CrystalsPub Date : 2024-12-26DOI: 10.3390/cryst15010011
Hongjun Liu, Yajun Li, Run Tang, Yamin Li
{"title":"3D Printing of Polymer-Derived Graphene/SiCp/SiC Composite by Direct Ink Writing","authors":"Hongjun Liu, Yajun Li, Run Tang, Yamin Li","doi":"10.3390/cryst15010011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15010011","url":null,"abstract":"The direct ink writing (DIW) process has been successfully used to prepare SiC-based composites from preceramic polymers due to the porous light weight, lower sintering temperature, and tailored design. However, it still presents challenges in improving the mechanical properties of composites and endowing them with multifunctionality. In this study, we present a 3D-printing strategy for preparing a graphene/SiCp/SiC composite using the DIW process. A polycarbosilane (PCS)-based slurry containing graphene/SiCp composite powder was developed and 3D-printed into scaffolds with a lattice structure, which were then pyrolyzed at 1500 °C to obtain a graphene/SiCp/SiC composite. The weight loss, viscosity, and printability of the graphene/SiCp/PCS slurry were evaluated, and it was determined that the slurry after 4 h of magnetic stirring was suitable for the DIW process. When heat-treated at above 800 °C in an N2 atmosphere, PCS was first reacted with SiCxOy, which was further transformed into β-SiC and pyrocarbon. The 3D-printed lattice structure achieved porosity and low density, while the SiCp reduced defects caused by large shrinkage during pyrolysis of PCS. Meanwhile, GNPs provided the composites with better conductivity and lower density. The density was as low as 1.08 g/cm3, the conductivity reached 670 S·m−1, and the compressive strength was 4.3 MPa. Thus, a lightweight and porous SiC-based composite with high conductivity and strength can be prepared.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"15 1","pages":"11-11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/15/1/11/pdf?version=1735195532","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147889347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CrystalsPub Date : 2024-12-23DOI: 10.3390/cryst14121104
Xian-Rui Zhang, Baolin Wu, Jing-Jing Han, Jinqing Li
{"title":"Simultaneous Improvement in Dissolution Behavior and Oral Bioavailability of Naproxen via Salt Formation","authors":"Xian-Rui Zhang, Baolin Wu, Jing-Jing Han, Jinqing Li","doi":"10.3390/cryst14121104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14121104","url":null,"abstract":"Naproxen (NAP) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that belongs to the arylpropionic acid class. Classified as a Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) class II drug, NAP exhibits low water solubility, thus resulting in restricted oral bioavailability. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmaceutical salts in enhancing the solubility and oral bioavailability of NAP. Two novel NAP salts, specifically naproxen-ethylenediamine (NAP-EDA) and naproxen-trometamol (NAP-TRIS), were synthesized using a 2:1 and 1:1 stoichiometric ratio, respectively. The NAP-EDA and NAP-TRIS powders were thoroughly characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), providing a comprehensive understanding of their structural and thermal properties. Additionally, the solubilities and dissolution rates of NAP-EDA and NAP-TRIS salts were assessed in water and a pH 6.86 phosphate buffer. Notably, the solubility of NAP-TRIS salt increased markedly, by 397.5-fold in water and 6.2-fold at pH 6.86. Furthermore, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats revealed that NAP-TRIS salt displayed faster absorption and higher peak blood concentrations compared to NAP. These results indicate that the NAP-TRIS salt effectively enhanced the solubility and oral bioavailability of naproxen. In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of pharmaceutical salts, particularly NAP-TRIS, in improving the solubility and oral bioavailability of drugs with low aqueous solubility, presenting a promising avenue for advancing drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"14 12","pages":"1104-1104"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/14/12/1104/pdf?version=1734924916","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147916049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Synthesis of O,F Co-Modified g-C3N4 for Photocatalytic H2 Evolution Activity Improvement and Corrosion Protection","authors":"Shiyu Zhou, Pei Li, Chunbo Zhang, Yang Wang, Jingting Hu, Ruokun Jia","doi":"10.3390/cryst14121063","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14121063","url":null,"abstract":"Herein, we report the rational synthesis of porous g-C3N4 co-modified with oxygen (O) and fluorine (F) for the first time. Incorporating colloidal SiO2 during thermal polymerization introduces lattice oxygen, forming C–O bonds, while post-treatment with NH4·HF2 establishes C–F bonds. The dual incorporation of O and F elements extends visible light absorption and effectively promotes the separation and transport of photoexcited charge carriers. Consequently, the co-modified g-C3N4 (O,F-g-C3N4) achieves a 13.2-fold increase in H2 evolution rate compared to pristine g-C3N4. This synthesized O,F-g-C3N4 is then dispersed in waterborne polyurethane (WPU) to create an anti-corrosive coating for Q235 carbon steel substrates. Water resistance, mechanical property, and electrochemical characterization analyses reveal that the O,F-g-C3N4/WPU composite coating exhibits remarkable corrosion resistance with a high protection efficiency of 90.23%. This work offers a straightforward approach for developing highly efficient g-C3N4-based photocatalysts and corrosion-resistant coatings.