Gypsum-based Silica Gel Humidity-controlling Composite Materials:Preparation,Characterization,and Performance

Gypsum was used as substrate,and silica gel was mixed into substrate at a certain mass ratio to prepare humidity-controlling composites;moreover,the moisture absorption and desorption properties of gypsum-based composites were compared with adding different silica gel particle size and proportion.The morphological characteristics,the isothermal equilibrium moisture content curve,moisture absorption and desorption rate,moisture absorption and desorption stability,and humidity-conditioning performance were tested and analyzed.The experimental results show that,compared with pure-gypsum,the surface structure of the gypsum-based composites is relatively loose,the quantity,density and aperture of the pores in the structure increase.The absorption and desorption capacity increase along with the increase of silica gel particle size and silica gel proportion.When 3 mm silica gel particle size is added with a mass ratio of 40%,the maximum equilibrium moisture content of humidity-controlling composites is 0.161 g/g at 98% relative humidity(RH),3.22 times that of pure-gypsum.The moisture absorption and desorption rates are increased,the equilibrium moisture absorption and desorption rates are 2.68 times and 1.61 times that of pure-gypsum at 58.5% RH,respectively.The gypsum-based composites have a good stability,which has better timely response to dynamic humidity changes and can effectively regulate indoor humidity under natural conditions.

Sol Gel Assembly and Luminescence of SiO_2/PEMA Hybrid Material Incorporated with Terbium Complex

Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) doped with luminescent ternary terbium complex (Tb(acac) 3·dam) with acetylacetone (Hacac) and diantipylmethane (dam) was incorporated into the microporous silica gel. With the polymerization of EMA, the hybrid material containing Tb(acac) 3·dam was obtained. The hybrid material exhibited good toughness and transparency and higher thermal stability than that of the pure complex and pure polymer matrix. In the range of doping concentration of Tb(acac) 3·dam (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 5.0%), emission intensity increases with the increasing of corresponding doping concentration and concentration quenching effect has not taken place.

Recent advances in flexible alkaline zinc-based batteries:Materials,structures,and perspectives

The development of wearable electronic systems has generated increasing demand for flexible power sources.Alkaline zinc(Zn)-based batteries,as one of the most mature energy storage technologies,have been considered as a promising power source owing to their exceptional safety,low costs,and outstanding electrochemical performance.However,the conventional alkaline Zn-based battery systems face many challenges associated with electrodes and electrolytes,causing low capacity,poor cycle life,and inferior mechanical performance.Recent advances in materials and structure design have enabled the revisitation of the alkaline Zn-based battery technology for applications in flexible electronics.Herein,we summarize the up-to-date works in flexible alkaline Zn-based batteries and analyze the strategies employed to improve battery performance.Firstly,we introduce the three most reported cathode materials(including Ag-based,Ni-based,and Co-based materials)for flexible alkaline Zn-based batteries.Then,challenges and modifications in battery anodes are investigated.Thirdly,the recently advanced gel electrolytes are introduced from their properties,functions as well as advanced fabrications.Finally,recent works and the advantages of sandwich-type,fiber-type and thin film-type flexible batteries are summarized and compared.This review provides insights and guidance for the design of high-performance flexible Zn-based batteries for next-generation electronics.

Synthesis of Long Afterglow Photoluminescent Materials Sr_2MgSi_2O_7∶Eu^(2+), Dy^(3+) by Sol-Gel Method

Long afterglow photoluminescent materials Sr2MgSi2O7 doped with Eu2+, Dy3+ were prepared by sol-gel method. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction. The excitation spectrum, emission spectrum and long decay curve were measured and analyzed. XRD pattern indicates that phosphor is with Sr2MgSi2O7 crystal structure. The wide range of excitation wavelength indicates that luminescent material can be excited by light from ultraviolet ray to visible light. The main peak of emission spectrum is located at 466 nm. Sample excited by visible light can emit bright blue light, and the afterglow time lasts more than 8 h.

A New PAA Sol-Gel Method to Synthesis the Spinel LiMn_2O_4 Material for Li-ion Battery

A PAA sol-gel method, which is based on the chelate effect of PAA polymer, was developed for the synthesis of the spinel LiMn 2O 4 material. The pyrolysis process of the PAA-nitrate mixture precursor was investigated by TG and DTA analysis. It is found that the structure and electrochemical properties of the material are sensitive to the atmosphere employed in the synthesis process. Preliminary results show that the material thus prepared has a good electrochemical performance even at high charge and discharge current.

