Advanced Industrial Materials (Chem 4256)

Course Instructor:

Lemma T. Tufa (Ph.D.)

Department of Applied Chemistry

Adama Science and Technology University

Email: [Link]@[Link]
2025.12.17,26
 Contents

I. Chapter 1: Introduction to Advanced Industrial Materials [Link] Materials

 Overview of material classes (metals, ceramics, polymers,  Introduction to smart and functional materials
composites)  Shape memory alloys and polymers
 Importance of materials in engineering and industry  Piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, and electroactive materials
 Basic concepts of material properties: strength, toughness, and  Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators
elasticity
V. Membrane reactor materials, nanostructures materials and
 Introduction to the material selection process
quantum dots
II. Allotropic Carbon-Based Materials and their Applications  Polymeric, ceramic, metal and biomembrane
 Nanomaterials  Nanostructured materials in catalysis and electrocatalysis
 CNT  Synthesis and applications of Nanomaterials
 Graphene VI. Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and
 Fullerenes and fullerides
Energy Applications
[Link] polymers and ceramics  Sensors: Biosensors and Chemical Sensors
 Polymers used in electronic industries.  Energy : Energy Conversion and Storage
 Polymers in information technology
 Ceramics & its applications
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials
Introduction to smart and functional materials
 Energy, mobility, and connectivity are important issues in modern society.
 Advances in these are linked to the development of sophisticated high-performance materials that are
smart and (multi)functional, thus providing a major contribution to the development of those fields.
 Smart material is considered a material that can change its physical or functional properties in
response to external stimuli or environmental changes thus, it is also called intelligent or
responsive material.

 In other words, a smart material changes directly its properties (shape, colour, transparency,
mechanical behaviour, etc.) due to external sources such as temperature, electricity, light and
pressure.

 The novelty of smart materials can be seen in its increasing functionality which includes self-healing,
self-cleaning, shape memory, electro-active, and magneto-active phenomenon.

 Smart material is used in various areas such as automotive, industrial, civil engineering, aerospace, and
biomedical.
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Introduction to smart and functional materials

3D printed, customizable, and

multifunctional smart electronic
eyeglasses for wearable healthcare
systems and human−machine
interfaces.
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Introduction to smart and functional materials

Active materials (like piezoelectrics, SMAs) transduce energy, sensing a stimulus and
actively changing properties (shape, stiffness) to perform functions like sensing and
actuating.
Passive materials (like fiber optics, some chromics) lack this energy conversion ability,
merely sensing changes and transferring energy or changing color/opacity without active
self-actuation
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Introduction to smart and functional materials

Classification of smart material types .

 Chapter 4: Smart Materials
Introduction to smart and functional materials

Schematic representation of the behavior of smart materials (left) and some representative examples of groups based on
stimuli and response (right).
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials
Introduction to smart and functional materials
The classification of smart materials is typically based on the inputs and outputs of the materials (i.e., with the specific stimulus
and the corresponding response).

Classification of Smart Materials

 Chapter 4: Smart Materials
Introduction to smart and functional materials
The classification of smart materials is typically based on the inputs and outputs of the materials (i.e., with the specific stimulus
and the corresponding response).

Classification of Smart Materials

 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Shape memory alloys and polymers

 Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) and Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) are smart materials that can recover a predefined shape
when exposed to an external stimulus (most commonly temperature).
 Shape memory alloys are metal alloys which can undergo solid-to-solid phase transformation and can recover completely
when heated to a specific temperature.
 Materials that change shape (including reverting to their original form) in response to heat sources and other stimuli such
as electrical or magnetic signals or pH variations are known as shape memory materials (i.e, shape-memory polymers and
shape-memory alloys).
 Some metallic alloys and polymers, including nitinol (nickel-titanium alloy), cadmium-gold alloys, and copper-zinc-aluminum-
nickel, exhibit this ability

Stimulus-responsive plant: Mimosa pudica.