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"14 12","pages":"1063-1063"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/14/12/1063/pdf?version=1733706011","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147883227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CrystalsPub Date : 2024-11-30DOI: 10.3390/cryst14121042
Jie Xu, Jianshuo Su, Huaizhen Zhang, Rupeng Bu, Zhuang Ding, Ning Zhang, Yanna Zhao
{"title":"Phase Separation Investigation of Axitinib in Supersaturated Solution","authors":"Jie Xu, Jianshuo Su, Huaizhen Zhang, Rupeng Bu, Zhuang Ding, Ning Zhang, Yanna Zhao","doi":"10.3390/cryst14121042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14121042","url":null,"abstract":"Phase separation is quite common in formulations for hydrophobic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) due to their thermodynamic instability in a supersaturated state during in vitro dissolution or in vivo absorption. Phase separation possibly accompanies the formation of a disordered drug-rich phase, but this is still not thoroughly understood. In this study, the phase separation of supersaturated axitinib (Axi) in media with or without polymers was evaluated via multiple analytical methods, including UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and microscopy. The phase separation of Axi occurred at an Axi concentration of 25–30 µg/mL in the media, while the addition of quantitative hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) MG and povidone (PVP) K30 did not alter its phase separation concentration. The second scattering dispersion phase of the system exhibited superior stability and reversibility as the formative filamentous crystalline condensates could disintegrate upon dilution. These disparate analyses consistently detected the phase separation of Axi. This manuscript could provide a better understanding of the supersaturation state of hydrophobic APIs upon pharmaceutical application.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"14 12","pages":"1042-1042"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147894012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Metastable Racemic Ibuprofen Supercooled Liquid","authors":"Tongtong Li, Wangchuan Xiao, Shizhao Ren, Rongrong Xue, Fenghua Chen","doi":"10.3390/cryst14121037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14121037","url":null,"abstract":"Amorphous solid dispersions are good candidates for improving solubility in water and the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Amorphous solids become supercooled liquids when the temperature reaches the glass transition temperature (Tg). For APIs with low melting points, Tg can be below room temperature, which makes it difficult to prepare long-term stable amorphous solids. Studies on the physicochemical properties of supercooled liquids shed light on the design of ASDs for APIs with low melting points. Racemic ibuprofen (IBU) supercooled liquid has been detected using differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction during the melt-quenching of IBU at a low temperature (0 °C). In this work, gram-scaled IBU supercooled liquid was prepared using the melt-quenching method, maintaining a liquid state for minutes at room temperature and for hours at 10 °C, as confirmed by visual observation. The Raman spectra, IR spectra, and UV-vis spectra results indicate that the structure of the IBU supercooled liquid is similar to that of an IBU solution instead of IBU Form I. The rate of recrystallization into Form I can be adjusted by controlling the temperature and additives, as confirmed by visual observation. Moreover, long-term stable IBU dispersions, with improved aqueous solubility, were inspired by the IBU supercooled liquid. The IBU supercooled liquid model can guide the preparation of ASDs for low melting point drugs.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"14 12","pages":"1037-1037"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/14/12/1037/pdf?version=1732881507","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147891412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CrystalsPub Date : 2024-11-20DOI: 10.3390/cryst14111006
Tingting Yan, Linan Liu, Dongyang Xi, Lei Sun, Dinghan Jin, Han Li
