Study on Surface Modification of Titanium Dioxide Using Polymethyl Methacrylate

The polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) at the surface of titanium dioxide (TiO 2) particles was carried out by using soapless emulsion polymerization method. In this process, composite particles with TiO 2 core and polymer shell were obtained and thus the surface of titanium dioxide was modified. The encapsulating polymer was characterized by TEM, DTA and IR. In addition, the surface properties of the original and modified TiO 2 were studied by Zeta potential measurement and determination of contact angle and dispersability.

Surface modification of fabrics using dielectric barrier discharge plasma for improved antifouling performance

Surface modification of fabrics is an effective way to endow them with antifouling properties while still maintaining their key advantages such as comfort,softness and stretchability.Herein,an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)plasma method is demonstrated for the processing of silk fabrics using 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane(PFDS)as the precursor.The results showed the successful grafting of PFDS groups onto the surface of silk fabrics without causing damage.Meanwhile,the gas temperature is rather low during the whole processing procedure,suggesting the non-equilibrium characteristics of DBD plasma.The influence on fabrics of the processing parameters(PFDS concentration,plasma treatment time and plasma discharge power)was systematically investigated.An optimum processing condition was determined to be a PFDS concentration of 8wt%,a plasma processing time of 40 s and a plasma power of 11.87 W.However,with prolonged plasma processing time or enhanced plasma power,the plasma-grafted PFDS films could be degraded.Further study revealed that plasma processing of silk fabrics with PFDS would lead to a change in their chemical composition and surface roughness.As a result,the surface energy of the fabrics was reduced,accompanied by improved water and oil repellency as well as enhanced antifouling performance.Besides,the plasma-grafted PFDS films also had good durability and stability.By extending the method to polyester and wool against different oil-/water-based stains,the DBD plasma surface modification technique demonstrated good versatility in improving the antifouling properties of fabrics.This work provides guidance for the surface modification of fabrics using DBD plasma to confer them with desirable functionalities.

A Facile Li_(2)TiO_(3) Surface Modification to Improve the Structure Stability and Electrochemical Performance of Full Concentration Gradient Li-Rich Oxides

Full concentration gradient lithium-rich layered oxides are catching lots of interest as the next generation cathode for lithium-ion batteries due to their high discharge voltage,reduced voltage decay and enhanced rate performance,whereas the high lithium residues on its surface impairs the structure stability and long-term cycle performance.Herein,a facile multifunctional surface modification method is implemented to eliminate surface lithium residues of full concentration gradient lithium-rich layered oxides by a wet chemistry reaction with tetrabutyl titanate and the post-annealing process.It realizes not only a stable Li_(2)TiO_(3)coating layer with 3D diffusion channels for fast Li^(+)ions transfer,but also dopes partial Ti^(4+)ions into the sub-surface region of full concentration gradient lithium-rich layered oxides to further strengthen its crystal structure.Consequently,the modified full concentration gradient lithium-rich layered oxides exhibit improved structure stability,elevated thermal stability with decomposition temperature from 289.57℃to 321.72℃,and enhanced cycle performance(205.1 mAh g^(-1)after 150 cycles)with slowed voltage drop(1.67 mV per cycle).This work proposes a facile and integrated modification method to enhance the comprehensive performance of full concentration gradient lithium-rich layered oxides,which can facilitate its practical application for developing higher energy density lithium-ion batteries.

A concise review on surface and structural modification of porous zeolite scaffold for enhanced hydrogen storage

Investigating zeolites as hydrogen storage scaffolds is imperative due to their porous nature and favorable physicochemical properties.Nevertheless,the storage capacity of the unmodified zeolites has been rather unsatisfactory(0.224%-1.082%(mass))compared to its modified counterpart.Thus,the contemporary focus on enhancing hydrogen storage capacities has led to significant attention towards the utilization of modified zeolites,with studies exploring surface modifications through physical and chemical treatments,as well as the integration of various active metals.The enhanced hydrogen storage properties of zeolites are attributed to the presence of aluminosilicates from alkaline and alkaline-earth metals,resulting in increased storage capacity through interactions with the charge density of these aluminosilicates.Therefore,there is a great demand to critically review their role such as well-defined topology,pore structure,good thermal stability,and tunable hydrophilicity in enhanced hydrogen storage.This article aimed to critically review the recent research findings based on modified zeolite performance for enhanced hydrogen storage.Some of the factors affecting the hydrogen storage capacities of zeolites that can affect the rate of reaction and the stability of the adsorbent,like pressure,structure,and morphology were studied,and examined.Then,future perspectives,recommendations,and directions for modified zeolites were discussed.

