Engineering Science and Materials Commons^™

Made On Mars: Design And Manufacturing Of Structural Polymer-Regolith Composites, Pailey M. Vitale

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Human exploration of Mars is constrained by harsh environmental conditions and the prohibitive cost of transporting materials from Earth. Long-term sustainability requires the local production of mechanical and structural components using resources available on Mars, thereby minimizing payload mass. This project investigates polymer–regolith composites derived from atmospheric CO₂ and mineral-rich regolith as a pathway toward in-situ manufacturing. These composites, when compatible with additive manufacturing, could replace imported plastics, enable on-demand fabrication, and support closed-loop recycling systems. The objective is to design and evaluate polymer–regolith composites that maintain mechanical integrity and environmental resistance under Martian conditions, including extreme temperature swings, radiation …

Material Degradation And Analysis Of N-Doped Graphene/Mof Nanocatalysts For Orr In Electrochemical Energy Systems, Niladri Talukder

Dissertations

The development of advanced electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems is crucial for achieving sustainable energy security. As alternatives to precious metal-based catalysts in electrochemical systems, especially for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), Nitrogen-doped Graphene with Metal-organic Frameworks (N-G/MOF) nanocatalysts have shown exceptional promise in recent years. This research advances the understanding of N-G/MOF nanocatalysts by systematically examining their structural features, degradation traits, correlated performance losses, and other aspects related to catalytic activities.

First, nitrogen-doped graphene (N-G) nanocatalysts were thoroughly investigated, resolving their physical properties, the influence of synthesis parameters, molecular-level material structures, and chemical and electronic structural details of …

Curing Duration Optimization To Reduce Shrinkage Cracking In One-Part Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete, A. Sadrmomtazi, H. Zanganeh

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The consequences of inadequate curing on one-part alkali-activated slag concrete (O-AAS) performance relative to ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC) have been investigated in this research. Prior to exposure to unsaturated conditions, samples underwent initial moist curing for durations ranging from 24 hours to one year. The testing program included compressive strength evaluation, chloride ion transport analysis, and measurement of free and restrained shrinkage. In addition, cylindrical cores were extracted from concrete columns to assess internal strength and chloride penetration resistance. Under unsaturated exposure, O-AAS exhibited a strength-aging phenomenon, with up to a 37% decrease in compressive strength over 360 days, …

Laboratory Investigation And Numerical Modelling Effect Of Carbon Nanotubes On Hot Mix Asphalt Permanent Displacement, Sepehr Saedi, Auwal Usman Nadada

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

One of the primary causes of asphalt pavement deterioration is rutting; in contrast, one of the most effective methods to address this type of damage is the use of additives and quality evaluation during the design stages. In this research, laboratory testing and modeling using Abaqus software were employed to validate the laboratory results and predict and assess the potential for rutting. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were selected as an additive due to their exceptional mechanical properties and molecular interactions with bitumen. These nanotubes were used to modify the bitumen for the preparation of laboratory samples. The laboratory results from the …

Influence Of Early Microwave Curing On Performance Of Slag-Based Geopolymer Mortars, Ahmet Taşdemı̇R, Abdulkadir Çevı̇K

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

In this article, an experimental study was conducted to examine the effect of curing time and microwave power on the compressive strength of early microwave-cured slag based geopolymers. Geopolymers have the potential to serve as an environmentally friendly substitute for cement-based building materials, and the use of microwave curing to geopolymers holds the promise of substantial strength improvement. Different microwave curing energies (300 - 800 Watts) were utilized at varying durations (10 - 60 minutes) on demoulded mortar specimens after one day. After that, compressive strength tests were conducted on both the cured and uncured specimens at three different ages: …

Two Members Of The Editorial Board Of Journal Electrochemistry, Kai Wu Elected As An Academician Of The Chinese Academy Of Engineering And Yi Cui A Foreign Academician Of The Chinese Academy Of Sciences, Editorial Office Of J.Electrochem.

