Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are used in a variety of applications such as aircraft, automobiles, body armors, and the sports sector owing to their ultra-strong and lightweight characteristics. However, the incorporation of an untreated pristine carbon fiber surface leads to a weak interfacial interaction with the polymeric matrix, thus triggering catastrophic failure of the composite material. Graphene oxide, a 2D-macromolecule consisting of several polar functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and carbonyl on the basal planes and edges, tends to increase the surface area and has thus been applied between the fiber and matrix, helping to improve CFRP properties. Herein, we condense different routes of functionalization of GO nanosheets and their incorporation onto a fiber surface or in a carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix, helping to improve the interfacial adhesion between the fiber and matrix, and thus allowing effective stress transfer and energy absorption. The improvement of the interfacial adhesion between the fiber and carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix is due to the peculiar structure of GO nanoparticles composed of polar groups, especially on the edges of the nanosheets, able to provide strong interaction with the hosting cured epoxy matrix, and the “core” part similar to the structure of CFs, and hence able to establish strong π-π interactions with the reinforcing CFs. The article also covers the effect of functionalized graphene oxide incorporation on the mechanical, thermal, electrical, and viscoelastic properties of composite materials reinforced with carbon fibers.

The coumarin-thiol-based colorimetric and fluorimetric chemosensor (E)-7-(diethylamino)-3-((2-mercaptophenylimino)­methyl)-2H-chromen-2-one 1a was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for anion detection through the metal displacement mechanism. Chemosensor 1a exhibited a high sensitivity and selectivity to Hg2+ ion detection in HEPES-buffered solution [20 mM, 3:7 CH3CN/H2O (v/v), pH 7.0] with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry and a 5.549 × 105 M–1 binding constant. The fluorescence intensity of chemosensor 1a was selectively quenched by Hg2+, and an obvious color change from yellowish green to orange was observed by the naked eye. Moreover, a solution of the in situ generated 1a + Hg2+ complex displayed a high selectivity to CN– through the Hg2+ displacement approach. The gradual addition of CN– to the resultant solution of the 1a + Hg2+ complex induced its fluorescence recovery with a detection limit of 31 nM. This reversibility in fluorescence suggests the promising applicability of chemosensor 1a as an “on–off–on” naked-eye sensor.

A chalcone-based naked-eye colorimetric chemical sensor, (E)-4-hydroxy-3-(3-(4-methoxyphenyl)acryloyl)-2H-chromen-2-one 1a, was developed for selective and sensitive recognition of Cd2+ in mixed aqueous–organic media.

The article covers the outstanding features of fiber-reinforced vitrimer composites, including their reprocessing, recycling and self-healing properties.

Owing to the higher thermal efficiency and durability, diesel engines have emerged as a major player in automotive sector but exhaust emissions from engines pose a serious threat to environment and human health. Toxicity levels of exhaust emissions can be reduced by application of pretreatment and posttreatment techniques. Introduction of electric vehicles is considered as the best possible alternative for reducing automotive pollution levels. Requirement for charging infrastructure is one of the major parameters affecting the social acceptance of electric vehicles. Deployment of electric vehicles in countries, which relies primarily on fossil fuels for electricity generation, will only shift the emission threat from vehicle operation phase to energy generation phase. In this article a detailed study has been conducted on the posttreatment emission control strategies for diesel engines and conversion efficiency of platinum based diesel oxidation catalysis system has been investigated with experimental inference. Fossil fuel based energy sources have more than 70% share in electricity generation of India. Additionally, a feasibility study on the deployment of solar based electric vehicle charging stations on the roof of existing fuel stations in Dehradun city, India has been conducted. The results of study showed that the proposed PV system at 26 fuel stations have total energy generation capacity of 1.9 GWh. This indicates that the deployment of solar based charging stations will be an effective method for improving the social acceptance of battery electric vehicles and will also enhance the share of renewable energy sources for power generation.