The degradation kinetics of polypropylene(PP)composites reinforced with titanium dioxide(TiO_(2))microparticles were investigated using various kinetic models.The composites were prepared through a twin-screw extrusio...The degradation kinetics of polypropylene(PP)composites reinforced with titanium dioxide(TiO_(2))microparticles were investigated using various kinetic models.The composites were prepared through a twin-screw extrusion process by varying the filler loading up to 30 wt%.The thermal degradation studies were conducted by using a thermogravimetric analyzer(TGA)at four different heating rates.The activation energies of the degradation of the composites were calculated using different model equations such as Friedman,Kissinger-Akahira-Sunnose(KAS),Ozawa-Flynn,Wall(OFW),and Starink.The Horowitz and Metzger method revealed an increasing trend in activation energy with higher filler loadings,attributed to enhanced barrier properties,improved dispersion,increased thermal stability,and the formation of protective layers.The Coats-Redfern method indicated a transition in the thermal degradation mechanism from the contracting sphere model to the contracting cylinder model with the incorporation of TiO_(2).The Criado model highlighted a shift from the Avrami–Erofeev equation(A_(2) mechanism)to the power law-contracting cylinder mechanism(R_(2))in PP/TiO_(2)composites,driven by improved nucleation and growth,filler-matrix interactions,and barrier effects.These findings demonstrate that the incorporation of TiO_(2)particles significantly enhances the thermal stability and alters the degradation mechanisms of PP composites,providing valuable insights for the development of advanced composite materials with improved thermal properties.展开更多
Membrane technology is characterized by its low environmental impact,low energy consumption,and outstanding separation efficiency,making it a very promising alternative to other wastewater treatment processes.Ceramic ...Membrane technology is characterized by its low environmental impact,low energy consumption,and outstanding separation efficiency,making it a very promising alternative to other wastewater treatment processes.Ceramic membranes offer numerous advantages,including high thermal and chemical stability,high mechanical strength,outstanding durability,and excellent resistance to fouling.Recently,a great deal of research has gone into the manufacture of ceramic membranes with modified properties by varying the raw materials used.Choosing the right raw materials plays an essential role not only in optimizing membrane performance but also in reducing costs.This paper briefly describes raw material sources,characterization techniques,the different preparation methods used to manufacture ceramic membranes,and drying and sintering temperature.The paper also examines in detail the role of ceramic membranes in microfiltration and ultrafiltration processes for the treatment of water and wastewater with high concentrations of oils,chemical oxygen demand,turbidity,total suspended solids,and heavy metals.This mainly includes treatment of oily wastewater,textile effluent,tannery and dairy wastewater,paper industry wastewater,metal ion removal,bacteria and virus separation,and seawater treatment.展开更多
Alzheimer's disease(AD)is closely linked to the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides(Aβ),which impair synaptic plasticity and contribute to cognitive decline.Among the fragments of Aβ,the CT16 peptide(the equiv...Alzheimer's disease(AD)is closely linked to the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides(Aβ),which impair synaptic plasticity and contribute to cognitive decline.Among the fragments of Aβ,the CT16 peptide(the equivalent of Aβ16,derived from soluble amyloid precursor proteinα,s APPα)has been shown to interact with theα7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(α7nAChR),potentially enhancing synaptic plasticity.However,the concentrationdependent modulation of CT16 onα7nAChR and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.We employ molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how varying concentrations of CT16 affect the conformation and function of theα7nAChR,and establishes the proportional relationship between CT16 concentration andα7nAChR receptor function regulation at the molecular level,finding a stoichiometric ratio of 1:3 for maximum activation ofα7nAChR by CT16,and establishing the first demonstration that the constriction geometry of the pore within extracellular domain(specifically its minimal cross-sectional area)serves as the dominant structural determinant for ion permeation pathways at stoichiometric CT16:α7nAChR binding(1:1 ratio),a phenomenon contrasting sharply with scenarios at higher ratios(CT16:α7nAChR>1:1).The presence of CT16 not only induces significant conformational changes,stabilizes specific receptor regions,but also modulates the ion channel's pore geometry in a concentration-dependent manner.These findings shed light on the potential role of CT16 in regulating synaptic plasticity and offer theoretical insights into its dual role as a positive allosteric modulator at low concentrations and an inhibitor at higher concentrations,which may have implications for therapeutic strategies targetingα7nAChR in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.展开更多
Designing a highly reactive adsorbent material for the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide(CO_(2))into valuable products to help ameliorate climate change and address the decreasing availability of fossil fuels is ...Designing a highly reactive adsorbent material for the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide(CO_(2))into valuable products to help ameliorate climate change and address the decreasing availability of fossil fuels is a widely explored application of two-dimensional(2D)nanomaterials.Herein,we present a 2D graphene-like monolayer(ML)of germanium(Ge)and carbon(C)atoms(2D GeC ML)for highly efficient CO_(2)adsorption and activation.We have employed first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory(DFT)to investigate the adsorption behavior of CO_(2)molecules at pristine GeC MLs and MLs containing defects/vacancies(C-vacancy VC,Ge-vacancy V_(Ge),and combined Ge-and C-vacancies V_(Ge/C)).We present a detailed description of the nature of the interaction and the mechanism of CO_(2)conversion via in-depth projected densities of states,electronic band structures,charge density analysis,and Bader charge transfer analysis.The results show that CO_(2)molecule weakly binds with the 2D GeC ML,with an adsorption energy(Eads)of only-0.13 eV,rendering 2D GeC ML unsuitable for the reduction of CO_(2).In contrast,CO_(2)gas molecules show strong chemisorption on vacancy-defected GeC MLs with significant Bader charge transfer.The CO_(2)@GeC_V_(Ge)ML system displays a maximum Eads of-4.46 eV,geometrical deformation,and a Bader charge transfer of-1.44 e-to the CO_(2)molecule.Thus,V_(Ge)is the most promising candidate among all considered GeC systems to enable the electrochemical CO_(2)reduction reaction.展开更多
