Synergy of nanoclusters/single atoms regulates sustainable oxidation pathways for self-motivated Fenton-like processes.

Synergy mechanism of nanoclusters/single atoms as coexisting electron-rich centers for sustainable Fenton-like catalysis without oxidant addition remains unclear. In this study, a composite catalyst consisting of FeP nanoclusters coexisting with Fe single atoms (FeP/FeNP/C) was synthesized and utilized in two catalytic systems: one with zero-peroxymonosulfate (PMS) addition and the other with low-PMS addition. Results indicated that FeP/FeNP/C catalyst with electron-deficient region could adsorb pollutants via π-π bond and extract electrons from pollutants to the atomic FeNP/C as electron acceptor, and this self-motivated process in PMS-free system could be modulated by the FeP nanoclusters via dynamic synergistic effects.

Tailoring dual-hydrophobic microenvironment for tandem CO/CO feedstock to enhance CO electroreduction on Cu-based catalysts.

Achieving high selectivity for value-added products in the electrochemical reduction of CO remains challenging due to severe hydrogen evolution, sluggish CO mass transport and low *CO coverage. Herein, we integrate aerophilic SiO and polymer-functionalized copper nanoparticles (Cu-poly) to construct a hierarchical-hydrophobic Cu-poly/SiO composite, which limits the accessibility of HO, improves the local concentration of CO and enhances the dimerization of *CO-*CO. Comprehensive investigation using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations indicates that the polymer and SiO elevate the oxidation state of Cu species, enhance the CO diffusion coefficients (from 5.

Synthesis of core/shell cobalt-doped rutile TiO nanorods for MB degradation under visible light.

Although TiO has been widely applied in many fields, the design and preparation of one-dimensional rutile TiO nanomaterials for high-efficiency photocatalysis under visible light remain challenging. Herein, uniform Co-doped rutile TiO nanorods with selective adsorption and photocatalytic activity for methylene blue (MB) have been developed a one-pot molten salt flux method. Compared to pure rutile TiO nanorods, the Co-doped rutile TiO nanorods exhibited an obvious core/shell structure with smaller inner crystal face spacing ( = 0.

Molecular engineering of 1D conjugated copper anilate coordination polymers for boosting electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia.

The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NORR) offers a "two-birds-one-stone" solution by simultaneously addressing water pollution and enabling green ammonia production. However, its multiple reaction pathways and complex intermediates pose a challenge for designing high-efficiency electrocatalysts. The highly modular nature of metal coordination polymers (MCPs), combined with molecular engineering strategies, provides a pathway for systematically exploring the structure-performance relationships of catalysts.

High-capacity organic cathode boosted by coordination chemistry for energy-dense aqueous zinc-organic batteries.

N-type organic cathode materials containing carbonyl and imine groups have emerged as promising candidates for zinc-ion batteries due to their excellent charge storage capability, which arise from the synergic storage of both Zn and H. However, an increase in active sites also complicates the synthesis, introduces complex multi-electron reactions, and hinders comprehensive understanding of the charge storage mechanism and the evolution of molecular configuration during the electrochemical process. Herein, a 10-electron transfer organic cathode material, featuring imine and quinone groups that are spaced apart, was synthesized in one-step.

Enhancing organic cathodes of aqueous zinc-ion batteries utilizing steric hindrance and electron cloud equalization.

Polyaniline (PANI), with merits of high electronic conductivity and capacity, is a promising material for zinc (Zn)-ion batteries. However, its redox window in Zn batteries is often limited, mainly due to the oxidative degradation at high potentials-in which imine groups can be attacked by water molecules. Here, we introduce phytic acid, a kind of supermolecule acid radical ion, as a dopant and electrolyte additive.

Molten salt-assisted synthesis of bismuth nanosheets with long-term cyclability at high rates for sodium-ion batteries.

Bismuth is a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high capacity and suitable working potential. However, the large volume change during alloying/dealloying would lead to poor cycling performance. Herein, we have constructed a 3D hierarchical structure assembled by bismuth nanosheets, addressing the challenges of fast kinetics, and providing efficient stress and strain relief room.

Self-powered PtNi-polyaniline films for converting rain energy into electricity.

