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Wang Lingguan is a significant deity in Chinese Daoist beliefs and folk worship. His belief's formation and proliferation are rooted in specific spatial contexts. This paper introduces a spatial perspective to provide a fresh interpretation of Wang Lingguan's belief, examining it through the lenses of ritual, temple, and geography. In Daoist rituals that bridged sacred and secular spaces, Wang Lingguan emerged as Sa Shoujian's protector, manifesting his divine power to devotees. For the purposes of ritual simplification and spatial solidification, believers constructed Daoist Temples as emblems of sacredness and reimagined Wang Lingguan as the protector of these temples in their design. The active involvement of the Ming royal family in building Daoist Temples significantly contributed to establishing regional belief centers for Wang Lingguan. During the Qing Dynasty, although Wang Lingguan's royal patronage waned, his belief spread across most of China, becoming more localized and secularized. The dynamic interplay of ritual, temple, and geographical factors illuminates the establishment, dissemination, and evolution of Wang Lingguan's belief throughout China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein palmitoylation, a cellular process occurring at the membrane-cytosol interface, is orchestrated by members of the DHHC enzyme family and plays a pivotal role in regulating various cellular functions. The M2 protein of the influenza virus, which is acylated at a membrane-near amphiphilic helix serves as a model for studying the intricate signals governing acylation and its interaction with the cognate enzyme, DHHC20. We investigate it here using both experimental and computational assays. We report that altering the biophysical properties of the amphiphilic helix, particularly by shortening or disrupting it, results in a substantial reduction in M2 palmitoylation, but does not entirely abolish the process. Intriguingly, DHHC20 exhibits an augmented affinity for some M2 mutants compared to the wildtype M2. Molecular dynamics simulations unveil interactions between amino acids of the helix and the catalytically significant DHHC and TTXE motifs of DHHC20. Our findings suggest that the binding of M2 to DHHC20, while not highly specific, is mediated by requisite contacts, possibly instigating the transfer of fatty acids. A comprehensive comprehension of protein palmitoylation mechanisms is imperative for the development of DHHC-specific inhibitors, holding promise for the treatment of diverse human diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of surface charge density of nanofiltration (NF) membranes could due to enhanced electrostatic interaction through electrically assisted. In this study, the hydroxylated BaTiO 3 /Ti 3 C 2 T x (HBT)@polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (HBTA) composite NF membranes were prepared by crosslinking HBT on the surfaces of NF membranes. The optimized HBTA-0.06 sample exhibited a water contact angle of 43.7°, zeta potential of −13.73 mV (pH = 6.5), average effective pore size of 0.319 nm, and pure water permeance of 55.1 L·m–2·h–1. At an applied electric field of 3 V, the rejection rates of LiCl, NaCl, KCl, RbCl, and MgCl 2 determined for HBTA-0.06 reached 73.3%, 60.1%, 53.6%, 49.4%, and 59.8%, respectively. HBTA-0.06 has good stabilization properties that are especially advantageous for water purification, indicating good long-term filtration stability within 168 h. Furthermore, HBT doping significantly increased the charge density of the HBTA membranes and the rejection efficiency of chloride salts, both chlorine radicals (·Cl) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH) generation pathways were proposed under electrochemical assistance. Hence, electrical assistance represents a novel and effective technique for enhancing the salt rejection properties of multifunctional composite NF membranes. [Display omitted] • Hydroxylated BaTiO 3 /Ti 3 C 2 T x (HBT) is prepared by growing BaTiO 3 on the Ti 3 C 2 T x with H 2 O 2. • HBT@polyvinyl alcohol (HBTA) composite nanofiltration membranes are fabricated. • HBTA membranes produces a strong oxidizing effect on Cl– ions under an applied electric field. • NaCl rejection could be achieved by electrically assisted and surface modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Core-shell mesoporous silica-coated VO 2 (M) nanomaterials (VO 2 @m-SiO 2, VmS) were prepared for the first time. • VmS pore size 3.1769–12.8257 nm, thickness 13–58 nm and structurally controllable. • T c and ΔT c of VmS decrease with increasing mesoporous pore size at suitable thicknesses. • The VmS5/PVB composite film A-T lum up to 62.24%, ΔT sol reach 5.16%. • VmS effectively improves