The demand for additively manufactured ceramics in the aerospace industry is primarily driven by their high temperature resistance,lightweight properties,corrosion resistance,and the capability to integrate the manufa...The demand for additively manufactured ceramics in the aerospace industry is primarily driven by their high temperature resistance,lightweight properties,corrosion resistance,and the capability to integrate the manufacturing of complex structures.Such attributes enable the development of high-performance components,including engine hot-end parts,thermal protection systems,and satellite load-bearing elements,all of which are crucial for operating in extreme environments.Additive manufacturing(AM)technologies,including 3D printing techniques such as vat photopolymerization,material jetting,binder jetting,material extrusion and powder bed fusion,offer significant flexibility and precision in fabricating complex ceramic structures,providing clear advantages over traditional forming methods.Ceramic materials in communication systems are required to have a dielectric constant(ε_(r))between 2 and 6,a high quality factor(Q)value>1000,and a frequency range of 2-50 GHz,with anti-jamming capability≥90%,to ensure efficient and stable microwave signal transmission.For thermal protection,ceramics are required to withstand temperatures between 1000 and 3000℃and have low thermal conductivity<0.5 W/(m·K)to reduce heat transfer.Challenges in controlling dimensional accuracy after ceramic sintering,compatibility issues in multi-material ceramics for aerospace applications,economic and scalability barriers in ceramic-based aerospace manufacturing,and the development trends and potential of 4D printing in aerospace technologies are addressed,along with opportunities for future advancements,including multifunctional materials and innovative manufacturing techniques for complex aerospace components.展开更多
Zinc oxide/Copper oxide(ZnO/CuO)nanocomposites(NCs)have gained substantial importance due to their synergistic structural,electrical,optical and photocatalytic properties.In this study,ZnO/CuO NCs were synthesized usi...Zinc oxide/Copper oxide(ZnO/CuO)nanocomposites(NCs)have gained substantial importance due to their synergistic structural,electrical,optical and photocatalytic properties.In this study,ZnO/CuO NCs were synthesized using a green solution combustion method with lemon extract as fuel.X-ray diffraction(XRD)confirmed the formation of highly crystalline ZnO and CuO phases,while scanning electron microscopy(SEM)revealed an agglomerated morphology.UV–visible(UV–Vis)spectroscopy indicated an optical bandgap of 3.27 eV and photoluminescence(PL)analysis demonstrated strong near-band-edge and defect-related emissions.Dielectric studies highlighted superior charge storage capabilities,making these materials promising for energy storage applications.Photocatalytic investigation on crystal violet dye degradation under visible light showed an 83%efficiency at neutral pH,emphasizing their environmental remediation potential.The ZnO/CuO heterostructure facilitates enhanced charge separation and light absorption,boosting performance in opto-electronic devices.This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of ZnO/CuO NCs,positioning them as multifunctional materials for sustainable energy,environmental and technological applications.展开更多
The global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation,driven by the urgent need to address environmental concerns and energy security.In recent years,alternative solar energy technologies have attracted ...The global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation,driven by the urgent need to address environmental concerns and energy security.In recent years,alternative solar energy technologies have attracted increasing interest and investment,and organic solar cells(OSCs)have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional silicon-based solar cells.In this study,a series of four Mi donor materials(i=1-4)incorporating triphenylamine with donor-acceptor-acceptor(D-A-A)configurations was developed.These materials were designed by modifying the acceptor portion of the reference molecule TPA-R by incorporating four different fragments containing sulfur heterocycles,selenophene,and thiadiazole.The electronic and optical properties of small electron donor materials(SEDMs)were explored through theoretical analysis using density functional theory(DFT)simulations at the B3LYP/def2-SVP level of theory to optimize the geometrical structures and the TD-CAM-B3LYP/6–31G(d,p)approach to predict the excitation behavior.The theoretical results were then compared with experimental data,revealing a high degree of agreement.All the designed compounds,M1–M4,showed prominent and broad absorption peaks in the visible spectra,ranging from 595 to 726 nm,with comparatively smaller energy gaps(E_(g))than the reference TPA-R.Excited-state analysis revealed that all the designed molecules exhibited a significantly high electron-hole transfer rate from the D moiety to the second A2 acceptor,indicating that modification of the first acceptor improves the charge transfer properties.To fully understand how the small donor molecules interact with the C70 acceptor,molecular dynamics(MD)was performed.展开更多
The excess amount of reactive oxygen species(ROS)is a crucial problem in health and in many industrial processes.Nanozymes of antioxidant enzyme mimicking features are promising ROS scavengers,however,their formulatio...The excess amount of reactive oxygen species(ROS)is a crucial problem in health and in many industrial processes.Nanozymes of antioxidant enzyme mimicking features are promising ROS scavengers,however,their formulation is challenging.This work focuses on the development of a ROS decomposing polymer mesh by immobilization of Cu(Ⅱ)containing layered double hydroxide(CMA3)nanozymes on the surface of polycaprolactone(PCL)membranes prepared by the electrospinning method.The CMA3 nanoparticles were electrosprayed on PCL meshes resulting in the formation of nanozyme ring patterns.The amount of immobilized CMA3 was proportional to the flow rate during electrospraying,while the interfacial spider web-like structure was not significantly affected by this parameter.The obtained PCL-CMA3 composite materials showed remarkable superoxide radical anion scavenging activity.Such a decoration of the PCL mesh with CMA3 provides a possible solution for antioxidant nanozyme formulation for biomedical and industrial applications combatting the overproduction of ROS molecules.展开更多
