Mrs BulletinPub Date : 2024-07-09DOI: 10.1557/s43577-024-00745-2
Pouria Akbari, Abbey E. Strohmeyer, Douglas T. Genna, Jeremy I. Feldblyum
{"title":"Garbage in, metal out: A perspective on recycling battery metals using organic molecules","authors":"Pouria Akbari, Abbey E. Strohmeyer, Douglas T. Genna, Jeremy I. Feldblyum","doi":"10.1557/s43577-024-00745-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-024-00745-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Global demand for batteries is increasing at a rapid pace, precipitating the equally rapid generation of hazardous battery waste. Recycling, which holds high potential for both mitigating this waste and recovering raw materials for subsequent battery manufacture, is often recognized as a necessary component of the battery life cycle. A critical step in many battery recycling schemes is the use of solvent to recover valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, and others. This recovery typically involves the use of harsh mineral acids and peroxides, which pose their own environmental and safety hazards. The use of more benign organic acids and other organic compounds has emerged as a promising means to mitigate the hazards posed by purely inorganic solvents. In this article, we review recent research on organics-based metal recovery for battery recycling and provide our perspective on the extant challenges and opportunities in the field.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Graphical abstract</h3>","PeriodicalId":18828,"journal":{"name":"Mrs Bulletin","volume":"80 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141569230","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}
Mrs BulletinPub Date : 2024-07-02DOI: 10.1557/s43577-024-00743-4
Christopher L. Rom, Rebecca W. Smaha, Shaun O’Donnell, Sita Dugu, Sage R. Bauers
{"title":"Emerging magnetic materials for electric vehicle drive motors","authors":"Christopher L. Rom, Rebecca W. Smaha, Shaun O’Donnell, Sita Dugu, Sage R. Bauers","doi":"10.1557/s43577-024-00743-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-024-00743-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing demand for the permanent magnets that drive their motors, as approximately 80% of modern EV drivetrains rely on high-performance permanent magnets to convert electricity into torque. In turn, these high-performance permanent magnets rely on rare earth elements for their magnetic properties. These elements are “critical” (i.e., at risk of limiting the growth of renewable energy technologies such as EVs), which motivates an exploration for alternative materials. In this article, we overview the relevant fundamentals of permanent magnets, describe commercialized and emerging materials, and add perspective on future areas of research. Currently, the leading magnetic material for EV motors is Nd<sub>2</sub>Fe<sub>14</sub>B, with samarium-cobalt compounds (SmCo<sub>5</sub> and Sm<sub>2</sub>Co<sub>17</sub>) providing the only high-performing commercialized alternative. Emerging materials that address criticality concerns include Sm<sub>2</sub>Fe<sub>17</sub>N<sub>3</sub>, Fe<sub>16</sub>N<sub>2</sub>, and the L1<sub>0</sub> structure of FeNi, which use lower cost elements that produce similar magnetic properties. However, these temperature-sensitive materials are incompatible with current metallurgical processing techniques. We provide perspective on how advances in low-temperature synthesis and processing science could unlock new classes of high-performing magnetic materials for a paradigm shift beyond rare earth-based magnets. In doing so, we explore the question: What magnetic materials will drive future EVs?</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000","PeriodicalId":18828,"journal":{"name":"Mrs Bulletin","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141524100","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}
Mrs BulletinPub Date : 2024-07-01DOI: 10.1557/s43577-024-00744-3
Francisco J. Martin-Martinez
{"title":"Self-binding wood biocomposites from raw biomatter","authors":"Francisco J. Martin-Martinez","doi":"10.1557/s43577-024-00744-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-024-00744-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18828,"journal":{"name":"Mrs Bulletin","volume":"14 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141506781","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}
Mrs BulletinPub Date : 2024-06-27DOI: 10.1557/s43577-024-00723-8
Olena S. Iadlovska, Kamal Thapa, Mojtaba Rajabi, Mateusz Mrukiewicz, Sergij V. Shiyanovskii, Oleg D. Lavrentovich
{"title":"Electrically tunable total reflection of light by oblique helicoidal cholesteric","authors":"Olena S. Iadlovska, Kamal Thapa, Mojtaba Rajabi, Mateusz Mrukiewicz, Sergij V. Shiyanovskii, Oleg D. Lavrentovich","doi":"10.1557/s43577-024-00723-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-024-00723-8","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p>An oblique helicoidal state of a cholesteric liquid crystal (Ch<sub>OH</sub>) is capable of continuous change of the pitch <span>(P)</span> in response to an applied electric field. Such a structure reflects 50% of the unpolarized light incident along the Ch<sub>OH</sub> axis in the electrically tunable band determined by <span>(P)</span>/2. Here, we demonstrate that at an oblique incidence of light, Ch<sub>OH</sub> reflects 100% of light of any polarization. This singlet band of total reflection is associated with the full pitch <span>(P)</span>. We also describe the satellite <span>(P/2)</span>, <span>(P/3)</span>, and <span>(P/4)</span> bands. The <span>(P/2)</span> and <span>(P/4)</span> bands are triplets, whereas <span>(P/3)</span> band is a singlet caused by multiple scatterings at <span>(P)</span> and <span>(P/2)</span>. A single Ch<sub>OH</sub> cell acted upon by an electric field tunes all these bands in a very broad spectral range, from ultraviolet to infrared and beyond, thus representing a structural color device with enormous potential for optical and photonic applications.