This study highlights the novel use of marine-derived biomass (specifically sepia ink) as a functional carbon precursor for the counter electrode (CE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Unlike other carbon sources, sepia ink naturally produces primary particles that are spherical and rich in mineral elements. Upon KOH activation, the resulting activated biocarbon (aSBC) exhibits a dramatic increase in specific surface area, reaching 1953.3 m2 g−1. However, we found that the predominance of micropores and the presence of crystalline KCl domains, derived from the inherent elements in the precursor, create significant barriers to ion transport, hindering ion diffusion. To overcome these limitations, a composite CE was prepared by mixing activated biocarbon (SBC) and aSBC in a 1:1 ratio. This combination balances the high density of accessible catalytic sites of aSBC with the superior electron and ion pathways provided by the SBC network. The resulting DSSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency of 2.42 %, a fivefold improvement compared to single-component electrodes and comparable to noble metal Pt/FTO counter electrodes. These findings demonstrate that sepia ink-derived biocarbon is a promising and sustainable material, provided its unique pore architecture and mineral content are co-engineered to balance catalytic activity with mass transport.
{"title":"Synthesized biocarbon-based sepia ink and its application as a counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell","authors":"Sahrul Saehana , Darsikin Darsikin , Nefta Cahyatri Kharimah , Euis Siti Nurazizah , Quang-Duy Dao , Yuliar Firdaus , Annisa Aprilia","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132125","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132125","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study highlights the novel use of marine-derived biomass (specifically sepia ink) as a functional carbon precursor for the counter electrode (CE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Unlike other carbon sources, sepia ink naturally produces primary particles that are spherical and rich in mineral elements. Upon KOH activation, the resulting activated biocarbon (aSBC) exhibits a dramatic increase in specific surface area, reaching 1953.3 m<sup>2</sup> g<sup>−1</sup>. However, we found that the predominance of micropores and the presence of crystalline KCl domains, derived from the inherent elements in the precursor, create significant barriers to ion transport, hindering ion diffusion. To overcome these limitations, a composite CE was prepared by mixing activated biocarbon (SBC) and aSBC in a 1:1 ratio. This combination balances the high density of accessible catalytic sites of aSBC with the superior electron and ion pathways provided by the SBC network. The resulting DSSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency of 2.42 %, a fivefold improvement compared to single-component electrodes and comparable to noble metal Pt/FTO counter electrodes. These findings demonstrate that sepia ink-derived biocarbon is a promising and sustainable material, provided its unique pore architecture and mineral content are co-engineered to balance catalytic activity with mass transport.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 132125"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025696","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132100
Rihab Masmoudi , Carl P Tripp , Luke Doucette , Mauricio Pereira da Cunha
A coating consisting of layer-by-layer deposition of cationic and anionic kaolin followed by a topcoat of a sol-gel CeO2 or SiO2 is shown to provide a protective barrier against oxidation for 440 steel under thermal cyclic conditions from room temperature to 1000 °C. The kaolin layer provides a torturous path for oxygen penetration while the sol-gel based coatings CeO2 and SiO2 are conformal and fill the gaps between kaolin platelets while also improving adhesion of the kaolin coating to steel. After one thermal cycle to 1000 °C, CeO2 and SiO2 topcoats over kaolin resulted in lowering the amount of oxidation by 66 % and 98 %, respectively. On the other hand, a second thermal cycle to 1000 °C showed a 55 % lower oxidation in the CeO2/kaolin coating compared to bare 440 steel, whereas SiO2/kaolin was delaminated after the second thermal cycle. This was due to mismatch in coefficient of thermal expansion between SiO2 (0.55x10−6 K-1) and 440 steel (10.6x10−6 K-1). In contrast, the similar coefficient of thermal expansion between CeO2 (11.8x10−6 K-1) and steel (10.2x10−6 K-1) allowed it to sustain thermal cycling. After a 2nd thermal cycle at 1000 °C, XRD analysis of the kaolin/CeO2 coated sample showed that passivating Cr2O3 and Mn1.5Cr1.5O4 oxides were predominant, whereas in bare 440 steel and kaolin/SiO2 only Fe2O3 was detected.