Total antioxidant capacity(TAC)quantification is pivotal for biomedical diagnostics and food quality control.Herein,we developed a smartphone-integrated colorimetric platform leveraging a Fe-Mn dual-single-atom nanozy...Total antioxidant capacity(TAC)quantification is pivotal for biomedical diagnostics and food quality control.Herein,we developed a smartphone-integrated colorimetric platform leveraging a Fe-Mn dual-single-atom nanozyme(Fe/Mn-N-C)with enhanced peroxidase-like activity.Density functional theory calculations revealed that the unique diatomic synergy reduced the energy barrier during the catalytic process,thus endowing Fe/MnN-C with superior peroxidase-like activity.The inhibition mechanism of different types of antioxidants on the color reaction was investigated.The system quantified AA via antioxidant-induced suppression of oxTMB formation and applied successfully to the TAC detection of several fruit juices and commercial beverages.This work provided a new perspective for designing advanced single-atom nanozyme and developed a low-cost and easy-to operate TAC detection strategy with good sensitivity and specificity.展开更多
Zeolitic imidazole framework-8(ZIF-8)particles,composed of zinc ions(Zn^(2+))and 2-methylimidazolate,were used as carriers for incorporating iron oxide(Fe_(3)O_(4))nanoparticles,resulting in Fe_(3)O_(4)@ZIF-8 particle...Zeolitic imidazole framework-8(ZIF-8)particles,composed of zinc ions(Zn^(2+))and 2-methylimidazolate,were used as carriers for incorporating iron oxide(Fe_(3)O_(4))nanoparticles,resulting in Fe_(3)O_(4)@ZIF-8 particles.Due to the toxicity of Zn^(2+)to cell membranes,liposomes were employed to reduce this toxicity.Fluorescent dyes were loaded into ZIF-8 or Fe_(3)O_(4)@ZIF-8 nanoparticles as the mock drugs to facilitate tracking during cellular studies.The encapsulation efficiency of fluorescein(Flu)and nile red(NiR)in the MOFs was calculated to be around40%-60%.A burst release of Flu was observed under acidic conditions within 30 min,while natural PBS was significantly release in 6 h.The release kinetic of the whole platform was fixed as the Higuchi equation which referred to diffusion release.Liposome coating significantly decreased the toxicity of the MOFs,as evidenced by an increase in IC_(50)values from approximately 30 to 120μg/mL.The LDH release from L929 cells was confirmed when particles were used at exceeding 100μg/mL.The cellular uptake of the liposome-coated dye-loaded MOFs was confirmed after 3 hour-incubation.These findings suggested that liposome-coated MOFs could be served as an alternative carrier in biomedical engineering field.展开更多
The use of lithium-ion batteries in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles has become well-established,and battery demand is rapidly increasing annually.While technological innovations in electrode material...The use of lithium-ion batteries in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles has become well-established,and battery demand is rapidly increasing annually.While technological innovations in electrode materials and battery performance have been pursued,the environmental threats and resource wastage posed by the resulting surge in used batteries have been overlooked.Spent batteries are technically inoperable but contain excess metal inside the structure,making recycling essential for environmental protection and recovery of scarce resources.The battery recycling industry has gradually emerged under the influence of government implementation and ecological protection trends.However,the annual recycling volume is still insufficient compared to the output volume of used batteries.Therefore,more recycling plants and advanced technologies are imperative to improve recycling efficiency.This article summarizes pretreatment,pyrometallurgical,and hydrometallurgical processes and technologies in three major parts,analyzes their applicability and environmental friendliness using industrial examples,highlights their technical shortcomings and problems,and emphasizes the bright future of battery recycling.展开更多
Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate(NO3-)to ammonia(NH3)is a promising approach for addressing water pollution caused by nitrate and producing industrial feedstock NH3.However,a significant challenge lies in effecti...Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate(NO3-)to ammonia(NH3)is a promising approach for addressing water pollution caused by nitrate and producing industrial feedstock NH3.However,a significant challenge lies in effectively suppressing the formation of undesired byproducts such as H_(2),N_(2),NO_(2),and N_(2)H_(4).In this study,three Pd single-atom catalysts(SACs)supported on graphdiyne(GDY)derivatives functionalized with electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups denoted as Pd/GDY-F,Pd/GDY-H and Pd/GDY-OMe were prepared.Structural characterization showed that due to the electron induction effect of the functional groups,Pd/GDY-F displays the highest Pd valence state,followed by Pd/GDY-H and Pd/GDY-OMe.Interestingly,the nitrate reduc-tion activity also follows the order Pd/GDY-F>Pd/GDY-H>Pd/GDY-OMe,indicating that the nitrate reduction activity of Pd depends on the Pd oxidation state.In addition,the anion exchange ionomers and high nitrate con-centrations are beneficial for nitrate reduction.Under optimized conditions,Pd/GDY-F displays a high Faraday efficiency(FE)of 96.2%±2.5%toward NH_(3).Mechanistic studies revealed that high-valence Pd atoms favor the adsorption of nitrate reduction intermediates,leading to a high Faraday efficiency for NH3.展开更多
Graphdiyne(GDY),a rising star of carbon allotrope with sp-/sp?.hybridized one-atom-thick all-carbon two-dimensional(2D)network,has shown numerous unique structure and fascinating properties.Since the first successful ...Graphdiyne(GDY),a rising star of carbon allotrope with sp-/sp?.hybridized one-atom-thick all-carbon two-dimensional(2D)network,has shown numerous unique structure and fascinating properties.Since the first successful synthesis of GDY in 2010,GDY research has made a series of great progresses,and promoted the fundamental researches and practical applications in various fields of chemistry,physics,information science,material science,life science and environmental science and so on.展开更多
