Materials Advances最新文献

{"title":"Extra-low resistivity in N and H doped Cu2O thin films grown by room temperature RF sputtering","authors":"A. Di Trolio, P. M. Latino, B. Paci, A. Generosi, A. Cricenti, M. Luce, D. Becerrill, A. Di Carlo, S. Alì, F. Filippone and A. Amore Bonapasta","doi":"10.1039/D6MA00335D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6MA00335D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Cuprous oxide (Cu<small>₂</small>O) is an intrinsic p-type semiconductor representing an interesting, potential hole transporting material in 3rd generation solar cells. However, its practical applications are significantly limited by its intrinsically high resistivity. In the present study, we show that polycrystalline Cu<small>₂</small>O thin films with an extra-low resistivity of 0.16 Ω cm can be grown by radio frequency (RF) sputtering by exploiting the effects of nitrogen and hydrogen doping. Significantly and differently from previous studies, the films are deposited at room temperature and the material doping is performed through the simultaneous introduction of both dopants in the Cu<small>₂</small>O films during the growth process. The effects of N and H dopants on the Cu<small>₂</small>O properties are investigated by performing resistivity, Hall effect, UPS, X-ray Diffraction and Raman measurements on a pristine Cu<small>₂</small>O film, on Cu<small>₂</small>O films doped with N and H individually, as well as on films containing both dopants. Such a systematic investigation of the doping effects permits to perform a comparative analysis of the achieved results and data from literature and to develop an exhaustive, interpretative framework that clarifies the role of native defects and N and H dopants in reducing the resistivity of Cu<small>₂</small>O.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 11","pages":" 5781-5790"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ma/d6ma00335d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148196207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Photodimerization induced photomechanical behaviour in alkyldiammonium salts of trans-dichlorocinnamates: exploration of [2+2] reactions in as-synthesized salts, single crystals and organogels","authors":"Shaheen Sultana, Debasis Pal and Kumar Biradha","doi":"10.1039/D6MA00366D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6MA00366D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The development of light-responsive molecular crystals that convert light into mechanical energy is a burgeoning field with applications ranging from remote actuation to flexible electronics. This study explores the [2+2] photodimerization and subsequent photomechanical behaviour of a series of organic salts synthesized from alkyldiamines (H<small>₂</small>N-(CH<small>₂</small>)<small>_<em>n</em></small>-NH<small>₂</small>, <em>n</em> = 2–4) B<small>_<em>n</em></small> and <em>trans</em>-2,4/3,4-dichlorocinnamic acid (A<small>_m4</small>, <em>m</em> = 2–3). By employing chloro-substitution to direct crystal packing into photoreactive β-type structures, we investigated these reactions across three distinct states: as-synthesized salts, single crystals, and supramolecular organogels. The experimental results demonstrate that salts containing ethylenediamine (B<small>₂</small>(A<small>₂₄</small>)<small>₂</small>) and propylenediamine (B<small>₃</small>(A<small>₂₄</small>)<small>₂</small>) are photoactive across all states, while butylenediamine (B<small>₄</small>(A<small>₂₄</small>)<small>₂</small> &amp; B<small>₃</small>(A<small>₂₄</small>)<small>₂</small>) derivatives remain photoinactive. Notably, the [2+2] reaction in single crystals of B<small>₂</small>(A<small>₂₄</small>)<small>₂</small> and B<small>₃</small>(A<small>₂₄</small>)<small>₂</small> induced dramatic photomechanical effects, including macroscopic bending, surface peeling, and the formation of surface cracks. The successful formation of cyclobutane dimers was confirmed <em>via</em><small>¹</small>H-NMR, MALDI-ToF mass spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, we report a rare instance of organogels derived from these simple organic salts undergoing [2+2] photodimerization while exhibiting significant electrical conductivity (5.2 × 10<small>⁻³</small> S cm<small>⁻¹</small>). Additionally, certain salt compositions demonstrated high efficiency for iodine absorption. This work highlights the versatility of organic diammonium salts as multifunctional materials for optomechanics, sensing, and conducting soft materials.