Quantum key distribution (QKD) is increasingly evaluated as a source of cryptographic key material for optical-fiber communication services. However, a protocol that is attractive in an isolated security proof or peak-rate curve may not be the most suitable protocol-resource profile for a planned fiber link. This study presents a parameterized optical-link and receiver-constraint-aware screening framework for comparing representative QKD protocol families under a shared direct-fiber baseline. The framework evaluates BB84, Decoy-BB84, E91, B92, coherent one-way (COW), KMB09 and differential phase-shift (DPS) QKD using distance-resolved secure key rate (SKR), quantum bit error rate (QBER), photon efficiency, feasible distance, Pareto interpretation and a Robust QKD Deployment Suitability Index (R-QDSI). The study discloses the physical and protocol-specific screening assumptions, provides a MATLAB primary implementation together with an independent Python audit workflow, and reports conservative, baseline and optimistic scenario tests, finite-key penalty ablation and R-QDSI weight sensitivity. Under the disclosed baseline, COW is rate-oriented, Decoy-BB84 is error-margin-oriented, and DPS provides the strongest balanced suitability score. The results are not universal protocol rankings or field-distance claims. The contribution is a reproducible pre-deployment screening layer that can inform later hardware validation, key-management, routing, wavelength-coexistence and field-deployment studies.
Abstract Additive Manufacturing (AM), known as 3D printing, finds application in many fields since it is able to produce complex geometries with the least wastage of materials. Of all the AM processes, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is the most popular because of its low cost and versatility in available materials. The mechanical properties of 3D-printed components including tensile strength, flexural strength, impact resistance, and surface finish, are highly dependent on various process parameters. It is, therefore, imperative to study and optimize these parameters for the improvement of structural integrity and functional performance of printed parts. This review analyses key process parameters affecting the mechanical properties of 3D printing. The review discusses critical factors such as layer thickness, printing speed, nozzle and bed temperature, build orientation, raster angle, infill density, and infill pattern in detail. The study presents the point of view of the influence of these parameters on mechanical performance, where examples of some recent work discussed show that certain adjustments can result in improvements in tensile strength, dimensional accuracy, and surface quality. The role of post-processing techniques like heat treatment, annealing, and chemical smoothing in enhancing the mechanical properties is also briefly discussed. Moreover, some interdynamics between the parameters are discussed to give an insight into the overall print quality concerning their interaction. The findings of this review serve as a guide for researchers, engineers, and manufacturers to optimize 3D printing parameters, enabling the production of mechanically robust and reliable components suitable for industrial applications.
Alkali metal Na-ion batteries (NIBs) present an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries. However, the limited availability of high-performance anode materials continues to hinder their widespread adoption. In this study, we theoretically investigate the potential of a two-dimensional elemental monolayer of gallium, known as gallenene (Ga-100-ML), as a promising anode material for NIBs and as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The structural, dynamical, and thermal stability of Ga-100-ML is confirmed through formation and cohesive energy calculations, phonon dispersion analysis, in-plane stiffness evaluation, and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Electronic structure analysis reveals its metallic nature, and adsorption studies show that up to 45 Na atoms can be stably accommodated, corresponding to a high theoretical storage capacity of 961.30 mAh/g and a low diffusion barrier of 0.36 eV. Furthermore, HER activity is significantly enhanced upon Pt decoration, achieving a minimum Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption of -0.12 eV. These results highlight Ga-100-ML as a promising candidate for dual applications in NIBs and catalyst for HER.
The design of advanced and efficient photocatalysts has attracted significant attention in recent years as a strategy for developing environmentally sustainable water treatment technologies. In this work, the h-BN supported Ag/Ag2O/GCN nanohybrid was successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal approach and evaluated for the visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol and amoxicillin. The structural, morphological, optical, and surface properties of the synthesized materials were systematically characterized using XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, XPS, UV-visible DRS, PL, zeta potential analysis, BET, and EIS techniques. The characterization results confirm the uniform anchoring of Ag/Ag2O nanoparticles on the GCN/h-BN matrix, forming a well-integrated Ag/Ag2O/GCN/h-BN nanohybrid with enhanced interfacial contact. Owing to the synergistic interaction among the components, the ternary nanohybrid exhibited markedly superior photocatalytic activity compared with pristine GCN. Under visible-light irradiation for 80 min, the Ag/Ag2O/GCN/h-BN catalyst achieved degradation efficiencies of 91.57
The development of efficient photocatalysts for the removal of antibiotic and phenolic contaminants is crucial for sustainable wastewater treatment. In this study, a novel In2O3/Ag/Ag2O@AC nanocomposite was successfully synthesized via a facile green precipitation route using Cyperus rotundus rhizome extract. The structural, morphological, optical, and surface properties of the as-prepared nanocomposite were systematically characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM–EDX, TEM, XPS, UV–visible DRS, and BET analyses. The composite exhibited excellent visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance, achieving degradation efficiencies of 95.51
