Designing supercapacitors with an optimal balance of energy density, power density, and cyclic stability is vital to address global energy challenges. Polyaniline (PANI) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are promising materials but exhibit limitations when used separately. We report a novel macromolecular system consisting of PANI covalently attached to sulfur- and nitrogen- co-doped rGO to achieve superior electrochemical performance. Covalent functionalization and heteroatom doping minimizes PANI degradation during repeated redox cycling while preventing rGO aggregation and maintaining high surface area. The material was characterized using FTIR, UV–Vis, FT-Raman, XPS, FESEM, and HRTEM. Electrochemical studies using a three-electrode system and a symmetric device demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 464 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹, excellent cycling stability of 99.35 % after 5000 cycles, and remarkable rate capability of 96.34 % retention at 5 A g⁻¹. The device achieved an energy density of 41.28 Wh kg⁻¹ and a power density of 799.3 W kg⁻¹.
设计具有能量密度、功率密度和循环稳定性最佳平衡的超级电容器对于解决全球能源挑战至关重要。聚苯胺（PANI）和还原氧化石墨烯（rGO）是很有前途的材料，但单独使用时存在局限性。我们报道了一种新的大分子体系，由聚苯胺共价附着在硫和氮共掺杂的氧化石墨烯上，以获得优异的电化学性能。共价官能化和杂原子掺杂在重复氧化还原循环中最大限度地减少聚苯胺的降解，同时防止还原氧化石墨烯聚集并保持高表面积。采用FTIR、UV-Vis、FT-Raman、XPS、FESEM和HRTEM对材料进行了表征。使用三电极系统和对称装置进行的电化学研究表明，在1 a g⁻¹的电流密度下，其比电容高达464 F g⁻¹，在5000次循环后，其循环稳定性为99.35%，在5 a g⁻¹的电流密度下，其保留率为96.34%。该装置的能量密度为41.28 Wh kg⁻¹，功率密度为799.3 W kg⁻¹。
{"title":"Polyaniline-functionalized sulfur and nitrogen co-doped rGO: Toward sustainable, ultra-stable supercapacitors with superior energy density and high retention rate","authors":"Sivakrishna Prakash , Roopasri Rajamany , Sophy Mariam Varghese , R.B. Rakhi , Yahya A. Ismail","doi":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113966","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113966","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Designing supercapacitors with an optimal balance of energy density, power density, and cyclic stability is vital to address global energy challenges. Polyaniline (PANI) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are promising materials but exhibit limitations when used separately. We report a novel macromolecular system consisting of PANI covalently attached to sulfur- and nitrogen- co-doped rGO to achieve superior electrochemical performance. Covalent functionalization and heteroatom doping minimizes PANI degradation during repeated redox cycling while preventing rGO aggregation and maintaining high surface area. The material was characterized using FTIR, UV–Vis, FT-Raman, XPS, FESEM, and HRTEM. Electrochemical studies using a three-electrode system and a symmetric device demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 464 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹, excellent cycling stability of 99.35 % after 5000 cycles, and remarkable rate capability of 96.34 % retention at 5 A g⁻¹. The device achieved an energy density of 41.28 Wh kg⁻¹ and a power density of 799.3 W kg⁻¹.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18265,"journal":{"name":"Materials Research Bulletin","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 113966"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145881056","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 : 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113968
Paulo Alexandre Silveira da Silva , Tawani Lorena Naide Acosta , Larissa Queiroz Minillo , Rafael de Avila Delucis , Pedro Henrique Gonzalez de Cademartori , Andrey Pereira Acosta
Over recent years, polyurethane (PU) composites reinforced with cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have attracted increasing scientific and industrial interest due to their potential for sustainable and multifunctional applications. However, despite numerous publications reporting improvements in mechanical, thermal, and functional properties, the literature lacks a systematic understanding of how CNF incorporation methods influence the final performance of PU/CNF composites. This review addresses this gap by critically analyzing 21 peer-reviewed studies selected through a PRISMA-based methodology, focusing on the correlation between CNF incorporation strategies and the resulting properties of PU-based materials. In particular, this work highlights the lack of standardization in CNF dispersion, surface modification, and interfacial compatibility with different PU systems, whether rigid, flexible, thermoplastic, or waterborne. The diversity of synthesis methods, CNF types, and functionalization approaches has hindered direct comparisons and limited the development of structure–property–application design guidelines. To overcome this issue, the review is structured around a property × process × application framework. It discusses how variables such as CNF content, particle morphology, and dispersion techniques affect microstructure formation, cell size, crosslinking behavior, and stability under environmental or mechanical stress. Applications including electromagnetic shielding, water treatment, thermal insulation, and biomedical use are critically examined to identify common design principles and current limitations. By consolidating the available data and highlighting inconsistencies and knowledge gaps, this review offers a structured roadmap for advancing the field of PU/CNF composites toward standardized, scalable, and application-oriented development.
