Reinforcement Learning For Cathode Material Design Through Sequential Decision-Making Frameworks,
2026
Edith Cowan University
Reinforcement Learning For Cathode Material Design Through Sequential Decision-Making Frameworks, Taimoor Muzaffar Gondal, Muhammad Qasim, Yasir Arafat
Research outputs 2022 to 2026
The cathode material design is a persistent challenge in the development of next-generation rechargeable batteries. The cathode performance is critically influenced by certain key parameters, i.e., composition, crystal structures, ion transport, and degradation behaviour. Moreover, techno-economic and sustainable considerations also play a pivotal role in the viable cathode material design. In recent years, the integration of static machine learning models with conventional experimental techniques has significantly enhanced the cathode material design. However, the sequential nature of cathode discovery has not been fully captured by these techniques as they do not update their decision strategy based on prior outcomes. In this …
Atomic-Scale Investigation Of Functional Molecular Systems And Graphene Nanoribbons Using Scanning Probe Microscopy,
2026
Old Dominion University
Atomic-Scale Investigation Of Functional Molecular Systems And Graphene Nanoribbons Using Scanning Probe Microscopy, A.M. Shashika D. Wijerathna
Physics Theses & Dissertations
Emerging molecular electronics, molecular devices, and carbon-based nanotechnologies increasingly rely on the precise control of molecular structures and interfaces at the atomic scale. Advancing these systems requires experimental techniques capable of resolving atomic structures, quantifying molecular behavior, and revealing the mechanisms governing nanoscale assembly. Scanning probe microscopy uniquely provides these capabilities by combining atomic-resolution imaging with local spectroscopy and manipulation. This dissertation employs ultra-high-vacuum low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (UHV-LT-STM) and qPlus atomic force microscopy (qPlus AFM) to address three complementary challenges: (i) atomic-scale characterization of complex supramolecular architectures, (ii) quantitative investigation of mechanically induced conformational switching of individual molecules, and …
Validated Near-Infrared Spectroscopy And Chemometric Modelling For Rapid Quantification Of Essential Oil Yield And Α/Β-Santalol In Santalum Album L.,
2026
Edith Cowan University
Validated Near-Infrared Spectroscopy And Chemometric Modelling For Rapid Quantification Of Essential Oil Yield And Α/Β-Santalol In Santalum Album L., Muhammad Hassnain, Muhammad Rizwan Azhar
Research outputs 2022 to 2026
The sandalwood industry remains constrained by destructive, time-intensive assays for essential oil (EO) yield, composition, moisture content, and wood fraction, which limit real-time decision-making. We report a unified near-infrared spectroscopy-artificial intelligence (NIRS-AI) platform for non-destructive analytics across the Santalum album L. value chain. Reflectance and transmittance spectra from solid matrices (disks, logs, chips, and powders), oils, ethanol extracts, and CID-derived emulsions were acquired using benchtop (400–2500 nm) and portable (900–1700 nm) spectrometers and calibrated against hydrodistillation, gas chromatography, extraction, and moisture assays. Advanced chemometric modelling using AI-based machine learning techniques, including regularised regression, ensemble learning, boosting algorithms, and neural networks, …
In Situ Stm Visualization Of Molecular Structural Evolution During Electrochemical Oxidation Coupling Of Para-Aminothiophenol On Au(111),
2026
State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface, and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, PR China
In Situ Stm Visualization Of Molecular Structural Evolution During Electrochemical Oxidation Coupling Of Para-Aminothiophenol On Au(111), Zi-Wei Ma, Tai-Rui Wu, An-Ni Zheng, Lai-Ke Chen, Yuan-Hui Xiao, Zhao-Bin Chen, Qing-Na Zheng, Jian-Zhang Zhou, Jia-Wei Yan, De-Yin Wu
Journal of Electrochemistry
Para-aminothiophenol (PATP) is not only a widely-used probe molecule in the field of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), but also an important model molecule for interfacial reactions, exhibiting distinct photo- and electro-oxidation pathways, so that PATP is selectively activated under different external fields. The evolution of products and intermediates during electrochemical oxidative coupling remains unknown. In this study, we have investigated the dynamic electrochemical oxidation process of PATP on the Au(111) surface using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical (EC)-SERS, and in situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM). The results showed that PATP forms an unsaturated adsorption coverage on Au(111) in an acidic solution. …