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 12","pages":" 6123-6132"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ma/d6ma00366d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148292193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Grain structure–controlled growth of InSb crystals: a grain boundary engineering approach for enhanced thermoelectric performance","authors":"M. Sivakumar, J. Prasath, S. Senthamizh Raja, R. Annie Victoria Rose, J. Mani, L. C. Chuang, Sri Sai Samhitha Gadhavajhala, Bhuvanesh Srinivasan, R. Jayavel, K. Fujiwara and M. Arivanandhan","doi":"10.1039/D6MA00062B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6MA00062B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >InSb polycrystalline ingots were prepared using the direct melt quenching method at different cooling rates: slow cooling (SC), air quenching (AQ), and ice water quenching (IWQ). The crystal structure and grain structure of the InSb ingots were analysed by XRD and FESEM. The variations in the grain structure, grain orientation, and grain boundaries of the samples with different cooling rates were analysed by EBSD. The Seebeck coefficient (<em>S</em>) of the InSb samples decreased with increasing cooling rates owing to a slight decrease in the electrical resistivity. A high-power factor (PF) of 6951 µW m<small>⁻¹</small> K<small>⁻²</small> was achieved for the IWQ sample at 573 K compared to the SC InSb sample (5935 µW m<small>⁻¹</small> K<small>⁻²</small> at 573 K). The thermal conductivity decreased for the IWQ InSb sample (6.60 W m<small>⁻¹</small> K<small>⁻¹</small> at 573 K) compared to SC InSb (7.29 W m<small>⁻¹</small> K<small>⁻¹</small> at 573 K) due to the modifications in the grain structures, grain boundary densities and grain boundary characteristics of InSb during rapid cooling, which enhanced the phonon scattering in the IWQ sample. Subsequently, a high <em>zT</em> value of 0.60 was achieved at 573 K for the IWQ InSb sample compared to the SC InSb sample (<em>zT</em> of 0.46 at 573 K).</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 12","pages":" 6242-6253"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ma/d6ma00062b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148292201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design of experiments guided hydrothermal synthesis of CuFeO2 photocathodes for photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution","authors":"Mohamed El Idrissi, Jonathan Pöttker-Menke, Ying Kong, Mohammed Abd-Lefdil, Lahoucine Atourki and Bastian Timo Mei","doi":"10.1039/D6MA00088F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6MA00088F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The development of photocathodes exhibiting sufficient stability, strong visible light absorption, and the capacity to generate high photovoltages is essential for the success of photoelectrochemical hydrogen production. In this study, we report the synthesis and characterisation of CuFeO<small>₂</small> photocathodes <em>via</em> a one-step hydrothermal deposition process, guided by Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies. The synthesis parameters, including hydrothermal temperature, hydrothermal time, annealing temperature, and annealing time, were systematically optimised through a Box-Behnken design. Phase pure CuFeO<small>₂</small> delafossite was obtained, following optimized hydrothermal synthesis at 110 °C for 1 h and annealing at 650 °C for 1 h. The optimized CuFeO<small>₂</small> photoelectrodes delivered a photocurrent density of 1.7 mA cm<small>⁻²</small> at 0.4 V <em>vs</em>. RHE under 1 sun illumination in N<small>₂</small>-purged 1 M NaOH. Crucially, H<small>₂</small> evolution was observed and quantified (faradaic efficiency of 40%). Thus, the proposed approach, integrating a one-step hydrothermal synthesis with statistical optimisation, represents the first validation of PEC H<small>₂</small> production from CuFeO<small>₂</small> photocathodes. Still persistent self-reduction under strongly cathodic bias was not inhibited. Overall, this study establishes a pragmatic, statistically guided pathway for enhancing the efficiency of CuFeO<small>₂</small>-based photocathodes, thereby addressing practical limitations typically associated with CuFeO<small>₂</small> materials.