Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely used in various fields due to their low density, high strength, and excellent corrosion resistance. However the relatively high cost of Ti limits its further application. By forming titanium coatings on the substrate, the cost can be greatly reduced, while still obtaining the desirable properties of Ti. Additionally, Ti coatings exhibit superior durability and mechanical properties compared to the conventional organic coatings, leading to the increasingly intensifying research in this field. This paper systematically clarifies the mainstream technologies for the preparation and post-treatment of Ti coatings, and summarizes worldwide researches of Ti coating with applications in the fields such as marine engineering, biomedical engineering, aerospace, etc. The paper ends with a prospective discussion about the existing challenges and the future trends with respect to the development of Ti coatings.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of integrated circuit technology, as process nodes continue to shrink to the nanometer level, the demands placed on interconnect materials and their processing technology are becoming increasingly stringent. Cobalt (Co), an emerging metal material, is gaining traction as a preferred choice forcopper (Cu) interconnect barrier layers and potential interconnect materials due to its exceptio-nal thermal stability, void-free filling ability, and strong adhesion to Cu wiring. However, this heightened interest in cobalt is accompanied by a high demand for surface smoothness and cleanliness, driving extensive research and innovation in chemomechanical polishing (CMP) processes and post CMP cleaning process. This paper aims to review the current application status of Co as Cu interconnect barrier and new interconnect material in integrated circuits, respectively. The impact of various slurry components on the material removal rate, galvanic corrosion, and removal selection ratio in CMP process are analyzed. Furthermore, the crucial role of cleaning solutions is discussed in post CMP cleaning process. Through precise chemical formula design, defects such as nanoparticles and organic residues can be effectively removed to ensure that the Co surface achieves high levels of cleanliness and flatness. Additionally, the review identifies the limitations of current research and offers forward-looking insights into the development of more environmentally friendly and efficient Co CMP and post-CMP cleaning technologies.

To investigate the mechanical performance degradation mechanisms of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) in hydrothermal environments, samples were immersed in water baths filled with distilled water at temperatures of 30 ℃ and 50 ℃, respectively. Tensile and compressive tests were performed using CFRP samples aged for 0 (unaged), 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 days. Effects of hygrothermal aging on surface morphology and failure modes were analyzed via SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). A two-dimensional constitutive model, which was capable of simulating the influences of hygrothermal aging on the intralaminar cracking and interlaminar delamination, was developed utilizing the user subroutine VUMAT of the ABAQUS software. Mechanical performance calculations for CFRP composites were conducted under both pre-aging and saturated water absorption conditions. Experimental results showed that the moisture absorption behavior of CFRP composites followed Fick's law at both 30 ℃ and 50 ℃. Mechanical properties of CFRP composites showed a decrease with the temperature/aging time increasing. Moreover, compared to the tensile performance, the compressive properties of CFRP composites were more sensitive to the variation of environments. After 30 days of aging in a 50 ℃ environment, the tensile strength and modulus decreased by 8.11% and 7.08%, respectively, which was worse than the 39.3% and 10.8% reductions for the compressive strength and modulus, respectively. Deterioration of the fiber-matrix interface and the epoxy matrix caused by moisture diffusion was identified as the reason for compressive performance degradation.

Recently, modern military detection technology and precision-guided weapons have developed rapidly. The wide application of radar and infrared detection and guidance methods has promoted radar/infrared compatible stealth materials to a research hotspot in the field of stealth materials. The fundamental differences in detection principle of radar and infrared detection leads to completely different requirements for the electromagnetic properties of stealth materials in the two bands. Researchers use the difference in the wavelength of the two bands to achieve differentiated response to electromagnetic waves, and carry out the design of radar/infrared compatible stealth materials. In this paper, the basic theory and design principle of radar/infrared stealth are systematically expounded, the research progress of radar/infrared compatible stealth materials is reviewed, and the future development direction is prospected.

Concentrated solar power is a highly promising renewable energy technology that enables cascaded utilization of electricity and can complement other renewable energy sources such as wind and photovoltaic power. Based on domestic and international research on concentrated solar power technology, this review summarizes the research progress in thermal energy storage molten salts for concentrated solar power applications. Molten salt is an ideal medium for energy transfer and storage in thermal energy storage systems for concentrated solar power due to its excellent thermophysical properties including high heat capacity, high thermal conductivity, and low viscosity. Molten salt energy storage offers advantages such as large storage capacity, long storage cycles, and low costs, making it widely applicable in areas such as concentrated solar power, molten salt reactors, heating, and waste heat recovery. This paper first introduces the advantages and development of concentrated solar power technology, followed by a summary of the main characteristics and advancements in thermal energy storage molten salts. It also discusses newly developed salt compositions and the thermophysical properties of molten salt nanofluids. Finally, the paper summarizes and looks forward to the development of next-generation thermal energy storage molten salts is presented. The aim is to provide insights into the technological advancements in thermal energy storage molten salts for the design, manufacturing, and operation maintenance of next-generation energy transfer and storage systems.

When the graphite anode colloidal dispersion slurry is coated onto a non-porous rigid substrate and dried, the stresses generated during the drying process may cause cracks in the film. These cracks can negatively impact battery performance, accelerate degradation, and shor-ten the battery’s lifespan. Therefore, understanding the crack characteristics and their formation mechanisms is crucial to preventing cracking of the electrode. While many studies and models have been conducted on the drying cracks of colloidal dispersion films, there is relatively little research on the cracking behavior of battery electrode pieces. This article systematically reveals the cracking mechanism and influencing factors during the drying process of electrode films, deeply analyzes the models of microstructural changes and internal stress development in electrode, and summarizes the progress in research on drying-induced cracking of electrode films. Studies have shown that the stress caused by capillary pressure is the main cause of drying-induced crack, which is mainly affected by the material properties of the electrode and the boundary conditions of the film. Additionally, this paper explores the technical challenges associated with inhibiting drying-induced cracking in the electrode, providing valuable insights for addressing the cracking issues in electrode manufacturing.

