Electron-Deficient Mn Sites Functionalized with Ag Nanoclusters Enable Selective and Durable Seawater Oxidation Mourad Smari, Tanveer ul Haq, Mohammad Y. Al‐Haik, Yousef Haik Small Methods, 2026 Direct seawater electrolysis presents significant challenges due to chloride‐induced corrosion and the competitive Cl − oxidation, which undermines the efficiency and durability of anode materials. In this study, the rationally synthesized Ag nanocluster‐decorated calcium–manganese borate (AgNCs@Ca–MnB) nanosheets are reported as a highly efficient and corrosionresistant electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution in alkaline seawater. Incorporating boron into the Ca─Mn lattice creates electron‐deficient sites that enhance the covalency of Mn─O bonds, promoting favorable adsorption energies for OER intermediates while stabilizing the catalyst structure under oxidative conditions. Ag nanoclusters are strategically introduced to the surface, functioning as selective Cl − traps through Ag─Cl complexation, effectively suppressing the Cl − oxidation pathway. The hybrid design further boosts electrochemical surface area and electronic conductivity, ensuring high current density operation with minimal degradation. The AgNCs@Ca–MnB catalyst achieves an overpotential of ≈310 mV at 10 mA cm − 2 in real seawater and demonstrates exceptional operational stability over 100 h, outperforming many reported transition metal‐based systems. This study introduces a synergistic strategy combining boron‐induced electronic modulation and silver‐mediated chloride immobilization, offering a new direction in designing durable and selective seawater oxidation catalysts.
Impact of oxygen deficiencies on magnetic properties of La0.725□0.275MnO3−δ compounds W. Ben Jdidia, H. Gharsallah, M. Smari, M. Bejar, E. K. Hlil, et al. Rsc Advances, 2026 A discrepancy between the experimental and predicted magnetization saturation values was discovered from the hysteresis loops. An antiferromagnetic component for samples with δ = 0.15 and 0.35 is cited as an explanation for this disparity.
Microenvironment-Engineered Multilayered Electrode Design for Sustainable Seawater Oxidation Tanveer ul Haq, Aleena Tahir, Mourad Smari, Mohammad Yousef Al Haik, Yousef Haik Small, 2025 The reliance on high‐purity water for hydrogen production increases the strain on freshwater resources. Direct seawater electrolysis is a promising alternative but is impeded by complex challenges such as chloride‐induced corrosion and electrode surface fouling. Herein, a microenvironment‐engineered, multilayered electrode design for sustainable seawater electrolysis is presented, utilizing the strategic integration of carbonate (CO₃2⁻) Lewis base sites anchored on a Cobalt layered double hydroxides (Co LDH) embedded within a NiBOx nanostructure supported by a Ni(OH)₂/NF microarray. Incorporating boron into the Ni‐OOH matrix forms a protective metaborate film, preventing metal dissolution and non‐conductive oxide formation, thereby enhancing current collector corrosion resistance in saline seawater conditions. The CO₃2⁻ Lewis base covalently functionalized on Co‐active sites, establishes a dynamic interaction that continuously splits water molecules while sequestering H⁺ ions, generating a localized acidic microenvironment. This acidification enhances OER kinetics and protects against chloride attack and precipitate formation, addressing key stability and efficiency barriers in direct seawater electrolysis. The advanced anode design achieves an industrially viable current density of 1.0 A cm⁻2 at 1.65 V under standard conditions, marking a significant step toward scalable, desalination‐free hydrogen production directly from seawater.
