Continuous fiber-reinforced composite 3D printing technology combines the flexibility of traditional 3D printing with the high performance of composites to produce lightweight, high-strength parts with complex geometries. This paper reviews the research progress of topology optimization methods and path planning algorithms for continuous fiber reinforced composite 3D printed structures. The application and advantages of topology optimization methods in continuous fiber 3D printed structures and the influence of path planning methods on 3D printed molding quality and mechanical properties are analyzed, and the co-design methods of topology optimization and path planning for continuous fiber 3D printed structures are discussed. Finally, the future development of continuous fiber reinforced composite 3D printing technology is prospected.

Polymer composites are widely used in the fields such as aeronautics and astronautics, electronics, architecture, automotive, chemical industry, textile and fire engineering, due totheir low density, high specific strength, chemical corrosion resistance, good thermal stability and easy formability compared with traditional materials. However, flammability seriously restricts their safety and reliability in open flame and high-temperature environments. Therefore, flammability reduction has become a mandatory requirement for industrial applications, and the development of flame-retardant polymer composites is an effective approach. Recently, significant progress has been made in the development and formulation design of environmentally friendly and efficient flame retardants, functional plant fibers, porous and easily modifiable metal organic framework compounds, and nano mineral reinforced polymer composites, contributing to new value-added lightweight, high-strength, flame-retardant functional composites exploration and application expansion. Recent development and functionalization status of traditional flame retardants, such as halogen-based, phosphorus-based, and magnesium-based, as well as novel flame retardants involving silicon-based, carbon-based, biomass-based, metal organic framework based, and ionic liquid based, were reviewed in this paper. Modification techniques for flame retardancy, together with flame retardation mechanism of the composites, were also summarized. Trends of flame-retardant polymer composites were finally proposed, in order to provide reference for further development and utilization of novel environmentally-friendly high-performance flame-retardant composites.

As the core material of modern civil engineering, cement concrete’s performance improvement and low-carbon transformation place higher demands on water reducer technology. Since the first generation of common water reducers emerged in the 1950s, water reducers have undergone three generations of innovation. Currently, the third generation of high-performance water reducers represented by polycarboxylic acid-based water reducers has become the focus of research due to its high water reduction rate, environmental protection and molecular designability. Despite the superior performance of polycarboxylate superplasticizers, their application still faces multiple challenges. Functions such as dispersion, collapse prevention, and mud resistance involve the synergistic effects of multiple theories such as electrostatic repulsion, steric hindrance, and hydration film lubrication. Existing theories are difficult to explain their macroscopic manifestations in a unified way. Complex working conditions place higher demands on the collapse resistance and mud resistance of water reducers, but conventional molecular design is difficult to meet diverse needs. Due to factors such as cement mineral composition, alkali content, and gypsum type, the adaptability of water reducers varies significantly. Therefore, a systematic solution is urgently needed. This summary systematically reviews the research progress of polycarboxylate water reducers from molecular design to engineering application: the development history of water reducers, the mechanism of dispersion, collapse prevention and mud resistance, the factors affecting compatibility with cement, the synthesis process, classification and evaluation methods, and the key development direction in the future. It should provide important ideas for the performance optimization and green development of polycarboxylate water reducers.

As the third generation semiconductor, silicon carbide (SiC) has excellent characteristics such as wide band gap, high carrier mobility, high thermal conductivity and good stability. It has great potential in the field of power electronic devices, especially in high temperature, high frequency, high power and other application scenarios. The primary techniques currently used for SiC crystal growth include physical vapor transport (PVT), high-temperature chemical vapor deposition (HTCVD), and top-seed solution growth (TSSG). During the growth and epitaxy of SiC single crystals, various types of defects inevitably arise, which can significantly affect the performance of semiconductor devices. This is manifested in reduced breakdown voltage, increased leakage current, and changes in on-resistance. Such performance variations not only diminish the efficiency and reliability of the devices but may also lead to complete device failure. Therefore, in order to improve the yield and performance of SiC semiconductor devices, it is very important to reduce and control various defects generated during the growth of SiC crystals before device fabrication. In this paper, the current preparation methods of SiC single crystal, the defects produced in the growth process of SiC crystal and their detection technology are summarized. The transformation and influencing factors between the defects produced in the growth process of SiC crystal are analyzed and studied, and the methods to reduce the defect density of SiC single crystal are discussed. Finally, the development direction of defect control technology in the growth process of SiC single crystal is prospected.

Inverse catalysts are solid catalysts that consist of small amounts of oxide nanoparticles uniformly dispersed on the surface of active components, such as metals or metal oxides. These catalysts enhance catalytic performance by adjusting the interface properties to increase the density of active sites at the interface, and by using surface oxide nanoparticles to physically isolate the metal active phase. This unique design has attracted significant attention from researchers. This paper provides a comprehensive overview starting from conventional supported catalysts, highlighting the advantages of inverse catalysts over conventional catalysts. It summarizes the preparation methods for inverse catalysts and delves into the critical effects of interface interactions, crystal face effects, and size effects on catalyst performance. Finally, by analyzing the applications of inverse catalysts in heterogeneous catalysis, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis, the paper discusses future trends for the preparation and application of inverse catalysts.

