{"title":"High entropy alloy reinforced lightweight metal matrix composites: A review of the fundamentals, fabrication, properties, and prospects","authors":"Smith Salifu, Peter Apata Olubambi","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101216","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101216","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>High Entropy Alloy (HEA) reinforcements represent a transformative approach in advancing lightweight metal matrix composites (LMMCs) for high-performance structural applications. This review examines the integration of HEAs into lightweight metals such as aluminium, magnesium, and titanium matrices and highlights their potential to overcome the limitations associated with traditional ceramic reinforcements. The manuscript covers the fundamentals of LMMCs and HEAs, and particular attention is paid to microstructural evolution, interfacial bonding, and strengthening mechanisms such as load transfer, Orowan looping, and grain refinement. Furthermore, the review discusses the properties imparted by HEAs and emphasises their role in enhancing ductility, hardness, wear resistance and tensile strength of the reinforced composites. Challenges related to particle dispersion, interfacial reactions, and scalability are also explored. By consolidating recent advancements and identifying future research directions, this review shows the promise of HEA-reinforced LMMCs in enabling next-generation materials for aerospace, automotive, marine, and energy applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article 101216"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145020740","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment of AutoML frameworks for predicting compressive and flexural strength of recycled aggregate concrete","authors":"Deivid Campos , Bruno da Silva Macêdo , Zainab Al-Khafaji , Melike Aktaş Bozkurt , İhsan Erdem Kayral , Tiago Silveira Gontijo , Matteo Bodini , Camila M. Saporetti , Leonardo Goliatt","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101200","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101200","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is crucial for promoting sustainable construction practices by mitigating the environmental impact associated with the extraction of natural aggregates (NA) and reducing <span><math><msub><mrow><mi>CO</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msub></math></span> emissions. This study aims to evaluate the performance of five automated machine learning (AutoML) frameworks — H2O, AutoKeras, FLAML, TPOT, and AutoGluon — in predicting the properties of RAC. The dataset comprises 638 samples with 13 variables, including compressive strength (CS) and flexural strength (FS). The results indicate that AutoKeras, based on deep learning, performed poorly due to the small dataset size and high dimensionality, which are not ideal for deep learning models. In contrast, FLAML and H2O demonstrated superior performance, with FLAML achieving the highest <span><math><msup><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msup></math></span> (0.780) and lowest RMSE (6.928) for CS predictions. The Tukey test confirmed significant differences between AutoKeras and the other models, while AutoGluon, FLAML, H2O, and TPOT showed comparable effectiveness. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate AutoML models for accurate and reliable RAC property predictions, contributing to the reduction of <span><math><msub><mrow><mi>CO</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msub></math></span> emissions, conservation of natural resources, and promotion of a circular economy in the construction sector.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101200"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144912051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wenan Cai , Shogo Ito , Eimi Morioka , Chitiphon Chuaicham , Akbarshokh Ulmaszoda , Hajime Miki , Keiko Sasaki
{"title":"Synthesis of TiO2/copper-based oxide photocatalytic composites from copper smelting flotation slag for photocatalytic H2 evolution","authors":"Wenan Cai , Shogo Ito , Eimi Morioka , Chitiphon Chuaicham , Akbarshokh Ulmaszoda , Hajime Miki , Keiko Sasaki","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101215","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101215","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pure TiO<sub>2</sub> and its composites can be used for hydrogen production by a two-step photocatalytic reduction: photocatalytic reduction of Pt (IV) and subsequent H<sub>2</sub> evolution. Here, photocatalysts were synthesized from copper smelting flotation slags from Uzbekistan for hydrogen production. The crystallinity of the two main phases of the slag, CuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> and Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, was increased by calcinating the slag (Cal900Air5h). Subsequently, the Cal900Air5h was composited with TiO<sub>2</sub> by in-situ hydrothermal reaction (TiO<sub>2</sub>-5 %Cal900Air5h_HT). The TiO<sub>2</sub>-5 %Cal900Air5h_HT catalyzed the production of a significant amount of H<sub>2</sub>, 2.6 times more than pure TiO<sub>2</sub>. Moreover, the most interesting result is that the TiO<sub>2</sub>-5 %Cal900Air5h_HT showed H<sub>2</sub>-generating activity not only higher than pure TiO<sub>2</sub> and physically mixed composite (TiO<sub>2</sub>-5 %Cal900Air5h_PM), but also higher than the reagent-based hydrothermally fabricated TiO<sub>2</sub> composite (TiO<sub>2</sub>-5 %CuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>, CuO_HT). This suggested other amorphous phases including