-doped &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Zr&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Fe&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;2&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;O&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;5&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; are soft ferromagnetic in nature and retentivity, coercivity, remanent magnetization and low squareness ratio (S&lt;0.05) indicates the materials possess multi domain ferromagnetic state. Doping of nickel into &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Zr&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Fe&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;2&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;O&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;5&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; decreases remanent magnetization, retentivity, squareness ratio and magnetic moments. Room temperature (300 K) frequency-dependent electrical properties were analyzed comprehensively, showing that the impedance and dielectric behavior are governed by non-Debye type dielectric relaxation. Doping of nickel into &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Zr&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Fe&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;2&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;O&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;5&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/math&gt;&lt;/span&gt; increases impedance and decreases dielectric constant. AC conductivity analysis demonstrates a distinctive response with two prominent peaks, one observed at low frequencies and another at higher frequencies, suggesting complex charge transport mechanisms. This study provides insights into the complex interaction between the Ni doping, the sol-gel auto-combustion synthesis and the resulting multi-functional properties of Ni doped &lt;span&gt;&lt;math&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Zr&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;Fe&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;2&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/msub&gt;&lt;msub&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mi&gt;O&lt;/mi&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;mrow&gt;&lt;mn&gt;5&lt;/mn&gt;&lt;/mrow&gt;&lt;/ms","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101606"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980733","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":"Corrigendum to “Enhancing pilling resistance in polyester-cotton blended knitted fabrics through combined singeing and heat setting treatments” [Next Mater., Vol. 10 (2026), Article 101562]","authors":"Md. Shakhawat Hossain ,&nbsp;Harun Ar Rashid ,&nbsp;Suprio Shantanu Saha ,&nbsp;Sumon Chandra Dey ,&nbsp;Joy Sarkar","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101601","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101601","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101601"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973151","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":"Sustainable mechanochemical synthesis of zeolite/periwinkle shell nanocomposites for lead adsorption and antimicrobial activity","authors":"Prosper Elechi ,&nbsp;Amarachi Udoka Nkwoada ,&nbsp;Clinton Silas Okpara ,&nbsp;Tochukwu Ifeanyi Nwakile ,&nbsp;Dele.Peter Fapojuwo ,&nbsp;Chidozie Peter Chikezie ,&nbsp;Samuel Anthonio Kalu ,&nbsp;Callistus Izunna Iheme ,&nbsp;Chike Anthony Nweze ,&nbsp;Stanley Chinonso Ukanero ,&nbsp;Chima Kenneth Oguzie ,&nbsp;Christopher Ikpe-Amadi Nwoko","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.101581","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.101581","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zeolite/periwinkle shell ash (Ze/PSA) nanocomposite was prepared via the mechanochemical technique and characterized by SEM/EDX, TEM, AFM, XRD, FTIR, and BET to determine its morphological, structural, and surface characteristics for Pb^2 + adsorption and antimicrobial treatment. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined to vary from 2.5 to 12.5 mg/mL for <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em>, <em>Streptococcus spp</em>, <em>Escherichia coli,</em> and <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>. The nanocomposite was hierarchically porous, polydisperse nanoparticle (1.55–22.25 nm) and possesses a large surface area (396.2 m²/g), good for adsorption and trapping of microbes. The optimum pH of 6.0 yielded ∼92 % removal of Pb²⁺ in 90 min. The adsorption data were equally well-described by both the Langmuir (qe = 102.04 mg/g) and Freundlich (K_F∼ = 9.85 mg/g)(L//mg)1/n) isotherm models, with similar high correlation coefficients (R² = 0.999). Kinetic data were best described by the pseudo-second-order model (qe = 107.70 mg/g), indicating a chemisorption mechanism. Thermodynamic data; ΔH° = + 28.15 kJ/mol, ΔS° = + 114.83 J/mol revealed a spontaneous, endothermic, and entropy-favored adsorption. Hence, Ze/PSA emerges as a promising, cost-effective adsorbent with robust mechanistic properties, making it an attractive option for metal-selective adsorption of Pb²⁺ over Cu (II), Cd (II), Zn (II)^, and for antimicrobial applications. Future work should include validation of the binding mechanisms and testing with real wastewater to confirm practical applicability and cost-effectiveness, utilizing advanced spectroscopic techniques.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101581"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980594","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":"Mechanisms of molybdenum ions adsorption on gamma nanoalumina: A detailed analysis using kinetics and isotherms with radiotracer techniques","authors":"Emily Vivanco-Cuba ,&nbsp;Anaís Adauto ,&nbsp;Pablo Mendoza","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101584","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101584","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The adsorption of molybdenum ions from aqueous solutions was studied using commercial nanometric particles of gamma aluminum oxide (γ-Al₂O₃) measuring 5 and 80 nm, employing the radiotracer technique, which allowed working with trace concentrations and accurately monitoring the evolution of the species in solution. To characterize the process, kinetic and equilibrium studies were carried out in order to elucidate the adsorption mechanism and determine the maximum capacity. The results showed that the retention of molybdenum ions in γ-Al₂O₃ is rapid, occurring mainly in the first two minutes, and that the temporal evolution is adequately described by the pseudo-second-order model, indicating specific interactions between the molybdate anion and the alumina surface. The 5 nm γ-Al₂O₃ material showed a slightly higher adsorption capacity than the 80 nm γ-Al₂O₃, attributable to its larger specific surface area. According to the isothermal model, the maximum adsorption values (<em>q</em>_<em>m</em>) were 386.95 mg g⁻¹ for γ-Al₂O₃-5 nm and 368.20 mg g⁻¹ for γ-Al₂O₃-80 nm. These results demonstrate the high efficiency of γ-Al₂O₃ nanomaterials