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Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a key technique in developing sensor platforms for clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, food quality, and environmental monitoring applications. While prism‐coupled (Kretschmann) SPR remains a “gold‐standard” for laboratory work‐flows due to easier fabrication, handling and high through put, other configurations such as grating‐coupled SPR (GC‐SPR) and wave‐guide mode SPR are yet to fulfil their technology potential. This work evaluates the technical aspects influencing the performance of GC‐SPR and reviews recent progress in the fabrication of such platforms. In principle, the GC‐SPR involves the illumination of the plasmonic metal film with periodic gratings to excite the surface plasmons (SP) via diffraction‐based phase matching. The real performance of the GC‐SPR is, however, heavily influenced by the topography of the grating structures produced via top‐down lithography techniques. This review discusses latest in approaches to achieve consistent plasmonic gratings with uniform features and periodicity over a large scale and explores the choice of plasmon‐active and substrate material for enhanced performance. The review also provides insights into the different GC‐SPR measurement configurations and highlights on opportunities with their potential applications as biosensors with translational capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, additive manufacturing (AM) has seen extensive exploitation in the research areas for the processing of fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs). Existing reviews on AM have recommended either sustainable production methods or have introduced new processing methodologies. A relationship between materials used, manufacturing processes, process parameters, and their properties is essential in any manufacturing process. Accordingly, this review focuses on the manufacturing of FRPCs in relation to process parameters and properties of the polymer composites. Various studies dealt with the lightweight materials and parts that were manufactured through AM and which could retain the mechanical and other properties without compromising the strength and weight of the final product. The technologies involved in the major AM processes and the constituents used for the fabrication of FRPC parts, their advantages, and drawbacks are also deliberated. This review combines the material selection for AM technologies along with the choice of proper AM technique for printing FRPCs. This review further illustrates the recent research and technology that aims at embracing FRPCs into a circular economy. In summary, this review opens the door for new opportunities and for meeting challenges in the manufacturing of FRPCs by AM methodologies.

This review article provided a thorough examination of porous ceramic materials, concentrating on production, characteristics, and the involvement of pore-forming agents. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of various ceramic materials and pore-forming agents on the structure, porosity, and mechanical characteristics of porous ceramics. The study's scope included a thorough investigation of key sources of literature, such as academic publications, review articles, and industry reports, to provide a comprehensive understanding of porous ceramic technology. According to the literature review, the selection of ceramic material and pore-forming agents has a significant influence on the pore size distribution, porosity, and mechanical strength of porous ceramics. Various manufacturing methods, including foaming, sintering, and sol-gel procedures, were explored in terms of their influence on porous ceramic microstructure and characteristics. Furthermore, the study emphasized the need to optimize processing settings and select pore-forming agents to obtain the necessary qualities in porous ceramic materials. Overall, this review is useful for researchers, engineers, and practitioners who desire to learn more about porous ceramic manufacturing, characteristics, and applications.

Solid-state nanopores have become the most promising single-molecule sequencing tools due to their adjustable pore size, stable physical and chemical properties, strong adaptability to extreme environments, and high integration. In the area of solid-state nanopores research, improving the detection accuracy of single molecules has always been the core concern of researchers. In recent years, the double-layer nanopores has attracted wide attention. Compared with traditional single-layer nanopore, the "pore-cavity-pore" structure of double-layer nanopores provides two molecular recognition sites and nanoconfined space. The two molecular recognition sites provided by the two nanopores can obtain two target signals in a single translocation event, which not only enrich the detection information but also provide the most direct comparison information source for signal analysis. In addition, the "cavity" in the double-layer nanopores can be used as a single-molecule chemical reactor. Therefore, the appearance of double-layer nanopores broadens the application range of nanopore sensors and has an important application prospect in single molecule detection. In this paper, the development history of nanopores is summarized, and the fabrication methods of double-layer nanopores and their applications in the field of single-molecule detection are emphatically introduced.

