Understanding localized corrosion under atmospheric droplets is critical, yet previous studies have mostly focused on single-droplet systems or general trends, leaving the role of individual droplets within multi-droplet environments yet to be explored. Here, we present a fully automated, image-based, data-driven framework for analyzing corrosion progression under thousands of droplets simultaneously. Using time-resolved optical imaging and pre-trained large vision models for droplet segmentation, we construct per-droplet color features and propose a probability-based representation of corrosion product formation in inner and outer regions of interest. This approach overcomes the limitations of binary classification by capturing the continuous and spatially heterogeneous nature of corrosion product formation. Applied to carbon steel exposed to over 1500 pre-sprayed 1 M NaCl droplets of various sizes, the method reveals that the probability of corrosion product presence strongly depends on droplet size, with larger droplets more likely to exhibit products both under and around the droplet footprint. Moreover, corrosion products in the outer region can appear independently of under-droplet corrosion, suggesting a role for inter-droplet interactions. By transforming raw imaging data into physically meaningful per-droplet metrics, this work offers a scalable platform for investigating localized corrosion kinetics and morphology in complex, real-world droplet populations, opening new opportunities for connecting droplet formation and population behavior to local and overall atmospheric corrosion rates.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS ₂) has emerged as a promising electrocatalyst for the electrochemical reduction of CO ₂, primarily yielding carbon monoxide. However, product selectivity is known to be highly sensitive to structural features such as edge termination and defect density. In this work, we report the formation of higher hydrocarbons (C ₂+ products) enabled by the presence of inherent sulfur vacancies in MoS ₂ when combined with various ionic liquids as co-catalysts. While MoS ₂ has traditionally shown limited hydrocarbon output, our findings demonstrate for the first time that native defect sites, interacting synergistically with the electrolyte environment, can facilitate the production of significant amounts of C ₂+ species. These results provide new insights into defect-mediated catalytic pathways and highlight the importance of electrolyte design in tuning product distribution during CO ₂ electroreduction.

De-icing road salts are widely employed for snow and ice mitigation in cold climate regions, with sodium chloride (NaCl) being the most commonly used salt. The extensive application of NaCl has raised significant infrastructure, sustainability, and environmental concerns, and it has led to the emergence of various alternative de-icing salts, including other chloride-based and organic salts and compounds. In this study, the effect of zinc and acetate species on the corrosion behaviour of steels was systematically investigated using a combination of atmospheric corrosion testing, immersion testing, electrochemical measurements, cross-sectional microscopy, Zn K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES), and thermodynamic speciation modelling. The effect of eight chloride and non-chloride salts and their mixtures on the corrosion of structurally important galvanized steel, mild steel, and high-strength steel was studied. The chloride-based salts were found to be more detrimental than the organic salts to the corrosion of mild and high-strength steels, but all the salts were similarly corrosive to galvanized steel. It was found that the presence of both zinc and acetate species significantly enhanced corrosion and the Fe dissolution rate in steels. >40 wt.% of the 20 µm-thick galvanized zinc layer was dissolved after one week of immersion in 0.5 M sodium chloride or sodium acetate. After this one-week immersion, or the 10-week atmospheric field exposure, any remaining zinc was entirely in the form of zinc oxide. Our findings call for further investigation before using organic de-icing salts, alone or in mixtures with NaCl, on galvanized steel.

Developing accelerated exposure tests that accurately predict the in-service performance of structural aircraft coatings remains challenging, largely due to the complexity of simulating real-world environmental conditions without altering key degradation mechanisms. This study evaluated four different coating systems under various accelerated exposure tests and compared their degradation behavior to in-service performance. Coating degradation was characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Under in-service conditions, failure was primarily driven by the leaching of corrosion inhibitors, while the polymer matrix degraded predominantly through hydrolysis and thermo-oxidation. In contrast, during outdoor- or cyclic salt spray exposure, inhibitor leaching remained a key contributor to coating degradation although polymer degradation was mainly caused by ultraviolet radiation or hydrolysis. These findings emphasize the challenge of replicating real-world degradation in laboratory settings. Additionally, anodized oxide layers containing polymers within their pores played a critical role in maintaining protection during early coating failure. Chromate-based systems restored barrier properties, likely through chromate adsorption on hydrolyzed products within the oxide pores. In comparison, praseodymium-based systems failed to restore protection, while lithium-based systems sustained protection through an intact polymer.

