Search

[Display omitted] • Erythrocyte membrane coated N -doped CQDs and polydopamine (PDA-CQD/RBC）were synthesized. • 808 nm NIR photo-thermolysis promotes the crossing of the blood–brain barrier by PDA-CQD/RBC. • PDA-CQD/RBC can regulate metal ion balance as well as clear abnormal ROS to reduce severe nerve. • The introduction of near infrared light and heat can depolymerize mature Aβ fibers. Mitochondrial dysfunction and metal ion imbalance are recognized as pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), leading to deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) thereby and inducing neurotoxicity, activating apoptosis, eliciting oxidative stress, and ultimately leading to cognitive impairment. In this study, the red blood cell membrane (RBC) was used as a vehicle for encapsulating carbon quantum dots (CQD) and polydopamine (PDA), creating a nanocomposite (PDA-CQD/RBC). This nanocomposite was combined with near-infrared light (NIR) for AD treatment. The RBC offers anti-immunorecognition properties to evade immune clearance, PDA exhibits enzyme-mimicking activity to mitigate oxidative stress damage, and CQD acts as a chelating agent for metal ions (Cu2+), effectively preventing Cu2+-mediated aggregation of Aβ. Furthermore, the local heating induced by near-infrared laser irradiation can dismantle the formed Aβ fibers and enhance the blood–brain barrier's permeability. Both in vitro and animal experiments have shown that PDA-CQD/RBC, in combination with NIR, mitigates neuroinflammation, and ameliorates behavioral deficits in mice. This approach targets multiple pathological pathways, surpassing the limitations of single-target treatments and enhancing therapeutic efficacy while decelerating disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Efficient and inexpensive oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts are essential for the electrochemical splitting of water into hydrogen fuel. Herein, we have successfully synthesized NiCoFe(OH) x nanosheets on Ni-Fe foam (NFF) by exploiting the Fenton-like effect of Co2+ and S 2 O 8 2− to corrode the NFF foam. The as-prepared NiCoFe(OH) x /NFF exhibits the porous structure with the interconnected nanosheets that are firmly bonded to the conductive substrate of NFF, thereby enhancing ions and charge transfer kinetics. The unique structure and composition of NiCoFe(OH) x /NFF result in the low overpotentials of 200 and 262 mV at current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, as well as a low Tafel slope of 53.25 mV dec−1. In addition, NiCoFe(OH) x /NFF displays low overpotentials of 267 and 294 mV at a high current density of 100 mA cm−2 in simulated and real seawater, respectively. Furthermore, the assembled NiCoFe(OH) x //Pt/C water electrolysis cell has achieved a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a low voltage of 1.49 V, and displayed the good stability with slight attenuation for 110 h. The high OER performance of NiCoFe(OH) x is attributed to the co-catalytic effect of the three metal ions and the interconnected porous nanosheet structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Understanding the structure-function relationships encoded on chiral catalysts is important for investigating the fundamental principles of catalytic enantioselectivity. Herein, the synthesis and self-assembly of naphthalene substituted bis - l / d -histidine amphiphiles (bis - l / d - NapHis) in DMF/water solution mixture is reported. The resulting supramolecular assemblies featuring well-defined P/M nanoribbons (NRs). With combination of the (P/M)-NR and metal ion catalytic centers (M n+ = Co2+, Cu2+, Fe3+), the (P)-NR-M n+ as chiral supramolecular catalysts show catalytic preference to 3,4-dihydroxy- S -phenylalanine (S -DOPA) oxidation while the (M)-NR-M n+ show enantioselective bias to R -DOPA oxidation. In contrast, their monomeric counterparts bis - l / d - NapHis-M n+ display an inverse and dramatically lower catalytic selectivity in the R/S -DOPA oxidation. Among them, the Co2+-coordinated supramolecular nanostructures show the highest catalytic efficiency and enantioselectivity (select factor up to 2.70), while the Fe3+-coordinated monomeric ones show nearly racemic products. Analysis of the kinetic results suggests that the synergistic effect between metal ions and the chiral supramolecular NRs can significantly regulate the enantioselective catalytic activity, while the metal ion-mediated monomeric bis - l / d - NapHis were less active. The studies on association constants and activation energies reveal the difference in catalytic efficiency and enantioselectivity resulting from the different energy barriers and binding affinities existed between the chiral molecular/supramolecular structures and R/S -DOPA enantiomers. This work clarifies the correlation between chiral molecular/supramolecular structures and enantioselective catalytic activity, shedding new light on the rational design of chiral catalysts with outstanding enantioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sodium ions inside biomolecular condensates experience heterogeneous dynamics. • An integrative 23Na NMR relaxation-based approach is developed. • This approach allows separating contribution of various sodium ion populations. • Three populations of sodium ions with distinct dynamics detected in agarose gels. Metal ions, including biologically prevalent sodium ions, can modulate electrostatic interactions frequently involved in the stability of condensed compartments in cells. Quantitative characterization of heterogeneous ion dynamics inside biomolecular condensates demands new experimental approaches. Here we develop a 23Na NMR relaxation-based integrative approach to probe dynamics of sodium ions inside agarose gels as a model system. We exploit the electric quadrupole moment of spin-3/2 23Na nuclei and, through combination of single-quantum and triple-quantum-filtered 23Na NMR relaxation methods, disentangle the relaxation contribution of different populations of sodium ions inside gels. Three populations of sodium ions are identified: a population with bi-exponential relaxation representing ions within the slow motion regime and two populations with mono-exponential relaxation but at different rates. Our study demonstrates the dynamical heterogeneity of sodium ions inside agarose gels and presents a new experimental approach for monitoring dynamics of sodium and other spin-3/2 ions (e.g. chloride) in condensed environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Hydrothermal synthesis of magnetic core–shell material Fe 3 O 4 @UiO-66-PDA with high specific surface area. • Highly efficient adsorption of six heavy metal ions. • Theoretical and experimental analysis revealed the adsorption mechanism. • Magnetic separation and excellent reusability even after six cycles. With the ever-increasing challenge of heavy metal pollution, the imperative for developing highly efficient adsorbents has become apparent to remove metal ions from wastewater completely. In this study, we introduce a novel magnetic core–shell adsorbent, Fe 3 O 4 @UiO-66-PDA. It features a polydopamine (PDA) modified zirconium-based metal–organic framework (UiO-66) synthesized through a simple solvothermal method. The adsorbent boasts a unique core–shell architecture with a high specific surface area, abundant micropores, and remarkable thermal stability. The adsorption capabilities of six metal ions (Fe3+, Mn2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Hg2+, and Cd2+) were systematically investigated, guided by the theory of hard and soft acids and bases. Among these, three representative metal ions (Fe3+, Pb2+, and Hg2+) were scrutinized in detail. The activated Fe 3 O 4 @UiO-66-PDA exhibited exceptional adsorption capacities for these metal ions, achieving impressive values of 97.99 mg/g, 121.42 mg/g, and 130.72 mg/g, respectively, at pH 5.0. Moreover, the adsorbent demonstrated efficient recovery from aqueous solution using an external magnet, maintaining robust adsorption efficiency (>80%) and stability even after six cycles. To delve deeper into the optimized adsorption of Hg2+, density functional theory (DFT) analysis was employed, revealing an adsorption energy of -2.61 eV for Hg2+. This notable adsorption capacity was primarily attributed to electron interactions and coordination effects. This study offers valuable insights into metal ion adsorption facilitated, by magnetic metal–organic framework (MOF) materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The as-prepared NiTAPP-NiACQ exhibits excellent long-term durability and remarkable HER performance with a low overpotential of 117 mV at 10 mA cm−2, which is quite comparable to many reported electrocatalytic HER systems. [Display omitted] To realize efficient water splitting, a highly promising hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalyst is needed for the generation of hydrogen. Herein, we demonstrate a novel acenaphthenediimine complex-bridged porphyrin porous organic polymer (NiTAPP-NiACQ) with enriched active metal sites and hierarchical pores. The as-prepared NiTAPP-NiACQ exhibits good long-term durability and remarkable HER performance in 1.0 M KOH with a low overpotential of 117 mV at 10 mA cm−2, which is comparable to many previously reported electrocatalytic HER systems. Furthermore, a simple water-alkali electrolyzer using NiTAPP-NiACQ as the cathode requires a small cell voltage of 1.59 V to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at room temperature, along with outstanding durability. NiTAPP-NiACQ features not only a metal ion as the catalytic active center in the porphyrin core but also metal ion coordination on the anthraquinone component to promote HER performance, enabling multiple metal ions as the electrocatalytic active sites for the HER reaction. The excellent HER activity of NiTAPP-NiACQ is ascribed to a combination of mechanisms. These findings highlight the viability of porphyrin-derived porous organic polymers in energy conversion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new quinoline-based BODIPY fluorescence chemosensor was designed and synthesized. • The sensor exhibited a selective fluorescence response towards Hg2+ ions over the other metal ions. • This sensor C1 was successfully applied to detect Hg2+ ions in HT22 cells using the fluorescence microscopic images. • The observed limit of detection (LOD) for Hg2+ was found to be 3.06 × 10-8 M. • This probe could be used as a reversible sensor. A highly efficient sensor has been successfully developed using quinoline-based BODIPY compounds (8-quinoline-4,4-difluoro-4-boro-3a, 4a-diazaindacene (C1) and 7-hydroxy-8-quinoline-4,4-difluoro-4-boro-3a, 4a-diazindacene (C2) to detect Hg2+ ions. The sensor C1 exhibits remarkable selectivity in detecting Hg2+ with a limit of detection 3.06 × 10-8 mol/L. The developed chemical sensors have shown stability, cost-effectiveness, ease of preparation, and remarkable selectivity towards Hg2+ ions compared to other commonly occurring metal ions. The total recovery of the sensor C1 can be achieved by using a 0.1 mol/L solution of KI. The proposed sensor C1 has been applied to determine Hg2+ in tap and distilled water, yielding excellent results. In addition, the binding mode of C1 -Hg2+ and C2 -Hg2+ complexes was a 1:1 ratio confirmed by mass spectra, Job's plot, and DFT study. Moreover, the sensor C1 successfully applied for the biological studies results in negligible cytotoxicity, which demonstrates it can be used to determine Hg2+ in HT22 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Dansyl-based amphiphilic probe DLC for the detection of multianalytes is reported. • In acetonitrile, the probe detects trinitrophenol (TNP) and 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) through emission OFF. • Vesicles embedded probe is highly selective for Hg2+ among other metal ions and for pyrophosphate (PPi) ions among various anions. • The detection of Hg2+ worked on turn "on–off" emission and PPi with ratiometric change in emission. • The probe DLC could be used to detect Hg2+, PPi, and TNP. A fluorescent dansyl-based amphiphilic probe, 5-(dimethylamino)-N-hexadecylnaphthalene-1-sulfonamide (DLC), was synthesized and characterized to detect multiple analytes at different sensing environments. In acetonitrile, DLC detects nitro explosives such as trinitrophenol (TNP) and 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) by an emission "on-off" response method, and the detection limits (LOD) were estimated to be as low as 4.3 µM and 17.4 µM, respectively. Amphiphilic long chains of the probe were embedded into lipid bilayers to form nanoscale vesicles DLC.Ves. Nanovesicular probe DLC.Ves was found to be highly selective for Hg2+ among other metal ions and for pyrophosphate (PPi) ions among various anions. DLC.Ves could detect Hg2+ with a turn "on–off" emission and PPi with ratiometric change in emission at 525 nm. It is proposed that DLC.Ves could detect Hg2+ via the Hg2+-induced aggregation quenching mechanism and PPi through the Hydrogen bonding. The LODs are estimated as 6.41 µM and 70.9 µM for Hg2+ and PPi, respectively. 1H NMR, SEM, and fluorescence lifetime measurements confirmed the binding mechanism. Thus, it is believed that the simple fluorescent probe DLC could be a prominent sensor to detect multiple analytes depending on the sensing medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The adsorption of proteins on nanoparticles (NPs) largely decides the fate and bioeffects of NPs in vivo. However, bio-fluids are too complicated to directly study in them to reveal related mechanisms, and current studies on model systems often ignore some important biological factors, such as metal ions. Herein, we evaluate the effect of Ca2+ at physiological concentrations on the protein adsorption on negatively-charged silica NP (SNP50). It is found that Ca2+, as well as Mg2+ and several transition metal ions, significantly enhances the adsorption of negatively-charged proteins on SNP50. Moreover, the Ca2+-induced enhancement of protein adsorption leads to the reduced uptake of SNP50 by HeLa cells. A double-chelating mechanism is proposed for the enhanced adsorption of negatively-charged proteins by multivalent metal ions that can form 6 (or more) coordinate bonds, where the metal ions are chelated by both the surface groups of NPs and the surface residues of the adsorbed proteins. This mechanism is consistent with all experimental evidences from metal ions-induced changes of physicochemical properties of NPs to protein adsorption isotherms, and is validated with several model proteins as well as complicated serum. The findings highlight the importance of investigating the influences of physiological factors on the interaction between proteins and NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel pyrogallol-based dipodal fluorescence probe for Co(II) detection is developed. • The chelator shows excellent binding efficiency towards Co(II) with high binding constants. • It sustains the detection of trace amount of cobalt ions in the presence of many interfering metal ions. • A distinct change in color on addition of Co(II) ions to the probe can offer an additional value to use it as a colorimetric sensor. The present research focuses on the micro-level detection of cobalt ions in biological and environmental samples using a new probe. The probe is a multifunctional symmetrical dipodal molecule with two pyrogallol binding units attached to the malonate scaffold through a propylene spacer. It was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, electronic spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The molecule's binding, thermodynamic, and photophysical properties are also described. The designed probe demonstrates an excellent sensing ability for Co(II) based on the ESIPT "OFF-ON" fluorescence mechanism. The experiments explore the high selectivity of the ligand for cobalt sensing over a wide range of metal ions of biological and environmental importance. The fluorescence intensity shows a linear response to Co(II) in 5–100 μM concentration with a detection limit of 8.75 x 10−5 and a 2.65-fold enhancement in the intensity. These results establish its potential application as a fluorescence sensor. The probe is also employed as a colorimetric sensor for the qualitative determination of cobalt ions in DMSO solution. The interesting behavior of the probe motivated us further to study its coordination properties with divalent cobalt in solution. The pre-organized assembly with an appropriate cavity size favors the ligand for an efficient Co(II) encapsulation by coordinating through imine-Ns and aromatic ring-Os donors, giving high formation constants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Macrophage membrane coated N-doped CQDs (CQD-RAW) were synthesized. • NIR promote CQD-RAW to penetrate BBB. • CQD-RAW effectively captures excess Cu2+ to adjust the metal ion homeostasis. • Photothermal inhibits abnormal Aβ aggregation, and depolymerize mature Aβ fibers. The abnormal aggregation of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) is a major contributor to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cu2+ homeostasis imbalance can lead to the aggregation of Aβ, resulting in cytotoxic oligomers and fibrous aggregates, causing neuroinflammation and nerve cell damage, ultimately leading to AD. In this study, we synthesized nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dot (CQD), and designed a macrophage membrane (RAW-M) encapsulated CQD nanosystem for the first time. The abundant nitrogen-containing groups on the surface of CQD effectively capture excess Cu2+ and inhibit rapid Aβ aggregation. Additionally, the good photothermal properties of CQD dissolve the formed fiber precipitates under near-infrared light (NIR). In vitro and in vivo studies showed that the nanosystem significantly improved BBB permeability under laser irradiation, enhancing its ability to cross the BBB and overcome traditional anti-AD drug limitations. In vivo investigations conducted on APP/PS1 mice indicate that the nanosystem strongly reduced Aβ deposition, mitigated neuroinflammation, and ameliorates deficits in learning and memory. Overall, our nanocarrier approach adjusts metal ion homeostasis, inhibits abnormal Aβ aggregation, and uses excellent photothermal properties to depolymerize mature Aβ fibrils to protect cells from Aβ neurotoxicity, providing an effective strategy for Aβ-targeted treatment of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal ion doped hollow mesoporous ZnMn 2 O 4 /C microspheres were constructed. Among them, the sample 0.1 % Fe-ZnMn 2 O 4 maintains a specific capacity of 121.5 mAh g−1 after 1200 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. [Display omitted] Spinel ZnMn 2 O 4 with a three-dimensional channel structure is one of the important cathode materials for aqueous zinc ions batteries (AZIBs). However, like other manganese-based materials, spinel ZnMn 2 O 4 also has problems such as poor conductivity, slow reaction kinetics and structural instability under long cycles. Herein, ZnMn 2 O 4 mesoporous hollow microspheres with metal ion doping were prepared by a simple spray pyrolysis method and applied to the cathode of aqueous zinc ion battery. Cation doping not only introduces defects, changes the electronic structure of the material, improves its conductivity, structural stability, and reaction kinetics, but also weakens the dissolution of Mn2+. The optimized 0.1 % Fe-doped ZnMn 2 O 4 (0.1% Fe-ZnMn 2 O 4) has a capacity of 186.8 mAh g−1 after 250 charge-discharge cycles at 0.5 A g−1 and the discharge specific capacity reaches 121.5 mAh g−1 after 1200 long cycles at 1.0 A g−1. The theoretical calculation results show that doping causes the change of electronic state structure, accelerates the electron transfer rate, and improves the electrochemical performance and stability of the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid polyionic complexes (HPICs) can act as a chemical reservoir for Fe3+ ions from which the availability of complexed ions can be easily tuned through a precise pH control of the solution. This method enables the formation of PB nanostructures with different sizes and compositions. [Display omitted] Hybrid polyion complexes (HPICs) obtained from the complexation in aqueous solution of a double hydrophilic block copolymer and metal ions can act as efficient precursors for the controlled synthesis of nanoparticles. In particular, the possibility to control the availability of metal ions by playing on the pH conditions is of special interest to obtain nanoparticles with controlled size and composition. HPICs based on Fe3+ ions were used to initiate the formation of Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles in presence of potassium ferrocyanide in reaction media with varying pH values. Complexed Fe3+ ions within HPICs can be easily released by adjusting the pH value either through the addition of a base/acid or by using a merocyanine photoacid. This allows to modulate the reactivity of Fe3+ ions with potassium ferrocyanide present in solution. As a result, PB nanoparticles with different structures (core, core–shell), composition and controlled size