Journal of Electrochemistry

No abstract provided.

Electrochemical Characterization And Modulation Of Biological Processes, Yue-Qi Li, Wei-Hua Huang, De-Chen Jiang, Bao-Hong Liu, Bin Su, Yang Tian, Jing-Juan Xu, Ping Yu, Feng Zhao, Huang-Xian Ju, Jing-Hong Li

Journal of Electrochemistry

Electrochemical processes lie at the core of biological function, governing energy transduction, metabolic flux, and molecular signaling. Recent advances in electrochemical science now allow these processes to be probed and controlled with unprecedented spatial, temporal, and chemical resolution. In this review, we present an integrated framework that progresses from fundamental mechanisms to analytical technologies and functional modulation. We begin by outlining electron transfer pathways in mitochondrial respiration, microbial extracellular electron transfer, and DNA- and protein-based charge conduction, followed by the principles of photon-electron conversion in photosynthesis and the central role of redox equilibrium in coordinating cellular responses. We then highlight …

A Novel Electrolyte Pyridine Additive For Enhancing Cycle Life Of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Peng-Cheng Wang, Ding-Chang Li, Jun-Tao Li, Guang-Bo Lu, Shi-Wen Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery using a graphite (Gr.) anode and a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄, LFP) cathode (Gr.||LFP) has been widespread in energy storage. To match the warranty period of energy storage systems, the lifespan of this kind of Li-ion battery, not only under room temperature but also under relatively high temperature, is critical. Exploration of functional electrolyte additive provides an efficient approach to address this issue. This study reports the usage of pyridine (Py) as a new electrolyte functional additive for Gr.||LFP. In the first cycle, it was found that Py can be reduced before ethylene carbonate and …

Journal Of Electrochemistry Officially Indexed By Leading Oa Databases Oarl And Coaj, Editorial Office Of J.Electrochem.

Journal of Electrochemistry

No abstract provided.

Feature Column Of Journal Of Electrochemistry Nominated For 2025 Top 10 Famous Columns Of Fujian Provincial Newspapers And Periodicals, Editorial Office Of J.Electrochem.

Journal of Electrochemistry

No abstract provided.

Use Of Alaçatı Stone Aggregate In Conventional And Self-Consolidating Concretes, Tahir Kemal Erdem

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Alaçatı stone or Alapietra stone is widely used mostly for building cladding. However, its production and use in the construction sites generate high amounts of waste (debris), causing environmental pollution in Çeşme which is a touristic district. This study investigated the reuse of Alaçatı stone as lightweight aggregate (LWA) in both conventional and self-consolidating concrete (SCC) mixtures. The concretes were prepared to have three different water-to-cement ratios (w/c), which were 0.38, 0.42 and 0.48. For each w/c, a conventional concrete mixture and two SCC mixtures with 60 or 70 cm slump flow were produced by varying the superplasticizer SP content. …

A Decision Support Model For Building Material And Component Reuse In The Context Of Circular Buildings, Havva Aksel

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Construction activities cause significant environmental impacts such as waste generation, pollution, resource consumption, and land use, which are expected to increase with global construction demands. To mitigate these environmental problems, the circular building occurs as an emerging concept depending on in the circular economy, which aims to minimize waste and redefine the “end-of-life” concept by reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovering materials. The reuse of building materials and components (BMCs) from existing structures represents a crucial strategy for achieving circularity in the built environment. Within this framework, design plays a key role. However, designing with reclaimed BMCs remains complex due to …

Durability Of Alkali-Activated Concretes Under 5% Sulfuric Acid Environment, Celal Karabaş, Anıl Niş

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The investigation focused on the resistance to 5% sulfuric acid degradation of the alkali-activated concretes (AAC). The AAC was manufactured using a blended binder of 50% slag and 50% F-type fly ash. The AAC was activated using a blend of 14 M sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate, with a hydroxide-to-silicate ratio of 1/2,5. Six AAC were produced against a 5% sulfuric acid environment, varying the binder amounts (400–500–600 kg/m3) and activator-binder (A/B) ratios (0,45–0,55). The chemical resistance of AAC was evaluated by visual appearance, variation in weight and compressive strengths. The findings pointed out that more gypsum and higher weight …

