Al-Sc alloy targets for micro-electromechanical system applications are prone to cracking during deformation. To guide the rolling process design, the thermal deformation behavior of Al-20Sc (at.
Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is an emerging candidate for next-generation radiation detectors due to its ultrawide bandgap, high-temperature stability, and large breakdown field, making its radiation tolerance and defect behavior critical to advancing device performance. To investigate the mechanisms of radiation damage and microstructural evolution, β-Ga2O3 samples were irradiated at the North Carolina State University PULSTAR reactor to neutron fluences up to 1018 cm−2 at both room temperature and 700 °C using custom vertical irradiation ports that enable continuous exposure while allowing selective retrieval of samples at predetermined dose levels. Post-irradiation characterization using optical transmittance measurements and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) revealed pronounced radiation darkening and reduced transmittance in room-temperature-irradiated samples, accompanied by increased positron lifetimes indicative of progressive defect accumulation. In contrast, samples irradiated at 700 °C exhibited minimal optical darkening and negligible changes in positron lifetime, suggesting that elevated temperature suppresses the formation or retention of neutron-induced defects. These results highlight a thermal threshold that strongly governs defect diffusion, recombination, and trapping behavior in β-Ga2O3, providing insight into pathways for enhancing its radiation resilience for nuclear and high-energy applications.
The spatial morphology and interactions of defects in carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites strongly influence damage initiation, propagation, and in-service reliability. This review systematically examines the formation mechanisms and quantitative characterization of process-induced defects, the associated damage evolution and performance degradation, and recent advances in explicit defect modelling, computational micromechanics, stochastic multiscale analysis, and data-driven prediction. Based on the available evidence, process-induced defects are interpreted as local structural perturbation fields collectively shaped by manufacturing processes. Their detrimental effects depend not only on defect content and nominal dimensions, but more critically on the resulting changes in local fibre architecture, interlaminar constraint, and stress-transfer pathways. Voids, fibre waviness, and automated fibre placement (AFP) defects can independently or synergistically trigger matrix cracking, interfacial debonding, interlaminar delamination, longitudinal splitting, and fibre kinking, thereby causing nonlinear performance degradation through shifts in damage-initiation sites and dominant propagation paths. The effects of multiple defects are generally non-additive, rendering conventional single-defect acceptance thresholds and mean-property knockdown factors inadequate for the reliability assessment of complex composite structures. Future research should establish standardized three-dimensional (3D) defect characterization and data-reporting frameworks, develop probabilistic multidefect and multiscale models validated by in situ observations, and integrate process monitoring, digital twins, and online repair into closed-loop manufacturing. Such advances would enable a transition from post-manufacturing defect screening to proactive control during defect formation.
Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) are the basic parts of organic circuits like sensors, memories, and inverters. They are also an important way to test the electrical properties of semiconductor many organic semiconductors. Many studies show that fluorination can change the energy levels of molecules, especially by lowering the LUMO level. This changes charge transport from p-type to ambipolar or even n-type and makes the materials and devices more stable in air. Fluorine atoms also make weak bonds with other atoms like sulfur and hydrogen, which changes the shape of the molecules and how they pack together. This directly affects charge carrier mobility. This review has two parts based on how fluorine is added. The first part talks about fluorine atoms put directly on the main chain, including perfluorinated molecules, molecules with fluorobenzene ends, and systems with different numbers and positions of fluorine atoms. It looks at how fluorination affects charge transport and solid-state packing. The second part talks about fluoroalkyl chains, like trifluoromethyl and semifluoroalkyl groups, and how they change solubility, stability, film shape, and crystal growth in small molecules and polymers. Overall, fluorination does improve device performance. Direct fluorination is particularly effective in lowering energy levels and achieving ultrahigh intrinsic mobility, whereas fluoroalkyl/semifluoroalkyl substitution excels at enhancing ambient stability, promoting self-organization, and improving thin-film crystallinity. In many cases where stability and solution processability are prioritized, fluoroalkyl substitution demonstrates a clear advantage over direct ring fluorination. By showing how fluorination changes the structure and properties of organic transistor materials, this review helps chemists and materials scientists design better and more stable organic semiconductors.