Surface stabilization treatment serves as a primary method to promote stable rust layer formation on weathering steel (WS). However, due to the complex and multicomponent chemical formulations of stabilization treatment agents (STA), the precise control over STA component ratios to achieve the best stabilization treatment effect remains highly challenging. This study combines high-throughput experiment and machine learning method to establish an optimization framework for designing rust layer STA formulation. By employing high-throughput droplet dispensing experiments and wire beam electrode electrochemical testing, a predictive model is constructed using the AdaBoost algorithm. Interpretability analysis is further integrated to guide Bayesian optimization for iterative formulation refinement. After two optimization cycles, the optimal STA formulation (0.70 g/L CuSO₄, 0.20 g/L MgSO₄, 0.60 g/L Na₂HPO₄, and 0.20 g/L tannic acid) is identified from over 2.8 million candidate formulations. The optimized STA promotes the generation of stable rust layer on Q420 WS, which effectively reduces rust layer defects, inhibits corrosive medium penetration, and significantly enhances the corrosion resistance of WS.

The surging demand for high-energy density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) necessitates the exploration of anode materials with higher storage capacity. Nickel‑cobalt (Ni-Co) based transition metal oxides (TMOs) are strong contenders due to their high theoretical capacity based on conversion reactions. The copper (Cu) doping strategy is adopted to improve the electrochemical performance through addressing the drawbacks of NiCo₂O_4, such as lower conductivity and volume expansion. In this work, Cu-doped NiCo₂O₄ nanomaterials are synthesized via a rapid, efficient, and scalable microwave-assisted synthesis route. When evaluated as an anode material for LIBs, the Cu-doped NiCo₂O₄ electrode delivers a high reversible specific capacity of 662 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 100 mAg⁻¹. The enhanced performance is attributed to the unique porous nanorod-like structure with a high surface area of 59.4 m²/g, which provides short lithium-ion diffusion pathways. Significantly, the copper acts as an inactive material that accommodates volume changes effectively during cycling when compared to pure NiCo₂O₄. Furthermore, the electrode exhibits an excellent rate capability and remarkable cycling stability. These findings indicate that copper doping is found to be an efficient approach for enhancing the cyclic performance of TMO-based anodes for next-generation LIBs.

Seagoing vessels operate in harsh environments which make them especially prone to progressive degradation mechanisms such as fatigue and corrosion. Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring is gaining interest from ship operators and inspectors for its potential as an early-warning structural health monitoring technique for these types of damage. A major challenge facing the implementation of AE is dealing with the background noise. This article presents an experimental study of ultrasonic noise levels in representative environments and conditions AE monitoring. The probability of detection (PoD) is proposed as a quantitative metric for the detection of damage in the presence of operational noise. Measurements were carried out in multiple locations on board of a vessel under different operational conditions. Measurements at cruising speed on hull plates inside the engine room suggest that the ultrasonic background noise level exceeded 90 dB under 100 kHz but rapidly reduced in the higher frequencies associated with the failure mode-related AE signals. The PoD was estimated to be 94% for damage signals above 100 kHz. These results suggest that acoustic emission monitoring has the potential to perform reliably under noisy conditions. This perspective is promising to the future of a structural health monitoring system based on AE measurement.