{"title":"Polyurethane and cellulose nanofibers: A systematic review of interactions in composites and their applications","authors":"Paulo Alexandre Silveira da Silva , Tawani Lorena Naide Acosta , Larissa Queiroz Minillo , Rafael de Avila Delucis , Pedro Henrique Gonzalez de Cademartori , Andrey Pereira Acosta","doi":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113968","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113968","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Over recent years, polyurethane (PU) composites reinforced with cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have attracted increasing scientific and industrial interest due to their potential for sustainable and multifunctional applications. However, despite numerous publications reporting improvements in mechanical, thermal, and functional properties, the literature lacks a systematic understanding of how CNF incorporation methods influence the final performance of PU/CNF composites. This review addresses this gap by critically analyzing 21 peer-reviewed studies selected through a PRISMA-based methodology, focusing on the correlation between CNF incorporation strategies and the resulting properties of PU-based materials. In particular, this work highlights the lack of standardization in CNF dispersion, surface modification, and interfacial compatibility with different PU systems, whether rigid, flexible, thermoplastic, or waterborne. The diversity of synthesis methods, CNF types, and functionalization approaches has hindered direct comparisons and limited the development of structure–property–application design guidelines. To overcome this issue, the review is structured around a property × process × application framework. It discusses how variables such as CNF content, particle morphology, and dispersion techniques affect microstructure formation, cell size, crosslinking behavior, and stability under environmental or mechanical stress. Applications including electromagnetic shielding, water treatment, thermal insulation, and biomedical use are critically examined to identify common design principles and current limitations. By consolidating the available data and highlighting inconsistencies and knowledge gaps, this review offers a structured roadmap for advancing the field of PU/CNF composites toward standardized, scalable, and application-oriented development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18265,"journal":{"name":"Materials Research Bulletin","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 113968"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841052","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 : 2025-12-18DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113963
Xiaodong Yang , Jin Tong , Xuefei Yang , Xueqin Shao , Tianyang Luo , Shengjun Zhao , Enshuo Zhang , Bowen Jiang , Lili Wang , Ye Han , Fanming Zeng , Andrew R. Zimmerman , Bin Gao
Recently, sustainable biochar composites created from waste biomass and other benign materials have attracted increasing attention for their promising potential in the removal of organic contaminants from environmental media. A facile approach combining coprecipitation-hydrothermal synthesis with buried carbon pyrolysis was used to produce composites composed of Mg-Al hydrotalcite and hickory-chip/peanut-shell biochar which was tested for its ability to remove anionic Congo red (CR) from aqueous solution. The composites exhibited high specific surface area, high micro-porosity, and abundant oxygen/carbon-containing functional groups. The sorbents derived from hickory and peanut shell exhibited maximum experimental CR adsorption capacities of 1045.6 and 1195.0 mg g-1, respectively (20 times of pristine biochar) with removal rates of 86.1% and 98.3%, respectively, superior to those of hydrotalcite and many other advanced CR sorbents. The work highlights the potential of hydrotalcite/biochar composites as a promising adsorbent for water treatment and environmental applications.
