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At least 181 records · Page 10

Dynamic Oscillation and Motion of Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion Droplets

Abstract The interplay of interfacial tensions on droplets results in a range of self‐powered motions that mimic those of living systems and serve as a tunable model to understand their complex non‐equilibrium behavior. Spontaneous shape deformations and oscillations are crucial features observed in nature but difficult to incorporate in synthetic artificial systems. Here, we report sessile oil‐in‐water emulsions that exhibit rapid oscillating behavior. The oscillations depend on the nature and concentration of the surfactant, the chemical composition of the oil, and the wettability of the solid substrate. The rapid changes in the contact angle per oscillation are observed using side‐view optical microscopy. We propose that the changes in the interfacial tension of the oil droplets is due to the partitioning of the surfactant into the oil phase and the movement of self‐emulsified oil out of the parent droplets giving rise to the rhythmic variation in droplet contact‐line. The ability to control and understand droplet oscillation can help model similar oscillations in out‐of‐equilibrium systems in nature and reproduce biomimetic behavior in artificial systems for various applications, such as microfluidic lab‐on‐a‐chip and adaptive materials.

Krishna Mani, Sanjana↗

Dynamic Oscillation and Motion of Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion Droplets

The interplay of interfacial tensions on droplets results in a range of self‐powered motions that mimic those of living systems and serve as a tunable model to understand their complex non‐equilibrium behavior. Spontaneous shape deformations and oscillations are crucial features observed in nature but difficult to incorporate in synthetic artificial systems. Here, we report sessile oil‐in‐water emulsions that exhibit rapid oscillating behavior. The oscillations depend on the nature and concentration of the surfactant, the chemical composition of the oil, and the wettability of the solid substrate. The rapid changes in the contact angle per oscillation are observed using side‐view optical microscopy. We propose that the changes in the interfacial tension of the oil droplets is due to the partitioning of the surfactant into the oil phase and the movement of self‐emulsified oil out of the parent droplets giving rise to the rhythmic variation in droplet contact‐line. The ability to control and understand droplet oscillation can help model similar oscillations in out‐of‐equilibrium systems in nature and reproduce biomimetic behavior in artificial systems for various applications, such as microfluidic lab‐on‐a‐chip and adaptive materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Rewritable Surface‐Grafted Polymer Brushes with Dynamic Covalent Linkages

Abstract Surface grafting of polymer brushes drastically modifies surface properties, including wettability, compatibility, responsiveness, etc. A broad variety of functionalities can be introduced to the surface via different types of polymers. Bringing together properties of two or more types of polymer brushes to one surface opens up even more possibilities in brush‐modified materials. However, while it is generally feasible to introduce several chemical compositions along the brushes via copolymerization, it is challenging to vary the types of polymer brushes along a surface. Although previous studies have demonstrated binary brushes via orthogonal polymerization techniques or partial deactivation/regrafting, they commonly limit the number of polymer types to two. Here, we propose a strategy to introduce dynamic covalent diketoenamine linkages at the root of polymer brushes. The grafting density could be precisely tuned during surface functionalization. The surface‐anchored polymer brushes were cleaved by the addition of small molecule amines. New polymer brushes can be regrafted from the surface following refunctionalization of exposed sites. The maneuverability allows tuning of the types and densities of the polymer brushes, pointing the way to the preparation of a new generation of well‐defined brush‐modified materials with mixed grafts, with potential applications in the design of smart materials and surfaces.