the Mie scattering effect of feedstock VO 2 (M). In this study, a hybrid approach using the Stöber and solvent extraction techniques was employed to synthesize mesoporous silicon-coated VO 2 nanomaterials (VO 2 @m-SiO 2 , VmS) with controllable pore sizes and shell thicknesses. This synthesis was aimed at elucidating the influence of mesoporous silicon coatings on the thermochromic effect and optical properties of VO 2. Experimental findings reveal that the mesoporous silica architecture markedly improve the phase-transition hysteresis of VO 2 while mitigating the Mie effects attributable to particle coarsening, under the appropriate shell thickness. Furthermore, concomitant with the enlargement of the mesoporous aperture, the T lum and ΔT sol of the VmS/PVB films also exhibit upward trends. T lum reaches 73.33% and 62.24% in VmS3/PVB and VmS5/PVB, peak ΔT sol reaches 5.16% in VmS5/PVB. The facile synthesis procedure of VmS, in conjunction with its superior performance across phase transition, optics, and thermal insulation metrics, offers a viable pathway for industrial-scale deployment of VO 2 (M) in smart window applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The truncated octahedral LiNi 0.05 Mn 1.95 O 4 (LNMO) electrode materials was prepared. • After 50 cycles, the LNMO capacity retention rate is increased from 38% to 80%. • The LNMO capture efficiency was improved, the 0.5 h recovery capacity reaches 25 mg/g. • 10 times Li extraction in Salt Lake brine, the Li-Mg separation factor is 202. • The energy consumption of the LNMO system for lithium extraction is 13.42 Wh/mol. Lithium extraction from salt lakes has become a hot research issue in recent years, and LiMn 2 O 4 -based electrochemical lithium extraction is considered to be one of the most promising technologies for application. However, LiMn 2 O 4 limits its further application due to the dissolution of Mn and the Jahn-Teller effect. In this study, a LiNi 0.05 Mn 1.95 O 4 (LNMO-0.05) lithium-extraction electrode material with truncated octahedral characteristics was prepared. The special crystal surface structure enhanced the diffusion and adsorption rates of Li+, whereas Ni doping effectively suppressed the Jahn-Teller effect, and the two mechanisms synergistically enhanced the lithium extraction performance of LMO. In lithium extraction from East Taijiner brine with an Mg/Li ratio of 46, LNMO-0.05 showed excellent ion selectivity (α Mg-Li = 214.08), high lithium extraction capacity (20.99 mg/g) and no significant capacity decay occurred after 10 cycles. These excellent properties make the LNMO-0.05 electrode suitable for industrial electrochemical lithium extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BiOBr nanospheres grown in situ on lamellar Ti3C2 were synthesised in an octanol solvothermal system to obtain BiOBr/Ti3C2 heterojunction composites with high visible photocatalytic activity (OBT). The composition, crystal structure and morphology of OBT were characterised using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The photoelectrochemical properties of OBT were tested via UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and transient photocurrents. Results showed that the BiOBr prepared with octanol demonstrates loose nanospheres with a diameter of approximately 2 μm and clear characteristic peak intensity of the (110) crystal plane. Compared with pure-phase BiOBr and BiOBr/Ti3C2 heterojunction synthesis with an ethylene glycol solvothermal method (EBT), the increased visible-light response threshold of the OBT band gap and the significantly enhanced photogenerated current density of OBT effectively improve the oxidation efficiency of the aromatic ring structure. The rhodamine B degradation rate of OBT is approximately 10% higher than that of EBT. Trapping agent experiments confirmed the dominant role of ˙O2− in OBT photocatalytic processes. The results of this study can provide a basis for the analysis of the photocatalytic mechanism of OBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal pollution can significantly harm water systems and human health. Combining photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) and nanofiltration (NF) membrane separation technologies can effectively remove heavy metal ions from wastewater. In this study, a water bath method was used to form SrF 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x (ST) nanoparticles on the surface of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes and an additional polyamide (PA) functional layer was formed at the interface by crosslinking. ST@PA composite NF membranes (STPP) with good photocatalytic performance were obtained. The separation and catalytic properties of the STPP membranes were controlled by the ST content, which