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 12","pages":" 6101-6114"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ma/d6ma00088f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148292187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Double-network PEDOT:PSS xerogel fibers with high stretchability and electrical stability for wearable strain sensing","authors":"Gayaneh Petrossian, Sara Ebrahimi, Floriane Miquet-Westphal, Hang Xu and Fabio Cicoira","doi":"10.1039/D6MA00373G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D6MA00373G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Conductive polymer xerogels provide a promising route toward mechanically stable and water-independent alternatives to conventional hydrogels for wearable bioelectronics. However, achieving high stretchability, mechanical robustness, and stable electrical performance in xerogel fibers remains challenging. Here, we develop highly stretchable and conductive double-network PEDOT:PSS xerogel fibers fabricated through freeze–thaw-induced physical crosslinking of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) followed by borax-mediated crosslink formation. The resulting fibers exhibit enhanced network integrity and mechanical robustness, enabling tensile strength up to ∼16 MPa and elongation at break exceeding 1100% at an optimized borax concentration, while maintaining stable electrical conductivity (∼0.8 S m<small>⁻¹</small>). The fibers display reproducible strain-dependent resistance changes with gauge factors up to ∼19 at high strain. When integrated as wearable sensors, the xerogel fibers enable reliable real-time monitoring of human motion, including finger, wrist, and elbow movements. This double-network xerogel strategy provides a simple and scalable approach to engineering mechanically robust conductive fibers for next-generation wearable sensing and bioelectronic applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 12","pages":" 6080-6090"},"PeriodicalIF":5.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ma/d6ma00373g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148292185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Solution-processed La-substituted Ba2Bi2O6 photocathodes with enhanced photoelectrochemical activity: a combined experimental and computational study","authors":"Bradley Francis Lewis, Giuseppe Mallia, Tianhao Lan, Evan Tillotson, Minzhi Chen, Hongbo Zhang, Jamie Southouse, Sarah J. Haigh, Nicholas M. Harrison, Ji-Seon Kim and Salvador Eslava","doi":"10.1039/D5MA01435B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA01435B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In the search for solution-processed p-type semiconductors for photocathodic hydrogen evolution, we have developed a spin-coating method for fabricating the double perovskite Ba<small>₂</small>Bi<small>₂</small>O<small>₆</small> using polyvinylpyrrolidone as a polymer template and a sol–gel mixture of barium and bismuth acetates. This method produces films with high porosity and well-defined grain boundaries, enlarging semiconductor/electrolyte interfacial area. Photocurrent responses are activated by 20% atomic substitution of Bi by La in Ba<small>₂</small>Bi<small>₂</small>O<small>₆</small> (<em>i.e.</em> Ba<small>₂</small>Bi<small>_1.6</small>La<small>_0.4</small>O<small>₆</small>), achieving a photocurrent density of −0.85 mA cm<small>⁻²</small> at +0.68 V<small>_RHE</small> under simulated sunlight conditions. However, this high photocurrent is not accompanied by hydrogen evolution and is attributed instead to the reduction of bismuth through its oxidation states. Tauc plot analyses of incident photon-to-current efficiencies reveal a bandgap reduction from 2.70 to 2.53 eV with an optimal amount of La substitution, supporting the observed improvement in light absorption and photocurrent. Mott–Schottky plots show a clear slope for Ba<small>₂</small>Bi<small>_1.6</small>La<small>_0.4</small>O<small>₆</small>, while Ba<small>₂</small>Bi<small>₂</small>O<small>₆</small> exhibited a flat response, indicating poor conductivity in Ba<small>₂</small>Bi<small>₂</small>O<small>₆</small> that was only activated by La substitution. Williamson–Hall analysis of X-ray diffraction reveals that La substitution doubles the microstrain, while scanning transmission electron microscopy confirms the uniform elemental composition and excellent crystallinity of the La-substituted films. Computational analysis supports the experimental results, showing that La substitution increases the lattice parameters, induces microstrain, and reduces the bandgap. These findings demonstrate a solution-based approach for preparing Ba<small>₂</small>Bi<small>₂</small>O<small>₆</small> double perovskite photocathodes and show how La substitution enhances photocurrent performance. They also highlight the remaining challenge of directing these photocurrents toward improved photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 11","pages":" 5756-5767"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ma/d5ma01435b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148196213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A high-capacity 2.5 V aqueous K+/Zn2+ mixed ions hybrid supercapacitor enabled by an electrochemically pre-intercalated α-MnO2/carbon black