Dielectric loss is a crucial factor in determining the long-term endurance for security and energy loss of dielectric composites. Here, chain-like semiconductive fibers of titanium oxide, indium, and niobium-doped titanium oxide are used for enhancing the complex dielectric properties of a polymer through composite construction, which involves significant interface enhancements. The chain-like fibers significantly enhance the dielectric constant owing to the special morphology of the fillers and their interfacial polarization, especially at higher temperatures. The dielectric loss and electrical conductivity of the composites are substantially reduced across the entire investigated temperature range, achieved by passivating the fiber surface with an alumina shell using atomic layer deposition. The as-deposited alumina shell transformed from an amorphous to a crystalline phase through thermal annealing results in a porous shell and more effective suppression of the loss tangent and electrical conductivity. A plausible mechanism for loss suppression is associated with carrier movement along the surface of the fibers and bulk, leading to a higher loss tangent. The alumina shell blocks the carrier transport path, particularly at the interfaces, resulting in a reduced interfacial polarization contribution and energy storage loss. This study provides a method for inhibiting dielectric loss by fabricating fillers with special surfaces.

The development of anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) has recently accelerated due to synergistic improvements yielding highly conductive membranes, stable ionomers, and enhanced alkaline electrocatalysts. However, cell durability, especially under realistic conditions, still poses a major challenge. Herein, we employ low-loadings of Pt-free Pd-based catalysts in the anode of AEMFCs and elucidate potential degradation mechanisms impacting long-term performance under conditions analogous to the real-world (high current density, H₂–air (albeit CO₂-free), and intermittent operation). Our high-performing AEMFCs achieve impressive performance with power densities approaching 1 W cm⁻² and current densities up to 3.5 A cm⁻². Over a 200 h period of continuous operation in H₂–air at a current density of 600 mA cm⁻², our model Pd/C–CeO₂ anode cell exhibits record stability (∼30 μV h⁻¹ degradation) compared to the literature and up to 6× better stability than our Pd/C and commercial Pt/C anode cells. Following an 8 h shutdown, the Pd/C–CeO₂ anode cell was restarted and continued for an additional 300 h with a higher degradation rate of ∼600 μV h⁻¹. Thorough in situ evaluations and post-stability analyses provide insights into potential degradation mechanisms to be expected during extended operation under more realistic conditions and provide mitigation strategies to enable the widespread development of highly durable AEMFCs.

3D photo printing provides immense flexibility in shaping polymeric objects with intricate geometries. However, the limited availability of photoactive resins for 3D printing poses numerous challenges in realizing the desired material properties in terms of accuracy, printing resolution, and the tunability of mechanical and biodegradable characteristics. To encounter this, researchers consistently strive to develop new photoresins with multifunctional capabilities. Herein, we have reported, for the first time, an easy and straightforward synthesis of imidazolidinyl urea (IU) based photoactive resins for high-resolution 3D printing. Our study delves into the impact of photoinitiator, viscosity, photoinhibitor, and photoabsorber on the 3D printing process. Moreover, a comprehensive examination of the physicochemical properties, encompassing thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation behavior, reveals the tunability of these properties by adjusting the monomer-to-crosslinker ratio. Furthermore, our printed polymers exhibited strong antimicrobial properties against gram-positive bacteria B. subtilis and gram-negative bacteria E. coli while maintaining minimal toxicity towards mouse fibroblast (NIH-3 T3) cells. In summary, our newly developed IU-based resin emerges as a competitive alternative, addressing the growing demand for advanced photoresins with superior high-resolution 3D printing capabilities, particularly in biomedical applications. This important achievement not only expands the possibilities of 3D printing technology but also presents a versatile solution with promising implications for various biomedical needs.