This study reports the synthesis of three sets of high-performance manganese(Mn)-doped Co_(3)O_(4)porous nanocrystals(PNCs)(5%Mn@Co_(3)O_(4),10%Mn@Co_(3)O_(4),and 15%Mn@Co_(3)O_(4))using a simple chemical co-precipita...This study reports the synthesis of three sets of high-performance manganese(Mn)-doped Co_(3)O_(4)porous nanocrystals(PNCs)(5%Mn@Co_(3)O_(4),10%Mn@Co_(3)O_(4),and 15%Mn@Co_(3)O_(4))using a simple chemical co-precipitation method.These catalysts were then used for the catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide(CO).This investigation focused on the effects of Co^(2+)or Co^(3+)substitution by Mn^(2+)or Mn^(3+)within the Co_(3)O_(4)matrix on various properties of the PNCs,including their physicochemical characteristics,morphology,microstructure,reducibility,thermal stability,and their impact on the catalytic performance.Comprehensive characterization using techniques such as X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET)analysis,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),Hydrogen-Temperature Programmed Reduction and(H_(2)-TPR),was employed to elucidate the factors responsible for effective CO oxidation.Compared to pure Mn3 O4 and Co_(3)O_(4),the Mn@Co_(3)O_(4)PNCs catalysts exhibited a more controllable microstructure and better dispersion of the active phase.The 5%Mn@Co_(3)O_(4)catalyst demonstrated the highest activity,achieving 90%CO oxidation at 197°C.This superior performance is attributed to its large specific surface area,excellent reduction capacity,and abundant oxygen species and vacancies.H_(2)-TPR and XPS analyses provided further insights into the reaction mechanism.Density functional theory calculations showed that the formation of bulk oxygen vacancies is more favorable when Mn^(3+)is substituted at the Co^(2+)sites.Overall,the chemical coprecipitation method offers a straightforward and cost-effective approach for producing Mn@Co_(3)O_(4)catalysts suitable for CO abatement in exhaust and flue gases.展开更多
Interfacial engineering,particularly the design of artificial solid-electrolyte interphases(SEIs),has been successfully applied in all-solid-state batteries(ASSLBs)for industrial applications.However,a fundamental und...Interfacial engineering,particularly the design of artificial solid-electrolyte interphases(SEIs),has been successfully applied in all-solid-state batteries(ASSLBs)for industrial applications.However,a fundamental understanding of the synthesis and mechanism models of artificial SEIs in all-solid-state Li-ion batteries remains limited.In this review,recent advances in designing and synthesizing artificial SEIs for ASSLBs to solve interfacial issues are thoroughly discussed,covering three main preparation methods and their technical routes:1)atomic layer deposition,2)sol-gel methods,and 3)mechanical ball-milling methods.Moreover,advanced ex-situ characterization techniques for artificial SEIs are comprehensively summarized.Finally,this review provides perspectives on techniques for the interface engineering of artificial SEIs for ASSLBs,with focus on promising methods for industrial applications.展开更多
This study focused on the synthesis of cerium oxide(CeO_(2))electrodes using the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction(SILAR)method to enhance supercapacitor performance.The fabricated thin films exhibited a ...This study focused on the synthesis of cerium oxide(CeO_(2))electrodes using the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction(SILAR)method to enhance supercapacitor performance.The fabricated thin films exhibited a face-centered cubic structure of cerium oxide with a distinctive cauliflower-like nanostructure.This unique morphology increased the surface area,facilitated efficient ion diffusion,and significantly improved the electrochemical performance.The CeO_(2)electrodes achieved a high specific capacitance of 659 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s,as measured by cyclic voltammetry.The electrodes delivered a maximum energy density of 64 Wh/kg and a power density of 3499 W/kg.These results demonstrated that CeO_(2)thin films are promising candidates for advanced supercapacitors and hold great potential for future energy storage applications.展开更多
Efficient and stable Pt-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)are indispensable for future fuel cells.Herein,we describe a heterostructure of Pd nanocrystals(PdNCs)on N-doped Ag nanowires(NWs)synthes...Efficient and stable Pt-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)are indispensable for future fuel cells.Herein,we describe a heterostructure of Pd nanocrystals(PdNCs)on N-doped Ag nanowires(NWs)synthesized using a direct epitaxial growth strategy with a Pd loading of only 9.5 wt.%.The PdAg bimetallic heterostructure showed the highest mass activity among reported PdAg-based ORR electrocatalysts and exhibited excellent stability,with only a 1.5 mV decay in the half-wave potential even after 20000 cycles of continuous testing.The remarkably enhanced activity and durability can be attributed to the distinct advantages of the ultrasmall PdNCs,cocatalysts of N-doped AgNWs,and their heterointerfaces.This work reveals that the epitaxial growth of a heterostructure on a stable support is a promising strategy for promoting catalytic performance.展开更多
Positive electrodes play a decisive role in exploring the Zn^(2+)storage mechanism and improving the electrochemical performance of aqueous Zn-ion batteries(AZIBs).Feasible design and preparation of cathode materials ...Positive electrodes play a decisive role in exploring the Zn^(2+)storage mechanism and improving the electrochemical performance of aqueous Zn-ion batteries(AZIBs).Feasible design and preparation of cathode materials have been crucial for AZIBs in recent years.Herein,taking the advantage of the tunnel structure of VO_(2),which can withstand volume change during charging/discharging,VO_(2)doped with Ce ions is synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal method and oxygen vacancies are synchronously generated during synthesis.It delivers a capacity of 158.5 mAh g^(−1)at the current density of 5 A g^(−1)after 1000 cycles and exhibits an excellent energy density of 312.8 Wh kg^(−1)at the power density of 142 W kg^(−1).The structural modification and prospect of enhancing its conductivity by doping with rare-earth metals and introducing oxygen vacancies may aid in improving the stability of AZIBs in the future.展开更多
Nickel/cobalt-based materials are promising cathodes owing to the high redox potential,high specific capacity,and long cycling performance.However,with the mass-loading of the electrode increasing,it greatly hinders t...Nickel/cobalt-based materials are promising cathodes owing to the high redox potential,high specific capacity,and long cycling performance.However,with the mass-loading of the electrode increasing,it greatly hinders the ion diffusion and charge transport,resulting in serious decrease of the electrode capacity.Herein,a hierarchical nickel-cobalt-based porous nanoflower structure(NiCo-Nanoflower)composed of numerous ultrathin nanosheets is synthesized,which significantly enhances the surface area and provides additional active sites.Besides,the abundant oxygen defects in NiCo-Nanoflower significantly enhance its electrical conductivity.Therefore,the NiCo-Nanoflower electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity of up to 210.4 mAh g^(−1)at 0.5 A g^(−1)and excellent rate retention of 180.4 mAh g^(−1)at 8 A g^(−1)(104 mA cm^(−2))even under high areal mass loading of 13 mg cm^(−2).Upon assembly in a NiCo//Zn battery system,the configuration demonstrates exceptional electrochemical stability,maintaining 74.3%capacity retention after 5000 cycles.This work demonstrates that NiCo-Nanoflower,equipped with three-dimensional microstructure and oxygen-enriched defects,holds significant potential for application in high-mass-loading cathodes for alkaline aqueous zinc batteries.展开更多