In recent years, spinel-structured transition-metal oxide ZnMn₂O₄ has attracted attention as a low-cost anode material with high lithium-ion storage capacity. However, its practical application is limited by poor intrinsic electrical conductivity, sluggish reaction kinetics, and large volume changes during repeated lithiation and delithiation, leading to unstable cycling behavior. Although several strategies have been explored to improve cyclic stability, many reported systems still suffer from limited rate performance, multistep synthesis routes, and an incomplete understanding of nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (N-rGO)-induced interfacial effects. In this work, hybrid ZnMn₂O₄/N-rGO nanocomposites with controlled graphene oxide additions of 20 and 30 wt% were synthesized via a simple one-pot hydrothermal route, enabling intimate oxide–N-rGO interfacial contact. Structural, microscopic, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses confirmed the formation of phase-pure tetragonal ZnMn₂O₄ nanoparticles uniformly distributed on the N-rGO framework. XPS revealed a redistribution of nitrogen bonding configurations at higher GO loading, with increased graphitic nitrogen contribution that may enhance electronic conductivity, while pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen species provide interfacial active sites. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis showed that increasing GO content enhanced the specific surface area and pore volume while preserving mesoporous architecture. The ZnMn₂O₄/N-rGO nanocomposite containing 30 wt% graphene oxide (ZMO-30) delivered a reversible discharge capacity of 859.02 mAh g^-1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g^-1 with superior rate performance and reduced charge-transfer resistance, demonstrating the beneficial role of oxide–N-rGO interfacial engineering in improving the kinetics and durability of ZnMn₂O₄ anodes.

Eliminating hexavalent chromium-based corrosion inhibitors from structural aircraft coatings remains a significant challenge, primarily due to the lack of reliable accelerated test methods. This study evaluates the performance of various structural aircraft coatings under different exposure conditions, i.e. outdoor exposure, cyclic salt spray testing and in-service conditions, supplemented by environmental sensors. Quarterly inspections and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate corrosion damage. The findings highlight a lack of correlation between accelerated testing and outdoor exposure testing, likely driven by disparities in salt deposition, UV-radiation, time of wetness and temperature cycling. Additionally, galvanic couples between skin and fasteners remain difficult to protect, with chromate-based systems offering limited inhibition and alternative systems struggling to protect such complex assemblies. However, in lap-joints, alternative coatings outperformed chromate-based counterparts, likely due to their polymer matrices providing improved barrier properties, hence limiting access of electrolyte to the coating-aluminium alloy interface.

The stability of inhibiting layers on AA2024-T3 intermetallic particles (IMPs) during re-immersion in saline following an initial immersion in a Ce(III)-containing electrolyte was investigated using in situ reflected light microscopy. Re-immersion behaviour varied due to differences in IMP composition, spatial distribution, and Ce(III) precipitation. IMPs were grouped into four categories based on whether their activity was high or low during both the immersion and re-immersion stages. Majority of the high activity particles during re-immersion had low activity during immersion. Longer immersion times (up to 72 h) and a brief delay in inhibitor supply (30 s) reduced re-immersion activity by increasing Ce(III) coverage. These findings suggest that corrosion protection systems promoting greater Ce(III) precipitation may enhance re-immersion stability.

In the search for effective high-tech materials for energy conversion and storage devices, spinel-structured nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) has been identified as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the influence of different morphologies and surface properties of NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles on battery performance is hardly addressed. To understand the effect of different morphologies and surface properties on the lithium-ion storage performance, NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were synthesized through four different synthesis conditions: NFO-S, NFO-U, NFO-G, and NFO-C. The formation of polycrystalline inverse spinel NiFe₂O₄ was confirmed through XRD, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. The morphologies of the obtained samples were studied using FESEM, and it was found that the four different synthesis conditions employed here enabled us to obtain NiFe₂O₄ with four different morphologies. The surface chemistry, surface area and porosity of the NiFe₂O₄ samples were respectively characterized using XPS and BET. The electrochemical performance of the four NiFe₂O₄ samples as anode material was studied by fabricating lithium-ion half-cells. NiFe₂O₄ sample obtained from surfactant-free synthesis condition (NFO-S) displayed a high initial discharge and charge capacity of 2258 mAh/g and 1815 mAh/g, respectively at the current density of 100 mA/g. Even after 100 cycles, NFO-S showed a better discharge capacity of 116 mAh/g at the current density of 100 mA/g, compared to the other samples studied here. The observed higher capacity of the NFO-S sample is attributed to the higher surface area (40.8 m²/g) and pore volume (0.190 cm³/g). The NiFe₂O₄ sample prepared with cationic CTAB surfactant (NFO-C) showed better cyclic stability with a stable coulombic efficiency of 98.5% at the 100th cycle, mainly attributed to its nanocube morphology with lower surface area (16.1 m²/g) and pore volume (0.087 cm³/g).