Tunable Magnetic Heating in La0.51Sr0.49MnO3 and La0.51Dy0.045Sr0.445MnO3 Nanoparticles: Frequency- and Amplitude-Dependent Behavior Mourad Smari, Monica Viorica Moisiuc, Mohammad Y. Al-Haik, Iordana Astefanoaei, Alexandru Stancu, et al. Nanomaterials, 2025 The use of perovskite manganite nanoparticles in magnetic hyperthermia has attracted significant attention due to their tunable magnetic properties and high specific absorption rate (SAR). In this work, we present a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the frequency- and amplitude-dependent magnetic heating behavior of La0.51Sr0.49MnO3 (LSMO) and Dy-doped La0.51Dy0.045Sr0.445MnO3 (DLSMO) nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were synthesized via the sol–gel method and characterized by XRD and SEM, while SAR values were experimentally evaluated under varying magnetic field strengths (60–120 Oe) and frequencies (150–300 kHz). In parallel, theoretical modeling based on Néel and Brownian relaxation mechanisms was employed to predict SAR behavior as a function of particle size, magnetic anisotropy, and fluid viscosity. The results reveal that Dy doping enhances magnetic anisotropy, which modifies the relaxation dynamics and leads to a reduction in SAR. The model identifies the optimal nanoparticle size (~18–20 nm) and ferrofluid viscosity to maximize heating efficiency. This combined approach provides a comprehensive framework for designing and optimizing perovskite-based nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia applications.
Stabilizing oxygen-deficient Mn sites active in seawater oxidation Tanveer ul Haq, Mourad Smari, Aleena Tahir, Yousef Haik Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2024 This study presents the engineering of a sustainable electrode for unpurified seawater electrolysis, featuring Ca-doped manganese oxide nanorods anchored on a Ni(OH)2 microarray.
Design of La 3+ -Engineered Ruddlesden−Popper Manganite: Electrostatic Bandwidth Expansion and Oxygen Vacancy Activation for Robust OER/HER Catalysis MY Al-Haik, M Smari, T Haq, Y Haik ACS Applied Energy Materials , 2026 2026
Evaluation of the electronic, optical, thermoelectrical and magnetic properties of manganite perovskites via DFT calculations and critical exponent analysis L Karoui, AE Mabrouki, T Mnasri, A Bajorek, M Smari RSC advances 16 (25), 22672-22686 , 2026 2026
Impact of oxygen deficiencies on magnetic properties of La 0.725□ 0.275 MnO 3− δ compounds WB Jdidia, H Gharsallah, M Smari, M Bejar, EK Hlil, E Dhahri RSC advances 16 (22), 20194-20205 , 2026 2026
Electron‐Deficient Mn Sites Functionalized with Ag Nanoclusters Enable Selective and Durable Seawater Oxidation M Smari, T Ul Haq, MY Al‐Haik, Y Haik Small Methods 10 (1), e01699 , 2026 2026
Harnessing spinel–metal synergy in MnFe2O4–Co core shell catalysts for sustainable seawater oxidation H Guermazi, M Smari, A Tahir, MY Haik, T Mnasri, T ul Haq, Y Haik International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 157, 150468 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Microenvironment‐Engineered Multilayered Electrode Design for Sustainable Seawater Oxidation T Haq, A Tahir, M Smari, MYA Haik, Y Haik Small 21 (24), 2501376 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Tunable Magnetic Heating in La 0.51 Sr 0.49 MnO 3 and La 0.51 Dy 0.045 Sr 0.445 MnO 3 Nanoparticles: Frequency- and Amplitude-Dependent Behavior M Smari, MV Moisiuc, MY Al-Haik, I Astefanoaei, A Stancu, F Shelkovyi, ... Nanomaterials 15 (9), 642 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Dy-Doped La0. 51Sr0. 49MnO₃ nanoparticles: Tuning structural and magnetocaloric properties via Sol-Gel synthesis for energy-efficient applications M Smari, R Hamdi, SA Mansour, MY Al-Haik, Y Zakaria, Y Haik Nano Trends 9, 100069 , 2025 2025 Citations: 12