modifies the surface structure and properties of the membranes. The membrane with optimal ST crosslinking exhibited a water contact angle of 50.8°, pure water flux of 24.6 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1, and rejection rates of Mn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ of 98.8%, 95.3%, 95.7%, and 97.3%, respectively, under PEC-assisted separation with visible light illumination from a Xe lamp (300 W) and an applied voltage (2 V). The STPP membranes showed improved rejection rates of heavy metal ions under PEC-assisted operation. The mechanism for the improved membrane performance under PEC conditions was preliminarily clarified considering the relationship between the photocatalytic and filtration properties of STPP membranes along with the influence of light irradiation and an external voltage on the heavy metal ions. The generation of electrons, holes, superoxide radicals, and hydroxyl radicals during membrane operation enhances the rejection rates of heavy metal ions. Based on these results, STPP membranes are considered a promising technology for industrial applications in heavy metal removal. [Display omitted] • Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) SrF 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x synergistically removes heavy metals. • Under PEC conditions internal/external electric fields promote carrier separation. • PEC-assisted membranes exhibit high water flux and efficient heavy metals removal. • The Mn2+ removal mechanism of the membranes in aqueous solutions is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of a binary heterojunction is a crucial method for solving the low separation efficiency and photon utilization of BiOBr (BOB) photogeneration carriers. In this study, magnetic recyclable ZnFe 2 O 4 /BiOBr (ZFB) heterojunction microspheres containing oxygen vacancies were prepared using a two-step solvothermal method. The results of X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis show that ZnFe 2 O 4 (ZFO) induces the growth of a nanolayer structure on the surface of BOB, the diffraction peak intensity ratio of I (102) /I (110) increases, and the specific surface area increases significantly. The analysis of photoelectric characteristics indicates that compared with BOB, ZFB has a smaller bandgap, a larger visible response range, and a higher photogenerated carrier migration and separation efficiency. ZFB can significantly degrade the activated benzene ring in organic molecules, with the degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B (RhB), norfloxacin (NOR), and sulfadiazine (SDZ) reaching 99.04 %, 91.70 %, and 86.64 %, respectively. Under the magnetic recovery, the five-cycle degradation performance retention rate reaches more than 92 %. Holes and superoxide radicals are the main active substances of ZFB photocatalytic materials for degradation of micropollutants. This research provides an idea for the preparation of a green and efficient photocatalytic material with high recyclable efficiency, which can simultaneously degrade various micropollutants in organic wastewater. [Display omitted] • Magnetic ZnFe2O4/BiOBr (ZFB) flower-like microspheres containing oxygen vacancies were prepared • ZnFe2O4 induced the growth and development of BiOBr surface nanosheets • ZnFe2O4 enhanced the photogeneration carrier migration and separation efficiency of BiOBr • ZFB can degrade the activated aromatic ring under visible light catalysis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ·Trioctyl polyvinyl chloride ammonium (PVCT QAS) was synthesized for the first time. • ·PVCT QAS D has high stability of electrodriven mass transfer. • ·The mass transfer threshold in PVCT QAS D is 22 % QAS. • ·QAS content is the key factor to determining the performance of electrodriven mass transfer of PVCT QAS D. Trioctyl polyvinyl chloride ammonium (PVCT QAS) with quaternary ammonium salt content (QAS) of 25 % was synthesized by a nucleophilic substitution reaction of between polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and trioctylamine (TOA) for the first time. The mass transfer behavior of HCrO 4 −, CdCl 3 −, CoCl 4 2−, FeCl 4 −, and CuCl 4 2− metal complex anions within the plasticized PVCT QAS membrane followed a first-order kinetic rate equation. Taking the Cr(Ⅵ)-PVCT QAS system as a representative, the influences of plasticizer content and membrane thickness on the mass transfer performance were investigated, and the electrodriven mass transfer behavior of Cr(VI) was studied. The results showed that the mass transfer of HCrO 4 − in PVCT QAS D followed a jumping mechanism, with a QAS content threshold of 22 %. In the Cr(VI)-PVCT QAS electrodriven mass transfer system, the PVCT QAS D exhibited uniform electrochemical properties, and the membrane thickness had little influence on the mass transfer rate. The response of HCrO 4 − mass transfer rate to voltage depended on the distribution density of QAS in the membrane. The mass transfer performance of PVCT QAS D with QAS between 15 % and 20 % had a high dependence on the voltage, while the permeability coefficient of Cr(VI)-PVCT QAS system became stable when the voltage exceeded 10 V after surpassing the QAS content threshold. 