Si, Ca, and Al in Cal900Air5h, which are insulators by themselves, might contribute in an indirect way to the photocatalytic reactions. A possible mechanism of the photocatalytic H<sub>2</sub> evolution is as follows: The band structure determined using various techniques indicated that a Type II heterojunction formed mainly between TiO<sub>2</sub> and CuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> and less between TiO<sub>2</sub> and CuO in the calcined material. Therefore, when the composite was exposed to light, electrons were excited in both phases of TiO<sub>2</sub> and CuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> (slightly CuO) in the calcined slag, and then the excited electrons were transferred from CuFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> and CuO to TiO<sub>2</sub> through the heterojunction. The electrons were accumulated on the TiO<sub>2</sub> side, and the photocatalytic reduction of H<sub>2</sub>O molecules into H<sub>2</sub> on the surfaces of Pt (0) nanoparticles serving as a cocatalyst. This study uniquely explored the recycling of copper slag as an econtomical and sustainable photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution to achieve carbon neutrality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101215"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144912053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Biobased epoxy resins obtained from resorcinol epoxy monomer and anhydrides","authors":"Angela Marotta , Cosimo Brondi , Mattia Sivero , Pierfrancesco Cerruti , Veronica Ambrogi , Alice Mija","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101212","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101212","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Design and development of high glass transition (<em>T</em><sub><em>g</em></sub>) biobased epoxy thermosets is a key challenge for several fields of applications. To this aim, in the present study diglycidyl ether of resorcinol (DGER) is proposed as a potentially biobased alternative to diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) for the synthesis of high-performance epoxy resins. DGER is obtained by diglycidylation of resorcinol, an aromatic diol synthesized by fermentation of glucose or catechin. The curing process of DGER in the presence of various anhydrides as hardeners and several imidazole initiators is studied. The most efficient hardener/initiatior combination, which leads to the resin with the highest degree of reaction conversion and the highest glass transition (<em>T</em><sub><em>g</em></sub> > 100 °C) is further studied by chemorheological analysis, and a kinetic model for the crosslinking reaction is proposed. The conversion degree is evaluated by monitoring the disappearing of characteristic peaks of anhydride and epoxy rings in ATR-FTIR spectra collected at different curing temperature, as well as the appearance of the characteristic band of ester groups typically formed in epoxy/anhydride resins. By fitting the conversion data, the autocatalytic crosslinking mechanism is confirmed, and kinetic parameters are calculated. Also, the thermomechanical characteristics and chemical stability of DGER-based epoxy resins are evaluated, confirming the potential use of this epoxy thermosets when high mechanical and thermal properties are required.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101212"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144912052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nur Mufidatul Ula , Tan Minh Le , Yuemei Lin , Mark C.M. van Loosdrecht , Debes Bhattacharyya , Krishnan Jayaraman , Nam Kyeun Kim
{"title":"Flammability and mechanical performance of fibreboards based on wool fibres and extracellular polymeric substances recovered from wastewater sludge","authors":"Nur Mufidatul Ula , Tan Minh Le , Yuemei Lin , Mark C.M. van Loosdrecht , Debes Bhattacharyya , Krishnan Jayaraman , Nam Kyeun Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101210","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101210","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the influence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), recovered from wastewater sludge, on the flame-retardant and mechanical properties of wool-based fibreboards. The thermal properties of wool, resin, and EPS were analysed using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry to determine manufacturing parameters and assess their impact on the thermal decomposition of the fibreboards. A specialised fibreboard manufacturing setup, incorporating a drum mixer, tube blender, and hot press, was developed to fabricate the composite boards. Results indicate that increasing the hot-pressing time enhances both flexural and internal bond strength. The incorporation of EPS significantly improves the internal bond strength compared to fibreboards without the biopolymer. Moreover, the combined effects of wool and EPS promote effective char formation and lead to a V-0 rating, showing self-extinguishing behaviour in vertical burn tests. Cone calorimeter analysis reveals that while EPS contributes to a reduction in the heat release rate, its effect reaches a saturation point. However, the fire growth index, along with barrier and protective effect values, demonstrates that EPS effectively mitigates fire spread and propagation. These findings highlight the potential of wastewater-derived EPS as a sustainable additive for enhancing the fire resistance and mechanical integrity of wool-based fibreboards.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101210"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144891894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zixiao Cai , Mingjuan Xu , Xing Li , Wenhao Liu , Hao Yu , Mingfeng Yuan
{"title":"High-performance wearable pressure sensor based on Ag nanowire/MXene composite for motion monitoring","authors":"Zixiao Cai , Mingjuan Xu , Xing Li , Wenhao Liu , Hao Yu , Mingfeng Yuan","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101214","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101214","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Flexible pressure sensors based on 2D materials hold great promise for applications in medical health monitoring, wearable electronics, and human-machine interaction. Compared to conventional materials, MXene, a 2D material, exhibits high electrical conductivity, a large specific surface area, and excellent mechanical flexibility, making it an ideal candidate for pressure sensors. However, achieving high sensitivity, fast response, and long-term stability in pressure sensors remains a challenge. In this study, a highly conductive and stable flexible sensing layer was developed using an MXene-Ag nanotube composite. Additionally, a biomimetic microstructure design was employed to optimize the mechanical and electrical properties of the sensor, enhancing the stability of the contact interface and overall sensing performance. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed sensor exhibits ultrahigh sensitivity (minimum detectable pressure of 0.1 Pa), rapid response time (42 ms), fast recovery time (21 ms), excellent linear response, and outstanding cycling stability (>5000 cycles). Furthermore, the sensor can precisely detect pressure variations at different speeds and has been successfully applied to human motion monitoring, micro-pressure detection, and pulse signal sensing. Notably, in medical diagnostics, the device can accurately detect the pulse signals of cardiovascular disease patients, providing a low-cost, portable, and non-invasive health monitoring solution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101214"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144902316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Verónica Rocha, Vasco Pontes, Sofia M. Costa, Raul Fangueiro, Diana P. Ferreira
{"title":"Algae-powered innovation: A critical review of sustainable textile dyeing and functionalization strategies","authors":"Verónica Rocha, Vasco Pontes, Sofia M. Costa, Raul Fangueiro, Diana P. Ferreira","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101209","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101209","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The textile industry is under increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact, standing out as one of the largest contributors to pollution. In response, pursuing sustainable production practices, through the adoption of eco-friendly materials and sustainable processes, is essential for shaping a more sustainable future. Marine algae have emerged as promising natural alternatives for textile dyeing and functionalization, offering a renewable source of bioactive compounds and biopolymers. This review addresses some sustainable extraction techniques to obtain these valuable compounds and examines their application in developing eco-friendly textile products. It explores algae-derived dyes as alternatives for textile colouration, assessing their fastness properties and the impact of mordents in enhancing dye uptake and durability. Additionally, the review investigates algae-based textile functionalization, which endows textiles with functional properties such as carbon dioxide capture, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, UV-blocking, anti-allergy and wound-healing capabilities. Despite the promising advantages, the article also discusses the challenges associated with scaling algae-based solutions for commercial use. By addressing both the potential and limitations, this review highlights the increasing importance of algae-based solutions in promoting sustainability within the textile industry, fostering the development of more eco-friendly production methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101209"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144903929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Khaled Abdou Ahmed Abdou Elsehsah , Zulkarnain Ahmad Noorden , Norhafezaidi Mat Saman , Noor Azlinda Ahmad , Mohd Faizal Hasan
{"title":"Advances in graphene-based electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors","authors":"Khaled Abdou Ahmed Abdou Elsehsah , Zulkarnain Ahmad Noorden , Norhafezaidi Mat Saman , Noor Azlinda Ahmad , Mohd Faizal Hasan","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101211","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101211","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Supercapacitors (SCs) are crucial energy storage devices because of their high power density, long cycle life, and excellent charge/discharge performance. However, their lower energy density compared to batteries has driven extensive research into advanced materials and composite designs. This paper discusses recent progress in SC technology, focusing on electrode and electrolyte development. Hybrid electrodes enhance both electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) and pseudocapacitors, optimizing energy and power density. Graphene-based materials, including ternary and quaternary composites, are promising due to their high specific capacitance, conductivity, and longevity. Innovations like 3D graphene foam, graphene aerogels, and graphene-doped metal oxides address restacking issues, thereby improving cycle life. Electrolytes are critical for SC