Cui, Feichen↗

Modulating Li + and Polysulfide Solvation with Low-Density Moderately Solvating Electrolytes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries show great promise as the next-generation rechargeable batteries, yet they still suffer from polysulfide shuttling and interphasial instability. Electrolyte, as the medium for ion transport and sulfur conversion, plays a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. Here, we introduce a moderately solvating electrolyte (MSE) based on low-density, low-viscosity, and nonfluorinated ether co-solvents that balances polysulfide suppression, Li metal stabilization, and redox kinetics. Through multiple solvent–solvent and solvent-ion interactions, the optimized MSE weakens Li + -solvent pairing while strengthening cation–anion interactions, thereby lowering the desolvation barrier and promoting the formation of a favorable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI). Meanwhile, MSE limits the polysulfide dissolution but improves the accessibility of active material through better wettability and tailored solvation environment, leading to an altered sulfur deposition mechanism with β – α conversion. This approach enables a stable cycling of high-mass loading Li–S cells (> 3.5 mg cm -2 ) at both room temperature and 45 °C (where shuttling and side reactions are severer), and demonstrates a pouch cell with lean electrolyte content (4.5 µL mg s -1 ). This work highlights a practical route to develop high-performance electrolyte for Li–S cells and provides mechanistic insights into their operation.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Interlaminar improvement of carbon fiber/epoxy composites via fluorine‐containing high‐epoxy‐value sizing agent

Abstract To improve the interfacial bonding effect of carbon fibers (CFs) and epoxy resins, we prepared a fluorine‐containing high‐epoxy‐value sizing agent (named TS) in this article. It is an emulsion with a more uniform particle size distribution and higher stability better than a commercial Takemoto sizing agent. In addition, sulfonic acid groups can improve the hydrophilicity of the TS, and the presence of epoxy groups enhances the wettability between CFs and the matrix. The properties of the sizing agents were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and thermogravimetric analysis. The sized CFs were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, monofilament tensile test, and dynamic contact angle. Afterward, CF/epoxy composites were prepared, and their fracture morphology and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) were examined. Results indicated that the TS sizing significantly increased the content of activated carbon on the surface of the CFs and improved the bonding effect between the fiber and the matrix. After TS was sized, the ILSS increased from 49.64 to 58.74 MPa, 18.34% higher than unsized CF/epoxy composites, showing the prominent interfacial reinforcement better than commercial Takemoto.

Qiu, Zhijie↗

Effects of water-based binders on electrochemical performance of manganese dioxide cathode in mild aqueous zinc batteries

In the majority of rechargeable batteries including lithium ion batteries (LIBs), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) binders are the most commonly used binder for both anode and cathode. However, using PVdF binder requires the organic solvent of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) which is expensive, volatile, combustible, toxic, and has poor recyclability. Therefore, switching to aqueous electrode processing routes with non-toxic binders would provide a great leap forward towards the realization of ideally fully sustainable and environmentally friendly electrochemical energy storage devices. Various water-soluble binders (aqueous binders) were characterized and compared to the performance of conventional PVDF. Our study demonstrates that the electrochemical performance of Zn/MnO2 aqueous batteries is significantly improved by using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder. Additionally, CMC binders offers desirable adhesion, good wettability, homogeneous material distribution, and strong chemical stability at certain pH levels (3.5~5) without any decomposition for long-cycle life.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Role of tunable polymer flexibility in controlling wetting behavior and thermal properties of poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene)-silica nanocomposites

We present how altering the chain flexibility affects the nanoscale organization of polymer-grafted nanoparticles (PGNPs) and its ultimate impact on macroscale thermal properties. To isolate the role of chain flexibility on wetting behavior in athermal polymer nanocomposites (PNC), the graft and matrix chemistry is kept identical by utilizing 1,3-cyclohexadiene-based polymer materials. Increasing the rigidity and molecular weight of both the graft and matrix is found to favor mixing of poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene) PCHD-grafted silica NPs with the matrix, supported by a concomitant increase in glass transition temperatures of the PNCs. Further, the associated entropic factors that drive wetting behavior and dispersion of PGNPs are discussed, emphasizing the dominant role-played by chain flexibility. Alterations in graft flexibility had the strongest impact on dispersion and Tg values of the PNC, while molecular weight (MW) plays a secondary role. This investigation is a unique demonstration of how chain flexibility alteration in athermal semiflexible systems can be used to alter NP organization by altering filler-matrix wettability which also impacts thermal properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Enhanced Laser-Induced Graphene Microfluidic Integrated Sensors (LIGMIS) for On-Site Biomedical and Environmental Monitoring

