Recent Advances in Reservoir Simulation and Carbon Utilization and Storage
This volume compiles advanced research on unconventional reservoir engineering, addressing hydraulic fracturing, CO2 utilization, and data-driven modeling. Integrating experiments, simulations, and machine learning (ML), it offers solutions to optimize hydrocarbon recovery and sustainability. Key themes include the following: (1) fracture mechanics, exploring fracture propagation in inter-salt shales, viscoplastic fracture behavior, and ML-guided fracture spacing; (2) CO2 applications, examining its dual role in EOR and storage via injection strategies, ML-predicted flooding outcomes, and CO2-water-rock interactions affecting reservoir integrity; (3) modeling innovations, such as VOF-based pore-scale multiphase flow simulations, ML-driven fracture optimization, and productivity forecasting in condensate-rich shales; and (4) practical advances, including nanoparticle-surfactant EOR systems, high-permeability streak detection in carbonates, coal creep analysis, and gas storage well-testing protocols. Bridging nanoscale fluid dynamics to field-scale CO2 management, this book equips researchers and engineers with tools to enhance recovery efficiency, mitigate environmental impacts, and leverage emerging technologies for the sustainable development of unconventional resources in a low-carbon era.
Polymers/Their Hybrid Materials for Optoelectronic Applications
This reprint represents a comprehensive collection of cutting-edge research in the field of polymer materials and their hybrid composites tailored for optoelectronic applications. This reprint brings together contributions from leading experts across the globe, showcasing innovative approaches to developing advanced materials that push the boundaries of technology in areas such as solar cells, organic thin-film transistors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and sensors.This volume includes chapters on novel conjugated polymers designed for high-performance polymer solar cells/organic thin-film transistors, defect passivation strategies enhancing halide perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, it explores synergistic all-acceptor strategies for organic semiconductors, blue polymer LEDs optimized through layer thickness adjustments, and quantum dot-embedded polymer films for LCD backlight displays. Contributions also highlight environmentally friendly photoluminescent coatings for corrosion sensing, near-infrared responsive composites, and robust polymer materials for resistive switching memory.This compilation not only serves as an essential reference for researchers and engineers working at the forefront of material science but also provides valuable insights into future directions for polymer-based technologies. Readers will find this work indispensable for understanding how polymers and their hybrids can be engineered to meet the demands of modern optoelectronics.
Introduction to Fluorescence
The phenomenon known as 'fluorescence' is now widely used in the chemical, physical and life sciences largely due to the development of highly sophisticated fluorescent probe chemistries and the commercial availability of these probes as well as the development of novel microscopy approaches. This Second Edition of Introduction to Fluorescence helps readers acquire a thorough understanding of basic fluorescence theory and practice. It describes the general principles in a direct way and uses examples from a variety of disciplines to demonstrate them. Since the First Edition, significant advances in the field have appeared. For example, phasors, both lifetime and spectral phasors, have become very popular, and so a new chapter dedicated to this topic has been added in this edition. Furthermore, significant advances have been made in fluorescence microscopy methods, including super-resolution and single-molecule techniques.In color throughout, the book takes readers through the history of important discoveries to the most current advances. It introduces the fundamentals of the fluorescence phenomenon and gives detailed examples of fluorescence applications in the molecular life sciences, including biochemistry, biophysics, clinical chemistry and diagnostics, pharmaceutical science, and cell and molecular biology. The author presents the basic theories underlying the applications and offers in-depth information on practical aspects.Numerous references are given in each chapter, along with a list of particularly important references at the end of each chapter. The text incorporates more than 340 figures that clearly illustrate the concepts and gives the chemical structures of the most widely used fluorescent molecules. In addition, Chapter 13, the Appendix, provides a "Rogue's Gallery" of the most common errors and pitfalls to avoid.
