Advancements in electromagnetic microwave absorbers: Ferrites and carbonaceous materials.

Heightened levels of electromagnetic (EM) radiation emitted by electronic devices, communication equipment, and information processing technologies have become a significant concern recently. So, substantial efforts have been devoted for developing novel materials having high EM absorption properties. This critical review article provides an overview of the advancements in understanding and developing such materials.

Laser processing materials for photo-to-thermal applications.

Photothermal conversion materials (PCMs) are crucial component in solar-thermal energy technologies. Although various PCMs with excellent sunlight harvesting have been developed for colorful solar-thermal applications, uniform and large-scale production of PCMs remains a challenge, and the PCMs prepared through the conventional methods are often non-site specific. Laser processing technology (LPT), as an efficient, convenient, green and sustainable technology, can directly create micro/nano structures and patterns at specific locations on materials surface, attracting widespread attention in photo-to-thermal applications.

Adsorption and wetting properties of biosurfactants, Trtions and their mixtures in aqueous and water-ethanol environment.

Adsorption of rhamnolipid (RL) and surfactin (SF) as well as their mixtures with Triton X-100 (TX100) and Triton X-165 (TX165) at the solution-air (S-A), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)-S, PMMA (poly (methyl methacrylate))-S, Q (quartz)-S, PMMA-A, and Q-A as well as their wetting properties regarding the surface tension of the PTFE, PMMA and quartz and its components and parameters were discussed using the literature data. The mutual influence of biosurfactants and Tritons on the S-A, PMMA(quartz)-A and PTFE(PMMA, quartz)-S interfaces tensions was considered in terms of their adsorption at these interfaces for both aqueous and water-ethanol solutions of the biosurfactant mixtures with Tritons. For this purpose there were used different methods on the basis of which the S-A, PMMA(quartz)-A and PTFE(PMMA, quartz)-S interface tensions can be predicted and/or described in the function of concentration and composition of the mixtures.

Influencing inter-cellular junctions with nanomaterials.

Cell-cell junctions are essential for maintaining tissue integrity and regulating a wide range of physiological processes. While the disruption of intercellular junctions may lead to pathological conditions, it also presents an opportunity for therapeutic interventions. Nanomaterials have emerged as promising tools for modulating cell-cell junctions, offering new avenues for innovative treatments.

Surface modification of particles/nanoparticles to improve the stability of Pickering emulsions; a critical review.

Pickering emulsions (PEs) are dispersions stabilized by solid particles, which are derived from various materials, both organic (proteins, polysaccharides, lipids) and inorganic (metals, silica, metal oxides). These colloidal particles play a critical role in ensuring the stability and functionality of PEs, making them highly valued across multiple industries due to their enhanced stability and lower toxicity compared to conventional emulsions. The stabilization mechanisms in PEs differ from those in emulsions stabilized by surfactants or biopolymers.

Pickering polymerized high internal phase emulsions: Fundamentals to advanced applications.

Pickering-polymerized high internal phase emulsions have attracted attention since their successful first preparation 15 years ago, primarily due to their large pores and potential for functionalization during production. This review elucidates the fundamental principles of Pickering emulsions, Pickering HIPEs, and Pickering PolyHIPEs while comparing them to conventional surfactant-stabilized counterparts. The morphology of Pickering PolyHIPEs, with particular emphasis on methods for achieving interconnected structures, is explored and critically assessed.

Graphene-based nanomaterials applications for agricultural and food sector.

In the past decade, graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) have been considerably investigated in agriculture due to their exceptionally enriched physicochemical properties. Productivity in the agricultural sector relies significantly on agrochemicals. However, conventional systems suffer from a lack of application efficiency, resulting in environmental pollution and associated problems.

Advancement in surfactant-enhanced droplet deposition on the hydrophobic surfaces.

Droplets impacting solid surfaces are encountered in nature and industry, from rain to agricultural spraying and inkjet printing. Surfactants are an important factor that affects the impact behavior of droplets. An in-depth knowledge of the influence and mechanisms of surfactants on the dynamics of droplet impact can enhance the precise control of droplets in industrial processes.

Emerging two dimensional MXene for corrosion protection in new energy systems: Design and mechanisms.