{"title":"Investigation of the oxidation of 440 steel coated with Kaolin/CeO2 and Kaolin/SiO2 operating at high temperature cycling conditions","authors":"Rihab Masmoudi , Carl P Tripp , Luke Doucette , Mauricio Pereira da Cunha","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132100","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132100","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A coating consisting of layer-by-layer deposition of cationic and anionic kaolin followed by a topcoat of a sol-gel CeO<sub>2</sub> or SiO<sub>2</sub> is shown to provide a protective barrier against oxidation for 440 steel under thermal cyclic conditions from room temperature to 1000 °C. The kaolin layer provides a torturous path for oxygen penetration while the sol-gel based coatings CeO<sub>2</sub> and SiO<sub>2</sub> are conformal and fill the gaps between kaolin platelets while also improving adhesion of the kaolin coating to steel. After one thermal cycle to 1000 °C, CeO<sub>2</sub> and SiO<sub>2</sub> topcoats over kaolin resulted in lowering the amount of oxidation by 66 % and 98 %, respectively. On the other hand, a second thermal cycle to 1000 °C showed a 55 % lower oxidation in the CeO<sub>2</sub>/kaolin coating compared to bare 440 steel, whereas SiO<sub>2</sub>/kaolin was delaminated after the second thermal cycle. This was due to mismatch in coefficient of thermal expansion between SiO<sub>2</sub> (0.55x10<sup>−6</sup> K<sup>-1</sup>) and 440 steel (10.6x10<sup>−6</sup> K<sup>-1</sup>). In contrast, the similar coefficient of thermal expansion between CeO<sub>2</sub> (11.8x10<sup>−6</sup> K<sup>-1</sup>) and steel (10.2x10<sup>−6</sup> K<sup>-1</sup>) allowed it to sustain thermal cycling. After a 2nd thermal cycle at 1000 °C, XRD analysis of the kaolin/CeO<sub>2</sub> coated sample showed that passivating Cr<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and Mn<sub>1.5</sub>Cr<sub>1.5</sub>O<sub>4</sub> oxides were predominant, whereas in bare 440 steel and kaolin/SiO<sub>2</sub> only Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> was detected.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 132100"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146026021","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132135
Jiaxuan Xu , Xiaoduan Li , Zhen Cao , Zhaofeng Liu , Wei Sun , Qiang Guo , Man Zhao , Jiawei Tang , Yixiang Bao , Jian Wang , Zhaokui Li , Xi Wu , Xiaotai Zhang
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes have been widely employed in wastewater treatment and biochemical industry, due to its superior physicochemical and mechanical stability. However, the intrinsic strong hydrophobicity of PTFE matrix results in inferior water permeability and severe membrane fouling in practical operation. Although the hydrophilic modification is considered as an effective strategy to settle the drawback, the introduction of a robust hydrophilic coating on the non-stick PTFE substrate is still a great challenge. This work was dedicated to customizing a hydrophilic PTFE hollow fiber membrane with a commercialized amphipathic terpolymer, poly(vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) (PVA-TP). Based on the successive acidic hydrolysis/glutaraldehyde (GA)-crosslinking and alkaline hydrolysis, a hydrophilic network was constructed and physically wrapped on the nano-fibrils and nodes of PTFE membrane. The pore size of PTFE membrane was almost maintained after modification. Due to the enhanced hydrophilicity (water contact angle∼30°), the water flux of modified membrane was nearly triple that of the pristine, and the resistance against bovine serum albumin (BSA) and humic acid (HA) was improved. Moreover, the hydrophilic network presented excellent stability in acidic, alkaline, and oxidative environment. Given the simplicity and robustness, this work provided a promising hydrophilic tactics for PTFE membrane in wastewater treatment.