Ammonia is a crucial chemical feedstock and energy carrier. However, the conventional Haber-Bosch method for ammonia synthesis requires high temperature and high pressure, leading to significant energy consumption and substantial carbon dioxide emissions. In recent years, the research focus has shifted towards the sustainable synthesis of ammonia using catalytic technologies under ambient conditions, particularly the nitrate reduction to ammonia. This review provides an overview of the reaction pathways and mechanisms involved in catalytic nitrate reduction for ammonia synthesis. Then the recent advances in catalytic nitrate reduction for ammonia synthesis are analyzed in depth from the two aspects of electrocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis. In the field of electrocatalytic nitrate reduction, the focus is on catalyst modification methods and the reasons for enhanced ammonia production performance during the nitrate reduction processes. Subsequently the strategies for designing photoelectrocatalysts for nitrate reduction for ammonia synthesis are thoroughly analyzed, including element doping, heterojunction construction, and defect engineering, aiming at enhancing catalytic efficiency and selectivity. This review finally summarizes the current challenges in catalytic nitrate reduction for ammonia synthesis, such as improving the reaction kinetics and enhancing catalyst stability, and discusses future prospects for the development of this technology. Catalytic nitrate reduction for ammonia synthesis holds promise for revolutionary changes in ammonia production, reducing reliance on conventional energy-intensive processes and mitigating environmental burdens, thereby contributing to sustainable development efforts.

As a green and clean production technology, photocatalytic process is an effective way to alleviate energy and environmental problems. Semiconductor material is a good choice for photocatalysts because of their suitable band gaps, but the photocatalytic efficiency is not ideal due to its small specific surface area, low utilization rate of sunlight and easy recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in the process of photocatalytic reaction. Carbon quantum dots are spherical carbon nanomaterials, which are essential for improving photocatalytic efficiency due to their unique upconversion luminescence properties and good electron transfer ability, in addition to high specific surface area, low toxicity and good biocompatibility. Therefore, coupling and modification of carbon quantum dots with semiconductor materials is an important method to improve the photocatalytic efficiency of semiconductor materials. In this paper, the preparation method of carbon quantum dots is introduced, its unique optical and electronic properties are clarified, and the applications of carbon quantum dots in the fields of photocatalytic hydrogen production, photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, photocatalytic reduction of CO₂, photocatalytic removal of heavy metal pollution and photocatalytic sterilization are emphatically expounded. Finally, the shortcomings of carbon quantum dots in photocatalytic application at present are briefly summarized and its future development is prospected.

Gastric retention hydrogels represent a potential material with weight-loss effects and offer an effective solution to address the low bioavailability of drugs in pharmaceutical therapy. This study aims to develop a degradable hydrogel capable of prolonged retention in the stomach, facilitating both weight loss and drug release. Two degradable macromolecular cross-linking agents were synthesized, with acrylamide as the main mo-nomer, mixed with chitosan solution for the preparation of a degradable hydrogel with a semi-interpenetrating network (sIPN) structure initiated by a redox initiator. The morphology and chemical structure of the prepared hydrogels were characterized using analytical techniques such as SEM and FTIR. In vitro drug release experiments demonstrated that the hydrogel achieved controlled drug release, extending the drug's retention time in the stomach. The swelling performance, biocompatibility and degradation properties of the hydrogel in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) were also evaluated. Results indicated that the hydrogel with cross-linking agent ratio 4∶6 exhibited a swelling ratio of 2 700%, excellent biocompatibility and a weight loss of 7% in SGF over 5 days. The 4∶6 hydrogel had a compressive modulus greater than 13 kPa at 60% deformation, demonstrating resistance to gastric peristalsis. Therefore, the chitosan sIPN hydrogel holds promising potential for applications in weight loss and the treatment of gastric diseases.

The complex chemical composition characteristics of asphalt are closely related to its pavement performance and will change with the service time of asphalt, resulting in a high degree of uncertainty in its performance. It is significant for the research and development of high-perfor-mance asphalt pavement materials to take the asphalt chemical components as a bridge to establish a targeting relationship between microscopic composition and macroscopic properties. This paper aims to systematically introduce and outlook the relationship between asphalt component characteristics and macroscopic properties, focusing on its guiding role in the optimal design of asphalt pavement materials. First, the research process and development trend of colloid structure theory, asphaltene structure modeling and molecular structure modeling of chemical components are reviewed from the micro-perspective. Second, the basic characteristics of saturate, aromatic, resin and asphaltene fractions and the commonly used separation methods are summarized. Then, the targeting relationships between the macroscopic properties of asphalt, including engineering index, multi-temperature domain rheological properties, thermal stability, aging properties, regeneration properties and the chemical component characteristics of asphalt are reviewed. The migration characteristics of the chemical components in the process of asphalt property transformation are analyzed and the mechanism of the chemical fractions on the evolution of macroscopic properties is revealed. This will provide some reference for the construction of targeted asphalt design, targeted flame-retardant and targeted regeneration systems. Finally, the design method of targeted chemical compositions of asphalt is proposed with the aid of molecular dynamics simulations of asphalt. The application conception for the relationship between chemical component characteristics and macroscopic properties of asphalt is proposed based on material genomic ideas.