{"title":"Efficient removal of anionic Congo red by hickory-chip/peanut-shell biochar and Mg-Al hydrotalcite composites fabricated via modified co-precipitation-hydrothermal and buried carbon pyrolysis approach","authors":"Xiaodong Yang , Jin Tong , Xuefei Yang , Xueqin Shao , Tianyang Luo , Shengjun Zhao , Enshuo Zhang , Bowen Jiang , Lili Wang , Ye Han , Fanming Zeng , Andrew R. Zimmerman , Bin Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113963","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113963","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recently, sustainable biochar composites created from waste biomass and other benign materials have attracted increasing attention for their promising potential in the removal of organic contaminants from environmental media. A facile approach combining coprecipitation-hydrothermal synthesis with buried carbon pyrolysis was used to produce composites composed of Mg-Al hydrotalcite and hickory-chip/peanut-shell biochar which was tested for its ability to remove anionic Congo red (CR) from aqueous solution. The composites exhibited high specific surface area, high micro-porosity, and abundant oxygen/carbon-containing functional groups. The sorbents derived from hickory and peanut shell exhibited maximum experimental CR adsorption capacities of 1045.6 and 1195.0 mg g<sup>-1</sup>, respectively (20 times of pristine biochar) with removal rates of 86.1% and 98.3%, respectively, superior to those of hydrotalcite and many other advanced CR sorbents. The work highlights the potential of hydrotalcite/biochar composites as a promising adsorbent for water treatment and environmental applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18265,"journal":{"name":"Materials Research Bulletin","volume":"198 ","pages":"Article 113963"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980879","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 : 2025-12-18DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113962
Aitizaz Ali , Abu Summama Sadavi Bilal , Nayan Banik , Mursaleen Shahid , Hayitov Abdulla , Bekzod Madaminov , Akbar Ali Qureshi , Muhammad Adnan
In this work, we report an integrated interfacial engineering strategy for high-performance, stable hybrid lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using an Fe2O3/WO3 electron-transport bilayer combined with an interfacial layer (IL) of di-isopropylammonium iodide for surface passivation. The bilayer pairs chemically robust Fe2O3 at the transparent electrode with a WO3 top layer to produce graded conduction-band alignment, enhanced electron extraction, and UV-resistant hole blocking. Post-deposition IL treatment passivates under-coordinated Pb2+ sites and reduces surface roughness, leading to improved interfacial quality. The optimized Fe2O3/WO3 with IL devices achieved a power-conversion efficiency of 18.38% (JSC = 22.50 mA.cm-2, VOC = 1.14 V, FF = 71.82%) and exhibits improved reproducibility versus controls. The optimal device retained ∼ 84.8% of initial PCE, outperforming Fe2O3 or WO3-only devices. Our results demonstrate that synergistic bilayer ETL engineering combined with molecular surface passivation simultaneously mitigates interfacial recombination and environmental degradation, providing a scalable, low-temperature route to durable, perovskite photovoltaics.
{"title":"Interfacial modification of hybrid lead halide perovskite solar cells using Fe2O3/WO3 electron transport bilayer for enhanced efficiency and stability","authors":"Aitizaz Ali , Abu Summama Sadavi Bilal , Nayan Banik , Mursaleen Shahid , Hayitov Abdulla , Bekzod Madaminov , Akbar Ali Qureshi , Muhammad Adnan","doi":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113962","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113962","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this work, we report an integrated interfacial engineering strategy for high-performance, stable hybrid lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using an Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/WO<sub>3</sub> electron-transport bilayer combined with an interfacial layer (IL) of di-isopropylammonium iodide for surface passivation. The bilayer pairs chemically robust Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> at the transparent electrode with a WO<sub>3</sub> top layer to produce graded conduction-band alignment, enhanced electron extraction, and UV-resistant hole blocking. Post-deposition IL treatment passivates under-coordinated Pb<sup>2+</sup> sites and reduces surface roughness, leading to improved interfacial quality. The optimized Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/WO<sub>3</sub> with IL devices achieved a power-conversion efficiency of 18.38% (J<sub>SC</sub> = 22.50 mA.cm<sup>-2</sup>, V<sub>OC</sub> = 1.14 V, FF = 71.82%) and exhibits improved reproducibility versus controls. The optimal device retained ∼ 84.8% of initial PCE, outperforming Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> or WO<sub>3</sub>-only devices. Our results demonstrate that synergistic bilayer ETL engineering combined with molecular surface passivation simultaneously mitigates interfacial recombination and environmental degradation, providing a scalable, low-temperature route to durable, perovskite photovoltaics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18265,"journal":{"name":"Materials Research Bulletin","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 113962"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840987","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 : 2025-12-18DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113965
Yanming Wang , Junqin Zhang , Xiaofeng Sun , Zao Yi , Shifa Wang , Guorong Liu , Zhongsheng Pu , Hua Yang
Herein, we have developed Ag/In2S3/BiOBr double-heterojunction photocatalysts by decorating (001)-facet exposed BiOBr nanodisks with In2S3 and Ag nanoparticles. It is demonstrated that the ternary Ag/In2S3/BiOBr photocatalysts exhibit higher photocatalysis for degradation of various organic pollutants and H2O2 synthesis than In2S3 and BiOBr as well as binary In2S3/BiOBr and Ag/BiOBr photocatalysts. Typically, the 0.4%Ag/20%IS/BOB results in a 96.9% degradation of ciprofloxacin within 120 min and exhibits a photodegradation activity 3.9 (or 8.3) times higher than that of BiOBr (or In2S3). The yield rate of H2O2 over the 0.4%Ag/20%IS/BOB reaches 1800 µmol g−1 h−1, which is 2.5 (or 5.6) times higher than that over BiOBr (or In2S3). The enhanced photocatalysis mechanism can be explained because the created In2S3/BiOBr and BiOBr/Ag interface electric fields as well as the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag nanoparticles synergistically promote the photocarrier transfer and separation, consequently enabling more photocarrier to participate in the photocatalytic reactions.