In recent years, additive manufacturing (AM) has played a significant role in various fashion industries, especially the textile and jewelry manufacturing sectors. This review article delves deeply into the wide range of methods and materials used to make intricately designed jewelry fabrication using the additive manufacturing (AM) process. The Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) process is examined for its suitability in achieving complex design and structural integrity in jewelry fabrication even with respect to powder metallurgy methods. Moreover, the review explores the use of precious materials, such as gold, silver, copper, platinum, and their alloys in additive manufacturing. Processing precious materials is challenging due to their high reflectivity and thermal conductivity, which results in poor densification and mechanical properties. To address this issue, the review article proposes three different strategies: (i) adding alloying elements, (ii) coating powder particles, and (iii) using low-wavelength lasers (green or blue). Finally, this review examines crucial post-processing techniques to improve surface quality, robustness, and attractiveness. To conclude, this review emphasizes the potential of combining additive manufacturing (AM) with traditional craftsmanship for creating jewelry, exploring the potential future directions and developments in the field of additive manufacturing (AM) for jewelry fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article provided a thorough examination of porous ceramic materials, concentrating on production, characteristics, and the involvement of pore-forming agents. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of various ceramic materials and pore-forming agents on the structure, porosity, and mechanical characteristics of porous ceramics. The study's scope included a thorough investigation of key sources of literature, such as academic publications, review articles, and industry reports, to provide a comprehensive understanding of porous ceramic technology. According to the literature review, the selection of ceramic material and pore-forming agents has a significant influence on the pore size distribution, porosity, and mechanical strength of porous ceramics. Various manufacturing methods, including foaming, sintering, and sol-gel procedures, were explored in terms of their influence on porous ceramic microstructure and characteristics. Furthermore, the study emphasized the need to optimize processing settings and select pore-forming agents to obtain the necessary qualities in porous ceramic materials. Overall, this review is useful for researchers, engineers, and practitioners who desire to learn more about porous ceramic manufacturing, characteristics, and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Diamond & Abrasives Engineering is the property of Zhengzhou Research Institute for Abrasives & Grinding and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Valvular heart diseases (VHDs) have become one of the most prevalent heart diseases worldwide, and prosthetic valve replacement is one of the effective treatments. With the fast development of minimal invasive technology, transcatheter valves replacement has been exploring in recent years, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology. In addition, basic research on prosthetic valves has begun to shift from traditional mechanical valves and biological valves to the development of polymeric heart valves. The polymeric heart valves (PHVs) have shown a bright future due to their advantages of longer durability, better biocompatibility and reduced cost. This review gives a brief history of the development of polymeric heart valves, provides a summary of the types of polymer materials suitable for heart leaflets and the emerging processing/preparation methods for polymeric heart valves in the basic research. Besides, we facilitate a deeper understanding of polymeric heart valve products that are currently in preclinical/clinical studies, also summary the limitations of the present researches as well as the future development trends. Hence, this review will provide a holistic understanding for researchers working in the field of prosthetic valves, and will offer ideas for the design and research of valves with better durability and biocompatibility.