{"title":"Robust hydrophilic modification of polytetrafluoroethylene hollow fiber membrane with an amphipathic terpolymer for improved permeability and fouling resistance","authors":"Jiaxuan Xu , Xiaoduan Li , Zhen Cao , Zhaofeng Liu , Wei Sun , Qiang Guo , Man Zhao , Jiawei Tang , Yixiang Bao , Jian Wang , Zhaokui Li , Xi Wu , Xiaotai Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132135","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132135","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes have been widely employed in wastewater treatment and biochemical industry, due to its superior physicochemical and mechanical stability. However, the intrinsic strong hydrophobicity of PTFE matrix results in inferior water permeability and severe membrane fouling in practical operation. Although the hydrophilic modification is considered as an effective strategy to settle the drawback, the introduction of a robust hydrophilic coating on the non-stick PTFE substrate is still a great challenge. This work was dedicated to customizing a hydrophilic PTFE hollow fiber membrane with a commercialized amphipathic terpolymer, poly(vinyl butyral-<em>co</em>-vinyl alcohol-<em>co</em>-vinyl acetate) (PVA-TP). Based on the successive acidic hydrolysis/glutaraldehyde (GA)-crosslinking and alkaline hydrolysis, a hydrophilic network was constructed and physically wrapped on the nano-fibrils and nodes of PTFE membrane. The pore size of PTFE membrane was almost maintained after modification. Due to the enhanced hydrophilicity (water contact angle∼30°), the water flux of modified membrane was nearly triple that of the pristine, and the resistance against bovine serum albumin (BSA) and humic acid (HA) was improved. Moreover, the hydrophilic network presented excellent stability in acidic, alkaline, and oxidative environment. Given the simplicity and robustness, this work provided a promising hydrophilic tactics for PTFE membrane in wastewater treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 132135"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080228","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132083
Asgar Hosseinnezhad, Hadi Sabri
This study presents an integrated experimental–numerical approach to elucidate the structure–function relationships in bio-based modular coatings (BMCs) designed for atmospheric CO2 capture and electromagnetic radiation (EMR) shielding. BMC samples were fabricated using renewable biopolymer matrices, mineral fillers, conductive additives, and immobilized Chlorella vulgaris and Synechococcus elongatus. High-resolution field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed a hierarchical porous architecture, uniform microorganism distribution, and well-dispersed conductive networks. Microstructural parameters extracted from SEM images informed multiphysics simulations of CO2 diffusion, thermal regulation, and EMR attenuation. Simulated CO2 uptake rates (1.74–2.21 g m−2·day−1) closely matched experimental values, with pore connectivity strongly correlating with capture efficiency (r = 0.87). Thermal simulations and infrared thermography confirmed surface temperature reductions of up to 3.1 °C under peak summer conditions. Frequency-domain simulations and ASTM D4935-18 measurements demonstrated average shielding effectiveness of ∼21.5 dB, peaking at 24.8 dB at 2.4 GHz, with conductive network continuity correlating strongly with EMR attenuation (r = 0.91). The combined SEM–simulation methodology provides mechanistic insights into how microstructural design governs multifunctional performance, offering a pathway for optimizing sustainable façade coatings. While scalability is promising, long-term durability remains to be validated. As a practical demonstration, the methodology was applied to façade panels tested under real outdoor conditions, confirming reproducibility of CO2 capture and shielding performance.