Developing novel rainwater energy harvesting beyond conventional electricity is a promising strategy to address the problems of the energy crisis and environmental pollution. In this current work, a class of self-powered PtNi and optimal PtNi-polyaniline (PANI) films are successfully developed to convert rainwater into electricity for power generation. The maximized current, voltage and power of the self-powered PtNi-PANI films are 4.

Significantly improved thermoelectric performance of SnSe originating from collaborative adjustment between valence and conduction bands, mass fluctuations, and local strain.

In this study, environmentally friendly, low cost, and easy to synthesize In and V co-doped SnSe materials was designed and prepared vacuum melting and spark plasma sintering technology, which avoids the shortcomings of high-performance Pb, Ge, and Na-doped SnSe samples. In and V, doping achieved appropriate bandgap () and energy band degeneracy () from the valence and conduction band, obtaining the highest electrical conductivity of 4726 S m at 773 K. The impurity state controls the carrier transport process below 573 K, while and control the process above 573 K.

Research status of polysiloxane-based piezoresistive flexible human electronic sensors.

Flexible human body electronic sensor is a multifunctional electronic device with flexibility, extensibility, and responsiveness. Piezoresistive flexible human body electronic sensor has attracted the extensive attention of researchers because of its simple preparation process, high detection sensitivity, wide detection range, and low power consumption. However, the wearability and affinity to the human body of traditional flexible human electronic sensors are poor, while polysiloxane materials can be mixed with other electronic materials and have good affinity toward the human body.

Application of photoacoustic computed tomography in biomedical imaging: A literature review.

Photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) is a hybrid imaging modality that combines optical excitation and acoustic detection techniques. It obtains high-resolution deep-tissue images based on the deep penetration of light, the anisotropy of light absorption in objects, and the photoacoustic effect. Hence, PACT shows great potential in biomedical sample imaging.

A wrinkled nanosurface causes accelerated protein unfolding revealing its critical role in nanotoxicity.

Wrinkles are often found to have a strong influence on the properties of nanomaterials and have attracted extensive research interest. However, the consequences of the use of wrinkled nanomaterials in biological systems remain largely unknown. Here, using molecular dynamics simulations, we studied the interactions of a wrinkled graphene with proteins, using the villin headpiece (HP35) as the representative model.

Nanostructured IrO supported on N-doped TiO as an efficient electrocatalyst towards acidic oxygen evolution reaction.

Reducing the Ir consumption without compromising the catalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is highly paramount to promote the extensive development of the environmentally-friendly solid polymer electrolyte water electrolysis (SPEWE) system. Herein, TiO is doped with N through facile NH gas treatment and innovatively employed to support IrO nanoparticles towards acidic OER. N-doping action not only dramatically boosts the electrical conductivity and dispersing/anchoring effects of TiO, but also effectively improves the electron-transfer procedure.

Insight of the bio-cathode biofilm construction in microbial electrolysis cell dealing with sulfate-containing wastewater.

Signaling molecules are useful in biofilm formation, but the mechanism for biofilm construction still needs to be explored. In this study, a signaling molecule, N-butyryl-l-Homoserine lactone (C-HSL), was supplied to enhance the construction of the sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) bio-cathode biofilm in microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). The sulfate reduction efficiency was more than 90% in less time under the system with C-HSL addition.

Effect of humic acid on phenanthrene removal by constructed wetlands using birnessite as a substrate.

The binding of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to humic acid (HA) can boost the complexation-flocculation process and promote pollutant oxidation through the role of HA as an electron shuttle. HA-coated biochar (BA) was added to study the effects of HA on phenanthrene (PHE) removal by constructed wetlands (CWs) using birnessite as a substrate. HA reduced the average PHE concentration of effluent by 26.

Research progress and applications of silica-based aerogels - a bibliometric analysis.

Silica aerogels are three-dimensional porous materials that were initially produced in 1931. During the past nearly 90 years, silica aerogels have been applied extensively in many fields. In order to grasp the progress of silica-based aerogels, we utilize bibliometrics and visualization methods to analyze the research hotspots and the application of this important field.

Comparative study of pyrolytic carbons prepared from printed circuit boards by magnetic and electrostatic separation.

Physical technology is the main method to separate metal and non-metallic fractions from printed circuit boards (PCBs). The non-metallic fractions from magnetic and electrostatic separation have different ingredients, which enables them to be prepared into pyrolytic carbon with different properties. To discover the influence of separation technologies for PCBs on the preparation, characterization and application of pyrolytic carbon, two kinds of nonmetal fraction from magnetic and electrostatic separation were chosen as the precursors of pyrolytic carbon.