The convergence of microfluidic and electrochemical biosensor technologies offers significant potential for rapid, in-field diagnostics in biomedical and environmental applications. Traditional systems face challenges in cost, scalability, and operational complexity, especially in remote settings. Addressing these issues, laser-induced graphene microfluidic integrated sensors (LIGMIS) are presented as an innovative platform that integrates microfluidics and electrochemical sensors both comprised of laser-induced graphene. This study advances the LIGMIS concept by resolving issues of uneven fluid transport, increased hydrophobicity during storage, and sensor biofunctionalization challenges. Key innovations include Y-shaped reservoirs for consistent fluid flow, hydrophilic polyethyleneimine coatings to maintain wettability, and separable microfluidic and electrochemical components enabling isolated electrode nanoparticle metallization and biofunctionalization. Multiplexed electrochemical detection of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid and nitrate ions in environmental water samples yields detection limits of 707 nm and 10 -5.4 m with wide sensing ranges of 5–100 µm and 10 -5 –10 -1 m, respectively. Similarly, uric acid and calcium ions are detected in saliva, demonstrating detection limits of 217 nm and 10 -5.3 m with sensing ranges of 10–50 µm, and 10 -5 –10 -2.5 m, respectively. Overall, this biosensing demonstrates the capability of the LIGMIS platform for multiplexed detection in biologically complex solutions, with applications in environmental water quality monitoring and oral cancer screening.

environmental monitoring↗

Atomic- and Molecular-Scale Interphase Engineering for High-Performance Solid-State Batteries

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) promise a decisive advance beyond conventional Li-ion systems, yet their development remains constrained by persistent solid–solid interfacial instabilities that degrade performance and durability. Interfaces between solid electrolytes and both cathodes and Li metal often exhibit poor wettability, limited physical contact, and high charge–transfer resistance, leading to chemical decomposition, mechanical failure, and impedance growth. Overcoming these limitations requires interphase engineering with atomic-scale precision—capabilities that conventional coating methods cannot reliably deliver. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) uniquely meet this need by enabling ultrathin, conformal, and composition-tunable films that stabilize reactive surfaces, suppress parasitic reactions, and regulate Li-metal morphology. Importantly, this Perspective highlights ALD/MLD systems that have already demonstrated effectiveness in liquid-electrolyte cells and discusses how these validated strategies can be deliberately translated to solid-state architectures. By grounding future directions in experimentally proven concepts rather than speculative hypotheses, we outline how atomic- and molecular-scale design principles can accelerate the development of robust, high-performance SSB technologies.

atomic and molecular layer deposition↗

Contact Angle Measurements Using Sessile Drop and Micro-CT Data from Six Sandstones

Numerous sessile drop and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) studies have been conducted to quantify Geologic Carbon Storage formation wettability by measuring static contact angles (θ); however, the influence of pore geometry remains unknown. In this work, six sandstones (Bandera Brown, Berea, Bentheimer, Mt. Simon, Navajo, and Nugget) are used to measure θ using the two aforementioned experimental methods at identical testing conditions (45°C and 12.41 MPa). The range of θ measured at in situ conditions (micro-CT) exceeds those the range at ex situ (sessile drop method) conditions for all sandstones. However, when droplets with more representative in situ diameters are analyzed, θ averages show ex situ θ exceed those of in situ θ. Pore geometry does influence local θ, but the size of ex situ droplets relative to pore size appears to influence θ. This is an important to consider for future sessile drop studies used for analysis of CO 2 behavior in carbon storage reservoirs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A spatial-statistical investigation of surface expressions associated with cyclic steaming in the Midway-Sunset Oil Field, California