50 μm QAS 25 % Cr(VI)-PVCT QAS system had a treatment efficiency of 710 mg·m−2·h−1 for HCrO 4 − at 10 V, while maintaining exceptional selectivity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-capacitance electrode materials are extremely useful in high-performance supercapacitors. Here, an N and O codoped mesoporous carbon (MPC) material is reported. The MPC-3 exhibited a substantial capacitance of 306.6 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. NiCo 2 S 4 grown in situ on the MPC-3 formed the composite material (NCS/MPC). This composite material, 0.4-NCS/MPC-3, showed a specific capacitance of 551.8C g−1 at 1 A g−1; cyclic capacity was exceptional 95.9%, after 10,000 cycles. A 0.4-NCS/MPC-3//MPC-3 HSC device exhibited an energy density of 57.6 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 750 W kg−1. The device displayed a stable capacity of 90.2% after 10,000 cycles. This process is inexpensive and simple, highlighting value in the field of energy storage. [Display omitted] • The overall synthesis process of N and O codoped mesoporous carbon (MPC) is simple, environmentally benign, and economic. • NiCo 2 S 4 /MPC composite material (NCS/MPC) was obtained with NiCo 2 S 4 grown in situ on MPC. • The MPC-3 and 0.4-NCS/MPC-3 electrodes displays high capacitance and stability. • The HSC device has high energy density and power density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport behaviour of Cr(VI) from the aqueous phase through a polymer inclusion membrane (PO-PIM) containing 1-octanol (OCT) as carrier and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as support at a low voltage drive (0–30 V) is investigated. The correlation between the OCT content and the surface or cross-sectional micromorphology of PO-PIM is also analysed. Under optimised mass transfer conditions, the transmission rules and mechanism of Cr(VI) under an electrodriven membrane extraction system are investigated. Results show that the surface and interior of PO-PIM exhibit micro/nanopores with an OCT content exceeding 50% (w/w). The mass transfer behaviour of OCT to Cr(VI) conforms to the proton coupling mechanism. The voltage drive effectively solves the residue problem of Cr(VI) in the membrane phase, and the permeability coefficient ( P ) of PO-PIM to Cr(VI) increases with the voltage. The P of PO-PIM to Cr(VI) reaches 43.38 μm·s −1 at 30 V when the OCT content is 82.8% and the feed and stripping phases are pH 2.0 HCl solution and 0.1 mol·L −1 NaOH solution environments, respectively. After the introduction of hydrophobic kerosene into the membrane phase, the stability of the membrane is significantly enhanced. When the composition ratio of kerosene/OCT/PVC is 0.8:2.2:0.5 and the voltage is 30 V, the initial current density rise is only 0.1 A and the pH increases slightly with the repeated use of PO-PIM to four cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • High-flux PEI-TDI PUNF membrane doped with TA-MoS 2 nanosheets was prepared. • MoS 2 nanosheets were uniformly dispersed in membrane by TA. • TSPU is positively charged and retains magnesium salts higher than sodium salts. • TSPU has good retention behavior for heavy metal ions. Heavy metal pollution poses a serious threat to human health. Positively charged nanofiltration membranes show excellent application prospects in the field of heavy metal removal due to the combined effect of electrostatic repulsion and size sieving. Here, molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2) nanosheets were dispersed in aqueous solution polyethyleneimine (PEI) by virtue of the adhesion effect of tannic acid (TA). Positively charged polyurea NF membranes (TSPU) were prepared by interfacial polymerization of aqueous phase PEI/TA-MoS 2 and organic phase 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI). The surface of the optimized membrane TSPU-0.015 showed better hydrophilicity, the water contact angle was 74.53°, and the functional layer thickness of TSPU-0.015 was 114.8 nm. TSPU-0.015 interface was positively charged (IEP TSPU - 0.015 = 5.62), so the rejection of magnesium salts is significantly higher than that of sodium salts. It shows a retention performance of more than 99% for high-valent heavy metal ions such as Fe3+ and Cu2+, and the retention for Cd2+ is as high as 92.53%. The permeation flux of