Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials最新文献

The ever-growing pressure from the energy crisis and environmental pollution has promoted the development of efficient multifunctional electric devices. The energy storage and multicolor electrochromic (EC) characteristics have gained tremendous attention for novel devices in the past several decades. The precise design of EC electroactive materials can facilitate the integration of electrochromic energy storage devices (EESDs). Such devices can be utilized not only for self-powering but also for intelligent sensing of real-time working conditions through various visualizations. In this review, we systematically introduce the concept, possibilities (electro-responsive materials, device structure, and state-switching time scale), working principles, and significant factors of EESDs. Subsequently, we comprehensively summarize the latest achievements in electro-responsive dual-functional materials, encompassing inorganic materials (transition metal oxides, Prussian blue, polyoxometalates, etc.), organic materials (small organic molecules, polymers, etc.), and hybrid materials (inorganic-inorganic hybrids, inorganic–organic hybrids). Our focus lies on structure/morphology engineering, doping techniques, and hybridization strategy design. Additionally, we illustrate the application of advanced multifunctional materials in various devices such as flexible, stretchable, self-powering, and artificial intelligence devices. Finally, we present the challenges, prospects, and opportunities of high-performance EESDs.

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Optimizing high dielectric constant materials is a promising strategy for manufacturing efficient electromagnetic wave absorbing materials, which aims to fully exploit the performance advantages of micro-nano materials and overcome the adverse effects at low scales. This requires reasonable and meticulous component optimization. The low-cost and environmentally friendly fillers possess significant advantages. In this work, two specifications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are selected as the research objects. A simple solvothermal method is used to compound rare earth oxides (REO). Finally, CNTs/REO composites are prepared. The effects of different particle sizes on the electromagnetic wave absorption properties of the system are studied in detail from the microscopic morphology. Improve the interface effect and impedance matching in the system. When the filling amount is 30 wt.%, the minimum reflection loss (RL_min) can reach − 69.94 dB, and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) is widened from 3.00 to 5.20 GHz. The huge performance span is attributed to the optimization of REO nanoparticles in the regulation of CNTs from morphology structure to electromagnetic parameters. The interfacial polarization, dielectric polarization, and dipole relaxation are improved significantly. The excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance makes CNTs/REO have great application prospects in electronic devices. In addition, radar cross section (RCS) simulation provides theoretical support for the practical application of CNTs/REO composites.

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Integrating the advantages of metal–organic framework (MOFs) and ionic organic polymers (iCOPs), we fabricated a series of novel hybrid materials (core–shell M@iCOPs) by growing iCOP shell layers of varying thicknesses on the NH₂-UiO-66. These M@iCOP hybrids, with NH₂-UiO-66 serving as an embedded “adsorption engine,” exhibit richer pore channels, which combined with the nitrogen-rich structure and π-π stacking interactions in the shell layer of the iCOPs, which led to a significant enhancement of CO₂ adsorption with up to 3.33 mmol·g⁻¹ at 0 °C and 1 bar. Remarkably, M@iCOPs-400, which possesses abundant ionic and Lewis acid sites, demonstrates excellent performance in CO₂ conversion under milder conditions through interfacial synergistic effect, affording various cyclic carbonates in 90–99% yields. Overall, this research provides a straightforward and cost-effective approach for constructing core–shell M@iCOP materials.

The recent innovation in additive manufacturing (AM) of continuous fiber-reinforced composites (CFRCs) provided great potential for the design and production of high-performance complex composite structures at low cost. However, existing studies mainly focused on the manufacturing process and mechanical performances of the three-dimensional (3D) printed CFRCs without paying the necessary attention to exploring their new potential applications and functionalities. Application of smart materials like shape memory polymers (SMPs) in AM of CFRC structures leads to four-dimensional (4D) printing of smart multifunction composite structures with great potential for different industries such as aerospace, automotive, and biomedical. Simultaneously, these smart structures can exhibit excellent mechanical capabilities and possess additional features, such as self-sensing properties, energy storage capability, shape-morphing behavior, and shape recovery ability. The primary focus of this review is to discuss the latest developments in the 4D printing of smart multifunctional CFRCs in terms of the manufacturing process, materials used, potential applications, obstacles encountered, and future prospects.