Energetic materials are the primary energy source for the launch, propulsion, damage, and control of weapon systems, and they are crucial for achieving national defense security strategies. To meet the application demands of weapon systems for novel energetic materials characterized by high-energy, high-efficiency, high-safety, and precisely controllable energy output, developing new energetic material technologies that harmonize energy performance with safety becomes imperative. This advancement will promote the evolution of weapon systems towards informatization and intelligence. Micro-nano manufacturing technology, a frontier manufacturing technology that countries are keen to develop, has seen significant applications in fields such as semiconductors, new energy, and new materials. Based on relevant research both domestically and internationally, the article reviews the latest research progress in the application of advanced micro-nano manufacturing technologies, represented by physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, and plasma technology, in the field of novel energetic materials. Initially, the principles and characteristics of various advanced micro-nano manufacturing technologies are introduced. The technical advantages in precisely controlling the size, morphology, composition, and structure of novel energetic materials are analyzed, and the applications in the controlled preparation and surface modification of novel energetic materials are focused on. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges faced by typical micro-nano manufacturing technologies in the current field of novel energetic materials and outlines future development directions.

With the continuous innovation of high-performance aero engine manufacturing materials and joining technology, Ni-based superalloys are widely concerned and successfully applied for their excellent high-temperature performance. TiAl based alloys have great potential for aerospace applications as new lightweight high-temperature materials. To fulfil the imperative demand of lightweight development, achieving a sound joining between TiAl based alloys and Ni-based superalloys is extremely necessary. In this paper, to overcome the welding difficulties caused by the differences in physical and chemical properties between these two metals, the microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture mechanisms of heterogeneous joints connected by different welding methods such as fusion welding, brazing, diffusion bonding and friction welding are reviewed. Among these welding methods, fusion welding is flexible and adaptable, but due to uneven heating and other problems, joints are vulne-rable to crack initiation, deteriorating mechanical properties. Brazing is an extensive welding method for two alloys, currently its filler metals are mainly designed as a multi-primary composition with the concept of high entropy, therefore the shear properties at room temperature have been close to the strength of the base metal. The research on diffusion bonding is mainly focused on the design of the interlayer and the establishment of the process window, etc. The joints are characterized by small welding deformation and high bonding strength, suitable for high joining precision and complex structures. Using the friction welding method, the welding interface is fine, without apparent cracks and other defects, howe-ver, the brittle phases generated at the interface will also deteriorate the mechanical properties. In summary, to solve the joining difficulties of TiAl based alloys and Ni-based superalloys, inhibiting the formation of brittle phases and ensuring sound metallurgical bonding is essential. Meanwhile, it is of great significance to promote the practical applications of the two alloys.

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis technology plays a significant role in overcoming the challenges of intermittent rene-wable energy utilization and reducing carbon emissions. Due to the harsh reaction conditions and the slow four-electron transfer process involved in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), precious metal iridium (Ir), with its exceptional corrosion resistance, has become an ideal choice for acidic water electrolysis. However, the scarcityand high cost of Ir resources severely restrict their commercialization and large-scale application. Therefore, rational design and efficient preparation of Ir-based catalysts are crucial for hydrogen production via water electrolysis. This review introduced recent advances in Ir-based catalysts for hydrogen production in acidic media, focusing on three synthesis strategies:the synthesis of Ir-based catalysts with special morphologies, the alloying strategy of Ir with other metals, and the modification strategy of iridium oxide. Additionally, it outlined future directions for the development of PEM water electrolysis OER Ir-based catalysts in terms of material modification. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing research findings, this work can provide a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for future investigations.

The composite material with PTFE micro-powder as additive phase and PEEK as matrix was prepared by hot pressing sintering method. The effects of PTFE content, load and velocity on the properties of PEEK and its composites were studied systematically. The results showed that PTFE/PEEK composites were successfully prepared by hot pressing sintering method. The addition of PTFE don’t change the crystal structure and chemical structure of the composites, but it can effectively improve the tribological properties of PEEK composites. The friction coefficient and wear rate of PTFE/PEEK-based composites decreases first and then increases with the increase of PTFE content. When the mass fraction of PTFE is 10%, the tribological properties of PTFE/PEEK composites are the best. Compared with pure PEEK (62.83 mm/s, 25 N), the friction coefficient and wear rate of 10% PTFE/PEEK composite are reduced by 66.7% and 76.0%, respectively. The friction coefficient of pure PEEK and 10% PTFE/PEEK composites increases first and then decreases with the increase of load, and increases with the increase of linear velocity. The wear rate of pure PEEK and 10% PTFE/PEEK composite gradually increases with the increase of load. The wear rate of pure PEEK gradually increases with the increase of line speed, and the wear rate of 10% PTFE/PEEK composite first decreases and then increases with the increase of line speed. The wear mechanism of pure PEEK under different loads or different speeds is mainly fatigue wear and adhesive wear. The wear mechanism of 10% PTFE/PEEK composite at low load (25, 50 N) is mainly slight adhesive wear and fatigue wear, accompanied by small abrasive wear. When the load is 75 N, the wear mechanism is mainly severe adhesive wear.

