Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119206
Shijie Song , Peilei Zhang , Weilin Zhang , Kefan Chen , Lingxiao Song , Qingyun Yang , Hanxuan Huang , Keran Jiang , Guanglong Chen , Tianzhu Sun , Xia Ruan , Chao Fang
Leverage the flexible pulse splitting of femtosecond laser burst mode (BM) and the ultra-short time scale burst delay to increase the pulse count for creating efficient, high-quality, and highly regular laser-induced periodic surface structures (HR-LIPSS) on zirconium-based metallic glass (Zr-BMG). HR-LIPSS have subwavelength periodicity and quasi-regular nanopatterns aligned along the direction of the laser polarization with a period of 505 nm. This paper uses a combination of Maxwell's system of equations, electron-ion heat conduction effect, Navier-Stokes equations, and numerical analysis of the material removal process. It aims to reveal the complex kinetic process of laser-material interaction, especially the key mechanism of action in forming laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). The simulation outcomes closely align with the experimental data regarding the development trend and periodicity of the LIPSS structures, validating the accuracy of the simulation model. This consistency validates the accuracy of the simulation method and provides strong theoretical support for experimental observations, thereby deepening the understanding of the formation mechanisms of LIPSS.
{"title":"Femtosecond-laser-induced highly regular grating nanostructures: Spatiotemporal control routes for near-field enhancement on metallic glass surfaces","authors":"Shijie Song , Peilei Zhang , Weilin Zhang , Kefan Chen , Lingxiao Song , Qingyun Yang , Hanxuan Huang , Keran Jiang , Guanglong Chen , Tianzhu Sun , Xia Ruan , Chao Fang","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119206","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119206","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leverage the flexible pulse splitting of femtosecond laser burst mode (BM) and the ultra-short time scale burst delay to increase the pulse count for creating efficient, high-quality, and highly regular laser-induced periodic surface structures (HR-LIPSS) on zirconium-based metallic glass (Zr-BMG). HR-LIPSS have subwavelength periodicity and quasi-regular nanopatterns aligned along the direction of the laser polarization with a period of 505 nm. This paper uses a combination of Maxwell's system of equations, electron-ion heat conduction effect, Navier-Stokes equations, and numerical analysis of the material removal process. It aims to reveal the complex kinetic process of laser-material interaction, especially the key mechanism of action in forming laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). The simulation outcomes closely align with the experimental data regarding the development trend and periodicity of the LIPSS structures, validating the accuracy of the simulation model. This consistency validates the accuracy of the simulation method and provides strong theoretical support for experimental observations, thereby deepening the understanding of the formation mechanisms of LIPSS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119206"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023506","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 design, production, and characterization procedures of completely biodegradable microswimmers using a recently created biocomposite material based on polylactic acid supplemented with graphene nanoparticles and powdered Ocimum sanctum are covered in this study. Six microswimmer prototypes were created using 4D printing, injection molding, and filament extrusion in order to compare mechanical strength, precision, thermal stability, and swimming performance. High structural integrity, form flexibility, and manufacturing precision were provided by 4D printing and filament extrusion as compared to traditional techniques. Composites' enhanced performance was confirmed by increased interfacial bonding, tensile strength, and heat resistance as a result of graphene and Ocimum sanctum alteration. The material's resilience, stability, and biocompatibility were proven by extensive characterization using methods including FTIR, SEM, TGA, DSC, and tensile and stress-strain analysis. Comparative 3D modeling helped to improve process optimization and procedure repeatability. The biocomposite has significant promise as an environmentally benign, high-performing material for ecological remediation, microfluidics, and next-generation microswimmers for biomedical devices. Future research will improve material compositions and process parameters for flexibility and multifunctional efficiency increase, while the current study establishes the foundation for biopolymer-based smart microrobotics.