{"title":"Constructing Ag/In2S3/BiOBr double-heterojunction photocatalysts for boosting photocatalytic degradation of pollutants and H2O2 synthesis","authors":"Yanming Wang , Junqin Zhang , Xiaofeng Sun , Zao Yi , Shifa Wang , Guorong Liu , Zhongsheng Pu , Hua Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113965","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113965","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Herein, we have developed Ag/In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>/BiOBr double-heterojunction photocatalysts by decorating (001)-facet exposed BiOBr nanodisks with In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> and Ag nanoparticles. It is demonstrated that the ternary Ag/In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>/BiOBr photocatalysts exhibit higher photocatalysis for degradation of various organic pollutants and H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> synthesis than In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> and BiOBr as well as binary In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>/BiOBr and Ag/BiOBr photocatalysts. Typically, the 0.4%Ag/20%IS/BOB results in a 96.9% degradation of ciprofloxacin within 120 min and exhibits a photodegradation activity 3.9 (or 8.3) times higher than that of BiOBr (or In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>). The yield rate of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> over the 0.4%Ag/20%IS/BOB reaches 1800 µmol g<sup>−1</sup> h<sup>−1</sup>, which is 2.5 (or 5.6) times higher than that over BiOBr (or In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>). The enhanced photocatalysis mechanism can be explained because the created In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>/BiOBr and BiOBr/Ag interface electric fields as well as the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag nanoparticles synergistically promote the photocarrier transfer and separation, consequently enabling more photocarrier to participate in the photocatalytic reactions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18265,"journal":{"name":"Materials Research Bulletin","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 113965"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145798336","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 : 2025-12-18DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113964
L.G. Betancourt-Cantera , Y. Reséndiz-Trejo , F. Sánchez-De Jesús , C.A. Cortés-Escobedo , A.M. Bolarín-Miró
This study demonstrates a simple and cost-effective route to induce relaxor ferroelectric behavior in BaTiO3 (BTO) ceramics. Sintered pellets prepared from unmilled and milled BTO powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), dielectric spectroscopy, and P–E measurements. XRD confirmed the retention of the tetragonal P4mm phase in all samples. Dielectric spectra showed a clear evolution from a sharp Curie peak (∼120 °C) in pellets obtained from unmilled powders to a broad diffuse transition (60 °C–180 °C) after milling; with the diffuseness coefficients increasing from 0.52 to 1.30. Piezoresponse force microscopy corroborated the formation of polar nanoregions in sintered pellets obtained from milled BTO. P–E loops exhibited the expected relaxor-type slim hysteresis, with reduced Pᵣ (1.32 μC/cm2) and Ec (5.69 kV/cm). Milling also improved functional performance, the recoverable energy density (Wrec) increased from 0.22 to 0.31 J/cm3, while the energy storage efficiency (η) increased from 15 % to 85 %.