文摘The degradation kinetics of polypropylene(PP)composites reinforced with titanium dioxide(TiO_(2))microparticles were investigated using various kinetic models.The composites were prepared through a twin-screw extrusion process by varying the filler loading up to 30 wt%.The thermal degradation studies were conducted by using a thermogravimetric analyzer(TGA)at four different heating rates.The activation energies of the degradation of the composites were calculated using different model equations such as Friedman,Kissinger-Akahira-Sunnose(KAS),Ozawa-Flynn,Wall(OFW),and Starink.The Horowitz and Metzger method revealed an increasing trend in activation energy with higher filler loadings,attributed to enhanced barrier properties,improved dispersion,increased thermal stability,and the formation of protective layers.The Coats-Redfern method indicated a transition in the thermal degradation mechanism from the contracting sphere model to the contracting cylinder model with the incorporation of TiO_(2).The Criado model highlighted a shift from the Avrami–Erofeev equation(A_(2) mechanism)to the power law-contracting cylinder mechanism(R_(2))in PP/TiO_(2)composites,driven by improved nucleation and growth,filler-matrix interactions,and barrier effects.These findings demonstrate that the incorporation of TiO_(2)particles significantly enhances the thermal stability and alters the degradation mechanisms of PP composites,providing valuable insights for the development of advanced composite materials with improved thermal properties.
文摘Membrane technology is characterized by its low environmental impact,low energy consumption,and outstanding separation efficiency,making it a very promising alternative to other wastewater treatment processes.Ceramic membranes offer numerous advantages,including high thermal and chemical stability,high mechanical strength,outstanding durability,and excellent resistance to fouling.Recently,a great deal of research has gone into the manufacture of ceramic membranes with modified properties by varying the raw materials used.Choosing the right raw materials plays an essential role not only in optimizing membrane performance but also in reducing costs.This paper briefly describes raw material sources,characterization techniques,the different preparation methods used to manufacture ceramic membranes,and drying and sintering temperature.The paper also examines in detail the role of ceramic membranes in microfiltration and ultrafiltration processes for the treatment of water and wastewater with high concentrations of oils,chemical oxygen demand,turbidity,total suspended solids,and heavy metals.This mainly includes treatment of oily wastewater,textile effluent,tannery and dairy wastewater,paper industry wastewater,metal ion removal,bacteria and virus separation,and seawater treatment.
基金supported by the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(ZR2022MB073)of China。
文摘Alzheimer's disease(AD)is closely linked to the accumulation of amyloid-beta peptides(Aβ),which impair synaptic plasticity and contribute to cognitive decline.Among the fragments of Aβ,the CT16 peptide(the equivalent of Aβ16,derived from soluble amyloid precursor proteinα,s APPα)has been shown to interact with theα7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(α7nAChR),potentially enhancing synaptic plasticity.However,the concentrationdependent modulation of CT16 onα7nAChR and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.We employ molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how varying concentrations of CT16 affect the conformation and function of theα7nAChR,and establishes the proportional relationship between CT16 concentration andα7nAChR receptor function regulation at the molecular level,finding a stoichiometric ratio of 1:3 for maximum activation ofα7nAChR by CT16,and establishing the first demonstration that the constriction geometry of the pore within extracellular domain(specifically its minimal cross-sectional area)serves as the dominant structural determinant for ion permeation pathways at stoichiometric CT16:α7nAChR binding(1:1 ratio),a phenomenon contrasting sharply with scenarios at higher ratios(CT16:α7nAChR>1:1).The presence of CT16 not only induces significant conformational changes,stabilizes specific receptor regions,but also modulates the ion channel's pore geometry in a concentration-dependent manner.These findings shed light on the potential role of CT16 in regulating synaptic plasticity and offer theoretical insights into its dual role as a positive allosteric modulator at low concentrations and an inhibitor at higher concentrations,which may have implications for therapeutic strategies targetingα7nAChR in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
基金the Science and Engineering Research Board(SERB)for a state university research excellence(SURE)grant(SUR/2022/004935)funded by EPSRC(EP/X035859)the financial support,provided by UPES,Dehradun,India。
文摘Designing a highly reactive adsorbent material for the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide(CO_(2))into valuable products to help ameliorate climate change and address the decreasing availability of fossil fuels is a widely explored application of two-dimensional(2D)nanomaterials.Herein,we present a 2D graphene-like monolayer(ML)of germanium(Ge)and carbon(C)atoms(2D GeC ML)for highly efficient CO_(2)adsorption and activation.We have employed first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory(DFT)to investigate the adsorption behavior of CO_(2)molecules at pristine GeC MLs and MLs containing defects/vacancies(C-vacancy VC,Ge-vacancy V_(Ge),and combined Ge-and C-vacancies V_(Ge/C)).We present a detailed description of the nature of the interaction and the mechanism of CO_(2)conversion via in-depth projected densities of states,electronic band structures,charge density analysis,and Bader charge transfer analysis.The results show that CO_(2)molecule weakly binds with the 2D GeC ML,with an adsorption energy(Eads)of only-0.13 eV,rendering 2D GeC ML unsuitable for the reduction of CO_(2).In contrast,CO_(2)gas molecules show strong chemisorption on vacancy-defected GeC MLs with significant Bader charge transfer.The CO_(2)@GeC_V_(Ge)ML system displays a maximum Eads of-4.46 eV,geometrical deformation,and a Bader charge transfer of-1.44 e-to the CO_(2)molecule.Thus,V_(Ge)is the most promising candidate among all considered GeC systems to enable the electrochemical CO_(2)reduction reaction.