{"title":"Bio-composites with natural, nanomaterial additives and smart manufacturing: A path to sustainable microswimmers","authors":"Roopsandeep Bammidi , Hymavathi Madivada , Sreeramulu Dowluru","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119213","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119213","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The design, production, and characterization procedures of completely biodegradable microswimmers using a recently created biocomposite material based on polylactic acid supplemented with graphene nanoparticles and powdered <em>Ocimum sanctum</em> are covered in this study. Six microswimmer prototypes were created using 4D printing, injection molding, and filament extrusion in order to compare mechanical strength, precision, thermal stability, and swimming performance. High structural integrity, form flexibility, and manufacturing precision were provided by 4D printing and filament extrusion as compared to traditional techniques. Composites' enhanced performance was confirmed by increased interfacial bonding, tensile strength, and heat resistance as a result of graphene and <em>Ocimum sanctum</em> alteration. The material's resilience, stability, and biocompatibility were proven by extensive characterization using methods including FTIR, SEM, TGA, DSC, and tensile and stress-strain analysis. Comparative 3D modeling helped to improve process optimization and procedure repeatability. The biocomposite has significant promise as an environmentally benign, high-performing material for ecological remediation, microfluidics, and next-generation microswimmers for biomedical devices. Future research will improve material compositions and process parameters for flexibility and multifunctional efficiency increase, while the current study establishes the foundation for biopolymer-based smart microrobotics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119213"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023507","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 : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119173
Masood Ullah , Shakeel Ahmad , Henmei Ni , Afaq Ullah Khan , Kamran Tahir , Hassan M.A. Hassan , Sameerah I. Al-Saeedi , Zainab M. Almarhoon , Mingkun Jiang , Magdi E.A. Zaki
The present study introduces a straightforward, hydro solvothermal synthesis route for constructing W/NiCo layered double hydroxides (LDHs) nanomaterials and evaluates their suitability as supercapacitor electrodes. The electrochemical performance of the resulting nanomaterials was comprehensively examined within a supercapacitor framework. Leveraging the cooperative action of synergistic redox reactions and efficient Faradaic processes, the W/NiCoLDH system demonstrates substantial capacitive performance, achieving a specific capacitance of 1946 F g−1. Additionally, a asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was assembled with W/NiCoLDH serving as the positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode. The fabricated device delivers robust electrochemical performance, reaching an energy density of 75 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 721 W kg−1, retaining 84% of capacitance and exhibiting 96% coulombic efficiency after 10,000 cycles. This work outlines a feasible approach to improve the energy density of bimetallic LDH-based materials for advanced energy storage applications.
本研究介绍了一种简单的水溶剂热合成方法,用于构建W/NiCo层状双氢氧化物(LDHs)纳米材料,并评估了其作为超级电容器电极的适用性。在超级电容器框架内全面检查了所得纳米材料的电化学性能。利用协同氧化还原反应和有效的法拉第过程的协同作用,W/NiCoLDH系统表现出可观的电容性能,实现了1946 F g−1的比电容。此外,还以W/NiCoLDH为正极,活性炭(AC)为负极组装了不对称超级电容器(ASC)。该装置具有强大的电化学性能,在721 W kg - 1的功率密度下达到75 Wh kg - 1的能量密度,在10,000次循环后保持84%的电容和96%的库仑效率。这项工作概述了一种可行的方法来提高双金属ldh基材料的能量密度,用于先进的储能应用。
{"title":"Interfacial electronic modulation enables enhancement of redox kinetics in tungsten-doped NiCoLDH nanostructures for high performance supercapacitors","authors":"Masood Ullah , Shakeel Ahmad , Henmei Ni , Afaq Ullah Khan , Kamran Tahir , Hassan M.A. Hassan , Sameerah I. Al-Saeedi , Zainab M. Almarhoon , Mingkun Jiang , Magdi E.A. Zaki","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119173","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2025.119173","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study introduces a straightforward, hydro solvothermal synthesis route for constructing W/NiCo layered double hydroxides (LDHs) nanomaterials and evaluates their suitability as supercapacitor electrodes. The electrochemical performance of the resulting nanomaterials was comprehensively examined within a supercapacitor framework. Leveraging the cooperative action of synergistic redox reactions and efficient Faradaic processes, the W/NiCoLDH system demonstrates substantial capacitive performance, achieving a specific capacitance of 1946 F g<sup>−1</sup>. Additionally, a asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was assembled with W/NiCoLDH serving as the positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode. The fabricated device delivers robust electrochemical performance, reaching an energy density of 75 Wh kg<sup>−1</sup> at a power density of 721 W kg<sup>−1</sup>, retaining 84% of capacitance and exhibiting 96% coulombic efficiency after 10,000 cycles. This work outlines a feasible approach to improve the energy density of bimetallic LDH-based materials for advanced energy storage applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119173"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023509","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 : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119218