{"title":"Pressure-Induced Structural Phase Transition and Fluorescence Enhancement of Double Perovskite Material Cs2NaHoCl6","authors":"Tingting Yan, Linan Liu, Dongyang Xi, Lei Sun, Dinghan Jin, Han Li","doi":"10.3390/cryst14111006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14111006","url":null,"abstract":"Cs2NaHoCl6, a double perovskite material, has demonstrated extensive application potential in the fields of anti-counterfeiting and optoelectronics. The synthesis of Cs2NaHoCl6 crystals was achieved using a hydrothermal method, followed by the determination of their crystal structures through single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The material exhibits bright red fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light, confirming its excellent optical properties. An in situ high-pressure fluorescence experiment was conducted on Cs2NaHoCl6 up to 10 GPa at room temperature. The results indicate that the material possibly undergoes a structural phase transition within the pressure range of 6.9–7.9 GPa, which is accompanied by a significant enhancement in fluorescence. Geometric optimization based on density functional theory (DFT) revealed a significant decrease in the bond lengths and crystal volumes of Ho-Cl and Na-Cl across the predicted phase transition range. Furthermore, it was observed that the bond lengths of Na-Cl and Ho-Cl reach an equivalent state within this phase transition interval. The alteration in bond length may modify the local crystal field strength surrounding Ho3+, consequently affecting its electronic transition energy levels. This could be the primary factor contributing to the structural phase transition.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"14 11","pages":"1006-1006"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/14/11/1006/pdf?version=1732104072","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147895954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unveiling the Bluish Green Chalcedony Aquaprase™—The Study of Its Microstructure and Mineralogy","authors":"Sara Monico, Ilaria Adamo, Valeria Diella, Yianni Melas, Loredana Prosperi, Nicoletta Marinoni","doi":"10.3390/cryst14111003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14111003","url":null,"abstract":"A bluish green chalcedony (a micro to crypto polycrystalline form of silica) from Africa has been marketed with the trademark AQUAPRASETM. A multimethodological approach, combining gemological analyses, thin section examination, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and trace elements chemical analyses by LA–ICP–MS, was carried out to characterize this material from a gemological and mineralogical point of view. The chalcedony samples consist of a mixture of quartz and moganite, as shown by the X-ray powder diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy. “Aquaprase” showed a strong microstructural zoning in terms of grain size, from macrocrystalline to micro and crypto, and morphology. Trace element variations correlated well with the different colored areas of the samples. In particular, the main chromophore ion present in the bluish green areas of the “aquaprase” chalcedony was chromium, followed by iron and nickel, so this chalcedony could be included in the group of chromium-bearing chalcedony. Rayleigh light scattering contributed to the blue hue of the gems.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"14 11","pages":"1003-1003"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/14/11/1003/pdf?version=1732033181","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147918066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Preparation and Study of Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride-Co-Hexafluoropropylene)-Based Composite Solid Electrolytes","authors":"Meihong Huang, Lingxiao Lan, Pengcheng Shen, Zhiyong Liang, Feng Wang, Yuling Zhong, Chaoqun Wu, Fanxiao Kong, Qicheng Hu","doi":"10.3390/cryst14110982","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14110982","url":null,"abstract":"Solid-state electrolytes are widely anticipated to revitalize lithium-ion batteries with high energy density and safety. However, low ionic conductivity and high interfacial resistance at room temperature pose challenges for practical applications. This study combines the rigid oxide electrolyte LLZTO with the flexible polymer electrolyte poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) to achieve effective coupling of rigidity and flexibility. The semi-interpenetrating network structure endows the PEL composite solid electrolyte with excellent lithium-ion transport capabilities, resulting in an ionic conductivity of up to 5.1 × 10−4 S cm−1 and lithium-ion transference number of 0.41. The assembled LiFePO4/PEL/Li solid-state battery demonstrates an initial discharge capacity of 132 mAh g−1 at a rate of 0.1 C. After 100 charge–discharge cycles, the capacity retention is 81%. This research provides a promising strategy for preparing composite solid electrolytes in solid-state lithium-ion batteries.