In this seventh issue of 2024, we offer a review on anti-microbial surfaces controlled by wettability,1 and original research reports on novel heterogeneous electrode for phototelectrocatalytic oxidation,2 argon irradiation of polymeric composite films,3,4 novel hybrid silica coating for enhancing flame retardancy of fabric,5 exploration of graphite nanosheets for electrodes of aluminium-ion battery,6 and wettability of the retinal surface.7
Featured Article1 examines the use of materials with extreme wettability to fight bacterial infections on surfaces people touch, especially in medical facilities and public areas like schools, stores, and gyms. In this interesting on-time perspective, the authors analyse the surfaces and coatings that can kill different types of bacteria and work against specific strains, depending on the type of material. As claimed by the authors, surfaces with extreme wettability are effective against various ways bacteria can spread, including aerosols generated by coughing or sneezing and direct contact with patients' hands. The article summarizes how these materials are made and their main wetting characteristics. It also explains the mechanisms behind their ability to kill bacteria and provides examples of tests to measure their effectiveness. This journal has published several quality reviews on wetting that deserve additional consideration. We would also like to bring to your attention a recent review on the antimicrobial treatment of fabric.8 However, the review by Emelyanenko et al.1 is one of a kind. It will likely inspire others to fabricate novel antimicrobial inventions driven by understanding bacteria's migration, spreading, and adhesion on surfaces with controlled wetting characteristics. We also hope this pioneering review will inspire others to prepare comprehensive reviews on antimicrobial and antifouling coatings and surfaces. We would gladly publish them in this journal.
In their original article, researchers from Dalian Polytechnic University in China synthesized and optimized a Ti4O7/PbO2 ceramic photoelectrode by coupling lead oxide nanorods with Ti4O7 using a hydrothermal method.2 The crystal structure, surface composition, and morphology of the Ti4O7/PbO2 ceramic photoelectrode material were thoroughly characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy methods. The performance of the ceramic photoelectrode was studied for the degradation of organic dye using fluorescence and UV spectroscopies. This innovative photoelectrode demonstrated highly efficient photoelectrocatalytic oxidation of dye during water purification. The degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater streams presents an ongoing challenge for engineers and researchers,9 and we would welcome additional contributions to this field.
Next, the Saudi Arabia — Egypt international team led by Dr. Atta from Jouf University explores modifications of polymeric and polymer-based composite films through ion gas irradiation methods to improve their optoelectronic properties, with several papers published in Surface Innovations in the past. In their two new contributions, the authors describe dielectric3 and optical properties4 of flexible cellulose acetate/polyaniline films prepared through casting solution method and subsequent irradiation with argon ions beams. The research results demonstrate that the argon beam treatment of composites alters their dielectric properties, opening the application of irradiated composites in supercapacitors and batteries.3 The irradiation also changed the composites' refractive index, optical conductivity, and relaxation duration, offering their applications in optoelectronics.4 We welcome new contributions related to advanced applications of thin film materials with engineered surfaces and structures.
Articles discussing advancements in the flame retardancy of textiles are not often featured in this journal. In a new study, Dong and colleagues5 present a novel eco-friendly phosphorus/nitrogen-doped hybrid silica sol system for enhancing the flame retardancy of polyester/cotton blend fabrics. The researchers investigated the thermal stability, heat release, and flame retardancy of the coated fabrics and found that the fabric with this new coating effectively self-extinguishes and exhibits low flammability. Furthermore, the flame retardancy is retained even after several washings. As textile flammability poses a significant safety concern, we encourage further original research and comprehensive reviews in this area.
The journal has accepted several articles on materials and coatings used in ion batteries over the past few years.10–11 In a new contribution, Wang et al.6 describe the preparation of graphene electrodes using supercritical carbon dioxide and its application for aluminum-ion batteries, pointing out the shortcomings of the traditional strategy for the preparation of graphene. A supercritical carbon dioxide exfoliation of defect-free graphene is proposed for the exfoliation of graphene, which is simple, feasible, and reasonable and contributes to the wide application of graphene. The article provides a detailed and complete description of the material properties, and the experimental data provided are encouraging. Aluminum-ion batteries could replace current lithium-ion batteries that rely on limited lithium resources and are known as unstable, raising safety concerns. Additionally, carbon nanomaterials provide higher stability to the electrodes of ion batteries, slowing down the destruction of high-capacity anode materials and enhancing the transfer of ions and electrons.11 This contribution should inspire research on applications of carbon-based coatings in electrochemical energy storage devices and beyond battery electrode materials.
In an exciting research study,7 an interdisciplinary team from Israel investigated the interactions between perfluorodecalin, water, and hydrophilic surfaces of sheep retinas and plasma-treated glass slides. Perfluorocarbon liquids are used in ophthalmology as endotamponade agents during retinal detachment surgery because they are viscous enough to stick to the retina and keep it in place during surgery. The study demonstrated complete wetting of the retina and plasma-treated glass by perfluorodecalin and water. The authors also calculated the critical radius for floating water droplets in perfluorodecalin and described the dynamics of water spreading over the retina. Additionally, they found that perfluorodecalin can sink and displace water from hydrophilic surfaces due to gravity, indicating its effectiveness during surgery, particularly for retinal reattachment. The authors also quantified the dynamics of spreading, which is mainly governed by viscous dissipation within the perfluorocarbon liquid layer. Readers interested in this topic should also refer to the research team's previous paper on interfacial phenomena examined in silicon oil-filled eye models.12
In the closing statement, we are pleased to welcome two new members to the journal's Editorial Board. Professor Edward Bormashenko from Ariel University in Israel has already established a strong international reputation in surface and interfacial phenomena, particularly in wetting. Presenting a younger generation of scientists, Professor Sakil Mahmud has also made a name for himself through publications on antimicrobial surfaces and coatings. He has recently joined the faculty of chemistry and physics at Lincoln University in the USA. Both new members have already significantly contributed to Surface Innovations by publishing high-quality papers and reviewing submissions. We invite everyone to join us in welcoming these two new experts to the expanding family of Surface Innovations.
Finally, please remember that we welcome your feedback and suggestions to enhance the Surface Innovations journal for our readers in the future. We also invite comprehensive reviews and original work related to surface and coating science, engineering, manufacturing, and performance.