TSPU-0.015 is 2.88 times higher than that of undoped MoS 2 (TSPU-0), and the flux to MgSO 4 solution reaches 34.5 L/m2·h (6 bar, R (MgSO4) = 93.18%). TSPU has long-term stable operation and excellent anti-pollution properties, showing wide application potential in the fields of inorganic salt separation and heavy metal pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as polymer matrix and N,N-di(1-methylheptyl) acetamide (N503) as a specific carrier were prepared by solvent evaporation. Microstructure and mechanical properties of PIMs were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and tension tester, respectively. The prepared PIMs were used to investigate the facilitated transport of phenol from model solution. The mass transfer dynamics and the transmission thermodynamics of transport process were investigated. Meanwhile, the effects of carrier content in membrane and solution environment on the transport performance of PIMs and its stability were also researched. The results showed that the content of carrier in membrane had a significant impact on the microstructure and mechanical property of PIMs. The transport of phenol was in line with the first order kinetics equation. The PIM presented an optimal transport performance and a certain degree of stability when the carrier content in membrane was 68.8%, feed solution pH was 2 and sodium hydroxide concentration of strip solution was 0.1 mol/L. The initial flux of the PIM reached maximum 25.0 mg m −2 s −1 when phenol initial concentration was 8000 mg/L in feed solution. The thermodynamic analysis indicated that the transport of phenol through PIMs in the range of 0–45 °C was the diffusion-controlled process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MoS 2) were dispersed in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) aqueous solution and interfacially polymerized with toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) to prepare high flux polyurethane loose nanofiltration membrane (DSPU) with good hydrophilicity and highly negatively charged. Through infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), the existence and distribution of MoS 2 nanosheets in DSPU were characterized and confirmed. Based on the pure water flux, salt, and dye rejection rate, The optimal composition of β-CD and MoS 2 in the aqueous phase was investigated. The pure water flux of DSPU-1.2–0.006 reaches 78.44 L/m2•h•bar, which is 2.4 times higher than that of the DPU membrane without MoS 2 and can retention the molecular weight >416 g/mol highly negatively charged small dye molecules. The interception behavior of DSPU on 10 kinds of dye molecules with different charge abilities, molecular weight, and size was investigated. The chemical composition, cavity structure, and MoS 2 nanosheet spacing of β-CD were analyzed for their correlation with DSPU interface properties, functional layer structure, and separation performance. DSPU worked stably for a long time and had an excellent antifouling performance. It has potential application performance in the field of dye desalination, separation, and purification. [Display omitted] • High-flux β-CD polyurethane nanofiltration membrane (DSPU) doped with MoS 2 -nanosheets was prepared successfully. • DSPU interface was negatively charged, hydrophilic and showed high salt permeability. • MoS 2 -nanosheets were uniformly dispersed and fixed by hydrogen bonding with β-CD. • The cavity of β-CD and the spacing of MoS 2 -nanosheets provided abundant water channels for DSPU. • DSPU can retain highly negatively charged dyes with molecular weight >416 g/mol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adhesion forces of membrane–humic acid (membrane–HA) and HA–HA were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in conjunction with self-made modified membrane-coated and HA-coated probes, respectively. Normalized flux decline rate and the irreversible fouling index of fouling experiments with HA kept good linear correlations with the AFM force measurements. The extended Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (XDLVO) theory was used to explain the influence and regularity of HA solution pH and hydrophilicity of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane interface on membrane fouling behavior. The results of AFM force measurements illustrated that the adhesion force in acidic environment was much stronger than that in alkaline or neutral environment and the adhesion force of PVDF/polyvinylalcohol membrane–HA (PA–HA) was weaker than that of PVDF/polyvinylpyrrolidone membrane–HA (PP–HA). XDLVO theoretical calculated results demonstrated that the polar component of surface tension ( γ AB ) of membrane–foulant could be effectively increased by improving the hydrophilicity of the PVDF UF membrane