Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials最新文献

It is imperative that composite systems with high performance, low-cost, enhanced simplicity, and scalability be developed in order to convert and store energy. This, however, has been a challenging endeavor throughout the years. In this study, we present a cost-effective, efficient, scale-up-friendly, and environmentally friendly method of producing in situ sandwich layers of ZnO-CuO composite between NiCo₂O₄ nanostructures and nickel foam using lemon peel extract (LPE) during hydrothermal processes. NiCo₂O₄/ZnO-CuO/nickel foam was analyzed using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). According to XRD and HRTEM studies of NiCo₂O₄/ZnO-CuO/nickel foam, NiCo₂O₄, ZnO, and CuO exhibit cubic, hexagonal, and monoclinic phases, respectively. With NiCo₂O₄/ZnO-CuO/nickel foam as the active anode electrode, an asymmetric supercapacitor has been developed in an alkaline solution of 3 M KOH. At a low current density of 2 Ag⁻¹, the asymmetric supercapacitor exhibited a high specific capacitance of 3614.8 F g⁻¹, a power density of 1549.2 W kg⁻¹, and an energy density of 75.3 Wh kg⁻¹. Upon repeatable 40,000 galvanic charge–discharge cycles, the asymmetric device demonstrated a high specific capacitance retention percentage of approximately 100 to 95 and a columbic efficiency of 98%. Moreover, NiCo₂O₄/ZnO-CuO/nickel foam composite had a low overpotential of 210 mV at 40 mA cm⁻² and a Tafel slope of 70 mV dec⁻¹ for OER in 1 M KOH. During continuous OER measurements over a period of 40 h, NiCo₂O₄/ZnO-CuO/nickel foam composites demonstrated high durability and stability. NiCo₂O₄/ZnO-CuO/nickel foam exhibits good electrochemical performance as a result of its synergetic effects, its high conductivity, its abundant exposed catalytic sites, its oxygen vacancies, and its high durability.

Graphical Abstract

The illustration for the synthesis of high-performance in situ NiCo₂O₄/ZnO-CuO/nickel foam composite for OER and supercapacitor application.

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized via reduction of graphitized household tea-waste utilizing neem leaves extract. The synergistic effect of rGO decoration and Cr³⁺ doping within pristine Fe₂O₃ enhanced surface adsorption property, defect density, and oxygen vacancies, facilitating the detection of ppm-levels (1 to 10 ppm) acetone at room temperature. Noticeably, the formation of ‘inversion space-charge-layer’ on sensing material surface at lower operating temperature resulted p-type sensing response using n-type nanomaterial that was transformed to n-type response when the operating temperature was elevated. The maximum sensing response (R_g/R_a) ~ 6.8 towards ~ 10 ppm acetone was obtained from optimized rGO decorated Cr³⁺ doped Fe₂O₃ sensor (FC3R3) at ambient condition. This sensor also revealed a rapid response/recovery time (~ 10 s/ ~ 10 s) and was able to detect as low as ~ 1 ppm acetone. The sensor exhibited improved selectivity towards acetone over other interfering VOCs, attributed to significant dipole moment, low bond dissociation energy, and strong affinity of acetone towards surface-adsorbed oxygenated ions. Notably, the sensor showed negligible deterioration in sensing performance even after ~ 150 days. Furthermore, this sensor was capable to differentiate between acetone concentration in breath sample of healthy and diabetic person for non-invasive diabetes detection. 

Lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNFs) are highly regarded for their ability to significantly enhance the rigidity of formed structures. When integrated into cellulose nanofiber (CNF) hydrogels, they hold substantial promise in augmenting mechanical strength, as well as improving adsorption capacity. Herein, the preparation of hydrogels from an aqueous suspension of CNFs and LCNFs extracted from eucalyptus cellulose pulp through a homogenization process is outlined. Suspensions of different concentrations were prepared to assess the influence of lignin and nanofiber content on the properties of the hydrogels. The hydrogels cellulose nanofibers (HCNF) and lignocellulose nanofibers (HLCNF) were formed through a freeze–thaw process, revealing an enhancement in rigidity with increasing nanofiber concentration. DFT (density functional theory) calculations illustrated the cross-linking mechanism between cellulose chains induced by the crystallization of water molecules, thus, corroborating the postulated hydrogel formation mechanism. Microstructural analysis revealed honeycomb-shaped matrices in longitudinal sections, with HLCNF hydrogels presenting less smooth walls. Studies on water adsorption capacity showed rapid swelling in both hydrogels, correlated with the nanofiber content reaching 8750% and 5500% for HLCNF and HCNF, respectively. HLCNF hydrogels exhibited higher adsorption capacity due to the influence of lignin on cross-linking rates. Mechanical compression tests demonstrated exceptional resilience in all hydrogels. Despite having a lower cross-linking density compared to hydrogels made from 2 wt.% cellulose nanofibers, hydrogels composed of 2 wt.% lignocellulose nanofibers exhibited a Young’s modulus of 2.83 kPa. This underscores the superior mechanical properties of lignin-based hydrogels, highlighting the effect of lignin on the hydrogel matrix.