Two-Dimensional Materials
The Special Issue "Two-Dimensional Materials: From Synthesis to Applications" highlights groundbreaking advancements in the synthesis, characterization, and diverse applications of 2D materials, featuring 17 meticulously curated articles. This comprehensive collection explores the unique physicochemical properties of 2D materials and their transformative potential across fields like energy, environmental science, electronics, and sensing technologies.Key topics include the synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride thin films via high-power impulse reactive magnetron sputtering, innovative strategies for enhancing lithium extraction from brines using GO/MXene membranes, and the development of eco-friendly coatings with graphene oxide for superior anticorrosion performance. The issue also delves into high-efficiency photocatalysts, broadband solar absorbers, and functionalized materials for hydrogen evolution and pollutant removal, underscoring the versatility of 2D materials in addressing critical global challenges.It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and technologists working at the intersection of materials science and innovative applications, offering insights into the future of 2D material technologies.
Advances in Metal-Containing Magnetic Materials
The development of intelligent equipment, AI, 5G, consumer electronics, biomedicine, aerospace technology, and the military industry has created increasing requirements for various types of magnetic materials. This reprint describes the most recent advances in strong magnetic materials and emerging magnetic technologies, focusing on the preparation, microstructure, and properties of various metal-containing magnetic materials, including hard magnetic materials, soft magnetic materials, magnetocaloric materials, magnetostrictive materials, magnetic thin films, and magnetic technologies. This reprint will be of great interest to the scholars and engineers working in these fields.
New Advances into Nanostructured Oxides, 2nd Edition
In recent years, inorganic oxidic nanomaterials have been extensively investigated for their outstanding properties that allow for their use within a large variety of emerging fields of interest, ranging from (photo)catalysis to the development of functional nanocomposites. Nanoscopic metal (eventually mixed) oxides are often fabricated following soft-chemistry approaches, characterized by the possibility of favoring specific morphologies, particle dimensions, and surface porosities through different synthetic methods and templating processes. In this context, surface functionalities and reactivity play a major role in the determination of the final properties of nanomaterials. For this reason, further surface functionalization with specific chemical moieties is often recommended to extend their field of application. This Special Issue aims at extending the comprehension of the mechanisms involved in the synthesis and templating of inorganic oxidic nanomaterials, as well as in their surface functionalization and reactivity. Additionally, this Special Issue aims at increasing the knowledge on the latest advances of these systems in (photo)catalysis; environmental clean-up processes; energy storage; controlled transport and/or release; biomedicine; sensing; and the development of smart-materials, stimuli-responsive materials, and nanocomposites. Furthermore, particular attention is dedicated toward studies describing alternative ecofriendly preparation methods.
Advances in Computational Intelligence Applications in the Mining Industry
The study of mechanical tribology and surface technology has become a critical focus in industrial research. This reprint highlights cutting-edge advancements in lubrication, sealing, friction, and surface engineering, compiling empirical studies and theoretical analyses on topics such as floating ring seals, circumferential graphite seals, tribological behavior, surface micro-texturing, and interface modeling. It explores key mechanisms, performance evaluations, and optimization strategies for friction pairs, as well as innovative surface modification techniques. By bridging fundamental research with practical applications, this reprint provides significant insights for researchers and engineers aiming to enhance material performance, reduce wear, and improve surface functionality in industrial systems.
Advanced Polymer Composite Materials
Composite materials lie at the forefront of multi- and interdisciplinary research, uniting experts in materials science, polymer and inorganic chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanics, nanotechnology, and beyond. Polymer-based composites, in particular, offer a unique blend of mechanical strength, lightweight design, optical versatility, and cost-effective processing, positioning them as strong alternatives to traditional materials across a spectrum of industries, from construction and automotive to aerospace, biomedicine, and marine applications.This Special Issue presents the latest groundbreaking research in advanced composite materials developed from both synthetic and natural polymers, reinforced with innovative (nano)fillers and fibers. Original contributions that explore new polymer matrices-including commodity, engineering, bio-based, and biodegradable polymers-and extend across thermosets and thermoplastics comprise this Special Issue.