 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Shape memory alloys and polymers

 Shape-memory-like behavior was first observed in a sample of gold cadmium (AuCd) by

Chang and Read in 1932.
 This shape transformation was later observed in brass (Cu,Zn..) in 1938, and also in an
AuCd bend bar in 1951.
 It was not until 1962 that a full shape-memory effect was observed in a series of nickel-
titanium alloys by Buehler, Gilfrich and Wiley.
 This shape-memory alloy (SMA) is now called Nitinol (NiTi) and is the most commercially
known SMA
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Shape memory alloys and polymers

Composite fillers and associated SMP activation mechanisms.

 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Shape memory alloys and polymers

What is a shape memory polymer?

MP4? Here is an example.
Shape memory polymers are polymer materials that you can deform and then by applying a stimulus, such as
heat or light, will return to its previous shape.

Transition from the temporary shape (spiral) to the permanent shape (rod) for a shape-memory network that has been
synthesized from poly(ε-caprolactone) dimethacrylate (1) and butylacrylate (2; co-monomer content: 50 wt %;). The switching
temperature of this polymer is 46 °C. The recovery process takes 35 s after heating to 70 °C.
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Shape memory alloys and polymers

Metal Alloys
• Metallic materials that can return to their original shape after deformation when heated above a transition temperature.
• Key Mechanism:
Based on a solid–solid phase transformation between: Martensite (low temperature, deformable)Austenite (high temperature,
strong phase)
• These all belong to a wider set of “smart materials”, also known as intelligent or responsive materials, that have one or
more properties that are affected in a controlled manner by some external stimuli.
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Shape memory alloys and polymers

Metal Alloys
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Shape memory alloys and polymers

Metal Alloys
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Shape memory alloys and polymers

Applications for shape memory polymers

Applications of SMPs and their composites in daily life.

 Chapter 4: Smart Materials
Piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, and electroactive materials
 A sustainable, socially integrated society powered by smart technologies is essential to address energy transition,

environmental impact, healthcare, mobility, and AI, requiring advanced multifunctional materials to enable IoT and

Industry 4.0 from concept to manufacturing.

 Internet of Things (IoT): a network of interconnected physical objects equipped with sensors, actuators, and connectivity

that collect, exchange, and act on data to enable smart, automated, and efficient systems.

 Industry 4.0: the integration of smart manufacturing using IoT, automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to create

interconnected, flexible, and efficient production systems from design to manufacturing.

 Many of the materials required for these technologies are based on polymer, as they present chemical stability, easy

processability, tailorable properties, and low cost, some of them also showing electroactive properties such as

piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity, and ferroelectricity.

 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, and electroactive materials

Electroactive materials

 Electroactive materials can be single crystals, ceramics, or polymers.

 When exposed to an electric field, changes in specific physical-chemical parameters occur

and these smart materials develop an electrical response upon a specific

application (e.g., mechanical or thermal changes).

 Piezoelectric, pyroelectric, electrocaloric, and ferroelectric materials all belong to the class of

electroactive materials
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, and electroactive materials

Piezoelectric
A piezoelectric material is a material where charge accumulates in response to applied mechanical stress.
There is a range of piezoelectric materials such as inorganic (ZnO, BaTiO3, ZnSnO3, etc.) and organic (PVDF, PVDF-TrFE,
PAN, Nylon 11, etc.)
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, and electroactive materials

Piezoelectric
 The piezoelectric effect in a dielectric material occurs when a material exposed to an external electrical potential
undergoes mechanical changes.
 Conversely, when the material is exposed to mechanical stress, a change in voltage related to the variation of the dipolar
structure of the material occurs.
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, and electroactive materials

Piezoelectricity Definition: A property of certain materials, which expand or contract in an electrical field or a
property of certain materials which generates an electrical charge when pressure is applied.
PVDF, Poly(vinylidene fluoride), beta phase
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, and electroactive materials

Magnetoactive Materials
• Magnetoactive materials are similar to electroactive materials, but their response is triggered by the application of a
magnetic field instead of an electric field.
• The main effects are magnetostrictive, piezomagnetic, and magnetocaloric.
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, and

electroactive materials

Property Dielectric Piezoelectric Ferroelectric

Insulating ✔ ✔ ✔
Polarization
✖ ✖ ✔
without field
Mechanical–
electrical ✖ ✔ ✔
coupling
Polarization
✖ ✖ ✔
switching
Hysteresis ✖ ✖ ✔
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, and electroactive materials