cathode","authors":"Raghupathy Rajesh and Annamalai Senthil Kumar","doi":"10.1039/D5MA01472G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA01472G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Due to their inherent safety and environmental sustainability, aqueous zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors (AZIHCs) continue to attract significant research attention. Among various cathode materials, manganese dioxide (MnO<small>₂</small>) stands out for its low cost and low toxicity. However, challenges such as limited operating voltage, poor cycling stability, and low energy density hinder its broader application. In this work, an α-MnO<small>₂</small> functionalized low-cost carbon black composite, denoted as CB-MnO<small>₂</small>@Zn, is synthesized <em>via</em> a simple co-precipitation method followed by electrochemical Zn<small>²⁺</small> modification, as a high-performance cathode material for efficient Zn<small>²⁺</small> intercalation/deintercalation reaction. The composite was evaluated for both supercapacitor and aqueous Zn<small>²⁺</small>/K<small>⁺</small> hybrid ions battery applications in a dilute 1 mM Zn<small>²⁺</small> solution containing 0.1 M KCl (optimal). Comprehensive physicochemical (XRD, XPS, FTIR, and Raman) and electrochemical (<em>operando</em> EQCM and SECM) characterization methods confirmed the highly redox-active nature of the material, enabling highly reversible Zn<small>²⁺</small> intercalation/deintercalation with minimal Mn<small>²⁺</small> dissolution. The carbon black matrix effectively accommodates volume changes during cycling, thereby maintaining structural integrity and enhancing electrochemical stability. Formation of zinc hydroxy-sulphate (ZHS, <em>M</em><small>_w</small> ∼ 416 g mol<small>⁻¹</small>) and Zn<small>²⁺</small>/Zn(OH)<small>₂</small>-like intermediate species was identified and visualized. The CB–MnO<small>₂</small>@Zn composite exhibited an outstanding specific capacitance of 811.6 F g<small>⁻¹</small> at 1 A g<small>⁻¹</small>, corresponding to an energy density of 162.3 Wh kg<small>⁻¹</small>. Remarkably, it retained excellent capacitance and &gt;95% efficiency over 5000 cycles. The assembled Zn<small>²⁺</small>/K<small>⁺</small> hybrid battery (Zn‖CB–MnO<small>₂</small>@Zn) demonstrated a specific capacity of 315 mAh g<small>⁻¹</small> at 0.25 A g<small>⁻¹</small>, a high energy density of 273.45 Wh kg<small>⁻¹</small>, and a power density of 1844.4 W kg<small>⁻¹</small>. Moreover, the battery exhibited superior rate capability and retained 94% capacity and 99% coulombic efficiency after 5000 cycles, highlighting its potential for durable and high-energy aqueous energy storage systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 11","pages":" 5621-5637"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ma/d5ma01472g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148196183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oxidation of sp- and sp2-hybridised molecular semiconductors with iron(iii) chloride in organic media","authors":"Elda Sala, João Paulo V. Damasceno, Stefano Pecorario, Pietro Marabotti, Ivan K. Ilic, Valerio Galli, Simone Melesi, Pierfrancesco Sansò, Andrea Tuarivoli, Carlo S. Casari, Daniele Fazzi, Rik R. Tykwinski and Mario Caironi","doi":"10.1039/D5MA01506E","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA01506E","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Access to the charged states of emerging organic molecular semiconductors is crucial to understand their electronic properties. In the case of materials optimised for hole transport, oxidation can be challenging for molecules with deep HOMO levels. Beyond some of the more common sp<small>²</small>-molecules, such as acenes and nanographenes, molecules based on sp-hybridised carbon, namely cumulenes, are emerging as materials with unique electronic properties, and good hole transport in field-effect devices based on polycrystalline thin-films. Very little is known, however, about the nature of the charged states contributing to charge transport in cumulenes. In this study, we demonstrate a successful chemical oxidation strategy of two model systems using sp- and sp<small>²</small>-hybridised molecular semiconductors with deep HOMO levels using iron(<small>III</small>) chloride in optimised organic solvent mixtures. The optimisation process relies on controlling the solvent environment. In the case of the model cumulene tetraphenylbutatriene ([3]Ph), the formation of the oxidised species [3]Ph<small>⁺</small> exploits the sp-carbon backbone to accommodate the excess positive charge, and the charge delocalisation dramatically increases the bond length alternation leading to a polyynic structure. We extend this approach to the sp<small>²</small> semiconductor C8-BTBT, validating its general applicability. Our findings offer insights into the redox behavior of sp-carbon systems and provide a robust chemical route to access charged states in sp- and sp<small>²</small>-hybridised small molecules.