Tosapol Maluangnont
da Silva et al. (Mater. Sci. Eng. B 323 (2026) 118836) recently reported the sonochemical synthesis of lithium-doped sodium titanate Na2-xLixTi3O7 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03). They proposed three-phase products: (i) lithium-doped Na2-xLixTi3O7 with the layered structure, (ii) undoped Na2Ti6O13 with tunnel structure, and (iii) the NaLiTi3O7 impurity (at high x). It is argued that that the formation of Na2-xLixTi3O7 is unlikely. Two major products could be assigned as undoped Na2Ti3O7 and undoped Na2Ti6O13. Also, the NaLiTi3O7 impurity (which has completely different structure from the layered alkali titanate) could be the structurally related Li4Ti5O12 spinel. The present interpretation can explain the invariant unit cell parameters, the decrease of optical band gap, and the improvement of electrical conductivity observed by the original authors.
{"title":"Comments on “tuning electrical conductivity in lithium-doped sodium titanate via sonochemical synthesis”","authors":"Tosapol Maluangnont","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119218","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119218","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>da Silva et al. (Mater. Sci. Eng. B 323 (2026) 118836) recently reported the sonochemical synthesis of lithium-doped sodium titanate Na<sub>2-x</sub>Li<sub>x</sub>Ti<sub>3</sub>O<sub>7</sub> (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03). They proposed three-phase products: (i) lithium-doped Na<sub>2-x</sub>Li<sub>x</sub>Ti<sub>3</sub>O<sub>7</sub> with the layered structure, (ii) undoped Na<sub>2</sub>Ti<sub>6</sub>O<sub>13</sub> with tunnel structure, and (iii) the NaLiTi<sub>3</sub>O<sub>7</sub> impurity (at high <em>x</em>). It is argued that that the formation of Na<sub>2-x</sub>Li<sub>x</sub>Ti<sub>3</sub>O<sub>7</sub> is unlikely. Two major products could be assigned as undoped Na<sub>2</sub>Ti<sub>3</sub>O<sub>7</sub> and undoped Na<sub>2</sub>Ti<sub>6</sub>O<sub>13</sub>. Also, the NaLiTi<sub>3</sub>O<sub>7</sub> impurity (which has completely different structure from the layered alkali titanate) could be the structurally related Li<sub>4</sub>Ti<sub>5</sub>O<sub>12</sub> spinel. The present interpretation can explain the invariant unit cell parameters, the decrease of optical band gap, and the improvement of electrical conductivity observed by the original authors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119218"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023491","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 : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119216
Smriti Baruah , Janmoni Borah
This work presents an optimized dual chalcogenide perovskite absorber-based quantum dot solar cell (QD-CPSC) configuration, emphasizing the impact of bandgap engineering, layer thickness, dopant concentration, and defect density on both absorbers and quantum dot charge collection layers. Antimony Selenide (Sb2Se3) and Calcium Zirconium Trisulfide (CaZrS3) absorbers were coupled with two-dimensional (2D) quantum dot Tungsten disulfide (WS2), Copper Oxide (Cu2O), and Molybdenum oxide (MoOx) quantum dot electron and hole collection layers, achieving ideal energy band alignment that enhances optoelectronic conversion efficiency (OECE) and broadens spectral response. At a cumulative dual absorber width of 1.2 μm, 0.01 μm for each quantum dot charge collection layer, and uniform defect density of 1016 cm−3, the proposed FTO/WS2/CaZrS3/Sb2Se3/Cu2O/MoOx/Au dual absorber device configuration attains a peak optoelectronic conversion (OECE) of 33.16%, short circuit current density (Jsc) of 34 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.36 V and fill factor (FF) of 86%.This surpasses the 13.1% and 27% of OECE,11.5 mA/cm2 and 31.5 mA/cm2 of Jsc, 1.36 V and 1.046 V of Voc 83.8% and 84% of FF attained by CaZrS3 and Sb2Se3 single-absorber counterparts. The proposed dual-absorber QD- CPSC extends the spectral response to 1100 nm with 90% quantum efficiency, outperforming the CaZrS3 single-absorber chalcogenide solar cell (CSC) limit of 700 nm. While Sb2Se3 single-absorber CPSC achieves a comparable spectral range to the proposed dual absorber configuration, its quantum efficiency is lower at 55.5%. Temperature-dependent analyses revealed exceptional thermal stability, preserving its efficiency up to 31% even under elevated temperatures of 400 K.