Influence of laser parameters on the microstructures and surface properties in laser surface modification of biomedical magnesium alloys

Biodegradable implants from magnesium(Mg)alloys have emerged in the biomedical field especially in the orthopedic and cardiovascular stent applications owing to their low density,high specific strength,excellent machinability,good biocompatibility,and biodegradability.The primary shortcoming of Mg-based implants is their low corrosion resistance in the physiological environment,which results in premature mechanical integrity loss before adequate healing and the production of excessive hydrogen gas,which is harmful to the body tissues and negatively affects the biocompatibility of the implant.Laser surface modification has recently received attention because it can improve the surface properties such as surface chemistry,roughness,topography,corrosion resistance,wear resistance,hydrophilicity,and thus cell response to the surface of the material.The composition and microstructures including textures and phases of laser-treated surfaces depend largely on the laser processing parameters(input laser power,laser scan velocity,frequency,pulse duration,pressure,gas circulation,working time,spot size,beam focal position,and laser track overlap)and the thermophysical properties of the substrate(solubility,melting point,and boiling point).This review investigates the impacts of various laser surface modification techniques including laser surface melting,laser surface alloying,laser cladding,laser surface texturing,and laser shock peening,and highlights their significance in improving the surface properties of biodegradable Mg alloys for implant applications.Additionally,we explore how different laser process parameters affect its composition,microstructure,and surface properties in each laser surface modification technique.

Effect of surface modification on the radiation stability of diamond ohmic contacts

The ohmic contact interface between diamond and metal is essential for the application of diamond detectors.Surface modification can significantly affect the contact performance and eliminate the interface polarization effect.However,the radiation stability of a diamond detector is also sensitive to surface modification.In this work,the influence of surface modification technology on a diamond ohmic contact under high-energy radiation was investigated.Before radiation,the specific contact resistivities(ρc)between Ti/Pt/Au-hydrogen-terminated diamond(H-diamond)and Ti/Pt/Au-oxygenterminated diamond(O-diamond)were 2.0×10^(-4)W·cm^(2) and 4.3×10^(-3)Wcm^(2),respectively.After 10 MeV electron radiation,the ρc of Ti/Pt/Au H-diamond and Ti/Pt/Au O-diamond were 5.3×10^(-3)W·cm^(2)and 9.1×10^(-3)W·cm^(2),respectively.The rates of change of ρc of H-diamond and O-diamond after radiation were 2550%and 112%,respectively.The electron radiation promotes bond reconstruction of the diamond surface,resulting in an increase in ρc.

Plasma Surface Modification of Li_(2)TiSiO_(5) Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Solving intrinsic structural problems such as low conductivity is the main challenge to promote the commercial application of Li_(2)TiSiO_(5).In this study,Li_(2)TiSiO_(5) is synthesized by the sol-gelmethod,and the surface modification of Li_(2)TiSiO_(5) is carried out at different temperatures using low-temperature plasma to enhance its lithium storage performance.The morphological structure and electrochemical tests demonstrate that plasma treatment can improve the degree of agglomeration.The peak position of the plasma-treated Li_(2)TiSiO_(5) is shifted to a lower angle,and the shift angle increases with increasing sputtering power.Li_(2)TiSiO_(5) after 300 W bombardment shows excellent capacity(144.7 mA·hg^(−1)after 500 cycles at 0.1 Ag^(−1))and rate performance(140 mA·hg^(−1)at 5 Ag^(−1)).Electrochemical analysis indicates that excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the enhancement of electronic and ionic conductivity by plasma bombardment.