Comprehensive Risk Assessment For Construction Site Managers In Kosovo: A Mixed-Method Approach, Muhamet Ahmeti, Besian Sinani

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study developed and validated a hybrid ISO 31000:2018 Kosovo-compliant risk assessment framework tailored for construction site managers operating within transitional economies. The research employed audits of 20 ISO-certified contractors in Pristina, Kosovo, along with field observations, interviews, and quantitative risk matrices. The findings indicate a critical concentration of risk, with 70% of firms classified as "High" or “Very High” risk. The most prevalent hazards identified were working at height without collective protection, unprotected electrical systems, and manual handling of heavy materials. Regression analysis revealed that firms with a designated safety champion achieved significantly lower risk scores, whereas those with …

Behaviour Of Internally Strengthening Hollow Stainless-Steel Hot-Rolled Circular Columns Filled With Crumb Rubber And Recycled Aggregate Concrete, Wadhah M. Tawfeeq, Mohammed M. Rasheed, Mithaq Kohees, Ahmed W. Al Zandd, Saif Al-Balushi, Hamed Al Abdul Salam

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Stainless-steel sections are increasingly being utilised in favour of their higher durability. Simultaneously, the use of recycled materials in concrete is aligned with the global concern to encourage sustainable and environmentally friendly construction. The paper examined the behaviour of stainless-steel columns filled with concrete with crumb rubber (CR) and recycled aggregate (RA). It analysed the effect of different percentages of CR (0, 15, and 30) and RA (0, 15, and 50) on the compressive strength of the concrete and the performance of the columns using stainless-steel hollow sections. 20 specimens were manufactured, 18 of which were cast with concrete containing …

Piezoelectric Concrete: A Smart Material Approach For Energy-Harvesting Structural Technologies, Dianah Mazlan, Vynotdni Rathinasamy, Naveen Kumar, Liu Chunpeng, Elango Elango

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The rapid growth of urban infrastructure demands innovative materials that not only support structural performance but also contribute to sustainability through energy harvesting. Piezoelectric concrete, which integrates ceramics, polymers, nanomaterials, and bio-based fillers into cementitious matrices, has emerged as a promising solution. This review systematically explores the fundamentals of piezoelectricity in concrete, highlighting how stress-induced electromechanical coupling enables both energy harvesting and structural health monitoring. The paper critically evaluates major material systems including PZT ceramics, PVDF polymers, hybrid nanocomposites, and emerging bio-based materials, alongside their integration strategies such as embedded and surface-mounted approaches. Applications across pavements, bridges, and smart buildings …

Development Of A Digestion Procedure Using Fe2+ Ions For Electrochemical Detection Of Mno2 Particles In Drinking Water, Kayla Elliott, Sarah Jane Payne, Zhe She

Journal of Electrochemistry

Developing methods for detection contaminants in drinking water is essential to ensuring that safe and acceptable quality drinking water is delivered to consumers. While manganese (Mn) was previously known only as a mere aesthetic issue, recent epidemiological data has shown to have negative neurological effects on humans, especially on children, prompting new health-based guidelines by Health Canada and the World Health Organization. In drinking water, Mn exists predominantly as Mn(II) and Mn(IV), and is regulated based on total Mn levels. Interestingly, measurement of Mn particulate using electroanalytical methods has not yet been reported in the literature. Herein, a digestion procedure …

Biocompatible And Antibacterial Pcl-Tio2@Ag/Γ-Cd Mof Nanocomposite Coating For Corrosion Resistance Of Magnesium Alloy In Simulated Body Fluid, Sara Dehghan-Chenar, Hamid R. Zare, Zahra Mohammadpour, Maryam Sadat Mirbagheri-Firoozabad