Dynamic Reconstruction Engineering Of Anti-Corrosion Ni-Based Anodes For Alkaline Seawater Electrolysis,
2026
Faculty of Maritime and Transportation, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211; Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Related Technologies, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315201
Dynamic Reconstruction Engineering Of Anti-Corrosion Ni-Based Anodes For Alkaline Seawater Electrolysis, Yi-Gang Zhang, Wen-Wen Xu, Tian-Yu Zhang, Zhi-Yi Lu
Journal of Electrochemistry
Green hydrogen production via alkaline seawater electrolysis offers an environmentally sustainable and potentially cost-effective route to address both energy and climate challenges. Achieving long-term anode stability under complex ionic environments and industrial current densities remains a central bottleneck. Specifically, Ni-based anodes exhibit intense surface reconstruction during the oxygen evolution reaction, necessitating dynamic anti-corrosion strategies. This mini review systematically summarizes reconstruction engineering approaches to develop anti-corrosion Ni-based anodes of alkaline seawater electrolysis across increasingly complex ionic environments from simulated seawater to real seawater: (i) Cl– dominated; (ii) Cl– with co-existing oxyanions, and (iii) Cl– with co-existing Br– …
Harnessing Tio2-Based Nanofilaments: A Pathway To Enhanced Optoelectronic Performance In Dye-Sensitized And Perovskite Light Harvesters,
2026
The British University in Egypt
Harnessing Tio2-Based Nanofilaments: A Pathway To Enhanced Optoelectronic Performance In Dye-Sensitized And Perovskite Light Harvesters, Zahraa Ismail, Tarek A. Elmelegy, Hassan Nageh, Sameh Abdellatif
Mechanical Engineering
This study explores the integration of TiO2-based nanofilaments into dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to enhance their optoelectronic performance. Despite the advancements in one-dimensional lepidocrocite TiO2 nanofilaments, there remains a significant gap in understanding their optical scattering mechanisms and dual applicability in both types of solar cells. We synthesized TiO2 nanofilaments and compared their performance to conventional P25 TiO2 in terms of morphology, electrical, and optical properties. The results indicate that the DSSC utilizing nanofilaments achieved a short-circuit current density of 8.2 mA/cm² and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.9%, compared to 7.1 mA/cm² and …
Interfacial Redox Mediation By Amine/Alkyne-Functionalized Silicon Nanoparticles: Surfactant-Free Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis,
2026
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Interfacial Redox Mediation By Amine/Alkyne-Functionalized Silicon Nanoparticles: Surfactant-Free Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis, Amber L. Garcia, Brittany Griggs, Brian S. Mitchell, Mark J. Fink, Julie P. Vanegas
Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications
We develop a surfactant-free synthesis method for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using 2-propynylamine-functionalized silicon nanoparticles as integrated redox-active supports. Surface-anchored amine groups act as built-in reducing sites for Au3+ precursors at the hexane–water interface under ambient conditions, enabling in situ AuNP nucleation and growth. Time-resolved UV-vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering track the emergence of plasmonic AuNPs, while quantitative morphology analysis reveals a final population dominated by spherical and near-spherical nanoparticles (∼74%), with faceted polyhedral structures (∼4%) and dendritic, hollow, irregular, and rod-like morphologies (∼22%) as minority species. The temporal evolution proceeds from early dendritic and irregular aggregates to a …
Distinct Co2 Electroreduction Behaviors Over Planar And Non-Planar Cobalt Molecular Catalysts,
2026
College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Hubei Key Lab of Electrochemical Power Sources, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
Distinct Co2 Electroreduction Behaviors Over Planar And Non-Planar Cobalt Molecular Catalysts, Ru Jia, Cheng-Biao Zhu, Zi-Mo Zhang, Tuo Wang, Kai-Cong Yang, Guang-Zhe Wang, Yang Hu, Ting-Ting Zhang, Zhen-Wei Wei, Li Xiao, Gong-Wei Wang, Lin Zhuang
Journal of Electrochemistry
Molecular catalysts serve as ideal platforms for studying electrocatalytic reaction mechanisms. While current research mainly focuses on modulating central metals or surrounding ligands, the influence of molecular spatial configuration remains largely unexplored. Herein, we synthesized two cobalt complexes with similar ligand environments but distinct spatial geometries, a planar cobalt hexaazamacrocyclic complex (CoHAM) and a non-planar acyclic Co(phen)2Cl2, and evaluated their performance in CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). The planar CoHAM exhibited dramatically superior CO2RR performance compared to the non-planar Co(phen)2Cl2. Through a series of combined analyses using in-situ …