Multiscale nano/micro-structured surfaces with superhydrophobicity are abundantly observed in nature such as lotus leaves, rose petals and butterfly wings, where microstructures typically reinforce mechanical stability, while nanostructures predominantly govern wettability. To emulate such hierarchical structures in nature, various methods have been widely applied in the past few decades to the manufacture of multiscale structures which can be applied to functionalities ranging from anti-icing and water–oil separation to self-cleaning. In this review, we highlight recent advances in nano/micro-structured superhydrophobic surfaces, with particular focus on non-metallic materials as they are widely used in daily life due to their lightweight, abrasion resistance and ease of processing properties. This review is organized into three sections. First, fabrication methods of multiscale hierarchical structures are introduced with their strengths and weaknesses. Second, four main application areas of anti-icing, water–oil separation, anti-fog and self-cleaning are overviewed by assessing how and why multiscale structures need to be incorporated to carry out their performances. Finally, future directions and challenges for nano/micro-structured surfaces are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superhydrophobic surfaces, characterized by exceptional water repellency and self-cleaning properties, have gained significant attention for their diverse applications across industries. This review paper comprehensively explores the theoretical foundations, various fabrication methods, applications, and associated challenges of superhydrophobic surfaces. The theoretical section investigates the underlying principles, focusing on models such as Young's equation, Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter states, and the dynamics of wetting. Various fabrication methods are explored, ranging from microstructuring and nanostructuring techniques to advanced material coatings, shedding light on the evolution of surface engineering. The extensive applications of superhydrophobic surfaces, spanning from self-cleaning technologies to oil–water separation, are systematically discussed, emphasizing their potential contributions to diverse fields such as healthcare, energy, and environmental protection. Despite their promising attributes, superhydrophobic surfaces also face significant challenges, including durability and scalability issues, environmental concerns, and limitations in achieving multifunctionality, which are discussed in this paper. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of superhydrophobic research, this review aims to guide future investigations and inspire innovations in the development and utilization of these fascinating surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pervaporation-based membrane technology have gained increasing interest due to their energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thin-film composite membranes (TFCMs) have emerged as promising candidates for alcohol permselective applications. Compared to the development of pervaporation membrane for water purification, the optimization progress with the ethanol recovery membrane has been fairly slow and fails to meet requirements of bio-alcohol production. Despite the continuous efforts on membrane materials, the role of structural, physicochemical properties for the forming progress of selective layer on substrate is not a well-attended topic. This paper summarized the design and construction considerations of PDMS composite membranes for pervaporation from the viewpoint of the transport resistance model, including the effect of selective layer, support layer, and intermediate layer, to deeply understand and precisely regulate the preparation process. We high light the key role of crosslinking and spreading of PDMS on porous support layer in membrane fabrication. The structure-activity relationship between the separation performance of transport structure with the membrane solution properties, substrate pore structure, and the fabrication methods was discussed in detail. It was indicated that the challenges for the TFCMs applied on a pilot or industrial scale include the thickness control, coating and curing time optimization, and solvent issue. Finally, it was expected for further research to optimize the membrane fabrication process, develop novel advanced membrane materials and to explore complex and potential applications the new requirements in industry.

Abstract Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are narrow strips of graphene with widths ranging from a few nanometers to a few tens of nanometers. GNRs possess most of the excellent properties of graphene, while also exhibiting unique physical characteristics not found in graphene, such as an adjustable band gap and spin-polarized edge states. These properties make GNRs an appealing candidate for carbon-based electronics. In this review, we begin by introducing the edge geometry and electronic bands of GNRs. We then discuss various methods for fabricating GNRs and analyze the characteristics of each method. Subsequently, the performance of GNR field-effect transistor devices obtained from a few representative GNR fabrication methods is discussed and compared. We also investigate the use of GNRs as quantum dots and spintronic devices. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of GNRs as a quantum material for next-generation electronics and spintronics are explored and proposed.

Lipid nanovehicles are currently the most advanced vehicles used for RNA delivery, as demonstrated by the approval of patisiran for amyloidosis therapy in 2018. To illuminate the unique superiority of lipid nanovehicles in RNA delivery, in this review, we first introduce various RNA therapeutics, describe systemic delivery barriers, and explain the lipid components and methods used for lipid nanovehicle preparation. Then, we emphasize crucial advances in lipid nanovehicle design for overcoming barriers to systemic RNA delivery. Finally, the current status and challenges of lipid nanovehicle-based RNA therapeutics in clinical applications are also discussed. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive overview showing how to utilize lipid nanovehicles to overcome multiple barriers to systemic RNA delivery, inspiring the development of more high-performance RNA lipid nanovesicles in the future.

