Pub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132207
Chun-Ming Lu, Tzu-Hsuan Tsai, Wing Kiu Yeung
Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) enables the formation of durable and functional oxide coatings on valve metals, but there is a lack of real-time correlation between plasma dynamics and electrochemical behaviour. Here, we introduce an in-situ approach combining cyclic voltammetry with optical emission spectroscopy (CV-OES) to directly correlate electrochemical parameters with plasma discharge behaviour during PEO of titanium. By synchronising the voltage sweep with real-time optical emission monitoring, allowing direct observation on the scan rate altering onset and duration of micro discharges can be done. In a Na2HPO4 electrolyte system, PEO exhibits quasi-reversible oxidation dominated by hydrated Ti–P–O formation, as revealed by simultaneous mapping of voltametric hysteresis, emission line intensity and XRD analysis. Adding KOH, the process shifts to a field-limited regime characterised by short-lived and high-energy discharges. These conditions promote rapid oxide consolidation, and the formation of compact, amorphous TiO2 as shown by XRD and EDX. This integrated CV–OES approach reveals the relation of scan rate to discharge duration and energy, and how electrolyte composition governs discharge stability. This integrated diagnostic framework provides mechanistic insights into PEO coating evolution, and offers a pathway to rational control of discharge chemistry, enabling tailored oxide architectures for functional surface applications.
{"title":"Alkalinity-governed discharge dynamics and oxide evolution in plasma electrolytic oxidation revealed by operando spectroelectrochemistry","authors":"Chun-Ming Lu, Tzu-Hsuan Tsai, Wing Kiu Yeung","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132207","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132207","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) enables the formation of durable and functional oxide coatings on valve metals, but there is a lack of real-time correlation between plasma dynamics and electrochemical behaviour. Here, we introduce an <em>in-situ</em> approach combining cyclic voltammetry with optical emission spectroscopy (CV-OES) to directly correlate electrochemical parameters with plasma discharge behaviour during PEO of titanium. By synchronising the voltage sweep with real-time optical emission monitoring, allowing direct observation on the scan rate altering onset and duration of micro discharges can be done. In a Na<sub>2</sub>HPO<sub>4</sub> electrolyte system, PEO exhibits quasi-reversible oxidation dominated by hydrated Ti–P–O formation, as revealed by simultaneous mapping of voltametric hysteresis, emission line intensity and XRD analysis. Adding KOH, the process shifts to a field-limited regime characterised by short-lived and high-energy discharges. These conditions promote rapid oxide consolidation, and the formation of compact, amorphous TiO<sub>2</sub> as shown by XRD and EDX. This integrated CV–OES approach reveals the relation of scan rate to discharge duration and energy, and how electrolyte composition governs discharge stability. This integrated diagnostic framework provides mechanistic insights into PEO coating evolution, and offers a pathway to rational control of discharge chemistry, enabling tailored oxide architectures for functional surface applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"354 ","pages":"Article 132207"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146191594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132063
K. Poshan Kumar Reddy , Aparna K. Kharade , Nishchal Bharadwaj , Shyam Narayan Singh Yadav , Yan Sen , Yung-Sheng Lin , G. Phaneendra Reddy , Po-Tsung Lee , Sue-min Chang , Lixia Zhao
The increase of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions caused by industrialization, fossil fuel use, and deforestation represent a major challenge for sustainable development. In this work, we fabricated a non-lithography 3D disordered gold dendrite Au–Co3O4–Au heterostructure. The results show that combining the catalytic properties of Co3O4 with surface plasmon resonance effects can significantly enhance photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction. The methane and methanol yields were both enhanced respectively. We also demonstrated that the Si-Au composite exhibits catalytic activity for methane production, while the Si-Au/Co3O4-Au composite performs better in methanol oxidation. These findings provide a promising way for sustainable fuel production and CO2 capture by advanced material design.