Surface modification of Cu-25Cr alloy induced by high current pulsed electron beam

A Cu-25Cr alloy prepared by vacuum induction melting method was treated by the high current pulsed electron beam （HCPEB） with pulse numbers ranging from 1 to 100. Surface morphologies and microstructures of the alloy before and after the treatment were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results show that significant surface modification can be induced by HCPEB with the pulse number reaching 10. Craters with typical morphologies on the Cu-25Cr alloy surface are formed due to the dynamic thermal field induced by the HCPEB. Micro-cracks, as a unique feature, are well revealed in the irradiated Cu-25Cr specimens and attributed to quasi-static thermal stresses accumulated along the specimen surface. The amount of cracks is found to increase with the pulse number and a preference of these cracks to Cr phases rather than Cu phases is also noted. Another characteristic produced by the HCPEB is the fine Cr spheroids, which are determined to be due to occurrence of liquid phase separation in the Cu-25Cr alloy. In addition, an examination on surface roughness of all specimens reveals that more pulses will produce a roughened surface, as a result of compromising the above features.

Surface modification with SiO_2 coating on biomedical TiNi shape memory alloy by sol-gel method

The effect of heat treatment on the transformation temperature of Ti?52.2%Ni (mole fraction) alloy was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The transformation temperatures of the alloy can be adjusted effectively by heat treatment. Dense and stable SiO2 coatings were deposited on the surface of the pre-oxidized TiNi alloy by sol?gel method. The bonding strength of films and matrix was (65.9±1.5) N. The electrochemical corrosion test shows that the TiNi alloy with SiO2 coating has excellent corrosion resistance in the Hank’s simulated body fluid. The release behaviors of Ni ion of the alloy with and without SiO2 coating implanted in the acoustic vesicle of guinea pig were studied by EDS testing, which was inhibited effectively by the dense and stable SiO2 coating on the alloy.

Surface modification of titanium plate enhanced fibronectin-mediated adhesion and proliferation of MG-63 cells

An understanding of osteoblast adhesion and proliferation on biomaterials is crucial to optimizing the surfaces of artificial implants used in clinical practice. Polished, anodic oxidation （AO） and micro-arc oxidation （MAO） treated titanium （Ti） plates were used as model surfaces to study the adhesion of MG-63 cells. Cells were monitored for 0.5 and 4 h; faster adhesion and spreading of MG-63 ceils were observed on the AO and MAO modified samples. Stimulated secretion of fibronectin （FN） influenced the adhesion rates. In addition, AO and MAO modified surfaces promoted cell proliferation through apparent up-regulation of FN and integrin a5 transcription via outside-in signaling. This strongly suggests that FN secretion by osteoblasts plays an essential role in enhanced cell adhesion, spreading and proliferation on these modified Ti surfaces.

Photocatalysis fundamentals and surface modification of TiO_2 nanomaterials

As a green and sustainable technology,heterogeneous photocatalysis using semiconductors has received much attention during the past decades because of its potential to address energy and environmental problems. Among various semiconductors,TiO2 has been regarded as the best and most widely investigated photocatalyst in the past 10 years. Based on the fundamentals of photocatalysis and surface chemistry of TiO2 nanomaterials,we herein summarize and discuss the achievements in the different surface modification strategies employed to date such as surface doping and sensitization,construction of surface heterojunctions,loading of nano-sized co-catalysts,increase in the accessible surface areas,and usage of surface F effects and exposure of highly reactive facets. Especially,the interesting synergistic effects of these different surface modification strategies deserve more attention in the near future. Studying these important advances in photocatalysis fundamentals,and surface chemistry and modification may offer new opportunities for designing highly efficient TiO2-based and non-TiO2-based photocatalysts for solar fuel production,environmental remediation,organic photosynthesis,and other related fields such as solar cell device fabrication,thermal catalysis,and separation and purification.