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are narrow strips of graphene with widths ranging from a few nanometers to a few tens of nanometers. GNRs possess most of the excellent properties of graphene, while also exhibiting unique physical characteristics not found in graphene, such as an adjustable band gap and spin-polarized edge states. These properties make GNRs an appealing candidate for carbon-based electronics. In this review, we begin by introducing the edge geometry and electronic bands of GNRs. We then discuss various methods for fabricating GNRs and analyze the characteristics of each method. Subsequently, the performance of GNR field-effect transistor devices obtained from a few representative GNR fabrication methods is discussed and compared. We also investigate the use of GNRs as quantum dots and spintronic devices. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of GNRs as a quantum material for next-generation electronics and spintronics are explored and proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room temperature phosphorescent carbon dots (RTP CDs) have received increasing attention in recent years due to their outstanding optical properties and potential applications. It is worth noting that RTP CDs in aqueous solution have inspired special interests because of their low toxicity, long lifetime, and ability to avoid autofluorescence and background fluorescence, exhibiting wide application prospects in time‐resolved biological imaging and sensing. However, achieving phosphorescent CDs in aqueous solutions remains a considerable challenge because water molecules and oxygen can cause the deactivation of triplet‐state excitons, resulting in phosphorescence quenching. Several strategies have been proposed to counter the problem including encapsulated CDs in a rigid matrix, hydrogen bonding, and covalent bonding fixation. Consequently, a more significant number of RTP CDs materials with excellent optical stability, long lifetime, and multicolor are successfully obtained. Herein, the recent development of RTP CDs materials in aqueous solution as well as the corresponding fabricated strategies and luminescence mechanism is detailly summarized and reviewed. Furthermore, various applications of water‐phase RTP CDs materials in information security, sensing, bioimaging, light‐emitting diodes, and fingerprinting are also discussed. Finally, an outlook on the development of CDs materials and applications is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid crystals (LCs) are well known for inherent responsiveness to external stimuli, such as light, thermal, magnetic, and electric fields. Cholesteric LCs are among the most fascinating, since they possess distinctive optical properties due to the helical molecular orientation. However, the good flow, easy contamination, and poor stability of small‐molecule LCs limit their further applications, and microencapsulation as one of the most effective tools can evade these disadvantages. Microencapsulation can offer shell‐core structure with LCs in the core can strengthen their stability, avoiding interference with the environment while maintaining the stimuli‐responsiveness and optical properties. Here, we report recent progress in the fabrication and applications of cholesteric LC microcapsules (CLCMCs). We summarize general properties and basic principles, fabrication methods including interfacial polymerization, in‐situ polymerization, complex coacervation, solvent evaporation, microfluidic and polymerization of reactive mesogens, and then give a comprehensive overview of their applications in various popular domains, including smart fabrics, smart sensor, smart displays, anti‐counterfeiting, information encryption, biomedicine and actuators. Finally, we discuss the currently facing challenges and the potential development directions in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid nanovehicles are currently the most advanced vehicles used for RNA delivery, as demonstrated by the approval of patisiran for amyloidosis therapy in 2018. To illuminate the unique superiority of lipid nanovehicles in RNA delivery, in this review, we first introduce various RNA therapeutics, describe systemic delivery barriers, and explain the lipid components and methods used for lipid nanovehicle preparation. Then, we emphasize crucial advances in lipid nanovehicle design for overcoming barriers to systemic RNA delivery. Finally, the current status and challenges of lipid nanovehicle-based RNA therapeutics in clinical applications are also discussed. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive overview showing how to utilize lipid nanovehicles to overcome multiple barriers to systemic RNA delivery, inspiring the development of more high-performance RNA lipid nanovesicles in the future. This review provides a comprehensive overview of how to design lipid nanovehicles to overcome multiple extracellular and intracellular barriers to systemic RNA delivery. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) thin films (PVATFs) have recently exhibited different applications in various fields, such as biomedical, optical, and energy storage. One of their outstanding applications has been known as sensor devices for various physical parameters, such as pH, pressure, gas, chemicals, strain, and humidity measurements. In this paper, after a brief review of the PVATFs biomedical, optical, and energy applications, their role as sensors is discussed in more detail. Afterward, the main preparation methods of the PVATFs sensors, for example, spin and dip coating, chemical bath deposition, and electrodeposition are surveyed. Eventually, the characterization methods of the fabricated PVATF sensors, along with their optimization techniques have been presented. Highlights: Various applications of polyvinyl alcohol thin films (PVATFs) are presented.One of their main applications as sensor devices is discussed in more detail.PVATF sensors fabrication, characterization, and optimization are surveyed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of ceramic phase-reinforced high-entropy alloy composite coatings with excellent mechanical properties, high-temperature oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance via laser cladding is a new hotspot in the field of surface engineering. However, as high-entropy alloys have a wide range of constituent systems and different kinds of ceramic particles are introduced in different ways that give the coatings unique microscopic organization, structure, and synthesized performance, it is necessary to review the methods of preparing ceramic phase-reinforced high-entropy alloys composite coatings via laser cladding. In this paper, the latest research progress on laser cladding technology in the preparation of ceramic phase-reinforced high-entropy alloy composite coatings is first reviewed. On this basis, the effects of ceramic particles, alloying elements, process parameters, and the microstructure and properties of the coatings are analyzed with the examples of the in situ generation method and the externally added method. Finally, research gaps and future trends are pointed out, serving as a reference for the subsequent research, application, and development of the preparation of ceramic phase-reinforced high-entropy alloy composite coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, additive manufacturing (AM) has played a significant role in various fashion industries, especially the textile and jewelry manufacturing sectors. This review article delves deeply into the wide range of methods and materials used to make intricately designed jewelry fabrication using the additive manufacturing (AM) process. The Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) process is examined for its suitability in achieving complex design and structural integrity in jewelry fabrication even with respect to powder metallurgy methods. Moreover, the review explores the use of precious materials, such as gold, silver, copper, platinum, and their alloys in additive manufacturing. Processing precious materials is challenging due to their high reflectivity and thermal conductivity, which results in poor densification and mechanical properties. To address this issue, the review article proposes three different strategies: (i) adding alloying elements, (ii) coating powder particles, and (iii) using low-wavelength lasers (green or blue). Finally, this review examines crucial post-processing techniques to improve surface quality, robustness, and attractiveness. To conclude, this review emphasizes the potential of combining additive manufacturing (AM) with traditional craftsmanship for creating jewelry, exploring the potential future directions and developments in the field of additive manufacturing (AM) for jewelry fabrication.

Recently, inverted perovskite solar cells (IPSCs) have received note-worthy consideration in the photovoltaic domain because of its dependable operating stability, minimal hysteresis, and low-temperature manufacture technique in the quest to satisfy global energy demand through renewable means. In a decade transition, perovskite solar cells in general have exceeded 25 % efficiency as a result of superior perovskite nanocrystalline films obtained via low temperature synthesis methods along with good interface and electrode materials management. This review paper presents detail processes of refining the stability and power conversion efficiencies in IPSCs. The latest development in the power conversion efficiency, including structural configurations, prospect of tandem solar cells, mixed cations and halides, films’ fabrication methods, charge transport material alterations, effects of contact electrode materials, additive and interface engineering materials used in IPSCs are extensively discussed. Additionally, insights on the state of the art and IPSCs' continued development towards commercialization are provided.