{"title":"Enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction via plasmonic Au-Co3O4-Au dendrite heterostructures on silicon","authors":"K. Poshan Kumar Reddy , Aparna K. Kharade , Nishchal Bharadwaj , Shyam Narayan Singh Yadav , Yan Sen , Yung-Sheng Lin , G. Phaneendra Reddy , Po-Tsung Lee , Sue-min Chang , Lixia Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132063","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132063","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increase of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) emissions caused by industrialization, fossil fuel use, and deforestation represent a major challenge for sustainable development. In this work, we fabricated a non-lithography 3D disordered gold dendrite Au–Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>–Au heterostructure. The results show that combining the catalytic properties of Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> with surface plasmon resonance effects can significantly enhance photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction. The methane and methanol yields were both enhanced respectively. We also demonstrated that the Si-Au composite exhibits catalytic activity for methane production, while the Si-Au/Co<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>-Au composite performs better in methanol oxidation. These findings provide a promising way for sustainable fuel production and CO<sub>2</sub> capture by advanced material design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"354 ","pages":"Article 132063"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146190776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132164
Magdalena Parlinska-Wojtan , Joanna Depciuch , Tomasz Roman Tarnawski , Kamil Sobczak , Mirosława Pawlyta
Liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LC-TEM) was used to perform in-situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on ceria spherical clusters (ceria SCs) supports. Two experiments were performed: i) dynamic – with a flow of the HAuCl4 solution through the liquid cell, where a fast growth of large, stellated Au NPs was observed in different cell's areas; ii) static – where the liquid cell was filled with the HAuCl4 solution (without flow), resulting in synthesis of Au NPs only in the illuminated area. This allowed us to demonstrate how far reaches the lateral range of the electron beam's interaction within the cell. Additionally, we show differences in the morphology of the Au NPs that were synthesized on the top and the bottom e-chips as a result of the electron beam scattering within the liquid layer of the cell. The associated effect of radical species generation inside the liquid cell by the electron beam was also investigated – at high dose rates and low gold solution flow rates, high concentration of radical species is generated leading to dissolution of the ceria SCs. High flow rates of the HAuCl4 solution drive the growth of large Au NPs with ceria SCs remaining intact.
{"title":"Synthesis, dissolution and Au decoration of CexOy spherical clusters by in-situ liquid cell TEM","authors":"Magdalena Parlinska-Wojtan , Joanna Depciuch , Tomasz Roman Tarnawski , Kamil Sobczak , Mirosława Pawlyta","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132164","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132164","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LC-TEM) was used to perform <em>in-situ</em> synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on ceria spherical clusters (ceria SCs) supports. Two experiments were performed: i) dynamic – with a flow of the HAuCl<sub>4</sub> solution through the liquid cell, where a fast growth of large, stellated Au NPs was observed in different cell's areas; ii) static – where the liquid cell was filled with the HAuCl<sub>4</sub> solution (without flow), resulting in synthesis of Au NPs only in the illuminated area. This allowed us to demonstrate how far reaches the lateral range of the electron beam's interaction within the cell. Additionally, we show differences in the morphology of the Au NPs that were synthesized on the top and the bottom e-chips as a result of the electron beam scattering within the liquid layer of the cell. The associated effect of radical species generation inside the liquid cell by the electron beam was also investigated – at high dose rates and low gold solution flow rates, high concentration of radical species is generated leading to dissolution of the ceria SCs. High flow rates of the HAuCl<sub>4</sub> solution drive the growth of large Au NPs with ceria SCs remaining intact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"354 ","pages":"Article 132164"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146190779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-02-06DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132200
Jiwon Choi , Daegeun Kim , Hyewon Seok , Kangduk Kim
In this study, a Y2O3 coating layer deposited using the atmospheric plasma spray (APS) method was modified into a YxOyFz layer by controlling various variables with an NH4F salt solution, and the plasma resistance was evaluated to confirm the possibility of its application as a seasoning process for semiconductor etching. As a result of NH4F salt immersion, a new crystalline layer was formed on the Y2O3 coating layer when the salt concentration exceeded 30 wt%. In addition, the formation of a YxOyFz layer by increasing the immersion and heat-treatment temperatures through the reaction between NH4F and Y2O3 was confirmed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Plasma resistance evaluation using CF4/Ar/O2 plasma revealed that the etching depth was generally reduced in the specimens in which the YxOyFz layer was formed via immersion compared with the original APS Y2O3 coating layer. SEM, surface roughness, and XRD analyses of the coating after plasma etching confirmed that the plasma resistance improved in the surface-modified specimens, which was attributed to the reduced surface roughness and formation of the yttrium oxyfluoride (YOF) layer. In addition, a gradual decrease in the rate of increase in etching depth was observed with increasing plasma exposure time, along with increased YOF phase formation at a salt concentration of 40 wt%.
