Superhydrophobic coatings demonstrate significant potential for engineering applications due to their unique surface wettability structures. This review systematically summarizes recent research progress in their structural and performance optimization,encompassing historical evolution, theoretical models, fabrication techniques, and application domains. The key theoretical frameworks and preparation methodologies are emphatically analyzed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their hydrophobic behavior. Particularly, the representative research and future applications in corrosion resistance, oil–water separation, anti-icing, antibacterial activity, and self-cleaning are emphasized, and the key issues regarding their development and application are addressed. Furthermore, the suggestions were made for the future development direction of superhydrophobic coatings in terms of mechanical durability, theoretical models, and preparation methods. It is highlighted that superhydrophobic coatings with excellent water repellency and low adhesion capacity have promising applications in architecture, aviation, aerospace, shipbuilding, and communication industries. Moreover, it is suggested to allocate more attention to the preparation of multifunctional superhydrophobic coatings so as to support their application in engineering.

To fulfill the requirements of long-term stable lubrication and corrosion protection, conventional industrial emulsion lubricants often involve complex formulations with multiple components, posing challenges in terms of preparation, recycling, and potential environmental impact. In order to address the problems, a Pickering emulsion with a simple composition and excellent anti-corrosion properties is prepared by incorporating magnetic surfactant ((C18H37)2N+(CH3)2[CeCl4]-) modified ZnO nanoparticles as a multifunctional additive into colza oil and water. The results demonstrate that Pickering emulsions exhibit excellent stability. Moreover, their magnetic responsiveness makes them promising candidates for intelligent lubricants. Furthermore, effective recycling and sustainability are achieved through reversible emulsification and demulsification. Tribological test results reveal that the addition of modified ZnO enhances the emulsions’ anti-friction and anti-wear properties due to nanoparticle rolling and repairing effects, generation of tribofilms, and deposition of ZnO nanoparticles. We anticipate that the Pickering emulsion could find widespread applications in various sectors, including metalworking and industrial manufacturing, owing to its uncomplicated composition, environmentally friendly nature, excellent anti-corrosion capabilities, and superior lubricating properties.

During the subtracting manufacturing process, a significant amount of machining chips is produced. In light of current resource shortages and environmental protection pressures, it is essential to implement efficient recycling strategies for the large quantities of chips. For this purpose, this article reviewed the conversion of chips generated during the machining process into powder and its application in laser cladding. On one hand, the various production methods for chip-to-powder were reviewed and the differences between gas-atomized powder and ball-milled powder from cutting chips were compared. On the other hand, the performance characteristics of cladding layers made from chip-regenerated powder were further discussed and the highlights methods to improve the properties of laser cladding layers were analyzed, such as the addition of rare earth elements and also the use of external field-assisted laser cladding including electromagnetic, ultrasonic, as well as heat treatments. The ultimate goal of this review is to use the chip-generated powder in laser cladding to achieve high-performance cladding layers.

Objective: In this essay, a femtosecond laser is used to create various structures on the surface of Zr-based amorphous material. Methods: Through the raster scan mode, under different laser energy densities, LIPSS (Laser -induced periodic surface structures), SWPSS (Super-wavelength periodic surface structure) and microporous structures were obtained in the experiment. Various surface properties of the micro-nano structures were tested. Result: Experimental results illuminate that laser energy fluence is the key to determining the formation of nano-and microscale structures. The laser treatment greatly improves the surface roughness of the sample. The laser texture converts the originally hydrophilic specimen surface into a hydrophobic surface, which greatly reduces the material's surface energy. We found that all the formed surface structures can reduce the adhesion of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In detail, the adhesion rate of bacteria on the surface of SWPSS is the lowest. Conclusion: This article comprehensively discusses the influence mechanism of nano-and microscale structures on bacterial adhesion from four aspects: surface roughness, hydrophobicity, surface energy, and surface morphology. The study manifest that the period and amplitude of the nano-and microscale structures are the keys to bacterial adhesion. In addition, experiments have shown that nano-and microscale structures can effectively improve the corrosion resistance of zirconium-based bulk metallic glass.

Friction-associated energy loss and mechanical wear leading to failure is a major problem in industries. To mitigate this, the design and testing of novel lubricants is important. Here, we show the facile one-pot synthesis of ZnO/ZnO nanorods (NRs) and MoS2 films on pre-treated glass substrates via aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition. The bearing capacity and wear life of ZnO film/ZnO NRs/MoS2 films were improved due to the lubricant retention capabilities of the NRs. Modification of the ZnO/MoS2 nano-arrays using polydopamine (PDA) allowed the realization of robust and ultra-stable solid lubricants through the triple action of chemical chelation, layered materials, and nanotexture, especially under heavy load conditions. Compared with pristine MoS2, the adhesion and bearing strength of the composite film increased by 11 and 30 times, respectively, while the coefficient of friction and wear rate decreased by 94 and 85%, respectively. This is because the chelation between the transition metal and the groups in the interlayer PDA was fully utilized to improve the interface compatibility, which significantly improves the robustness of ZnO NRs and the adhesion of MoS2. This allowed a stable and firm mechanical lock between the substrate, lubricant films, and the steel ball. It demonstrated a convenient method to achieve the antifriction and anti-wear of solid lubricating materials by PDA interface modification for practical industrial applications.