{"title":"Relaxor ferroelectric transition and energy storage enhancement in BaTiO3 ceramics through high-energy ball milling","authors":"L.G. Betancourt-Cantera , Y. Reséndiz-Trejo , F. Sánchez-De Jesús , C.A. Cortés-Escobedo , A.M. Bolarín-Miró","doi":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113964","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113964","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study demonstrates a simple and cost-effective route to induce relaxor ferroelectric behavior in BaTiO<sub>3</sub> (BTO) ceramics. Sintered pellets prepared from unmilled and milled BTO powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), dielectric spectroscopy, and P–E measurements. XRD confirmed the retention of the tetragonal <em>P4mm</em> phase in all samples. Dielectric spectra showed a clear evolution from a sharp Curie peak (∼120 °C) in pellets obtained from unmilled powders to a broad diffuse transition (60 °C–180 °C) after milling; with the diffuseness coefficients increasing from 0.52 to 1.30. Piezoresponse force microscopy corroborated the formation of polar nanoregions in sintered pellets obtained from milled BTO. P–E loops exhibited the expected relaxor-type slim hysteresis, with reduced Pᵣ (1.32 μC/cm<sup>2</sup>) and Ec (5.69 kV/cm). Milling also improved functional performance, the recoverable energy density (W<sub>rec</sub>) increased from 0.22 to 0.31 J/cm<sup>3</sup>, while the energy storage efficiency (η) increased from 15 % to 85 %.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18265,"journal":{"name":"Materials Research Bulletin","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 113964"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840988","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 : 2025-12-18DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113961
Hesam Kamyab , Tayebeh Khademi , Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan , Mohammad Yusuf , Saravanan Rajendran , Maryam Shekofteh-Gohari
Integrating semiconductors to improve light absorption and promote efficient charge-carrier separation is widely regarded as a promising strategy for enhancing photocatalytic performance. Nevertheless, designing heterostructures that simultaneously possess optimal optical characteristics and favorable interfacial energy alignments remains a significant challenge. In this study, a Z-scheme ZnO/Sb₂MoO₆ photocatalyst was successfully fabricated via an efficient hydrothermal synthesis method and employed for photocatalytic RhB degradation for the first time. The XRD results confirmed the successful synthesis of pure bare ZnO, Sb2MoO6, and the ZnO/Sb2MoO6 composite, as evidenced by the characteristic peaks corresponding to these semiconductor materials. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed that the nanocomposite exhibits a broader absorption range, suggesting its potential application as a visible-light-driven photocatalyst. Additionally, the composite demonstrated a smaller radius in the EIS Nyquist plot, a stronger photocurrent response, and a weaker PL emission intensity, all of which indicate reduced charge transfer resistance and more efficient separation of charge carriers. The ZnO/Sb2MoO6 composite demonstrated significantly enhanced and reliable photocatalytic degradation performance compared to individual ZnO and Sb2MoO6. Under optimal conditions (photocatalyst dosage: 1 g l-1, dye concentration: 5 mg l-1, and pH = 9), the composite achieved a degradation rate constant of 589.3 × 10–4 min-1 for RhB. The Z-scheme heterostructure enhances light absorption, effectively suppresses charge-carrier recombination, and enables the spatial separation of oxidation and reduction sites. Additionally, it preserves an optimal alignment of the valence and conduction bands, thereby sustaining the photocatalyst’s robust redox activity. This study introduces an easy approach to developing photocatalysts by creating direct Z-scheme electron transfer pathways, enabling highly effective water purification.
{"title":"Enhancing RhB photocatalytic degradation with ZnO/Sb2MoO6 Z-scheme photocatalyst: Evaluation of performance and mechanism","authors":"Hesam Kamyab , Tayebeh Khademi , Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan , Mohammad Yusuf , Saravanan Rajendran , Maryam Shekofteh-Gohari","doi":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113961","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113961","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Integrating semiconductors to improve light absorption and promote efficient charge-carrier separation is widely regarded as a promising strategy for enhancing photocatalytic performance. Nevertheless, designing heterostructures that simultaneously possess optimal optical characteristics and favorable interfacial energy alignments remains a significant challenge. In this study, a Z-scheme ZnO/Sb₂MoO₆ photocatalyst was successfully fabricated via an efficient hydrothermal synthesis method and employed for photocatalytic RhB degradation for the first time. The XRD results confirmed the successful synthesis of pure bare ZnO, Sb<sub>2</sub>MoO<sub>6</sub>, and the ZnO/Sb<sub>2</sub>MoO<sub>6</sub> composite, as evidenced by the characteristic peaks corresponding to these semiconductor materials. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed that the nanocomposite exhibits a broader absorption range, suggesting its potential application as a visible-light-driven photocatalyst. Additionally, the composite demonstrated a smaller radius in the EIS Nyquist plot, a stronger photocurrent response, and a weaker PL emission intensity, all of which indicate reduced charge transfer resistance and more efficient separation of charge carriers. The ZnO/Sb<sub>2</sub>MoO<sub>6</sub> composite demonstrated significantly enhanced and reliable photocatalytic degradation performance compared to individual ZnO and Sb<sub>2</sub>MoO<sub>6</sub>. Under optimal conditions (photocatalyst dosage: 1 g <span>l</span><sup>-1</sup>, dye concentration: 5 mg <span>l</span><sup>-1</sup>, and pH = 9), the composite achieved a degradation rate constant of 589.3 × 10<sup>–4</sup> min<sup>-1</sup> for RhB. The Z-scheme heterostructure enhances light absorption, effectively suppresses charge-carrier recombination, and enables the spatial separation of oxidation and reduction sites. Additionally, it preserves an optimal alignment of the valence and conduction bands, thereby sustaining the photocatalyst’s robust redox activity. This study introduces an easy approach to developing photocatalysts by creating direct Z-scheme electron transfer pathways, enabling highly effective water purification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18265,"journal":{"name":"Materials Research Bulletin","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 113961"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145881053","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 : 2025-12-13DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113948