Development of Novel Functional Materials for the Manufacture of Electronic and Optoelectronic Devices
Interest in functional materials is rapidly growing, owing to their potential uses across a broad range of fundamental and applied areas of application such as in electronic and optoelectronic devices. A large variety of platforms based on functional materials have been used to demonstrate unique and useful properties that go beyond what is possible with conventional photonics and electronics. The related discoveries and techniques have stimulated wide-ranging applications in microelectronics, solar cells, spectroscopy, microscopy, biochemistry, and so forth. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art development of novel functional materials for the manufacture of electronic and optoelectronic devices, and to stimulate new interest in this field. Topics covered in this collection include, but are not limited to, functional-material-related nanofabrications, nanostructures, and electronic and optoelectronic devices, which will provide great help and inspiration to researchers engaged in related fields.
Nano-Biomaterials in Tissue Repair and Regeneration
This book covers the clinical application of nano-biomaterials in hard tissue repair and regeneration which are materials designed to interact with biological systems to restore and regenerate damaged tissues. These materials serve as scaffolds that mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), providing structural support and biochemical cues necessary for cellular activities. The physical and chemical properties of biomaterials can be tailored to specific applications, such as bone regeneration, cartilage repair, wound healing, and organ transplantation. Biomaterials influence cell behavior and tissue formation by controlling factors like mechanical strength, porosity, and surface topography. This book is suitable to students, academics, and clinical practitioners who are interested in the advancements of regenerative medicine.
Implications of Growing industrial belts and degradation of soil
Structural Study of New Organic Materials for Solar Cells Applications
Advances in Measurement and Data Analysis of Surfaces with Functionalized Coatings
This Special Issue emphasizes the functional importance of topography in exhaustive surface exploration. Since the precision of small-scale surface data evaluation depends on the accuracy of the topography analysis, a comprehensive description of the measured roughness details influences the final rate of surface performances. The surface topography affects many material layer properties, from tribology, adhesion, and fatigue to some more sophisticated ones. Requirements from the industry also increase the accuracy in the surface evaluation with simultaneous decreasing of costs in the process control. Reducing the costs of qualified surface topography description processes enlarged the request from the detailed but fast methods of data measurement and study. Using sophisticated techniques involves mindful and skilled users. Therefore, the whole surface topography evaluation method relies on many factors. This Special Issue aims to provide some detailed information on how to be rewarded for false methods of surface topography inspection. A wide range of the presented surface topography results, including all of the chapters listed, might be classified as beneficial in many surface metrology issues addressed.
Theme Issue in Memory to Prof. Jiro Tsuji (1927-2022)
This reprint is dedicated to Professor Jiro Tsuji, who passed away on April 1st, 2022. He pioneered the discovery of transition metal-catalyzed reactions and showed the general idea of developing these reactions in organic synthesis. Well-known reactions include several types of Pd-catalyzed reactions, e.g., substitutions of allylic substrates based on the stoichiometric reaction of π-allyl palladium with carbon nucleophiles; reactions of allyl β-keto esters, resulting in allylation, olefin formation, and reduction; reactions of propargylic substrates; and methyl ketone formation from 1-olefins based on the Wacker process of ethylene. It is noteworthy that olefin formation is used as the key step in the industrial synthesis of jasmonate. Other reactions catalyzed by Pd, Ru, and Cu are carbonylation of olefins, dienes, acetylenes, and allyl compounds; decarbonylation of acid chloride and aldehydes; oxidative decomposition of catechol to muconic acid, etc. Tsuji focused on the carbon-carbon bond forming reaction from the very beginning of his research.The significance of the reactions found by Tsuji was proven by their widespread adoption in academic and industrial laboratories. Consequently, it is not surprising that Tsuji was honored with the Chemical Society of Japan Award in 1981, the Japanese Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon in 1994, the Japan Academy Prize in 2004, and the Tetrahedron Prize in 2014. He received Honorary Professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology.