Li+/Na+ Hybrid Ion Conduction Mechanism In The Superionic Conductor Li3–XNaXZr2Si2Po12,
2026
School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
Li+/Na+ Hybrid Ion Conduction Mechanism In The Superionic Conductor Li3–XNaXZr2Si2Po12, Yi-Hong Wu, Xia Xie, Lei Zhu, Mu-Ran Yu, Guo-Tai Zhang, Jun-Chao Chen, Shu-Ying Sun, You-Wei Wang, Wei-Ping Tang
Journal of Electrochemistry
Hybrid ion conductors that transport multiple ionic conductive species provide a useful platform for understanding how mixed-ion transport governs ionic conductivity within a single phase. However, the controlled introduction of multiple mobile ions into solid-state electrolytes and a mechanistic understanding of their migration within the framework remain challenging. Herein, a skeleton-retained Li+↔Na+ cationic exchange was used to simultaneously induce Li+ and Na+ cations into the NASICON-type framework of Li3–xNaxZr2Si2PO12 (0 < x < 3). We show that the interpenetration of NaO6 and NaO8 coordination polyhedra significantly influences the ionic conductivity of hybrid ion conductors. Computational …
Distribution And Transport Of Lithium Ions At Interfaces Between Graphite And Carboxymethyl Celluloses,
2026
College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
Distribution And Transport Of Lithium Ions At Interfaces Between Graphite And Carboxymethyl Celluloses, Zi-Jun Huang, Zhen-Ying Zheng, Hua-Wei Cao, Jian Wang, Qing-Feng Zhang, Sheng-Li Chen
Journal of Electrochemistry
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a water-processable binder widely used for graphite anodes. However, a microscopic understanding of why the identity of CMC counterions (Li+/Na+/K+) strongly affects electrode performance remains limited. Here, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to track Li+ transport accessibility across electrolyte/CMC/graphite three-phase interfaces, comparing pure CMC-Li, CMC-Na, CMC-K, and mixed-counterion CMC binders. We find that CMC-Li sustains a continuous Li+ transport pathway from the electrolyte through the binder phase toward graphite. In contrast, in CMC-Na and CMC-K, Na+/K+ ions preferentially enrich at the graphite/binder interface, forming …
Tea Polyphenol-Assisted Green Synthesis Of Silver Nanoparticle-Boron-Doped Diamond Nanoparticles For Theophylline Electrochemical Detection,
2026
Nanotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia
Tea Polyphenol-Assisted Green Synthesis Of Silver Nanoparticle-Boron-Doped Diamond Nanoparticles For Theophylline Electrochemical Detection, Prastika Krisma Jiwanti, Adira Ainun Tsalsabilla, Angellita Wijaya Gunawan, Siti Wafiroh, Mohammad Kalimanjaro, Mai Tomisaki
Makara Journal of Science
Drug theophylline is a bronchodilator used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but precise monitoring is required to avoid side effects. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with a composite of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles and boron-doped diamond nanoparticles using tea polyphenols (Ag-BDDTP/SPE) for detecting theophylline. Formation of AgNPs was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, which showed a localized surface plasmon resonance peak at ~450 nm. Transmission electron microscopy revealed polydisperse nanoparticles with an average diameter of 39.94 nm. During the electrochemical detection of theophylline, square-wave voltammetry (SWV) was employed to evaluate signal-to-background (S/B) …
Lafe0.925ti0.075o3 Perovskite Coated With Ethyl Cellulose: A High-Stability, Low-Hysteresis Platform For Advanced Humidity Sensing,
2026
Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
Lafe0.925ti0.075o3 Perovskite Coated With Ethyl Cellulose: A High-Stability, Low-Hysteresis Platform For Advanced Humidity Sensing, Akhmad Futukhillah Fataba Alaih, Djoko Triyono, Rifqi Almusawi Rafsanjani
Makara Journal of Science
Humidity sensors are pivotal in numerous sectors, such as environmental monitoring, industrial automation, and health-care. This study presents the fabrication and detailed evaluation of an advanced humidity sensor using ethyl cellulose (EC)-coated LaFe0.925Ti0.075O3 (LFTO) perovskite nanoparticles synthesized via the sol-gel method. The LFTO nanopar-ticles exhibited a mesoporous structure with an enhanced surface area, which significantly improved their moisture adsorption capabilities. The innovative application of EC coating addresses critical substrate adhesion issues, enhancing mechanical stability without compromising sensor sensitivity. Comprehensive performance evaluations revealed minimal hysteresis (
Rapid-Prototyping Nanofabrication: Lcd-Based Projection Lithography And Physical Vapor Deposition,
2026
Portland State University