{"title":"Microstructural characterization and multi-physics simulation of bio-based modular coatings for carbon capture and electromagnetic shielding: Correlation of SEM analysis with functional performance","authors":"Asgar Hosseinnezhad, Hadi Sabri","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132083","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132083","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents an integrated experimental–numerical approach to elucidate the structure–function relationships in bio-based modular coatings (BMCs) designed for atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> capture and electromagnetic radiation (EMR) shielding. BMC samples were fabricated using renewable biopolymer matrices, mineral fillers, conductive additives, and immobilized Chlorella vulgaris and <em>Synechococcus elongatus</em>. High-resolution field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) revealed a hierarchical porous architecture, uniform microorganism distribution, and well-dispersed conductive networks. Microstructural parameters extracted from SEM images informed multiphysics simulations of CO<sub>2</sub> diffusion, thermal regulation, and EMR attenuation. Simulated CO<sub>2</sub> uptake rates (1.74–2.21 g m<sup>−2</sup>·day<sup>−1</sup>) closely matched experimental values, with pore connectivity strongly correlating with capture efficiency (r = 0.87). Thermal simulations and infrared thermography confirmed surface temperature reductions of up to 3.1 °C under peak summer conditions. Frequency-domain simulations and ASTM D4935-18 measurements demonstrated average shielding effectiveness of ∼21.5 dB, peaking at 24.8 dB at 2.4 GHz, with conductive network continuity correlating strongly with EMR attenuation (r = 0.91). The combined SEM–simulation methodology provides mechanistic insights into how microstructural design governs multifunctional performance, offering a pathway for optimizing sustainable façade coatings. While scalability is promising, long-term durability remains to be validated. As a practical demonstration, the methodology was applied to façade panels tested under real outdoor conditions, confirming reproducibility of CO<sub>2</sub> capture and shielding performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 132083"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080231","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}
Numerous undeveloped and underutilized niobium deposits are located inside Bayan Obo's tailings. Niobium is challenging to extract from low-grade niobium slag using traditional methods. In this work, molten oxide electrolysis was used to prepare metallic niobium and niobium-iron alloys. Our findings reveal that the reduction of Nb(V) on a tungsten electrode operates through a two-step, five-electron transfer process: Nb(V) → Nb(II) and Nb(II) → Nb(0). Meanwhile, on an solid iron electrode, the reduction follows a three-step process: Nb(V) → Nb(IV), Nb(IV) → Nb(II) and Nb(II) → Nb(0). In the co-deposition approach, Fe(III) is first deposited on the tungsten electrode to form a Fe film through the reaction Fe(III) + 3e → Fe(0). Subsequently, Nb(V) is reduced on this iron film, yielding NbFe intermetallic compounds. Additionally, we examined the transport and diffusion rates of Nb ions as they transition to Nb(0) on inert tungsten, solid iron, and during co-deposition. The results highlight that the co-deposition method yields FeNb and Fe2Nb alloys that are easier to separate and demonstrate superior diffusivity, with DNb(II) measured at 1.80 × 10−5 cm2 s−1 during the reduction process. This research highlights a promising pathway toward enhancing niobium production and utilization in high-demand industries.
{"title":"Extraction of niobium from low-grade niobium tailings by molten oxide electrolysis","authors":"Xu Zhang , Zengwu Zhao , Liqi Zhang , Bowen Huang , Yusheng Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132092","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132092","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Numerous undeveloped and underutilized niobium deposits are located inside Bayan Obo's tailings. Niobium is challenging to extract from low-grade niobium slag using traditional methods. In this work, molten oxide electrolysis was used to prepare metallic niobium and niobium-iron alloys. Our findings reveal that the reduction of Nb(V) on a tungsten electrode operates through a two-step, five-electron transfer process: Nb(V) → Nb(II) and Nb(II) → Nb(0). Meanwhile, on an solid iron electrode, the reduction follows a three-step process: Nb(V) → Nb(IV), Nb(IV) → Nb(II) and Nb(II) → Nb(0). In the co-deposition approach, Fe(III) is first deposited on the tungsten electrode to form a Fe film through the reaction Fe(III) + 3e → Fe(0). Subsequently, Nb(V) is reduced on this iron film, yielding NbFe intermetallic compounds. Additionally, we examined the transport and diffusion rates of Nb ions as they transition to Nb(0) on inert tungsten, solid iron, and during co-deposition. The results highlight that the co-deposition method yields FeNb and Fe<sub>2</sub>Nb alloys that are easier to separate and demonstrate superior diffusivity, with <em>D</em><sub><em>Nb(II)</em></sub> measured at 1.80 × 10<sup>−5</sup> cm<sup>2</sup> s<sup>−1</sup> during the reduction process. This research highlights a promising pathway toward enhancing niobium production and utilization in high-demand industries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 132092"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080370","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132108
Muti ul Mannan Shah , Abdul Shakoor , Waseem Abbas , Muhammad Hashim , Muhammad Bilal , Muhammad Ehsan Mazhar , Shahid Atiq , Sami Allah , Imran Shakir , Muhammad Yahya Haroon , Latif Ullah Khan , Muhammad Junaid , Farooq Ahmad
This work introduces hydrothermally synthesized pure ZnS and ZnS/MXene-based composite as electrode materials for supercapacitors to enhance their electrochemical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that both ZnS and ZnS/MXene-based material possess high phase purity and crystallinity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the MXene substrate was porous with evenly dispersed spherical ZnS micro spheres. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron microscopy (SEAD), and HRTEM unveiled the in-depth morphological and crystallographic attributes of the composite sample. Additionally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) verified the presence and variety of oxidation states in each component of both samples. Electrochemical tests showed that ZnS/MXene-based composite electrodes exhibited enhanced electrochemical efficiency in comparison to pure ZnS electrodes, attaining a maximum specific capacitance value of 2495.07 F/g at 10 mV/s. Such a composite also exhibited improved power density (1500 W/kg) and energy density (129.11 Wh/kg) at 3 A/g. The stability test of ZnS/MXene resulted in a retained capacitance of approximately 95.20 % after 2000 GCD cycles with a 3 A/g current density. The composite material demonstrated excellent ionic conductivity (0.0698 S/cm), very low charge transfer resistance (0.094 Ω), and a transference number of 0.82 for anions. Based on these results, ZnS/MXene-based composite electrodes are proposed as advanced electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors.