Polymeric Materials for Wastewater Treatment Applications
In view of the relevant contributions that polymers and polymeric materials may make in the conservation of the aquatic environment-namely, through their use in wastewater treatment-a Special Issue (SI) entitled "Polymeric Materials for Wastewater Treatment Applications" aimed to publish original research and review papers within this field. Scientific contributions related to any aspect of the utilization of polymers and polymeric materials-whether synthetic or natural-in the treatment or purification of wastewater were welcomed. Given the large spectrum of materials, types of pollution, and treatment processes, this was a widely inclusive SI, which succeeded in gathering very relevant scientific contributions. Dr. Marta Otero and Dr. Ricardo N. Coimbra, as Guest Editors of this SI, acknowledge all contributors and peer-reviewers that allowed for such a success and are happy to share a compilation of the published papers in this book.
CO2 Emissions from Vehicles (Volume II)
As climate change intensifies, reducing CO2 emissions from transportation has become a global priority. This Special Issue, CO2 Emissions from Vehicles (Volume II), presents cutting-edge research on strategies to mitigate emissions from the transport sector. Covering a wide spectrum of topics-including engine advancements, after-treatment systems, vehicle electrification, hydrogen fuel alternatives, and AI-driven emission modeling-this collection provides comprehensive insights into reducing the environmental footprint of transportation.The issue explores the impact of vehicle aging on air pollution, regional variations in new-energy vehicle efficiency, and regulatory frameworks shaping the future of sustainable transport. Additionally, studies in this issue highlight the role of digital technologies in improving emission monitoring and policy effectiveness. By bringing together experts from academia and industry, this Special Issue serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and engineers striving to achieve sustainable mobility and combat climate change. Join us in exploring innovative solutions and contributing to the future of cleaner transportation.
Progress in Plastic Deformation of Metals and Alloys (Second Volume)
The Second Volume of this Special Issue focuses on new trends and progress in the hot and cold plastic deformation of metals and alloys and all new developments in the relationships between their structure and mechanical properties. All aspects related to plastic deformation from low to ultra-high strain, new methods, new technologies, and new applications in the broadly defined field of plastic deformation, as well as innovative approaches in this area, are welcomed. In addition, we cover thermomechanical processing, hot-rolling, heat treatment after plastic deformation, physical and numerical simulation of plastic deformation, and structural characterization. This Special Issue provides a multiscale approach to better understand the principal mechanisms of the plastic deformation of materials and their applications.
Multi-Method (Geo-) Thermochronology and Trace Elements Tracing Magmatism, Mineralization and Tectonic Evolution
With the rapid development of analytical techniques, especially the in situ Lu-Hf, Rb-Sr, U-Pb, fission-track, and (U-Th)/He dating of garnet, zircon, apatite, and other accessory minerals, several important geological issues have been successfully resolved or re-determined in the past decade. Among these, the precise temporal evolution and duration of magmatism and mineralized processes, as well as the uplift and exhumation history of mineral deposits and basins within orogenic belts and cratons, can assist the exploration of mineral and petroleum resources. Moreover, in situ mineral-scale trace element concentrations could also be simultaneously determined using LA-ICP-MS in situ accessory mineral dating. This would provide new perspectives on the formation and evolution of major geological objects via integration with corresponding ages. Although previous studies have focused on most scientific issues of magmatism, mineralization, and tectonic evolution in different geological objects, several aspects of these investigations have not previously shown agreement. This Special Issue collects contributions related to the field of petrology, mineralogy, and mineral deposits as well as sedimentology and tectonics based on state-of-the-art analytical techniques. This reprint will contribute to a better understanding of scientific issues of magmatism, mineralization, and tectonic evolution in different geological objects.
Corrosion and Mechanical Behavior of Metal Materials (2nd Edition)
Dear Colleagues, Many structural metal materials work under the coupling condition of the load and corrosion environment. Therefore, it is necessary to study the corrosion and mechanical behavior of metal structural materials. The corrosion behaviors of metals under the coupling condition of the mechanics and corrosion environment mainly include stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen-induced cracking, corrosion fatigue, erosion corrosion, wear corrosion, etc. From the macroscopic or microscopic point of view, these corrosion damages all involve the fracture process, and fractures are caused by environmental factors, also known as environmental fractures. Thus, this Special Issue, the second volume of "Corrosion and Mechanical Behavior of Metal Materials", will still focus on the environmental fracture behavior of metal materials. We present the topic, including but not limited to experimental, computational, or theoretical studies on the environmental corrosion fracture of high-strength metal materials.
