The third double issue of 2024 includes a review of green and sustainable polymeric coatings.1 It also features eight original research reports on various topics such as nanocomposites for hydrogen generation,2 hydrophobic mesh for electromagnetic interference shielding,3 synthesis and characterization of copper oxide nanoparticles,4 photocatalytic activities of titanium dioxide nanotubes with incorporated carbon nanotubes,5 surface characterization of steel after laser melting additive manufacturing,6 UV-cured epoxy resin-based antimicrobial coatings,7 self-cleaning ceramic membrane for oil-water separation,8 and flexible polymer composite with oxygen-modified surface.9
In the Invited Feature Article, a diverse international team of researchers from Poland, China, Iran, Egypt, Australia, France, and Singapore provides a comprehensive assessment of eco-friendly polymeric coatings.1 The review covers a range of natural polymer coatings such as biomass, plant oil, carbohydrate, protein, and microbial coatings. The authors discuss the synthesis and functionalization of these coatings, which includes the use of chemical groups, natural and synthetic polymers, nanoparticles, cross-linking agents, and antifouling precursors to improve the coating’s mechanical properties and performance. Additionally, they discuss some challenges in commercializing such sustainable and functional coatings. The review sheds light on various eco-friendly alternatives to conventional coatings and is expected to inspire further research in this emerging field of green polymeric coatings. We hope that this review will motivate readers to submit original reports on this topic to Surface Innovations.
Numerous laboratories worldwide are searching for renewable and stable energy resources. In a new study, Rabia et al.2 present a novel composite of manganese oxide, manganese sulfide, and mercaptobenzene. The composite was prepared by oxidation polymerization reaction and has impressive optical properties. It is characterized by a small band gap and a wide absorbance range, making it an excellent photoelectrocatalytic material. The composite was used to generate hydrogen gas, a valuable fuel for industrial applications. The nanocomposite photoelectrode made from the material effectively generated hydrogen by utilizing a wide range of light wavelengths. It has the potential for sustainable energy production from wastewater. We encourage our readers to submit original and review papers on materials and their surfaces that show promise in hydrogen generation.
Hydrophobization of metallic meshes has become an attractive research topic in the last decade, particularly for phase separations and other purposes.10,11 In this issue, Yuan et al.3 describe a technology of surface hydrophobicity enhancement for copper mesh that preserves mesh’s electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness. By depositing silicon-coupling-agent-treated titanium dioxide nanoparticles, the authors were able to fabricate superhydrophobic nanostructured coatings. Testing revealed that this new coating offers effective self-cleaning performance and robust wear resistance, making it a low-cost and practical approach to developing multifunctional metallic meshes.
It is still uncommon to come across articles in Surface Innovations that discuss the synthesis of nanoparticles with desired size, shape, and surface functionality.12,13 A recent contribution from India, by Bajwa et al.,4 reports on the synthesis of copper (II) oxide rod-shaped nanoparticles mediated by poly(ethylene glycol) using the wet chemical co-precipitation method. These nanoparticles have a band-gap energy of 3.2 eV and exhibit semiconducting properties with low electrical conductivity at room temperature, which increases by one-to-two orders at 100–200°C. As a result, these unique particles could have potential applications in high-temperature electronic/optoelectronic devices and sensors.
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes are a promising photocatalytic material that can be made even more effective by doping them with metals and carbon-based materials. In a recent study by Altay and Baydogan,5 TiO2 nanotubes were modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes using an anodic oxidation method. This modification improved the photocatalytic performance of the TiO2 nanotubes, allowing them to break down organic pollutants such as methylene blue dye. If you are interested in the topic of degradation of organic pollutants, we encourage you to review other related papers published in Surface Innovations.12,14
Li et al.6 conducted a study on the effect of printing direction on the quality of printed structure surface using selective laser melting of stainless steel. The study provides a thorough analysis of the results and can be used as a reference for optimizing selective laser melting parameters and improving the quality of formed structures. The findings of this study are relevant and of interest to many readers, especially considering the growing popularity of 3D printing technologies in industry and academic laboratories. We hope this first publication on additive manufacturing will inspire other research labs to contribute to Surface Innovations.
In recent years, the journal has published various papers on antimicrobial surfaces and coatings.15–18 In a new study,7 researchers from Wuhan Polytechnic University in China have introduced a novel UV-cured antimicrobial coating composed of epoxy resin and quaternary ammonium salt. The coating is water-based, environmentally friendly, and does not involve organic solvents. The researchers found that the coating exhibited excellent efficacy and durability against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Due to its short curing time and manageable adhesion, the antimicrobial coating is highly promising for large-scale industrial applications.
Over the last decade, numerous research labs have focused on developing durable and efficient membranes for separating oil and water.10,11 In a new study,8 Liu and colleagues have introduced a practical and effective method for separating oil-water mixtures and emulsions in sustainable water ecosystems. The method uses a flexible SiO2-TiO2 nanofiber membrane produced through sol-gel and electrospinning techniques. By adding photocatalytic titanium dioxide, the membrane can photodegrade organic matter that can contaminate it. The inventors also manipulated the membrane's nano-scaled roughness to control its superhydrophilicity, underwater superoleophobicity, and self-cleaning capability. This membrane offers an encouraging solution for the highly efficient separation of oil-water mixtures and emulsions, with the potential to play a significant role in water treatment and resource recovery.
In the last contribution to this issue, a research team from Saudi Arabia presents a flexible composite film made of poly(vinyl alcohol) and titanium dioxide (PVA/TiO2). The film was formulated using the solution casting method, then treated with oxygen radiation. The exposure to oxygen ions had a noticeable effect on the film's optical properties. The authors observed an increase in dispersion energy, a decrease in oscillator energy, and an increase in refractive index as the oxygen fluence increased. This makes the oxygen-irradiated composite a promising material for various optoelectronic applications. The same research group has previously published several papers on ion beam treatments and their benefits for modifying surface and thin films (see Refs19–21 and references within). We recommend these papers to anyone interested in exploring this field.
We welcome your feedback and suggestions to improve Surface Innovations journal for our readers in the future. We invite comprehensive reviews related to surface science, engineering, manufacturing, and performance.