are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Triazole-linked amidopyrene-tagged sugar derivative 1 exhibited aggregation-induced excimer emission (AIEE). • AIE-Active molecule 1 has been used to detect Au (III) ions in aqueous medium. • The limit of detection (LOD) of 1 for Au (III) ions was calculated to be 0.061 µM. • FT-IR and DFT studies executed the reversible binding mode of 1 and Au (III) ions. • The sensor's practical application was ascertained by recovering Au (III) ions from natural water. In this paper, an amidopyrene-tagged reversible fluorescence probe 1 has been constructed for the detection of Au(III) ions in H 2 O/CH 3 CN (4/1, v/v). It is used to identify the Au(III) ions over several metal ions with excellent sensitivity (LOD: 0.061 µM). The fluorescence quenching of 1 with Au(III) ions might be attributed to the reverse PET process. Probe 1 recognized Au(III) by forming tetravalent geometry with the amide –NH, triazole moiety, free water, and Cl- ion in 1:1 binding mode, which is evidenced by the DFT calculations, FT-IR spectroscopy, and HRMS value of the complex. The application utility of probe 1 was ascertained from the recovery of Au(III) ions from different sources of natural water samples. Interestingly, molecule 1 also showed aggregation-induced emission behavior at basic pH (>10) in H 2 O/CH 3 CN medium with high water content. The AIE might be attributed to the formation of self-associates of 1 upon the intermolecular H-bonding interactions between water and donor atom(s) of 1 or the increased polarity of the solvent medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Adsorption of divalent heavy metal ions (DHMIs) at the mineral–water interfaces changes interfacial chemical species and charges, interfacial water structure, Stern (SL), and diffuse (DL) layers. These molecular changes can be detected by probing changing orientation and hydrogen-bond network of interfacial water molecules in response to changing local charges and hydrophobicity. Sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy was used to probe changes in vibrational resonances of interfacial OH vs. DHMI concentration and pH. SFG spectra were deconvoluted using the measured surface potential and maximum entropy method in conjunction with the electrical double-layer theory for the SL and DL structures and correlated by hydrophobicity. Three surface charge reversals (CRs) were detected at low (CR1), medium (CR2), and high (CR3) pHs. Unlike CR1, SFG signals were minimized at CR2 and CR3 for DHMIs-silica systems highlighting considerable alterations in the structure of interfacial waters due to the inner-sphere sorption of metal hydroxo complexes. SFG results showed "hydrophobic-like" stretching modes at > 3600 cm−1 for Pb-, Cu-, and Zn-treated silica. However, contact angle measurements revealed the hydrophobization of silica only in the presence of Pb(II), as confirmed by an in-depth SFG analysis of the hydrogen-bond network of the interfacial water molecules in the SL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trace high-oxidation-state V ion is designed to localize the defect charge for suppressing the formation of Ti3+ deep trap in SrTiO 3. This is an effective strategy to finely adjust the defect engineering for boosting solar water splitting. [Display omitted] • Doping trace V ion into SrTiO 3 can promote the reaction of overall water splitting. • The V ion prefers to localize the defect charge cooperated with the Al3+ around it. • The localization of defect charge suppresses the formation of deep trap. • Increasing shallow defect state and defect-charge amount will boost the activity. The deep trap such as Ti3+ in SrTiO 3 has a great influence on its photocatalytic performance in overall water splitting, acting as a recombination center of carriers. The applied defect engineering is focused on decreasing the Ti3+ concentration for enhancing solar water splitting mainly by doping low-valence metal ions, while the high-valence metal ions are noneffective. In this work, we doped trace V ions into SrTiO 3 accompanied by the Al3+ from the Al crucible, promoting the photocatalytic activity in overall water splitting based on the photocatalysis evaluation. A series of advanced techniques are used to characterize the chemical and physical property changes in SrTiO 3 aroused by V ions. Combined with the density functional theory, we found that trace V ions can cooperate with Al3+ to localize the defect charge around it, suppressing the formation of deep trap and increasing the amount of potential delocalized charge at shallow state, responsible for the boost of activity. This work provides another effective method to modulate SrTiO 3 -based photocatalysts in defect engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Selective fluorimetric chemosesning of Cu2+ by probe 1. • Probe 2 demonstrated selectivity in detection of Al3+ ion through fluorimetry. • Nanomolar limit of detection in case of both ions. • Application of probe 1 in logic gate construction for detection of Cu2+. Schiff base probes (1 and 2) made from o -phenylenediamine and o -aminophenol were appeared as highly selective fluorimetric chemosensor of Cu2+ and Al3+ ions respectively. Strong fluorescence emission of probe 1 at 415 nm (excitation at 350 nm) was instantly turned off on addition of Cu2+. Very weak fluorescence of probe 2 at 506 nm (excitation at 400 nm) was immediately turned on specifically by Al3+. Job's plot and ESI-MS results suggested 1:1 molar stoichiometric ratio of metal ion and probe in their respective complexes. Probe 1 and 2 had demonstrated very low detection limit (9.9 and 2.5 nM respectively). Binding of Cu2+ with probe 1 was found chemically reversible on addition of EDTA, while complexation between Al3+ and probe 2 was not reversible. On the basis of density functional theory (DFT) and spectroscopic results, probable mode of sensing of the metal ions by the probes were proposed. Quenching of the fluorescence of probe 1 by Cu2+ was attributed to the extensive transfer of charge from the probe molecule to paramagnetic copper ion. Whereas, in the Al3+ - complex of probe 2 , photo-induced electron transfer (PET) process from the imine nitrogen to salicylaldehyde moiety was restricted and thereby the weak emission intensity of probe 2 was enhanced significantly. Effective pH range of sensing the metal ions by probe 1 and 2 were 4 to 8 and 6 to 10 respectively. Probe 1 was also applied in the design of a logic gate for Cu2+ detection. Moreover, probe 1 and 2 was also used in water sample analysis for quantitative estimation of Cu2+ and Al3+ respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-channel Zn-air desalination battery was studied which could recover Li+ and Co2+ from waste LiCoO 2 and provide energy simultaneously. [Display omitted] Nowadays, it is a global problem to recycle LiCoO 2 from waste lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the deficiency of high business cost and environmental pollution. Here, a novel three-channel ion recovery device based on a Zn-air desalination battery (ZADB) is proposed which can supply energy while separating Li+ and Co2+ from the recovered solution. The three-channel ZADB device consists of a Zn foil anode chamber with ZnSO 4 anolyte stream, an intermediate chamber with Li+ and Co2+ recovered stream and an air cathode chamber with LiOH and Co(OH) 2 catholyte stream, chambers are separated by anion exchange membrane (AEM) and cation exchange membrane (CEM) respectively. It can be described by the finite element simulation (FES) of physics field that, the Li+ and Co2+ in the recovered solution move to the cathode chamber, where the OH− are produced by absorbing O 2 from the air combined with electronic in the discharge process. At the same time, the SO 4 2− moves to the other end of the Zn foil anode chamber according to the law of charge conservation, which combined with the Zn2+ removed from the Zn foil. The results show that the recovery efficiency of the ZADB device is closely related to the discharge current density and the concentration of the recovered stream. The best recovery effect has achieved when 0.2 mol L−1 recovered solution is run for 24 h at the discharge current density of 0.2 mA cm−2. The average recovery rate is 0.275 mg min−1 with the highest recovery rate is 40.73 mg h−1, and the output energy density is 102.5 Wh Kg−1 during the experiment process. In addition, the ZADB device has the excellent long-term cycling performance and recycling stability. By comparing this device with other ion recovery methods, which provides that it is a splendid way to recycle Li+ and Co2+ from waste LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] High-entropy materials have received notable attention concern on account of their unique structure, tunable properties, and unprecedented potential applications in many fields. In this work, for the first time a NiCoMnZnMg-containing high-entropy glycerolate (HE-Gly) particles has been synthesized using a scalable solvothermal method. The HE-Gly particles were used as a precursor in design of porous high-entropy oxide (HEO) microparticles. The morphological and structural characterizations demonstrate that the temperature of the annealing process, and the composition of the metal ions in the HE-Gly precursors play important roles in determining porosity, crystallinity, and phase separation in HEOs. In fact, HE-Gly exhibited a porous structure of spinel HEOs with secreted MgO phase after annealing process at 800 °C, while the annealing process at 400 °C led to a low-crystallinity spinel phase without phase segregation. Overall, this work describes HE-Gly as a new precursor for altering the composition, crystallinity, and porosity of HEOs. This strategy is scalable for potential high mass productions, paving a new path toward industrial application of high-entropy materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A defect-rich polymer zinc metal–organic framework prepared using 1,4-phthalic acid-based polyether polymer as ligand and curcumin as regulator has been utilized as a novel dual-modal antibacterial platform for the efficient wound healing via the synergistic effect of the release of metal ions and curcumin. [Display omitted] A dual-modal antibacterial platform has been established for highly efficient wound healing infected by bacteria based on a defective zinc-based metal–organic framework composite, which was synthesized using 1,4-phthalic acid-based polyether polymer (L8) as ligand, curcumin as regulator, and Zn2+ as metal coordinated center (Cur@Zn-MOF). In addition to the integration of the features of polymer-MOF