Plasmonic Photocatalysts
Plasmonic properties of noble metals (NMs) have been used to activate wide-band-gap semiconductors. Although plasmonic properties were observed more than a century ago, scientifically explained, ca., 40 years ago, and have been commercially used in many fields, the examination of their application for photocatalysis is quite new. Despite the novelty of plasmonic photocatalysis, many studies have already been performed to improve photocatalytic activity and stability and to clarify the mechanism. Although desirable photoabsorption properties of plasmonic photocatalysts can be easily achieved by the preparation of nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes, their photocatalytic activities under vis are still low, and thus must be improved for possible commercialization. Therefore, various studies have been performed to obtain stable and highly active materials. Moreover, the mechanism of plasmonic photocatalysis has not been clarified yet. It is thought that the mechanism depends directly on the morphology of plasmonic photocatalysts and reaction conditions. Despite the novelty, plasmonic photocatalysts have already proven promising activity for environmental purification, solar energy conversion, and organic compound synthesis. This Special Issue describes the significant and increasing role of plasmonic materials in catalysis.
Essential Oils
Essential oils, well-known for their remarkable properties, have played a ubiquitous role throughout human history. They connect us to our past, invoking memories of childhood places and the aromas of our grandparents' kitchens.
Drying of Aromatic Plant Material for Natural Perfumes
The book provides readers with a deep understanding of the fascinating world of perfumery, from secretion of secondary metabolites in plant cells, to drying of the herbage, to extraction and applications.
Principles of Vegetable Oil Extraction
This book covers technology of vegetable oil extraction including theory, process technologies used for various oilseeds, machinery and operation and design aspects. Pertinent topics are covered under two parts as mechanical expression, and solvent extraction including modern press designs, effect of each unit operation and so forth.
Superconducting Memory Technologies
There is a lot of excitement around quantum computers that use superconducting qubits, which operate at extremely low temperatures since they are ultra-sensitive to noise. These quantum computers need a memory and control processor that can operate under cryogenic conditions. Among the cryogenic memory technologies, superconducting memories are the most efficient and compatible for these purposes. They can help advance quantum computing, facilitate high-performance computing, and explore space more effectively. However, cryogenic memory technologies currently face various challenges. This book discusses the latest advancements in superconducting memory technologies. It covers four main types of superconducting memories: Josephson junction-based, magnetic Josephson junction-based, superconducting memristor-based, and ferroelectric superconducting quantum interference device-based memories. The book explores the background, working principles, and challenges of each of these technologies, providing a comprehensive overview of the field.
Chemical and Biosensors Based on Metal-Organic Frames (MOFs)
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide unprecedented opportunities for the development of novel biosensors due to their decisive advantages, such as their large surface area, high porosity, tunable structures, and flexibility regarding tailored properties. Sensitive elements could be coupled to MOFs in situ through the addition of bioactive molecules during the MOF synthesis process. In addition, their tunable size, large surface area, and channels of various sizes make MOFs ideal platforms for constructing hybrid composite materials that are suitable for use as sensitive elements in chemical and biosensing applications. The applications of MOFs in chemicals and biosensors have attracted increasing attention, which has led to the development of novel structures and features in MOF-based chemicals and biosensors, such as higher stability, higher sensitivity, higher flexibility, and higher specificity. The following Special Issue will provide a forum for the latest research efforts in the field of MOF-based chemicals and biosensors, with emphasis placed on the corresponding synthesis and modification of MOFs and their applications.
Applications of Solid-Phase Microextraction and Related Techniques
Most analytical instruments currently in use struggle to directly manage complex matrices such as environmental, food, and biological samples, making sample pretreatment essential. In the analytical process from sampling to data analysis, sample pretreatment plays a vital role in extracting, separating, and concentrating target analytes. It also enhances detection, improves sensitivity and accuracy, and reduces instrument maintenance and operating costs, all of which significantly impact the reliability and accuracy of analytical results. Therefore, developing efficient sample pretreatment technologies and integrating them into various analytical instruments remains a key challenge.This reprint comprises three peer-reviewed review articles and nine original research papers contributed by research groups for a Special Issue of the MDPI journal Molecules. The topics covered include comprehensive review articles on advanced coating materials, such as metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, hybrid graphene-based materials, and molecularly imprinted polymers. Additionally, the reprint presents various SPME and related microextraction methods employing multi-walled carbon nanotube-ionic liquid/polyaniline adsorbents, MonoTrap, covalent organic polymer mixed-matrix membranes, magnetic persimmon leaf composites, and capillary coatings as extraction materials.
State of the Art in Molecular Catalysis in Europe
This Special Issue includes both reviews and original research articles on aspects of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, with an emphasis on fundamental and applied research that is being conducted across Europe. Topics include the following: catalysts and value-added products derived from waste, catalysts for biodegradable polymer formation, olefin polymerization, catalytic hydrogenation, catalysts for cross-coupling reactions, improved catalysts for hydrogen peroxide synthesis, molecular catalysts in Zn-air batteries, and organo-photocatalysis in oxygenation reactions.
Advances in Functional Thin Films
Thin films (i.e., layers of materials with thickness in the range from nanometers to micrometres) offer exceptional functional properties compared with bulk materials and have therefore been extensively used in the last few years. In the current Special Issue, the published articles address recent progress and new developments in the synthesis, patterning, and utilization of functional thin films, including the materials used, improvements in the deposition and processing techniques, enhancements in patterning methods, applications and so on. With this Special Issue, the reader will have access to relevant results in important domains for today's technology, such as in Energy, Nanoelectronics, Spintronics, Nanopatterning, Smart Surfaces, Optics, Membranes, Coatings, etc.
Little Changemakers
In a world where our children are increasingly curious about the environment, "Little Changemakers: Your Path to Sustainability!" addresses the pressing questions that young minds are eager to explore. With a bilingual approach tailored for kids aged 4-8, this engaging book answers 15 key questions about sustainability, focusing on Singapore's unique initiatives and challenges. As experienced educators and sustainability advocates, we've witnessed firsthand the importance of nurturing eco-consciousness from a young age. Our five-year-old daughter often bombards us with questions about environmental protection, prompting us to search for books that could satisfy her curiosity. Unfortunately, we found a gap in available resources-books that simplify complex concepts without losing the urgency of the issue at hand. This realization inspired us to create a book that combines our expertise in renewable energy projects with our passion for teaching. We aim to empower the next generation with knowledge about sustainability, encouraging them to take action in their everyday lives. Our engaging storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and practical tips make learning about sustainability fun and accessible. Through relatable examples and a focus on local context, "Little Changemakers" helps children grasp the importance of protecting our planet while providing them with tangible steps they can take. Together, we can inspire young minds to become informed, proactive stewards of the environment. Join us on this exciting journey as we cultivate a generation of eco-warriors, ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond!
Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Pyrimidine Derivatives
Advanced Crystalline Materials, Mechanical Properties and Innovative Production Systems (2nd Edition)
The Special Issue of the journal Crystals entitled "Advanced Crystalline Materials, Mechanical Properties and Innovative Production Systems (2nd Edition)" has been released, resulting in the publication of 13 articles. Crystalline materials are among the most commonly used materials for the construction of machines and devices, and this has remained unchanged for decades . Their popularity is largely determined by their crystalline structure, which guarantees relatively good mechanical properties. At the same time, the increasing technological progress observed in recent years means that they are being subjected to increasingly stringent requirements. The increasingly widespread use of IT tools supports the creation of new material solutions and the modification of existing ones. This also applies to advanced crystalline materials, including composites and nanomaterials, obtained from various manufacturing technologies. All this is possible due to the use of advanced research methods. From a design point of view, the main emphasis is still on the mechanical and operational properties of materials. These properties are achieved by shaping the appropriate microstructure (phase composition), obtained from using advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies. As a result, crystalline materials are widely used in the construction, automotive, aerospace, and energy industries, among others. We hope that readers will find interesting content in this Special Issue of Crystals.
