Selective laser melting (SLM) is emerging as a promising 3D printing method for orthopedic and dental applications. However, SLM-based Ti6Al4V components frequently exhibit high roughness values and partial surface defects. Laser polishing (LP) is a newly developed technology to improve the surface quality of metals. In this research, LP is applied to improve the surface finish of components. The results show that the laser beam can neatly ablate the aggregates of metallic globules and repair cracks and pores on the surface, resulting in a smooth surface with nanocomposites. Overall, the results indicate that using LP optimizes surface morphology to favor fatigue behavior and osteoblastic differentiation. These findings provide foundational data to improve the surface roughness of a laser-polished implant and pave the way for optimized mechanical behavior and biocompatibility via the laser process.

A novel nitrogen doped mesoporous carbon (NMPC) with a hierarchical porous structure is prepared by simple carbonizing the green algae, which is applied as a host material to encapsulate sulfur for lithium/sulfur (Li/S) battery. The NMPC exhibits high pore volume as well as large specific surface area, and thus sulfur content in the S/NMPC composite reaches up to 63 wt %. When tested in a Li/S battery, the S/NMPC composite yields a high initial capacity of 1327 mAh·g⁻¹ as well as 757 mAh·g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at a current rate of 0.1 C, a reversible capacity of 642 was achieved even at 1 C. This good electrochemical performance of the S/NMPC composite could be attributed to a unique combination of mesopority and surface chemistry, allowing for the retention of the intermediate polysuflides within the carbon framework.

Magnesium and aluminium were joined through diffusing bonding with a Ni interlayer prepared by plasma spraying for the first time. Examination of the microstructure and phase constitution of interfacial regions indicated that Mg–Al reaction was successfully prevented in the presence of the Ni interlayer. With the elevation of temperature, a reaction layer of Mg₂Ni intermetallic was formed at Mg/Ni interface but few Al–Ni intermetallic was generated at Al/Ni interface. The mechanical test results showed that the tensile strength of the Mg/Al joint was substantially improved compared to that of the direct joint of Mg and Al. A maximum value of 5.8 MPa was obtained at 420°C for the joint with Ni interlayer.

In this work, a modified separator coated with a functional layer of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) anchored by cerium oxide (CeO₂) nanoparticles was developed. The superior conductivity of RGO and chemical immobilization of high-ordered sulfur-related species (mainly Li₂S_n 4 ≤ n ≤ 8) of CeO₂ yielded batteries with enhanced characteristics. A remarkable original capacity of 1136 mAh g⁻¹ was obtained at 0.1 C with capacity retention ratio of 75.7% after 100 charge/discharge cycles. Overall, these data indicate that the separator with CeO₂/RGO composite is promising to suppress the shuttling of polysulfides for better utilization of the active material.