The advent of Janus nanoparticles has been a great breakthrough in the emerging field of nanomaterials. Janus nanoparticles refer to a single structure with two distinct chemical functions on either side. Owing to their asymmetric structures, they can be utilized in a variety of applications where monomorphic particles are insufficient. In the last decade, a wide variety of materials have been employed to fabricate Janus nanoparticles, and due to the great advantages of magnetite (Iron‐oxide) NPs, they have been considered as one of the best candidates. With the main benefit of magnetic controlling, magnetite Janus nanoparticles fulfill great promises, especially in biomedical areas such as bioimaging, cancer therapies, theranostics, and biosensing. The intrinsic characteristics of magnetite Janus nanoparticles (MJNPs) even hold great potential in magnetite Janus forms of micro‐/nanomotors. Despite the great interest and potential in magnetic Janus NPs, the need for a comprehensive review on MJNPs with a concentration on magnetite NPs has been overlooked. Herein, we present recent advancements in the magnetite‐based Janus nanoparticles in the flourishing field of biomedicine. First, the synthesis and fabrication methods of Janus nanoparticles are discussed. Then we will delve into their intriguing biomedical applications, with a separate section for magnetite Janus micro‐/nanomotors in biomedicine. And finally, the challenges and future outlook are provided. This article is categorized under:Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging TechnologiesNanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in BiologyDiagnostic Tools > Diagnostic NanodevicesDiagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle‐Based Sensing [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology / Zhongguo Shipin Xuebao is the property of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology Periodical Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Multiscale nano/micro-structured surfaces with superhydrophobicity are abundantly observed in nature such as lotus leaves, rose petals and butterfly wings, where microstructures typically reinforce mechanical stability, while nanostructures predominantly govern wettability. To emulate such hierarchical structures in nature, various methods have been widely applied in the past few decades to the manufacture of multiscale structures which can be applied to functionalities ranging from anti-icing and water–oil separation to self-cleaning. In this review, we highlight recent advances in nano/micro-structured superhydrophobic surfaces, with particular focus on non-metallic materials as they are widely used in daily life due to their lightweight, abrasion resistance and ease of processing properties. This review is organized into three sections. First, fabrication methods of multiscale hierarchical structures are introduced with their strengths and weaknesses. Second, four main application areas of anti-icing, water–oil separation, anti-fog and self-cleaning are overviewed by assessing how and why multiscale structures need to be incorporated to carry out their performances. Finally, future directions and challenges for nano/micro-structured surfaces are presented.

Superhydrophobic surfaces, characterized by exceptional water repellency and self-cleaning properties, have gained significant attention for their diverse applications across industries. This review paper comprehensively explores the theoretical foundations, various fabrication methods, applications, and associated challenges of superhydrophobic surfaces. The theoretical section investigates the underlying principles, focusing on models such as Young’s equation, Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter states, and the dynamics of wetting. Various fabrication methods are explored, ranging from microstructuring and nanostructuring techniques to advanced material coatings, shedding light on the evolution of surface engineering. The extensive applications of superhydrophobic surfaces, spanning from self-cleaning technologies to oil–water separation, are systematically discussed, emphasizing their potential contributions to diverse fields such as healthcare, energy, and environmental protection. Despite their promising attributes, superhydrophobic surfaces also face significant challenges, including durability and scalability issues, environmental concerns, and limitations in achieving multifunctionality, which are discussed in this paper. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of superhydrophobic research, this review aims to guide future investigations and inspire innovations in the development and utilization of these fascinating surfaces.

Research on stretchable materials has gained momentum with the increasing commercialization of wearable and flexible devices. Among the materials used in stretchable electronics, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is popular owing to its remarkable mechanical properties when subjected to deformation. Recent studies have shown that sponge-like porous PDMS is gaining attention, as it provides high surface area and strong absorption properties as well as facilitates mass transfer, making it ideal for use in electronics. This review primarily focuses on the production method and application of porous PDMS. The article describes the various processing methods used to produce porous PDMS, including 3D printing, gas foaming, and phase separation, each of which results in different characteristics. Thus, researchers can choose the most suitable method according to their desired application. Porous PDMS provides channels for mass transfer and strong absorption properties that enable addition of fillers such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and metal nanoparticles, which can further enhance the functionality of the material. In addition, the review covers applications according to the filler used, such as sensors using CNT, flexible electrodes using NiO/MnO2/CNT, and nanogenerators using ZnO. Choosing the right material for the filler is important for obtaining the desired characteristics as per its application.