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Phosphorus removal is a key technology to avoid water eutrophication. However, due to the relatively weak activity of phosphorous compounds, it is still a challenge to recycle them efficiently. In this paper, a 3D-printed acetylacetone-coordinating one-pot sol–gel strategy was proposed to prepare hybrid zirconia hydrogels with relatively high zeta potential (positive even when pH value reaches 8.0), high specific surface area (272.66 m² g⁻¹) and loose pore structure (average pore size is 5.97 nm). The adsorption experimental results showed that zirconia hydrogels had excellent phosphate adsorption performance, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 209.64 mg g⁻¹. The most valuable thing was that the hydrogels still maintained a very high adsorption capacity (142.00 mg g⁻¹) in a neutral environment. Zirconia hybrid hydrogel has higher surface potential (13.5 mV, pH = 6) and larger mesoporous structure (most probable pore size = 7.3 nm) than zirconia nanoparticles (5 mV, pH = 6; most probable pore size = 3.5 nm), which are beneficial to mass transfer, adsorption ability, and ultimately, excellent adsorption performance. Surprisingly, the zirconium-based hydrogel can realize 3D printing through ink direct writing technology, which endowed the block hydrogels with stable and macroscopical structure. The zirconia-based hydrogels constructed by 3D printing had a faster phosphate adsorption rate than the undesigned block hydrogels, and they were easier to recover than powdered adsorbents. The sol–gel and 3D printing strategy in this paper may provide a new idea for the optimal design of phosphate adsorbent for direct water treatment.

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3D printing is a robust technique that can fabricate customized tissue-engineered scaffolds for bone regeneration. Eggshell (ES) contains bone-like compounds, which makes this biowaste an interesting material for bone tissue engineering. Here, we fabricated 3D printed scaffolds using polycaprolactone (PCL) and ES powder and investigated the effect of ES concentration on the printability, mechanical properties, and morphology of the scaffolds. It was found that ES significantly alters the surface topography of the 3D printed PCL/ES structures from smooth at 10 wt.% to irregularly shaped at 30 wt.%. Moreover, although ES agglomeration was observed at higher concentrations, no significant adverse effect on mechanical properties was observed. To enhance the scaffolds' bioactivity, we used plasma polymerization to deposit an oxygen-rich thin film coating to activate the scaffolds' surfaces. Subsequently, gentamicin (Gent), as a model bioactive agent, was grafted on the surface of the scaffolds. The Gent grafting was approved by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Gent-grafted scaffolds showed over 80% and 99.9% bacteria reduction against Pseudomonas aeruginosa after 1 and 24 h, respectively. Biocompatibility assessments using fibroblasts showed both high cell viability (over 90%) and cell proliferation during 23 days of culture. Using mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, successful osteoblast differentiation was observed, as shown by upregulation of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteocalcin genes along with increased mineralization. Overall, our findings demonstrated the great potential of the 3D printed scaffolds with improved bioactivity for bone tissue engineering.

Supercapacitors revealing excellent power density have arisen as the most promising candidates for supporting the major developments in energy storage devices. Supercapacitor attracts many emerging mobile devices for addressing energy storage and harvesting issues. The supercapacitor is similar to a conventional capacitor. Moreover, many researchers studied the improvement of energy and power density so that they can be applied extensively. The electrochemical performance of supercapacitor depends on various factors like electrode materials, electrolyte, and the range of voltage used. Most researchers mainly focused on the development of new electrode materials which yield better performance for the application of supercapacitors. This review work summarizes the introduction of supercapacitors and the recent advanced development of a variety of electrode materials in supercapacitors and production methods. In particular, transition metal chalcogenide–based electrode materials are focused here. Also, this review précises the improvement of the electrochemical performance of supercapacitor by incorporating or doping highly active materials like MWCNT, graphene, CNT, reduced graphene oxide, metal-based compounds, and polymers. The enhancement of specific capacity by altering the morphology and developing electrode with new morphological structures is deeply discussed in this review. Recently, trimetallic chalcogenides and its composites are emerged as new promising electrode materials which deliver large specific capacitance with excellent cycling stability and rate performance have also been reported here.