{"title":"Unraveling broadened spectral response in 2D quantum dot solar cells via Sb2Se3/CaZrS3 dual chalcogenide absorbers: Insights from SCAPS-1D","authors":"Smriti Baruah , Janmoni Borah","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119216","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119216","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work presents an optimized dual chalcogenide perovskite absorber-based quantum dot solar cell (QD-CPSC) configuration, emphasizing the impact of bandgap engineering, layer thickness, dopant concentration, and defect density on both absorbers and quantum dot charge collection layers. Antimony Selenide (Sb<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>) and Calcium Zirconium Trisulfide (CaZrS<sub>3</sub>) absorbers were coupled with two-dimensional (2D) quantum dot Tungsten disulfide (WS<sub>2</sub>), Copper Oxide (Cu<sub>2</sub>O), and Molybdenum oxide (MoO<sub>x</sub>) quantum dot electron and hole collection layers, achieving ideal energy band alignment that enhances optoelectronic conversion efficiency (OECE) and broadens spectral response. At a cumulative dual absorber width of 1.2 μm, 0.01 μm for each quantum dot charge collection layer, and uniform defect density of 10<sup>16</sup> cm<sup>−3</sup>, the proposed FTO/WS<sub>2</sub>/CaZrS<sub>3</sub>/Sb<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>/Cu<sub>2</sub>O/MoOx/Au dual absorber device configuration attains a peak optoelectronic conversion (OECE) of 33.16%, short circuit current density (<em>J</em><sub>sc</sub>) of 34 mA/cm<sup>2</sup>, open circuit voltage (<em>V</em><sub>oc</sub>) of 1.36 V and fill factor (<em>FF</em>) of 86%.This surpasses the 13.1% and 27% of OECE,11.5 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> and 31.5 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> of <em>J</em><sub>sc</sub>, 1.36 V and 1.046 V of <em>V</em>oc 83.8% and 84% of <em>FF</em> attained by CaZrS<sub>3</sub> and Sb<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub> single-absorber counterparts. The proposed dual-absorber QD- CPSC extends the spectral response to 1100 nm with 90% quantum efficiency, outperforming the CaZrS<sub>3</sub> single-absorber chalcogenide solar cell (CSC) limit of 700 nm. While Sb<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub> single-absorber CPSC achieves a comparable spectral range to the proposed dual absorber configuration, its quantum efficiency is lower at 55.5%. Temperature-dependent analyses revealed exceptional thermal stability, preserving its efficiency up to 31% even under elevated temperatures of 400 K.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119216"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023495","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 : 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119215
Ke Zhang , Abudulai Nancy Bawah , Ruixuan Wang, Chenglin Wang, Jingwang Lu, Jiajie Hao, Vendish Kweku Ennin, Chen Zhang
Aiming for developing a X8R MLCC lead-free dielectric, this work presents the successful synthesis of (1-x)BaTiO3-xBi[(Mg2/3Ta1/3)1–0.015xNb0.015x]O3+0.015x [(1-x)BT-xBMTN] lead-free ceramics via solid-state reaction route, based on the aliovalent Nb5+ doping for defect engineering. The investigation focuses on how BMTN doping influences the microstructure and functional properties involving dielectric properties, ferroelectric properties as well as relaxor behavior of the novel BT based ceramic system. The XRD analysis indicates that with increasing BMTN content, the primary phase of (1-x)BT-xBMTN ceramics changes from tetragonal to pseudo-cubic perovskite. Based on the SEM observation, the isolated secondary phases is detected and BMTN addition effectively refines grains, leading to dense microstructure with small, uniform grain size. With increasing x, a drastic shift of the ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition temperature Tm from 107.3 °C down to −34.9 °C is found. The (1-x)BT-xBMTN