Fair-faced concrete is widely used in civil engineering construction for its aesthetic qualities (including the absence of bugholes, uniform colour appearance and natural surface texture) and for reducing carbon emissions.The control of surface air voids is one of the most difficult problems in the preparation of fair-faced concrete due to the unclear mechanism of void formation and the enormous coupling factors.Recently, researchers have attempted to qualitatively analyse the relationship between some key factors (such as concrete materials and construction processes) and surface air void characteristics, in order to guide the fair-faced concrete construction practice.In this review, the authors summarized the research progress on surface air void defect formation and regulation studies.From the point of view of the conversion of air bubbles into surface air voids during concrete hardening, the formation, Ostwald ripening, migration and adhesion of air bubbles in fresh concrete are the key processes.Thus, four aspects were introduced, including the evaluation of surface air void defects, air bubble evolution, the influence of concrete rheological state under vibration on air bubble emission, and the function of formwork/release agent.The main conclusions and remaining problems of the existing literature were also highlighted.Finally, the authors prospected the research and application of the formation mechanism and regulation methods of concrete surface air void defects.

The research and prediction of material damping properties are particularly important in view of a series of negative effects such as parts fai-lure, precision decline and structural damage caused by unavoidable vibration, shock and noise in engineering applications. As a structural material, the damping properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites are widely concerned by experts and scholars at home and abroad. In this paper, the damping sources and the main methods for predicting damping properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites are described. Taking resin base, ceramic base, carbon base, metal base and sandwich materials as examples, the main research achievements of domestic and fo-reign experts on the influence of matrix modification, sandwich materials and damage on the damping properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites are introduced, and the research on damping properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites is summarized.

Because of the excellent nuclear property, high thermal conductivity, high boiling point and chemical inertness of lead-bismuth alloy, the lead-bismuth fast breeder reactor, which use lead-bismuth alloy as the coolant, is one of the promising development prospects of Generation Ⅳ six type of reactors. Lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) coolant is corrosive to reactor structural materials, which is an important factor limiting the development of LBE cooled reactor. Oxygen dissolved into LBE controlled in a certain range is one of the effective approaches to carry out corrosion protection of structural materials in LBE environment, so it is required that the oxygen dissolved in lead-bismuth system must be controllable and measurable to ensure the safe operation of the reactor. In recent years, with the development of LBE cooled reactor, the key common technologies on material corrosion protection continue to break through. This paper summarizes the research progress of dissolved oxygen measurement and control technology for reactor structural materials corrosion protection, introduces the research status of oxygen measurement and oxygen control at home and abroad, and focuses on the comparison and analysis of the application prospects of different oxygen control modes for LBE cooled fast reactor. Finally, the development and application of oxygen measurement and control technology for lead-bismuth fast reactor are prospected.

In recent years, numerous research has demonstrated that self-doping enables precise modulation of the conductivity type (p-type or n-type) in organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite materials, leading to improved light absorption and charge carrier transport, ultimately resulting in enhanced power conversion efficiency of solar cells. Furthermore, the sequential deposition of perovskite layers with different doping types has facilitated the development of novel bilayer perovskite homojunction/heterojunction (P-P junction) solar cells. When compared to conventional pe-rovskite solar cells, P-P junction solar cells exhibit an additional built-in electric field within the photoactive layer, which efficiently promotes the transmission of carrier, effectively reducing non-radiative recombination. Additionally, the inherent bipolar charge transport characteristics of perovskite materials allow them to function as both electron and hole transport layers. Consequently, the introduction of P-P junctions obviates the need for separate transport layers, thereby optimizing device architecture and simplifying fabrication processes. These advancements provide a promising direction for the further development of perovskite solar cells. This paper focuses on organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite materials, providing detailed insights into the methods employed to regulate self-doping types. It also comprehensively reviews the applications of self-doped perovskites in solar cells, elucidates the physical mechanisms and influencing factors associated with self-doped P-P junction solar cells, and concludes with a summary and outlook on the current technological challenges and future prospects in this field.

The carbon emissions generated by concrete preparation currently account for 28% of the total carbon release of the construction industry. The carbon sequestration technologies have become the key to achieving the “dual carbon” goals. Concrete carbon sequestration technologies refer to the utilization of carbonization reactions between CO₂ and alkaline metal ions (such as Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺) or hydration products in concrete pore solutions generating stable carbonates to achieve the purpose of carbon immobilization. Carbonization reactions can affect concretes from the perspectives of characteristics such as pore solution, pore structure, and hydration products, thereby influencing the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. This paper summarizes the carbon sequestration technologies of concrete throughout its full life-cycle (mixing, curing, servicing, and secondary utilization), and systematically discusses the carbonization mechanism, technical characteristics, and storage potential of different carbon sequestration technologies. It has been clarified that injecting CO₂ during mixing can promote the carbonization of concrete, but consumes energy and causes additional carbon emissions. Carbonization curing can improve the early strength of concrete, but the dense carbonization products limit the further development of carbonization. The carbonization of servicing concretes does not require human intervention and has great potential for carbon sequestration, but its process is relatively sluggish. The carbonization during the secondary utilization stage can not only achieve CO₂ storage, but also improve the quality of aggregates. It is suggested that optimizing existing technologies and introducing new materials and structural forms can improve the CO₂ immobilzation efficiency of concrete throughout its full life-cycle.