Peanut Shell Activated Carbon： Characterization, Surface Modification and Adsorption of Pb^2＋ from Aqueous Solution

Metal ion contamination of drinking water and waste water, especially with heavy metal ion such as lead, is a serious and ongoing problem. In this work, activated carbon prepared from peanut shell （PAC） was used for the removal of Pb^2＋ from aqueous solution. The impacts of the Pb25 adsorption capacities of the acid-modified carbons oxidized with HNO3 were also investigated. The surface functional groups of PAC were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared （FTIR） spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）, Boehm titration. The textural properties （surface area, total pore volume） were evaluated from the nitrogen adsorption isotherm at 77 K. The experimental results presented indicated that the adsorption data fitted better with the Langmuir adsorption model. A comparative study with a commercial granular activated carbon （GAC） showed that PAC was 10.3 times more efficient compared to GAC based on Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity. Further analysis results by the Langmuir equation showed that HNO3 [20% （by mass）] modified PAC has larger adsorption capacity of Pb^2＋ from aqueous solution （as much as 35.5 mg·g^-1）. The adsorption capacity enhancement ascribed to pore widening, increased cation-exchange capacity by oxygen groups, and the promoted hydrophilicity of the carbon surface.

Surface modification of calcium carbonate:A review of theories,methods and applications

Calcium carbonate,which is widely employed as a filler added into the polymer matrix,has large numbers of applications owing to the excellent properties such as low cost,non-toxicity,high natural reserves and biocompatibility.Nevertheless,in order to obtain the good filling effect,calcium carbonate needs to be surface modified by organic molecules so as to enhance the dispersion and compatibility within the composites.This review paper systematically introduces the theory,methods,and applications progress of calcium carbonate with surface modification.Additionally,the key factors that affect the properties of the composites as well as the current difficulties and challenges are highlighted.The current research progress and potential application prospects of calcium carbonate in the fields of plastics,rubber,paper,medicine and environmental protection are discussed as well.Generally,this review can provide valuable reference for the modification and comprehensive utilization of calcium carbonate.

Plasma Surface Modification of Kevlar Fibers

Cold plasma techniques were used to treat the surface of Kevlar-49 fibers. The dynamic parameters of wetting, contact-angles and surface energy of the fiber before and alter the treatment were compared to see the changes in the wetting property. ESCA and electron spin resonance were utilized to examine the chemical composition and the attached free radicals of the fiber surface. The results, together with changes in the magnitude of the contact-angle and the number of free radicals with time after the plasma treatment do not show any ageing effect. Single filament test revealed that the tensile strength was not impaired but even improved somewhat after the plasma treatment. The experiment shows that the interlaminar shear strength of Kevlar fiber reinforced epoxy resin compo- site is increased for more than 60％% after the treatment.

Surface Modification of Fly Ashes with Carbide Slag and Its Effect on Compressive Strength and Autogenous Shrinkage of Blended Cement Pastes

Surfaces of grade III fly ashes were modified through mixing with carbide slag and calcining at 850 ℃ for 1 h. Mineralogical compositions and surface morphology of fly ashes before and after modification were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, respectively. Effect of surface-modified fly ashes on compressive strength and autogenous shrinkage of blended cement pastes was investigated. Microstructures of cement pastes were examined by backscattered electron （BSE） imaging and mercury intrusion porosimetry （MIP）. The experimental results showed that β-C2S was formed on the surfaces of fly ashes after modification. Hydration ofβ-C2S on the surface-modified fly ashes densified interface zone and enhanced bond strength between particles of fly ashes and hydrated clinkers. In addition, surface modification of fly ashes tended to decrease total porosity and 10-50 nm pores of cement pastes. Surface modification of fly ashes increased compressive strength and reduced autogenous shrinkage of cement pastes.

Different surface modification methods and coating materials of zinc metal anode

Rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries(AZIBs)are one of the most promising energy storage devices for large-scale energy storage owing to their high specific capacity,eco-friendliness,low cost and high safety.Nevertheless,zinc metal anodes suffer from severe dendrite growth and side reactions,resulting in the inferior electrochemical performance of AZIBs.To address these problems,surface modification of zinc metal anodes is a facile and effective method to regulate the interaction between the zinc anode and an electrolyte.In this review,the current challenges and strategies for zinc metal anodes are presented.Furthermore,recent advances in surface modification strategies to improve their electrochemical performance are concluded and discussed.Finally,challenges and prospects for future development of zinc metal anodes are proposed.We hope this review will be useful for designing and fabricating highperformance AZIBs and boosting their practical applications.