With the development of new and clean energy (offshore wind power, fuel cells, aqueous zinc ion batteries, lithium-ion batteries, etc.), the corrosion and security problems in special environments of the new energy system have attracted much attention. Corrosion protection on the metals applied in new energy system can reduce the economic loss, security risk, and energy consumption, as well as guarantee the efficiency of energy system.

Nanoarchitectonics of cello-oligosaccharides: A route toward artificial nanocelluloses.

Colloidal cellulose nanoparticles, or nanocelluloses, are derived from natural cellulose sources in a top-down manner via physical and/or chemical treatments that extract naturally occurring cellulose nanostructures. Naturally derived nanocelluloses have been successfully commercialized in various fields, and their potential is still being widely explored in materials science. Moreover, recent advances in nanoarchitectonics of low-molecular-weight cellulose, or cello-oligosaccharides, have opened new avenues for developing "artificial nanocelluloses".

Green solution for oil spills: A review on the role of surface-active ionic liquids.

Oil spills have long-lasting and harmful impacts on the environment, particularly on aquatic ecosystems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of conventional methods for oil spill removal, highlighting both their advantages and limitations. Traditional methods for addressing oil spills, including physical, thermal, biological and chemical techniques, often prove insufficient, with chemical dispersants being the most popular approach.

The application of machine learning in 3D/4D printed stimuli-responsive hydrogels.

The integration of machine learning (ML) in materials fabrication has seen significant advancements in recent scientific innovations, particularly in the realm of 3D/4D printing. ML algorithms are crucial in optimizing the selection, design, functionalization, and high-throughput manufacturing of materials. Meanwhile, 3D/4D printing with responsive material components has increased the vast design flexibility for printed hydrogel composite materials with stimuli responsiveness.

NIR-activated multifunctional agents for the combined application in cancer imaging and therapy.

Anticancer therapies that combine both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities hold significant promise for enhancing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. Among these, agents responsive to near-infrared (NIR) photons are of particular interest due to their negligible toxicity and multifunctionality. These compounds are not only effective in photodynamic therapy (PDT), but also serve as contrast agents in various imaging modalities, including fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging.

Robust special wettability materials for oil-water separation: Mechanisms and strategies.

Special wettability materials have been favored by researchers in recent years, and have played a great role in a variety of fields such as fog water collection, anti-fog, anti-icing, self-cleaning, etc. Especially in the field of oil-water separation, the frequent occurrence of offshore oil spills has seriously endangered the ecological environment. Inspired by nature, researchers have developed and manufactured a lot of bionic special wettability materials, which are expected to be effective in oil-water separation and solve the problem.

Flexible coatings based on hydrogel to enhance the biointerface of biomedical implants.

The use of biomedical implants in surgical techniques promotes the restoration of lost tissue or organ physiological functions in the body. The interface between different materials determines their interactions and ultimately affects the physicochemical properties of biomedical implants. After implantation, the biointerface plays a crucial role in determining the biocompatibility and functionality of biomedical implants.

Recent advances in the plant protein-polyphenol interactions for the stabilization of emulsions.

Proteins from plant sources including legumes, cereals and oilseeds are gaining attention due to their suitability for sustainable production, functionality, and positive consumer perception. On the other hand, polyphenols (PPs) are receiving considerable attention as natural ingredients in the human diet due to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies indicate that the emulsifying properties of plant proteins (PLPs) can be improved after modification through covalent and/or non-covalent interactions with PPs due to the changes in the conformation and/or the surface chemistry of the proteins.

Toward self-healing two dimensional MXene coatings for corrosion protection on metals: Design strategies and mechanisms.

Metallic corrosion leads to high economic losses and security risks, and coating protection is an effective approach to preventing metal from corrosion. However, defects such as cracks and micropores are inevitable in the coating, so it is urgent to develop self-healing coatings for realizing long-term corrosion protection due to the actively protective ability. Though two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbide or nitride (MXene) coatings have been employed to realize self-healing function, the design strategies of the MXene-based coatings and mechanism on how MXenes inhibit corrosion at the coating-metal interface as well as the roles of MXene in self-healing process remain elusive.

Polymer-based collectors in flotation: A review.

Flotation, as a beneficiation process, stands as a foundation in mineral and metal production, handling approximately 70-80 % of the world's exploited ore annually. However, numerous challenges emerge prior to beneficiation, such as the declining quality of ore, necessitating further liberation. This deterioration results in higher energy, water, and reagent consumption.