performance. Aqueous electrolytes are cost-effective and safe but have a narrow voltage window, limiting energy density. Organic and ionic liquid electrolytes offer higher energy density but suffer from relatively high costs and issues related to their high viscosity. Hybrid electrolytes combine the benefits of both, enhancing compatibility with advanced electrode architectures. This review highlights the synergistic evolution of electrodes and electrolytes, paving the way for a new generation of high-performance supercapacitors with improved energy storage capabilities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101211"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144903930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Electroreduction of CO2 to methanol and formate-species on AgxO@SnO2 and AgxO@Bi2O3 electrocatalysts","authors":"Cindy Xanath Tirado López , Elsa Miriam Arce Estrada , Miguel Ángel Soto Mendoza , Arturo Manzo Robledo , Araceli Ezeta Mejía , Ricardo Gerardo Sánchez Alvarado","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101213","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101213","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The electrochemical conversion of CO<sub>2</sub> into value-added chemicals is a key strategy for the development of sustainable carbon capture and utilization technologies, as well as for renewable fuel production. In this study, Ag<sub>x</sub>O@SnO<sub>2</sub> and Ag<sub>x</sub>O@Bi<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles were synthesized via a seed-mediated growth method and evaluated as electrocatalysts for the electrochemical CO<sub>2</sub> reduction reaction (CO<sub>2</sub>RR). Structural and compositional characterizations were carried out using SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, and XPS techniques. Revealing the oxidized state of the electrocatalysts (Ag<sub>2</sub>O, AgO, SnO<sub>2</sub>, and Bi<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>). The electrochemical activity and selectivity were assessed in 0.1 M KHCO<sub>3</sub> electrolyte using cyclic voltammetry, Tafel approach, chronoamperometry, and DEMS. Both electrocatalysts exhibited stable activity (−5, and −8 mAcm<sup>−2</sup>) and produced formate-species. However, the electrocatalyst composition had a determinant role in the conversion-selectivity process<strong>,</strong> Ag<sub>x</sub>O@Bi<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> showed enhanced selectivity toward methanol, while Ag<sub>x</sub>O@SnO<sub>2</sub> boosted the formation of formaldehyde. The consistent detection of formate-species (formic acid, and formaldehyde) by DEMS <em>in situ</em> of both electrocatalyst suggests a common intermediate pathway, although the distinct electronic and surface properties of the electrocatalysts directed the reaction toward different value-added chemicals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101213"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144902315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jaewon Lee , Yongseon Choi , Jiyoung Kim , Eunoak Park , Kiyoung Lee
{"title":"Multifunctional role of Thiourea in engineering electrodeposited NiFe catalysts for efficient and durable oxygen evolution reaction","authors":"Jaewon Lee , Yongseon Choi , Jiyoung Kim , Eunoak Park , Kiyoung Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101202","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mtsust.2025.101202","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electrodeposition is a cost-effective method to fabricate water splitting catalysts, but achieving uniform nanostructure and durable electrodeposits remains challenging. In this study, Ni-Fe oxyhydroxide catalyst were electrodeposited on Ni foam via two-step metal dissolution electrodeposition (MDE) process in an ethylene glycol-water electrolyte with varying thiourea concentration (0∼0.15 M). The effect of thiourea on nucleation behavior, deposit morphology, composition, and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance was investigated using electrochemcial measurements and structural characterization. Thiourea profoundly affected the electrodeposition process. It shifted the nucleation mode from instantaneous to progressive, resulting in more uniformly distributed nanostructures. As a leveling agent, thiourea inhibited excessive deposition in high field regions, and as complex agent, it selectively promoted Ni<sup>2+</sup> deposition, while suppressing Fe<sup>2+</sup> incorporation. The optimum thiourea concentration (0.05 M) produced a catalyst with an OER overpotential of 286 mV at 100 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> and a charge transfer resistance of 1.03 Ω, dramatically improved from 360 mV at 100 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> and 21.6 Ω without thiourea. The addition of thiourea also increased the electrochemical active surface area and decreased the Tafel slope, indicating improved kinetics. In addition, the 0.05 M thiourea modified catalyst showed excellent durability, with no degradation in performance after 100 h at 100 mA/cm<sup>2</sup>. Thiourea is critical additive that enables controlled nucleation, selective metal deposition dramatically improves the nanostructure, activity, and durability of Ni-Fe OER catalyst, offering promising strategy for high-efficient water electrolysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":18322,"journal":{"name":"Materials Today Sustainability","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article 101202"},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144891992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}