in molybdenum adsorption and highlight their potential application in ⁹⁹Mo/⁹⁹ᵐTc generator systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101584"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980593","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 a luminescent gas sensor based on sulfur quantum dots (SQDs) for ethyl mercaptan detection","authors":"Adhila F. Sanches ,&nbsp;Cauã L.R. dos Santos ,&nbsp;Gricirene S. Correia ,&nbsp;Leonis Luz Lourenço ,&nbsp;Severino Alves Júnior ,&nbsp;Leonardo T.B. Mendonça","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101591","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101591","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research describes the development of a luminescent gas sensor using sulfur quantum dots (SQD’s) and an LED, demonstrating the potential of s-dots for rapid and sensitive detection of gases like ethyl mercaptan. The study showcases a low-cost and efficient system for gas detection, utilizing the properties of SQD’s deposited on the LED surface and capture of luminescence variation by a cheap photoresistor. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), UV–vis and photoluminescence characterization technique were used. TEM results showed a nearly spherical-shape and an average size distribution of 2.9 ± 0.02 nm. Characteristic signals of vibrational modes S-S and S<img>O bonds were identified through FTIR. XRD revealed the semi crystalline nature sample’s, with sharp peaks indicating the presence of precursor sulfur and its oxidized compounds alongside a broad band centered at 20°. The tests with the gas sensor for ethyl mercaptan proved highly effective for detecting between 0.5 and 7.0 ppm range, with a response and recovery time of 91 and 31 s, respectively.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101591"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980666","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":"Microstructural and mechanical performance of coconut shell biochar – Modified asphalt for sustainable pavement applications","authors":"S. Mahalakshmi,&nbsp;Revathy Jayaseelan,&nbsp;Gajalakshmi Pandulu","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101595","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2026.101595","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates coconut shell biochar (CSB) as a sustainable, bio-based modifier for enhancing the mechanical performance and durability of hot-mix asphalt (HMA). CSB was produced by controlled laboratory pyrolysis, and its chemical and microstructural characteristics were analysed before incorporation into 40/50 penetration-grade asphalt at different dosages. Binder evaluations included penetration, softening point, ductility, and elastic recovery, while mixture performance was assessed using Marshall Stability, flow, volumetric properties, indirect tensile strength (ITS), and tensile strength ratio (TSR). Results indicated a decrease in penetration and an increase in the softening point, indicating a stiffer, more thermally stable binder. Marshall Stability reached 9.2 kN at 12.5 % CSB with a flow of 2.6 mm, while bulk density slightly decreased and air voids increased but remained within 3–5 %, ensuring adequate compaction. VMA and VFB were balanced at 12.5–15 % CSB, and tensile strength and moisture resistance improved up to 15 %, with ITS and TSR values declining at higher dosages. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) confirmed 12.5 % CSB as the optimal dosage, with quadratic models showing high predictive accuracy (R² &gt; 0.95). Microstructural analyses (SEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD), pore structure analyses, and chemical investigations validated these findings, highlighting CSB's potential as an effective asphalt modifier, particularly under India's varied climatic conditions. The improved stiffness and moisture sensitivity performance also suggest practical benefits in terms of durability and reduced binder demand, leading to material savings. Overall findings emphasise CSB’s potential as a sustainable, cost-effective bio-based modifier capable of extending pavement service life under high traffic volumes and diverse climatic conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101595"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928858","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":"Fabrication of thermally insulative and highly transparent cellulose aerogel for climate-adaptive energy efficient window","authors":"Yuxuan Xue ,&nbsp;Kuanwen Wang ,&nbsp;Qinye Lu ,&nbsp;Xiaoke Chen ,&nbsp;Zenan Jin ,&nbsp;Tianyu Cai ,&nbsp;Yanghua Lu ,&nbsp;Zhenqian Pang ,&nbsp;Tengyao Jiang ,&nbsp;Gang Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.101583","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.101583","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Minimizing the energy demand of buildings by utilizing innovative materials for transparent building envelopes, such as windows, represents a promising strategy to enhance energy efficiency and contribute significantly to carbon neutrality at worldwide. Windows are less energy efficient than non-transparent building components, primarily due to their higher U-value and increased solar heat gain. Designing an ideal energy-efficient window requires a synergistic combination of high visible light transmittance, superior thermal insulation, and effective solar heat regulation capabilities. In this study, an advanced energy-efficient glazing system was developed by integrating thermally insulative features and different surface optical properties. To assemble such structure, a key component of a transparent and insulating film was synthesized from sustainable and renewable cellulose with high length-to-diameter ratio and optimized size distribution, originated from high-pressure homogenized modification and sonication. The as-synthesized film exhibits excellent transparency (∼90 %) and outstanding thermal insulation (0.027 W/m·K), accompanying with attachable capability onto glass surfaces via electrostatic forces. Hot stage and outdoor demonstration tests revealed that a single-pane glazing applied with this film presented superior insulation properties compared to conventional double-pane glazing while high visible light transmittance was still reserved. Based on this transparent cellulose aerogel, a composite window structure combining thermal insulation and spectral selective feature was fabricated for various climates. The results of building energy simulation supported that the energy saving performance of the composite window was superior to that of existing counterparts, and it could achieve up to 40 % energy savings compared to single-pane glazing. The proposed energy-efficient windows, made from cost-effective materials derived from biomass resources, hold significant potential as replacements for commercially available glazing systems in large-scale applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100958,"journal":{"name":"Next Materials","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 101583"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928862","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}