文摘The demand for additively manufactured ceramics in the aerospace industry is primarily driven by their high temperature resistance,lightweight properties,corrosion resistance,and the capability to integrate the manufacturing of complex structures.Such attributes enable the development of high-performance components,including engine hot-end parts,thermal protection systems,and satellite load-bearing elements,all of which are crucial for operating in extreme environments.Additive manufacturing(AM)technologies,including 3D printing techniques such as vat photopolymerization,material jetting,binder jetting,material extrusion and powder bed fusion,offer significant flexibility and precision in fabricating complex ceramic structures,providing clear advantages over traditional forming methods.Ceramic materials in communication systems are required to have a dielectric constant(ε_(r))between 2 and 6,a high quality factor(Q)value>1000,and a frequency range of 2-50 GHz,with anti-jamming capability≥90%,to ensure efficient and stable microwave signal transmission.For thermal protection,ceramics are required to withstand temperatures between 1000 and 3000℃and have low thermal conductivity<0.5 W/(m·K)to reduce heat transfer.Challenges in controlling dimensional accuracy after ceramic sintering,compatibility issues in multi-material ceramics for aerospace applications,economic and scalability barriers in ceramic-based aerospace manufacturing,and the development trends and potential of 4D printing in aerospace technologies are addressed,along with opportunities for future advancements,including multifunctional materials and innovative manufacturing techniques for complex aerospace components.
文摘Zinc oxide/Copper oxide(ZnO/CuO)nanocomposites(NCs)have gained substantial importance due to their synergistic structural,electrical,optical and photocatalytic properties.In this study,ZnO/CuO NCs were synthesized using a green solution combustion method with lemon extract as fuel.X-ray diffraction(XRD)confirmed the formation of highly crystalline ZnO and CuO phases,while scanning electron microscopy(SEM)revealed an agglomerated morphology.UV–visible(UV–Vis)spectroscopy indicated an optical bandgap of 3.27 eV and photoluminescence(PL)analysis demonstrated strong near-band-edge and defect-related emissions.Dielectric studies highlighted superior charge storage capabilities,making these materials promising for energy storage applications.Photocatalytic investigation on crystal violet dye degradation under visible light showed an 83%efficiency at neutral pH,emphasizing their environmental remediation potential.The ZnO/CuO heterostructure facilitates enhanced charge separation and light absorption,boosting performance in opto-electronic devices.This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of ZnO/CuO NCs,positioning them as multifunctional materials for sustainable energy,environmental and technological applications.
基金the support of the Center for Doctoral Studies(CEDOC)at University Mohammed I。
文摘The global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation,driven by the urgent need to address environmental concerns and energy security.In recent years,alternative solar energy technologies have attracted increasing interest and investment,and organic solar cells(OSCs)have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional silicon-based solar cells.In this study,a series of four Mi donor materials(i=1-4)incorporating triphenylamine with donor-acceptor-acceptor(D-A-A)configurations was developed.These materials were designed by modifying the acceptor portion of the reference molecule TPA-R by incorporating four different fragments containing sulfur heterocycles,selenophene,and thiadiazole.The electronic and optical properties of small electron donor materials(SEDMs)were explored through theoretical analysis using density functional theory(DFT)simulations at the B3LYP/def2-SVP level of theory to optimize the geometrical structures and the TD-CAM-B3LYP/6–31G(d,p)approach to predict the excitation behavior.The theoretical results were then compared with experimental data,revealing a high degree of agreement.All the designed compounds,M1–M4,showed prominent and broad absorption peaks in the visible spectra,ranging from 595 to 726 nm,with comparatively smaller energy gaps(E_(g))than the reference TPA-R.Excited-state analysis revealed that all the designed molecules exhibited a significantly high electron-hole transfer rate from the D moiety to the second A2 acceptor,indicating that modification of the first acceptor improves the charge transfer properties.To fully understand how the small donor molecules interact with the C70 acceptor,molecular dynamics(MD)was performed.
基金supported by the National Research,Development and Innovation Office(2024-1.2.3-HU-RIZONT-2024-00035)the Hungarian Academy of Sciences(LP2022-16-2022)the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action project ENSIGN(101086226)。
文摘The excess amount of reactive oxygen species(ROS)is a crucial problem in health and in many industrial processes.Nanozymes of antioxidant enzyme mimicking features are promising ROS scavengers,however,their formulation is challenging.This work focuses on the development of a ROS decomposing polymer mesh by immobilization of Cu(Ⅱ)containing layered double hydroxide(CMA3)nanozymes on the surface of polycaprolactone(PCL)membranes prepared by the electrospinning method.The CMA3 nanoparticles were electrosprayed on PCL meshes resulting in the formation of nanozyme ring patterns.The amount of immobilized CMA3 was proportional to the flow rate during electrospraying,while the interfacial spider web-like structure was not significantly affected by this parameter.The obtained PCL-CMA3 composite materials showed remarkable superoxide radical anion scavenging activity.Such a decoration of the PCL mesh with CMA3 provides a possible solution for antioxidant nanozyme formulation for biomedical and industrial applications combatting the overproduction of ROS molecules.
基金the financial support from the“New Universities 20”Foundation of Jinan(Grant No 2021GXRCO99,T202204)。
文摘Total antioxidant capacity(TAC)quantification is pivotal for biomedical diagnostics and food quality control.Herein,we developed a smartphone-integrated colorimetric platform leveraging a Fe-Mn dual-single-atom nanozyme(Fe/Mn-N-C)with enhanced peroxidase-like activity.Density functional theory calculations revealed that the unique diatomic synergy reduced the energy barrier during the catalytic process,thus endowing Fe/MnN-C with superior peroxidase-like activity.The inhibition mechanism of different types of antioxidants on the color reaction was investigated.The system quantified AA via antioxidant-induced suppression of oxTMB formation and applied successfully to the TAC detection of several fruit juices and commercial beverages.This work provided a new perspective for designing advanced single-atom nanozyme and developed a low-cost and easy-to operate TAC detection strategy with good sensitivity and specificity.