本文介绍了水热合成纯ZnS和ZnS/ mxene基复合材料作为超级电容器电极材料，以提高其电化学性能。x射线衍射（XRD）分析表明，ZnS和ZnS/ mxene基材料均具有较高的相纯度和结晶度。扫描电子显微镜（SEM）证实MXene衬底具有均匀分散的球形ZnS微球。透射电子显微镜（TEM）、选择性面积电子显微镜（SEAD）和HRTEM揭示了复合材料样品的深层形态和晶体属性。此外，x射线光电子能谱（XPS）验证了两种样品中各组分氧化态的存在和变化。电化学测试表明，与纯ZnS电极相比，ZnS/ mxene基复合电极的电化学效率有所提高，在10 mV/s下的最大比电容值为2495.07 F/g。这种复合材料在3 a /g时也表现出更高的功率密度（1500 W/kg）和能量密度（129.11 Wh/kg）。ZnS/MXene稳定性测试结果表明，在3 a /g电流密度下，经过2000个GCD循环后，ZnS/MXene的电容保留率约为95.20%。复合材料具有优异的离子电导率（0.0698 S/cm），极低的电荷转移电阻（0.094 Ω），阴离子转移数为0.82。基于这些结果，提出了ZnS/ mxene基复合电极作为高性能超级电容器的先进电极材料。
{"title":"Hierarchical ZnS/MXene microspheres as efficient electrodes for energy storage devices","authors":"Muti ul Mannan Shah , Abdul Shakoor , Waseem Abbas , Muhammad Hashim , Muhammad Bilal , Muhammad Ehsan Mazhar , Shahid Atiq , Sami Allah , Imran Shakir , Muhammad Yahya Haroon , Latif Ullah Khan , Muhammad Junaid , Farooq Ahmad","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132108","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132108","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work introduces hydrothermally synthesized pure ZnS and ZnS/MXene-based composite as electrode materials for supercapacitors to enhance their electrochemical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that both ZnS and ZnS/MXene-based material possess high phase purity and crystallinity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the MXene substrate was porous with evenly dispersed spherical ZnS micro spheres. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron microscopy (SEAD), and HRTEM unveiled the in-depth morphological and crystallographic attributes of the composite sample. Additionally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) verified the presence and variety of oxidation states in each component of both samples. Electrochemical tests showed that ZnS/MXene-based composite electrodes exhibited enhanced electrochemical efficiency in comparison to pure ZnS electrodes, attaining a maximum specific capacitance value of 2495.07 F/g at 10 mV/s. Such a composite also exhibited improved power density (1500 W/kg) and energy density (129.11 Wh/kg) at 3 A/g. The stability test of ZnS/MXene resulted in a retained capacitance of approximately 95.20 % after 2000 GCD cycles with a 3 A/g current density. The composite material demonstrated excellent ionic conductivity (0.0698 S/cm), very low charge transfer resistance (0.094 Ω), and a transference number of 0.82 for anions. Based on these results, ZnS/MXene-based composite electrodes are proposed as advanced electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 132108"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080371","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132091
Amna Seher , Muhammad Imran , Iram Shahzadi , Sawaira Moeen , Anwar Ul-Hamid , Norah A. Albassami , Sarmad Frogh Arshad , Muhammad Ikram
In this work, a co-precipitation approach was used to synthesize CuFe2O4 NSs (copper ferrite nanostructures) doped with different concentrations of samarium (Sm) and a fixed amount of polyacrylic acid (PAA). This study aimed to examine the effect of doping agents (Sm and PAA) on the degradation potency and antibacterial ability of CuFe2O4 NSs. Sm and capping agent (PAA) were added to CuFe2O4 as they improved the crystalinity, enhanced the stability and restricts the recomibination of exicitons by decreasing the bandgap energy of NSs. PAA functional groups (-COOH) offers additional active sites, while Sm provides additional energy levels to improve the charge transfer activities for the catalytic reduction of rhodamine B dye (RhB) and antibacterial behaviour against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Moreover, prepared catalysts were characterized optically, structurally, and morphologically. 4 wt % Sm/PAA-doped CuFe2O4 demonstrated the maximum reduction (94.8 %) of RhB in a neutral environment and inhibitory zone (11.35 mm) against S. aureus. The microbicidal efficacy of Sm/PAA-doped CuFe2O4 against S. aureus DNA gyrase was elucidated using molecular docking research, indicating these NCs as DNA gyraseS. aureus inhibitors.