interface and reducing the solution acidity, which resulted in the decrease of absolute values of the membrane–HA interfacial free energy of adhesion ( Δ G mlf AD ) , the mitigation of the membrane fouling rate and the irreversible fouling degree. The results preliminarily proved that the measurements of microscopic interfacial forces with modified AFM colloidal probes had potential application values in UF membrane fouling behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag 3 PO 4 and AgBr–Ag 3 PO 4 were deposited on the surface of nanofiltration membrane (FT) with tannic acid (TA) and toluene-2,4 diisocyanate (TDI) as functional layers by alternate impregnation method to obtain composite NF membranes (FTA and FTAB) with visible catalytic activity. Under optimal conditions, the catalyst loads on the surfaces of FTA and FTAB were uniform, the initial water contact angle was lower than 28°, the zeta potential was close to −17 mV, the fluxes with FTA and FTAB were respectively 16 and 17.5 L m−2 h−1 (0.4 MPa), and the rejection of Na 2 SO 4 and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) were more than 75% and 90%, respectively. FTA and FTAB had good photochemical properties, strong absorption of visible light, low electrochemical impedance and sensitive transient photocurrent response. FTA and FTAB with an effective area of 16 cm2 had a static degradation rate of over 90% for 100 mL of 10 mg L−1 SMZ and ciprofloxacin and can achieve dynamic degradation in NF within 300 min under visible light. FTAB effectively alleviated the photo-corrosion behaviour of FTA, maintained the degradation rate of Congo red above 85% after four cycles and had good stability and anti-pollution self-cleaning performances. [Display omitted] • Stable AgBr–Ag 3 PO 4 visible-light catalytic composite NF membrane (FTAB) was prepared. • The nanofiltration functional layer of FTAB was constructed by TA and TDI monomers. • FTAB was prepared by alternate impregnation on the nanofiltration functional layer. • The stability of photocatalytic layer was from the chelation of Ag+ with –OH of TA. • FTAB can achieve high-efficiency interception and the synchronous degradation of PPCPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of bismuth-rich heterostructures is an important strategy to improve the performance of bismuth-based visible photocatalytic materials. In this study, the binary heterojunction BiOBr/Bi 24 O 31 Br 10 (BOB) with efficient visible photocatalytic activity was constructed by in situ induced growth of Bi x O y Br z on the surface of BiOBr, and the multivariate heterojunction composite BiOBr/Bi 24 O 31 Br 10 /Ti 3 C 2 (BOBT) was synthesized by using Ti 3 C 2 as an electron acceptor. It was shown that the solvothermal pH, Bi/Br and calcination temperature had a strong influence on the composition and crystalline structure of BOBT. The optimized synthesis conditions were pH=8, Bi/Br=1/1 (molar ratio), and calcination temperature of 400℃. The introduction of Mxene significantly enhanced the visible-light responsiveness and photoelectric efficiency of BOBT. The visible light-catalyzed degradation of complex conjugated systems containing aromatic and azo structures by BOBT was synchronously accompanied by benzene ring opening, demonstrating an efficient visible light degradation capability. BOBT has a reduced reduction current peak compared to BOB, can rapidly reduce Cr (VI), and improves the photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency by nearly three times compared to BiOBr without the addition of Pt additives. This study provides fundamental data for the construction of efficient bismuth-based visible photocatalytic materials and their applications. [Display omitted] • In situ growth of bismuth-rich Bi 24 O 31 Br 10 /BiOBr (BOB) on the surface of Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets to obtain a polyheterojunction (BOBT). • Ti 3 C 2 extends visible light response of BOB. • BOBT have higher carrier mobility and more negative reduction peak current than BOB. • Rapid visible photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) by BOBT with hydrogen production capacity of 12.56 μmol/(g·h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polymer inclusion membrane (PDT-PIM) composed of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (D2EHPA) and tributylphosphate (TBP) compound carrier is developed in this study. The PIM membrane carrier composition, thickness, voltage, two-phase solution environment and other factors for Li+ electro-membrane extraction (EME) behaviour are investigated using applied electric field assessment. Results showed that the PDT-PIM system composed of alkaline feed phase and acidic stripping phases can achieve preferential mass transfer to Li+ in the coexisting