Gel-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Flexible Sensing:Principles,Properties,and Applications

The rapid development of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence technologies has increased the need for wearable,portable,and self-powered flexible sensing devices.Triboelectric nanogenerators(TENGs)based on gel materials(with excellent conductivity,mechanical tunability,environmental adaptability,and biocompatibility)are considered an advanced approach for developing a new generation of flexible sensors.This review comprehensively summarizes the recent advances in gel-based TENGs for flexible sensors,covering their principles,properties,and applications.Based on the development requirements for flexible sensors,the working mechanism of gel-based TENGs and the characteristic advantages of gels are introduced.Design strategies for the performance optimization of hydrogel-,organogel-,and aerogel-based TENGs are systematically summarized.In addition,the applications of gel-based TENGs in human motion sensing,tactile sensing,health monitoring,environmental monitoring,human-machine interaction,and other related fields are summarized.Finally,the challenges of gel-based TENGs for flexible sensing are discussed,and feasible strategies are proposed to guide future research.

SYNTHESIS OF MESOPOROUS POLY(STYRENE-co-MALEIC ANHYDRIDE)/SILICA HYBRID MATERIALS VIA A NONSURFACTANT-TEMPLATED SOL-GEL PROCESS

Mesoporous poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride)/silica hybrid materials have been prepared. The synthesis was achieved by the HCl-catalyzed sol-gel reactions of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer in the presence of 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) as a coupling agent and citric acid as a nonsurfactant template or pore-forming agent, followed by ethanol extraction. Characterization results from nitrogen sorption isotherms and powder X-ray diffraction indicate that polymer-modified mesoporous materials with large specific surface areas (e.g. 900 m(2)/g) and pore volumes (e.g. 0.6 cm(3)/g) could be prepared. As the citric acid concentration is increased, the specific surface areas, pore volumes and pore diameters of the hybrid materials increase.

Electrochemical performance of Al-substituted Li_3V_2(PO_4)_3 cathode materials synthesized by sol-gel method

The effect of Al-substitution on the electrochemical performances of Li3V2(PO4)3 cathode materials was studied.Samples with stoichiometric proportion of Li3AlxV2-x(PO4)3(x=0,0.05,0.10)were prepared by adding Al(NO3)3 in the raw materials of Li3V2(PO4)3.The XRD analysis shows that the Al-substituted Li3V2(PO4)3 has the same monoclinic structure as the un-substituted Li3V2(PO4)3.The SEM images show that Al-substituted Li3V2(PO4)3 has regular and uniform particles.The electrochemical measurements show that Al-substitution can improve the rate capability of cathode materials.The Li3Al0.05V1.95(PO4)3 sample shows the best high-rate performance.The discharge capacity at 1C rate is 119 mA·h/g with 30th capacity retention rate about 92.97%.The electrode reaction reversibility and electronic conductivity are enhanced,and the charge transfer resistance decreases through Al-substitution.The improved electrochemical performances of Al-substituted Li3V2(PO4)3 cathode materials offer some favorable properties for their commercial application.

Preparation and electrochemical properties of nanosized tin dioxide electrode material by sol-gel process

Nanosized SnO 2 powders were prepared by sol gel process using inorganic salt as a precursor. The tin oxide powders obtained at different calcinating temperatures (300700 ℃) were investigated by means of X ray diffraction(XRD), infrared spectrum (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well. The results indicate that well crystallized nanosized SnO 2 powders with a structure of rutile and uniform size about 10 nm can be obtained when the calcinating is carried out at 550 ℃ for 3 h using the method. The electrochemical properties of nanosized SnO 2 powders as anode material for lithium ion batteries were also studied in detail. The results show that nanosized SnO 2 is a candidate of anode material for lithium ion batteries with reversible capacity more than 372 mA·h/g after ten cycles and low voltage for Li + intercalation and de intercalation.

Study on an novel composite gel material solving serious lost circulations and pressurization sealing

Lost circulations have presented great challenges to the petroleum industry, causing great expenditures of cash and time to fighting the problem. Probably the most problematic situations are the naturally fractured formations where the operator may face total loss with no mud return in the annular. The voids or large fracture encountered in this case are often far too large to be plugged with conventional Lost Circulation Material. This paper will give a detailed introduction on a novel composite gel material usable to control severe losses and pressurization sealing. The plugging mechanics of this new composite gel material, which is different from conventional lost circulation materials, were elaborated as well. In addition, the properties of the new composite gel material such as thermostability, sealing strength and bearing resistance are characterized with specific experimental devices. The experimental results proved that the breakdown pressure of the new plugging reached more than 20MPa, and the maximum degraded temperature can be exceed 130℃. The field application at 4 wells in Puguang gas field, SINOPEC, demonstrated that the new composite gel material solved the serious loss in Ordovician carbonate fractured formation successfully and guaranteed the following completion cement operation smoothly. The composite gel sealing slurries, which was easily prepared on site, gives remarkable properties regarding pumping through drill pipes, adjustment of setting time and excellent sealing strength of the lost zone sealing, additionally, the whole pressurization sealing process was complicated within only ten hours. The on-site results show that the plugging ratio of the new composite gel was reached 100%, and the success rate of sealing operation kept above 80%.Thus the new LCM can guarantee safe drilling jobs and save operation cost more effectively.

