Devita Amelia¹, R. A. Ilyas^1,2,*, Hairul Abral^2,3, Mochamad Asrofi⁴, Muhammad Asyraf Muhammad Rizal^2,5, Mohamad Zaki Hassan⁶, Mohamad Haafiz Mohamad Kassim^2,7,8, Nurul Fazita Mohammad Rawi^2,7,8, Nasrullah Razali⁹, Melbi Mahardika^2,7,8,10,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0147 - 24 April 2026

Abstract This study characterizes biocomposites derived from jicama starch and reinforced with microfibers obtained from jicama bagasse (JB). The incorporation of jicama bagasse microfibers into the jicama matrix was systematically varied at concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt%. The starch film and biocomposite were prepared using solution casting methodologies, employing glycerol as a plasticizing agent. The biocomposites were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the moisture absorption and tensile properties were evaluated. The jicama starch contained 44% w/w amylose, whereas the jicama bagasse microfiber contained… More >

Edja Florentin Assanvo^1,*, N’Dri N’Guessan Gervais Ziabo¹, Kohi Alfred Kouame², David Boa¹

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.073634 - 03 April 2026

Abstract This study aims to synthesise, characterise and evaluate the performance characteristics of packaging films based on biodegradable natural resources incorporated with nanoparticles. Particularly, it is focused on the valorisation of the fibers from the underexploited Lonchocarpus cyanescens plant from West Africa as raw renewable lignocellulose biomass material source for the production of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). To this end, biodegradable films were prepared from CMC derived from the fibers of the Lonchocarpus cyanescens plant, and collagen. In order to improve the properties of these films, in particular their mechanical and humidity resistance and their ability to fight microbes, silver… More >

Md. Rakib Hasan¹, Afrina Sharmin², Mimi Mondal^1,3, Md. Ahasan Habib¹, Rinku Majumder¹, Muhammad Shahriar Bashar^2,*, Md. Salahuddin Mina^1,*

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.079270 - 03 April 2026

Abstract In this work, spin-coated Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS) thin films with systematically varied thicknesses were investigated to understand their influence on structural, compositional, and optical properties relevant to high-performance photovoltaic applications. CZTS absorber layers were fabricated using a sol-gel spin-coating technique, which offers simplicity, low cost, and excellent thickness control, followed by annealing at 450°C under a nitrogen atmosphere to promote crystallization and phase formation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that films with a thickness of approximately 608 nm exhibited the highest crystallinity and a preferred orientation along the (112) plane, indicating enhanced structural order and improved grain… More >

Preetha K. C.^1,2,*, Bini S.²

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.076854 - 03 April 2026

Abstract The increasing depletion of fossil fuels and the escalation of global temperatures have intensified the need for sustainable energy sources such as solar power. Copper Zinc Sulphide (CuZnS) is a potential absorber for solar cells. This study reports the structure and composition of annealed CuZnS samples using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis technique. CuZnS thin films prepared using low-cost chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique are annealed at 100°C, 200°C, and 300°C. The samples are analysed using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV Visible NIR spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and Hall… More >

Naoual Houaidji¹, Kenza Kamli^2,*, Zakaria Hadef², Houssem Eddine Chouial³, Marwa Bendaia¹

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.076383 - 03 April 2026

Abstract We present a systematic investigation of FeS₂ thin films deposited by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) at different deposition times (15–40 min), with the aim of understanding their structural, optical, and electrical evolution and their suitability for heterojunction device applications. Particular attention is given to the integration of the optimized FeS₂ layer with a Co-doped SnS₂ bottom layer to form a p–n heterojunction. Structural analysis by X-ray diffraction reveals a transition from an amorphous/oxidized phase at short deposition times toward well-crystallized pyrite after 25 min, while the 40-min film exhibits the most intense reflections and the largest crystallite… More >

José Marcelo Faria de Queiroz Júnior¹, Nathália Ramos de Melo^2,3, Ulisses Oliveira Costa¹, Letícia Vitorazi^1,*, Flavia Lega Braghiroli^4,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0163 - 25 February 2026