Enhanced sulfidization flotation of cuprite by surface modification with hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide was used as an oxidant to modify the cuprite surface and enhance its sulfidization.Surface-adsorption and infrared spectroscopy measurements indicated that the modification of the cuprite surface with hydrogen peroxide before sulfidization increased the adsorption capacity of xanthate.Zeta potential,scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry results showed that the modification with hydrogen peroxide increased the contents of S^(2−)and Sn^(2−)species on the cuprite surface.Microflotation tests showed that the recovery of cuprite increased from 61.74%to 83.30%after the modification of the surface with hydrogen peroxide.These results confirm that the modification of the cuprite surface with hydrogen peroxide enhances the sulfidization of cuprite,which in turn improves its flotation.

Effect of surface modification of activated carbon on its adsorption capacity for NH_3

To investigate the effects of carbon surface characteristics on NH3 adsorption,coal-based and coconut shell activated carbons were modified by treatment with oxidants.The surface properties of the carbons were characterized by low temperature nitrogen sorption,by Boehm's titrations and by XPS techniques.NH3 adsorption isotherms of the original and the modified carbons were determined.The results show that the carbons were oxidized by HNO3 and(NH4)2S2O8,and that there was an increase in oxygen containing functional groups on the surface.However,the pore-size distribution of the coal-based carbons was changed after KMnO4 treatment.It was found that the NH3 adsorption capacity of the modified carbons was enhanced and that the most pronounced enhancement results from(NH4)2S2O8 oxidation.Under our experimental conditions,the capacity is positively cor- rected to the number of surface functional groups containing oxygen,and to the number of micro-pores.Furthermore,an empirical model of the relationship between NH3 adsorption and multiple factors on the carbon surface was fit using a complex regression method.

Recent Advances in Structural Optimization and Surface Modification on Current Collectors for High‑Performance Zinc Anode:Principles,Strategies,and Challenges

The last several years have witnessed the prosperous development of zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs),which are considered as a promising competitor of energy storage systems thanks to their low cost and high safety.However,the reversibility and availability of this system are blighted by problems such as uncontrollable dendritic growth,hydrogen evolution,and corrosion passivation on anode side.A functionally and structurally well-designed anode current collectors(CCs)is believed as a viable solution for those problems,with a lack of summarization according to its working mechanisms.Herein,this review focuses on the challenges of zinc anode and the mechanisms of modified anode CCs,which can be divided into zincophilic modification,structural design,and steering the preferred crystal facet orientation.The possible prospects and directions on zinc anode research and design are proposed at the end to hopefully promote the practical application of ZIBs.

Surface modification of magnesium alloys using thermal and solid-state cold spray processes:Challenges and latest progresses

Potential engineering applications of magnesium(Mg)and Mg-based alloys,as the lightest structural metal,have made them a popular subject of study.However,the inferior corrosion and wear characteristics significantly limit their application range.It is widely recognized that surface treatment is the most commonly utilized technique for remarkably improving a substrate’s surface characteristics.Numerous methods have been introduced for the surface treatment of Mg and Mg-based alloys to improve their corrosion behavior and tribological performance.Among these,thermal spray(TS)technology provides several methods for deposition of various functional metallic,ceramic,cermet,or other coatings tailored to particular conditions.Recent researches have shown the tremendous potential for thermal spray coated Mg alloys for biomedical and industrial applications.In this context,the cold spray(CS)method,as a comparatively new TS coating technique,can generate the coating layer using kinetic energy rather than combined thermal and kinetic energies,like the high-velocity oxy-fuel(HVOF)spray method.Moreover,the CS process,as a revolutionary method,is able to repair and refurbish with a faster turnaround time;it also provides solutions that do not require dealing with the thermal stresses that are part of the other repair processes,such as welding or other TS processes using a high-temperature flame.In this review paper,the recently designed coatings that are specifically applied to Mg alloys(primarily for industrial applications)employing various coating processes are reviewed.Because of the increased utilization of CS technology for both 3D printed(additively manufactured)coatings and repair of structurally critical components,the most recent CS methods for the surface treatment,repair,and refurbishment of Mg alloys as well as their benefits and restrictions are then discussed and reviewed in detail.Lastly,the prospects of this field of study are briefly discussed,along with a summary of the presented work.