In the Midway Sunset Oil Field in Central California, operators inject steam into the shallow diatomite formation to enhance heavy oil recovery through imbibition, wettability alteration, and viscosity reduction, among other mechanisms. The injected steam, however, does not always remain in the reservoir or return through the wells. In two zones in the study area, the steam comes out at the surface, creating sinkholes, seeps, and steam outlets. These phenomena, called “surface expressions,” pose safety and environmental hazards. Even though these surface expressions are a widespread problem in Central California, they are not well documented and understood. Possible causes of the surface expressions include: high injection pressure, structurally controlled flow patterns, leakage of steam through old improperly abandoned wells, high injection volumes, or flow along naturally occurring faults, among other possible factors. This work examines attributes of the zones with surface expressions in order to determine factors that may contribute to their occurrence. Spatial statistical analysis using logistic regression, random forests, and classification trees is used to explore the relationship between the surface expressions and geological and production-related attributes. The results point to a significant spatial correlation between the surface expressions and two predictors: concentration of plugged wells and geologic seal thickness. The results guide follow-up studies to further investigate the role of well abandonment and seal thickness in the occurrence of surface expressions.

02 PETROLEUM↗

Biochar–polymer composites for 3D printing: a review

Biochar, a bio-based co-product of biofuel production via thermochemical conversion, holds potential as a filler for polymer composites to reduce costs, improve thermomechanical properties, and aid in environmental remediation. 3D-printed biochar composites have received growing interest over the past few years but have experienced difficulties such as poor layer adhesion and nozzle clogging. Currently, no literature review examines 3D-printed biochar composites and related biochar properties in-depth. This work summarizes and discusses recent studies on 3D-printed polymer and biochar composites and examines their mechanical, thermal, and additional properties that result from each study. Technical challenges in printability, such as nozzle clogging from particle size and biochar aggregation, are also discussed. Furthermore, this work discusses the variability of biochar properties resulting from the pyrolysis conditions and feedstock choice in relation to potential 3D printing outcomes. In particular, several studies reported that high lignin feedstocks could be candidates for 3D printing. The post-processing approaches of the biochar via physical and chemical methods are also introduced. Ball milling appears to hold the most promise for physical treatments due to its tunability of particle size, surface area, and functional groups, while chemical treatments with acids or alkalis are used to tailor biochar porosity and wettability. Overall, it was determined that future research needs to be done relating biochar production and post-processing methods to resulting 3D printing parameters as the number of studies is limited.

Day, Rachel [Auburn University, Auburn, AL]↗

Enhanced liquid metal wetting on oxide surfaces via patterned particles

Liquid metals typically do not intrinsically wet oxide surfaces due to chemical dissimilarity, preventing the formation of well-bonded interfaces in many applications. This paper investigates how the wetting and spreading of liquid silver (Ag) droplets on oxide surfaces can be enhanced via patterned nickel (Ni) particles using multiscale modeling. First, a force field (FF) for an Ag/yttria-stabilized-zirconia system was developed by fitting the interfacial binding energy to density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. Then, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using these FF parameters revealed that the good wetting of Ag on Ni caused Ag droplets to be attracted to the Ni particles, promoting spreading. Thus, the optimal hexagonal Ni pattern was shown to enhance the wetting area by 224% compared to a bare oxide surface. Second, an analytical model predicting the maximum possible enhancement in wetting area as a function of the intrinsic wetting angle, size of the Ag droplet, and size of the Ni particles was derived and validated with MD simulations, to generalize this method to other substrates. Here, both the analytical model and MD results suggested that the ability of Ni patterns to enhance the Ag wetting area becomes more significant as the wettability of substrate becomes worse.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Onset dynamics of air-water menisci on rock fracture surfaces