Rapid-Prototyping Nanofabrication: Lcd-Based Projection Lithography And Physical Vapor Deposition, Sabeel Saleem Mohammmed
University Honors Theses
The semiconductor industry's continued growth, driven in large part by demand for artificial intelligence hardware, has highlighted the need for greater workforce development in regions adjacent to major fabrication centers like Oregon's Silicon Forest. This capstone project lays the groundwork for a small scale and student led semiconductor fabrication lab at Portland State University by demonstrating two of the core steps in chip manufacturing: photolithography and thin film deposition. Rather than relying on conventional fixed reticles, this work explores a unique, low cost approach to patterning that uses an ultraviolet-compatible liquid crystal display (LCD) as a programmable reticle, allowing arbitrary …
Enhanced Triboelectric Effect Using Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube-Coated Fiber Mats For Biomechanical Energy Harvesting,
2026
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Enhanced Triboelectric Effect Using Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube-Coated Fiber Mats For Biomechanical Energy Harvesting, Fernando Viesca, Diego De Leon, Kevin Alejandro, Rigobert Ybarra Jr., Md. Wasikur Rahman, Victoria Padilla, Horacio Vasquez, Karen Lozano, M. Jasim Uddin
Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as a cutting-edge technology for developing self-powered wearable electronic devices. In this study, TENGs were fabricated using two fiber mats: forcespun polytetrafluoroethylene (FS-PTFE) microfibers and electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (ES-PVA) nanofiber (NF) mats. The FS-PTFE mats were coated with functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Functionalized MWCNTs were dispersed in water-based solutions containing three different surfactants—sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and Triton X-100 to enhance fiber interaction. The NF mats were subsequently immersed in aqueous systems. The surfactant facilitated the uniform deposition of COOH-MWCNTs onto the FS-PTFE fibers, serving as a negative layer, while ES-PVA mat …
From Thin Films To Energy Systems: A Perspective-Oriented Translational Framework For Deployable Functional Materials,
2026
Edith Cowan University
From Thin Films To Energy Systems: A Perspective-Oriented Translational Framework For Deployable Functional Materials, Mohammad Nur-E-Alam
Research outputs 2022 to 2026
The translation of high-performance thin-film materials from lab-scale development to field-deployable energy systems remains a significant holdup in sustainable technology development. The real-world impact of functional thin films, nanocomposites, and emerging photovoltaic architectures is often limited by issues with scalability, interfacial reliability, environmental stability, and system-level integration, despite their excellent optical and electronic performance at the device level. A translational framework that is deployment-oriented and systematically connects interface-centric device integration, application-context validation, system-level performance feedback, and process-aware thin-film engineering has been presented in this article. Common structure-property-deployment trade-offs are identified through a comparative analysis of representative case domains, such as …
Numerical Evaluation Of A Zero Poisson’S Ratio Structure In Μ-3d-Printed Self-Expanding Nitinol Stents,
2026
Edith Cowan University
Numerical Evaluation Of A Zero Poisson’S Ratio Structure In Μ-3d-Printed Self-Expanding Nitinol Stents, Farhana Yasmin, Ana Vafadar, Majid Tolouei-Rad
Research outputs 2022 to 2026
Stenting is a minimally invasive treatment used in managing peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, clinical challenges persist, including in-stent thrombosis and restenosis, primarily driven by axial foreshortening or elongation and suboptimal balance between radial stiffness and flexibility inherent to conventional stent designs. This study proposes an innovative arrow-shaped geometry exhibiting zero Poisson’s ratio (ZPR) behaviour for 3D-printed self-expanding Nitinol stents. The complete stent deployment process was modelled using finite element analysis (FEA), including radial crimping and subsequent expansion to enable systematic parametric investigation while accounting for µ-3D printing constraints. Response surface methodology (RSM) rigorously evaluated mechanical performance, defining peak stress, …
Drilling Fluid Enhancement Via Addition Of Sustainably Synthesized Nanoparticles,
2026
Edith Cowan University
Drilling Fluid Enhancement Via Addition Of Sustainably Synthesized Nanoparticles, Hasan A. Abbood, Sarmad Al-Anssari
Research outputs 2022 to 2026