{"title":"Plasma resistance and etching behavior of APS Y2O3 coatings modified via NH4F immersion process","authors":"Jiwon Choi , Daegeun Kim , Hyewon Seok , Kangduk Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132200","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132200","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, a Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> coating layer deposited using the atmospheric plasma spray (APS) method was modified into a Y<sub>x</sub>O<sub>y</sub>F<sub>z</sub> layer by controlling various variables with an NH<sub>4</sub>F salt solution, and the plasma resistance was evaluated to confirm the possibility of its application as a seasoning process for semiconductor etching. As a result of NH<sub>4</sub>F salt immersion, a new crystalline layer was formed on the Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> coating layer when the salt concentration exceeded 30 wt%. In addition, the formation of a Y<sub>x</sub>O<sub>y</sub>F<sub>z</sub> layer by increasing the immersion and heat-treatment temperatures through the reaction between NH<sub>4</sub>F and Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> was confirmed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Plasma resistance evaluation using CF<sub>4</sub>/Ar/O<sub>2</sub> plasma revealed that the etching depth was generally reduced in the specimens in which the Y<sub>x</sub>O<sub>y</sub>F<sub>z</sub> layer was formed via immersion compared with the original APS Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> coating layer. SEM, surface roughness, and XRD analyses of the coating after plasma etching confirmed that the plasma resistance improved in the surface-modified specimens, which was attributed to the reduced surface roughness and formation of the yttrium oxyfluoride (YOF) layer. In addition, a gradual decrease in the rate of increase in etching depth was observed with increasing plasma exposure time, along with increased YOF phase formation at a salt concentration of 40 wt%.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"354 ","pages":"Article 132200"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amorphous CuSn(OH)6 nanorods were synthesized by a facile co-precipitation method, and applied as an efficient photo-Fenton catalyst for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). The morphology, structural features, and optical properties of the as-synthesized catalysts were systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). Compared with crystal materials, amorphous CuSn(OH)6 nanorods have the large specific surface area and narrow band gap. Under visible light irradiation, the amorphous CuSn(OH)6 nanorods achieved 95.5% TCH degradation within 60 min, representing a two-fold improvement over CuSn(OH)6 nanocrystallines. Key operational parameters, including catalyst dosage, H2O2 concentration, initial TCH concentration, solution pH, and reaction temperature, were systematically investigated to evaluate their effects on the degradation efficiency. Furthermore, a plausible catalytic mechanism for the amorphous CuSn(OH)6 nanorods in the photo-Fenton process was proposed. This study offers new insights into the design of amorphous photocatalysts for advanced oxidation processes in antibiotic-containing wastewater treatment.