Information on menisci dynamics and equilibrium contact angles, θ e , is needed for modeling multiphase flow of fluids in geologic formations. The wettability of fracture faces is relevant to applications such as waterflooding in enhanced oil recovery and evaluation of caprock integrity for geologic carbon sequestration. We investigated the vertical capillary rise of air-water menisci on exposed fracture faces for a sandstone, a shale, and three granites. The experimental design approximated that employed in the Wilhelmy plate method. Replicate fracture faces were prepared by fracturing cylindrical rock cores using the Brazilian method and splitting the fractured cores apart along their fracture planes. Meniscus onset was imaged from a cross-sectional perspective using dynamic neutron radiography, and quantified with change point analysis. An existing model for meniscus onset fitted the experimental data very well (median R 2 = 0.96). Capillary rise was typified by t 2/3 scaling (where t is time), followed by a constant equilibrium height, z e . The average time taken for the menisci to reach z e was 0.39 s, with no differences between rock types. The menisci achieved a greater vertical extent on the fracture faces of the sedimentary rocks as compared to those of the granites. Apparent θ e values were calculated from the best fit estimates of z e using the Wilhelmy plate equation for a smooth and planar vertical surface. Despite the fractal roughness of some of the fracture faces, there was a significant linear relationship (R 2 = 0.80) between the apparent θ e values and intrinsic θ e values measured on polished surfaces of the same rocks using the sessile drop method. The regression equation indicated the apparent θ e values were consistently greater than the intrinsic values. This overestimation may be due to averaging of pixels at the air-water-solid interface, a required step in the image analysis. Further exploration of the range of applicability and measurement accuracy of this proposed new technique would be valuable.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Carbon nanotube coated metal mesh: Bridging nanoscale and macroscale

A novel hybrid structure has been developed by growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a metal mesh that functions as a literally unlimitedly extendable backbone. This hybrid material structure provides a new approach of extending CNTs’ advantageous properties such as ultrahigh thermal and electrical conductivities, high sensitivity to gases, and distinctive wettability for different liquids with chemical inertness to macroscale—otherwise available only in nano- and microscales. In this feasibility work, CNTs were grown on a Type 316 stainless steel (SS) mesh by self-catalytical chemical vapor deposition (CVD) without the need of an externally added catalyst or catalyst support. For the radially aligned and entangled CNT forest on the SS mesh, the average CNT diameter is around 50 nm, while the length varies from 20 to 25 µm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the multiwall structure of the CNTs with >30 rolled-up graphitic sheets. Raman spectra of the CNTs showed a dominant G band, indicating a well-ordered graphitic nanostructure. Being highly hydrophobic with a water contact angle of ∼145° and oleophilic, the CNT-coated SS mesh could be used in fluid separation and organic contaminant removal from water. Moreover, CNTs are recognized for their exceptional thermal conductivity and the CNT-coated mesh offers a supportive structure with directly connected CNTs for efficient heat transfer. Proof of concept has been achieved for the CNT-coated mesh’s potentials as a liquid filter and an thermal interface material (TIM). Specifically, the CNT-coated mesh demonstrated the capability of capturing water from a water-organic mixture with a 100 % efficiency while allowing organic liquids to pass through the filter. Furthermore, when used as a TIM, the CNT-coated mesh reduced the interfacial thermal impedance by >30 %.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTS)↗

Enhanced flow boiling heat transfer on chromium coated zircaloy-4 using cold spray technique for accident tolerant fuel (ATF) materials