ceramic with x = 0.3 achieves excellent dielectric temperature stability, satisfying the X8R specification (Δεr/εr ≤ ±15%, −55 °C to 150 °C) while possessing a balanced combination of properties: A room-temperature permittivity (εᵣRT) of ∼600, loss tangent (tanδRT) of 0.0156, and breakdown strength (Eb) of 62.92 kV/cm. The (1-x)BT-xBMTN ceramics also exhibit strong frequency dispersion and enhanced phase transition diffuseness, with relaxor-like behavior validated by Vogel-Fulcher fitting. The P-E hysteresis loops indicate a decreased remanent polarization (2Pr) and polarization maximum (2Pm) after BMTN modification. The BMTN doped BT ceramics are dominated by Ohmic leakage conduction. And a recoverable energy storage density of 0.9 J/cm3 at 80 kV/cm provides a possibility for energy storage applications in (1-x)BT-xBMTN system
{"title":"Super-stable dielectric temperature characteristic in BaTiO3-based lead-free relaxor ferroelectric ceramics","authors":"Ke Zhang , Abudulai Nancy Bawah , Ruixuan Wang, Chenglin Wang, Jingwang Lu, Jiajie Hao, Vendish Kweku Ennin, Chen Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119215","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119215","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aiming for developing a X8R MLCC lead-free dielectric, this work presents the successful synthesis of (1-<em>x</em>)BaTiO<sub>3</sub>-<em>x</em>Bi[(Mg<sub>2/3</sub>Ta<sub>1/3</sub>)<sub>1–0.015<em>x</em></sub>Nb<sub>0.015<em>x</em></sub>]O<sub>3+0.015<em>x</em></sub> [(1-<em>x</em>)BT-<em>x</em>BMTN] lead-free ceramics via solid-state reaction route, based on the aliovalent Nb<sup>5+</sup> doping for defect engineering. The investigation focuses on how BMTN doping influences the microstructure and functional properties involving dielectric properties, ferroelectric properties as well as relaxor behavior of the novel BT based ceramic system. The XRD analysis indicates that with increasing BMTN content, the primary phase of (1-<em>x</em>)BT-<em>x</em>BMTN ceramics changes from tetragonal to pseudo-cubic perovskite. Based on the SEM observation, the isolated secondary phases is detected and BMTN addition effectively refines grains, leading to dense microstructure with small, uniform grain size. With increasing <em>x</em>, a drastic shift of the ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition temperature <em>T</em><sub><em>m</em></sub> from 107.3 °C down to −34.9 °C is found. The (1-<em>x</em>)BT-<em>x</em>BMTN ceramic with <em>x</em> = 0.3 achieves excellent dielectric temperature stability, satisfying the X8R specification (<em>Δε</em><sub><em>r</em></sub><em>/ε</em><sub><em>r</em></sub> ≤ ±15%, −55 °C to 150 °C) while possessing a balanced combination of properties: A room-temperature permittivity (<em>ε</em>ᵣ<sub>RT</sub>) of ∼600, loss tangent (tan<em>δ</em><sub><em>RT</em></sub>) of 0.0156, and breakdown strength (<em>E</em><sub>b</sub>) of 62.92 kV/cm. The (1-<em>x</em>)BT-<em>x</em>BMTN ceramics also exhibit strong frequency dispersion and enhanced phase transition diffuseness, with relaxor-like behavior validated by Vogel-Fulcher fitting. The <em>P</em>-<em>E</em> hysteresis loops indicate a decreased remanent polarization (2<em>P</em><sub>r</sub>) and polarization maximum (2<em>P</em><sub>m</sub>) after BMTN modification. The BMTN doped BT ceramics are dominated by Ohmic leakage conduction. And a recoverable energy storage density of 0.9 J/cm<sup>3</sup> at 80 kV/cm provides a possibility for energy storage applications in (1-<em>x</em>)BT-<em>x</em>BMTN system</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119215"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023649","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 : 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119210
Sutapa Dey , Shashi B. Mishra , Arnab Hazra , Debdulal Kabiraj , Somnath C. Roy