基金the fundamental fund from the University of Phayao(FF67-1848/2567)the Unit of Excellence on Advanced Nanomaterials which was supported by the Thailand Science Research+1 种基金Innovation Fund and the University of Phayaosupported by Chiang Mai University。
文摘Zeolitic imidazole framework-8(ZIF-8)particles,composed of zinc ions(Zn^(2+))and 2-methylimidazolate,were used as carriers for incorporating iron oxide(Fe_(3)O_(4))nanoparticles,resulting in Fe_(3)O_(4)@ZIF-8 particles.Due to the toxicity of Zn^(2+)to cell membranes,liposomes were employed to reduce this toxicity.Fluorescent dyes were loaded into ZIF-8 or Fe_(3)O_(4)@ZIF-8 nanoparticles as the mock drugs to facilitate tracking during cellular studies.The encapsulation efficiency of fluorescein(Flu)and nile red(NiR)in the MOFs was calculated to be around40%-60%.A burst release of Flu was observed under acidic conditions within 30 min,while natural PBS was significantly release in 6 h.The release kinetic of the whole platform was fixed as the Higuchi equation which referred to diffusion release.Liposome coating significantly decreased the toxicity of the MOFs,as evidenced by an increase in IC_(50)values from approximately 30 to 120μg/mL.The LDH release from L929 cells was confirmed when particles were used at exceeding 100μg/mL.The cellular uptake of the liposome-coated dye-loaded MOFs was confirmed after 3 hour-incubation.These findings suggested that liposome-coated MOFs could be served as an alternative carrier in biomedical engineering field.
文摘The use of lithium-ion batteries in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles has become well-established,and battery demand is rapidly increasing annually.While technological innovations in electrode materials and battery performance have been pursued,the environmental threats and resource wastage posed by the resulting surge in used batteries have been overlooked.Spent batteries are technically inoperable but contain excess metal inside the structure,making recycling essential for environmental protection and recovery of scarce resources.The battery recycling industry has gradually emerged under the influence of government implementation and ecological protection trends.However,the annual recycling volume is still insufficient compared to the output volume of used batteries.Therefore,more recycling plants and advanced technologies are imperative to improve recycling efficiency.This article summarizes pretreatment,pyrometallurgical,and hydrometallurgical processes and technologies in three major parts,analyzes their applicability and environmental friendliness using industrial examples,highlights their technical shortcomings and problems,and emphasizes the bright future of battery recycling.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22179057,L.D.)start-up package from Westlake University(L.D.)+2 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(2023A1515012238)support from the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Material Frontiers Research in Extreme Environments(MFree),China(No.22dz2260800)support from the BL11B and BL13SSW stations at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility(SSRF).
文摘Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate(NO3-)to ammonia(NH3)is a promising approach for addressing water pollution caused by nitrate and producing industrial feedstock NH3.However,a significant challenge lies in effectively suppressing the formation of undesired byproducts such as H_(2),N_(2),NO_(2),and N_(2)H_(4).In this study,three Pd single-atom catalysts(SACs)supported on graphdiyne(GDY)derivatives functionalized with electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups denoted as Pd/GDY-F,Pd/GDY-H and Pd/GDY-OMe were prepared.Structural characterization showed that due to the electron induction effect of the functional groups,Pd/GDY-F displays the highest Pd valence state,followed by Pd/GDY-H and Pd/GDY-OMe.Interestingly,the nitrate reduc-tion activity also follows the order Pd/GDY-F>Pd/GDY-H>Pd/GDY-OMe,indicating that the nitrate reduction activity of Pd depends on the Pd oxidation state.In addition,the anion exchange ionomers and high nitrate con-centrations are beneficial for nitrate reduction.Under optimized conditions,Pd/GDY-F displays a high Faraday efficiency(FE)of 96.2%±2.5%toward NH_(3).Mechanistic studies revealed that high-valence Pd atoms favor the adsorption of nitrate reduction intermediates,leading to a high Faraday efficiency for NH3.
文摘Graphdiyne(GDY),a rising star of carbon allotrope with sp-/sp?.hybridized one-atom-thick all-carbon two-dimensional(2D)network,has shown numerous unique structure and fascinating properties.Since the first successful synthesis of GDY in 2010,GDY research has made a series of great progresses,and promoted the fundamental researches and practical applications in various fields of chemistry,physics,information science,material science,life science and environmental science and so on.
基金the Center for Computational Sciences and Simulation(CCSS)at Universität Duisburg-Essen and provided the supercomputer magnitude(DFG grants INST 20876/209-1 FUGG and INST 20876/243-1 FUGG)at the Zentrum fur Informations-und Mediendienste(ZIM).
文摘This study reports the synthesis of three sets of high-performance manganese(Mn)-doped Co_(3)O_(4)porous nanocrystals(PNCs)(5%Mn@Co_(3)O_(4),10%Mn@Co_(3)O_(4),and 15%Mn@Co_(3)O_(4))using a simple chemical co-precipitation method.These catalysts were then used for the catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide(CO).This investigation focused on the effects of Co^(2+)or Co^(3+)substitution by Mn^(2+)or Mn^(3+)within the Co_(3)O_(4)matrix on various properties of the PNCs,including their physicochemical characteristics,morphology,microstructure,reducibility,thermal stability,and their impact on the catalytic performance.Comprehensive characterization using techniques such as X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET)analysis,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),Hydrogen-Temperature Programmed Reduction and(H_(2)-TPR),was employed to elucidate the factors responsible for effective CO oxidation.Compared to pure Mn3 O4 and Co_(3)O_(4),the Mn@Co_(3)O_(4)PNCs catalysts exhibited a more controllable microstructure and better dispersion of the active phase.The 5%Mn@Co_(3)O_(4)catalyst demonstrated the highest activity,achieving 90%CO oxidation at 197°C.This superior performance is attributed to its large specific surface area,excellent reduction capacity,and abundant oxygen species and vacancies.H_(2)-TPR and XPS analyses provided further insights into the reaction mechanism.Density functional theory calculations showed that the formation of bulk oxygen vacancies is more favorable when Mn^(3+)is substituted at the Co^(2+)sites.Overall,the chemical coprecipitation method offers a straightforward and cost-effective approach for producing Mn@Co_(3)O_(4)catalysts suitable for CO abatement in exhaust and flue gases.