Tahereh Javanmard, Morteza Jabbari, Sayyed Ahmad Nabavi-Amri, Azam Jabbari
Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), a class of liquid mixtures formed through strong hydrogen-bond interactions between a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and a hydrogen bond donor (HBD), have emerged as environmentally friendly and versatile alternatives to conventional organic solvents. In the present study, several novel choline-chloride-free DESs (i.e., DESs prepared without using the conventional HBA choline chloride) were developed to provide more cost-effective and accessible options compared to traditional choline-chloride-based systems. The solvents were prepared by combining N,N-dimethylaniline hydrochloride, where the chloride anion (Cl-) functions as the HBA, with urea, whose N–H groups act as the HBDs, at molar ratios of 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2. The prepared DESs were characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). DSC analysis confirmed significant melting-point depression relative to the pure constituents, while the FT-IR spectra confirmed hydrogen-bond formation, as evidenced by the redshift of the N-H stretching band of urea from 3448 cm-1 to 3340-3200 cm-1 in the prepared DESs and the shift of the C=O band from 1680 cm-1 to approximately 1728-1732 cm-1, accompanied by an increase in peak intensity. Furthermore, key physicochemical properties (including density, refractive index, specific conductivity, and dielectric constant) were measured at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The results were interpreted based on variations in HBA/HBD molar ratios and the chemical nature of the starting components.
{"title":"Novel sustainable choline chloride-free deep eutectic solvents: Preparation and physicochemical evaluation","authors":"Tahereh Javanmard, Morteza Jabbari, Sayyed Ahmad Nabavi-Amri, Azam Jabbari","doi":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113948","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113948","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), a class of liquid mixtures formed through strong hydrogen-bond interactions between a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and a hydrogen bond donor (HBD), have emerged as environmentally friendly and versatile alternatives to conventional organic solvents. In the present study, several novel choline-chloride-free DESs (i.e., DESs prepared without using the conventional HBA choline chloride) were developed to provide more cost-effective and accessible options compared to traditional choline-chloride-based systems. The solvents were prepared by combining N,N-dimethylaniline hydrochloride, where the chloride anion (Cl<sup>-</sup>) functions as the HBA, with urea, whose N–H groups act as the HBDs, at molar ratios of 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2. The prepared DESs were characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). DSC analysis confirmed significant melting-point depression relative to the pure constituents, while the FT-IR spectra confirmed hydrogen-bond formation, as evidenced by the redshift of the N-H stretching band of urea from 3448 cm<sup>-1</sup> to 3340-3200 cm<sup>-1</sup> in the prepared DESs and the shift of the C=O band from 1680 cm<sup>-1</sup> to approximately 1728-1732 cm<sup>-1</sup>, accompanied by an increase in peak intensity. Furthermore, key physicochemical properties (including density, refractive index, specific conductivity, and dielectric constant) were measured at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The results were interpreted based on variations in HBA/HBD molar ratios and the chemical nature of the starting components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18265,"journal":{"name":"Materials Research Bulletin","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 113948"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145798283","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 : 2025-12-13DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113949
Nimai Pathak , Kawsar Ali , Abdulelah Alolayan , Yuanbing Mao
Narrow ultraviolet and broad tunable near-infrared dual-band emitting single-phase phosphors are scientifically significant and technologically challenging. However, their development remains difficult due to the complexity of achieving multiple luminescent properties through single metal ion doping and defect engineering. In this study, we report narrow-band UV-B and broadband tunable NIR emissions from Gd-doped MgAl2O4 phosphors. Their photoluminescence covers down-conversion across UV, visible, and NIR regions. Its NIR emission is tunable and red-shifts when being excited at long excitation wavelengths. Also, they show visible-to-UVB and UVA up-conversion emissions, attributed to intermediate bands created by defects such as oxygen vacancies and interstitial oxygen as confirmed by EPR analysis. DFT-based calculations have identified defect-based mid-gap states, correlating with the observed emissions. These findings provide insights into the defect-related mechanisms governing both down-conversion and up-conversion in Gd-doped MgAl2O4. This study is expected to excite researchers to explore dual emitting phosphors across UV and NIR ranges.