Radiation therapy (RT) remains the primary treatment modality for advanced cervical cancer, however, recurrence due to radioresistance presents a significant challenge. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are key contributors to this resistance, driven by their inherent radioresistance and radiation-induced phenotypic adaptations. Addressing this issue requires strategies specifically designed to target CAFs and enhance their radiosensitivity. In this study, we developed a biomimetic metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoplatform for the dual-targeted co-delivery of the FAK inhibitor IN10018 and Bismuth (Bi), aimed at improving radiosensitivity in cervical cancer. The IN10018 and Bi-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles (IZB) were further coated with hybrid membranes derived from CAFs and cancer cells, enabling precise targeting of both cell types. Upon exposure to an acidic environment, the nanoparticles disassemble, releasing IN10018, which reduces CAFs infiltration and enhances radiosensitivity. Simultaneously, the incorporation of Bi enhances radiation absorption efficiency, further sensitizing tumor cells to radiotherapy. This dual-target strategy represents a promising approach to overcoming radioresistance in cervical cancer and exemplifies how integrating nanotechnology with targeted therapies can enhance RT efficacy and improve patient outcomes.

Graphic Abstract

Schematic Illustration of IZB@CCM Construction and Application for Cervical Cancer to Improve Radiosensitivity. (1) IZB was fabricated through the one-pot method. (2) Preparation of hybrid CAF-cancer cell membrane. (3) IZB@CCM were obtained by co-extrusion of IZB and hybrid membrane (CCM). (4) IZB@CCM demonstrated the ability to target CAFs and cancer cells. (5) IZB@CCM inhibited the expression of FAK and released radiosensitizer Bi to enhance the radiosensitivity of cervical cancer.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy with a poor prognosis that is usually advanced at the time of diagnosis. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), with its safety and reproducibility, offers significant potential for advanced NPC treatment, though its efficacy is hindered by the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and continuous oxygen depletion during therapy. This study presents a versatile nanoformulation (CGP) co-loaded with chlorin e6 (Ce6) and genistein (Gen) within peptide dendritic nanogel (PDN) for enhanced NPC treatment. The positively charged CGP is efficiently internalized by NPC cells, followed by glutathione (GSH)-responsive degradation, releasing Ce6 and Gen. The released Gen reduces intracellular oxygen consumption and tumor metastability by inhibiting the HIF-1 signaling pathway, thereby efficiently boosting PDT efficacy. In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that the combination of Gen and PDT effectively eliminates tumors and inhibits metastasis. Multi-omics analysis (RNA sequencing and targeted energy metabolomics) revealed that CGP suppresses HIF-1α, GLUT1, and VEGFA expression, downregulating the HIF-1 pathway and reducing anaerobic glycolysis, thereby successfully remodeling the hypoxia-associated tumor microenvironment. This study demonstrates that the Gen-PDT combination is a versatile approach capable of enhancing PDT efficacy and holds promise for NPC management.

The growing demand for biodegradable conductive composites is driven by the need to mitigate electronic waste and advance bioelectronics for healthcare applications. Self-assembled peptide composites, particularly diphenylalanine (FF) derivatives, represent a promising class of materials for such electronics due to their inherent biodegradability and ease of hybridization with functional materials. However, the integration of ionic species with these peptides is often limited by the disruption of non-covalent interactions between FF derivatives. In this study, we developed biodegradable, ionic thermoelectric composites by co-assembling Fmoc-FF with deep eutectic solvents (DESs) composed of choline chloride (ChCl) and ethylene glycol (EG). Spectroscopic analyses revealed that Fmoc-FF formed eutectogels through π-π interactions between Fmoc groups, resulting in a highly porous colloidal network. The Fmoc-FF eutectogels exhibited an ionic conductivity of up to 47.5 mS·cm⁻¹ and a Seebeck coefficient of 7.39 mV·K⁻¹, making them suitable for heat harvesting. Additionally, they were entirely degraded within 48 h under proteolytic conditions, confirming their biodegradability. The eutectogels also displayed self-healing and shear-thinning behaviors, highlighting compatibility with additive manufacturing techniques for device integration.