A nanocapsule shell of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PEG-b-PLA) mixed with anionic Eudragit S100 (90/10% w/w) was previously used to entrap and define the self-assembly of indigo carmine (IC) within the hydrophilic cavity core. In the present work, binary blends were prepared by solution mixing at different PEG-b-PLA/Eudragit S100 ratios (namely, 100/0, 90/10, 75/25, and 50/50% w/w) to elucidate the role of the capsule shell in tuning the encapsulation of the anionic dye (i.e., IC). The results showed that the higher content of Eudragit S100 in the blend decreases the miscibility of the two polymers due to weak intermolecular interactions between PEG-b-PLA and Eudragit S100. Moreover, with an increase in the amount of Eudragit S100, a higher thermal stability was observed related to the mobility restriction of PEG-b-PLA chains imposed by Eudragit S100. Formulations containing 10 and 25% Eudragit S100 exhibited an optimal interplay of properties between the negative surface charge and the miscibility of the polymer blend. Therefore, the anionic character of the encapsulating agent provides sufficient accumulation of IC molecules in the nanocapsule core, leading to dye aggregates following the self-assembly. At the same time, the blending of the two polymers tunes the IC release properties in the initial stage, achieving slow and controlled release. These findings give important insights into the rational design of polymeric nanosystems containing organic dyes for biomedical applications.

The understanding of complex fluidization hydrodynamics and chemical reactions in biomass fast pyrolysis fluidized bed reactors is lacking and requires further investigation. It is urgent to develop accurate mathematical models capable of describing the complex multiphase reaction system of biomass pyrolysis. A comprehensive multiscale model based on coarse-grained discrete element method (DEM)-computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was developed in open-source MFiX code. It incorporates detailed biomass pyrolysis kinetics and an intraparticle model. To validate the model, measurements were conducted in a fluidized bed pyrolyzer, including quantifying the segmental pressure drop along the height of the bed and determining the yields and compositions of gas, liquid, and solid products. The particle mixing and segregation, axial distribution and residence time, Lacey index, and pyrolysis products were investigated. The study provides experimental and theoretical foundations for designing multiphase fluidized bed reactors and advancing biomass thermochemical conversion.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a well-established technique for preserving and enhancing alveolar ridge structures. Success in GBR relies on fulfilling the Primary wound closure, Angiogenesis, Space maintenance, and Stability (PASS) principles. Conventional methods, involving titanium meshes and sutures, have drawbacks, including the need for secondary removal and customization challenges. To address these issues, an innovative multifunctional GBR dressing (MGD) based on self-healing elastomer (PUIDS) is introduced. MGD provides sutureless wound closure, prevents food particle accumulation, and maintains a stable environment for bone growth. It offers biocompatibility, bactericidal properties, and effectiveness in an oral GBR model. In summary, MGD provides a reliable, stable osteogenic environment for GBR, aligning with PASS principles and promoting superior post-surgery bone regeneration.

Over the last decade, anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) have continued to show steady power output and durability improvements at low temperatures of 60°C–80°C. However, AEMFC durability still lags, largely due to the critical issue of water management. High-temperature operation (≥100°C) enables simplified water management, but additional material stability challenges remain, particularly concerning the chemical stability of the anion-exchange membranes (AEMs). Herein, we report the synthesis of lightly branched poly(arylene piperidinium) AEMs, leading to balanced water management and sufficient stability. The optimized membranes demonstrate high-temperature H₂/O₂ AEMFC operation at 100°C, with a peak power density of ∼2 W cm⁻² and durability over a 195-h period under a constant current density of 600 mA cm⁻² with only ∼4% voltage decay. This work illustrates an effective AEM design strategy through high-temperature operation to resolve water management issues, thereby improving AEMFC performance and durability.

Polymeric ion conductors composed of a polymeric or co-polymeric backbone which comprises a plurality of backbone units, a metal ligand attached to at least a portion of the backbone units, and a metal ion attached to the metal ligand are provided. The metal ligand can be an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and the metal can feature low oxophilicity. lonomeric materials, including, for example, ion exchange membranes such as anion exchange membranes, made of the polymeric ion conductor, and electrochemical systems and articles-of-manufacturing containing the polymeric ion conductor or the ion exchange membrane are also provided.