Topic Review
Thin-Film Fabrication for Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are amongst the most widely used renewable alternative energy systems with near-zero carbon emission, high efficiency, and environment-friendly features. However, the high operating temperature of SOFCs is still considered a major challenge due to several issues regarding the materials’ corrosion, unwanted reactions between layers, etc. Thus, low-temperature SOFCs (LT-SOFCs) have gained significant interest during the past decades. Despite the numerous advantages of LT-SOFCs, material selection for each layer is of great importance as the common materials have not shown a desirable performance so far. In addition to the selection of the materials, fabrication techniques have a great influence on the properties of the SOFCs. As SOFCs with thinner layers showed lower polarisation resistance, especially in the electrolyte layer, different thin-film fabrication methods have been employed, and their effect on the overall performance of SOFCs has been evaluated.
  • 545
  • 23 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Zirconia-Based Ceramics Reinforced by Carbon Nanotubes
The use of CNTs (carbon nanotubes) as a secondary phase in a zirconia matrix is motivated by their outstanding crack self-healing ability, the possibility to tailor the desired nano-structural properties, and their exceptional wear behavior. Therefore, a detailed investigation into CNT features has been provided. The debate of using the different Vickers indentation fracture toughness equations to estimate the resistance of crack propagation was critically reviewed according to crack characteristics.
  • 217
  • 16 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Biomass Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers
The production of conventional cement involves high energy consumption and the release of substantial amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), exacerbating climate change. Additionally, the extraction of raw materials, such as limestone and clay, leads to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. Geopolymer technology offers a promising alternative to conventional cement by utilizing industrial byproducts and significantly reducing carbon emissions.
  • 421
  • 10 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Cement Self-Healing
Self-healing materials can repair corrosion, cracks, scratches, and other alterations independently and autonomously. This technology significantly benefits the economy, with direct consequences for social improvement in certain areas of science such as chemistry, energy, etc., by substantially increasing the life expectancy of structures and self-healing materials and significantly boosting the viability of industries as cracks and wear, in general, spontaneously disappear. 
  • 204
  • 09 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Fine-Grained YSZ–NiO(Ni) Anode Material
Reduction–oxidation (redox) cycling of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) due to leakage of a fuel or standby and shutdown cycling is an issue that has attracted the attention of many research groups for a long time. The researchers mainly note the harmful effects of redox cycling on the microstructure of SOFC constituents and search for ways to mitigate or diminish them.
  • 170
  • 10 Jul 2023
Topic Review
N-Doped Graphene and Derivatives as Resistive Gas Sensors
Graphene and its derivatives with a 2D structure are among the most encouraging materials for gas-sensing purposes, because a 2D lattice with high surface area can maximize the interaction between the surface and gas, and a small variation in the carrier concentration of graphene can cause a notable modulation of electrical conductivity in graphene. Furthermore, graphene has a high mobility of electrons and good conductivity.
  • 256
  • 03 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Overview of the Development of ZnO-Based Varistors
Voltage surge protection devices (SPDs) or surge arresters rely on metal oxide varistors (MOVs) to safeguard electrical equipment in consumer electronics and industrial electric power systems against the destructive temporary overvoltages (TOVs) resulting from transient switching surges or lightning strikes. The primary function of voltage-sensitive MOVs in SPDs is to prevent the damage caused by high-energy transients by clamping or eliminating them when a surge occurs. These MOVs are mounted in parallel with the components that they are designed to protect.
  • 401
  • 29 May 2023
Topic Review
High-Velocity Oxy-Fuel Technology
Due to the toxicity associated with chromium electrodeposition, alternatives to that process are highly sought after. One of those potential alternatives is High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF). Costs and environmental impacts per piece coated are then evaluated. On an economic side, the lower labor requirements of HVOF allow one to noticeably reduce the costs (20.9% reduction) per functional unit (F.U.). Furthermore, on an environmental side, HVOF has a lower impact for the toxicity compared to electrodeposition, even if the results are a bit more mixed in other impact categories.
  • 253
  • 26 May 2023
Topic Review
Metal Oxide Semiconductor Gas Sensors with Different Morphologies
There is an increasing need for the development of low-cost and highly sensitive gas sensors for environmental, commercial, and industrial applications in various areas, such as hazardous gas monitoring, safety, and emission control in combustion processes. Considering this, resistive-based gas sensors using metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs) have gained special attention owing to their high sensing performance, high stability, and low cost of synthesis and fabrication. The relatively low final costs of these gas sensors allow their commercialization; consequently, they are widely used and available at low prices. Different morphologies of metal oxide gas sensors are discussed.
  • 445
  • 04 May 2023
Topic Review
Influence of HPT on Photocatalytic CO2 Conversion
Severe plastic deformation (SPD) through the high-pressure torsion (HPT) process has been effectively used in recent years to develop novel active catalysts for CO2 conversion. HPT as an SPD method has been used since 1935 until now for grain refinement and the production of nanostructured materials. In addition to grain refinement, the introduction of various defects, such as vacancies and dislocations, is another feature of HPT, which resulta in the improvement of the functionality of materials proceeded by this method.
  • 244
  • 28 Apr 2023
  • Page
  • of
  • 7