synthesized using L8 (such as high water stability and controllable and long-term release of Zn2+) and Zn-bioMOF prepared using curcumin as ligand (such as feasible release of curcumin and Zn2+ and good biocompatibility), the Cur@Zn-MOF bioplatform also possessed plenty of structure defects. Comparing with Zn-bioMOF and polyZn-MOF synthesized using the sole ligand, the smaller released amount of curcumin (6.08 μg mL−1) and higher release level of Zn2+ ions (5.68 μg mL−1) were simultaneously achieved for the defective Cur@Zn-MOF within a long-term duration (48 h). The synergistic effect afforded Cur@Zn-MOF the high sterilization performance toward Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) even at the low usage of 125 μg mL−1. The in vivo wound healing effect further confirmed the superior treatment ability of Cur@Zn-MOF toward the bacterium-infected wound. Also, the negligible cytotoxicity and low hemolysis of Cur@Zn-MOF greatly promoted the viability of human skin fibroblasts. Accordingly, this work can provide a new dual-modal bioplatform based on the functional MOF via the controllable release of antibacterial drug and metal ions for the efficient wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Epoxied SiO 2 nanoparticles and polyethyleneimine (PEI) was used to coating polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane for improved anti-fouling, oil water separation, dye and heavy metal ions removal capabilities. Characterization of the modified membrane revealed that the hydrophilic coating layer was applied onto the PVDF substrate successfully. The modified membrane can exhibit a high degree of superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity. Consequently over 98% of the oil was retained when this membrane was used in oil water separation. The hydrophilic coating layer enhanced the membrane antifouling performance, and its flux recovery rate reached 96.3% after filtration and washing with bovine serum protein solution (BSA). In addition, the modified membrane presented the ability to adsorb organic dyes and heavy metal ions in water and reject them via filtration. Most importantly, the crosslinking reaction between the epoxied SiO 2 nanoparticles and PEI imparts a high degree of stability to the coating layer. Thanks to the simple fabrication method and multifunctional performances of the coating layer described in this report, it may be used to modify other substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Epoxied SiO 2 nanoparticles and polyethyleneimine (PEI) was used to coating polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane for improved anti-fouling, oil water separation, dye and heavy metal ions removal capabilities. Characterization of the modified membrane revealed that the hydrophilic coating layer was applied onto the PVDF substrate successfully. The modified membrane can exhibit a high degree of superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity. Consequently over 98% of the oil was retained when this membrane was used in oil water separation. The hydrophilic coating layer enhanced the membrane antifouling performance, and its flux recovery rate reached 96.3% after filtration and washing with bovine serum protein solution (BSA). In addition, the modified membrane presented the ability to adsorb organic dyes and heavy metal ions in water and reject them via filtration. Most importantly, the crosslinking reaction between the epoxied SiO 2 nanoparticles and PEI imparts a high degree of stability to the coating layer. Thanks to the simple fabrication method and multifunctional performances of the coating layer described in this report, it may be used to modify other substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In the adsorption process of functionalized layered double hydroxide (LDH) to target pollutants it, is essential to investigate the role of functional groups. In this work, 2‑mercaptoethane sulfonic acid (MS) was used as an intercalation modifier to prepare functionalized NiFe-LDH by solvothermal method. The interfacial interaction between the functional groups and the NiFe-LDH surface was studied via molecular dynamics simulation. During the intercalation process, the more negatively charged sulfonic acid group tends to self-assemble electrostatically with the LDH laminate, while the sulfhydryl group is involved in complexing heavy metal ions. The adsorption experiments showed that the adsorption performance of the adsorbent for the three ions of Cd2+, Mn2+, and Co2+ at 298.15 K was 266.16 mg/g, 175.60 mg/g, and 106.56 mg/g, respectively, which were 10 times, 8.7 times, and 4.9 times higher than that of unmodified NiFe-LDH. Meanwhile, Multiwfn wavefunction analysis combined Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD) was applied to analyze and visualize the reaction active sites & the interactions between MS and NiFe-LDH, and the complexation of the functional group of MS with metal ions, to insight the role of the functional groups in MS molecule, and to reveal the cause that the adsorption capacity of modified NiFe-LDH for heavy metals greatly improves from the view of atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campylobacter jejuni PseI is a pseudaminic acid synthase that condenses the 2,4-diacetamido-2,4,6-trideoxy- l -altrose sugar (6-deoxy AltdiNAc) and phosphoenolpyruvate to generate pseudaminic acid, a sialic acid-like 9-carbon backbone α-keto sugar. Pseudaminic acid is conjugated to cell surface proteins and lipids and plays a key role in the mobility and virulence of C. jejuni and other pathogenic bacteria. To provide insights into the catalytic mechanism of PseI, we performed a structural study on PseI. PseI forms a two-domain structure and assembles into a domain-swapped homodimer. The PseI dimer has two cavities, each of which accommodates a metal ion using conserved histidine residues. A comparative analysis of structures and sequences suggests that the cavity of PseI functions as an active site that binds the 6-deoxy AltdiNAc and phosphoenolpyruvate substrates and mediates their condensation. Furthermore, we propose the substrate binding-induced structural rearrangement of PseI and predict 6-deoxy AltdiNAc recognition residues that are specific to PseI. • The crystal structure of the pseudaminic acid synthase, PseI, was determined. • PseI forms a domain-swapped dimer that features two intersubunit cavities. • Each cavity of PseI accommodates a metal ion and functions as an active site. • A comparative analysis of PseI and NeuB suggests the substrate-binding mode of PseI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Aqueous zinc-ions batteries with low cost, reliable safety, high theoretical specific capacity and eco-friendliness have captured conspicuous attention in large-scale energy storage. However, the developed cathodes often suffer from low electrical conductivity and sluggish Zn2+ diffusion kinetics, which severely hampers the development of aqueous zinc-ions batteries. Herein, we successfully prepare Mg/PANI/V 2 O 5 •nH 2 O (MPVO) nanosheets through conducting polymers (polyaniline) and metal ions (Mg2+) co-intercalated strategy and systematically explore its electrochemical performance as cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Benefitting from the synergistic effect of polyaniline and Mg2+ co-intercalated, the MPVO exhibits larger interlayer spacing and higher electrical conductivity than the single guest intercalation, which significantly enhances the electrochemical kinetics. As a consequence, the MPVO cathodes deliver superior specific capacity, rate capability and long-term cycling performance. Moreover, multiple characterizations and theoretical calculations are executed to expound the relevant mechanism. Therefore, this work provides a novel thought for the design of high-performance cathode materials for aqueous ZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Aqueous zinc-ions batteries with low cost, reliable safety, high theoretical specific capacity and eco-friendliness have captured conspicuous attention in large-scale energy storage. However, the developed cathodes often suffer from low electrical conductivity and sluggish Zn2+ diffusion kinetics, which severely hampers the development of aqueous zinc-ions batteries. Herein, we successfully prepare Mg/PANI/V 2 O 5 •nH 2 O (MPVO) nanosheets through conducting polymers (polyaniline) and metal ions (Mg2+) co-intercalated strategy and systematically explore its electrochemical performance as cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Benefitting from the synergistic effect of polyaniline and Mg2+ co-intercalated, the MPVO exhibits larger interlayer spacing and higher electrical conductivity than the single guest intercalation, which significantly enhances the electrochemical kinetics. As a consequence, the MPVO cathodes deliver superior specific capacity, rate capability and long-term cycling performance. Moreover, multiple characterizations and theoretical calculations are executed to expound the relevant mechanism. Therefore, this work provides a novel thought for the design of high-performance cathode materials for aqueous ZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triacylglycerol lipases (TGLs) can catalyze the hydrolysis reaction of triacylglycerol serving multiple functions in most organisms. Based on the genomic and transcriptomic databases of Neocaridina denticulata sinensis , two TGL genes from N. denticulata sinensis designated NdTGL1 and NdTGL2 were identified and characterized. NdTGL1 showed the highest expression in the stomach, followed by the testis and hepatopancreas, and NdTGL2 exhibited the maximum expression in the hepatopancreas, followed by the stomach and heart. Under the stimulation of copper ion, the expression of NdTGL1 peaked at 12 h and the expression of NdTGL2 elevated significantly at 24 h after stimulation (P < 0.05). It is speculated that NdTGLs may play an important role in the stress response of N. denticulata sinensis. Challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus , the expression profiles of NdTGL1 and NdTGL2 in the hepatopancreas was different, which indicates that the immune response of the V. parahaemolyticus challenge might lead to changes in triglyceride metabolism. The recombinant NdTGL (recNdTGL1 and recNdTGL2) were obtained and the enzymatic characterization of recNdTGL1 and recNdTGL2 were determined. The common maximum activity and stability of the recNdTGL1 and recNdTGL2 were observed at 45 °C and 10 °C, respectively. Both recNdTGL1 and recNdTGL2 exhibited the highest activity at pH 10.0. Furthermore, the recNdTGL1 and recNdTGL2 displayed the maximum stability at pH 5.0 and pH 8.0, respectively. In presence of different metal ions, the enzyme activity of recNdTGL1 and recNdTGL2 were inhibited by Cu2+ and Zn2+, and decreased by about 25%. Studies on the triacylglycerol lipases of N. denticulata sinensis provide theoretical support for studies related to fat metabolism in crustaceans and studies on response mechanism of digestive enzymes to microbial pathogens. [Display omitted] • Two TGL genes of N. denticulata sinensis were firstly identified and charactered. • NdTGL1 was highly expressed in stomach and NdTGL2 had the maximum expression in hepatopancreas. • The expression levels of NdTGLs were elevated after the stimulation of Cu2+ and changed under the V. parahaemolyticus challenge. • The recNdTGLs exhibited high activity in alkaline pH and displayed high stability at low temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Na 0.23 (VO 1− x) 3 (PO 4) 2.14 nanosheets are simply prepared. • The cathode delivers a high specific discharge capacity of 75.