Conductive hydrogels have good application prospects in the fields of human-computer interaction and electronic skin owing to their excellent toughness and biocompatibility. However, more excellent adhesion and sensitivity are needed in practical application scenarios to get accurate response signals. In this work, a conductive hydrogel was rapidly polymerized by copolymerization of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and acrylamide (AM) through sulfhydryl attacking on the carbon-carbon double bond under ultraviolet illumination. Its adhesion strength to porcine skin reached 525 kPa and to aluminum sheet was up to 817 kPa. Different from the traditional preparation methods, the electrical conductivity of the hydrogel prepared in this work without adding any conductive fillers reaches 1.08 S/m, and the gauge factor (GF) reaches 9.28, which avoided the problems of poor mechanical properties and low sensitivity due to the uneven dispersion of conductive fillers. In addition, the hydrogel is frost-resistant and can still work normally at -60 ℃. Owing to the high sensitivity and strong adhesion, the P(AMPS-co-AM) hydrogel can be used as a flexible stress or strain sensor to accurately detect small or large movements in different parts of the human body, with accurate responsiveness and excellent stability, which has great potential for application in the fields of electronic skin and flexible wearable devices.

With the acceleration of population aging in China, the incidence of skin chronic wounds has been increasing steadily. Due to their prolonged healing cycles and high recurrence rates, chronic wounds not only pose significant threats to patients’ physical and mental health but also impose a heavy burden on the healthcare system. The healing of chronic wounds is a complex process that involves the precise coordination of various cells and signaling factors, making it challenging for single therapeutic approaches, such as anti-inflammatory treatments, to effectively address this multifaceted physiological process. In recent years, bioactive hydrogels have demonstrated remarkable advantages in improving wound microenvironments and promoting cell proliferation due to their excellent biocompatibility, precise regulation of cell behaviors, and ability to modulate the release of signaling factors. This review systematically elucidates the mechanisms by which bioactive hydrogels contribute to skin wound healing, encompassing key stages, such as hemostasis, anti-inflammation, promotion of cell proliferation, collagen deposition, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Finally, the review explores the promising clinical applications of bioactive hydrogels while highlighting the major challenges and unresolved issues in their clinical translation, providing references for future research and technological advancements in chronic wound healing.

Zirconium-based biomedical alloys have attracted more and more attention due to their low elastic modulus, high strength, good corrosion resistance and biocompatibility in physiological environment, and have been exploratorily used as human hard tissue replacement materials. This paper reviews the research progress of medical zirconium alloys in Zr-Nb, Zr-Mo and Zr-Ti systems, then summarizes the influence of alloy composition on the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of medical zirconium alloys based on the performance requirements of biomedical materials. In addition, surface modification technology is an important means to improve the surface properties of alloys. The research progress of surface modification of zirconium alloys in the biomedical field is reviewed from the aspects of different technologies and functional coatings. Finally, the development direction of biomedical zirconium alloy and its surface modification technology is prospected, hoping to provide valuable reference for the research and development of biomedical zirconium alloys.

Indoor air pollutants have been recognized as important factors affecting human health, making the control of indoor air pollution of great significance for human health protection. Metal-organic frameworks and carbon-based materials are widely used materials in a variety of fields, which show promising potential in the control of indoor air pollution. In this paper, systematic review was conducted to reveal the research progress and current state of using metal-organic frameworks and carbon-based materials as adsorbents and photocatalysts in the control of indoor air pollution. Commonly used metal-organic frameworks and carbon-based materials in indoor air pollution control included activated carbon, biochar, activated carbon fiber, metal-organic framework, graphene and graphene derivatives, as well as graphite phase carbon nitride. The removal efficiency of these materials for indoor volatile organic compounds and particles was clarified, and the influencing factors and main existing problems were further discussed. The future development of metal-organic frameworks and carbon-based materials was proposed, which will help to develop cheap and efficient adsorption materials and photocatalytic materials and provide technical support for indoor air pollution control.

Titanium alloy-hydroxyapatite composite materials for bone repair have attracted much attention due to their excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties. The metal part of the material constitutes a matrix skeleton with good mechanical properties, while the non-metallic part composed of calcium phosphate compounds can effectively promote bone cell growth and ensure good biocompatibility of the material. There are two main preparation processes for this type of material: high-temperature sintering and friction stir welding. High temperature sintering mainly includes hot pressing sintering, pressureless heat transfer sintering, discharge plasma sintering, microwave sintering, and laser sintering. At pre-sent, there are problems with insufficient mechanical properties during low-temperature sintering and severe thermal decomposition of calcium phosphate compounds during high-temperature sintering in the high-temperature sintering process, while the preparation process of friction stir welding is yet inchoate. This review summarizes the working principle and characteristics of the aforementioned preparation process of titanium alloy hydroxyapatite composite materials for bone repair. It analyzes and discusses the influence of each preparation process on the products’ phase composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. It elaborates the viewpoint that high-temperature sintering mechanism, the pressure condition (pressurized or pressureless) of the sintering process, and other process factors affect greatly the material properties, and depicts the promising potential of the two preparation processes, i. e., friction stir welding and microwave sintering, owing to relatively small impact on calcium phosphate compounds. It also clarifies the advantages/disadvantages and development prospect of the preparation processes entailed, and finally ends with a tentative prophecy about the three research directions in the preparation process of titanium alloy hydroxyapatite composite materials for bone repair.

