Micro-macro regulating heterogeneous interface engineering in 3D N-doped carbon fiber/MXene/TiO2 nano-aerogel for boosting electromagnetic wave absorption
Peer-Reviewed Publication
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MXene, as a rising star among two-dimensional electromagnetic wave materials, faces urgent challenges in addressing its self-stacking issue and regulating its conductivity. Herein, a micro-macro collaborative design strategy was proposed to regulate heterogeneous interface engineering in MXene-based absorbers. Biomass-based cotton was introduced as three-dimensional (3D) framework for constructing a porous structure, TiO2 was in-situ generated and nitrogen atom was doped on Ti3C2Tx MXene to regulate its dielectric properties, a 3D N-doped carbon fiber/MXene/TiO2 (N-CMT) nano-aerogel was successful constructed. The synergistic effects of diverse components and structural designs, porous frameworks and TiO2 lattice contraction can significantly adjust the density of the conductive network and create abundant heterogeneous interfaces, as well as the lattice defects induced by nitrogen atom doping can enhance polarization loss, ultimately leading to the excellent microwave absorption performance of 3D N-CMT nano-aerogels. The optimized N-CMT 30% aerogel exhibited a minimum reflection loss of −72.56 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.92 GHz at 2.23 mm. These results demonstrate that 3D N-CMT nano-aerogel relying on interface engineering design exhibits significant potential in the field of electromagnetic protection, providing an important reference for future efficient absorbers.
Frequent high temperatures pose a significant threat to public health, raising concerns about global warming and consequently leading to an increased demand for cooling solutions. Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) is a zero-energy consumption technology capable of achieving sub-ambient cooling even under direct sunlight. A Tsinghua University-led review highlights advancements in PDRC materials, from spectral design to applications in buildings, healthcare, and energy systems, paving the way for scalable, eco-friendly cooling.
A study in Forest Ecosystems predicts that China’s natural forests will store 10.46 Pg C by 2060, but their carbon sequestration rate will decline as mature. Using satellite data and field surveys, researchers found that younger natural forests have higher carbon storage potential, while older natural forests are reaching their limit. The findings highlight the need to prioritize protecting mature forests alongside preserving and restoring young natural forest areas to sustain China’s high carbon sequestration capacity.
Led by Professor Weng Xi-sheng and Professor Feng Bin, the orthopedic team at Peking Union Medical College Hospital conducted a landmark follow-up study spanning over two decades.
A new study unveils an innovative strategy to combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major culprit behind food spoilage and foodborne illnesses. With antimicrobial resistance on the rise, conventional treatments are losing their effectiveness, creating an urgent need for alternative solutions. This research focuses on quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs), which disrupt bacterial communication, reducing virulence and combating drug resistance. Unlike traditional antibiotics, QSIs do not kill bacteria, thus minimizing the risk of resistance development. The study evaluates a variety of QSIs, from natural compounds to enzymes, offering a fresh perspective on controlling this harmful pathogen.
A new study has revealed that ferulic acid, a natural compound found in various plant-based foods, can significantly inhibit the growth and migration of colon cancer cells at different stages of progression. The research, which offers valuable insights into how ferulic acid induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, suggests that this compound could serve as an effective dietary intervention for preventing colon cancer. These findings open new avenues for dietary strategies aimed at reducing the burden of this widespread disease.
In a bid to explore MAX phases with experimental significance across a significantly broader combinatorial space, the researchers of this study pioneered the development of a machine-learning model for predicting MAX phase stability. This model is based on elemental features and can swiftly forecast the stability of MAX phases by simply leveraging the basic parameters of elements. Notably, the model successfully identified 150 MAX phases that met the stability criteria but had not been synthesized previously. It also guided the first-ever experimental synthesis of Ti₂SnN. Ti₂SnN showcases a low elastic modulus, high damage tolerance, and self-extrusion characteristics. This accomplishment not only enhances the screening efficiency by a factor of tens but also uncovers the crucial role of valence electrons. As a result, it provides novel insights into the fundamental principles governing MAX phase formation.
This review aims to provide a holistic understanding of BFO’s piezocatalytic potential, establishing its role in advancing sustainable catalytic technologies. By presenting a comprehensive overview of BFO’s development, performance, and applications, this manuscript will serve as a critical resource for researchers in the fields of materials science, catalysis, and sustainable technology.