Controlled defect engineering using high-energy ion irradiation is an effective technique to tune the physical properties of a material at the nanoscale. Here, we report such effects on vertically oriented TiO2 nanorod arrays grown on conductive glass substrate with different fluences, such as 5 × 1012 and 5 × 1013 ions/cm2, and change in resistance as a function of gas exposure was measured using hydrogen as the probe gas. The samples showed n-type characteristics from pristine to the fluence of 5 × 1012 ions/cm2; while at higher fluence 5 × 1013 ions/cm2, an n-to-p type transition in conductivity is observed. This is attributed to a combined effect of titanium vacancies and oxygen interstitials produced by the energetic ions. Our first-principles calculations show that higher irradiation fluence induces structural distortion that weakens hydrogen adsorption and suppresses charge transfer, collectively explaining the observed switch in gas sensing response and supporting the experimental findings.
{"title":"Anomalous gas sensing characteristics of TiO2 nanorod arrays irradiated with high-energy ion beam","authors":"Sutapa Dey , Shashi B. Mishra , Arnab Hazra , Debdulal Kabiraj , Somnath C. Roy","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119210","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119210","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Controlled defect engineering using high-energy ion irradiation is an effective technique to tune the physical properties of a material at the nanoscale. Here, we report such effects on vertically oriented TiO<sub>2</sub> nanorod arrays grown on conductive glass substrate with different fluences, such as 5 × 10<sup>12</sup> and 5 × 10<sup>13</sup> ions/cm<sup>2</sup>, and change in resistance as a function of gas exposure was measured using hydrogen as the probe gas. The samples showed <em>n-</em>type characteristics from pristine to the fluence of 5 × 10<sup>12</sup> ions/cm<sup>2</sup>; while at higher fluence 5 × 10<sup>13</sup> ions/cm<sup>2</sup>, an <em>n</em>-to-<em>p</em> type transition in conductivity is observed. This is attributed to a combined effect of titanium vacancies and oxygen interstitials produced by the energetic ions. Our first-principles calculations show that higher irradiation fluence induces structural distortion that weakens hydrogen adsorption and suppresses charge transfer, collectively explaining the observed switch in gas sensing response and supporting the experimental findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119210"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023508","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 design of heterojunction-based photocatalysts offers a promising way to enhance photocatalytic efficiency. This study focuses on synthesizing and characterizing a ZIF-67@mixed metal oxide (ZIF-67@MMO) composite to investigate the effect of ZIF-67 incorporation on its structural and optical properties. ZnAl-layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH) was synthesized using the co-precipitation method with Zn/Al molar ratios of 2, 3, and 4, followed by calcination at 800 °C to obtain MMO. XRD analysis revealed that a Zn/Al ratio of 3 produced optimal ZnO and ZnAl2O4 spinel phases. ZIF-67, a cobalt-based metal-organic framework, was then grown in-situ on MMO surfaces with mass ratios of 5%, 10%, and 15%. Structural and optical characterizations confirmed that all composites retained their crystalline integrity while exhibiting reduced band gap energies, thereby improving light absorption and charge separation. The ZIF-67@MMO composites enhanced electron-hole transfer efficiency, resulting in superior photocatalytic activity. The MZ67–15% composite, with 15% ZIF-67 loading, achieved nearly complete degradation of the indigo carmine (IC) dye within 120 min, showing a first-order rate constant of 31.6 × 10−3 min−1, 6.7 times higher than that of pure MMO. Therefore, surface modification of MMO with ZIF-67 via-in situ growth is an effective strategy to develop high-performance photocatalysts for dye degradation.