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 11","pages":" 5638-5646"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ma/d5ma01506e?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148196199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design and engineering of novel extrusion-cast films from plasticized cellulose acetate filled with mineral fillers for flexible packaging applications","authors":"Fatemeh Jahangiri, Matias Menossi, Manjusri Misra and Amar K. Mohanty","doi":"10.1039/D5MA01323B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA01323B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Plasticized cellulose acetate (pCA)-based green composite films were fabricated <em>via</em> cast film extrusion as sustainable alternatives to solvent-cast processing and conventional petroleum-based plastics for applications in flexible packaging. Cellulose acetate was plasticized with bio-based triacetin (pCTA) or petrochemical triethyl citrate (pCTEC). Green composites were then prepared by incorporating 10 or 15 wt% talc or recycled CaCO<small>₃</small> (rCaCO<small>₃</small>) with an optimized amount of Luperox (LUP) used as a compatibilizer. The combined addition of fillers and LUP significantly enhanced the elastic modulus (EM) of all samples, particularly for talc-filled systems. Specifically, EM increased by 126% in pCTA/LUP/15Talc and by 136% in pCTEC/LUP/15Talc compared with pCA. The tensile strength (TS) also improved by 31–40% in talc-filled films, while rCaCO<small>₃</small>-filled films showed minimal changes. These enhancements were attributed to improved interfacial adhesion between talc and pCA, promoted by LUP as well as orientation of talc crystallites and polymer chains during cast film extrusion. X-ray diffraction confirmed the higher nucleating efficiency of talc, yielding higher crystallinity values of 75–84% for talc-filled <em>versus</em> 66–69% for rCaCO<small>₃</small>-filled pCA. Talc-filled films also exhibited superior elongation at break (EB), thermal stability, and barrier performance, with oxygen and water vapor permeability reductions of up to 38% and 72%, respectively. Talc-filled films’ higher contact angles (for both water and diiodomethane) and lower surface energy further supported the improved barrier properties. Overall, the synergistic effects of LUP and talc significantly enhanced the mechanical strength, barrier effectiveness, and thermal stability of pCA composites, demonstrating their strong potential as sustainable materials for flexible packaging applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 11","pages":" 5662-5678"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ma/d5ma01323b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148196201","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Upcycling Sargassum biomass into biodegradable mulch films via sodium alginate and recycled polyvinyl alcohol","authors":"Aldair Etmar Garcia, Mengyao Gao, Jing-Xian Chen, Ying Wang and Seth W. Snyder","doi":"10.1039/D5MA01298H","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA01298H","url":null,"abstract":"<p > <em>Sargassum</em> accumulations along tropical coastlines create major environmental and socioeconomic burdens due to odor, ecosystem disruption, and high cleanup costs. Here, we develop biodegradable mulch films that valorize <em>Sargassum</em>-derived sodium alginate (SA) blended with recycled polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), glycerol (plasticizer), and zein (functional additive), followed by beeswax surface coating to improve water resistance. The coated films achieved tunable hydrophobicity (water contact angle 73.6–116.5°) and tensile strength of ≥8 MPa (up to ∼13 MPa without coating), with strong UV shielding (&lt;1% transmittance below 400 nm). Under outdoor rainfall and sunlight exposure, double-side coated films fully degraded within 35 days. Soil safety was supported by OECD Guideline 207 testing with <em>Eisenia fetida</em>, showing 0% mortality. These results demonstrate a low-toxicity pathway to convert <em>Sargassum</em> waste and recycled polymer into functional biodegradable mulch films for agricultural applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 11","pages":" 5608-5620"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2026/ma/d5ma01298h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148196181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}