{"title":"Narrow ultraviolet and broad tunable near-infrared dual emissions from Gd3+-Doped MgAl2O4","authors":"Nimai Pathak , Kawsar Ali , Abdulelah Alolayan , Yuanbing Mao","doi":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113949","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113949","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Narrow ultraviolet and broad tunable near-infrared dual-band emitting single-phase phosphors are scientifically significant and technologically challenging. However, their development remains difficult due to the complexity of achieving multiple luminescent properties through single metal ion doping and defect engineering. In this study, we report narrow-band UV-B and broadband tunable NIR emissions from Gd-doped MgAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> phosphors. Their photoluminescence covers down-conversion across UV, visible, and NIR regions. Its NIR emission is tunable and red-shifts when being excited at long excitation wavelengths. Also, they show visible-to-UVB and UVA up-conversion emissions, attributed to intermediate bands created by defects such as oxygen vacancies and interstitial oxygen as confirmed by EPR analysis. DFT-based calculations have identified defect-based mid-gap states, correlating with the observed emissions. These findings provide insights into the defect-related mechanisms governing both down-conversion and up-conversion in Gd-doped MgAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>. This study is expected to excite researchers to explore dual emitting phosphors across UV and NIR ranges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18265,"journal":{"name":"Materials Research Bulletin","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 113949"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145798292","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 : 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113945
Vaishali Gupta , Roopam Gaur , Satyendra Singh
The polarization-driven charge separation in ferroelectric materials makes them promising photocatalysts or piezocatalysts when it comes to environmental remediation in terms of the treatment of wastewater originating from various sources. Because of the polarization switching property of ferroelectric materials, their catalytic behavior can be tuned or switched as per the requirements, rendering them as “smart catalysts”. Moreover, their band gaps can be engineered and tuned by appropriate doping. Some ferroelectrics also show visible light sensitivity towards catalysis. This review summarizes recent progress in the methods and techniques employed for photo-, piezo, and piezo-photocatalysis using ferroelectric materials for treating dye-contaminated wastewater, primarily originating from industries such as textiles, printing, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The synthesis techniques, advances in polarization techniques, degradation efficiencies, various types of lead-free materials, challenges faced, and strategies to overcome these challenges for improved degradation of these organic pollutants are discussed in detail.
{"title":"Polarization-Driven Catalytic Mechanisms in Ferroelectric Materials for Wastewater Treatment: A Review","authors":"Vaishali Gupta , Roopam Gaur , Satyendra Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113945","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.materresbull.2025.113945","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The polarization-driven charge separation in ferroelectric materials makes them promising photocatalysts or piezocatalysts when it comes to environmental remediation in terms of the treatment of wastewater originating from various sources. Because of the polarization switching property of ferroelectric materials, their catalytic behavior can be tuned or switched as per the requirements, rendering them as “smart catalysts”. Moreover, their band gaps can be engineered and tuned by appropriate doping. Some ferroelectrics also show visible light sensitivity towards catalysis. This review summarizes recent progress in the methods and techniques employed for photo-, piezo, and piezo-photocatalysis using ferroelectric materials for treating dye-contaminated wastewater, primarily originating from industries such as textiles, printing, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The synthesis techniques, advances in polarization techniques, degradation efficiencies, various types of lead-free materials, challenges faced, and strategies to overcome these challenges for improved degradation of these organic pollutants are discussed in detail.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18265,"journal":{"name":"Materials Research Bulletin","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 113945"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841053","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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