PREPARATION OF NANOCRYSTALLINE MATERIALS OF PEROVSKITE-TYPE La_(1-x)Sr_xFeO_3 bY USINO GEL OF POLYVINYL ALCOHOL

Precursors of La_(1-x)Sr_xFeO_3(x=0.0,0.1,0.4 and 0.6)nanocrystalline materials were prepared by the mixed salts dissolved in an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA).XRD,DTA and TEM were used to characterize the samples. Well-nanocrystalline perovskite-type La_(1_x)Sr_xFeO_3 could be synthesized at the temperatures as low as 400～550℃ for 2h by the calcination of these amorphous precursors,and the calcination of wet LaFeO_3 gel was investigated at 300℃ for lh and 700℃ for 0.5h.

A New Method to Study the Sol-gel Transition Process of Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Materials

The sol-gel transition process of PMMA/SiO2 hybrid materials was first studied by means of the dynamic torsional vibration method. The different stages of the transition can be described by the change of torque. The temperature-dependent measurement of the gel time（ tg ） gives the possibility to determine the apparent activation energy.（ Ea ） of this transition according to Flory＇s gelation theory. The non-equilibrium thermodynamic fluctuation theory was used to predict the transition behavior. The isothermal transition experiments on hybrid sols with different TEOS（tetraethyl orthosilicate） contents were carried out. The results show that the Ea of a hybrid sol is higher than that of a non- hybrid sol of a TEOS-water-ethanol system. The increasing of TEOS content in a hybrid sol has no obvious effect on the Ea value, but it can enhance the sol-gel .reaction rate.

Progress in Preparation and Application of Gel-Emulsions

Compared to conventional emulsions, gel-emulsions have a higher internal phase volume fraction, unique structures and properties, higher viscosity, and tunable internal structures. These advantages make them widely applicable in the cosmetics industry, food industry, aerospace, and biomedicine, with significant potential in the development of new materials and high-performance products. The factors affecting the stability of gel-emulsions, as well as the types of stabilizers required for their preparation (including solid particles, surfactants, and small molecule gelators), and the corresponding preparation methods (including the one-step method, two-step method, and phase inversion method) are reviewed in this article. The applications of gel-emulsions in porous materials, food, cosmetics, and stimuli-responsive materials are introduced, and future research directions are also discussed.

STUDY ON PREPARATION OF ORGANIC/INORGANIC HYBRID BIOMATERIALS THROUGH SOL-GEL PROCESS

-A Sol-gel process has been utilized to produce hybrid materials by in-corporating polymeric components of PDMS and PHEMA with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) respectively.Systematic experiments were carried out to study the erfects of catalyst, H2O, and TEOS content on the structure-property behavior of TEOS-PDME materials. Results from dynamic mechanical and SEM studies indicated good dispersion of the PDMS component within the three dimensional network and no signs of phase ceparation. As to TEOS-KH570-HEMA system, all the samples made were ransparent and flexible. The water content was about 30%, stress at break varie from 0.4 to 1.1 MPa with dirferent HEMA content. Animal tests showed no rcaction to living body and the materials made by this way displayed good biocompatibility.

Preparation and Characterization of CA-MA Eutectic/Silicon Dioxide Nanoscale Composite Phase Change Material from Water Glass via Sol-Gel Method

This work mainly involved the preparation of a nano-scale form-stable phase change material（PCM） consisting of capric and myristic acid（CA-MA） binary eutectic acting as thermal absorbing material and nano silicon dioxide（nano-SiO_2） serving as the supporting material. Industrial water glass for preparation of the nano silicon dioxide matrix and CA-MA eutectic mixture were compounded by single-step sol-gel method with the silane coupling agent. The morphology, chemical characterization and form stability property of the composite PCM were investigated by transmission electron microscopy（TEM）, scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, Fourier-transform infrared（FT-IR） spectroscopy and polarizing microscopy（POM）. It was indicated that the average diameter of the composite PCM particle ranged from 30-100 nm. The CA-MA eutectic was immobilized in the network pores constructed by the Si-O bonds so that the composite PCM was allowed no liquid leakage above the melting temperature of the CA-MA eutectic. Differential scanning calorimetry（DSC） and thermogravimetric analysis（TGA） measurement were conducted to investigate the thermal properties and stability of the composite PCM. From the measurement results, the mass fraction of the CA-MA eutectic in the composite PCM was about 40%. The phase change temperature and latent heat of the composite were determined to be 21.15 ℃ and 55.67 J/g, respectively. Meanwhile, thermal conductivity of the composite was measured to be 0.208 W·m^（-1）·K^（-1） by using the transient hot-wire method. The composite PCM was able to maintain the surrounding temperature close to its phase change temperature and behaved well in thermalregulated performance which was verified by the heat storage-release experiment. This kind of form-stable PCM was supposed to complete thermal insulation even temperature regulation by the dual effect of relatively low thermal conductivity and phase change thermal storage-release properties. So it can be formulated that the nanoscale CA-MA/SiO_2 composite PCM with the form-stable property, good thermal storage capacity and relatively low thermal conductivity can be applied for energy conservation as a kind of thermal functional material.

