With the increasing demand for sustainable energy, advanced characterization methods are becoming more and more important in the field of energy materials research. With the help of X-ray imaging technology, we can obtain the morphology, structure and stress change information of energy materials in real time from two-dimensional and three-dimensional perspectives. In addition, with the help of high penetration X-ray and high brightness synchrotron radiation source, in-situ experiments are designed to obtain the qualitative and quantitative change information of samples during the charge and discharge process. In this paper, X-ray imaging technology based on synchrotron and its related applications are reviewed. The applications of several main X-ray imaging technologies in the field of energy materials, including X-ray projection imaging, transmission X-ray microscopy, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, X-ray fluorescence microscopy and coherent diffraction imaging, are discussed. The application prospects and development directions of X-ray imaging in the future are prospected.

This study focused on the formulation and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) functionalized with d-limonene. The nanoparticles were functionalized by phase inversion and the synthesis of the nanoparticles was performed in situ; particle size was determined by laser diffraction, zeta potential and optical colloidal stability using Multiscan 20 for a period of 24 hours at 37 °C; the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the formulated material on Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Klebsiella oxytoca ATCC 700324, Enterococcus casseliflavus ATCC 700327, Escherichia coli BLEE, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomona aeruginosa were determined. The nanoparticles showed colloidal stability at a d-limonene concentration of 3.93%, silver ions at 1.61 × 10⁻³%, non-ionic adjuvant at 24% and ascorbic acid at 5.88%; citric acid/citrate (1:1) 0.48M for a pH of 4.5 was used as a buffer system. The formulation was classified as a polydisperse system (PD = 0.0851), with a zeta potential of −11.6 mV and average particle size of 81.5 ± 0.9 nm. A particle migration velocity of −0.199 ± 0.006 mm∙h⁻¹, a constant transmission profile and backscattering profile with variations of 10% were evidenced, which represents a stable formulation. The nanoparticles presented an MIC and an MBC of 28 μg∙mL⁻¹ (5.6 × 10⁻²% d-limonene and 4.7 × 10⁻⁵% AgNP) against all tested bacteria.

Graphene has been ranked among one of the most remarkable nanostructures in the carbon world. Graphene modification and nanocomposite formation have been used to expand the practical potential of graphene nanostructure. The overview is an effort to highlight the indispensable synthesis strategies towards the formation of graphene nanocomposites. Consequently, graphene has been combined with useful matrices (thermoplastic, conducting, or others) to attain the desired end material. Common fabrication approaches like the in-situ method, solution processing, and melt extrusion have been widely involved to form the graphene nanocomposites. Moreover, advanced, sophisticated methods such as three- or four-dimensional printing, electrospinning, and others have been used to synthesize the graphene nanocomposites. The focus of all synthesis strategies has remained on the standardized graphene dispersion, physical properties, and applications. However, continuous future efforts are required to resolve the challenges in synthesis strategies and optimization of the parameters behind each technique. As the graphene nanocomposite design and properties directly depend upon the fabrication techniques used, there is an obvious need for the development of advanced methods having better control over process parameters. Here, the main challenging factors may involve the precise parameter control of the advanced techniques used for graphene nanocomposite manufacturing. Hence, there is not only a need for current and future research to resolve the field challenges related to material fabrication, but also reporting compiled review articles can be useful for interested field researchers towards challenge solving and future developments in graphene manufacturing.

Oil spills (OS) in waters can have major consequences for the ecosystem and adjacent natural resources. Therefore, recognizing the OS spread pattern is crucial for supporting decision-making in disaster management. On 31 March 2018, an OS occurred in Balikpapan Bay, Indonesia, due to a ship’s anchor rupturing a seafloor crude oil petroleum pipe. The purpose of this study is to investigate the propagation of crude OS using coupled three-dimensional (3D) model from DHI MIKE software and remote sensing data from Sentinel-1 SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar). MIKE3 FM predicts and simulates the 3D sea circulation, while MIKE OS models the path of oil’s fate concentration. The OS model could identify the temporal and spatial distribution of OS concentration in subsurface layers. To validate the model, in situ observations were made of oil stranded on the shore. On 1 April 2018, at 21:50 UTC, Sentinel-1 SAR detected an OS on the sea surface covering 203.40 km². The OS model measures 137.52 km². Both methods resulted in a synergistic OS exposure of 314.23 km². Wind dominantly influenced the OS propagation on the sea surface, as detected by the SAR image, while tidal currents primarily affected the oil movement within the subsurface simulated by the OS model. Thus, the two approaches underscored the importance of synergizing the DHI MIKE model with remote sensing data to comprehensively understand OS distribution in semi-enclosed waters like Balikpapan Bay detected by SAR.