基金This research was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFB3506300)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52176185)+2 种基金Guangdong-Foshan Joint Fund(2023A1515140091)Guangdong High-level Innovation Institute project(2021B090905000)Ningbo Yongjiang Talent Introduction Program(2023A-184-G)Eastern Institute of Technology,Ningbo.
文摘Interfacial engineering,particularly the design of artificial solid-electrolyte interphases(SEIs),has been successfully applied in all-solid-state batteries(ASSLBs)for industrial applications.However,a fundamental understanding of the synthesis and mechanism models of artificial SEIs in all-solid-state Li-ion batteries remains limited.In this review,recent advances in designing and synthesizing artificial SEIs for ASSLBs to solve interfacial issues are thoroughly discussed,covering three main preparation methods and their technical routes:1)atomic layer deposition,2)sol-gel methods,and 3)mechanical ball-milling methods.Moreover,advanced ex-situ characterization techniques for artificial SEIs are comprehensively summarized.Finally,this review provides perspectives on techniques for the interface engineering of artificial SEIs for ASSLBs,with focus on promising methods for industrial applications.
基金The authors extend their sincere appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project No.RSP2025R370,King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi ArabiaDr.Bidhan Pandit acknowledges the Iberdrola Foundation and European Commission MSCA-E4F program(Horizon 2020,Grant No.101034297)for support.
文摘This study focused on the synthesis of cerium oxide(CeO_(2))electrodes using the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction(SILAR)method to enhance supercapacitor performance.The fabricated thin films exhibited a face-centered cubic structure of cerium oxide with a distinctive cauliflower-like nanostructure.This unique morphology increased the surface area,facilitated efficient ion diffusion,and significantly improved the electrochemical performance.The CeO_(2)electrodes achieved a high specific capacitance of 659 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s,as measured by cyclic voltammetry.The electrodes delivered a maximum energy density of 64 Wh/kg and a power density of 3499 W/kg.These results demonstrated that CeO_(2)thin films are promising candidates for advanced supercapacitors and hold great potential for future energy storage applications.
基金financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22379078).
文摘Efficient and stable Pt-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)are indispensable for future fuel cells.Herein,we describe a heterostructure of Pd nanocrystals(PdNCs)on N-doped Ag nanowires(NWs)synthesized using a direct epitaxial growth strategy with a Pd loading of only 9.5 wt.%.The PdAg bimetallic heterostructure showed the highest mass activity among reported PdAg-based ORR electrocatalysts and exhibited excellent stability,with only a 1.5 mV decay in the half-wave potential even after 20000 cycles of continuous testing.The remarkably enhanced activity and durability can be attributed to the distinct advantages of the ultrasmall PdNCs,cocatalysts of N-doped AgNWs,and their heterointerfaces.This work reveals that the epitaxial growth of a heterostructure on a stable support is a promising strategy for promoting catalytic performance.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U21A2077)Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2021ZD05)Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province(ts20190908).
文摘Positive electrodes play a decisive role in exploring the Zn^(2+)storage mechanism and improving the electrochemical performance of aqueous Zn-ion batteries(AZIBs).Feasible design and preparation of cathode materials have been crucial for AZIBs in recent years.Herein,taking the advantage of the tunnel structure of VO_(2),which can withstand volume change during charging/discharging,VO_(2)doped with Ce ions is synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal method and oxygen vacancies are synchronously generated during synthesis.It delivers a capacity of 158.5 mAh g^(−1)at the current density of 5 A g^(−1)after 1000 cycles and exhibits an excellent energy density of 312.8 Wh kg^(−1)at the power density of 142 W kg^(−1).The structural modification and prospect of enhancing its conductivity by doping with rare-earth metals and introducing oxygen vacancies may aid in improving the stability of AZIBs in the future.
基金supported by the Joint Funds of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U22A20140)University of Jinan Disciplinary Cross-Convergence Construction Project 2023(No.XKJC-202309)+4 种基金Jinan City-School Integration Development Strategy Project(No.JNSX2023015)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22409071)Natural Foundation of Shandong Province(No.ZR2024QB120)Youth Innovation Group Plan of Shandong Province(No.2024KJG046)Higher-Level Talent Initial Scientific Research and Discipline Construction Fund(511/1009530).
文摘Nickel/cobalt-based materials are promising cathodes owing to the high redox potential,high specific capacity,and long cycling performance.However,with the mass-loading of the electrode increasing,it greatly hinders the ion diffusion and charge transport,resulting in serious decrease of the electrode capacity.Herein,a hierarchical nickel-cobalt-based porous nanoflower structure(NiCo-Nanoflower)composed of numerous ultrathin nanosheets is synthesized,which significantly enhances the surface area and provides additional active sites.Besides,the abundant oxygen defects in NiCo-Nanoflower significantly enhance its electrical conductivity.Therefore,the NiCo-Nanoflower electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity of up to 210.4 mAh g^(−1)at 0.5 A g^(−1)and excellent rate retention of 180.4 mAh g^(−1)at 8 A g^(−1)(104 mA cm^(−2))even under high areal mass loading of 13 mg cm^(−2).Upon assembly in a NiCo//Zn battery system,the configuration demonstrates exceptional electrochemical stability,maintaining 74.3%capacity retention after 5000 cycles.This work demonstrates that NiCo-Nanoflower,equipped with three-dimensional microstructure and oxygen-enriched defects,holds significant potential for application in high-mass-loading cathodes for alkaline aqueous zinc batteries.