{"title":"Synergistic photo-Fenton degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride over highly efficient amorphous CuSn(OH)6 nanorods","authors":"Enlei Zhang, Zhiyi Xu, Jiaojiao Chen, Xiaowen Song, Bengui Zhang, Yingpeng Xie, Guosheng Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132210","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132210","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amorphous CuSn(OH)<sub>6</sub> nanorods were synthesized by a facile co-precipitation method, and applied as an efficient photo-Fenton catalyst for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH). The morphology, structural features, and optical properties of the as-synthesized catalysts were systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). Compared with crystal materials, amorphous CuSn(OH)<sub>6</sub> nanorods have the large specific surface area and narrow band gap. Under visible light irradiation, the amorphous CuSn(OH)<sub>6</sub> nanorods achieved 95.5% TCH degradation within 60 min, representing a two-fold improvement over CuSn(OH)<sub>6</sub> nanocrystallines. Key operational parameters, including catalyst dosage, H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> concentration, initial TCH concentration, solution pH, and reaction temperature, were systematically investigated to evaluate their effects on the degradation efficiency. Furthermore, a plausible catalytic mechanism for the amorphous CuSn(OH)<sub>6</sub> nanorods in the photo-Fenton process was proposed. This study offers new insights into the design of amorphous photocatalysts for advanced oxidation processes in antibiotic-containing wastewater treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"354 ","pages":"Article 132210"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146192145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study investigates the corrosion behavior and mechanism of AA5083 exposed to the seawater-air interface of the China's Bohai Sea for 2.5 years, using macroscopic observation, microstructural characterization, and electrochemical analysis. Results show that corrosion severity follows the order: waterline zone > splash zone > full immersion zone, with the full immersion zone exhibiting the best corrosion resistance due to a thick, dense, high-resistivity surface film (possibly enhanced by biomineralization). In contrast, the splash zone and waterline zone form thin, defective, and loose films, leading to poor protection. The oxide film's resistivity distribution closely correlates with corrosion resistance: high initial resistivity in the full immersion zone forms an effective barrier, while low, uneven resistivity in the other two zones reflects film defects, consistent with macroscopic electrochemical indicators. This work provides insights into corrosion protection of AA5083 in marine engineering.
{"title":"Corrosion degradation of AA5083 long-scale specimen exposed to the seawater-air interface of the Bohai Sea for 2.5 years","authors":"Yuheng Wu , Futai Zhang , Mingyu Wang , Wanbin Chen , Yunze Xu , Zhenbo Qin , Da-Hai Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132167","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132167","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the corrosion behavior and mechanism of AA5083 exposed to the seawater-air interface of the China's Bohai Sea for 2.5 years, using macroscopic observation, microstructural characterization, and electrochemical analysis. Results show that corrosion severity follows the order: waterline zone > splash zone > full immersion zone, with the full immersion zone exhibiting the best corrosion resistance due to a thick, dense, high-resistivity surface film (possibly enhanced by biomineralization). In contrast, the splash zone and waterline zone form thin, defective, and loose films, leading to poor protection. The oxide film's resistivity distribution closely correlates with corrosion resistance: high initial resistivity in the full immersion zone forms an effective barrier, while low, uneven resistivity in the other two zones reflects film defects, consistent with macroscopic electrochemical indicators. This work provides insights into corrosion protection of AA5083 in marine engineering.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"354 ","pages":"Article 132167"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146191530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132124
Ali Khelef , Tatyana Orlova , Pinank Patel , Venkadeshwaran K , Bilakshan Purohit , Dhirendra Nath Thatoi , Yashwant Singh Bisht , V.S. Subrahmanyam , Baydaa Abd , Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed
To further expand the gas sensor systems, the Ir4 and Rh4 cluster functionalized BSe monolayers were investigated as effective systems for sensing target gases. Then, the adsorption of SO2, NO2 and SOCl2 gases on the surface of cluster modified BSe monolayers were examined. The structural stability of the heterojunction systems composed of Ir4 and Rh4 clusters and BSe nanosheets was also confirmed by the formation energy calculation. The strong interaction between the Ir or Rh atoms and the Se atoms was illustrated based on the CDD analysis, which exhibits large electron density accumulation among Ir–Se and Rh–Se bonds. The conductivity of BSe system was also enhanced after adsorption of Ir4 and Rh4 cluster, which is beneficial for better sensing purpose. The chemical adsorption of SO2, NO2 and SOCl2 gases on the novel Ir4–BSe heterojunction systems was examined by determining the geometric and electronic properties. Our findings offer useful guidance for the experimentalists to develop novel 2D Ir4 cluster modified BSe systems for gas detection and capturing.
