Mg-Ti-H thin films are found to have very attractive optical properties: they absorb 87% of the solar radiation in the hydrogenated state and only 32% in the metallic state. Furthermore, in the absorbing state Mg-Ti-H has a low emissivity; at 400 K only 10% of black body radiation is emitted. The transition between both optical states is fast, robust and reversible. The sum of these properties ...

Infection and inflammation are common complications that seriously affect the functionality and longevity of implanted medical implants. Systemic administration of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs often cannot achieve sufficient local concentration to be effective, and elicits serious side effects. Local delivery of therapeutics from drug-eluting coatings presents a promising solution. H...

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles with properly designed textural properties and tailored release of corrosion inhibitors are highly efficient smart carriers for advanced anticorrosive nanocomposite coatings.

Responsive polymer-based materials are capable of altering their chemical and/or physical properties upon exposure to external stimuli. These materials have been intensively studied over the years for a diverse range of applications, e.g., for on-demand drug delivery, tissue generation/repair, biosensing, smart coatings, and artificial muscles. Here, we review recent advances in the areas of se...

Responsive polymer materials can adapt to surrounding environments, regulate transport of ions and molecules, change wettability and adhesion of different species on external stimuli, or convert chemical and biochemical signals into optical, electrical, thermal and mechanical signals, and vice versa. These materials are playing an increasingly important part in a diverse range of applications, ...