Research

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12 pages, 4258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving the Electroluminescence Properties of New Chrysene Derivatives with High Color Purity for Deep-Blue OLEDs

by Sunwoo Park, Changyu Lee, Hayoon Lee, Kiho Lee, Hyukmin Kwon, Sangwook Park and Jongwook Park

Materials 2024, 17(8), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081887 - 19 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Two blue-emitting materials, 4-(12-([1,1′:3′,1″-terphenyl]-5′-yl)chrysen-6-yl)-N,N-diphenylaniline (TPA-C-TP) and 6-([1,1′:3′,1″-terphenyl]-5′-yl)-12-(4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)phenyl)chrysene (TPE-C-TP), were prepared with the composition of a chrysene core moiety and terphenyl (TP), triphenyl amine (TPA), and tetraphenylethylene (TPE) moieties as side groups. The maximum photoluminescence (PL) emission wavelengths of TPA-C-TP and TPE-C-TP were 435 [...] Read more.

Two blue-emitting materials, 4-(12-([1,1′:3′,1″-terphenyl]-5′-yl)chrysen-6-yl)-N,N-diphenylaniline (TPA-C-TP) and 6-([1,1′:3′,1″-terphenyl]-5′-yl)-12-(4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)phenyl)chrysene (TPE-C-TP), were prepared with the composition of a chrysene core moiety and terphenyl (TP), triphenyl amine (TPA), and tetraphenylethylene (TPE) moieties as side groups. The maximum photoluminescence (PL) emission wavelengths of TPA-C-TP and TPE-C-TP were 435 and 369 nm in the solution state and 444 and 471 nm in the film state. TPA-C-TP effectively prevented intermolecular packing through the introduction of TPA, a bulky aromatic amine group, and it showed an excellent photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 86% in the film state. TPE-C-TP exhibited aggregation-induced emission; the PLQY increased dramatically from 0.1% to 78% from the solution state to the film state. The two synthesized materials had excellent thermal stability, with a high decomposition temperature exceeding 460 °C. The two compounds were used as emitting layers in a non-doped device. The TPA-C-TP device achieved excellent electroluminescence (EL) performance, with Commission Internationale de L′Eclairage co-ordinates of (0.15, 0.07) and an external quantum efficiency of 4.13%, corresponding to an EL peak wavelength of 439 nm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Materials Chemistry)

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32 pages, 9632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Benchtop Zone Refinement of Simulated Future Spent Nuclear Fuel Pyroprocessing Waste

by Alex Scrimshire, Daniel J. Backhouse, Wei Deng, Colleen Mann, Mark D. Ogden, Clint A. Sharrad, Mike T. Harrison, Donna McKendrick and Paul A. Bingham

Materials 2024, 17(8), 1781; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081781 - 12 Apr 2024

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Abstract

The UK’s adoption of pyroprocessing of spent nuclear fuel as an alternative to the current aqueous processing routes requires a robust scientific underpinning of all relevant processes. One key process is the clean-up of the contaminated salt from the electroreducing and electrorefining processes. [...] Read more.

The UK’s adoption of pyroprocessing of spent nuclear fuel as an alternative to the current aqueous processing routes requires a robust scientific underpinning of all relevant processes. One key process is the clean-up of the contaminated salt from the electroreducing and electrorefining processes. A proposed method for this clean-up is zone refining, whereby the tendency of the contaminants to remain in the liquid phase during melting and freezing is exploited to ‘sweep’ the contaminants to one end of the sample. Experiments were performed, utilising off-the-shelf laboratory equipment, to demonstrate the feasibility of zone refining for clean-up of electroreducing and electrorefining wastes. This was successful for the electrorefining simulant samples, with effective segregation coefficient, k_eff, values, which provide a measure of the degree of separation in the sample, between 0 and 1. Lower values indicate greater separation, with values of as low as 0.542 achieved here, corresponding to a reduction in RECl₃ content from 10.0 wt.% to 8.4 wt.% (for 80% salt reuse). Due to difficulties in obtaining a fully homogeneous electroreducing simulant waste, it was not possible to demonstrate the feasibility of zone refining using the current experimental setup. Further research is required to elucidate the correct preparation conditions for production of homogeneous electroreducing waste simulants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Materials Chemistry)

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14 pages, 2604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Influence Factors of H₂O₂ Generation Efficiency on Both Cathode and Anode in a Diaphragm-Free Bath

by Tian Tian, Zhaohui Wang, Kun Li, Honglei Jin, Yang Tang, Yanzhi Sun, Pingyu Wan and Yongmei Chen

Materials 2024, 17(8), 1748; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081748 - 11 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Electrosynthesis of H₂O₂ via both pathways of anodic two-electron water oxidation reaction (2e-WOR) and cathodic two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e-ORR) in a diaphragm-free bath can not only improve the generation rate and Faraday efficiency (FE), but also simplify the structure [...] Read more.

