Polymer nanocomposites incorporating inorganic nanofillers have emerged as highly promising electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials, combining mechanical compliance with robust conductive percolation networks. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are particularly attractive as conductive fillers because their high aspect ratio facilitates percolation at low loadings. Also, CNTs offer superior mechanical durability under deformation compared to rigid, fracture-prone metal nanowires. For EMI shielding, high electrical conductivity is critical as it enhances both reflection and absorption through efficient charge dissipation and conduction losses. However, achieving highly aligned conductive pathways without degrading the intrinsic electrical properties of CNTs remains a significant challenge. Here, we demonstrate a non-destructive magnetic surface-functionalization and alignment strategy. Using a polydopamine (PDA)-mediated route, pristine multiwalled CNTs are uniformly decorated with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (FMWCNTs). This enables highly effective magnetic field-driven alignment at fields as low as 10 mT, promoting the strategic formation of percolation networks. By optimizing the Fe₃O₄/MWCNT ratio for high saturation magnetization and uniform coverage, the aligned FMWCNTs exhibit significant electrical anisotropy, delivering a 10.7-fold higher electrical conductivity in the parallel configuration compared to the vertical configuration. These findings present a scalable, room-temperature platform for engineering directionally enhanced conductivity in polymer nanocomposites, with broad applicability in advanced EMI shielding, flexible electronics, and advanced packaging technologies.

Citations

• Interfacial Engineering of Composite Piezoelectric Fibers Via an Anchor-Chain Architecture
  Jun Liu, Qiao Zhou, Pengcheng Zhang, Shuying Hu, Fang Zhou, Shuangshuang Ren, Ting Guo, Leiying Miao
  ACS Applied Engineering Materials.2026; 4(8): 4367.     CrossRef

Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have gained significant attention for their broad applicability in biomedical imaging, soft robotics, and catalysis owing to their exceptional magnetic properties and biocompatibility. A key challenge in maximizing their functionality lies in achieving a uniform size distribution and dispersity, alongside strong interfacial affinity with the surrounding medium that are essential for optimizing magnetic behavior and processibility. In this study, we present a facile solvothermal synthesis of monodisperse iron oxide NPs with tunable size and controllable surface hydrophobicity by varying precursors, capping agents, and solvents. By varying these synthesis parameters, we demonstrate a clear correlation between NP size, dispersity, and key magnetic properties, including saturation magnetization (MS) and coercivity (HC). This advancement in synthesis methodology offers a reliable, efficient approach for producing high-quality iron oxide NPs, which makes possible for practical use of them across a range of technological and biomedical applications.

Citations

• Magnetically Directed Percolation Networks in Polydopamine-Mediated Carbon Nanotube/Fe₃O₄ Nanocomposites
  Dongyeong Gim, Hyeokju Kwon, Minjeong Ha
  Journal of Electrical and Electronic Materials.2026; 39(3): 288.     CrossRef

The search for sustainable and efficient energy conversion technologies is becoming increasingly critical in response to global energy and environmental challenges. Traditional lead-based piezoelectric materials, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), have high piezoelectric constant but present significant health problems and environmental risks due to their hazardous metal contaminants. This study addresses these concerns by investigating barium titanate (BTO), a lead-free alternative, and enhancing its performance using anisotropic nanowires (NWs) structures. BTO NWs were synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal method and incorporated into a poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] matrix to fabricate a piezoelectric composite film. The resulting device demonstrated a notable increase in electrical output compared to devices based on isotropic morphology of BTO nanoparticles, exhibiting enhanced performance. These findings suggest that BTO NWs hold significant promise for applications in flexible and wearable electronics, paving the way for further advancements in sustainable energy technology.

Citations

• Interphase engineering in carbon black–reinforced piezoelectric nanocomposites: A combined experimental and micromechanical modeling study
  Ziwen Zhao, Masoumeh Khamehchi, Mohammad J. Mahmoodi, Zhenjin Wang, Fumio Narita
  Materials & Design.2026; 268: 116391.     CrossRef
• MXene-reinforced ultrasensitive piezoelectric pressure sensors based on P(VDF-TrFE) nanofibers with hybrid nanofillers
  Jingyi Yang, Jianqiao Wang, Zike Guo, Shuai Liu, Yaohua Dong, Peng Zhou, Tianjin Zhang, Yajun Qi
  Journal of Alloys and Compounds.2026; 1079: 189867.     CrossRef
• Layer-engineered BNBT–polymer films for multifunctional applications
  M. Vijatovic Petrovic, A. Dzunuzovic, J. Bobic, Z. Despotovic, F. Cordero, E. Mercadelli, Z. Radovanovic, F. Craciun
  Journal of Alloys and Compounds.2026; 1079: 189972.     CrossRef
• Piezoionic sensor devices of integrated gradient electrolyte gels
  Yi Fang, Hongbing Li, Taeuk Eom, Chang Kyu Jeong, Yong Zhang
  Chemical Engineering Journal.2026; 540: 177542.     CrossRef
• Interfacial polarization triggered by low-k fillers boosts piezoelectricity of MMT/PT composites for intelligent health monitoring
  Yong Ao, Junjun Yuan, Wenqi Yu, Rui Yuan, Boling Lan, Shenglong Wang, Tingting Zhou, Guicen Liu, Wei Zhao, Zhiyuan Gao, Xiaofei Jiang, Weili Deng, Long Jin, Weiqing Yang
  Journal of Materials Chemistry A.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Interfacial Engineering of Composite Piezoelectric Fibers Via an Anchor-Chain Architecture
  Jun Liu, Qiao Zhou, Pengcheng Zhang, Shuying Hu, Fang Zhou, Shuangshuang Ren, Ting Guo, Leiying Miao
  ACS Applied Engineering Materials.2026; 4(8): 4367.     CrossRef