{"title":"Ir4–BSe and Rh4–BSe heterojunction systems as highly efficient sensor platforms for detection of NO2, SO2 and SOCl2 gas molecules: A first principles study","authors":"Ali Khelef , Tatyana Orlova , Pinank Patel , Venkadeshwaran K , Bilakshan Purohit , Dhirendra Nath Thatoi , Yashwant Singh Bisht , V.S. Subrahmanyam , Baydaa Abd , Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To further expand the gas sensor systems, the Ir<sub>4</sub> and Rh<sub>4</sub> cluster functionalized BSe monolayers were investigated as effective systems for sensing target gases. Then, the adsorption of SO<sub>2</sub>, NO<sub>2</sub> and SOCl<sub>2</sub> gases on the surface of cluster modified BSe monolayers were examined. The structural stability of the heterojunction systems composed of Ir<sub>4</sub> and Rh<sub>4</sub> clusters and BSe nanosheets was also confirmed by the formation energy calculation. The strong interaction between the Ir or Rh atoms and the Se atoms was illustrated based on the CDD analysis, which exhibits large electron density accumulation among Ir–Se and Rh–Se bonds. The conductivity of BSe system was also enhanced after adsorption of Ir<sub>4</sub> and Rh<sub>4</sub> cluster, which is beneficial for better sensing purpose. The chemical adsorption of SO<sub>2</sub>, NO<sub>2</sub> and SOCl<sub>2</sub> gases on the novel Ir<sub>4</sub>–BSe heterojunction systems was examined by determining the geometric and electronic properties. Our findings offer useful guidance for the experimentalists to develop novel 2D Ir<sub>4</sub> cluster modified BSe systems for gas detection and capturing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"354 ","pages":"Article 132124"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146191533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The chlorine evolution reaction (CER) is a vital anodic process in the chlor-alkali industry, where the development of efficient, stable, and low-cost catalysts remains a key challenge. Traditionally, precious mixed metal oxides (MMOs) have been employed as benchmark catalysts, but their high-cost limits large-scale sustainable application. In this work, we report Fe3O4 nanoparticles, composed entirely of non-precious elements, as an active and stable electrocatalyst for CER. The nanoparticles were synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The electrode displayed a low overpotential of 140 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 118 mV dec−1, indicating efficient reaction kinetics. Electrochemical studies further revealed excellent structural robustness and long-term stability during continuous operation. Beyond catalytic performance, the in situ generated chlorine was successfully utilized for environmental remediation, achieving 98 % degradation of Rhodamine B within 5 min under acidic NaCl electrolyte.
氯析出反应(CER)是氯碱工业中一个重要的阳极反应过程,开发高效、稳定、低成本的催化剂一直是氯碱工业面临的关键挑战。传统上,贵重混合金属氧化物(MMOs)被用作基准催化剂,但其高昂的成本限制了其大规模可持续应用。在这项工作中,我们报道了完全由非贵重元素组成的Fe3O4纳米颗粒作为一种活性和稳定的CER电催化剂。采用水热法合成纳米颗粒。电极在10 mA cm−2下的过电位为140 mV, Tafel斜率为118 mV dec−1,表明反应动力学有效。电化学研究进一步揭示了其良好的结构稳健性和长期稳定性。除催化性能外,原位生成的氯还成功地用于环境修复,在酸性NaCl电解质下,5分钟内对罗丹明B的降解率达到98%。
{"title":"Design of process for stabilization of ultrafine iron oxide nanostructures and their application as efficient catalyst for chlorine evolution reaction and water remediation","authors":"Sushma Kumari, Sapna Devi, Kritika Sood, Menaka Jha","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132094","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132094","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The chlorine evolution reaction (CER) is a vital anodic process in the chlor-alkali industry, where the development of efficient, stable, and low-cost catalysts remains a key challenge. Traditionally, precious mixed metal oxides (MMOs) have been employed as benchmark catalysts, but their high-cost limits large-scale sustainable application. In this work, we report Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles, composed entirely of non-precious elements, as an active and stable electrocatalyst for CER. The nanoparticles were synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The electrode displayed a low overpotential of 140 mV at 10 mA cm<sup>−2</sup> and a Tafel slope of 118 mV dec<sup>−1</sup>, indicating efficient reaction kinetics. Electrochemical studies further revealed excellent structural robustness and long-term stability during continuous operation. Beyond catalytic performance, the <em>in situ</em> generated chlorine was successfully utilized for environmental remediation, achieving 98 % degradation of Rhodamine B within 5 min under acidic NaCl electrolyte.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"354 ","pages":"Article 132094"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146191916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132166