 Chapter 4: Smart Materials
Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators

Representative application areas of various types of smart materials

 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators

Robotics
• Robots have been a transformative force to society by enhancing our capabilities beyond biological limitations and by
providing a better life quality for the world population.
• For example,
 the Da Vinci surgical system operates inside patients with more precision than a freehand physician.
 robots are fundamental to the exploration of extreme environments such as the current NASA Rover
[Link]

Humanoid robot, Sophia Robot Cafe NASA Rover Da Vinci Robotic Surgery
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators

Robotics

 Most advances have focused on software, while hardware robotics still relies on assemblies of discrete mechanical and
electronic components with fixed functions.
 Macroscale robots adapt mainly through operator control or AI software, while natural systems achieve adaptability and
multifunctionality inherently through their materials.
 Microrobots are too small to carry electronic circuits, so macroscale software-based programmability cannot be applied;
instead, intelligence must be embedded through smart materials, reconfigurable geometry, and physicochemical design.

 Smart materials offer visible and tangible reactions to changes in their surroundings or to external stimuli. Such materials
are also called “intelligent” or “responsive” because of their unique self-adaptability, self-sensing, or memory capabilities.
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators

Robotics Table: Ideal Features for the Next-Generation Programmable Microrobots

J. Wang,
Chem. Rev.
2022, 122,
5365−5403
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators

Robotics

J. Wang,
Chem. Rev.
2022, 122,
5365−5403

Figure . Catalytic materials for chemical propulsion

 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators

Robotics

Tiny robots to the rescue: a new solution for microplastic pollution

 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators

Sensors
A sensor is a miniaturized analytical device that responds to the presence and/or concentration (activity) of an analyte and
converts it into a measurable signal.
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators

Sensors
A sensor is a miniaturized analytical device that responds to the presence and/or concentration (activity) of an analyte and
converts it into a measurable signal.
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials
Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators
Sensors

Temperature difference between human arm

and the surface of the thermoelectric energy
conversion device at room temperature
(a,c,d) with average temperature for different
body zones
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators

Sensors
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators

Sensors
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators

Sensors
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators

Sensors
 Chapter 4: Smart Materials

Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators

Actuators
An actuator is a device that converts energy or a control signal into motion or force.

Types of Actuators

•Electric: Use electrical energy, often with motors, for precise control, common in robotics and lab equipment.

•Hydraulic: Use pressurized liquid (oil) for high force applications, like heavy machinery.

•Pneumatic: Use compressed air for fast, versatile operation, common in factory automation.

•Piezoelectric: Use electrical charge to create tiny, precise movements, ideal for optics.
Advanced Industrial Materials (Chem 4256)

Course Instructor:

Lemma [Link] (Ph.D.)

Department of Applied Chemistry

Adama Science and Technology University

Email: [Link]@[Link]
2025.12.17,26
 Contents

I. Chapter 1: Introduction to Advanced Industrial Materials [Link] Materials

 Overview of material classes (metals, ceramics, polymers,  Introduction to smart and functional materials
composites)  Shape memory alloys and polymers
 Importance of materials in engineering and industry  Piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, and electroactive materials
 Basic concepts of material properties: strength, toughness, and  Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators
elasticity
V. Membrane reactor materials, nanostructures materials and
 Introduction to the material selection process
quantum dots
II. Allotropic Carbon-Based Materials and their Applications  Polymeric, ceramic, metal and biomembrane
 Nanomaterials  Nanostructured materials in catalysis and electrocatalysis
 CNT  Synthesis and applications of Nanomaterials
 Graphene VI. Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and
 Fullerenes and fullerides
Energy Applications
[Link] polymers and ceramics  Sensors: Biosensors and Chemical Sensors
 Polymers used in electronic industries.  Energy : Energy Conversion and Storage
 Polymers in information technology
 Ceramics & its applications
Chapter 5: . Membrane reactor materials
Chapter 5: . Membrane reactor materials
 Chapter 5: . Membrane reactor materials

Process Pressure Pore Size Removes

Microfiltration Low Large Suspended solids
Ultrafiltration Low–medium Medium Proteins, bacteria
Nanofiltration Medium Small Divalent ions
Reverse Osmosis High Very small Monovalent ions, salts
 Chapter 5: . Membrane reactor materials

Reverse osmosis is a membrane-based water purification process that removes dissolved salts, ions, organic molecules, and
microorganisms by applying pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane.