The addition of nanoparticles to the drilling fluids for geological projects is a promising application for enhancing the stability, rheological properties, and overall performance of the mud. This study aims to thoroughly analyze and compare the effects of silica and alumina nanoparticles on the properties and effectiveness of polymer drilling mud. Silica and alpha-alumina nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel process and characterized through several techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The effects of silica and alumina nanoparticles on various properties of drilling mud were then measured using a permeable plugging …
Modulating Electronic Structure With Linearly Fused Pyrazine Units For High-Voltage And Stable Zinc-Organic Batteries Cathode,
2026
Shanghai Key Laboratory of Materials Protection and Advanced Materials in Electric Power, College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai 200090, China
Modulating Electronic Structure With Linearly Fused Pyrazine Units For High-Voltage And Stable Zinc-Organic Batteries Cathode, Min-Jian Zhao, Li-Bin Zhang, Jin-Tao Wang, Kun Ding, Hai-Mei Liu, Yong-Gang Wang
Journal of Electrochemistry
High-voltage n-type organic cathode materials are critical for constructing zinc-organic batteries (ZOBs) with high energy density and long cycle life. However, the intrinsically unfavorable electronic structures and relatively high LUMO energy levels of most n-type materials often lead to sluggish kinetics, high solubility, and suboptimal discharge voltages (< 0.8 V). Here, we design a small molecule, quinoxalino[2’,3’:5,6]pyrazino[2,3-f][1,10]phenanthroline (DPQP), as a ZOB cathode by introducing locally electron-deficient motifs into the conjugated backbone of aromatic compounds. The linearly fused pyrazine units extending the pyrazine–benzene framework effectively optimize the electronic structure, thereby significantly enhancing the discharge voltage. Meanwhile, the expanded π-conjugated plane suppresses dissolution and accelerates charge-transfer kinetics. Benefiting from these features, the DPQP electrode exhibits an exceptional increase in average operating voltage from 0.61 V to 1.07 V (vs. Zn2+/Zn) at 0.1 A·g–1, with an overpotential of only 140 mV. Notably, no discernible voltage decay occurs as the current density increases, indicating rapid and highly reversible redox kinetics. Furthermore, the DPQP cathode delivers outstanding cycling stability, maintaining over 2000 h of continuous operation at 0.1 A·g–1 …
(Co,Ni,Mn,Cu,Zn)O High-Entropy Oxide Nanotubes As Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst For Oxygen Evolution And Hydrazine Oxidation Reactions,
2026
School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu, China
(Co,Ni,Mn,Cu,Zn)O High-Entropy Oxide Nanotubes As Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst For Oxygen Evolution And Hydrazine Oxidation Reactions, Pan-Yan Chen, Wan-Wan Wu, Heng Bian, Wei-Wei Li, Xin-Sheng Zhao, Lu Wei
Journal of Electrochemistry
High-entropy oxides (HEOs) present significant scientific challenges in both design and synthesis due to their multielement and high-entropy nature, which involves complex combinations of multiple metal cations and oxygen anions, typically arranged in equimolar ratios to achieve structural stability. Herein, one-dimensional (Co,Ni,Mn,Cu,Zn)O high-entropy oxide nanotubes (HEO-NTs) are fabricated by means of a gradient electrospinning strategy with a tailored polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) molecular weight distribution and controlled pyrolysis. Benefiting from the HEO features and the synergistic effect of multicomponent sites, the as-synthesized (Co,Ni,Mn,Cu,Zn)O HEO-NTs exhibit exceptional bifunctional electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen evolution and hydrazine oxidation reactions (OER/HzOR). This study offers …
The Heterogeneous Response Of Astrocytes In Different Brain Regions Under Metabolic Stress,
2026
University of South Florida
The Heterogeneous Response Of Astrocytes In Different Brain Regions Under Metabolic Stress, Pawan Kumar Thapaliya
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Astrocytes play a central role in maintaining ionic homeostasis, neurotransmitter clearance, and brain en-ergy metabolism. Their excitability, reflected in activity-evoked intracellular sodium (Na+, [Na+]i) and calcium (Ca2+,[Ca+]i) dynamics, is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of neuronal function and vulnerability, particularly under metabolic stress. Despite their importance, the mechanisms underlying astrocytic ionic signaling and its regional heterogeneity remain incompletely understood. In this thesis, I developed detailed computational and biophysical models to investigate astrocytic Na+ and Ca2+ dynamics, their bioenergetic consequences, and the roles of key ion transporters under physiological and metabolically stressed conditions, validating the models against experi- mental data. …