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Impact statement</h3><p>Pigments, inks, and dyes produce colors by partially consuming the energy of light. In contrast, structural colors caused by interference and diffraction of light scattered at submicrometer length scales do not involve energy losses, which explains their widespread in Nature and the interest of researchers to develop mimicking materials. The grand challenge is to produce materials in which the structural colors could be dynamically tuned. Among the oldest known materials producing structural colors are cholesteric liquid crystals. Light causes coloration by selective Bragg reflection at the periodic helicoidal structure formed by cholesteric molecules. The cholesteric pitch and thus the color can be altered by chemical composition or by temperature, but, unfortunately, dynamic tuning by electromagnetic field has been elusive. Here, we demonstrate that a cholesteric material in a new oblique helicoidal Ch<sub>OH</sub> state could produce total reflection of an obliquely incident light of any polarization. The material reflects 100% of light within a band that is continuously tunable by the electric field through the entire visible spectrum while preserving its maximum efficiency. Broad electric tunability of total reflection makes the Ch<sub>OH</sub> material suitable for applications in energy-saving smart windows, transparent displays, communications, lasers, multispectral imaging, and virtual and augmented reality.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000","PeriodicalId":18828,"journal":{"name":"Mrs Bulletin","volume":"65 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141524102","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":"Deep learning-based multimodal analysis for transition-metal dichalcogenides","authors":"Shivani Bhawsar, Mengqi Fang, Abdus Salam Sarkar, Siwei Chen, Eui-Hyeok Yang","doi":"10.1557/s43577-024-00741-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-024-00741-6","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p>In this study, we present a novel approach to enable high-throughput characterization of transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) across various layers, including mono-, bi-, tri-, four, and multilayers, utilizing a generative deep learning-based image-to-image translation method. Graphical features, including contrast, color, shapes, flake sizes, and their distributions, were extracted using color-based segmentation of optical images, and Raman and photoluminescence spectra of chemical vapor deposition-grown and mechanically exfoliated TMDs. The labeled images to identify and characterize TMDs were generated using the pix2pix conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN), trained only on a limited data set. Furthermore, our model demonstrated versatility by successfully characterizing TMD heterostructures, showing adaptability across diverse material compositions.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Graphical abstract</h3><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Impact Statement</h3><p>Deep learning has been used to identify and characterize transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Although studies leveraging convolutional neural networks have shown promise in analyzing the optical, physical, and electronic properties of TMDs, they need extensive data sets and show limited generalization capabilities with smaller data sets. This work introduces a transformative approach—a generative deep learning (DL)-based image-to-image translation method—for high-throughput TMD characterization. Our method, employing a DL-based pix2pix cGAN network, transcends traditional limitations by offering insights into the graphical features, layer numbers, and distributions of TMDs, even with limited data sets. Notably, we demonstrate the scalability of our model through successful characterization of different heterostructures, showcasing its adaptability across diverse material compositions.</p>","PeriodicalId":18828,"journal":{"name":"Mrs Bulletin","volume":"44 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141524104","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":"Mechanically modulable and human–machine interactive luminescent fiber display platforms","authors":"Yang Wang, Wenli Gao, Qiaolin Chen, Jing Ren, Xin Chen, Jian Li, Zhengzhong Shao, Shengjie Ling","doi":"10.1557/s43577-024-00735-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-024-00735-4","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p>The rapid advancement of human–machine interfaces and wearable devices necessitates display platforms that are mechanically modulable and capable of interacting with their environments while effectively communicating with users. However, current display technologies have yet to fully address these demands. This study presents a scalable luminescent fiber (LF) display platform designed to be mechanically modulable and interactive with users. Inspired by the silkworm spinning process, our fabrication technique continuously coats a luminous layer onto parallel dual-strand electrode fibers, resulting in LFs with a skin–core structure composed of core electrodes and a luminescent skin. By selecting conductive fibers with varying mechanical properties as inner electrodes, we can modulate the LF's mechanical characteristics over a range suitable for flexible