Basic Principle
•In osmosis, water naturally moves from low solute concentration to high solute concentration.
•In reverse osmosis, external pressure greater than the osmotic pressure is applied, forcing water to move from high
solute concentration to low solute concentration, leaving contaminants behind.

The membranes used in RO are very fine and have a pore size
of 0.0001 mm or less, making them capable of removing even
very small particles from the
water.
 Chapter 5: . Membrane reactor materials

A membrane reactor integrates a catalytic reaction with a selective membrane that separates products or reactants,
enhancing conversion, selectivity, and energy efficiency.
•Example: Hydrogen production via water–gas shift reaction, where H₂ is selectively removed through a membrane.
Chapter 5: . Membrane reactor materials
 Chapter 5: . Membrane reactor materials

Types of Membranes

a) Inorganic (Ceramic/Metal) Membranes

•Materials: Al₂O₃, ZrO₂,TiO₂, SiO₂, Pd, Pd-alloys

•Properties:

• High thermal and chemical stability

• Suitable for high-temperature reactions

• Can separate gases or liquids selectively

•Applications: H₂ separation, oxidative dehydrogenation, syngas purification

 Chapter 5: . Membrane reactor materials
Polymeric Membranes
•Materials: Polyimide, Polyethersulfone (PES), PVDF, PTFE
•Properties:
• Flexible and easy to fabricate
• Operate at moderate temperatures (<150°C)
• Tunable pore sizes and selectivity
•Applications: Gas separation, liquid separations
c) Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMM)
•Combination of polymer + inorganic filler
•Enhances selectivity, permeability, and thermal stability
•Common fillers: zeolites, MOFs, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), silica
d) Ion-Exchange Membranes
•Materials: Nafion, sulfonated polymers
•Properties: Conduct ions selectively
•Applications: Fuel cells, water electrolysis, organic reactions
Advanced Industrial Materials (Chem 4256)

Course Instructor:

Lemma [Link] (Ph.D.)

Department of Applied Chemistry

Adama Science and Technology University

Email: [Link]@[Link]
2025.12.17,26
 Contents

I. Chapter 1: Introduction to Advanced Industrial Materials [Link] Materials

 Overview of material classes (metals, ceramics, polymers,  Introduction to smart and functional materials
composites)  Shape memory alloys and polymers
 Importance of materials in engineering and industry  Piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, and electroactive materials
 Basic concepts of material properties: strength, toughness, and  Applications in robotics, sensors, and actuators
elasticity
V. Membrane reactor materials, nanostructures materials and
 Introduction to the material selection process
quantum dots
II. Allotropic Carbon-Based Materials and their Applications  Polymeric, ceramic, metal and biomembrane
 Nanomaterials  Nanostructured materials in catalysis and electrocatalysis
 CNT  Synthesis and applications of Nanomaterials
 Graphene VI. Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and
 Fullerenes and fullerides
Energy Applications
[Link] polymers and ceramics  Sensors: Biosensors and Chemical Sensors
 Polymers used in electronic industries.  Energy : Energy Conversion and Storage
 Polymers in information technology
 Ceramics & its applications
 Chapter 6: Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Applications
Renewable energy as a potential options

Energy conversion

Energy storage

 Weather dependency  Fluctuation problem

 High installation cost  Intermittency
 Chapter 6: Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Applications

Energy technologies

Understanding how the

reaction proceeds
Choice of the right material
Supercapacitor
Engineering to optimize the
performance of the material

Battery Water electrolyser

 Chapter 6: Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Applications
Energy Conversion_ Hydrogen from water splitting

Catalytic water splitting

 Chapter 6: Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Applications
Energy Conversion_ Hydrogen from water splitting