{"title":"Design of ZnAl-layered double hydroxide-based composite through in situ growth of ZIF-67 for enhanced photocatalytic performance","authors":"Isna Nurmilatul Azizah, Widyan Muhammad Naufal, Sayekti Wahyuningsih, Witri Wahyu Lestari","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119202","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119202","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The design of heterojunction-based photocatalysts offers a promising way to enhance photocatalytic efficiency. This study focuses on synthesizing and characterizing a ZIF-67@mixed metal oxide (ZIF-67@MMO) composite to investigate the effect of ZIF-67 incorporation on its structural and optical properties. ZnAl-layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH) was synthesized using the co-precipitation method with Zn/Al molar ratios of 2, 3, and 4, followed by calcination at 800 °C to obtain MMO. XRD analysis revealed that a Zn/Al ratio of 3 produced optimal ZnO and ZnAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> spinel phases. ZIF-67, a cobalt-based metal-organic framework, was then grown in-situ on MMO surfaces with mass ratios of 5%, 10%, and 15%. Structural and optical characterizations confirmed that all composites retained their crystalline integrity while exhibiting reduced band gap energies, thereby improving light absorption and charge separation. The ZIF-67@MMO composites enhanced electron-hole transfer efficiency, resulting in superior photocatalytic activity. The MZ67–15% composite, with 15% ZIF-67 loading, achieved nearly complete degradation of the indigo carmine (IC) dye within 120 min, showing a first-order rate constant of 31.6 × 10<sup>−3</sup> min<sup>−1</sup>, 6.7 times higher than that of pure MMO. Therefore, surface modification of MMO with ZIF-67 via-in situ growth is an effective strategy to develop high-performance photocatalysts for dye degradation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119202"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023647","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 : 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119186
Md. Afroz Bakht , Abdulrahman I. Alharthi , Mshari Alotaibi , Md Imtiaz Ali
Pomegranate-dye-sensitized TiO2 (POM - TiO2) is claimed to be a heterogeneous photocatalyst in the multicomponent condensation of hexahydroquinazoline derivatives. As a consequence of a significant increase in the photoresponse of TiO2 to the visible spectrum, dye significantly shortens the optical band gap of TiO2 to 2.40 eV, which is compared to 3.20 eV with pristine TiO2. An outstanding yield (89–97%) of a series of hexahydroquinazolinone derivatives was obtained in 40 min at room temperature under optimized reaction conditions (2 mg/mL catalyst loading, 100 mW cm−2 visible light irradiation). Photocatalytic reaction systems were observed to be in a pristine and thermocatalytic environment, which promoted a faster reaction rate as well as a higher conversion. Therefore, it was established that POM-TiO2 was stable and reusable with high activity until four consecutive reactions cycle with slight activity loss. In addition, a detailed catalytic characterization (FT-IR, XRD, XPS, UV–Vis, BET and SEM) is effectively established dye-anchoring and structural integrity of the photocatalyts. This paper demonstrates the possible application of pomegranate in the work of TiO2 as a sensitizer of natural dye in the visible light to be used in the heterocyclic synthesis in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly protocol.