The accessibility of water is a critical ecological factor that constrains the sustainable development of agriculture. To mitigate the impact of drought on crop survival rates, nanocomposite hydrogel microspheres (SPL) were successfully synthesized by crosslinking sodium lignosulfonate (SL), sodium alginate (SA), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). And they are comprehensively characterized using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The influence of SPL hydrogel on soil properties, such as conductivity and pH, was investigated, along with its impact on wheat germination and growth under drought conditions. The results show that the incorporation of lignin provides structural support to the SPL hydrogel, endowing it with a rich porous structure, which resulted in a maximum water absorption capacity of 441.52 g/g, which is higher than that of many other laboratory-prepared hydrogel water-retention materials. The addition of SPL hydrogel has no significant effect on soil conductivity and pH, but it significantly improves soil water retention by approximately 20%. Under drought environment, wheat treated with SPL hydrogel exhibits higher germination rates and growth indicators, including plant height, root length, and fresh weight. This low-cost, rapidly prepared, and highly water-retentive hydrogel shows great potential for application in agricultural soil amelioration.

Piezoelectric ceramics are showing a growing trend in applications with high piezoelectric coefficients and high power, such as transducers and piezoelectric generators. To prevent the piezoelectric devices from failing at high temperature conditions, a higher mechanical quality factor (Q_m) value is necessary. Extensive research has shown that parameters such as piezoelectric coefficients and mechanical quality factor exhibit a trade-off relationship, making it a significant challenge to improve the mechanical quality while maintaining a high piezoelectric coefficient in piezoelectric materials. This work uses solid-state sintering method to prepare (1-x) (K_0.44Na_0.56Nb_0.98Ta_0.02O₃)-xLiSbO₃ (x=0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04) ceramics, abbreviated as KNNT-LS. The results showed that adding an appropriate amount of LiSbO₃ can form R-O phase boundaries at low temperature and O-T phase boundaries at room temperature, and the phase structure transition temperature is close to room temperature, constructing R-T coexisting phases. This is beneficial for synergistic modulation to improve piezoelectric performance and expand its working temperature range, the increase of second-phase grains and the emergence of oxygen vacancies have intensified the pinning effect, enhancing the Q_m value of the ceramic. The performance reaches its optimal level at x=0.02 (d₃₃=248 pC/N, T_C=379 ℃, Q_m=145, ε_r=33 650 (1 kHz, 379 ℃)). In addition, the mechanical quality factor (Q_m) has been significantly improved by the regulation of doping components and oxygen vacancies. The findings are helpful to understand the nature of multiphase coexistence caused by doping components in this system and the inf-luence of oxygen vacancies on piezoelectric properties, which has broad applications in high-power devices.

Small-diameter pipelines, as a vital component of the oil & gas field surface gathering system, are characterized by limited internal space, complex pipeline networks, varying construction standards, significant differences in pipe diameter and pressure, and a wide range of transported media. These characteristics have led to a lack of mature inspection methods for such pipelines. As an effective means of ensuring pipeline safety, in-line inspection (ILI) technology has gained widespread recognition. ILI allows for accurate identification and localization of pipeline defects and provides valuable information such as defect quantification. Currently, various ILI techniques exhibit good adaptability in large-diameter pipelines (DN ＞200 mm). However, due to the spatial constraints of small-diameter pipelines (DN≤200 mm), existing universal ILI tools need to accommodate components such as sensors, brushes, and cups within much smaller spaces. These result in poor pipeline passability, low defect detection rates, and reduced quantification accuracy. Specifically, in the development of magnetic flux leakage (MFL) ILI tools for small-diameter pipelines, there is a technical conflict between tool passability and data quality, which presents additional challenges in the mechanical and electronic design of high-resolution ILI tools. Based on a review of the current state of research in pipeline ILI technologies, this summary focuses on the development challenges of small-diameter pipeline ILI tools and proposes optimization and improvement suggestions. The research findings are of significant scientific and practical value for further optimizing small-diameter pipeline ILI technology, enhancing equipment performance, and ensuring the safe operation of pipelines.

Anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLMBs) are considered strong contenders for the next generation of high-energy battery systems due to their exceptional energy density, cost-effectiveness, and safety. By eliminating the need for cathode active materials, these batteries achieve higher energy density while reducing per-unit costs. However, the metallic lithium deposited at the cathode is highly reactive, prone to the formation of lithium dendrites, the generation of "dead lithium", and adverse reactions with the electrolyte. These issues hinder the formation of a stable cathode interface and accelerate the consumption of active lithium, ultimately leading to battery performance decline. Therefore, developing effective strategies to enhance the cycling stability and the reversibility of lithium metal deposition/stripping in AFLMBs has become a central goal in their development. Numerous efforts have been made to improve these batteries, including modifications to the electrolyte, current collector, artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and excess lithium in the cathode. As the core component of AFLMBs, the electrolyte requires systematic optimization strategies, such as high-concentration dual-salt systems, fluorinated solvent design, and solid-state electrolyte interface engineering, to enhance its cycle life and Coulombic efficiency. These advancements, achieved by modulating solvation structures, optimizing the chemical composition of the SEI, and suppressing lithium dendrite growth, establish a foundational framework for the practical application of high-energy-density AFLMBs.

This review systematically investigated and characterized the difficult beneficiation characteristics of poor, fine and heterogeneous manganese ores in China, based on the current status of manganese ore resource potential, exploitation, supply and demand within the country. Considering the resource characteristics, the preparation methods of manganese-based catalytic materials were summarized. These methods could facilitate the transformation of manganese ore resources in China from bulk raw materials for traditional steel refining to high-end applications. Furthermore, in view of the current distribution of manganese ore resources, the development pathways of manganese resources in catalytic conversion of hydrogen energy, such as in fuel cells and hydrogen production through electrolysis of water, were outlined, revealing the potential and practicality of manganese-based catalytic materials for the application of energy conversion.