Lead halide perovskites have made remarkable progress in the field of radiation detection owing to the excellent and unique optoelectronic properties. However, the instability and the toxicity of lead‐based perovskites have greatly hindered its practical applications. Alternatively, lead‐free perovskites with high stability and environmental friendliness thus have fascinated significant research attention for direct X‐ray detection. In this review, the current research progress of X‐ray detectors based on lead‐free halide perovskites is focused. First, the synthesis methods of lead‐free perovskites including single crystals and films are discussed. In addition, the properties of these materials and the detectors, which can provide a better understanding and designing satisfactory devices are also presented. Finally, the challenge and outlook for developing high‐performance lead‐free perovskite X‐ray detectors are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of low photocatalytic efficiency in photocatalytic products, researchers proposed a method to use inverse opal photonic crystal structure in photocatalytic materials. This is due to a large specific surface area and a variety of optical properties of the inverse opal photonic crystal, which are great advantages in photocatalytic performance. In this paper, the photocatalytic principle and preparation methods of three-dimensional inverse opal photonic crystals are introduced, including the preparation of basic inverse opal photonic crystals and the photocatalytic modification of inverse opal photonic crystals, and then the application progresses of inverse opal photonic crystal photocatalyst in sewage purification, production of clean energy and waste gas treatment are introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterostructure materials have attracted increasing attention in optics, medicine, optoelectronics, and electromagnetics, owing to the combination of remarkable properties of various materials. In particular, they have demonstrated the potential to achieve superior performances in ultrafast photonics. In recent years, a variety of ultrafast lasers based on heterostructure materials have been reported, which indicates a promising future in this field. In this review, the main fabrication methods and ultrafast applications of heterostructure materials are summarized. The fabrication methods are divided into mechanical transfer methods and chemical growth methods according to their mechanisms, and the methods and their characteristics are presented in detail. Next, the ultrafast lasers enabled by heterostructure materials in different wavebands as well as their key parameters are systematically introduced. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of heterostructure materials in broadband ultrafast photonics are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is an urgent need that defect repair can develop from simple device fixation to living tissue reconstruction, from short life function replacement to permanent regeneration repair. At present, bone transplantation has become the second largest transplantation surgery after blood transfusion, and artificial bone transplantation generates great hope for the repair and treatment of bone defect. In order to repair bone defect, artificial bone must have good biological properties and sufficient mechanical properties, and it should also have the shape matching to bone defect site and the connected porous structure. For structures and properties requirements of artificial bone, in this review three major challenges faced by artificial bone transplantation are systemtically analyzed and current methods and strategies to address these issues are discussed: 1) the need for developing a type of bone scaffold material with both biological and mechanical properties, 2) the need for realizing the controllable fabrication of individual shape and multistage pore structure of bone scaffold, 3) the need for realizing the transformation from man‐made structure to biological structure. Besides, it summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of these methods and discusses the potential future directions of structural and functional adaptive artificial bone for bone defect regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance lightweight materials give rise to a demand for magnesium-based composites. Magnesium metal matrix composites have found extensive applications in the aerospace and automotive industries due to their remarkable mechanical properties. Limitations in dispersion, strength, and interface strength of magnesium-based composites are seen through the addition of some hybrid reinforcements and different fabrication techniques. In this regard, previous studies have demonstrated the ability of various reinforcements such as graphene, carbon nano tubes, silicon carbide, and titanium carbide to a magnesium matrix for the enhancement of its metallurgical properties. There are still several challenges in the development of magnesium metal matrix composites, such as non-homogeneous distribution, poor creep resistance at elevated temperatures, limited cold work ability, and low corrosion resistance. The challenges that need to be overcome and suggestion for improving the wear resistance and frictional properties of magnesium metal matrix composites were studied and discussed. This review evaluates the importance of different reinforcement percentages as well as the development of magnesium metal matrix composites. The different types of fabrication techniques that are well suited to overcome the challenges of poor dispersing, non-homogeneous distribution, interfacial problems, and poor wettability are discussed. Microstructure analysis, the agglomerating effect, and matrix bonding strength are also discussed. The challenges and future scope of research are discussed for the demonstration of the importance of more scientific studies in magnesium metal matrix composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights In-depth overview of the classification of one-dimensional (1D) micro/nanomotors and strategies for fabricating them are reviewed. Driving mechanisms and progress of 1D micro/nanomotors for applications are summarized. Challenges and future prospects of 1D micro/nanomotors are discussed.