{"title":"Dye-sensitized TiO₂ for enhanced photocatalytic synthesis of hexahydroquinazolinones","authors":"Md. Afroz Bakht , Abdulrahman I. Alharthi , Mshari Alotaibi , Md Imtiaz Ali","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119186","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119186","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pomegranate-dye-sensitized TiO<sub>2</sub> (POM - TiO<sub>2</sub>) is claimed to be a heterogeneous photocatalyst in the multicomponent condensation of hexahydroquinazoline derivatives. As a consequence of a significant increase in the photoresponse of TiO<sub>2</sub> to the visible spectrum, dye significantly shortens the optical band gap of TiO<sub>2</sub> to 2.40 eV, which is compared to 3.20 eV with pristine TiO<sub>2</sub>. An outstanding yield (89–97%) of a series of hexahydroquinazolinone derivatives was obtained in 40 min at room temperature under optimized reaction conditions (2 mg/mL catalyst loading, 100 mW cm<sup>−2</sup> visible light irradiation). Photocatalytic reaction systems were observed to be in a pristine and thermocatalytic environment, which promoted a faster reaction rate as well as a higher conversion. Therefore, it was established that POM-TiO<sub>2</sub> was stable and reusable with high activity until four consecutive reactions cycle with slight activity loss. In addition, a detailed catalytic characterization (FT-IR, XRD, XPS, UV–Vis, BET and SEM) is effectively established dye-anchoring and structural integrity of the photocatalyts. This paper demonstrates the possible application of pomegranate in the work of TiO<sub>2</sub> as a sensitizer of natural dye in the visible light to be used in the heterocyclic synthesis in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly protocol.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119186"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145978866","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 : 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119212
Ayşe Nur Şahin , Ahmet Altındal , Zeynep Güven Özdemir
In this study, the ammonia (NH₃/NH₄+) sensing performance of two-dimensional covellite phase copper sulfide (CuS) nanoplates in aqueous media was investigated for the first time using QCM-based sensors. Hydrothermally synthesized CuS nanoplates were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) analyses. The CuS-coated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrode exhibited clear and concentration-dependent frequency shifts ranging from approximately 1.4 to 2 MHz for NH₃ concentrations between 18.25 and 91.25 ppm. It was observed that the frequency shifts were related to NH₃ adsorption, and at higher concentrations, irreversible adsorption became dominant on the surface. UV–vis measurements showed these findings, and chemical changes in the solution pointed to the adsorption mechanism. The BET analysis also confirmed the mesoporous nature of the CuS nanoplates, providing a suitable surface for NH₃ adsorption and correlating well with the concentration-dependent QCM frequency shifts. The Elovich model showed the best fit in kinetic analyses, and the Langmuir model in isotherm analyses. These results demonstrate that both monolayer and heterogeneous adsorption behaviors are effective on the CuS surface. The findings provide a basis for the development of next-generation, low-cost, and portable CuS-based sensors that can be used in areas such as environmental monitoring, water quality control, and nuclear waste management.
{"title":"Irreversible adsorption behavior of CuS nanoplate-based QCM sensors toward aqueous Ammonia: Adsorption kinetics and isotherm insights","authors":"Ayşe Nur Şahin , Ahmet Altındal , Zeynep Güven Özdemir","doi":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119212","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mseb.2026.119212","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, the ammonia (NH₃/NH₄<sup>+</sup>) sensing performance of two-dimensional covellite phase copper sulfide (CuS) nanoplates in aqueous media was investigated for the first time using QCM-based sensors. Hydrothermally synthesized CuS nanoplates were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) analyses. The CuS-coated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrode exhibited clear and concentration-dependent frequency shifts ranging from approximately 1.4 to 2 MHz for NH₃ concentrations between 18.25 and 91.25 ppm. It was observed that the frequency shifts were related to NH₃ adsorption, and at higher concentrations, irreversible adsorption became dominant on the surface. UV–vis measurements showed these findings, and chemical changes in the solution pointed to the adsorption mechanism. The BET analysis also confirmed the mesoporous nature of the CuS nanoplates, providing a suitable surface for NH₃ adsorption and correlating well with the concentration-dependent QCM frequency shifts. The Elovich model showed the best fit in kinetic analyses, and the Langmuir model in isotherm analyses. These results demonstrate that both monolayer and heterogeneous adsorption behaviors are effective on the CuS surface. The findings provide a basis for the development of next-generation, low-cost, and portable CuS-based sensors that can be used in areas such as environmental monitoring, water quality control, and nuclear waste management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18233,"journal":{"name":"Materials Science and Engineering: B","volume":"326 ","pages":"Article 119212"},"PeriodicalIF":4.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145978947","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}