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. • A high capacity retention of Na 0.23 (VO 1− x) 3 (PO 4) 2.14 cathode is obtained. • The zinc storage mechanism is discussed on basis of ex situ XRD and XPS. At present, layered vanadium–oxygen structures have attracted wide attention for multivalent metal ion storage, especially in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), due to the attractive layered structure and large specific capacity based on V5+/V3+ double electron transfer. However, in addition to a large specific capacity, a high output voltage is necessary to achieve a high specific energy density. Vanadium oxide and vanadate usually feature low working voltages, serious structural degradation and limited practical. To alleviate these problems, some cathode modification strategies have been proposed that improve the operating voltage, structural stability and diffusion kinetics of multivalent metal ions. In this paper, vanadyl phosphate (Na y (VO 1− x) 3 (PO 4) 2) nanosheets preintercalated with sodium ions and modified with oxygen vacancies were prepared via a facile one-step liquid phase treatment. The Na y (VO 1− x) 3 (PO 4) 2 nanosheet cathode for AZIBs delivered a high specific capacity of 75.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and retained 27.5 mAh g−1 after 4000 cycles at 2 A g−1. Subsequently, the as-prepared Na y (VO 1− x) 3 (PO 4) 2 nanosheets were physically and electrochemically characterized, and a possible mechanism of Zn2+ insertion/extraction and structural decomposition was proposed based on ex situ XRD and XPS characterizations. Our work provides a simple method for simultaneously introducing sodium ion preintercalation and oxygen vacancies into vanadyl phosphate structures, and provides some insights into the zinc storage mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facile preparation of separable bio-adsorbents by a novel physical cross-linking agent for efficient capture of lead and cobalt ions in static and dynamic aqueous systems. [Display omitted] A separable spherical bio-adsorbent (CMC-Cr) was prepared for capturing heavy metal ions by simple coordination and cross-linking between targeted ions of Cr3+ and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). A simple alternation of the CMC incorporation allowed the interconnected networks within the microspheres of preformed solid CMC to be adjusted. The excellent network structure could achieve the maximum collision between the adsorbent and the heavy metal cations in the wastewater. Through investigations, CMC-Cr-2 beads were determined as the optimal adsorbent. The adsorption performance of novel materials was evaluated by examining their adsorption behavior on Pb(II) and Co(II) under both static and dynamic conditions. The results showed that the adsorption behavior of CMC-Cr-2 beads on both two heavy metal cations could be fully reflected by the Freundlich model. Under the theoretical conditions, the maximum adsorption capacities were 97.26 and 144.74 mg/g. The kinetic results for the adsorption of two heavy metal cations on CMC-Cr-2 beads were consistent with the Pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Moreover, the correlation coefficient of the Thomas model was significant in the dynamic adsorption performance tests. Five regeneration cycle studies were successfully carried out on CMC-Cr-2 beads to evaluate reusability and stability. The applicability of CMC-Cr-2 beads in authentic aqueous solutions (both the single and binary pollutant systems) was also studied, and the results indicated that CMC-Cr-2 beads had a high potential for practical implementation. Furthermore, by analyzing the surface interactions of two heavy metal cations with the CMC-Cr-2 beads based on FTIR and XPS characterization, a basic understanding of the interaction between bio-sorbents and pollutants in wastewater can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a chelating agent that binds tightly to metal ions. We found that cAMP response element (CRE)-driven promoter activity by protons was enhanced by EDTA in human T-cell death-associated gene 8 (TDAG8)-overexpressed HEK293T cells. The enhancing action by EDTA was also detected by proton-induced cAMP production that is located upstream from the CRE-driven promoter activity even at physiological proton concentration pH7.4. The proton-induced CRE-driven promoter activity was not enhanced by other chelating agents, ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and sodium citrate. The enhanced CRE-driven promoter activity by EDTA was not attenuated by increasing the extracellular calcium ion concentration. These results indicate that the EDTA-enhancing action may not be due to its chelating action but might rather be another EDTA-specific effect. Enhanced cAMP production by EDTA was also detected in a human leukemia cell line HL-60, in which TDAG8 and OGR1 (ovarian cancer G-protein-coupled receptor 1) were endogenously expressed, suggesting that the medical use of EDTA would influence the physiological and pathophysiological functions of hematopoietic cells. • EDTA enhanced cAMP production by protons in human TDAG8-overexpressed cells. • EGTA and sodium citrate did not enhance the cAMP production. • EDTA enhanced cAMP production in HL-60 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • MXene aerogels have been successfully fabricated by ions-initiated gelation. • MXene aerogels exhibit superior EMW absorption performance due to good impedance matching. • The broad EAB of 7.12 GHz can be attained for MXene aerogel. MXene aerogels with 3D network structure have gained much attention as lightweight electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers. It is still challenging to construct MXene aerogel monoliths with excellent EMW absorption capability in a simple way. Herein, the assembly of MXene aerogels was realized by gelation initiated by various metal ions in an aqueous dispersion, where metal ions link the MXene sheets together by bonding with OH groups on the MXene surface. It is found that metal ions have a great influence on the assembly microstructures of MXene aerogels, which are closely related with the complex permittivity of MXene aerogel absorbers. Versus divalent metal ions, MXene aerogels assembled with trivalent metal ions possess relative lower complex permittivity and deliver superior EMW absorption performance. Typically, a broadest EAB of 7.12 GHz can be achieved by MX-Fe3+, ascribing to its good impedance matching and multiple dissipation modes. Overall, this work provides an effective way to fabricate MXene-based aerogels to satisfy the lightweight requirement of future high-performance EMW absorption materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

K+ and Al3+ as the dual metal ions are uniformly pre-intercalated into the framework and the interlayer of δ-MnO 2 by hydrothermal method. The energy storage mechanism of δ-MnO 2 is the combination of dissolution/deposition and H+/Zn2+ co-insertion/co-extraction. [Display omitted] Layered δ-MnO 2 is a promising cathode material for aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity, high operating voltage and low cost. However, the dissolution of MnO 2 and the disproportionation of Mn3+ will lead to irreversible reaction and serious structural degradation of the material during cycling process. In this work, the Al3+ pre-intercalated K 0.27 MnO 2 ·0.54H 2 O was prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method with citric acid as the complexing agent and weak reducing agent. Based on the pillars of bimetallic ions K+, Al3+ and water, the framework and interlayer of δ-MnO 2 is stabilized. Besides, a certain amount of Al3+ facilitates the increase of crystal water compared with the pure K 0.27 MnO 2 ·0.54H 2 O, which is not only conducive to promote the construction of porous and loose 3D morphology, but also beneficial to improve the stability of layered structure and accelerate the migration rate of zinc ions. Contributed to the dissolution/deposition reaction mechanism combined with H+/Zn2+ co-insertion/co-extraction mechanism, it has achieved the high capacity with the maximum reversible specific capacity of 269.5 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and excellent stability with 205.8 mAh g−1 even after 300 cycles in Zn//Al-KMO battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cooperative catalysts based on Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 /TMO for oxidative reactions were produced. • Water-tolerant oxidative conversion of aminoaniline and benzylamine were performed. • The identified interfacial sites dictated the catalytic efficiency. Cooperative Bi(III)/Co(II) and Bi(III)/Mn(II) heterogeneous catalysts have been developed enabling efficient oxidative annulations for preparing both cross-coupled imines and benzimidazoles under ambient conditions in an atom-economic and time-efficient manner, involving ambient air as oxidant and without the need of any other additives. This is the first synergistic Lewis acid/transition metal catalyzed annulation which is potentiated by the interfaces between the building blocks of the catalysts. To achieve our goals, a useful fabrication process has been developed to heterogenize the transition metal ions via strong interactions on well-known Sillèn-type bismuth subcarbonate (bismutite). Their reusability, activity and selectivity as well as water-tolerance have made them potential competitors to effective heterogeneous/homogeneous catalysts reported previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin-cleaving membrane