In recent years, beryllium oxide has been widely utilized in multiple compact nuclear reactors as the neutron moderator, the neutron reflector or the matrix material with dispersed nuclear fuels due to its prominent properties. In the past 70 years, beryllium oxide has been studied extensively, but rarely been systematically organized. This article provides a systematic review of the application history, thermal properties, mechanical properties, corrosion behavior and fabrication methods of beryllium oxide. Data from previous literature are extracted and sorted out, and all of these original data are attached as the supplementary material, so that subsequent researchers can utilize this paper as a database for beryllium oxide research in reactor design or simulation analysis, etc. In addition, this review article also attempts to point out the insufficiency of research on beryllium oxide, and the possible key research areas about beryllium oxide in the future.

Natural fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (NFPCs) have gained limelight in many applications during the recent years, owing to their availability, as well as superior mechanical characteristics, cost‐effectiveness, biodegradability, and lightweight. A comprehensive understanding of the manufacturing methods, proeprties and characteristics of natural fibers pave way for begetting a wide spectrum of applications for the NFPCs in automobile, aerospace, electronics, and other engineering fields. The current review article is about natural fiber‐reinforced composites, the commonly used fabrication methods, including fiber pre‐treatments, and numerous intermediate steps added to achieve improved bonding, processability of these composites, their properties and application prospects. Various state‐of‐the‐art methods like additive manufacturing, vaccum bag molding, and autoclave has also been discussed. The mechanical properties obtained through various fiber reinforcements in accordance with process parameters has a substantial impact in the industrial applications of NFPCs. The tribological applications of NFPCs are becoming increasingly important in order to deal with the mechanical and chemical wear and tear during their service life in contact applications. Flammability behavior and biodegradability assessment of NFPCs are important for high‐temperature and outdoor environmental applications of these materials. The review also includes a comprehensive discussion about the trending applications and future prospects for NFPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sensing technology has been extensively researched and used due to its applications in industrial production and daily life. Due to inherent limitations of conventional silicon-based technology, researchers are now-a-days paying more attention to flexible electronics to design low-cost, high-sensitivity devices. This observational and analytical study aims to emphasis on carbon monoxide gas sensor. This review also focuses the challenges faced by flexible devices, offers the most recent research on paper-based gas sensors and pays special focus on various sensing materials and fabrication techniques. Design/methodology/approach: To get the better insight into opportunities for future improvement, a number of research papers based on sensors were studied and realized the need to design carbon monoxide gas sensor. A number of parameters were then gone through to decide the flexibility parameter to be considered for design purposes. This review also focuses on the challenges faced by flexible devices and how they can be overcome. Findings: It has been shown that carbon monoxide gas, being most contaminated gas, needs to be fabricated to sense low concentration at room temperature, considering flexibility as an important parameter. Regarding this parameter, some tests must be done to test whether the structure sustains or degrades after bending. The parameters required to perform bending are also described. Originality/value: Due to inherent limitations of conventional silicon-based technology, now-a-days attention is paid towards flexible electronics to design low-cost, high-sensitivity devices. A number of research articles are provided in the literature concerning gas sensing for different applications using several sensing principles. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent developments in carbon monoxide gas sensors along with the design possibilities for flexible paper-based gas sensors. All the aspects have been taken into consideration for the fabrication, starting with paper characterization techniques, various sensing materials, manufacturing methodologies, challenges in the fabrication of flexible devices and effects of bending and humidity on the sensing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]