Electrosynthesis of H₂O₂ via both pathways of anodic two-electron water oxidation reaction (2e-WOR) and cathodic two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e-ORR) in a diaphragm-free bath can not only improve the generation rate and Faraday efficiency (FE), but also simplify the structure of the electrolysis bath and reduce the energy consumption. The factors that may affect the efficiency of H₂O₂ generation in coupled electrolytic systems have been systematically investigated. A piece of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode was used as the anode, and in this study, its catalytic performance for 2e-WOR in Na₂CO₃/NaHCO₃ and NaOH solutions was compared. Based on kinetic views, the generation rate of H₂O₂ via 2e-WOR, the self-decomposition, and the oxidative decomposition rate of the generated H₂O₂ during electrolysis in carbonate electrolytes were investigated. Furthermore, by choosing polyethylene oxide-modified carbon nanotubes (PEO-CNTs) as the catalyst for 2e-ORR and using its loaded electrode as the cathode, the coupled electrolytic systems for H₂O₂ generation were set up in a diaphragm bath and in a diaphragm-free bath. It was found that the generated H₂O₂ in the electrolyte diffuses and causes oxidative decomposition on the anode, which is the main influent factor on the accumulated concentration in H₂O₂ in a diaphragm-free bath. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Materials Chemistry)

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16 pages, 7210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solvothermal Guided V₂O₅ Microspherical Nanoparticles Constructing High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

by Xianghui Jia, Kaixi Yan, Yanzhi Sun, Yongmei Chen, Yang Tang, Junqing Pan and Pingyu Wan

Materials 2024, 17(7), 1660; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071660 - 04 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries have attracted a lot of attention owing to their cost effectiveness and plentiful resources, but less research has been conducted on the aspect of high volumetric energy density, which is crucial to the space available for the batteries in [...] Read more.

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries have attracted a lot of attention owing to their cost effectiveness and plentiful resources, but less research has been conducted on the aspect of high volumetric energy density, which is crucial to the space available for the batteries in practical applications. In this work, highly crystalline V₂O₅ microspheres were self-assembled from one-dimensional V₂O₅ nanorod structures by a template-free solvothermal method, which were used as cathode materials for zinc-ion batteries with high performance, enabling fast ion transport, outstanding cycle stability and excellent rate capability, as well as a significant increase in tap density. Specifically, the V₂O₅ microspheres achieve a reversible specific capacity of 414.7 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹, and show a long-term cycling stability retaining 76.5% after 3000 cycles at 2 A g⁻¹. This work provides an efficient route for the synthesis of three-dimensional materials with stable structures, excellent electrochemical performance and high tap density. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Materials Chemistry)

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16 pages, 3820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regenerative Superhydrophobic Coatings for Enhanced Performance and Durability of High-Voltage Electrical Insulators in Cold Climates

by Helya Khademsameni, Reza Jafari, Anahita Allahdini and Gelareh Momen

Materials 2024, 17(7), 1622; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071622 - 02 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Superhydrophobic coatings can be a suitable solution for protecting vulnerable electrical infrastructures in regions with severe meteorological conditions. Regenerative superhydrophobicity, the ability to regain superhydrophobicity after being compromised or degraded, could address the issue of the low durability of these coatings. In this [...] Read more.

Superhydrophobic coatings can be a suitable solution for protecting vulnerable electrical infrastructures in regions with severe meteorological conditions. Regenerative superhydrophobicity, the ability to regain superhydrophobicity after being compromised or degraded, could address the issue of the low durability of these coatings. In this study, we fabricated a superhydrophobic coating comprising hydrophobic aerogel microparticles and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-modified silica nanoparticles within a PDMS matrix containing trifluoropropyl POSS (F-POSS) and XIAMETER PMX-series silicone oil as superhydrophobicity-regenerating agents. The fabricated coating exhibited a static contact angle of 169.5° and a contact angle hysteresis of 6°. This coating was capable of regaining its superhydrophobicity after various pH immersion and plasma deterioration tests. The developed coating demonstrated ice adhesion as low as 71.2 kPa, which remained relatively unchanged even after several icing/de-icing cycles. Furthermore, the coating exhibited a higher flashover voltage than the reference samples and maintained a minimal drop in flashover voltage after consecutive testing cycles. Given this performance, this developed coating can be an ideal choice for enhancing the lifespan of electrical insulators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Materials Chemistry)

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14 pages, 8247 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

SrTiO₃-SrVO₃ Ceramics for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes: A Route from Oxidized Precursors

by Javier Macías, Jorge R. Frade and Aleksey A. Yaremchenko

Materials 2023, 16(24), 7638; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16247638 - 14 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 844

Abstract

Perovskite-type Sr(Ti,V)O_3-δ ceramics are promising anode materials for natural gas- and biogas-fueled solid oxide fuel cells, but the instability of these phases under oxidizing conditions complicates their practical application. The present work explores approaches to the fabrication of strontium titanate-vanadate electrodes from [...] Read more.

Perovskite-type Sr(Ti,V)O_3-δ ceramics are promising anode materials for natural gas- and biogas-fueled solid oxide fuel cells, but the instability of these phases under oxidizing conditions complicates their practical application. The present work explores approaches to the fabrication of strontium titanate-vanadate electrodes from oxidized precursors. Porous ceramics with the nominal composition SrTi_1−yV_yO_z (y = 0.1–0.3) were prepared in air via a solid state reaction route. Thermal processing at temperatures not exceeding 1100 °C yielded composite ceramics comprising perovskite-type SrTiO₃, pyrovanadate Sr₂V₂O₇ and orthovanadate Sr₃(VO₄)₂ phases, while increasing firing temperatures to 1250–1440 °C enabled the formation of SrTi_1−yV_yO₃ perovskites. Vanadium was found to substitute into the titanium sublattice predominantly as V⁴⁺, even under oxidizing conditions at elevated temperatures. Both perovskite and composite oxidized ceramics exhibit moderate thermal expansion coefficients in air, 11.1–12.1 ppm/K at 30–1000 °C, and insignificant dimensional changes induced by reduction in a 10%H₂-N₂ atmosphere. The electrical conductivity of reduced perovskite samples remains comparatively low, ~10⁻¹ S/cm at 900 °C, whereas the transformation of oxidized vanadate phases into high-conducting SrVO_3−δ perovskites upon reduction results in enhancement in conductivity, which reaches ~3 S/cm at 900 °C in porous composite ceramics with nominal composition SrTi_0.7V_0.3O_z. The electrical performance of the composite is expected to be further improved by optimization of the processing route and microstructure to facilitate the reduction of the oxidized precursor and attain better percolation of the SrVO₃ phase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Materials Chemistry)

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20 pages, 4226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of the Effect of Wastewater on the Biological Activity of Mixtures of Fluoxetine and Its Metabolite Norfluoxetine with Nalidixic and Caffeic Acids with Use of E. coli Microbial Bioindicator Strains

by Marzena Matejczyk, Piotr Ofman, Józefa Wiater, Renata Świsłocka, Paweł Kondzior and Włodzimierz Lewandowski

Materials 2023, 16(9), 3600; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16093600 - 08 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1163

Abstract

In the present work, the conducted research concerned the determination of the toxicity and oxidative stress generation of the antidepressant fluoxetine (FLU), its metabolite nor-fluoxetine (Nor-FLU), the antibiotic nalidixic acid (NA), caffeic acid (CA) and their mixtures in three different environments: microbial medium [...] Read more.

In the present work, the conducted research concerned the determination of the toxicity and oxidative stress generation of the antidepressant fluoxetine (FLU), its metabolite nor-fluoxetine (Nor-FLU), the antibiotic nalidixic acid (NA), caffeic acid (CA) and their mixtures in three different environments: microbial medium (MM), raw wastewaters (RW) and treated wastewaters (TW). We evaluated the following parameters: E. coli cell viability, toxicity and protein damage, sodA promoter induction and ROS generation. It was found that FLU, Nor-FLU, NA, CA and their mixtures are toxic and they have the potency to generate oxidative stress in E. coli strains. We also detected that the wastewater, in comparison to the microbial medium, had an influence on the toxic activity and oxidative stress synthesis of the tested chemicals and their mixtures. Regardless of the environment under study, the strongest toxic activity and oxidative stress generation were detected after bacterial incubation with NA at a concentration of 1 mg/dm³ and the mixture of FLU (1 mg/dm³) with Nor-FLU (0.1 mg/dm³) and with NA (0.1 mg/dm³). The ROS synthesis and sodA promoter induction suggest that, in the case of the examined compounds and their mixtures, oxidative stress is the mechanism of toxicity. The analysis of the types of interactions among the substances constituting the mixtures in the wastewater revealed synergism, potentiation and antagonism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Materials Chemistry)

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12 pages, 4971 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Electrochemical Atomic Force Microscopy Study on the Dynamic Evolution of Lithium Deposition

by Xixiu Shi, Jingru Yang, Wenyang Wang, Zhaoping Liu and Cai Shen

Materials 2023, 16(6), 2278; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16062278 - 12 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1880

Abstract

Lithium metal is one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries; however, lithium dendrite growth hinders its large-scale development. So far, the dendrite formation mechanism is unclear. Herein, the dynamic evolution of lithium deposition in etheryl-based and ethylene carbonate (EC)-based electrolytes [...] Read more.

Lithium metal is one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries; however, lithium dendrite growth hinders its large-scale development. So far, the dendrite formation mechanism is unclear. Herein, the dynamic evolution of lithium deposition in etheryl-based and ethylene carbonate (EC)-based electrolytes was obtained by combining an in situ electrochemical atomic force microscope (EC-AFM) with an electrochemical workstation. Three growth modes of lithium particles are proposed: preferential, merged, and independent growth. In addition, a lithium deposition schematic is proposed to clearly describe the morphological changes in lithium deposition. This schematic shows the process of lithium deposition, thus providing a theoretical basis for solving the problem of lithium dendrite growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Materials Chemistry)

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Review

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19 pages, 2788 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Computational Materials Design for Ceramic Nuclear Waste Forms Using Machine Learning, First-Principles Calculations, and Kinetics Rate Theory

by Jianwei Wang, Dipta B. Ghosh and Zelong Zhang

Materials 2023, 16(14), 4985; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16144985 - 13 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1150

Abstract

Ceramic waste forms are designed to immobilize radionuclides for permanent disposal in geological repositories. One of the principal criteria for the effective incorporation of waste elements is their compatibility with the host material. In terms of performance under environmental conditions, the resistance of [...] Read more.

Ceramic waste forms are designed to immobilize radionuclides for permanent disposal in geological repositories. One of the principal criteria for the effective incorporation of waste elements is their compatibility with the host material. In terms of performance under environmental conditions, the resistance of the waste forms to degradation over long periods of time is a critical concern when they are exposed to natural environments. Due to their unique crystallographic features and behavior in nature environment as exemplified by their natural analogues, ceramic waste forms are capable of incorporating problematic nuclear waste elements while showing promising chemical durability in aqueous environments. Recent studies of apatite- and hollandite-structured waste forms demonstrated an approach that can predict the compositions of ceramic waste forms and their long-term dissolution rate by a combination of computational techniques including machine learning, first-principles thermodynamics calculations, and modeling using kinetic rate equations based on critical laboratory experiments. By integrating the predictions of elemental incorporation and degradation kinetics in a holistic framework, the approach could be promising for the design of advanced ceramic waste forms with optimized incorporation capacity and environmental degradation performance. Such an approach could provide a path for accelerated ceramic waste form development and performance prediction for problematic nuclear waste elements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Materials Chemistry)

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29 pages, 14324 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress in Preparation, Properties and Applications of Biomimetic Organic-Inorganic Composites with “Brick-and-Mortar” Structure

by Feng Liu, Hongyu Yang and Xiaming Feng

Materials 2023, 16(11), 4094; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16114094 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1245

Abstract

Inspired by nature, materials scientists have been exploring and designing various biomimetic materials. Among them, composite materials with brick-and-mortar-like structure synthesized from organic and inorganic materials (BMOIs) have attracted increasing attention from scholars. These materials have the advantages of high strength, excellent flame [...] Read more.

Inspired by nature, materials scientists have been exploring and designing various biomimetic materials. Among them, composite materials with brick-and-mortar-like structure synthesized from organic and inorganic materials (BMOIs) have attracted increasing attention from scholars. These materials have the advantages of high strength, excellent flame retardancy, and good designability, which can meet the requirements of various fields for materials and have extremely high research value. Despite the increasing interest in and applications of this type of structural material, there is still a dearth of comprehensive reviews, leaving the scientific community with a limited understanding of its properties and applications. In this paper, we review the preparation, interface interaction, and research progress of BMOIs, and propose possible future development directions for this class of materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Materials—Recent Advances in Materials Chemistry)

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