{"title":"Harnessing Sm/PAA-CuFe2O4 nanostructures for synergistic catalytic and bioactivity: A computationally-guided approach","authors":"Amna Seher , Muhammad Imran , Iram Shahzadi , Sawaira Moeen , Anwar Ul-Hamid , Norah A. Albassami , Sarmad Frogh Arshad , Muhammad Ikram","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132091","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132091","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this work, a co-precipitation approach was used to synthesize CuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NSs (copper ferrite nanostructures) doped with different concentrations of samarium (Sm) and a fixed amount of polyacrylic acid (PAA). This study aimed to examine the effect of doping agents (Sm and PAA) on the degradation potency and antibacterial ability of CuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> NSs. Sm and capping agent (PAA) were added to CuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> as they improved the crystalinity, enhanced the stability and restricts the recomibination of exicitons by decreasing the bandgap energy of NSs. PAA functional groups (-COOH) offers additional active sites, while Sm provides additional energy levels to improve the charge transfer activities for the catalytic reduction of rhodamine B dye (RhB) and antibacterial behaviour against <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> (<em>S. aureus</em>). Moreover, prepared catalysts were characterized optically, structurally, and morphologically. 4 wt % Sm/PAA-doped CuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> demonstrated the maximum reduction (94.8 %) of RhB in a neutral environment and inhibitory zone (11.35 mm) against <em>S. aureus</em>. The microbicidal efficacy of Sm/PAA-doped CuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> against <em>S. aureus</em> DNA gyrase was elucidated using molecular docking research, indicating these NCs as DNA gyrase<sub><em>S. aureus</em></sub> inhibitors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 132091"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146080374","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132116
K. Ponnazhagan , Jayanthi R , Lulup Kumar Sahoo , J. Deepak , Nandini Robin Nadar , S.C. Sharma , Subrat Kumar Tripathy , B.R. Radha Krushna , I.S. Pruthviraj , Lambodaran Ganesan , Sindhya K.S. , H. Nagabhushana , Divya Vijayalakshmi Dharmarajan
Accurate dopamine detection is essential due to its critical role in motor function, emotional regulation, and neurological health. In this study, an electrochemical sensor was fabricated using holmium-doped titanium dioxide (Ho–TiO2, HTO) synthesized via a simple, cost-effective combustion method. Structural characterization confirmed successful Ho3+ ion incorporation, enhancing electron transfer and surface activity through oxygen vacancy formation. The HTO-modified carbon paste electrode (HTO-ME) exhibited a significantly larger electroactive surface area (0.103 cm2) compared to the unmodified electrode (0.028 cm2), resulting in improved redox performance. Electrochemical analysis revealed excellent sensitivity, linearity (R2 = 0.999), a low detection limit (0.1095 μM), and quantification limit (0.365 μM) at optimal pH 7.0. Selectivity tests showed high accuracy (R2 = 0.99), and scan-rate studies indicated a diffusion-controlled process. The electrode maintained 91.17 % of its initial signal over repeated cycles and demonstrated strong repeatability (RSD = 1.55 %) and reproducibility (RSD = 1.66 %). It also allowed simultaneous detection of dopamine and uric acid with negligible interference (R2 = 0.99). In real sample analysis using dopamine injection solutions, the sensor achieved an average recovery of 91.6 %, highlighting its potential for clinical and diagnostic use.