Graphical Abstract

High protection performance and intelligence are gradually becoming indispensable key factors with the ever-improving personal protective equipment. However, protective material that can not only resist but also percept full type of impacts is an urgent need due to complex combat scenarios. This work reports an intelligent leather/shear stiffening gel (SSG)/Kevlar-shear thickening fluid (STF)/non-woven fabric (LSKSN) composite, which exhibits superior and comprehensive impact resistance performance in needle puncture, knife puncture, ballistic impact, and blunt impact. Especially, the LSKSN composite not only improves the puncture resistance performance by 71% but also still maintains a large resistance after being punctured. Moreover, the LSKSN composite possesses a high limit penetrated velocity of 159 m s⁻¹ and can dissipate a high impact energy of 24.6 J, causing the bulletproof to be improved by 22%. Due to the excellent force-buffering performance and rate-dependent energy dissipation characteristics in wide-impact energy, the maximum energy dissipation rate of the LSKSN composite reaches 95%. Simultaneously, the further developed electronic LSKSN (E-LSKSN) composite shows outstanding perceptual capability, which is sensitive to various impacts and can accurately identify the impact types through different resistance changes (10–8000%) and response times (0.1–100 ms). Finally, based on the bending sensing and impact sensing properties of the E-LSKSN composite, a wireless signal transmission system is constructed to monitor the safety and movement status of the human body in real-time, which demonstrates this LSKSN composite possesses high potential in the next generation of intelligent protective equipment.

Graphical Abstract

Lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) have received intense attention due to their ultra-high energy density. However, the major impediments of LOBs, including poor cycle stability, sluggish reaction kinetics, and high overpotentials, are mainly derived from unreliable cathode catalysts. Unfortunately, most of the batteries only exhibit satisfactory performance at room temperature conditions; finding better catalysts that work in sub-ambient temperatures remains a challenge. In this study, a scheelite ZnMoO₄ catalyst was reported which can stably work over 580 cycles at room temperature and 297 cycles at sub-ambient temperatures (10 °C). The experimental and theoretical investigation demonstrated that the oxygen vacancies cause structural rearrangement to form pentahedrons in the scheelite structure, which is conducive to surface metal ion exposure, strong adsorption ability, and high electron transfer efficiency, which is beneficial to stabilize the LiO₂ and the surface formation route of Li₂O₂. This work provides a novel strategy for the design of cathode catalysts for LOBs at a wide range of temperatures.

Marine environmentally friendly antifouling materials are emerging as a viable and promising alternative to the conventional toxic antifouling agents. Within this field, the exploration of natural antifouling substances has become a significant research focus, representing an auspicious avenue for innovation in eco-friendly technologies. In this study, we delve into the development of eco-friendly antifouling coatings through a novel chemical modification process. By incorporating natural antifouling agents onto an acrylic acid substrate through a grafting process, we have successfully synthesized three distinct varieties of natural antifouling coatings: isobornyl acrylate polymer (IBAP), acrylate indole polymer (AIP), and indole isobornyl co-modified acrylate polymer (IAA-IBOMA). Through meticulous surface characterization, structural analysis, and a comprehensive suite of antifouling performance tests, our findings indicate that these coatings exhibit superior antifouling properties. Notably, the IAA-IBOMA coating demonstrated exceptional anti-adhesion effects. The specific inhibition rates against E. coli, S. aureus, and Pseudoalteromonas aeruginosa were impressive, achieving 93.5%, 92.8%, and 95.7%, respectively. Moreover, the anti-mussel selective adhesion inhibition rate was found to be 93.3%. Furthermore, environmental toxicity assessments have validated the eco-friendly and stable nature of the IAA-IBOMA coating. These results underscore the potential of these natural product-based coatings as sustainable solutions for the marine industry. This work offers valuable insights and holds significant implications for guiding the future development of environmentally friendly antifouling coatings, steering the industry towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious direction.