In this study, we report significant improvements in lithium-ion battery anodes cost and performance, by fabricating nano porous silicon (Si) particles from Si wafer sludge using the metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) process. To solve the problem of volume expansion of Si during alloying/de-alloying with lithium ions, a layer was formed through nitric acid treatment, and Ag particles were removed at the same time. This layer acts as a core-shell structure that suppresses Si volume expansion. Additionally, the specific surface area of Si increased by controlling the etching time, which corresponds to the volume expansion of Si, showing a synergistic effect with the core-shell. This development not only contributes to the development of high-capacity anode materials, but also highlights the possibility of reducing manufacturing costs by utilizing waste Si wafer sludge. In addition, this method enhances the capacity retention rate of lithium-ion batteries by up to 38 %, marking a significant step forward in performance improvements.

In this study, MgO–CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 (MCAS) nanocomposite glass powder having a mean particle size of 50 nm and a specific surface area of 40 m2/g is used as a sintering additive for AlN ceramics. Densification behaviors and thermal properties of AlN with 5 wt% MCAS nano-glass additive are investigated. Dilatometric analysis and isothermal sintering of AlN-5wt% MCAS compact demonstrates that the shrinkage of the AlN specimen increases significantly above 1,300oC via liquid phase sintering of MCAS additive, and complete densification could be achieved after sintering at 1,600oC, which is a reduction in sintering temperature by 200oC compared to conventional AlN-Y2O3 systems. The MCAS glass phase is satisfactorily distributed between AlN particles after sintering at 1,600oC, existing as an amorphous secondary phase. The AlN specimen attained a thermal conductivity of 82.6 W/m·K at 1,600oC.

Rice husk, in large quantities, is released to the environment due to rice production in Vietnam. If this material can be utilized, it can solve not only the economic issues but also the environmental problems and sustainable development of the country. Laboratory evaluation of asphalt mixture using Nano silica made from rice husk to improve rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures was presented in this study. A 60/70 bitumen was used as control asphalt binder. The ratio of Nano SIO2 used in this study was 0.3%, 0,6%, 0,9%, 1,2%, and 1,5% by weight of powder. A dense gradation with nominal maximum aggregate size of 12.5mm was used for the asphalt mixtures. Marshall stability (MS) test and wheel tracking (WT) test were conducted to evaluate the rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures. It was found that the asphalt mixtures using 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% Nano SIO2 have the rut depths of 5.35mm, 5.39mm, and 5.45mm, respectively, which is 30%, 31% and 29% lower than the control asphalt mixtures at 15,000 load cycles. Moreover, the static modulus of asphalt mixtures using 0.9% Nano SIO2 at 60oC is higher than the control mixtures. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the addition of Nano SIO2 into asphalt mixtures can enhance the rutting performance of asphalt concrete under high temperatures significantly. It is noted that these conclusions were based on only on a limited number of samples and conditions. Further studies must be conducted to investigate the effect of Nano SIO2 on fatigue cracking and moisture damage of asphalt pavement in the field.

Homogenous silica-coated samples with controlled silica thickness were synthesized by the reverse microemulsion method. First, 7 nm size cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by thermal decomposition methods. Hydrophobic cobalt ferrites were coated with controlled using polyoxyethylene(5)nonylphenylether (Igepal) as a surfactant, and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The well controlled thickness of the silica shell was found to depend on the reaction time and the amount of surfactant used during production. Thick shell was prepared by increasing reaction time and small amount of surfactant.