protease (ICMP), an outmember protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of the bacterium. ICMP has been reported to be involved in the process of iron uptake. In this study, we report the high-resolution structure of ICMP determined by single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD), which shows an atypical HxxE motif that differs from the canonical zinc dependent M75 peptidases and a "V-shaped" cleft that is observed to coordinate the metal ion for the first time. Crystals from the selenomethionine-substituted ICMP(Se-Met ICMP) diffract to 1.9 Å resolution and belong to space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 87.93, b = 78.14, c = 9.92 Å, α = 90°, β = 113.5°, γ = 90°. ICMP consists of two up-and-down helix bundles, which are arranged into an inverted "V" shape. Unexpectedly, no electron densities of metal ions are observed around the ICMP HxxE motif, which is shown to be involved in metal coordination in zinc-dependent M75 peptidases. In contrast, we find a metal ion at the opening cleft of the V-shaped structure of ICMP, where the ICMP residues Asp211, Glu316, Cys319, Asp322, and Asp397 are observed to coordinate the metal via hydrogen-bond interactions. Such observations might imply new potential substrate-binding and catalytic sites. The current work therefore provides novel insights into the diversity of the HxxE-motif-containing peptidase and paves the way for future studies aiming to delineate the mechanism of ICMP catalysis. • The high-resolution structure of ICMP was determined and reported for the first time. • A new potential substrate-binding and catalytic site of ICMP was found. • This study provides novel insights into the diversity of the HxxE motif in zinc-dependent M75 peptidases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mn2+ greatly enhanced the heat-resistance and increased the intracellular of trehalose and mannitol levels of Cordyceps javanica IF-1106. • Sporulation yield and heat resistance of the blastospores increased by addition of Cu2+ and Fe3+. • Higher virulence is achieved when the heat-resistant blastospores were used to challenge Acyrthosiphon pisum. Heat tolerance of fungi is critical for field stability and efficacy of fungal insecticides. Components of the medium, such as carbon source, nitrogen source and metal ions, contribute to the thermotolerance of fungi. In this study, several metal ions were detected to establish their effects on the sporulation and thermotolerance of the blastospores of Cordyceps javanica IF-1106 when cultured in liquid medium. The results showed that metal ions play different roles in sporulation and thermotolerance of the fungi. Mn2+ greatly increased the thermotolerance of the blastospores, and Fe2+ increased the thermotolerance slightly. However, both has no or negative effects on sporulation of the fungi. In the case of Cu2+ and Fe3+, sporulation yield and thermotolerance of the blastospores increased significantly. In addition, intracellular trehalose and mannitol involved in thermotolerance of fungi were extracted and then quantified by ion chromatography. We find that the trehalose and mannitol are higher in the presence of Mn2+, implying that Mn2+ could adjust the intracellular trehalose and mannitol level confers the blastospores with higher tolerance to thermal stress. Further, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied to screen the optimal composition of metal ions. When the formula was MnSO 4 ·H 2 O 8 mg/L, CuSO 4 ·5H 2 O 5 mg/L, FeSO 4 ·7H 2 O 11 mg/L, FeCl 3 ·6H 2 O 8 mg/L, maximum sporulation yield and GT 50 were obtained. Lastly, the virulence of the blastospores to Acyrthosiphon pisum was validated, a higher virulence is achieved with decreased LT 50 (2 d) and LC 50 (2.37 × 104 blastospores mL−1). In conclusion, thermotolerant blastospores of C. javanica IF-1106 and higher sporulation yield could be achieved by optimizing the metal ions composition, which helps to determine the formula for larger scale fermentation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multifunctional Ag/AlOOH nanowires (ANW) composite substrate was constructed, which not only accomplishes highly sensitive detection of organic dye molecules, but also has excellent performance in the degradation of pollutants. The ANW in the Ag/ANW substrate possesses a high aspect ratio, which extends the distribution area of Ag and enables a large number of hot spots on the active substrate. Additionally, due to the abundant OH groups on the ANW, there is an increased number of anchor sites for adsorbed metal ions in the Ag/ANW compound, thus contributing to the enhancement and degradation of molecules. Moreover, the constructed multifunctional Ag/ANW nanocomplexes also show great promise for practical applications, providing a reference for the detection and degradation of contaminants. [Display omitted] • A novel Ag/ANW substrate was prepared to degrade pollutants in wastewater. • The microstructure, degradation capacity and Raman signals Ag/ANW were investigated. • Ag/ANW substrate has high SERS sensitivity and good uniformity in SERS detection. • Ag/ANW exhibited a great prospect in practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into a GH3 family β-glucosidase (BGL) from the wild-type strain of Oenococcus oeni and its mutated counterpart from the acid-tolerant mutant strain. Our analysis revealed the mutant BGL's remarkable capacity to adapt to wine-related stress conditions, including heightened tolerance to low pH, elevated ethanol concentrations, and metal ions. Additionally, the mutant BGL exhibited superior hydrolytic activity towards various substrates. Through de novo modeling, we identified specific amino acid mutations responsible for its resilience to low pH and high ethanol environments. In simulated wine conditions, the mutant BGL outperformed both wild-type and commercial BGLs, efficiently releasing terpene and phenolic aglycones from glycosides in wine grapes. These findings not only expand our understanding of O. oeni BGLs but also highlight their potential in enhancing wine production. The mutant BGL's enhanced adaptation to wine stress conditions opens promising avenue for improving wine quality and flavor. [Display omitted] • Mutant BGL showed superior low-pH and high-ethanol tolerance than wild-type BGL. • Mutant BGL had better hydrolysis abilities to various substrates than wild-type BGL. • Mutant BGL showed higher activity in presence of some reagents than wild-type BGL. • Enhanced pH/ethanol tolerance may be related to BGL mutation-induced stability. • Mutated BGL exhibits superior ability to release terpene aglycones under wine stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The matrix of the stationary phase is a crucial element in affinity chromatography for protein purification. Various materials, including polymer or magnetic materials, have been employed as the matrix in the purification of His-tagged protein. Here, for the first time, we utilized a combination of melanin and alginate, both natural polymer materials, to synthesize Ni-melanin/alginate (Ni-M/A) beads for His-tagged protein purification. We investigated the binding of His-tagged Mpro on the Ni-M/A beads, referred to as Ni-M/A-Mpro, and assessed the elution efficiency of Mpro from the beads. Our examination involved FTIR, EDS, XRD, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting methods. FTIR spectra revealed notable changes in the stretching patterns and intensities of hydroxyl, amine, carbonyl, imine and amide chemical groups, when Mpro protein was present in the Ni-M/A sample. XRD spectra demonstrated the occurrence of two Nickel peaks at 35–40 deg and 40–45 deg in Ni-M/A, but only one nickel peak at 35–40 deg in Ni-M/A-Mpro, indicating the binding of Mpro on the Nickel ions. EDS analysis reported a decrease in the concentration of Nickel on the surface of Ni-M/A from 16% to 7% when Mpro protein was loaded into the stationary phase. Importantly, our data indicated that the purity of the His-tagged protein Mpro after purification reached 97% after just one-step purification using the Ni-M/A stationary phase. Moreover, the binding capacity of Ni-M/A for Mpro was approximately 5.2 mg/g with recovery efficiency of 40%. Our results suggested Ni-M/A as a highly potential solid phase for affinity chromatography in the purification of His-tagged protein. • Novel Ni-melanin/alginate (Ni-M/A) beads were created for His-tagged protein purification. • The purity of the His-tagged protein Mpro after purification reached to 97% using the Ni-M/A beads as stationary phase. • The binding capacity of Ni-M/A beads for His-tagged protein Mpro was around 5.2 mg/g with recovery efficiency of 40%. • Ni-M/A beads acted as a very potential solid phase of affinity chromatography for His-tagged protein purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterium with high Cr(VI) detoxification capability belonged to the genus Bacillus have been largely explored, yet their reduction strategies are still in debate. Cr(VI) removal performance and mechanism of Bacillus sp. HL1 isolated from tailings a site was comprehensively investigated in this study. Approximately 88.31% of 100 mg/L Cr(VI) was continuously removed within 72 h, while it could resist up to 300 mg/L Cr(VI). Metal ions Mn2+ and Cu2+ could effectively improve the Cr(VI) removal performance to 14.41% and 3.41% under the optimal conditions, respectively. Cr(VI) removal performances by subcellular extracts showed that nearly 45.28% of 100 mg/L extracellular Cr(VI) was efficaciously reduced to Cr(III), while only 14.27%, 6.40%, and 2.73% of the cell-free extract, resting cells, and cell debris were reduced, respectively. This suggested that extracellular bioreduction was the primary Cr(VI) detoxification strategy despite a small part of Cr(VI) reduction took place intracellularly. In particular, the reduction products of the intracellular and extracellular compounds significantly differed, with organo-Cr(III) complex outside the cell and crystalline Cr(III) precipitate inside. Such observation was also evidenced by the intracellular black precipitate observed in the TEM image. XRD, XPS, and EPR analysis showed different Cr(III) compositions of intracellular and extracellular products. This study deepens our insights into the different fates of microorganisms that reduce Cr(VI) intracellularly and extracellularly. • Extracellular bioreduction was main Cr(VI) detoxification strategies by the newly isolated Bacillus sp. HL1. • Mn2+ and Cu2+ could effectively improve the Cr(VI) removal performance. • Extracellular organo-Cr(III) complex and intracellular crystalline