Flow boiling heat transfer tests were conducted to evaluate the Critical Heat Flux (CHF) and Heat Transfer Coefficient (HTC) of conventional and accident tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding materials, i.e., bare Zircaloy-4 (Zr4), and Zircaloy-4 coated with Chromium using physical vapor deposition (PVD) (Zr4-Cr-PVD) and cold spray process (Zr4-Cr-CS), respectively. The tests were performed on a single heater rod with a uniform heat flux profile, at the atmospheric pressure, inlet temperature (24 °C) and mass flow rate (750 kg/m 2 s). HTC’s were increased by 5.2% and 3.3% on Zr4-Cr-CS compared to bare Zr4 and Zr4-Cr-PVD. Improved HTCwas attributed to the increased void fraction and high roughness (Ra = 532 nm) of the Zr4-Cr-CS. In detail, the micro-cavities, which act as bubble seeds, were entirely distributed on the Zr4-Cr-CS, and these micro-cavities generated smaller and faster bubbles, thus the void fraction increased by 10.9% compared to bare Zr4. HTC is improved by these smaller and faster bubbles which can remove heat from the heater rod surface more efficiently. To identify the exact location of CHF, the surface temperature profile was measured using advanced fiber-optic sensors which have high temporal/spatial resolution (distance between point to point: ~2.5 mm, frequency ~100 Hz). CHF occurred at 80–95% along the heated length and showed an 11.6% reduction on Zr4-Cr-CS compared to bare Zr4. We hypothesize the CHF reduction was caused by the lower wettability of the Zr4-Cr-CS which reduces the liquid supply to the surface, and vigorous bubble accumulation owing to high void fraction near the outlet, which results in early formation of the vapor film. During the post-CHF quenching phase, the rougher Zr4-Cr-CS showed larger cooling rates compared to the bare Zr4 and Zr4-Cr-PVD, preventing of oxidation by chromium layer. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the high roughness on the Zr4-Cr-CS increased the number of micro-cavities on the surface, resulting in 5.2% increase in HTC and improvement in the quenching heat transfer performance whereas CHF was 11.6% reduced compared to bare Zr4. Overall statistically there is little effect in the coating with regards to CHF and slight improvement in HTC.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Effect of PVD-coated chromium on the subcooled flow boiling performance of nuclear reactor cladding materials

Here we elucidate the separate effect of a thin Cr coating deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) on the subcooled flow boiling performance of zircaloy-4. First, we run flow boiling experiments on prototypical zircaloy-4 surfaces mimicking the scratch pattern and surface roughness of nuclear reactor claddings. Then, we PVD-coat a 0.3 µm thick chromium layer on the same exact surface and repeat the same flow boiling investigations. All experiments are run using deionized water at atmospheric pressure, flowing on a 1 × 3 cm 2 rectangular cross section channel at a rate of 1000 kg/m 2 /s and a subcooling of 10 K. We measure the average temperature of the boiling surface at increasing surface heat fluxes, covering a wide range of heat transfer regimes, from single-phase forced convection to the boiling crisis. We also record high-speed videos of the boiling process, which we postprocess to measure bubble nucleation site density, growth time, departure diameter and frequency. The surface analysis reveals that, while the chromium coating does not seem change the surface roughness and morphology, it improves surface wettability. However, it decreases the critical heat flux. The chromium coating causes an increase of nucleation temperature, bubble departure diameter and growth time, and a reduction of the nucleation site density. The concurrence of these observations indicates that a size reduction of the nucleation sites, conformally covered by the chromium coating, may be the cause of the boiling performance deterioration. We confirm this hypothesis repeating the same analysis on a FeCrAl sample prepared and tested using the same protocol as the zircaloy-4 sample, but with a different initial surface texture.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Novel solid-infused durable nonwetting surfaces for sustained condensation heat transfer enhancement

Here, in this article, we report novel nonwetting solid-infused surfaces that are easily fabricated using industrially widely adopted methods such as chemical etching or electrodeposition and exhibit sustained dropwise condensation performance durably than superhydrophobic and lubricant-infused surfaces. Solid-infused surfaces demonstrate fourfold larger condensation heat transfer coefficient and 25% better condensation effectiveness when compared to superhydrophobic surface and conventional filmwise condensation. Although the condensation heat transfer coefficient of lubricant-infused surface initially matches that of solid-infused surface, it is shown through durability studies that the wettability characteristic that underpins the performance of lubricant-infused surfaces degrades quickly with time as the lubricant depletes and lubricant-infused surface transitions to superhydrophobic surface. Solid-infused surface, on the other hand, retains its steadfast superior dropwise condensation effectiveness in the long run, overcoming the challenges of droplet pinning, surface inundation, cloaking, and lubricant depletion that eventually deteriorate condensation on conventional nonwetting superhydrophobic and lubricant-infused surfaces.

42 ENGINEERING↗