Since 1970s, TiAl-based alloys have been used as a new lightweight high temperature structure candidate material because of their low density, high specific strength, ablative resistance, and good high-temperature mechanical properties. With the deepening of research on various strengthening and toughening measures, the problem of room temperature brittleness of TiAl-based alloys has been gradually solved. TiAl-based alloys have been successfully applied to aero-engine blades, aerospace vehicle skins, rudder wings, automobile exhaust valves, etc.
However, the lack of high-temperature oxidation resistance of TiAl-based alloys limits their application as high-temperature components. At present, the high-temperature oxidation resistance of TiAl-based alloys is mainly improved by two methods: integral alloying and surface modification. Integral alloying is to add Nb, Si, Mo, W, rare earth and other alloying elements to the alloy, which promotes the formation of a dense oxide scale on the surface of the alloy and improves the adhesion between the oxide scale and the substrate. Surface modification mainly includes surface alloying and surface coating. Surface alloying technology generally includes thermal diffusion, ion implantation, pre-oxidation, laser surface alloying and so on. Surface coating technology is to use different kinds of coatings to improve the surface properties of the substrate, such as Ti-Al-X systemcoating, MCrAlY thermal barrier coating, ceramic coating, composite coating.
Thermal barrier coating, as a coating material in surface modification, has excellent oxidation resistance and long-term service performance. When applied to the surface of TiAl-based alloy, it can effectively improve the high-temperature oxidation resistance of the alloy. However, the combination of the thermal barrier coating and TiAl-based alloys also has the following problems. The excessive growth of thermal grown oxides leads to interface failure, and the elements interdiffusion between the coating and the substrate is serious, resulting in the long-term service performance of the thermal barrier coating/TiAl-based alloy system is weakened.
In this paper, the high-temperature oxidation behavior of TiAl-based alloys is summarized and analyzed. The influencing factors and mechanism of high-temperature protection of TiAl-based alloys are reviewed from two aspects of integral alloying and surface modification. The problems faced by the application of thermal barrier coatings on the surface of TiAl alloys are analyzed and the improvement scheme is proposed, in order to provide a reference for improving the high-temperature oxidation resistance of TiAl alloy and developing thermal barrier coating/TiAl alloy system.

Lithium-sulfur batteries (Li-S batteries) are regarded as one of the most promising modern energy storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density and specific capacity. However, their commercial application still faces huge challenges, such as fast capacity decay, poor cycle stability and short lifetime, originating from the shuttle effect, high electrochemical energy barrier, low conductivity of sulfur species, and volume change of sulfur cathode. Optimizing functional separators and designing appropriate positive electrode materials for batteries is a feasible approach. Two-dimensional (2D) carbon-based materials are now widely used in Li-S batteries as sulfur host materials, since they are highly controllable and have a wide range of physical, chemical, and electrochemical characteristics. This paper reviews the research progress of 2D carbon-based materials in Li-S batteries, including graphene, 2D defective carbon-based materials, non-metallic doped carbon-based materials, metal-doped carbon-based materials, non-metallic carbides and metal carbides, and their corresponding catalytic performance. Finally, we highlight a few issues that still require addressing and forecast the future development in the application of Li-S batteries.

The shaped warhead, with the main component of shaped charge liner, is the primary means for drones to damage armor, bunkers, and other targets. The present review is based on the penetration mechanism of shaped charge liners and the development tendency of ‘high penetration, large reaming and strong aftereffect'. It first outlines the conventional methods such as structural designing and inert material modification for enhancing damage capabilities of shaped charge liners, and reveals the inadequacy of these conventional methods in simultaneously promoting longitudinal and lateral damage capability. It second describes the current research status of energetic structural materials for enhanced shaped charge liners, demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing comprehensive damage effect while also clarifying their limitations in comprehensive mechanical properties. It finally states the basic concept of multi-principal element alloys and their applicative potential in energetic structural materials for shaped charge liners. This paper can not only serve as a reference for developing new generation high-damage shaped charge liner and materials but also provide new insight for their applicative research.

In the process of washing photovoltaic monocrystalline silicon wafer, the maximum stress may cause damage to the silicon wafer. The determination of the distribution of the stress on the silicon wafer and the maximum stress position on the silicon wafer are of great significance to reduce the damage of the silicon wafer. In this work, based on the Levy solution model of the short-shaped plate, the deflection and stress values of the silicon wafers of different sizes are calculated. Then, ABAQUS finite element software is used to simulate the stress generated in the process of silicon wafer washing. The results show that the maximum stress value appears on the free edge (y=b) or the fixed edge (y=0) when the wafer's aspect ratio b/a=2, 1 and 0.5 are calculated by using the Levy solution model of the short-shaped plate. When the wafer width a is fixed and the length b is gradually increased, the stress value is maximum when the aspect ratio b/a=0.5 on the fixed side, and the stress value is maximum when the aspect ratio b/a=0.9 on the free side. When the aspect ratio of the silicon wafer b/a=0.1—1.5, the maximum stress of the silicon wafer is distributed on the solid support edge, and when the aspect ratio of the silicon wafer b/a=1.5—2, the maximum stress of the silicon wafer is distributed on the free edge. The determination of the maximum stress position by the maximum deflection can reduce a lot of calculation, but it is not comprehensive and accurate. The results obtained by ABQUS finite element analysis are consistent with the stress distribution calculated by Levy solution model of rectangular plate, but there are some errors in the stress value. By combining the results of Levy solution model of rectangular plate with Mohr theory, the relation formula between the washing pressure and the thickness of silicon wafer is derived. When the thickness of the silicon wafer is determined, the maximum washing pressure that can be borne on the silicon wafer can be calculated; conversely, when the washing pressure is determined, the minimum thickness that will not be destroyed when the silicon wafer is washed can be obtained.

The grain boundary diffusion process (GBDP) of heavy rare earth elements such as Dy and Tb into Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets is the most important approach to enhance the magnets with high coercive force. This paper briefly introduces the concept of GBDP and the application status in the manufacture of high-performance sintered Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets. The latest representative research results in recent years are analyzed, and several possible problems that need to be overcome are presented. This review has certain guiding significance for the further development of high performances Nd-Fe-B magnetic materials.

Due to the hydrogels with high-water content, hydrogels typically exhibit low mechanical properties and anti-freezing performance. Usually, these performances were improved by reducing the water content of the hydrogels. While this limited the applications of the hydrogels. This work used a one-step soaking method, utilizing the Hofmeister effect to induce the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer chain self-assemble forming a uniform hydrophobic entangled cross-linked network and hydrogen bond cross-linked network structure. The inorganic salt ions introduced in the Hofmeister effect can also form hydration with water molecules. These can endow the PVA hydrogels good mechanical flexibility and anti-freezing performance, constructing the PVA hydrogels with high mechanical flexibility (breaking strength and elongation at break of 25.02 MPa and 935%, respectively) and anti-freezing performance (freezing point of -47.6 ℃). Besides, the introduction of salt ions can also provide free-moving ions for the ionic conductivity of the hydrogels. This hydrogel with excellent comprehensive properties can be applied to the field of flexible ionic conductivity with wide operating temperature and mechanical performance requirements.

Space nuclear power is one of the key technologies for achieving deep space exploration and carrier transportation in the future. Space nuclear power has the characteristics of long service life, good maneuverability, and minimal impact from the space environment. It is a high-quality energy source that provides energy in space. Nuclear fuel is the core component of space nuclear power reactors, located in long-term, high-temperature, and high radiation service environments. It is a key material that affects the efficient and stable operation of space nuclear reactors, which is significantly different from traditional pressurized water reactor UO₂ fuel. This paper reviews the development trends and research progress of space nuclear power reactor fuels, represents by nuclear power sources and nuclear propulsion. It compares and analyzes the diffe-rences in fuel systems used in different space nuclear power systems, and systematically elaborates on the key issues affecting the application of space nuclear power fuels from the aspects of fuel design, process preparation, performance analysis, and service evaluation. It also proposed the technical direction and research focus of future space nuclear power fuels in China. Providing support for the optimization design and perfor-mance improvement of fuel for advanced space nuclear power reactors in China.

Biomass-based hard carbon is a widely used material in the preparation of anode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to its low cost and abundance of carbon sources. However, the electrical properties of biomass-based hard carbon materials prepared by direct carbonization are difficult to meet the demand due to the limitations of biomass precursor components and structural properties. Consequently, there has been a surge in research activity aimed at optimising the components and structure of biomass precursors through the application of specific pretreatment techniques. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the various pretreatment processes, their roles and mechanisms of biomass resource utilisation, and the latest research developments in the field of biomass-based hard carbon anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. The paper reviews the efficacy of three main categories of chemical, physical and biological pretreatment techniques, and provides a reference point for subsequent researchers engaged in the selection and application of pretreatment processes for biomass-based hard carbon materials.

Phosphorus removal by phosphorus adsorbent is a common way to remove phosphorus from water. Compared with other phosphorus adsorbents, lanthanum-based phosphorus binders have the advantages of strong phosphorus affinity, wide pH adaptability, and environmental friendliness. Among the lanthanum-based phosphorus binders, lanthanum hydroxide has high lanthanum content, and hence, greater phospho-rus removal potential. In this study, nano-lanthanum hydroxide was prepared by precipitation method for phosphorus removal in water. Through orthogonal test, the optimum preparation conditions were obtained as 1-hour reaction at 80 ℃ and a LaCl₃ solution of 0.12 mol·L^-1. It was observed by transmission electron microscopy that the prepared nano-lanthanum hydroxide was nanorods with lengths of about 65 nm and diameters of 5.8 nm. The experimental results showed that nano-lanthanum hydroxide could effectively adsorb phosphorus in solution in a wide pH range (1—7), and the temperature rise was conducive to the phosphorus adsorption process. At 310 K and pH=3, the phosphorus adsorption capacity of nano-lanthanum hydroxide could reach 131.11 mg·g^-1. The phosphorus adsorption process of nano-lanthanum hydroxide conforms to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isothermal equation. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that the mechanism of nano-lanthanum hydroxide phosphorus removal included dissolution precipitation, electrostatic adsorption and ligand exchange between phosphate and OH^- in nano-lanthanum hydroxide to form stable inner sphere complexes.

The shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and the sluggish redox kinetics severely hinder the commercial application of lithium-sulfur batteries. The present work made a successful attempt to synthesize an ultrafine α-MoC nanocrystalline material loaded on a nitrogen-doped porous carbon (NPC) substrate, namely MoC/NPC, in which the confinement effect of carbon on MoC nanocrystals could be optimized by controlling the ratio of carbon source to molybdenum source. Appropriate MoC nanocrystal diameter and NPC content were found to lead to the strongest adsorption for LiPSs and full exposure of sulfur-reactive active sites. This not only effectively suppresses the shuttle effect but also accelerates the reaction kinetics of Li₂S deposition and nucleation. The optimum product, MoC/NPC-12, synthesized with a mass ratio of dicyandiamide (C source) to CdMoO₄(Mo source) of 12, demonstrated excellent rate capability (634.4 mAh·g^-1 at 4C), high discharge capacity (1 203.9 mAh·g^-1 at 0.2C), and exceptional cycle stability (a capacity decay rate of only 0.093% per cycle during 400 cycles at 1C) when loaded with~1.2 mg·cm^-2 sulfur. And despite a further increment of sulfur loading to 3.8 mg·cm^-2, an initial areal capacity of MoC/NPC-12@S of 4.7 mAh·cm^-2 could still be achieved. This work provides valuable insights for the rational design and optimization of catalyst host materials in lithium-sulfur batteries.