Electronic and surface engineering of Mn active sites by femtosecond lasers: enhancing catalytic performance for seawater electrolysis through Mn 4+–OH− layers M Smari, T ul Haq, G Boltaev, MY Al-Haik, AS Alnaser, Y Haik Nanoscale 17 (18), 11461-11474 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Charge carrier motion and Mn-spin coupling defining the transport behaviors and the magnetic order at DySrCaMnO3 polycrystalline ceramic M Smari, Y Moualhi, R Hamdi, H Rahmouni, Y Haik Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing 181, 108608 , 2024 2024 Citations: 8
Combined transport and dielectric models and experimental characterization based on impedance spectroscopy for studying the microstructural and transport properties of electro … Y Moualhi, M Smari, H Nasri, H Rahmouni Materials Today Communications 38, 108529 , 2024 2024 Citations: 28
The Impact of Involving Silver into LaCaMnO 3 Perovskite on the Magnetocaloric Effect and Electrical Behavior H Felhi, RA Brahem, M Smari, R Skini, MA Alamri, M Selmi, E Dhahri Journal of Low Temperature Physics 214 (5), 281-293 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Magnetic effect and chemical distribution study of LCMNO 3 perovskite by photoelectron spectroscopy M Smari, Y Moualhi, Y Tong, S Mansour, H Rahmouni Physica Scripta 99 (2), 025907 , 2024 2024 Citations: 9
Correction: The effect of the gelation temperature on the structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of perovskite nanoparticles manufactured using the sol–gel method L Karoui, M Smari, T Mnasri, A Bajorek RSC advances 14 (28), 19983-19983 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Stabilizing oxygen-deficient Mn sites active in seawater oxidation T ul Haq, M Smari, A Tahir, Y Haik Journal of Materials Chemistry A 12 (22), 13417-13426 , 2024 2024 Citations: 10
The effect of the gelation temperature on the structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of perovskite nanoparticles manufactured using the sol–gel method L Karoui, M Smari, T Mnasri RSC advances 14 (16), 11456-11469 , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Spectroscopic properties, conduction processes and the Summerfield scaling of barium titanate ceramics based on Bi and Fe H Gouadria, T Mnasri, AP Jamale, JL Sanchez, J Necib, P Marin, ... Inorganic Chemistry Communications 157, 111417 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
La 0.6 X 0.1 Te 0.3 MnO 3 system with significant refrigerant capacity at low magnetic field and double magnetic entropy change peaks: effect of ball-milling time on … R Hamdi, M Smari, A Bajorek, SS Hayek, E Dhahri, Y Haik Physica Scripta 98 (8), 085952 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Understanding the charge carriers dynamics in the La 0.55 Ca 0.45 Mn 0.8 Nb 0.2 O 3 perovskite: scaling of electrical conductivity spectra Y Moualhi, M Smari, H Rahmouni RSC advances 13 (43), 30010-30021 , 2023 2023 Citations: 26
Implementing a sol-gel route to adjust the structural and dielectric characteristics of Bi and Fe co-doped BaTiO3 ceramics H Gouadria, M Smari, T Mnasri, J Necib, JL Sánchez, P Marin, AP Jamale, ... Inorganic Chemistry Communications 147, 110241 , 2023 2023 Citations: 14
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Magnetic and spectroscopic properties of Ni–Zn–Al ferrite spinel: from the nanoscale to microscale J Massoudi, M Smari, K Nouri, E Dhahri, K Khirouni, S Bertaina, L Bessais, ... RSC advances 10 (57), 34556-34580 , 2020 2020 Citations: 313
Conduction mechanism, impedance spectroscopic investigation and dielectric behavior of La 0.5 Ca 0.5− x Ag x MnO 3 manganites with compositions below the concentration limit of … H Rahmouni, M Smari, B Cherif, E Dhahri, K Khirouni Dalton Transactions 44 (22), 10457-10466 , 2015 2015 Citations: 230
Investigation of the structural, optical, elastic and electrical properties of spinel LiZn 2 Fe 3 O 8 nanoparticles annealed at two distinct temperatures D Bouokkeze, J Massoudi, W Hzez, M Smari, A Bougoffa, K Khirouni, ... RSC advances 9 (70), 40940-40955 , 2019 2019 Citations: 96
Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Ag-doped La0. 5Ca0. 5− xAgxMnO3 compounds with 0⩽ x⩽ 0.4 M Smari, I Walha, E Dhahri, EK Hlil Journal of alloys and compounds 579, 564-571 , 2013 2013 Citations: 91