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"14 11","pages":"982-982"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/14/11/982/pdf?version=1731593139","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147897665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of Sulfurization Temperature on Properties of Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Films and Diffusion of Ti Substrate Elements","authors":"Meihong Huang, Junhui Lin, Zhiyong Liang, Shaowei Chen, Yuling Zhong, Feng Wang, Bixian Chen, Dongxia Zhang","doi":"10.3390/cryst14100910","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14100910","url":null,"abstract":"The addition of flexible Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film solar cells to titanium (Ti) substrates is an attractive way to achieve the low-cost manufacturing of photovoltaics. Prior research has indicated that the appropriate diffusion of Ti elements can enhance the crystalline growth of CZTS films. However, the excessive diffusion of Ti has been shown to adversely affect the photovoltaic performance of CZTS photovoltaic devices. Therefore, it is essential to regulate the diffusion of Ti elements within CZTS thin films to optimize their photovoltaic properties. The tendency for Ti substrate elements to diffuse into CZTS films is also influenced by the activation energy associated with these Ti elements. The sulfurization temperature is posited to be a critical factor in modulating the diffusion and activation energy of Ti elements within CZTS thin films. Consequently, this research investigates the alteration of the sulfurization temperature of CZTS thin films in order to enhance the properties of these thin films and to examine the diffusion behavior of titanium elements. The results reveal that as the sulfurization temperature increases, the diffusion of Ti elements within the CZTS thin films initially increases, then decreases, and subsequently increases again. This pattern suggests that the diffusion of Ti elements is affected not only by the activation energy of the Ti elements but also by the defect hopping distance within the CZTS thin films. Notably, at a sulfurization temperature of 550 °C, the grains at the base of the CZTS thin film demonstrate an increased density, which is associated with a reduced defect hopping distance, thereby hindering the diffusion of Ti elements within the CZTS thin films. Furthermore, at this specific sulfurization temperature, the slope of the current–voltage (I–V) curve for the CZTS/Ti structure reaches its maximum, indicating optimal ohmic contact characteristics.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"14 10","pages":"910-910"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147895391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
CrystalsPub Date : 2024-10-16DOI: 10.3390/cryst14100896
Wenfang Zhou, Zirui Wang, Qingfeng Wu, Qinping Nie, Yi Wang
{"title":"The Effects of Montmorillonite–Humic Acid Composite Particles on the Photolysis of Tetracycline in Water","authors":"Wenfang Zhou, Zirui Wang, Qingfeng Wu, Qinping Nie, Yi Wang","doi":"10.3390/cryst14100896","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14100896","url":null,"abstract":"Suspended particulate matter (SPM) is an important component of natural water bodies and can significantly influence the photolytic behavior of water pollutants. A comprehensive understanding of the photochemical behavior of water pollutants in natural waters requires consideration of the presence of SPM. In this study, montmorillonite–humic acid (MMT-HA) composite particles were synthesized to simulate SPM in natural waters and their effects on the photolysis of tetracycline (TC) were investigated. The results demonstrated that the presence of MMT-HA composite particles in water significantly enhanced the photolysis of TC, with the photolytic kinetics following a pseudo-first-order model. Electron spin resonance spectra and free radical quenching experiments indicated that the photoactive components (MMT and humic acids) in the composite particles induced the generation of reactive oxygen species under light exposure, further contributing to the enhanced photolysis of TC. Comparative analysis of the free radical signals and adsorption experiments revealed that the accelerated photolysis of TC was also related to the interfacial interaction between the MMT in the composite particles and the TC molecules. The formation of surface complexes between TC molecules and the negatively charged sites on the MMT surface facilitated light absorption and electron transfer, thereby accelerating the photolysis of TC. Photoproduct analysis indicated that the primary degradation pathways of TC in the composite particle systems included the addition of hydroxyl radicals to the aromatic ring, as well as demethylation, deamination and dehydration in the side chains. This study shows that SPM in water bodies can affect the photochemical behavior of pollutants and should be taken into account when assessing the phototransformation of pollutants in natural waters.","PeriodicalId":10855,"journal":{"name":"Crystals","volume":"14 10","pages":"896-896"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/14/10/896/pdf?version=1729081805","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147897265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}