Mechanical properties of anti-seepage grouting materials for heavy metal contaminated soil

Cement-based composite grouting materials were used to construct grouting cutoff wall for heavy metal contaminated soil in non-ferrous metal mining areas. Cement, fly ash, and slag as principal ingredients were mixed with water glass in different ways to produce three composite grouting materials. In order to investigate the effect of water glass mixing ratio, Baume degree, fly ash and slag contents on the mechanical properties of the composite grouting materials, particularly their gel time and compressive strength, the beaker-to-beaker method of gel time test and unconfined compressive strength test were conducted. In addition, the phase composition and microstructure of the composite grouting materials were analyzed by the X-ray diffraction（XRD） and scanning electron microscope（SEM） techniques. The test results show that their gel time increases when water glass mixing ratio and Baume degree increase. The gel time increases dramatically when fly ash is added, but decreases slightly if fly ash is partly replaced by slag. When the mixing ratio of water glass is below 20%, their compressive strength increases with the increases of the ratio; when the ratio is above 20%, it significantly decreases. The compressive strength also tends to increase as Baume degree increases, and improves if fly ash and slag are added.

Purification process of coal-based coke powder as anode for Li-ion batteries

A process of purification of coal-based coke powder as anode the treatment of coke powder with dilute hydrofluoric acid solution, for Li-ion batteries was attempted. The process started with followed by united-acid-leaching using sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. The effects of altering the hydrofluoric acid addition, hydrofluoric acid concentration, contact time, temperature and acid type were investigated. A minimum ash content of 0.35% was obtained when proper conditions were applied. The electrochemical performance of purified coke powder shows greatly improved electrochemical performance. The as-purified coke powder presented an initial reversible capacity of 257.4 mAh/g and a retention rate of 95% after 50 cycles. The proposed purification process paves a way to prepare a promising anode material with good performance with low cost of coke powder for Li-ion batteries.

Facile synthesis of high capacity P2-type Na_(2/3)Fe_(1/2)Mn_(1/2)O_(2) cathode material for sodium-ion batteries

P2-type Na_(2/3)Fe_(1/2)Mn_(1/2)O_(2) was synthesized by a facile sol−gel method,and the effect of calcination temperature on the structure,morphology and electrochemical performance of samples was investigated.The results show that the sample obtained at 900℃ is pure P2-type Na_(2/3)Fe_(1/2)Mn_(1/2)O_(2) phase with good crystallization,which consists of hexagon plate-shaped particles with the size and thickness of 2−4μm and 200−400 nm,respectively.The sample exhibits an initial specific discharge capacity of 243 mA·h/g at a current density of 26 mA/g with good cycling stability.The high specific capacity indicates that P2-type Na_(2/3)Fe_(1/2)Mn_(1/2)O_(2) is a promising cathode material for sodiumion batteries.

Preparation and microstructure characterization of a nano-sized Ti^(4+)-doped AgSnO_2 electrical contact material

A Ti^4＋-doped nano-structured AgSnO2 material was prepared using sol-gel method and characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. The results show that Ti^4＋ cations are successfully doped into the crystal lattice of SnO2, and thus significantly improve the electrical conductivity of the sample. Furthermore, the coating of Ag on Ti^4＋-doped SnO2 nano-sized particles enhances the surface wettability and enables the resulting AgSnO2 material to have better mechanical properties.

SYNTHESIS AND BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF VINYL POLYMERINORGANIC HYBRID AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS

We describe the sol-gel synthesis of a new family of organic-inorganic hybrid materials, in which various vinyl polymers are covalently bonded to and uniformly distributed in inorganic oxide matrices. The materials can be tailored to have both good toughness and hardness while maintaining excellent optical transparency. Doping the sol-gel metal oxides with optically active compounds such as D-glucose results in new optical rotatory composite materials. Removal of the dopant compounds from the composites affords mesoporous oxide materials; which represents a new, nonsurfactant-templated route to mesoporous molecular sieves. We have successfully immobilized a series of enzymes and other bioactive agents in mesoporous materials. Catalytical activities of the enzyme encapsulated in mesoporous materials were found to be much higher than those encapsulated in microporous materials.