Journal of Electrochemistry

Magnesium alloys are promising candidates for bio-implant applications due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, their rapid corrosion remains a critical limitation. This study presents the development of a multifunctional nanocomposite coating designed to enhance the corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties of magnesium alloy implants. The coating comprised γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (γ-CD MOFs) decorated with TiO₂@Ag core-shell nanoparticles, embedded in a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix. Immersion tests in a simulated body fluid (SBF) revealed an initially higher corrosion rate for the PCL-TiO₂@Ag/γ-CD MOF coating compared to the coating without TiO₂@Ag nanoparticles; however, it demonstrated significant …

Scientific Characterization Of Historic Mortars Dating From The 15th-Century Of A Historical Building In Algeria: A Case Study, M. E. Belgacem, N. Rabahi-Touloum, R. Neves, Y. Ouldkhaoua

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This research investigates the historic mortars (Aggregate/Binder (A/B) ratio) of a historical patrimony building, dating from the 15th century, in Algeria, for restoration purposes. It is well known that thorough characterization is essential for successful restoration. To this end, several techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), optical microscope were used to characterize the historic mortars. A mechanical test was used to characterize the compressive strength of a historic mortar. For a comprehensive characterization, A/B ratios were estimated using both Digital Image Analyses (DIA) and chemical analyses. The results obtained provided clear information on …

Development Trends And Priority Research Fields Of Electrochemical Discipline In The 15th Five Year Plan Period, Lin Zhuang, Wen-Bin Cai, Heng-Xing Ji, Qing Li, Gong-Wei Wang, Sen Xin, Qing Zhao, Fang-Yi Cheng, Yu-Guo Guo, Lan-Qun Mao, Yang Tian, Fei Wu, Li-Min Zhang, Yan Xiang, Jin-Song Hu, Rui Cao, Li Xiao, Hua-Bing Tao, Wei Xing, Dong-Ping Zhan, Hong-Gang Liao, Mei-Ling Xiao, Bin Ren, Zhang-Quan Peng, Rui Wen, Xiang Wang, Yue-Feng Song, Hou-Fu Lv, Bao-Yu Xia, Guo-Xiong Wang, Jun Cheng, Zhi-Pan Liu, Min Zhou, Bing Huang, Cun-Pu Li, Yu-Qin Zou, Shuang-Yin Wang, Hai-Bo Lin, Zi-Dong Wei

Journal of Electrochemistry

In fulfillment of the national science-and-technology development agenda, the Department of Chemical Sciences of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) convened the Strategic Symposium on the Fifteenth Five-Year (2026–2030) Development Plan for Electrochemistry held in Xiamen on 29 August, 2025—the culminating year of the Fourteenth Five-Year (2021–2025) Development Plan. More than forty leading experts in the field of electrochemistry participated with spanning nine thematic fronts: Interfacial Electrocatalysis, Interfacial Electrochemistry for Energy Storage, Bioelectrochemistry, Electrochemistry of Hydrogen Energy, Electrochemical Micro-/Nano-Manufacturing, Operando Electrochemical Characterization, Electro-Thermal Coupling Catalysis, Theoretical and Computational Electrochemistry, and Electrochemical Synthesis. The forum assembled China’s foremost electrochemical …

Extraction Of Aluminum From Lunar Regolith Through Molten Salt Electrolysis, Jacob N. Ortega, Todd P. Sander, Jeffrey D. Smith, Fateme Rezaei, David J. Bayless, William Schonberg, Daniel S. Stutts, Frank D. Han

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents the methodology, development, and results of an end-to-end regolith-to-metal concept for producing aluminum in-situ on the lunar surface, namely, the Lunar In-Situ Aluminum Production through Molten Salt Electrolysis (LISAP-MSE) method. Using electrolytic reduction, aluminum oxide (i.e., alumina) can be reduced into aluminum and oxygen via electrolysis in a molten salt bath. A steady supply of hydrogen chloride could allow this in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) method to supply several necessary materials consumed in the electrolytic reduction step of the process to produce bulk aluminum metal, oxygen, water, and silica from anorthite abundant in lunar highland regions. In this …