This study demonstrates that galvanically coupling AA2024-T3 and AA7075-T6 affects localized corrosion even with the alloys’ comparable electrochemical behaviour. In situ reflected light microscopy tracked corrosion initiation and trench propagation, while zero resistance ammeter measurements quantified galvanic current density and potential. This combined approach allowed direct correlation between electrochemical signals and optically detectable surface phenomena. Galvanic coupling increased cathodic activity at AA2024-T3 intermetallic particles (IMPs) and caused the surrounding matrix to dissolve more extensively beyond the trench that formed around the particles. Local activity analysis revealed initial IMP dealloying was unaffected by galvanic coupling. However, lateral growth of trenches in both alloys was accelerated under coupling compared with electrically-isolated conditions. Correlation of optical activity with electrochemical measurements showed that trends and fluctuations in galvanic current and potential reflect different stages of local corrosion, facilitating the morphological and physicochemical interpretation of the electrochemical data.

We present a mechanically robust, cost-effective, and scalable ultra-superhydrophobic ceramic-polymer composite coating featuring a hierarchical micro/nano-structured surface. This advanced coating, fabricated via a single-step process, integrates alumina (Al₂O₃) and zirconia (ZrO₂) to harness their individual and synergistic effects, achieving an extreme water contact angle of 180° and a sliding angle of 1°. The coating demonstrates strong adhesion and compatibility with a wide range of substrates, including aluminum and concrete. The Al₂O₃–ZrO₂-based composite exhibits outstanding physicochemical properties, including ultra-superhydrophobicity, anti-icing, anti-corrosion, and anti-vapor condensation capabilities. It also maintains excellent non-wetting behavior across a variety of liquids. Comprehensive surface analyses, encompassing microstructural, morphological, and chemical characterization, underscore the critical role of hierarchical structuring and tailored surface chemistry in enhancing functionality. Mechanical durability assessments reveal that the coating retains its superhydrophobic performance even after extensive scratching test. Moreover, it exhibits self-cleaning, anti-adhesion, and anti-fouling characteristics, attributed to its engineered surface texture and the synergistic contributions of Al₂O₃–ZrO₂ heterojunctions and oxide-silane bonding (Si–O–Si and Si–OH). This multifunctional ceramic-polymer coating addresses key challenges in large-scale deployment by offering a streamlined, scalable fabrication method and versatile performance, positioning it as a promising solution for diverse industrial applications.

The search for non-toxic alternatives to hexavalent chromium based corrosion inhibitors requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors critical to effective corrosion protection. Key considerations include the evolution of corrosion inhibition with inhibitor concentrations and exposure times, the inhibition efficacy in the presence and following absence of inhibitors, and the stability of inhibition upon polarisation. In our electrochemical comparison of promising organic molecules with sodium dichromate, we found that even top-performing candidates can lead to premature conclusions if such critical factors are overlooked. While organic molecules can match the inhibition performance of chromates under specific conditions, this can be misleading when considering concentration, time, and polarisation dependent behaviour. Initial high performance can also be deceptive in dynamic environments, as we observed that the inhibition provided by most organic molecules drastically decreases when the inhibitor is absent in the electrolyte. These observations call for broader comprehensive inhibitor robustness studies that take into account factors including time, concentration, stability, and polarisation effects in inhibitor efficacy analysis.