displays, including stretching, bending, folding, and knotting. Additionally, the hydrophobicity and mechanical flexibility of the luminescent coating, along with the robust binding between the skin–core interfaces, ensure the LF's stable luminescence under complex mechanical stimuli and following multiple washes and extended use. Integration of machine learning and Internet of Things technologies enhances interactions between the LF display platform and users. This comprehensive system achieves voice recognition, numerical computing, semantic analysis, and intelligent interaction, all of which are incorporated into a human–machine interface that facilitates real-time human–display interaction. By emphasizing our fabrication strategy and adaptable design, this mechanically modulable and human–machine interactive LF display platform shows promise for diverse applications in human–machine interfaces, medical devices, soft robotics, and wearable sound–vision systems.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Impact statement</h3><p>Our study introduces a new concept of a light-emitting fiber display platform with a skin–core structure. This concept differentiates itself from existing research by addressing the key challenges of mechanical strength and user interactivity faced by ultraflexible displays. By utilizing core-electrode fibers with different mechanical properties, we can effectively regulate the mechanical performance of the luminescent fiber, ensuring compliance under diverse mechanical stimuli. Additionally, the resilient, hydrophobic, and luminous skin of the fiber guarantees stable luminance even in harsh conditions. The incorporation of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies further enhances user interaction capabilities, enabling functions such as gender and age recognition, numerical calculations assistance, and semantic dialogue. Our work and the underlying concept bring insights to materials science by pushing the boundaries of fiber and fabric displays. With improved mechanical properties, enhanced user interact","PeriodicalId":18828,"journal":{"name":"Mrs Bulletin","volume":"50 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141506783","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}
Mrs BulletinPub Date : 2024-06-21DOI: 10.1557/s43577-024-00736-3
Raphael Kanyire Seidu, Shouxiang Jiang
{"title":"Functional performance of low-cost electronic yarn for E-textiles","authors":"Raphael Kanyire Seidu, Shouxiang Jiang","doi":"10.1557/s43577-024-00736-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-024-00736-3","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p>The current work presents and discusses the design and performance qualities of braided electronic yarns for woven textiles to produce red light-intensity effects. The design process involves a simple encapsulation process with adhesive tape and a heat-shrinkable tube to secure stainless-steel conductive threads (SS-CTs) to the solder pads of light-emitting diodes. These are arranged in a series against two SS-CTs to provide single positive and negative terminals at both ends. Findings from the infrared images show that the heat distribution and dissipation of the stainless-steel conductive threads are insignificant in affecting the wear comfort of the electronic textiles on the human body. The washing test shows the robust nature of the braided electronic yarns even after 20 cycles of being subjected to high agitation and mechanical stress. A proof of concept illustrates the effectiveness of the study results, which calls on further research work to enhance the durability and flexibility of the braided electronic yarns and electronic textiles to ensure a higher level of wear comfort. These braided electronic yarns would find end applications for nighttime visibility of pedestrians, a situation that would improve the recognition of drivers for reduced collision.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Graphical abstract</h3><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Impact statement</h3><p>Electronic textiles otherwise known as e-textiles have been the subject of scholarly attention in recent years due to their performance properties and wide areas of application for entertainment, monitoring, and safety purposes. The use of appropriate electronic yarns (e-yarns) plays a key role in connectivity and provides the necessary feedback when applied to a textile material. E-yarns are now replacing a few modern electronic textiles (e-textiles) that use rigid copper wires commonly applied in electronic circuits for e-textiles and improve the wear comfort of the garment. The integration of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) into conductive threads to form electronic yarns for textile material can be applied not only for entertainment purposes but also as a safety feature for pedestrians. The use of appropriate components is necessary to ensure and maintain the textile quality and properties for effective wearability. Herein, an e-yarn fabricated with stainless-steel conductive threads and LEDs for e-textiles is presented. As part of ongoing research work to develop smart interactive clothing to increase the nighttime visibility of pedestrians, this work discusses the design and performance qualities of braided e-yarns for woven textiles. The success of these low-cost, flexible, and strong (high wash durability) braided e-yarns facilitates their integration into woven fabrics for smart clothing to enhance the visibility and therefore safety of pedestrians.</p>","PeriodicalId":18828,"journal":{"name":"Mrs Bulletin","volume":"3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141506784","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}