In recent years, with the replacement of traditional lime kilns by modern industrial production, the bonding force and frost resistance of air hardening lime used in the repair of ancient buildings have generally declined, resulting in the decline of the repair quality of architectural he-ritage. Hydraulic lime, with the advantages of high early strength and excellent durability, has gradually attracted the attention in cultural relics protection field. Hydraulic lime includes natural hydraulic lime and artificial hydraulic lime, which has been systematically studied widely used in many cultural relics protection projects in Europe. However, the research on hydraulic lime started late in China, and not only without correspon-ding standard specification, but also has not been large-scale production and application. Based on the literature investigation of hydraulic lime research at home and abroad, the research development of the hydraulic lime for architectural heritage repair is sorted out, and the application cases of hydraulic lime in architectural heritage repair are analyzed. Then the advantages, disadvantages and difficulties of natural hydraulic lime and artificial hydraulic lime in the actual preparation and application process are pointed out. From the perspective of improving the level of protection of China's architectural heritage, the future development direction of hydraulic lime is summarized and prospected, which to provide theoretical support and directional reference for the repair of architectural heritage in China.

Conductive hydrogels, which integrate hydrophilic matrices with conductive media, not only retain the flexibility and biocompatibility of conventional hydrogels but also exhibit superior electrical conductivity. These unique material properties position them for broad application prospects in fields such as medical monitoring, artificial skin, implantable bioelectronics, and tissue engineering. This review focuses on the research progress of conductive hydrogels in the medical field, detailing their classification into electronic conductive hydrogels, ionic conductive hydrogels, and intrinsically conductive hydrogels, as well as the methods for their preparation. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each type of conductive hydrogel and their potential to improve the mechanical properties and conductivity of materials. It ends with a prospective discussion on issues challenging current research and future trends.

In this work, the microstructure and mechanical properties of TC4 titanium alloy, with a particular focus on the effects of electropulsing treatment(EPT) technology, were investigated. The microstructure of the specimens were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy before and after treatment at different voltages and cycle times. The mechanical properties of the specimens were tested and analyzed using a hydraulic servo material testing machine. The results demonstrate that there is a linear relationship between the highest temperature and the maximum current density during the electropulsing treatment. Furthermore, the electropulsing treatment markedly enhances the microstructure of TC4 titanium alloy and effectively improves its elongation, while simultaneously reducing the recrystallization and phase transformation temperatures. The elongation exhibits an initial increase followed by a decline with rising voltage. The tensile strength remains largely unaltered, whereas the yield strength declines with increasing voltage. Among the specimens, the elongation increased by 22.9% under the EPT of 400 V and 50 cycles. This study provides a new optimization strategy for the processing and application of titanium alloys.

To investigate the optimal binary foam ratio of fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (AEO₅) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) for enhancing dust suppression performance, a combination of physical experiments and molecular simulations was employed to study the stability and wettability of the binary dust-suppressing foam. Foam stability and static contact angle measurements were used to evaluate the optimal ratio of the binary foam suppressant and its wetting performance on long-flame coal. Its effectiveness was further validated through practical engineering applications. Molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to analyze intermolecular interactions, hydrogen bond properties, and electrostatic potential. The results show that the optimal AEO₅/SLS ratio is 6∶30, under which the shortest defoaming time is 156 min, and the minimum static contact angle of the solution is 17.94°. The dust suppression efficiencies for total dust and respirable dust reached maximum values of 94% and 87%, respectively. Correlation analysis of experimental and molecular simulation results indicates that at the optimal ratio, the interaction energy between surfactant molecules and water molecules is maximized, resulting in the thickest foam liquid film and the highest stability. Additionally, under this ratio, the foam liquid film exhibits the lowest surface tension, providing more adsorption sites for water molecules when SLS molecules interact with long-flame coal molecules, thereby enhancing wettability. This study provides theoretical gui-dance for the development of novel multi-component foam dust suppressants.

As an emerging non-volatile memory technology, conductive bridge random access memory (CBRAM) has attracted extensive attention in the semiconductor memory field in recent years. With the rapid development of applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable devices, and mobile computing, higher requirements have been imposed on the performance, power consumption, size, and cost of memories. Consequently, new-generation memory technologies like CBRAM have emerged. This paper elaborates on the basic concepts and structures of CBRAM; it conducts a detailed analysis of the formation mechanisms of conductive filaments in different dielectric layers; it compares the electrical performance differences of devices fabricated with different electrode materials and dielectric layer materials; it introduces the applications of CBRAM in the fields of memory and neuromorphic computing; and it summarizes the challenges faced by CBRAMs and provides suggestions for their further development.

With the developing of modern industry, the service conditions of cemented carbide are increasingly harsh, although traditional bonding phases such as cobalt, iron and nickel can meet certain performance requirements, there are still limitations under extreme service conditions. High-entropy alloy provides a new way to improve the performance of cemented carbide due to its excellent mechanical properties, high-temperature properties, abrasion performance and corrosion resistance. In this paper, the research progress of preparing cemented carbide with high-entropy alloy as the bonding phase in recent years is reviewed. The new rapid sintering method of cemented carbide is mainly introduced, the mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the bonded phase of high-entropy alloy and cemented carbide are summarized, and the complex role of high-entropy alloy as the bonding phase in cemented carbide is analyzed. The aim is to strengthen the understanding of the intrinsic characteristics of high-entropy bonded phase cemented carbide, and to provide a reference for the efficient development of high-performance high-entropy alloy bonded phase.

