ABSTRACT
We reported in this study the interrelation between the addition of 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 wt. % reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) into PVA/Alginate and their degradation and biocompatibility properties. The r-GO was synthesized by using the Hummer's method. A crosslinker CaSO4 was added to prepare Alginate/PVA/r-GO Hydrogel composite. A Field Emission in Lens (FEI)-scanning electron microscopy (SEM), along with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), was performed, characterizing the morphology of the composite. A compressive test was conducted, determining the mechanical properties of the composite with the highest achieved 0.0571 MPa. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity was conducted to determine the biocompatibility properties of the studied composite. An MTT assay was applied to measure cell viability. In general, the presence of r-GO was found to have no significant effect on the morphology of the hydrogel. Indeed, adding 0.4% r-GO to the PVA/Alginate increased the cell viability up to 122.26 ± 0.93, indicating low toxicity. The studied composites have almost no changes in weight and shape, which proves that low degradation occurred in addition to this after 28 days of immersion in saline phosphate buffer solution. In conclusion, achieving minimal degradation and outstanding biocompatibility lead to PVA/Alginate/r-GO hydrogel composites being the most attractive materials for tissue engineering applications.
ABSTRACT
Electrospinning is a method that uses a high-voltage electric field to fabricate nanofiber by charging and ejecting a polymer solution through a syringe. Compared to other methods, it produces nanofiber using simple and easy techniques. The widespread usage of the commercial electrospinning machines (Spinboxsystems)-BASIC KIT type for beginners is limited due to its price of over USD15,595. Additionally, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) spare parts are expensive to replace, which increases the production cost of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) polymer nanofiber and hinders its application in various fields. This led to the successful design and development of an in-house built electrospinning machine at a total cost below USD2,000. The new machine is easy and simple to operate while also producing PVA nanofiber with excellent properties.
ABSTRACT
Solid-state electrolytes are necessary for high-density and safe lithium-ion batteries. Lithium borohydride (LiBH4) is one of the hydride compounds that shows promising candidates for solid-state electrolytes and enables all-solid-state batteries. LiBH4 has good wetting properties and preferable mechanical properties when used in battery cells. The Li-ion conduction in LiBH4 can be modified with nanoconfinement as a result of distinct properties on the interfaces. The ion conductivities can be modified further by choosing property support materials, i.e., composition, textural properties, and surface chemistry. The present work briefly reviews the Li-ion conduction in nanoconfined LiBH4. A future perspective on the development of LiBH4 as a solid-state electrolyte is further elaborated in the last section.