Series Reports From Professor Wei’S Group Of Chongqing University: Advancements In Electrochemical Energy Conversions (2/4): Report 2: High-Performance Water Splitting Electrocatalysts, Ling Zhang, Wang-Yang Wu, Qiu-Yue Hu, Shi-Dan Yang, Li Li, Rui-Jin Liao, Zi-Dong Wei

Journal of Electrochemistry

The unavailability of high-performance and cost-effective electrocatalysts has impeded the large-scale deployment of alkaline water electrolyzers. Professor Zidong Wei’s group has focused on resolving critical challenges in industrial alkaline electrolysis, particularly elucidating hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction (HER/OER) mechanisms while addressing the persistent activity-stability trade-off. This review summarizes their decade-long progress in developing advanced electrodes, analyzing the origins of sluggish alkaline HER kinetics and OER stability limitations. Professor Wei proposes a unifying “12345 Principle” as an optimization framework. For HER electrocatalysts, they have identified that metal/metal oxide interfaces create synergistic “chimney effect” and “local electric field enhancement effect”, enhancing selective …

Local Electric Fields Coupled With Cl− Fixation Strategy For Improving Seawater Oxygen Reduction Reaction Performance, Yu-Rong Liu, Miao Zhang, Yan-Hui Yu, Ya-Lin Liu, Jing Li, Xiao-Dong Shi, Zhen-Ye Kang, Dao-Xiong Wu, Peng Rao, Ying Liang, Xin-Long Tian

Journal of Electrochemistry

Development of robust electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a seawater electrolyte is the key to realize seawater electrolyte-based zinc-air batteries (SZABs). Herein, constructing a local electric field coupled with chloride ions (Cl⁻) fixation strategy in dual single-atom catalysts (DSACs) was proposed, and the resultant catalyst delivered considerable ORR performance in a seawater electrolyte, with a high half-wave potential (E_1/2) of 0.868 V and a good maximum power density (Pmax) of 182 mW·cm⁻² in the assembled SZABs, much higher than those of the Pt/C catalyst (E_1/2: 0.846 V; Pmax: 150 mW·cm^{−2 …}

Bridging Materials And Energy Storage Mechanisms In Zn-I2 Batteries, Rong-Qi Liu, Wen-Shuo Shang, Jin-Tao Zhang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Zinc-iodine (Zn-I₂) batteries have emerged as a compelling candidate for large-scale energy storage, driven by the growing demand for safe, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives to conventional systems. Benefiting from the inherent advantages of aqueous electrolytes and zinc metal anodes, including high ionic conductivity, low flammability, natural abundance, and high volumetric capacity, Zn-I₂ batteries offer significant potential for grid-level deployment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in three critical domains: positive-electrode engineering, zinc anode stabilization, and in situ characterization methods. On the cathode side, anchoring iodine to conductive matrices effectively mitigates polyiodide shuttling and enhances …

Significantly Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity In Co-N-C Catalysts Through Synergistic Boron Doping, Chang Lan, Jing-Sen Bai, Xin Guan, Shuo Wang, Nan-Shu Zhang, Yu-Qing Cheng, Jin-Jing Tao, Yu-Yi Chu, Mei-Ling Xiao, Chang-Peng Liu, Wei Xing

Journal of Electrochemistry

The weak adsorption energy of oxygen-containing intermediates on Co center leads to a considerable performance disparity between Co-N-C and costly Pt benchmark in catalyzing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this work, we strategically engineer the active site structure of Co-N-C via B substitution, which is accomplished by the pyrolysis of ammonium borate. During this process, the in-situ generated NH₃ gas plays a critical role in creating surface defects and boron atoms substituting nitrogen atoms in the carbon structure. The well-designed CoB₁N₃ active site endows Co with higher charge density and stronger adsorption energy toward oxygen species, …