Artificial cells are synthetic microstructures engineered to replicate the structural and functional characteristics of living cells. These cell-like constructs have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their potential to enhance our understanding of the origins of life and their application in the development of biologically active materials. Consequently, they have become a focal point in interdisciplinary research across materials science, chemistry, and biomedicine. The methods for constructing artificial cells can be broadly categorized into two main approaches, i.e. bottom-up and top-down, based on the scale of construction. These two methods have their own characteristics and complement each other. Among them, bottom-up approach, which involves the self-assembly of molecular components into larger, cell-like structures, offers a wide range of options for selecting building blocks. This flexibility allows for the tailoring of functionalities that are consistent with the properties of the chosen biomaterials, thereby unlocking numerous potential applications in biomedicine due to the inherent biocompatibility of these building blocks. This review focuses on reported models of artificial cells constructed by various methods, encompassing a diverse array of biomolecular building blocks, including lipid and phospholipid-based structures (such as liposomes and giant unilamellar vesicles), polysaccharide-based structures (polysaccharidosomes), protein-based structures (proteinosomes), polymer-based structures (polymersomes), and colloidal particle-based structures (colloidosomes). Additionally, the current applications of these artificial cells are also explored, highlighting their roles as biological carriers, micro-reactors, biosensors, and signal regulators, with a particular emphasis on their use in medical diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.

Lithium-ion batteries have been widely used in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and no memory effect. Germanium-based anode materials have emerged as a key focus of research in the realm of lithium-ion batte-ries, owing to their high theoretical specific capacity (approximately 4 times that of graphite), low lithium insertion potential, and excellent conductivity (roughly 10⁴ times that of silicon). In recent years, researchers have conducted extensive studies on the synthesis and modification of germanium-based anode materials, resulting in significant breakthroughs. However, there are still many challenges in the cycling stability of germa-nium-based anode materials, mainly due to the severe volume effect and unstable interface during the charge and discharge processes. This paper presents the preparation methods, morphology, structure, and electrochemical performance of diverse germanium-based anode materials through the lens of four modification strategies: dimensional nanostructuring, porous structuring, carbon material composites, and alloying. Finally, it delves into the research progress of modification techniques and approaches for germanium-based anode materials, along with outlining future research directions.

The present work focused on the effects of silane coupling agent-grafted graphene on the properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and carried out molecular dynamics modelling and simulation for pure PDMS, PDMS modified by non-grafted graphene, and PDMS modified by KH550-grafted graphene (with graft intensities of 6% and 12%), in order to analyze the thermodynamic property improvement induced by modification. The simulation indicated that either non-grafted graphene or KH550-grafted graphene has positive influence on thermodynamic properties of PDMS such as thermal conductivity, glass transition temperature (T_g), free volume, mean square displacement, and water molecules' diffusion coefficient and H₂O-composite binding energy. In the water-containing models, 6% and 12% KH550-grafted graphene modified PDMSs could achieve improvements in thermal conductivity (at 250 K) of 25.6% and 21.6%, respectively, and T_g rises of 70 K and 77 K, respectively, compared with pure PDMS. The comparison between the water-containing and non-water models of the KH550-grafted graphene modified PDMS confirmed that water molecules results in increase in mean square displacement, and reductions in T_g and free volume, and the H₂O molecule diffusion coefficient and H₂O-composite binding energy differs with varying temperature and graft intensity. The output of this work may provide useful information for future studies on mitigating the impact of flashover voltage on electric system, and theoretical support for the development of transmission line de-icing and hydrophobic materials.

The unique molecular structure of polyurea elastomers contributes to their exceptional mechanical properties and energy-absorbing characte-ristics, significantly enhancing the anti-explosion and anti-invasion penetration performance of the substrate. The research progress of pol-yurea elastomers in the field of protection is comprehensively sorted out, mainly focusing on the optimization of formulations, the application of protective structures and the mechanism of energy-absorbing, and an in-depth systematic analysis is carried out. In addition, the problems exis-ting in the research of polyurea elastomer are summarized, which provides useful references for the further study and application of polyurea elastomer as well as the design of new protective structures, and is of great significance for the research of anti-explosion and anti-invasion penetration of protective structures.

Ceramic materials have advantages such as high hardness, high temperature resistance, electrical insulation, and bio-compatibility, making them ideal application materials in fields like aerospace, machinery, electronics, and medicine. However, conventional preparation methods cannot meet the current needs for complex structures and customization. The fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing of ceramic materials has gained increasing attention and research due to its advantages of low cost, wide applicability, and high efficiency. It is expected to fundamentally solve the problems of efficient printing and complex structure development in ceramics. In this paper, the processes of FDM, including feedstocks preparation, extrusion molding, debinding and sintering, were introduced and the research status of FDM in the field of fiber-reinforced composite ceramic materials was elaborated. The main factors affecting printing and properties were analyzed, and finally, application and deve-lopment of FDM in ceramic materials were prospected.

8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) thin films are the core components of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), which directly affect the output performance of SOFCs. In this paper, the characteristics of the thinning process of zirconia electrolyte are introduced. The effects of sintering additives, binder systems and slurry rheology on zirconia slurry are analyzed in detail. The influences of tape casting process parameters including casting speed and drying environment on the thickness and quality of zirconia green tapes are summarized. The advanced sintering me-thods of zirconia green tapes are described, and the effects of electrolyte thickness and structure on the density and ionic conductivity of zirconia electrolyte films are discussed. Finally, the research direction of tape casting process for preparation of high-quality zirconia thin films has been prospected.

