Topic Review
Additive Manufacturing (3D/4D Printing) Technologies
The scientific community is and has constantly been working to innovate and improve the available technologies in our use. In that effort, three-dimensional (3D) printing was developed that can construct 3D objects from a digital file. Three-dimensional printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has seen tremendous growth over the last three decades, and in the last five years, its application has widened significantly. Three-dimensional printing technology has the potential to fill the gaps left by the limitations of the current manufacturing technologies, and it has further become exciting with the addition of a time dimension giving rise to the concept of four-dimensional (4D) printing, which essentially means that the structures created by 4D printing undergo a transformation over time under the influence of internal or external stimuli.
  • 205
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices
Among electrochemical energy storage (EES) technologies, rechargeable batteries (RBs) and supercapacitors (SCs) are the two most desired candidates for powering a range of electrical and electronic devices. The RB operates on Faradaic processes, whereas the underlying mechanisms of SCs vary, as non-Faradaic in electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), Faradaic at the surface of the electrodes in pseudo-capacitors (PCs), and a combination of both non-Faradaic and Faradaic in hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs). EDLCs offer high power density but low energy density. HSCs take advantage of the Faradaic process without compromising their capacitive nature. Unlike batteries, supercapacitors provide high power density and numerous charge–discharge cycles; however, their energy density lags that of batteries. Supercapatteries, a generic term that refers to hybrid EES devices that combine the merits of EDLCs and RBs, have emerged, bridging the gap between SCs and RBs. 
  • 813
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Diamond-like Carbon Coatings with Ionic Liquid Lubricants
Owing to the solid lubrication characteristic of Diamond-like carbon coatings (DLCs), which reduces wear and friction and protects contacting surfaces from degredation, DLCs are often used in industrial machinery and harsh environments. DLC coatings are optimized by adjusting operating and deposition parameters as well as doping them with other elements to improve performance, such as thermal stability and chemical resistance. Ionic liquid (ILs) are a promising green lubricant option due to their low melting temperature, superior thermal stability, and acceptabble miscibility with organic substances. ILs have been studied as main lubricants and additives to the main lubricants, and their tribological properties have been investigated, including their use as extreme temperature lubricants. The tribological properties of pure/doped DLC coatings with ILs have also been explored, although limited research has been conducted in this area. The combined synergistic effect of DLCs and ILs shows great promise in reducing energy loss due to friction, promoting longevity, and conserving energy.
  • 217
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Bio-Based Polyurethane Elastomers
Elastomers, a category of polymers characterized by high elasticity and viscoelasticity, possess the ability to revert to their initial form after undergoing stretching or deformation and are known for their outstanding resistance to abrasion, tearing, and impact.
  • 258
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
E-Polymers
E-polymers, also known as conducting polymers, are a class of materials that exhibit both electrical conductivity and the mechanical properties of polymers. The use of e-polymer materials in daily life is becoming increasingly widespread, especially in the field of biology. Since the manufacturing cost of e-polymer implants is relatively low and e-polymers also react, causing different chemical molecules to attach to the surface of the implant, they are more compatible with the surrounding environment of the body. Some e-polymers are biodegradable in the body. If used for temporary implants, the advantage of these polymers is that they can gradually degrade in the body after performing their functions, thereby reducing the possibility of any long-term complications. Polymers and their composite materials can be designed to have inherent tensile properties while maintaining their high performance, making them favorable candidates for the next generation of skin-inspired electronic materials.
  • 349
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Solid-State Batteries
Batteries are essential in modern society as they can power a wide range of devices, from small household appliances to large-scale energy storage systems. Safety concerns with traditional lithium-ion batteries prompted the emergence of new battery technologies, among them solid-state batteries (SSBs), offering enhanced safety, energy density, and lifespan. Solid-state electrolytes used in SSBs include inorganic solid electrolytes, organic solid polymer electrolytes, and solid composite electrolytes. Inorganic options like lithium aluminum titanium phosphate excel in ionic conductivity and thermal stability but exhibit mechanical fragility. Organic alternatives such as polyethylene oxide and polyvinylidene fluoride offer flexibility but possess lower ionic conductivity. Solid composite electrolytes combine the advantages of inorganic and organic materials, enhancing mechanical strength and ionic conductivity. While significant advances have been made for composite electrolytes, challenges remain for synthesis intricacies and material stability. Nuanced selection of these electrolytes is crucial for advancing resilient and high-performance SSBs.
  • 187
  • 15 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles from WPCBs
Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs), constituting approximately 10% of all electronic waste (e-waste), are particularly intriguing due to their high content of valuable metals and rare earth elements.
  • 289
  • 15 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Solvatochromism in Solvent Mixtures
Many reactions are carried out in solvent mixtures, mainly because of practical reasons. For example, E2 eliminations are favored over SN2 substitutions in aqueous organic solvents because the bases are desolvated.
  • 209
  • 15 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Role of Enzyme Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy
The Warburg effect describes a change in the glucose metabolism in cancer cells, consuming excess glucose and converting it into lactate independently of the presence of oxygen. During this process, a wide variety of enzymes can modify their expression and activity to contribute to the mechanism of deregulated cancer metabolism. Therefore, the modulation of enzymes regulating aerobic glycolysis is a strategy for cancer treatment. Although numerous enzymes play a role in regulating aerobic glycolysis, hexokinase 2 (HK2), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), pyruvate kinase (PK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are worth mentioning. 
  • 126
  • 15 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Ytterbium Fluoride in Dental Materials
The compound ytterbium trifluoride is used as a component of several dental materials. Ytterbium trifluoride is reported to be insoluble in water. Despite this, its presence is associated with fluoride release from dental materials. There is evidence that it reacts with the components of calcium trisilicate cements to form small amounts of a variety of compounds, including ytterbium oxide, Yb2O3, and calcium–ytterbium fluoride, CaYbF5. In nanoparticulate form, it has been shown to reinforce glass polyalkenoates and it also provides high contrast in X-ray images.
  • 306
  • 12 Jan 2024
  • Page
  • of
  • 465
Video Production Service