Investigation of annealing effects on the physical properties of Ni0. 6Zn0. 4Fe1. 5Al0. 5O4 ferrite R Lahouli, J Massoudi, M Smari, H Rahmouni, K Khirouni, E Dhahrib, ... RSC Advances 9, 19949–19964 , 2019 2019 Citations: 77
Electric–dielectric properties and complex impedance analysis of La 0.5 Ca 0.5− x Ag x MnO 3 manganites M Smari, H Rahmouni, N Elghoul, I Walha, E Dhahri, K Khirouni RSC advances 5 (3), 2177-2184 , 2015 2015 Citations: 74
Critical parameters near the ferromagnetic–paramagnetic phase transition in La0. 5Ca0. 5− xAgxMnO3 compounds (0.1≤ x≤ 0.2) M Smari, I Walha, A Omri, JJ Rousseau, E Dhahri, EK Hlil Ceramics International 40 (7), 8945-8951 , 2014 2014 Citations: 60
Spinel iron oxide by the co-precipitation method: Effect of the reaction atmosphere S Slimani, C Meneghini, M Abdolrahimi, A Talone, JPM Murillo, ... Applied Sciences 11 (12), 5433 , 2021 2021 Citations: 50
Structural, magnetic, magnetocaloric and electrical studies of Dy0. 5 (Sr1− xCax) 0.5 MnO3 manganites R Hamdi, A Tozri, M Smari, E Dhahri, L Bessais Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials 444, 270-279 , 2017 2017 Citations: 48
Effect of exceeding the concentration limit of solubility of silver in perovskites on the dielectric and electric properties of half doped lanthanum–calcium manganite H Rahmouni, B Cherif, M Smari, E Dhahri, N Moutia, K Khirouni Physica B: Condensed Matter 473, 1-6 , 2015 2015 Citations: 41
Impact of particle size on the structural and smagnetic properties of superparamagnetic Li-ferrite nanoparticles J Massoudi, M Smari, K Khirouni, E Dhahri, L Bessais Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials 528, 167806 , 2021 2021 Citations: 39
Magnetic and magnetoresistance in half-doped manganite La0. 5Ca0. 5MnO3 and La0. 5Ca0. 4Ag0. 1MnO3 M Smari, R Hamouda, I Walha, E Dhahri, FJ Mompeán, ... Journal of Alloys and Compounds 644, 632-637 , 2015 2015 Citations: 39
Superlinear dependence of the conductivity, double/single Jonscher variations and the contribution of various conduction mechanisms in transport properties of La0. 5Ca0. 2Ag0 … Y Moualhi, M Smari, H Rahmouni, K Khirouni, E Dhahri Journal of Alloys and Compounds 898, 162866 , 2022 2022 Citations: 37
Enhancement of the Magnetotransport Behavior in a Phase-Separated LaAgCaMnO 3 Polycrystalline: Unraveling the Role of a Multi-Double-Exchange Mechanism M Smari, R Hamdi, S Slimani, A Bajorek, D Peddis, I Walha, U Koneva, ... The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 124 (42), 23324-23332 , 2020 2020 Citations: 36
Structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of Ag-doped in the La0. 6Ca0. 4MnO3 compound I Walha, M Smari, T Mnasri, E Dhahri Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials 454, 190-195 , 2018 2018 Citations: 34
Resistivity, I–V characteristics and Hall effect in Dy0. 5 (Sr1-xCax) 0.5 MnO3 manganites R Hamdi, A Tozri, M Smari, E Dhahri, L Bessais Materials Research Bulletin 95, 525-531 , 2017 2017 Citations: 34
Controllable synthesis, XPS investigation and magnetic property of multiferroic BiMn2O5 system: The role of neodyme doping H Felhi, M Smari, A Bajorek, K Nouri, E Dhahri, L Bessais Progress in Natural Science: Materials International 29 (2), 198-209 , 2019 2019 Citations: 33
Structural, magnetic and AC susceptibility properties of Dy0. 5 (Sr1-xCax) 0.5 MnO3 (0≤ x≤ 0.3) manganites R Hamdi, A Tozri, M Smari, K Nouri, E Dhahri, L Bessais Journal of Molecular Structure 1175, 844-851 , 2019 2019 Citations: 32
The effect of bismuth on the structure, magnetic and electric properties of Co2MnO4 spinel multiferroic H Chouaya, M Smari, I Walha, E Dhahri, MPF Graça, MA Valente Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials 451, 344-350 , 2018 2018 Citations: 32
Transport properties of silver–calcium doped lanthanum manganite B Cherif, H Rahmouni, M Smari, E Dhahri, N Moutia, K Khirouni Physica B: Condensed Matter 457, 240-244 , 2015 2015 Citations: 31