{"title":"Structural & electrochemical advancements in Ho3+ - Doped TiO2 for ultrasensitive, interference -free dopamine detection","authors":"K. Ponnazhagan , Jayanthi R , Lulup Kumar Sahoo , J. Deepak , Nandini Robin Nadar , S.C. Sharma , Subrat Kumar Tripathy , B.R. Radha Krushna , I.S. Pruthviraj , Lambodaran Ganesan , Sindhya K.S. , H. Nagabhushana , Divya Vijayalakshmi Dharmarajan","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132116","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132116","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate dopamine detection is essential due to its critical role in motor function, emotional regulation, and neurological health. In this study, an electrochemical sensor was fabricated using holmium-doped titanium dioxide (Ho–TiO<sub>2</sub>, HTO) synthesized via a simple, cost-effective combustion method. Structural characterization confirmed successful Ho<sup>3+</sup> ion incorporation, enhancing electron transfer and surface activity through oxygen vacancy formation. The HTO-modified carbon paste electrode (HTO-ME) exhibited a significantly larger electroactive surface area (0.103 cm<sup>2</sup>) compared to the unmodified electrode (0.028 cm<sup>2</sup>), resulting in improved redox performance. Electrochemical analysis revealed excellent sensitivity, linearity (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.999), a low detection limit (0.1095 μM), and quantification limit (0.365 μM) at optimal pH 7.0. Selectivity tests showed high accuracy (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.99), and scan-rate studies indicated a diffusion-controlled process. The electrode maintained 91.17 % of its initial signal over repeated cycles and demonstrated strong repeatability (RSD = 1.55 %) and reproducibility (RSD = 1.66 %). It also allowed simultaneous detection of dopamine and uric acid with negligible interference (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.99). In real sample analysis using dopamine injection solutions, the sensor achieved an average recovery of 91.6 %, highlighting its potential for clinical and diagnostic use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 132116"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146170807","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132090
Vaishnavi Vishwanath , Ronald J. Mascarenhas , Shweta J. Malode , Jamelah S. Al-Otaibi , Abdullah N. Alodhayb , Nagaraj P. Shetti
In this study, a novel non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for 2,6-Diaminopurine (DAP) was developed using a nickel phthalocyanine-modified carbon paste electrode (NiP/CPE). The electrochemical behaviour of DAP was investigated, revealing an irreversible oxidation mechanism involving a two-proton and two-electron transfer process. Optimization of the sensor showed that the addition of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) significantly enhanced the peak current response. Under optimal conditions of pH 6.0, the sensor exhibited an extensive linear detection range from 5.0 × 10−8 M to 1.0 × 10−3 M, with a low detection limit (LOD) of 1.6 nM and a quantification limit (LOQ) of 5.5 nM. The fabricated sensor was highly reproducible, preserving 97 % of the original signal, and selectivity in the presence of typical metal-ion interferents. The usefulness of the NiP/SDS-CPE was confirmed through the practical analysis of DAP in spiked human urine and water samples, yielding an acceptable recovery rates. These findings indicate that the developed sensor is a valuable device for routine monitoring of DAP in clinical and environmental samples.