Abstract The development of sustainable materials has encouraged the use of biopolymers as alternatives to synthetic polymers. Polymeric films have stood out for their high potential in environmentally sustainable applications. Conventional cellulose acetate (CA)-based films are attractive due to their biodegradability and film-forming ability. However, their functional performance often requires enhancement through the incorporation of additives. In this context, two bio-based additives were investigated: condensed tannin (0%, 5% and 10%wt.), a natural polyphenol known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) (0%, 0.5% and 1%wt.), which act as reinforcing agents to improve mechanical… More > Graphic Abstract

Rasdianah Dahali¹, Edi Syams Zainudin^1,2,*, Mohammed Abdillah Ahmad Farid¹, Tarique Jamal³, Mohd Sapuan Salit^1,2, Muhammad Firdaus Abdul Halim²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0139 - 25 February 2026

Abstract This review draws attention to the innovative use of arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) fiber as a unique and underutilized biomass source for nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC)-based nanocomposites, presenting a noteworthy alternative to extensively researched materials like wood pulp, bacterial cellulose, and chemically modified NCCs. In contrast to traditional sources, arrowroot possesses a naturally elevated cellulose and diminished lignin content, facilitating more effective NCC extraction requiring reduced chemical input and enabling environmentally friendly processing techniques. The review evaluates the performance of arrowroot-derived nanocomposites against systems documented in the literature, including NCC-based shape memory composites and nanoparticle-reinforced films, demonstrating enhanced More > Graphic Abstract

Yunpeng Wen^1,*, Bingyang Ke², Junrong Ding³

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.076587 - 26 January 2026

Abstract This study reports an active learning (AL)-guided strategy to optimize the sulfurization–selenization processing conditions of Sb₂(S,Se)₃ thin-film photovoltaic absorbers for enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE). By coupling Gaussian process modeling with iterative experimental feedback, we explored 20 targeted annealing conditions across the full compositional spectrum (x = 0–1) and identified an optimal S/(S + Se) ratio of 0.40 (x = 0.60), which yielded a band gap (Eg) of ~1.34 eV, close to the theoretical Shockley–Queisser optimum. The optimized process employed a controlled two-step 420°C anneal with sequential H₂Se→H₂S exposure, which produced large plate-like grains (300–500 nm)… More >

Herlina Marta¹, Novita Indrianti^2,*, Allifiyah Josi Nur Aziza³, Enny Sholichah⁴, Titik Budiati³, Achmat Sarifudin⁵, Yana Cahyana¹, Nandi Sukri¹, Aldila Din Pangawikan¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0145 - 23 January 2026

Abstract Corn starch (CS) is a renewable, biodegradable polysaccharide valued for its film-forming ability, yet native CS films exhibit low mechanical strength, high water sensitivity, and limited thermal stability. This study improves CS-based films by blending with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) or glycerol (GLY) and using citric acid (CA) as a green, non-toxic cross-linker. Composite films were prepared by casting CS–PVA or CS–GLY with CA at 0%–0.20% (w/w of starch). The influence of CA on physicochemical, mechanical, optical, thermal, and water barrier properties was evaluated. CA crosslinking markedly enhanced the tensile strength, water resistance, and thermal stability More > Graphic Abstract

Hameed H. Ahmed¹, Thaer A. Mezher^2,*, Marwan R. Rashid³

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.22, No.12, pp. 1055-1066, 2025, DOI:10.15251/CL.2025.2212.1055 - 10 December 2025

Abstract Laser ablation in liquids (LAL), a hygienic and effective method for creating high-purity nanomaterials, was used in this study to create cadmium sulfide (CdS) and silver oxide (Ag₂O) nanoparticles. The sputtering process was used to deposit the produced nanomaterials on porous silicon (PSi) substrates, and a number of assays were used to examine the samples’ structural, optical, and electrical characteristics. The CdS sample had a hexagonal crystal structure, according to X-ray diffraction (XRD) data, whereas the AgO sample had a cubic structure. The diameters of the nanoparticles in the two samples ranged from 22.64 nm for… More >