• Catalytic water splitting is an appealing way to produce hydro

gen fuels.
 Chapter 6: Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Applications

Parameters used to evaluate the catalytic

activity
1. Overpotential (η):
2. Tafel Slope and Exchange Current Density ( j):
3. Stability:
Number of cycles by CV: from 250 to1000
4. Turnover Frequency:
5. Faradaic Efficiency:
6. Mass and Specific Activities:
current normalized by the
electrochemical surface area (ECSA)
Chapter 6: Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Applications

The OER mechanism for acid (blue line) and alkaline

(red line) conditions.
 Chapter 6: Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Applications
E° = 1.23 VΔG° = −nFE°
Mechanism of OER
Electroche mical In acid media In alkaline media
reaction
ORR O2 + 4H+ + 4e- → 2H2O O2 + 2H2O + 4e- → 4OH-
O2 + 2H+ + 2e- → H2O2 O2 + H2O + 2e- → HO2- + OH-
H2O2 + 2H+ + 2e- →2H2O H2O + HO2- + 2e- → 3OH-

OER M+ H2O ⇌ M-OH + H+ + e- M+ OH- ⇌ M-OH + e-

2M-OH ⇌ M-O + M + H2O M-OH + OH- ⇌ M-O + H2O + e-
M-O + H2O ⇌ M-OOH + H+ + e- 2MO ⇌ 2M + O2
2M-OOH ⇌ M-O + O2 + H2O + M M-O + OH- ⇌ M-OOH + e-
Polarization curves for OER. The ηa is the overpotentials for
M-OOH + OH- ⇌M + O2 + H2O + e- anode at current ( j).
HER Tafel step: H2 ⇌ Hads + Hads Heyrovsky step: H2 + OH- ⇌ Hads +
Heyrovsky step: H2 ⇌ Hads + e- + H+ e- + H2O
Volmer step: Hads ⇌ H+ + e- Volmer step: Hads + OH- ⇌ H2O + Chem. Soc. Rev., 2017, 46, 337--365
e-

ACS Catal. 7 (2017) 7196-7225

58
 Chapter 6: Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Applications
Energy Conversion_ Hydrogen from water splitting

Poor
stability
Excellent energy carrier (142 MJ/kg)

Clean fuel with zero greenhouse gas

Looking for electrodes that are earth abundant

 Chapter 6: Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Applications

Energy Storage_ Supercapacitor

• SCs are a new type of energy storage equipment between rechargeable batteries and conventional capacitors.

• SCs that are mainly composed of electrodes, a separator, and electrolyte possess some attractive properties

such as ultrahigh power density (up to 10, 000 W Kg-1), short charging times and long lifetime over repeated

charge-discharge cycle (>100,000 cycles) and have been widely applied in power and mobile electrical systems,

power sources for hybrid electric vehicles and memory back‐up systems.

• Among the three components, the electrode is the most important part to determine the performance of SCs
 Chapter 6: Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Applications

Energy Storage_ Supercapacitor

Ragone plot showing the specific power against specific

A schematic diagram of a supercapacitor at
energy for various electrical energy storage systems
the charged state.
 Chapter 6: Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and Energy Applications

Energy Storage_ Supercapacitor

The best materials for supercapacitors are chosen based on

high surface area, good electrical conductivity, and 3. Conducting polymers
electrochemical stability. Key classes include: Polyaniline (PANI)
1. Carbon-based materials (EDLCs) Polypyrrole (PPy)
Activated carbon – low cost, very high surface area PEDOT:PSS
Graphene / reduced graphene oxide (rGO) – high (High capacitance but moderate cycling
conductivity and surface area stability)
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) – fast charge transport, excellent 4. Hybrid / composite materials (best
cycling stability performance)
2. Transition metal oxides (pseudocapacitors) Carbon + metal oxide (e.g., graphene–MnO₂)
RuO₂ – very high capacitance (benchmark, but expensive) Carbon + conducting polymer (e.g., CNT–
MnO₂ – low cost, environmentally friendly PANI)
NiO, Co₃O₄, Fe₂O₃ – high theoretical capacitance