Improvement of low-temperature NH-SCR catalytic performance over nitrogen-doped MO -CrO-LaO/TiO-N (M = Cu, Fe, Ce) catalysts.

A series of MO -CrO-LaO/TiO-N (M = Cu, Fe, Ce) catalysts with nitrogen doping were prepared the impregnation method. Comparing the low-temperature NH-SCR activity of the catalysts, CeCrLa/Ti-N (CeO-CrO-LaO/TiO-N) exhibited the best catalytic performance (NO conversion approaching 100% at 220-460 °C). The physico-chemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, SEM, XPS, H-TPR, NH-TPD and DRIFTS.

Recent progress of MOF-derived porous carbon materials for microwave absorption.

Microwave absorbing materials (MAM) have attracted considerable attention over the years in stealth and information technologies. Metal-organic framework (MOF) with a unique microstructure and electronic state has become an attractive focus as self-sacrificing precursors of microwave absorbers. The MOF-derived porous carbon (PC) materials exhibit a high absorbing performance due to the stable three-dimensional structure and homogeneous distribution of metal particles.

A novel l-histidine based ionic liquid (LHIL) as an efficient corrosion inhibitor for mild steel.

A novel l-histidine based ionic liquid (LHIL) was developed and successfully synthesized. Its structure was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, H-NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The outstanding corrosion inhibition effect of the LHIL on mild steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid was thoroughly evaluated by Tafel plots, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and localized electrochemical strategies.

Enhanced hydrogen storage properties of ZrTiVAl Fe high-entropy alloys by modifying the Fe content.

Lightweight ZrTiVAl high-entropy alloys have shown great potential as a hydrogen storage material due to their appreciable capacity, easy activation, and fast hydrogenation rates. In this study, transition metal Fe was used to improve the hydrogen storage properties of the equimolar ZrTiVAl alloy, and ZrTiVAl Fe ( = 0, 0.2, 0.

Bioinspired super-hydrophobic fractal array a facile electrochemical route: preparation and corrosion inhibition for Cu.

Super-hydrophobic surfaces (SHS) usually are formed from a combination of low surface energy materials and micro/nanostructures two-step approaches, and they have promising applications in material corrosion protection. In this paper, the authors obtained a super-hydrophobic surface onto the copper plates through a rapid one-step electrodeposition process from the electrolytic solution containing cobalt nitrate (Co(NO)·6HO), myristic acid, and ethanol. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization curve are adopted to evaluate a super-hydrophobic surface's durability and corrosion resistance.

Ratiometric electrochemical sensor for accurate detection of salicylic acid in leaves of living plants.

Detection of signal molecules in living plants is of great relevance for precision farming. In this work, to establish a more effective method for monitoring salicylic acid (SA) in the leaves of living plants, a ratiometric electrochemical sensor was fabricated based on a Cu metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF) and carbon black (CB) composite. The Cu-MOF and CB composite was used to catalyze SA oxidation.

Degradable self-adhesive epidermal sensors prepared from conductive nanocomposite hydrogel.

Conductive hydrogel-based epidermal sensors are attracting significant interest due to their great potential in soft robotics, electronic skins, bioelectronics and personalized healthcare monitoring. However, the conventional conductive hydrogel-based epidermal sensors cannot be degraded, resulting in the significant problem of waste, which will gradually increase the burden on the environment. Herein, degradable adhesive epidermal sensors were assembled using conductive nanocomposite hydrogels, which were prepared via the conformal coating of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) networks and supramolecular interaction among CNF, polydopamine (PDA), Fe, and polyacrylamide (PAM).

Electrochemical Performance of Graphitic Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes with Different Aspect Ratios as Cathode Materials for Aluminum-ion Batteries.

Graphitic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can function as high-performance cathode materials for rechargeable Al-ion batteries with well-defined discharging plateaus and reasonable charge/discharge C-rates. However, the main intercalation/deintercalation or adsorption/desorption path of AlCl anions into or onto G-MWCNTs has not been elucidated. Herein, we used battery cells comprised of G-MWCNTs with different aspect ratios, Al metal, and AlCl/1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid as the cathode, anode, and electrolyte, respectively.