Cr(III) precipitate were the main reduced products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work investigates the potential of peanut shells, an abundant agro-industrial waste, to serve as an adsorbent precursor for the effective and simple treatment of effluents loaded with cadmium and nickel ions. Among the adsorbents prepared, carbonized peanut shell (C Carb), due to its higher adsorption capacity, proved to be the most effective compared to carbonized and activated peanut shell (C ATQ). The carbonization process led to structural changes, which resulted in an increase in surface area (around 6 times more in C ATQ) and pore volume (around 3 times more in C ATQ). Even so, the amount of H+ acid sites due to acid activation produced unfavorable effects for adsorption. Hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl groups were identified on the adsorbent surface which presented favorable charges for metal adsorption. This improvement propels the carbonized variant to the forefront, demonstrating the highest adsorption capacity and reaching equilibrium in less than 90 and 60 min for cadmium and nickel ions, respectively. In both monocomponent and bicomponent systems concentrations greater than 40 ppm signify an increase in adsorption capacity for Ni2+. The experimental data best fit the Freundlich model, showing maximum adsorption capacities of 17.04 mg g−1 for cadmium and 31.28 mg g−1 for nickel. Despite the antagonistic effect observed in the bicomponent system, this study concludes by underlining the promise of activated carbon from peanut shells to harmonize technical and environmental concerns. [Display omitted] • Valorization of peanut shells as adsorbent for the removal of Cd2+ and Ni2+ ions. • Evidence of antagonistic adsorption process between Cd2+ and Ni2+ ions on the C Cab. • C cab exhibited a Cd2+ adsorption preference over Ni2+ for this system. • The experimental data aligns best with the Freundlich model. • More than one step controls the adsorptive process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of TRPV4 in physiology and disease has been reported by several groups. Recently we have reported that TRPV4 localizes in the mitochondria in different cellular systems, regulates mitochondrial metabolism and electron transport chain functions. Here, we show that TRPV4 colocalizes with Cytochrome C (Cyt C), both in resting as well as in activated conditions. Amino acid region 592–630 of TRPV4 (termed as Fr592-630) that also covers TM4-Loop-TM5 region (which is also a hotspot of several pathogenic mutations) interacts with Cyt C, in a Ca2+-sensitive manner. This interaction is also variable and sensitive to other divalent and trivalent cations (i.e., Cu2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Fe3+). Key residues of TRPV4 involved in these interactions remain conserved throughout the vertebrate evolution. Accordingly, this interaction is variable in the case of different pathogenic mutations (R616Q, F617L, L618P, V620I). Our data suggest that the TRPV4-Cyt C complex differs due to different mutations and is sensitive to the presence of different metal ions. We propose that TRPV4-Cyt C complex formation is important for physiological functions and relevant for TRPV4-induced channelopathies. Cytochrome C interacts with TRPV4 in its mutational hotspot region. This interaction is different in presence of different metal ions and mutations. TRPV4-Cytochrome C complex can be relevant for apoptosis, cell signalling and different TRPV4-mediated channelopathies. [Display omitted] • TRPV4 interacts with Cytochrome C. • This interaction is through the TM4-Loop-TM5 region of TRPV4 and is sensitive to different metal ions. • The residues involved in this interaction are conserved throughout the vertebrates. • Different mutants of TRPV4 interact with Cytochrome C differently. • TRPV4-Cytochrome C interaction might be relevant for TRPV4-mediated channelopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu 0.06 MnO 2 ·1.7H 2 O and Bi 0.09 MnO 2 ·1.5H 2 O with nanoflower structures were designed and prepared by a simple one-step hydrothermal method, which will be applied for cathode material of aqueous zinc ion battery. The pre-intercalated metal ions and water molecules serve as pillars to improve the stability of layered structure and the migration rate of zinc ions. [Display omitted] • Two kinds of cathode materials of Cu 0.06 MnO 2 ·1.7H 2 O (CuMO) and Bi 0.09 MnO 2 ·1.5H 2 O (BiMO) with nanoflower structure were designed by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. • The pre-intercalated metal ions and water molecules serve as pillars to sustain the layered structures of these materials. • The metal ions and crystal water are beneficial to improve the migration rate of zinc ions. • The layered structure of the BiMO cathode can be effectively sustained by the incorporation of hydrated Bi3+, and the specific capacity of the CuMO cathode can be finally enhanced by the incorporation of hydrated Cu2+. For aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs), birnessite MnO 2 (δ-MnO 2) has been intensively used as one of the most potential cathode materials due to its layered structure, which is conducive to reversible insertion/extraction of zinc ions. However, δ-MnO 2 has not been attained for zinc ion storage performance because of its inferior conductivity as well as the undesirable structural degradation upon charge/discharge cycling. Herein, we have designed two kinds of cathode materials of Cu 0.06 MnO 2 ·1.7H 2 O (CuMO) and Bi 0.09 MnO 2 ·1.5H 2 O (BiMO) with nanoflower structure for the first time by a facile one-step hydrothermal method, which will be applied for high-performance AZIBs.The pre-intercalated metal ions and water molecules serve as pillars to sustain the layered structures, improving the stability of these materials. Particularly, the CuMO may experience a replacement reaction except the zinc ion insertion/extraction to form metallic Cu during the cycling process, which can enhance the diffusion rate of Zn2+, thus resulting in an excellent electronic conductivity and exhibiting remarkable specific capacities. Furthermore, a pseudo-capacitance that is derived from the surface-adsorbed Cu2+and Bi3+ also contributes to the improved electrochemical performances. The reversible capacity of CuMO is estimated as 350 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, which is much higher than that of pure δ-MnO 2 (190 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1). However, BiMO demonstrates long-term cycling stability, maintaining a capacity of 114.5 mAh g−1 even after 1100 charged-discharged cycles at 1 A g−1. The capacity retention is found to be as high as 98.6%, which is much higher than that of pure δ-MnO 2 (53.8%). This can contribute to the development of high-performance AZIBs and the application of metal ion pre-intercalation methods in other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscale hematoporphrin-based frameworks are synthesized by utilizing Al3+ ions as the metal nodes rather than heavy metals, and they exhibit low energy transfer and achieve enhanced photo-sono cancer therapy. [Display omitted] • Synthesis of hematoporphrin-based nanoscale frameworks (AlHFs) with Al3+ ions as metal nodes. • Higher 1O 2 production efficacy of AlHFs than FeHFs upon irradiation with light and ultrasound. • Good biocompatibility and the intracellular 1O 2 generation ability. • Significant inhibition of malignant tumors due to synergistic therapeutic effect. Nanoscale metal–organic frameworks composed of heavy metal ions (such as Fe3+ and Cu2+) as metal nodes have been utilized for cancer therapy, but they suffer from serious quenching in fluorescence and photo-sono sensitization due to their paramagnetism and unsaturated 3d orbitals. To solve these problems, we synthesize nanoscale hematoporphrin-based frameworks with Al3+ ions as metal nodes (AlHFs) rather than heavy metals and achieve enhanced photo-sono therapy of malignant tumors. The hydrophilic AlHFs are prepared by first assembling hematoporphrin molecules and Al(III) trimers via covalent coordination and then surface-modifying them with 1,2-distearoyl- sn - glycero -3-phosphoethanolamine-N-(polyethylene glycol) (DSPE-PEG) molecules. Under excitation with 660 nm light or ultrasound, AlHFs-PEG can produce 3.6-fold or 2.8-fold more 1O 2 species than the as-synthesized nanoscale Fe-hematoporphrin frameworks (FeHFs) because the Al3+ ions without 3d orbitals are not beneficial for energy transfer, while Fe3+ ions with unsaturated 3d orbitals and paramagnetism can cause significant energy transfer. AlHFs-PEG exhibits high biocompatibility and can be engulfed by cells to produce intracellular 1O 2 for efficient destruction of cells. With the high biosafety and the photo-sono sensitization, the growth rate of tumors in mice with the AlHFs-PEG injection is significantly inhibited upon exposure to both light and ultrasound, showing higher therapeutic efficacy than photodynamic therapy or sonodynamic therapy alone. Therefore, the present work not only presents the preparation of AlHFs-PEG for tumor photo-sono therapy but also provides some insights for developing nanoscale frameworks with light metal ions as metal nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Crosslinking the copolymer enhanced its migration resistance and membrane stability. • The membrane exhibited pH-dependent adsorption and easy recovery properties. • The membrane removal/regeneration process resulted in the concentration of purified target pollutants. In this study, a blend membrane consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and tertiary amine containing random copolymer poly(methyl methacrylate-r-dimethylamino-2-ethyl methacrylate) (P(MMA- r -DMAEMA)) was fabricated and utilized as an adsorptive membrane for micropollutants (anionic dye and heavy metal ions) removal from aqueous solutions. Cross-linking the random copolymer by p-xylylene dichloride (XDC) produced the membrane with improved copolymer retention ratio and stability, while slightly variated physicochemical properties. Besides, the fluxes of crosslinked blend membranes dramatically increased from 0.7 ± 0.1 L/(m2h) to 118.6 ± 5.9 L/(m2h). Then the present blend membrane was carried out adsorption and filtration experiments to investigate the influence of various of operation parameters including initial solution pH value, contacting time, initial solution concentration, and recycling efficiency on micropollutants removal. The experimental results showed that the removal of the anionic dyes and heavy metal ions on this tertiary amine containing blend membrane