Nonlinear Analytical Models Of The Seismically Isolated ``Frame-Boiler'' System With Cantilever-Type Hysteresis Dampers, Aleksandr Mikhailovich Anushchenko, Dmitrii Evgenievich Bondarev, Aleksandr Yurievich Schukin

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study shows results of development of the ``frame-boiler'' system with hysteresis dampers analytical model. Hysteresis dampers are used as boiler antiseismic bracing. It is noted that simplified analytical models are necessary at the stage of preliminary iterative calculations, when a CAE-modeling is impractical due to significant time costs. The authors have proposed 2 options of analytical models: 2-mass model and 3-mass model. The differential equations of motion for each model are written below. The results of the calculation for seismic impacts are compared with the finite element model. It is shown that 3-mass model gives good match of results …

Advancing Sustainable Structural Solutions: Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (Hfrp) Reinforcement Bars For Concrete Applications Through Material Selection, Simulation, And Pathways For Future Development, Thomas Cadenazzi, Busra Keles

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This paper investigates innovative Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (HFRP) rebars as a sustainable alternative to conventional Carbon Steel (CS) and Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars used as reinforcement in concrete structures. The feasibility of HFRP rebars is assessed, focusing on mechanical properties and sustainability advantages. A virtual tensile test on a modeled M19 HFRP rebar, conducted using Autodesk's Fusion 360, demonstrates tensile strength comparable to CS 235 and greater environmental sustainability than GFRP, despite a slight reduction in stiffness. The study also considers the potential of graphene fiber integration to enhance mechanical properties, underscoring HFRP's adaptability. Findings suggest that HFRP rebars, …

Comparative Analysis Of Life Cycle Assessment Of Traditional And Contemporary Timber Buildings, Sadık Akşar, Gökçe Tuna

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Wood has long been used as a primary building material, but with the Industrial Revolution and the spread of multi-story structures, its structural limitations became evident. In the 21st century, engineered timber products have reintroduced wood as a sustainable alternative, offering advantages such as lightness, rapid assembly, and recyclability. At the same time, buildings are responsible for significant environmental impacts, making assessment methods essential. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of the most widely used tools for evaluating these impacts across all stages of a building’s life cycle. This study applies LCA to timber construction systems, focusing on both traditional …

Sustainable Paving Block Development: Utilizing Rejected Coal As Filler And Assessing Its Impact On Paving Block’S Properties, Siti Nikmatin, Allen Kurniawan, Heriansyah Putra, Rima Fitria Adiati, Riawan Ma’Ruf, Dwi Arso Yedi Irwanto

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study investigated the potential use of rejected coal as a fine aggregate filler in paving block production. Comprehensive characterization of the rejected coal was conducted, including toxicity, physical, chemical, and mineralogical analyses of the coal. The results showed that the rejected coal met environmental safety standards (TCLP) and had suitable properties as an aggregate. Paving blocks were produced by incorporating different proportions of rejected coal fillers and were tested for compressive strength, water absorption, and density. The optimal mix with 35% rejected coal filler as a replacement of stone ash achieved a compressive strength of 14.61 MPa, water absorption …

Numerical Comparative Study Of The Thermal Performance And Load-Bearing Capacity Of Hollow Clay Bricks Used In Construction In Libya, Osama Lawej, Mahmoud Ahmed, Ismael Ehtiwesh

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The optimization of structural and thermal performance in building components is a key challenge in sustainable construction, particularly in hot climate regions like Libya. Hollow clay bricks are widely used due to their local availability and affordability; however, their internal geometry is often not optimized for thermal resistance or mechanical integrity. This study addresses this gap by numerically investigating the effect of cavity geometry on the load-bearing capacity and thermal insulation performance of hollow clay bricks. Three configurations were analyzed, including two commercial designs from the Libyan market and a newly proposed arched cavity design. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations …