Functionalized Modified BN@F-SiC Particle-Incorporating Epoxy: An Effective Hydrophobic Antiwear and Anticorrosion Coating Material

A mucus-inspired solvent-free carbon dot-based nanofluid triggers significant tribological synergy for sulfonated h-BN reinforced epoxy composites

Nano-filler reinforced polymer-based composites have attracted extensive attention in tribology; however, to date, it is still challenging to construct a favorable lubricating system with excellent compatibility, lubricity and durability using nano-filler reinforced polymer-based composites. Herein, sulfonated boron nitride nano-sheets (h-BN@PSDA) are prepared and used as nano-fillers for epoxy resins (EPs), to improve friction and wear along with thermal conductivity. Furthermore, inspired by the lubricating principle and structure of snail mucus, a solvent-free carbon dot-based nanofluid (F-CDs) is fabricated and used for the first time as the lubricant for h-BN@PSDA/EPs. Both poly (4-styrene sulfonate) and polyether amine grafted on the surface of F-CDs contribute to branched structures and multiple interfacial absorption effects. Extraordinarily low friction and wear are detected after long-term sliding. The average coefficient of friction and wear rate of h-BN@PSDA/EPs composites are reduced by 95.25% and 99.42% respectively, in the presence of the F-CD nanofluid, compared to that of EPs. Besides, the added h-BN nano-sheets increase the thermal conductivity (TC) of EPs from 0.178 to 0.194 W (m-1 K-1). The distinguished lubrication performances are likely due to the formation of a hybrid nanostructure of 0D F-CDs and 2D h-BN@PSDA together with the "rolling-sliding" and "self-mending" effects of added F-CDs.

Hydrophobic and porous carbon nanofiber membrane for high performance solar-driven interfacial evaporation with excellent salt resistance

Interfacial evaporation has recently received great interest from both academia and industry to harvest fresh water from seawater, due to its low cost, sustainability and high efficiency. However, state-of-the-art solar absorbers usually face several issues such as weak corrosion resistance, salt accumulation and hence poor long-term evaporation stability. Herein, a hydrophobic and porous carbon nanofiber (HPCNF) is prepared by combination of the porogen sublimation and fluorination. The HPCNF possessing a macro/meso porous structure exhibits large contact angles (as high as 145°), strong light absorption and outstanding photo-thermal conversion performance. When the HPCNF is used as the solar absorber, the evaporation rate and efficiency can reach up to 1.43 kg m^-2h^-1 and 87.5% under one sunlight irradiation, respectively. More importantly, the outstanding water proof endows the absorber with superior corrosion resistance and salt rejection performance, and hence the interfacial evaporation can maintain a long-term stability and proceed in a variety of complex conditions. The HPCNFs based interfacial evaporation provides a new avenue to the high efficiency solar steam generation.