In this work, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (modified MWCNTs) were modified by stearic acid and then added to silicone for the fabrication of C/silicone composite monolith materials. The obtained C/silicone monolith demonstrates strong robust superhydrophobicity after Taber abrasion, stretching, bending, twisting, high external pressure and knife scratching. The elongation rate and tensile strength of C/silicone were also increased by approximately 172% and 300%, respectively, compared with those of pristine silicone. In addition, the introduction of carbon nanotubes endows the composite materials with superior photothermal conversion performances, correspondingly presenting outstanding anti-icing and accelerated deicing effects, which can greatly reduce the heat loss of photothermal materials in practical applications. Importantly, the whole fabrication process would not include any fluorinated polymers so that the materials can be considered to be potentially safe and environment friendly.

The effect of the spin state on the thermopower has been studied in La0.9−xEuxCa0.1CoO3 (x=0.0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15) through the thermopower, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and magnetic measurements. The thermopower is obviously enhanced by Eu doping. Both XPS and magnetic properties reveal that the spin state of Co3+ ions is the driving force for the thermopower in La0.9−xEuxCa0.1CoO3. Moreover, we adopt the theoretical model proposed by Koshibae et al. to explain well the enhancement of the thermopower which is induced by spin-state transition. This investigation provides an effective path for the research and development of new thermoelectric oxides.

MoO3 nanorods with well-defined crystalline structure have been grown in situ on Fluorine doped Tin Oxide glass (FTO) by magnetron sputtering and subsequent oxidation treatment. Moreover, the morphologies and the crystalline structures of MoO3 products could be rationally tailored by adjusting the annealing temperature. More specifically, the calcination operated at 500°C for 6h leads to the formation of uniform MoO3 nanorods with an average diameter of 200nm, and length of up to 800nm, whereas only irregular nanoparticles or nanoplates have been obtained when the temperature was higher or lower than 500°C.

By introducing a thin MgO/TiN buffer, layer-by-layer growth of ZnO epilayer on Si(111) has been realized. ZnO film directly on Si(111) substrate is poly-crystallized, whereas its quality could be significantly improved by inserting the buffer layer. In the case of employing the buffer layer, in situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction demonstrates that ZnO film is epitaxy and proceeding in the layer-by-layer growth mode. High-resolution X-ray diffraction indicates the relationship is ZnO(0002)//MgO(111)//Si(111) (out-of-plane) and the ZnO (0002) peak with the full width at half maximum of 1.3 degrees. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy further validates that the in-plane epitaxial relationship is ZnO [11 (2) over bar0] //MgO [10 (1) over bar] //Si [10 (1) over bar]. In photoluminescence, epitaxy ZnO film shows clear exciton-related peaks, which are believed to be of high quality. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

One-dimensional MoO3 nanobelts have been synthesized for the first time from molybdic acid in a solvent of oxalic acid with the addition of nitric acid via a facile hydrothermal method. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared nanocomposite have been thoroughly characterized by the combination of different techniques. According to XRD analysis, the obtained MoO3 nanobelts are single-crystalline with an orthorhombic structure. XPS analysis proves that the Mo is in its highest oxidation state of +6. In addition, the obtained nanobelts that have a width ranging from 100 nm to 300 nm, together with a length in micrometers are observed through TEM and FESEM. Furthermore, the possible growth mechanism is also investigated.