In order to reduce the carbon emissions and costs of stabilizing excavated soil into subgrade fills, and improve the resource recovery of industrial solid waste, ladle furnace slag (single or cooperation with sodium silicate) was selected as the predominant material to stabilize excavated soil to manufacture subgrade fills. The slag could dehydrate the soil more quickly compared to cement, and it was able to transform the soil into fills with a California bearing ratio greater than 8% (a value for the subgrade suffering general hydrological and load situations recommended by standard). Silicate (aluminate) hydrates exhibiting various maturity could be observed within fills, but there were still many residual pores. Consequently, the bearing capacity of compacted fills highly depended on the interlocking effect of slag particles and the compressive hardening of fills. After incorporating sodium silicate, the dehydration of soil was further accelerated. Also, particle-size distribution and stability of the fills were improved. Due to the stimulation of sodium silicate, dicalcium silicate crystal in slag was destructed and then hydrated into silicate (aluminate) hydrates to cement and enclose particles. As a result, the fills exhibited dense microstructure, and the compacted fills demonstrated higher California bearing ratio and the saturated unconfined compressive strength exceeding 1 MPa after 7 days of curing. Sodium silicate was prone to transform into a reactive gel (NaHSi₂O₅·3H₂O) with water uptake and expansibility, thus, excessive addition of sodium silicate resulted in the cracking of compacted fills under high humidity hence reducing strength. Based on the experimental results and the engineering application scenarios of fills, two mix proportions were recommended. When fills were used under general hydrological and load situations, the stabilizer consisted of 4.5%—6% slag, 3% lime, and 3% fly ash of the wet mass of soil. And 0.2%—0.3% sodium silicate was supposed to be added for the fills requiring better water stability and bearing capacity. The presented method for preparing fills, along with the recommended mix design, can facilitate the co-management of excavated soils and industrial solid waste. Furthermore, it can reduce the carbon emissions and costs associated with engineering.

GF/PP composites were prepared using the one-step process of direct fiber feeding injection molding (DFFIM), and the effect of injection speed and plasticization temperature on the properties of composites fabricated by DFFIM was studied, and the advantages of DFFIM technology were experimentally compared with the “two-step” technology. The results show that when the injection speed increases from 5 mm/s to 45 mm/s, the mechanical properties of GF/PP composites show a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, and the maximum tensile, bending and unnotched impact strength are 95.0 MPa, 133.9 MPa and 61.7 kJ/m², respectively, at the injection speed is 15 mm/s. When the plasticizing temperature increases from 205 ℃ to 250 ℃, the mechanical properties of the composite gradually improve, and when the plasticizing temperature continues to increase to 265 ℃, the tensile and impact strength of the composite decrease significantly, while the bending strength decreases from 133.9 MPa at 250 ℃ to 132.9 MPa. Compared with the “two-step” technology, GF/PP composites fabricated by DFFIM have obvious fiber length advantages, but after the glass fiber content exceeds 30%, its mechanical properties are gradually lower than the composite fabricated by the “two-step” technology using L-GFPP pellets.

Flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on Ag-mesh transparent electrodes have been developed as promising power sources for portable and wearable electronic devices. However, the undesired interdiffusion of halogen and metal ions poses a challenge to the efficiency and stability of the devices. This study focuses on the preparation of flexible PSCs utilizing the combined effects of polyurethane (PU) polymer additive for grain boundary passivation and an interfacial protective layer. One advantage of the strong interaction between Pb²⁺ and the C=O species is that it improved the crystal structure of the perovskite films, resulting in films of reduced defect density. As a result, the Ag-mesh electrode’s flexible PSC demonstrated an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.21%, ranking among the greatest PSC efficiencies on non-ITO electrodes to date. Moreover, the flexible PSCs demonstrated improved moisture and operational stability due to the presence of PU additive at the grain boundary and the interlayer barrier. This hindered the interdiffusion of halogen and metal. As a result, the PSCs were able to maintain 92.1% of their starting PCE value after being exposed to 30% relative humidity for 150 h, and 95% of their initial PCE when operating at the maximum power point for 1 000 h. Finally, after 1 000 cycles of bending with a 4 mm radius, the PSCs showed good mechanical stability, while also maintaining 86% of their initial PCE. This work can shed light on a new perspective for designing high-performance flexible perovskite-based optoelectronic devices.

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has significant advantages and great potential in the field of structural repair and reinforcement due to its excellent mechanical and durability properties.The bond performance of UHPC-normal concrete (NC) interface is very important for achieving a good reinforcement effect.Based on the oblique shear test,here analyzed the influence of UHPC strength and reinforcement thickness on the bond performance of UHPC-NC interface.The results show that the interface bond performance between post-cast UHPC and NC is excellent,and the failure modes of oblique shear specimens are mostly NC failure or simultaneous failure of interface and NC.The bond strength of UHPC-NC interface increases slightly with the increase of UHPC strength.The strength grade of UHPC increases from C100 to C140,and the interfacial bond strength of the specimen increases by 2.58 MPa (14.66%).The thickness of UHPC reinforcement has a more significant effect on the interfacial bond strength.The interfacial bond strength of the specimen with a thickness of 150 mm can be increased by 6.68 MPa (38%) compared with the specimen with a thickness of 75 mm.Based on the test results,a formula for calculating the shear strength of UHPC-NC interface considering the roughness of UHPC-NC interface,the strength of matrix NC,the strength and thickness of UHPC was established.The calculation results by the formula agree well with the test results.