With the increasingly serious energy crisis and environmental pollution, it is urgent to develop new, more environmentally friendly and efficient new energy materials to alleviate the energy shortage and reduce the impact on the environment as much as possible. Among the many exploration directions of new energy materials, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have received extensive research from scholars due to the abundance and low price of sodium resources, showing great potential. At the same time, high-entropy oxides (HEOs) are widely used in energy storage and conversion due to the multi-metal oxide effect, and are most widely used in SIBs. However, there are few detailed reviews of HEO as an electrode material for SIBs. Most of the studies may only focus on a local aspect, lacking a comprehensive, systematic and in-depth review and summary. Based on this, this paper systematically reviews the basic definition and synthesis methods of HEO, and focuses on its application and performance changes in SIBs electrodes. This review provides a solution for the development of HEO in SIBs and provides guidance for promoting its industrialization in SIBs.

Considering the wide availability yet inconsistent performance of bio-oils, along with the unclear mechanisms by which different bio-oils inf-luence the rheological properties of aged asphalt, utilized castor oil (CO), gutter oil (GO), and soybean oil (SO) as base components for bio-oil-based rejuvenators. By incorporating plasticizers, penetrants, and wetting agents, tailored rejuvenators were developed. A comparative analysis was conducted to investigate the recovery behavior and underlying mechanisms of rheological properties in rejuvenated asphalt at optimal dosages. The results indicate that the infrared spectral characteristic peaks of the three rejuvenators are largely consistent. The aromatic content in the gutter oil-based rejuvenator (GOR) is higher than that in the castor oil-based rejuvenator (COR) and soybean oil-based rejuvenator (SOR), while the ester and phenol contents in GOR are lower than those in COR and SOR. The rejuvenator and asphalt show physical blending without chemical reactions occurring in the rejuvenated asphalt. The temperature and frequency sensitivities of gutter oil-based rejuvenated asphalt (GORA) are higher than those of castor oil-based rejuvenated asphalt (CORA) and soybean oil-based rejuvenated asphalt (SORA), while SORA demonstrates superior low-temperature performance compared to CORA and GORA. The complex modulus of the rejuvenated asphalt remains higher than that of the virgin asphalt, and the phase angle is lower than that of the virgin asphalt. The compatibility of SOR with aged asphalt is inferior to that of COR and GOR. The creep stiffness modulus (S) of the aged asphalt decreases, while the creep rate (m) increases with the addition of rejuvenators, thereby effectively enhancing the flexible deformation capacity of the aged asphalt. The low-temperature conti-nuous grading temperatures of the three rejuvenated asphalts are higher than that of the virgin asphalt, with CORA exhibiting a higher low-tempe-rature continuous grading temperature than GORA and SORA. Overall, COR and GOR demonstrate better rejuvenation effects compared to SOR.

As a new type of functional material, high-entropy ceramics have attracted widespread attention at home and abroad due to their excellent properties such as high modulus, high hardness, and low thermal conductivity brought about by high-entropy. This summary first outlined the design principles of high-entropy ceramics, and then divides high-entropy oxide ceramics into categories such as rock salt type, perovskite type, fluorite type, and spinel type based on the differences in crystal structure, and discussed their respective characteristics and applications. Various preparation methods of high-entropy oxide ceramics, including solid state reaction method, sol gel method, coprecipitation method and other advanced methods, such as microwave sintering technology and spark plasma sintering, were also discussed in detail. In addition, high-entropy oxide ceramics had shown extensive application potential in fields such as lithium-ion battery materials, thermal barrier coating materials, catalytic materials, and dielectric materials due to their excellent thermal properties, mechanical properties, and catalytic activity. Finally, the future research directions of high-entropy oxide ceramics were discussed, including the development of new systems, improvement of design theories, optimization of magnetic field control strategies, and application of theoretical calculations.

Biochar, a sustainable carbon material derived from biomass, has attracted considerable attention in multifunctional coating applications due to its renewable origin, low cost, tunable porosity, and versatile surface chemistry. These attributes make biochar a promising candidate for enhancing the performance of polymer, metal, and inorganic coatings, while simultaneously promoting high-value biomass utilization and circular economy objectives. However, its industrial application remains constrained by several issues. To systematically organize relevant research fin-dings, clarify existing challenges, and provide theoretical and technical references for future material optimization and practical applications, this paper reviews recent advances in biochar-modified coatings. It first introduces the characteristics of biochar precursors and their essential properties, including elemental composition, microstructure, and physicochemical behavior, while also discussing how preparation conditions affect performance. Subsequently, strategies for tailoring the surface and internal structure of biochar are summarized, and different pathways for fabricating biochar-based composite coatings are presented, covering material choices, incorporation techniques, and processing methods. Representative case studies are highlighted to demonstrate applications in anti-icing, anticorrosion, environmental remediation, flame retardancy, electrochemical energy storage devices, and wear-resistant coatings, elucidating the roles of biochar in thermal conduction, barrier resistance, pollutant adsorption, catalytic activity, flame suppression, and mechanical reinforcement. Finally, the review addresses key challenges associated with large-scale production, operational stability, precise interfacial control, and environmental or health risk assessment. Future research directions are proposed, including the development of eco-friendly and scalable preparation methods, advanced surface engineering, integration with emerging nanomaterials, and standardized safety evaluation protocols. Overall, this paper provides a comprehensive reference for the rational design of high-performance, environmentally friendly coating systems incorporating functionalized biochar.