A novel cubic Zn0.7Mg0.3O film on silicon substrate is conducted by KrF excimer pulsed-laser ablation system. By introducing a thin TiN buffer, layer-by-layer growth of cubic Zn0.7Mg0.3O film epilayer has been realized. The overall growth process was monitored in situ by reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) method. It was found that the crystallinity and surface morphology of the Zn0.7Mg0.3O films were strongly affected by the TiN buffer layer. The Zn0.7Mg0.3O film obtained at an optimal buffer layer exhibited high quality and good surface. For the metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure of Pt/Zn0.7Mg0.3O (200 nm)/TiN (20 rim)/Si (400 mu m) prepared at the optimal growth conditions achieved a very low leak current density of similar to 10(-6) A cm(-2) at an electric field of 9 x 10(5) V cm(-1) and the permittivity (epsilon(r)) of about 8.1, agreed well with that of acquired MgO film and MgO single crystal. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The yellow-emitting phosphor [Ca3 (xþ0.06)LuxCe0.06](Sc2 yMgy)Si3O12 obtained from Lu 3þ and Mg2þ co-modified green-emitting silicate garnet Ca3Sc2Si3O12:Ce 3þ (CSS:Ce3þ) exhibits promising applications for white LEDs. In this paper, we discuss the effect of charge balance on the garnet structure formation. The changes of bond length and covalence caused by the replacement of Lu3þ and Mg2þ for Ca2þ and Sc3þ are analyzed. The shift of the Ce3þ emission and excitation can be attributed to the combined results from crystal field splitting effect and centroid shift of Ce3þ 5d levels. Thermal stability is analyzed according to configurational coordinate diagram. & 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Eu2þ and Mn2þ co-doped Ca8Zn(SiO4)4Cl2 phosphors have been synthesized by a high temperature solid state reaction. Energy transfer from Eu2þ to Mn2þ is observed. The emission spectra of the phosphors show a green band at 505 nm of Eu2þ and a yellow band at 550 nm of Mn2þ . The excitation spectra corresponding to 4f-4f5d transition of Eu2þ cover the spectral range of 370–470 nm, well matching UV and/or blue LEDs. The shortening of fluorescent lifetimes of Eu2þ followed by simultaneous increase of fluorescent intensity of Mn2þ with increasing Mn2þ concentrations is studied based on energy transfer. Upon blue light excitation the present phosphor can emit intense green/ yellow in comparison with other chlorosilicate phosphors such as Eu2þ and Mn2þ co-doped Ca8Mg(SiO4)4Cl2 and Ca3SiO4Cl2, demonstrating a potential application in phosphor converted white LEDs. & 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Four series of thin films have been deposited as the precursory sources of Zn(CH3COO)2, Mg(CH3COO)2, NH4CH3COO and AlCl3 aqueous solutions using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) method. The crystalline structure, morphology images, electrical, optical properties of the films are characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scan electron image (FE-SEM), Hall-effect measurement and photoluminescence (PL). From the XRD patterns and SEM images, we can see that all the films present good crystallinity and surface uniformity. Hall-effect measurement results indicate that ZnO is n-type, while N-Al codoped ZnO and N-Al codoped Zn1-xMgxO exhibit p-type conduction. Temperature dependent of electrical measurement is carried out from 300K to 500K, then the conductive mechanism and carriers scattering are analysed. Furthermore, the photoluminescence peak of Zn1-xMgxO is tuned into shorten wavelength than pure ZnO (λ＝379－352＝27nm), and also the same phenomenon of the p-type Zn1-xMgxO film exhibits blue-shifted behavior from 378nm to 356nm compared with p-type ZnO film (λ＝378－356＝21nm). In other word, the p-type Zn1-xMgxO film shifts to a shorter wavelength of 356 nm while maintaining excellent electrical performances.

High-quality c-axis-oriented Ca3Co4O9+δ thin films have been grown directly on Si (100) wafers with inserting MgO buffer layers by pulsed-laser deposition (PLD). X-ray diffraction and scan electron microscopy show good crystallinity of the Ca3Co4O9+δ films. The resistivity and Seebeck coefficient of the Ca3Co4O9+δ thin films on Si (100) substrates are 9.8 mΩcm and 189 μV/K at the temperature of 500K, respectively, comparable to the single-crystal samples. This advance demonstrates the possibility of integrating the cobaltate-based high thermoelectric materials with the current state-of-the-art silicon technology for thermoelectricity-on-a-chip applications.

CuO films composing of three-dimensional (3D) flower-like microstructures were successfully synthesized on copper surface by a simple solution method. The CuO films were systematically studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectrum.

Smoldering constitutes a significant fire risk both in normal gravity and in microgravity. This space experiment has been conducted aboard the China Recoverable Satellite SJ-8 to investigate smoldering characteristics of flexible polyurethane foam with central ignition in a forced flow of oxidizer. This configuration resulted in a combination of opposed and forward flow smolder. The microgravity experiment is rather unique in that it was performed at constant pressure, and with a relatively high ambient oxygen concentration (35% by volume). The smoldering characteristics are inferred from measurements of temperature histories at several locations along the foam sample. Particularly important is the discovery that there is a transition from smoldering to flaming near the sample end in the opposed smoldering. This transition seems to be caused by strong acceleration of the smoldering reaction. The observed transition serves to initiate a vigorous forward-propagating oxidation reaction in the char left behind by the smoldering reaction. The secondary char oxidation reaction propagates through the sample and consumes most of the remaining char. In forward flow smoldering, the oxidizer depletion by the upstream opposed smolder prevents an exothermic oxidation reaction from being established in the foam until this preceding reaction is completed. Once fresh oxidizer flows in the sample, the existing conditions are sufficient for a self-sustained forward smoldering reaction to take place.