Xinying Huang , Zhengfeng Xie , Songsong Xue , Tao Liu , Tianyi Zhang , Yujie Hu , Rui Zhang , Xuanchi Tian , Chaocheng Ma , Chuxiang Zhou , Gang Wu , Wei Shi
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating efficient, low-energy recycling solutions. In this study, formylated EPS was used as the modified substrate, and a high-performance adsorption material (HPS-EC) was constructed through Knoevenagel condensation. The modification process adopts the conventional solvent heating method, which is simple and easy to implement with low energy consumption. At 298.15 K, the adsorption capacities of HPS-EC for MG and sulfides are 1846.79 mg/g and 136.94 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption processes of the two pollutants both conform to the Langmuir adsorption model and the quasi-second-order dynamic model, presenting as spontaneous and endothermic monolayer chemical adsorption. HPS-EC has a polystyrene skeleton chain, and the CC in the synthetic part is also connected to two strong electron-withdrawing groups, –CN and –COOR. –COOR and aromatic hydrocarbons provide conditions for the electrostatic adsorption and π-π conjugated adsorption of MG. The β-carbon atoms connected with strong electron-withdrawing groups exhibit a strong electrophilicity, providing sites for the Michael addition of sulfides (HS−, S2−). In the subsequent experiments, HPS-EC also demonstrated excellent salt resistance, recycling and regeneration performance, as well as practical application potential. In conclusion, HPS-EC demonstrates outstanding adsorption performance, not only showing broad application prospects in the treatment of polluted wastewater, but also providing more solutions for the sustainable application of waste EPS.
{"title":"From white pollutants to wastewater purifiers: Performance study and mechanism analysis of formylated polystyrene adsorption materials for the removal of malachite green and sulfides from water bodies","authors":"Xinying Huang , Zhengfeng Xie , Songsong Xue , Tao Liu , Tianyi Zhang , Yujie Hu , Rui Zhang , Xuanchi Tian , Chaocheng Ma , Chuxiang Zhou , Gang Wu , Wei Shi","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132166","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132166","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Expanded polystyrene (EPS) poses significant environmental challenges, necessitating efficient, low-energy recycling solutions. In this study, formylated EPS was used as the modified substrate, and a high-performance adsorption material (HPS-EC) was constructed through Knoevenagel condensation. The modification process adopts the conventional solvent heating method, which is simple and easy to implement with low energy consumption. At 298.15 K, the adsorption capacities of HPS-EC for MG and sulfides are 1846.79 mg/g and 136.94 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption processes of the two pollutants both conform to the Langmuir adsorption model and the quasi-second-order dynamic model, presenting as spontaneous and endothermic monolayer chemical adsorption. HPS-EC has a polystyrene skeleton chain, and the C<img>C in the synthetic part is also connected to two strong electron-withdrawing groups, –CN and –COOR. –COOR and aromatic hydrocarbons provide conditions for the electrostatic adsorption and π-π conjugated adsorption of MG. The β-carbon atoms connected with strong electron-withdrawing groups exhibit a strong electrophilicity, providing sites for the Michael addition of sulfides (HS<sup>−</sup>, S<sup>2−</sup>). In the subsequent experiments, HPS-EC also demonstrated excellent salt resistance, recycling and regeneration performance, as well as practical application potential. In conclusion, HPS-EC demonstrates outstanding adsorption performance, not only showing broad application prospects in the treatment of polluted wastewater, but also providing more solutions for the sustainable application of waste EPS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"354 ","pages":"Article 132166"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146190709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paclitaxel resistance remains a major therapeutic challenge in breast cancer, and is particularly pronounced in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), where intrinsic aggressiveness contributes to limited