At the crucial juncture of global energy transition, electrocatalytic technology, a pivotal cornerstone for sustainable energy conversion and sto-rage, confronts an imperative demand for the development of high-performance catalysts. The conventional "trial-and-error" research and development paradigm, however, is severely hampered by the intricate parameter spaces of material systems, the formidable challenges of analyzing multi-physical field coupling mechanisms, and substantial transformation costs. As a result, it struggles to fulfill the requirements for large-scale applications. The profound integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with electrocatalysis effectively circumvents these bottlenecks, presenting innovative solutions across three key technical dimensions: rational catalyst design and high-throughput screening, prediction of stability and acti-vity, and reaction mechanism analysis in conjunction with experimental automation. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest advancements, particularly the integration of machine learning algorithms in electrochemistry. These examples vividly illustrate the distinct advantages of AI in expediting catalyst discovery, elucidating structure-property relationships, and optimizing reaction pathways. Furthermore, this review delves into how experimental automation platforms and interpretable AI techniques, facilitate a paradigm shift from empirical intuition to data-driven ratio-nality. AI-driven electrocatalytic innovation is accelerating the energy technology revolution at an unprecedented pace, offering crucial support for the global energy transition.

Silicon nitride ceramics, as a high-performance material, have significant research importance in the field of ceramic-metal bonding. Brazing, due to its simple process, minimal damage to the substrate, and fewer restrictions on joint size and shape, is commonly used for ceramic/metal connections. Therefore, the brazing technology for silicon nitride ceramics and metals is a current research hotspot. However, the significant difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the two materials can lead to large residual stresses at the joint. As a result, optimizing brazing methods to enhance joint strength has become a key challenge in this field. This paper reviews recent research progress on brazing technologies for silicon nitride ceramics and metals, summarizing the characteristics and current status of methods such as active metal brazing, composite filler metal brazing, intermediate layer brazing, and ultrasonic-assisted brazing, aiming to provide a reference for further research in this field.

Silica (SiO₂) aerogel, due to its lightweight, porous structure, unique optical, thermal and acoustic properties, shows great potential for applications in building energy conservation, aerospace, and other fields. However, silica aerogel powder has a large specific surface area, easy to be agglomerated and difficult to disperse in aqueous systems, all of which limit its further application. This study aims to reduce the interactive forces between SiO₂ particles and improve their dispersion stability in aqueous media by adding dispersants. The properties of SiO₂ aerogels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and specific surface area, and the dispersion properties of SiO₂ aerogels in aqueous systems were evaluated by laser particle size meter and sedimentation test. The study found that anionic and non-ionic dispersants could significantly improve dispersion, while cationic dispersants led to increased agglomeration. By combining dispersants and optimizing the amount of dispersant, the dispersion effect was further optimized. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the application of SiO₂ aerogel in aqueous systems.

Zirconia (ZrO₂) ceramics are widely used in high-temperature structural materials, medical devices, and the electronics industry due to their excellent physical and mechanical properties. However, processing and forming ZrO₂ ceramics pose significant challenges, often necessitating their combination with metals to create composite materials for various applications. Brazing, an efficient method for joining ceramics to metals, is extensively used in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and aerospace, and is regarded as one of the most promising joining techniques. Despite its advantages, brazing ZrO₂ ceramics to metals presents several challenges, including residual stresses from mismatched thermal expansion coefficients, poor wettability, and interfacial reactions. Research suggests that optimizing the brazing filler composition (e.g., by adding active elements such as titanium or zirconium), selecting the appropriate brazing method, and designing reasonable process parameters can improve joint performance. This article reviewed several commonly used brazing methods and fillers, including active metal brazing, amorphous brazing, interlayer brazing, and auxiliary brazing, highlighted their respective advantages and limitations. It also discussed future research directions, suggesting that further studies on interfacial reactions, residual stress reduction, and process optimization could significantly improve the application potential of ZrO₂ ceramic-metal brazing across various fields.

Metal heterostructure materials, formed by structural units with significant differences at the microscale using conventional or modern advanced manufacturing techniques, can effectively overcome the limitations of conventional metal materials in terms of strength and toughness. This summary mainly discusses the design principles, manufacturing techniques, and potential applications of metallic heterostructure materials in the industrial field. In terms of manufacturing methods, emphatically focused on the development of techniques such as surface treatment, plastic deformation, and heterostructure element construction. Combining these methods, several typical application cases of metallic he-terostructure materials in industrial production were demonstrated, highlighting their enormous application prospects. Finally, the current challenges and future development directions of materials in this field were pointed out, aiming to contribute to the further development of metallic heterostructure materials with excellent comprehensive performance.