Textile wastewater containing over 700 000 tonnes of synthetic dyes annually remains a major environmental challenge. Conventional photocatalysts suffer from rapid charge recombination, limited visible-light response, and poor recoverability. Here we report a sunlight-active, self-cleaning cotton fabric immobilised with a defect-tuned Zn@TiO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction. Defect-engineered g-C3N4 was prepared by optimising the melamine: cyanuric acid ratio, followed by ex situ ball milling with 0.5 mol A redesigned graphical abstract (aspect ratio 8:5) has been prepared. It follows one clear storyline: precursor defect regulation (melamine-cyanuric acid) → heterojunction construction by ball milling → GPTS-assisted fabric immobilisation → sunlight-driven ROS generation → simultaneous dye degradation and antibacterial action. The revised high-resolution graphical abstract is supplied as a separate file.
In-situ characterization techniques fundamentally break through the static limitation of traditional ex-situ methods, which only capture the initial and final state data of materials, by real-time tracking of the dynamic evolution of microstructures under multi-field coupling environments. This article systematically reviews five major in-situ technique families, including in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD)/synchrotron radiation and computed tomography (CT), digital image correlation (DIC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It elucidates the measurement principles, complementary advantages, and applicable boundaries of these techniques from the lattice/atomic scale to the engineering component level. The review highlights typical applications of these techniques in addressing key scientific problems such as load partitioning in multiphase alloys, three-dimensional evolution of damage, phase transformation kinetics, and fatigue fracture. Furthermore, it deeply analyzes four core challenges currently faced: the inherent trade-off between spatial and temporal resolution, difficulties in reproducing extreme service environments, the pressure of processing massive multimodal data, and the non-uniqueness dilemma in the inversion of microscopic model parameters. This work aims to provide a critical fundamental theoretical foundation for establishing the dynamic “processing–structure–property” relationship of materials.
The hot-form-and-quench process enables integrated shaping and strengthening of high-strength aluminum alloys. However, the coupled regulatory mechanism of mould temperature and deformation strain governing microstructure evolution and stress-corrosion behavior remains unclear, restricting precise performance control of AA7A04 alloy. This work systematically investigates independent and coupled effects of mold temperature (25–300 °C) and deformation amount (0–9
Fe-Ga alloys are promising functional materials, but their corrosion behavior and the influence of phase composition on corrosion resistance remain poorly understood. In this study, Fe-27 at.
To overcome the lack of intrinsic magnetism and weak low-energy light absorption in pristine 2D MoSi2N2P2, we systematically investigated the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of 4d transition metal (Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd) adsorbed MoSi2N2P2 monolayers using first-principles calculations. The results indicate that all 4d transition metal atoms can be stably adsorbed, and all adsorption systems exhibit metallic properties. Among these, the adsorption of Y, Zr, Nb, Tc, and Ag atoms induces magnetic properties. Notably, the Zr-MoSi2N2P2 system exhibits a large magnetic moment (4.05 µB) and strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (− 6.23 meV/f.u.). Optically, TM adsorption significantly modulates light absorption: Tc and Zr systems show enhanced infrared absorption, Nb improves visible-light absorption, and Cd dramatically enhances ultraviolet photoconductivity. The main contribution of this work is proposing an effective strategy to expand the multifunctionality of MoSi2N2P2. The robust magnetic properties of Zr- MoSi2N2P2 make it a promising candidate for high-density spintronic storage. Furthermore, the tunable optical responses in the Tc and Cd-adsorbed systems provide specific material solutions for developing high-performance, wavelength-specific photodetectors.