was a pH-dependent process with the maximum adsorption capacity at the initial solution pH of 3.5 for anionic dyes and 6.0 for metal ions, respectively. The membrane showed highly efficient capture of sunset yellow (above 99%). Meanwhile, the captured sunset yellow was recovered and concentrated with a small volume of alkaline solutions at pH 10.0, which simultaneously regenerated the membrane for its reuse. In a 3-cycle capture-recovery test, the membrane demonstrated a high sunset yellow recovery ratio and a volumetric concentration ratio as high as 400%. Our study provides an alternative strategy for functionalized membrane fabrication, micropollutants removal and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiHCF/RGO hybrid with nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) nanocubes uniformly loaded on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets shows remarkably enhanced electrochemical zinc storage performance compared to the bare NiHCF counterpart. This work would offer an insight into design of the PBA-based cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. [Display omitted] Prussian blue analogues (PBA) have attracted much attention in energy research due to their unique three-dimensional open framework structure, adjustable metal ions, and facile synthesis. However, the application of PBA as a cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) is restricted by its poor cycling performance and lower capacity. In this paper, we develop a new PBA-based hybrid cathode material for aqueous ZIBs by loading uniform nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) nanocubes onto reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets. In the NiHCF/RGO hybrid, NiHCF nanoparticles are well anchored on the RGO layers, forming a conductive network. The strong synergy between NiHCF and highly conductive RGO effectively increases the specific surface area, accelerates the electron and ion transport, and inhibits the structural collapse of the NiHCF/RGO electrode during the Zn2+ insertion/extraction process. Benefiting from the above advantages, the NiHCF/RGO hybrid exhibits a remarkable reversible capacity of 94.5 mAh g−1 at a current density of 5 mA g−1, excellent rate performance of 50.1 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1, and enhanced cycling stability with a capacity retention of 80.3% after 1000 cycles at 200 mA g−1. This work provides a simple and effective way to improve the electrochemical performance of PBA-based cathodes for aqueous ZIBs application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a new designed tris-ligand L 3 (BTA-DPA 3), complex supramolecular fibers are prepared through a coordination-induced self-assembly. Upon mixing metal ion and L 3 ligand, the coordination constructs an assembled subunit which further stack into supramolecular fibers based on the strong H-bonding of BTA core. Varying metal ions hardly disturbs the fiber formation and structure, while enables introducing different functionalities from the metal ions. The study demonstrates a novel strategy for constructing supramolecular materials with hierarchical structures and functionalities. [Display omitted] In the quest for large but well-controlled supramolecular structures, the discotic benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) has received quite some attention, because it can form hydrogen-bonded stacks that can be regarded as supramolecular polymers of which the single BTA molecule is the monomer. In this report, we consider a more complex BTA-based supramolecular polymer, namely one that is built up from supramolecular 'monomers'. We design a tris-ligand L 3 consisting of a BTA core carrying three dipicolinic acid (DPA) groups. L 3 itself is too small to form polymers, but in the presence of appropriate metal ions, each L 3 can form three coordination bonds and so form (L 3) n clusters that are large enough to stack successfully: at an appropriate metal dose, long and stable filaments with a cross-sectional diameter of 12 nm appear. We monitor the growth process by UV–vis spectroscopy and light scattering, and use small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), TEM as well as molecular simulation to confirm the filamentous structure of the fibers and determine their dimensions. The formation and structure of the fiber are very similar for various transition metal ions, which enables introducing different functionalities, e.g., magnetic relaxivity, by proper choice of the metal ions. Hence, we obtain a doubly supramolecular polymer, connected axially by hydrogen bonds, and radially by coordination bonds. Not only does this realize a higher level of complexity, but it also allows to easily introduce and vary metal-derived functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

dNTP triphosphohydrolase (TPH) belongs to the histidine/aspartate (HD) superfamily and catalyzes the hydrolysis of dNTPs into 2′-deoxyribonucleoside and inorganic triphosphate. TPHs are required for cellular dNTP homeostasis and DNA replication fidelity and are employed as a host defense mechanism. PA1124 from the pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium functions as a dGTP and dTTP triphosphohydrolase. To reveal how PA1124 drives dNTP hydrolysis and is regulated, we performed a structural study of PA1124. PA1124 assembles into a hexameric architecture as a trimer of dimers. Each monomer has an interdomain dent where a metal ion is coordinated by conserved histidine and aspartate residues. A structure-based comparative analysis suggests that PA1124 accommodates the dNTP substrate into the interdomain dent near the metal ion. Interestingly, PA1124 interacts with ssDNA, presumably as an allosteric regulator, using a positively charged intersubunit cleft that is generated via dimerization. Furthermore, our phylogenetic analysis highlights similar or distinct oligomerization profiles across the TPH family. • The crystal structure of the dNTP triphosphohydrolase PA1124 was determined. • PA1124 assembles into a hexameric architecture as a trimer of dimers. • PA1124 binds ssDNA via an intersubunit cleft presumably as an allosteric regulator. • PA1124 interacts with a metal ion using conserved histidine and aspartate residues. • PA1124 appears to accommodate the dGTP substrate in proximity to the metal ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are promising adsorbents for removing heavy metal ions, and have high crystallinity, a porous structure, and conjugated stability. N -containing functional groups are known to have great affinity for uranyl ions. In this work, to explore the peculiarity of the pyridine N structure as an efficient adsorbent, we chose 2,2′-dipyridine-5,5′-diamine (Bpy) and pyridine-2,5′-diamine (Py) as the core skeletons, and 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) as the linker to synthesize two crystalline and stable N -containing COFs named TpBpy and TpPy, respectively, through a facile solvothermal method. Characterization results demonstrated that TpBpy and TpPy possessed regularly growing pore sizes, large specific surface areas and relatively strong thermal resistances. The results of batch experiments showed that both COF materials were capable of the effective removal of uranyl with uptake capacities of 115.45 mg g−1 and 291.79 mg g−1, respectively. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) simulations highlighted the beneficial chelation effect of the double N structure in pyridine monomers for removing uranyl ions. Combining systematic experimental and theoretical analyses, the adsorption process and interaction mode of porous COFs and UO 2 2+ were revealed, to provide predictable support for the application of pyridine N -containing COFs in the field of environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ni@IHC hybrids were synthesized by combining the solvothermal method with a one-step pyrolysis. • Ni@IHC hybrids held extraordinary structural merits. • Ni@IHC hybrids showed the superior catalytic performance for Cr(VI) reduction with formic acid. • The magnetically separable Ni@IHC hybrids were very cheap and scalable. Magnetic carbon materials promise distinct advantages in the decontamination of heavy metal ions. In this work, a novel interconnected hierarchical nickel-carbon (Ni@IHC) hybrid was synthesized by combining the solvothermal method with a one-step pyrolysis under argon atmosphere. Benefitting from 3D flower-like morphology, interconnected porous nanosheets, large surface area, and abundant Ni nanoparticles, Ni@IHC hybrids can remove Cr(VI) within 25 min by using formic acid (FA) as a reductant at 25 ℃. Furthermore, the experimental parameters that can affect the material catalytic performance such as initial Cr(VI) concentration, catalyst dosage, FA concentration, and temperature were also investigated in detail. It was found that highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles contributed significantly to the reduction process. More importantly, the embedded Ni nanoparticles favor fast separation by a magnet and were helpful for the recycles use. This Ni@IHC hybrid was obtained by a facile and easy scale-up method, resulting in the fast transformation of Cr(VI) into Cr(III). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] A rapid, cost-effective and accurate detection of heavy metal ions is crucial for human health monitoring and environmental protection. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has become a reliable method due to its outstanding performance for the identification of contaminants. In this paper, silver phosphate microcubes (Ag 3 PO 4) were fabricated using two different precipitation methods for ultrasensitive SERS detection of heavy metal ions. The use of an organic linker (BPy) with Ag 3 PO 4 enabled the immobilization of Hg2+ and Pb2+ ions. The formation of Ag 3 PO 4 was confirmed by XRD, UV-DRS, FESEM coupled with EDX and HRTEM. The analytical enhancement factor (AEF) obtained was 1010 with a detection limit of 10-15 M indicating high sensitivity. Based on these results, the possible SERS mechanism has been proposed and discussed. Moreover, an excellent reusability of Ag 3 PO 4 substrate for at least four cycles was achieved upon the light exposure on heavy metal loaded substrate due to its superior catalytic ability for the degradation of heavy metal ions. The as-prepared substrate demonstrated remarkable stability, selectivity and SERS sensitivity towards real samples. The results conclude that Ag 3 PO 4 microcubes offer a great prospect in recyclable SERS applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]