response and rapid disease progression. In this study, we designed an eco-friendly synthesis method to develop a novel nanosystem based on platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) as an efficient drug delivery platform for the treatment of breast cancer. The Pt NPs were synthesized using a green method employing Foeniculum vulgare (F. vulgare) seed extract. These nanoparticles were then loaded with PTX and coated with chitosan (Ch) to enhance drug delivery efficiency. The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the high purity and distinct crystalline nature of the resulting nanoparticles (Pt NPs and Pt-PTX-Ch). FESEM analyses revealed that the nanoparticles had a spherical morphology with a tendency to aggregate, with an average size ranging between 17 and 20 nm. Spectroscopic analysis showed absorption peaks at 270 nm for Pt NPs and 279 nm for Pt-PTX-Ch. Surface measurements recorded zeta potential values of −24 mV for Pt NPs and +36 mV for Pt-PTX-Ch. The nanoparticles demonstrated good biocompatibility with red blood cells (RBCs) in hemolytic activity assays, exhibiting no hemolytic effects at concentrations ranging from 7.5 to 120 μg/mL. Drug release studies indicated a sustained and pH-responsive release pattern. Apoptosis assays aligned with MTT results, confirming the effectiveness of the nanoparticles in precisely targeting cancer cells. Our in vitro study showed that the PT and PT + Ch treatments reduced proliferation, colony formation and migration in breast cancer with a better response in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) (SUM149 and KPL4) vs. non-IBC (nIBC) cells (MDA-MB-231). This study highlights that Pt-PTX-Ch nanoparticles represent a promising system for the delivery of PTX, enhancing its efficacy against breast cancer models with higher response in IBC cells.
{"title":"Green synthesis and characterization of platinum nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel and coated with chitosan: a promising approach for breast cancer treatment","authors":"Mouhaned Y. Al-darwesh , Maroua Manai , Nesrine Boughzala , Hammouda Chebbi","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132192","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132192","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Paclitaxel resistance remains a major therapeutic challenge in breast cancer, and is particularly pronounced in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), where intrinsic aggressiveness contributes to limited response and rapid disease progression. In this study, we designed an eco-friendly synthesis method to develop a novel nanosystem based on platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) loaded with paclitaxel (PTX) as an efficient drug delivery platform for the treatment of breast cancer. The Pt NPs were synthesized using a green method employing <em>Foeniculum vulgare</em> (<em>F. vulgare</em>) seed extract. These nanoparticles were then loaded with PTX and coated with chitosan (Ch) to enhance drug delivery efficiency. The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the high purity and distinct crystalline nature of the resulting nanoparticles (Pt NPs and Pt-PTX-Ch). FESEM analyses revealed that the nanoparticles had a spherical morphology with a tendency to aggregate, with an average size ranging between 17 and 20 nm. Spectroscopic analysis showed absorption peaks at 270 nm for Pt NPs and 279 nm for Pt-PTX-Ch. Surface measurements recorded zeta potential values of −24 mV for Pt NPs and +36 mV for Pt-PTX-Ch. The nanoparticles demonstrated good biocompatibility with red blood cells (RBCs) in hemolytic activity assays, exhibiting no hemolytic effects at concentrations ranging from 7.5 to 120 μg/mL. Drug release studies indicated a sustained and pH-responsive release pattern. Apoptosis assays aligned with MTT results, confirming the effectiveness of the nanoparticles in precisely targeting cancer cells. Our <em>in vitro</em> study showed that the PT and PT + Ch treatments reduced proliferation, colony formation and migration in breast cancer with a better response in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) (SUM149 and KPL4) <em>vs.</em> non-IBC (nIBC) cells (MDA-MB-231). This study highlights that Pt-PTX-Ch nanoparticles represent a promising system for the delivery of PTX, enhancing its efficacy against breast cancer models with higher response in IBC cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"354 ","pages":"Article 132192"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146191626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}