The development of high-performance sensing materials for the simultaneous detection of multiple environmental pollutants remains a critical challenge in analytical chemistry. Herein, we report the synthesis of bimetallic phosphide (NiCoP) nanoflowers via a facile two-step hydrothermal and phosphorization strategy, and their application as an efficient electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous determination of hydroquinone (HQ), catechol (CC), and acetaminophen (AP). The hierarchical three-dimensional nanoflower architecture, constructed from interconnected nanosheets, endows the material with a large specific surface area and abundant accessible active sites. The NiCoP-modified glassy carbon electrode (NiCoP/GCE) exhibits good electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of HQ, CC, and AP. Under optimized conditions, the sensor displays wide linear dynamic ranges (10–100000 μM for HQ, 25–19000 μM for CC, and 25–15000 μM for AP) and low detection limits (5.23 μM, 10.24 μM, and 9.53 μM for HQ, CC, and AP, respectively). Furthermore, the sensor demonstrates good selectivity and stability. The practical applicability of the sensor was successfully validated by quantifying the three analytes in real water samples with satisfactory recoveries. This work highlights the potential of bimetallic phosphides as robust sensing materials for environmental monitoring
TiB2 coatings were deposited on graphite substrates by high-temperature molten salt electrophoretic deposition in a Na3AlF6-AlF3-CaF2-Al2O3 system. The effects of TiB2 particle concentration (1–2 wt
Ring-shaped microcavities with tunable dimensions and unique optical properties are of considerable interest for emerging photonic and optoelectronic technologies. In this work, we report the spontaneous formation of ring-shaped microcavities in poly(methyl methacrylate)–pigment composite films prepared by a simple, cost-effective, and lithography-free spin coating process. The cavity morphology is found to be highly sensitive to processing parameters, enabling systematic tuning of the average cavity diameter from 15 to 50 μ m through variation of spin speed, solution concentration, and polymer molecular weight. Furthermore, the use of a mixture of pigments extends the cavity size up to 70 μ m, demonstrating an additional route for morphology control. The ring-shaped cavities exhibit pronounced optical waveguiding with characteristics consistent with whispering gallery mode (WGM)-guided propagation leading to enhanced light confinement along the cavity periphery. The observed waveguiding behavior is strongly correlated with the spatial distribution of pigment particles within the ring structures. The introduction of a second pigment disrupts the waveguiding behavior and is attributed to the formation of a non-uniform and discontinuous pigment arrangement along the cavity periphery. By linking self-organized morphology with light confinement behavior, this study provides a promising route toward the rational design of tunable microcavity structures for applications in optical sensing, low-threshold microlasers, integrated photonics, and emerging flexible optoelectronic technologies.
Smart switchable wetting surfaces have emerged as a prominent research hotspot in interfacial science. This paper systematically reviews the research progress of such surfaces from biomimetic design to responsive regulation. Based on wetting theoretical models, this review elaborates on the synergistic regulation mechanisms of surface roughness and chemical composition governing wetting states. This review summarizes the fabrication strategies, applicable scenarios, advantages, and limitations of templating, coating, and etching methods. For wettability switching behavior, external stimuli are classified into three main types: physical stimuli, chemical stimuli and multi-modal synergistic stimuli. Physical stimuli mainly include temperature, light, magnetic field, electric field and mechanical force, while chemical stimuli cover pH change, ion concentration and solvent environment. Furthermore, the reversible transformation mechanisms of surface chemical properties and microstructures are analyzed. In practical applications, this review concludes the typical applications of switchable wetting surfaces in oil-water separation, cell capture, microdroplet reaction and droplet manipulation. Finally, the existing challenges including slow response speed, poor mechanical stability and difficulty in large-scale fabrication are pointed out, and future research directions focusing on environmental friendliness and practical industrialization are prospected.
Wound healing in diabetes is challenged by complex microenvironments. Herein, a molybdenum disulfide nanoflower and zinc oxide nanoparticle-loaded tannic acid/trihydroxystearic acid monoglycerides hydrogel (MoS2–ZnO@TM/TA) was successfully constructed as an antibacterial platform. This hydrogel regulates the microbial environment of diabetic wounds via photothermal antibacterial activity. The hydrogel exhibits an 93
High-strength steels are susceptible to fatigue failure controlled by non-metallic inclusions under high-cycle and very-high-cycle fatigue service conditions. Their fatigue failure behavior can no longer be adequately explained solely by nominal strength or average cleanliness. Focusing on inclusion-controlled fatigue, this review systematically summarizes the statistical characteristics of inclusions, extreme defect control, the coupled relationship among strength, toughness and fatigue, and defect-tolerant engineering design concepts in high-strength steels. The available evidence indicates that inclusions should be regarded as a statistical defect population with variations in size, spatial distribution and type. The fatigue limit is often governed by the maximum dangerous defect or high-risk defect within the highly stressed volume, rather than by the average inclusion level. Defect harmfulness is determined not only by size, but also by defect type, morphological sharpness, interfacial bonding state and local stress concentration. Increasing strength can improve the load-bearing capacity of the matrix; however, excessive strengthening increases defect sensitivity. Toughness, in contrast, enhances defect tolerance through crack-tip plastic dissipation, crack deflection and crack closure. Therefore, fatigue reliability design of high-strength steels should shift from traditional strength-dominated design toward the coordinated design of strength, toughness and defect tolerance. Future research should further develop three-dimensional statistical characterization of inclusions, classified critical defect evaluation, multi-factor coupled fatigue life models and damage-tolerant design methods for engineering components.
The sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) remain a primary bottleneck for the commercialization of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). To address this, we report the development of ternary platinum–cobalt–lanthanum (PtCoLa) intermetallic nanoparticles as efficient and robust ORR electrocatalysts. By varying the lanthanum content, the electrocatalytic performance exhibited a volcano-shaped trend. An optimal composition outperforms commercial Pt/C in terms of intrinsic activity. The highly electropositive lanthanum effectively tunes the electronic structure of the platinum active sites, optimizing the binding energy of oxygen intermediates. Excessive lanthanum incorporation leads to the segregation of amorphous phases, which block active sites. Furthermore, the optimized PtCoLa catalyst demonstrates durability under harsh conditions. Post-mortem analyses reveal that the structural integration of lanthanum acts as a robust stabilizer, suppressing nanoparticle agglomeration and active sites dissolution. This study provides profound insights into the rational design of lanthanide-doped intermetallic architectures for advanced energy conversion systems.
Precipitation strengthening in engineering alloys arises from the interaction of moving dislocations with second-phase particles, yet experiments rarely separate the contributions of precipitate size, morphology, interface character, spatial distribution, and external loading. This review organizes the computational evidence using precipitate parameters as the primary axis, so that the descriptor controlling strength in a given alloy state can be identified. Evidence is surveyed from molecular dynamics (MD), discrete dislocation dynamics (DDD), phase-field modelling (PFM), and Kampmann–Wagner numerical (KWN) models across age-hardenable Al, Mg, Cu-, Ni-, Fe-base, and high-entropy alloy systems, comparing how each parameter shifts the cutting-to-bypass transition. Several mechanisms move the effective resistance away from uniform-array, single-radius estimates. Lower-tail size statistics and soft-channel percolation lower the bypass threshold, off-centre slip-plane cutting reduces local cross sections, coherency loss drives interface-mediated transformations, and modulus mismatch produces anomalous strengthening even for soft particles. Temperature and strain rate move the boundary between shearing, bypassing, and interface-mediated transformation, so that the power-law superposition exponent for combined mechanisms is state-dependent rather than a material constant. The parameter-level view points out which descriptor controls strength in a given alloy state and helps connect atomistic, mesoscale, and microstructure-evolution evidence in a common picture.
This study presents an innovative approach to membrane fabrication through the development of Fe3O4-modified Cs-based mixed matrix membranes, utilizing magnetic-field-assisted nanoparticle orientation and environmentally friendly cross-linking with sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) to enhance isopropanol dehydration performance. This study examines the influence of various preparation parameters—the magnetic field application during fabrication, Fe3O4 nanoparticle content, and the concentration of cross-linking agent sodium tripolyphosphate (STP)—on the membrane structural and functional properties. A comprehensive suite of analytical techniques, encompassing Fourier-transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, dynamic light scattering, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force and transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, magnetic measurements, swelling tests, contact angle assessments, and mechanical property evaluations, was employed to validate structure and characteristics of membranes and modifier. Additionally, computational analysis was conducted to elucidate the interactions between membrane and feed components, providing insight into the separation performance. By incorporating an optimal 5 wt
Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has emerged as a promising route for fabricating flexible supercapacitor electrodes, yet research has overwhelmingly focused on infrared CO2 lasers. Here, we demonstrate that a compact 445 nm diode laser, operating at substantially lower power than conventional infrared systems, can produce graphene-based supercapacitors with competitive electrochemical performance. Using optimized laser parameters identified in our prior work (1.75 W, 10 mm/s, 230 LPI), we fabricate LIG electrodes on polyimide tape and systematically investigate their electrochemical behavior through cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The resulting LIG exhibits a hierarchically porous network with moderate defect density (I(D)/I(G) = 0.76). Electrochemical characterization reveals that 445 nm LIG achieves an areal specific capacitance of 34.48 mF/cm2 for single electrodes and 9.45 mF/cm2 for symmetric solid-state devices, with a maximum energy density of 1.31 μWh/cm2 and power density of 125 μW/cm2. Critically, unlike the purely capacitive behavior typically reported for CO2 LIG, our findings reveal a measurable pseudocapacitive contribution which is attributed to oxygen-containing functional groups that are suggested to be retained under the milder thermal conditions of visible laser processing coexisting with electrical double-layer storage. This mixed-mode charge storage mechanism distinguishes 445 nm LIG from its infrared-derived counterparts and demonstrates that visible-wavelength diode lasers offer an energy-efficient, accessible, and underexplored pathway for flexible energy storage fabrication.