The steam curing process commonly used in the precast concrete industry has some disadvantages such as high energy consumption and easy cracking of concrete. The incorporation of seed crystals can accelerate the development of early strength of concrete and reduce the negative impact of steam curing. In this work, the effects of C-S-H seeds on the early performance of steam-cured cement materials were studied through flowability and strength tests, and then the influence mechanism was explored through hydration heat analysis, XRD characterization, and pore structure evaluation. The results show that the appropriate amount of C-S-H seed crystal can increase the fluidity of mortar by 56.7%, shorten the final setting time of cement by 40.1%, accelerate the early hydration of cement, and significantly improve the early strength of mortar. The 12 h compressive strength increases by 125.4%. However, it may cause an increase of gel pores at later stages. Steam curing reduces the strength-enhancing effects of C-S-H seeds, with higher curing temperatures causing greater reductions. At early stages, steam curing provides stronger early-strength effects than C-S-H seeds. Additionally, steam curing increases capillary pores, with 60 ℃ steam curing causing more damage to later-stage strength than 40 ℃ curing. Incorporating moderate amounts of C-S-H seeds and lowering curing temperatures can promote early strength while minimizing long-term strength loss. The findings offer valuable insights for optimizing the performance and production of cement-based materials.

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the latest research progress in the field of thermally conductive rare earth magnesium alloys, with a particular focus on the development trends of alloy systems containing La and Ce rare earth elements. By analyzing the mechanism of action of rare earth elements on the thermal conductivity of magnesium alloys, the intrinsic correlation between thermal conductivity and mechanical properties enhancement is deeply analyzed, and the existing magnesium alloy thermal conductivity prediction models are systematically summarized. An innovative multi-scale design strategy for high thermal conductivity rare earth magnesium alloys is proposed: (1) By selecting rare earth elements with lower solubility (such as La, Ce) as the main alloying elements, while strictly controlling the content of other high solubility elements, the minimization of lattice distortion and the synergistic improvement of mechanical properties are achieved; (2) Combining the optimization of heat treatment processes to tailor the morphology, size, and distribution characteristics of the second phase, an efficient thermal conduction network is constructed. The findings show that La and Ce rare earth elements can significantly enhance the thermal conductivity of magnesium alloys by more than 20% through mechanisms such as purifying the matrix and regulating the distribution of precipitated phases. The composition-process synergistic optimization design framework proposed based on this provides theoretical guidance for the development of new high-performance rare earth magnesium alloy materials with thermal conductivity exceeding 120 W/(m·K) and tensile strength exceeding 250 MPa. This research has significant reference value for promoting the engineering application of magnesium alloys in thermal management fields such as electronic packaging and aerospace.

With the expansion productive capacity and the wide application in aerospace, military weapon, rail transit, special protection of aramid fiber, waste aramid fibersare growing rapidly. As a big producer and consumer country of aramid fiber, with the development of military, police body armor, and protective clothing replacement project, the high value reuse of waste aramid fiber is urgent and critical in China. However, due to aramid fiber’s regular molecular chain, high crystallinity, ideal mechanical performance, the traditional method is difficult to recycle it, Herein, in this summary, the recycling technology of waste aramid fiber resources was reviewed, and the progress of high value utilization technology included pulp method, cracking method, depolymerization method and carbonization method was discussed. Finally, the application of high value reuse technology of waste aramid fiber resources is prospected.

Graphene, as a potential material for anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), can effectively enhance its performance through element doping. In this work, we employ first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) to analyze the structures, adsorption conditions, diffusion behaviors, and lithium storage capacities of graphene (C_mB_n) with varying boron (B) doping levels after the adsorption of lithium (Li). The results indicate that the doped graphene maintains its planar structure, demonstrating good structural stability. Adsorption pro-perty calculations reveal that as the B doping concentration increases, the structure (LiC_mB_n) of C_mB_n after the adsorption of Li undergoes signi-ficant deformation, and the overall adsorption energy shows a gradual increasing trend, yet remains below the cohesive energy of lithium atoms (-2.74 eV), suggesting that B doping can inhibit the emergence of lithium dendrites. Different charge density and electron localization function demonstrate a strong interaction between C_mB_n and Li. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations on C₂₄B₈ with a B doping concentration of 25.00% after the adsorption of Li indicate that the C₂₄B₈ material exhibits high thermodynamic stability. Density of states calculations reveal that boron doping introduces holes into graphene, enhancing the material’s conductivity, and C_mB_n maintains excellent conductivity even after the adsorption of Li atoms. Diffusion property calculations indicate that the material’s rate performance improves when the B doping concentration is 2.08%. Calculations of open-circuit voltage and theoretical capacity reveal that the reaction is reversible when the B atom concentration is 12.50%, and the theoretical capacity near the B element can reach 211.59 mAh/g, indicating a suitable doping concentration. This systematic study provides important theoretical guidance for the doping concentration and inhibition of lithium dendrite growth in boron-doped graphene as anode materials for LIBs.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) not only possess characteristics such as high strength, high specific surface area, ease of surface modification, and biocompatibility, but also exhibit structural color through self-assembly. They play a significant role in the design and fabrication of stimuli-responsive hydrogels. CNC-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels exhibit responsiveness to external environmental stimuli such as temperature, pH, mechanical force, solvents, and ionic strength, holding immense potential in fields such as environmental monitoring, drug delivery, information encryption, and flexible sensors. This paper first introduces the preparation methods of CNC-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels. It then focuses on the single or multiple stimuli-responsive behaviors of CNC-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels and the research progress in their applications in various fields. It finally summarizes the challenges faced by CNC-based stimuli-responsive hydrogels in research and their application prospects.