{"title":"Enhanced non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for 2,6-Diaminopurine based on nickel phthalocyanine-modified carbon paste electrode","authors":"Vaishnavi Vishwanath , Ronald J. Mascarenhas , Shweta J. Malode , Jamelah S. Al-Otaibi , Abdullah N. Alodhayb , Nagaraj P. Shetti","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132090","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132090","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, a novel non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for 2,6-Diaminopurine (DAP) was developed using a nickel phthalocyanine-modified carbon paste electrode (NiP/CPE). The electrochemical behaviour of DAP was investigated, revealing an irreversible oxidation mechanism involving a two-proton and two-electron transfer process. Optimization of the sensor showed that the addition of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) significantly enhanced the peak current response. Under optimal conditions of pH 6.0, the sensor exhibited an extensive linear detection range from 5.0 × 10<sup>−8</sup> M to 1.0 × 10<sup>−3</sup> M, with a low detection limit (LOD) of 1.6 nM and a quantification limit (LOQ) of 5.5 nM. The fabricated sensor was highly reproducible, preserving 97 % of the original signal, and selectivity in the presence of typical metal-ion interferents. The usefulness of the NiP/SDS-CPE was confirmed through the practical analysis of DAP in spiked human urine and water samples, yielding an acceptable recovery rates. These findings indicate that the developed sensor is a valuable device for routine monitoring of DAP in clinical and environmental samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 132090"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025570","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 : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132074
Anjan Kumar , Magda Abdel lattif H. , Shaker Al-Hasnaawei , Amani H. Alfaifi , Subbulakshmi Ganesan , Ali Fawzi Al-Hussainy , Aman Shankhyan , Aashna Sinha , Subhashree Ray
This paper investigates the adsorption mechanism of the temozolomide (TMZ) drug onto AlN nanostructures through density functional theory (DFT) by measuring adsorption energy, HOMO-LUMO energy gap, charge transfer, and AlN- TMZ interaction type. The interaction of TMZ molecules with AlN nanostructures was studied using the atoms-in-molecules (AIM) technique, characterizing the electrostatic parameters of the AlN- TMZ interaction.The electrical conductivity of AlN nanostructures increased upon their interaction with TMZ molecules, implying that AlN nanostructures may serve as promising chemical nanosensors as they can generate electronic signals. we calculated non-covalent interactions (NCI), evaluated reduced density gradient (RDG) properties.The sensitivity of the AlN nanostructures was found to be in the order of AlN nanosheet/AlN nanotube > AlN nanocluster. TMZ molecules can be concluded to remarkably alter the electron transfer behavior of AlN nanosheets. AlN nanosheets are promising and show enhanced electron mobility and transfer performance in applications where conductivity and electron transfer are essential.Overall, AlN nanosheets can be more effectively employed to detect TMZ molecules relative to AlN nanotubes and nanoclusters.
{"title":"Adsorption behavior of temozolomide anticancer drug on the aluminum nitride nanostructures: AIM, UV–Vis, NCI, ELF and Marcus theory studies","authors":"Anjan Kumar , Magda Abdel lattif H. , Shaker Al-Hasnaawei , Amani H. Alfaifi , Subbulakshmi Ganesan , Ali Fawzi Al-Hussainy , Aman Shankhyan , Aashna Sinha , Subhashree Ray","doi":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132074","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.matchemphys.2026.132074","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper investigates the adsorption mechanism of the temozolomide (TMZ) drug onto AlN nanostructures through density functional theory (DFT) by measuring adsorption energy, HOMO-LUMO energy gap, charge transfer, and AlN- TMZ interaction type. The interaction of TMZ molecules with AlN nanostructures was studied using the atoms-in-molecules (AIM) technique, characterizing the electrostatic parameters of the AlN- TMZ interaction.The electrical conductivity of AlN nanostructures increased upon their interaction with TMZ molecules, implying that AlN nanostructures may serve as promising chemical nanosensors as they can generate electronic signals. we calculated non-covalent interactions (NCI), evaluated reduced density gradient (RDG) properties.The sensitivity of the AlN nanostructures was found to be in the order of AlN nanosheet/AlN nanotube > AlN nanocluster. TMZ molecules can be concluded to remarkably alter the electron transfer behavior of AlN nanosheets. AlN nanosheets are promising and show enhanced electron mobility and transfer performance in applications where conductivity and electron transfer are essential.Overall, AlN nanosheets can be more effectively employed to detect TMZ molecules relative to AlN nanotubes and nanoclusters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18227,"journal":{"name":"Materials Chemistry and Physics","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 132074"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025574","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}
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