In alignment with global sustainable development strategies and the growing demand for green manufacturing practices in engineered wood production, an innovative method has been developed for incorporating hot pressing techniques, minimal energy consumption, and the complete elimination of adhesives. This approach achieved a 100% conversion of waste palm wood into sustainable natural biocomposites suitable for use in structures and furniture. Analysis shows that the biocomposites forms strong internal bonding through mechanical “nail like” nanomaterials, ester bonds, and ether bonds. Unlike conventional furniture materials, which rely on hazardous formaldehyde-based adhesives, this biocomposites boasts an internal bonding strength of 1.652 MPa—four times higher than typical materials. Additionally, it is lightweight, with a density of less than 1 g/cm³, offers excellent friction resistance, and is dense with only 0.67% internal porosity. The composite materials eliminate the use of toxic adhesives, addressing concerns regarding potential harmful emissions from formaldehyde-based VOCs and ensuring higher indoor air quality. This surpasses the performance of existing structures and furniture materials that rely on synthetic adhesives. The method achieves a 100% conversion of waste palm wood into biocomposites, offering a cost-effective and profitable alternative. This provides a novel solution for developing new structural and furniture materials.

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Improvements in the mechanical performance of biodegradable plastics are required to facilitate replacement of commodity plastics as part of a global push for the use of more sustainable materials. Reinforcing biodegradable plastics with fillers or fibres to create composite materials is an obvious choice for increasing mechanical properties but may affect recyclability and biodegradability. To avoid these issues, self-reinforced polymer composites (SRPCs), where the polymer matrix is reinforced with highly oriented films, fibres, or particles of the same polymer may be used. However, the use of biodegradable thermoplastics in SRPCs is currently limited to a few polymers, mostly focusing on poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Here, we have assessed the potential for a broader range of biodegradable thermoplastics to replace commercially available commodity-plastic-based SRPCs. This assessment was done using literature data for the oriented and isotropic bulk mechanical properties of commercially relevant biodegradable thermoplastics, along with properties for their SRPCs where available. It was found that despite polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene succinate adipate) (PBSA), and poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) not being suitable replacements for current commercially available SRPCs, they nonetheless exhibit increased modulus and strength after orientation. PLA, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) have more potential, with PGA being the most promising, although PLA and PHAs appear to offer potentially more sustainable alternatives to commercially available SRPCs and a wider range of end-of-life disposal options.

In this review, the latest advances on nano-enhanced composite membranes (NECMs, which contain nanostructured filler-like materials and nanoscale barrier polymeric substrates), comprising basic conceptions, working mechanisms, selection of active materials, structural designs, desirable effects, existing challenges, and potential applications for water/wastewater purification, were summarized and discussed in detail. This review paper will propose a comprehensive overview of NECMs designed for water/wastewater purification to understand the recent developments among active materials, strategies, or challenges regarding technical and innovative approaches. Several researchers have successfully proven the main capacities regarding adsorption and separation to remove various pollutants from water or wastewater. Herein, the NECMs designed by combining nanostructured filler-like materials and nanoscale barrier polymeric substrates have high performances of adsorption and separation; thus, these NECMs have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Given their nanostructured filler-like materials, NECMs can address fouling-related limitations by tailoring their surface features, particularly the structural design and desirable effect of NECMs; concomitantly, their performance might be enhanced through the use of a specific composition and structure of nanomaterials. Hence, a comprehensive guide of the advanced NECMs for water/wastewater purification, which are constructed on nanostructured filler-like materials, will be provided in detail. Therefore, this paper can provide a comprehensive understanding of NECMs that are designed for water/wastewater purification correspondingly and effectively.

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