Explosive welding, a unique form of solid-state bonding, enables the effective joining of dissimilar metals through the rapid release of high-energy impulse and extreme interface velocities. Unlike conventional fusion-based techniques, this method typically avoids the development of extensive heat-affected zones (HAZs) and suppresses the formation of continuous brittle intermetallic compounds (IMCs). As a result, the mechanical integrity of the bonded interface is often significantly enhanced. Owing to these characteristics, explosive welding has emerged as a particularly promising solution for fabricating large-area bimetallic sheets, complex multilayered composites, and advanced functionally graded materials. This review surveys recent advances in the explosive welding of metal composite plates, with a particular focus on the underlying bonding mechanisms, the role of critical process parameters, and the theoretical modeling of wave formation at the interface. It further discusses the primary factors influencing weld quality, alongside current research and development (R&D) in post-weld performance evaluation. The paper also highlights recent research into multilayer and functionally graded composites and provides an overview of practical applications across petrochemical systems, marine and offshore structures, aerospace components, and the nuclear sector. By synthesizing these findings, the study aims to inform and support ongoing research and engineering practices in the R&D of metal composite materials.

As a new class of two-dimensional nanomaterials, MXene has been gradually applied to the aviation field in recent years due to its unique physical and chemical properties, such as high electrical conductivity, large specific surface area, excellent hydrophilicity and active surface. This paper introduces the preparation methods of MXene, such as hydrofluoric acid etching, in-situ hydrofluoric acid etching, molten salt etching, electrochemical etching, alkali etching. The research results of MXene and its composites used as electromagnetic interference shielding mate-rials, microwave absorption materials, anti-icing materials, lightning strike protection materials, and sensing materials in aviation field are summarized and analyzed. The development direction and main challenges of MXene in the aviation field are also prospected.

In order to enhance the recovery rate of low-permeability oil fields, overcome problems such as scaling and corrosion caused by development and utilization, and achieve efficient development of oil fields, it is inevitable to use oilfield chemicals. However, most of the organic reagents currently used on site can cause significant environmental pollution. With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, the research on the new environmentally friendly oilfield chemicals have become a hot topic. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have superior characteristics including good hydrophilicity, low toxicity, biocompatibility, and relatively stable physical and chemical properties, and have broad application prospects in the field of oilfield chemistry. This paper provides an overview of the research progress and mechanism of CQDs in oil-displacing agents, corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, and fungicides, and also discusses the methods for detecting residual concentrations of CQDs chemical agents, which are supposed to provide reference for the application of CQDs in the field of oilfield chemistry.

In the past decade or so, thanks to the excellent photovoltaic properties of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials, the certified efficiency of perovskite solar cells has increased to 26.7%, which is the most rapidly developing technology in photovoltaics. With a less trap-state density, superior photovoltaic properties and better stability than the widely studied polycrystalline thin films, single-crystal perovskite without grain boundaries shows a greater potential for the preparation of higher efficiency and longer lifetime photovoltaic devices. In addition, single-crystal perovskite solar cells are excellent models for further mechanism studies related to the surface and grain boundaries of perovskite materials. Unfortunately, limited by the high difficulty of growing 3D single-crystal thin films, only a few groups have carried out the development of single-crystal perovskite solar cells, resulting in the development of this field lagging far behind that of polycrystalline film counterparts. Therefore, this review introduces the methods of single-crystal perovskite thin films growth and summarizes the recent research progress in perovskite single-crystal solar cells. Finally, the challenges and development prospects of single-crystal perovskite solar cells are discussed in detail.

Mg alloys have been used as implant materials due to their advantages of good biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, Mg-RE alloys have excellent comprehensive properties but high cost, so the design and development of low-cost materials such as Mg-Zn alloys has become a research hotspot. With the enrichment of processing techniques and the in-depth exploration of corrosion behavior, the corrosion mechanism and corrosion theory of Mg alloys are continuous developing. After alloying, plastic deformation and heat treatment, the second phases, twins and dislocations of Mg alloys change, which in turn affects their degradation behavior and mechanical properties. In this paper, the effects of microstructure characteristics on corrosion behavior and stress corrosion behavior of Mg alloys were reviewed, and Mg-Zn alloys were selected to elaborate. These should provide reference for preparation and processing of new biomedical Mg alloys.

Metallic heterostructured materials achieve a synergistic enhancement in strength and ductility, which is challenging for conventional metallic materials, by constructing structural units with significant differences in microstructure at the microscopic level, such as grain size, crystal structure, phase composition, and compositional variations. This paper summarized some important research achievements in the development of metallic heterostructured materials up to now, provided a comprehensive review of their design, toughening mechanisms, and types, and offers an outlook for the future development of this emerging field. Specifically, the toughening mechanisms and deformation behaviors of metallic heterostructured materials were elaborated in detail. Through cyclic loading-unloading experiments, the origins of back stress and its impact on performance were elucidated. Subsequently, typical heterostructures in metallic materials, including gradient structures, layered structures, bimodal structures, harmonic structures, dual-phase structures, and chemically heterogeneous structures, were systematically summarized and categorized. Finally, the challenges and future research directions in the field of metallic heterostructured materials were identified. The aim is to provide a reference for the development of metallic heterostructured materials with superior comprehensive properties.