solution of Na+ and K+ ions. The D2EHPA functional group is responsible for the main mass transfer of ions. Synergistic extraction effect of TBP appears when D2EHPA/TBP (w /w) ratio is 1/2 and reaches maximum at a ratio close to 1/1. The total optimised carrier accounts for 70.6% of the mass percentage of PIM. The applied electric field can effectively increase the mass transfer rate but will reduce the selectivity of Li+ relative to Na+ and K+. Mass transfer coefficient (P) of 70.6% of PDT-PIM to Li+ can reach 12.9 μm s−‍1 and the initial flux of Li+ is 249 mg m−2 s−1 under a voltage of 20 V. Separation factor of Li+ relative to Na+ and K+ (S Li/Na and S Li/K) are 6.41 and 5.64 on 10 V as well as 2.56 and 2.51 on 20 V, respectively. Enrichment factor of Li+ of up to 9.02 shows acceptable stability after 120 h of continuous mass transfer of 1 L of 20 mg L−1 Li+ solution. [Display omitted] • Electro-membrane extraction system based on PDT-PIM for Li(I) was developed. • The compound extractant in PDT-PIM is composed of D2EHPA and TBP. • TBP cooperates with D2EHPA to participate in the complexation of Li(I). • Applied electric field can significantly increase the mass transfer rate of Li(I). • High voltage reduces the mass transfer selectivity of Li(I) relative to Na(I)/K(I). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In-situ solvothermal method is used for the different crystal structures of TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x. • NaBF 4 was utilized as a cosurfactant to control the in situ oxidation of Ti 3 C 2 T x by adjusting the F− concentration. • (1 0 1) and (0 0 1) TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x (1.5 mmol F−) displays a superior methylene blue degradation ratio of 97.5% in 30 min under 500 W mercury light. • The photocatalytic performance of TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x heterojunction was evaluated by decomposition of organic dyes. Constructing an exposed facet TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x heterojunction with chemical bonding (Ti–O–Ti), and its narrower band structure (2.1 eV) can enhance the separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs. In this work, an in situ solvothermal method for controlling the oxidation of Ti 3 C 2 T x is utilized with F− (0, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5 mmol NaBF 4) as the cosurfactant, wherein the concentration of F− can adjust the percentages of (1 0 1) and (0 0 1) TiO 2 which are embedded in the layers of Ti 3 C 2 T x. When the cosurfactant is 1.5 mmol F−, (1 0 1) and (0 0 1) TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x (TT-15) heterojunction to adsorb and photo-catalytically degrade organic dyes. The specific surface area of TT-15 heterojunction is 108.37 m2·g−1, which is effective in increasing the interfacial area between the organic dyes and the photocatalyst. The photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) of TT-15 exceed 97.5% and 79.5% under 500 W mercury light in 30 min, and the kinetic constants of MB and MO degradation reached 0.10711 min−1 and 0.04537 min−1, respectively. Furthermore, there is a synergistic effect between the exposed facet TiO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x heterojunction and the photocatalytic reaction, as demonstrated by the transfer of photogenerated carriers and the generation of ·O 2 − and ·OH, which can improve the performance of the catalytic degradation of organic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method of the rapid detection of trace Cd(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II)was developed. • The ion concentration was reflected by the absorbance of optical sensor membrance. • The optical chromogenic reagent PAN was adsorbed on PIM by a monolayer. • Metal ions on the PIM are complexed with PAN on membrane surface to develop color. • This method had wide detection range, good stability and operational simplicity. A colour changeable optical sensing membrane was prepared for quantitative detection of Cd(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) by using polyvinyl chloride membrane containing bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate for chemical absorption of chromogenic reagent 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol. Under the optimum conditions, the three ions were measured by UV–visible spectrophotometer at λmax = 547, 554 and 560 nm, respectively. The linear ranges of 8.90 × 10-9-8.90 × 10-4 mol·L-1 [Cd(II)], 1.78 × 10-9-1.78 × 10-4 mol·L-1 [Zn(II)] and 1.78 × 10-7-1.78 × 10-3 mol·L-1 [Cu(II)] and detection limits of 3.89 × 10-9, 3.42 × 10-10 and 1.20 × 10-7 mol·L-1 were obtained, respectively. The response time was between 7 and 15 min. For common anions and cations, the sensing membrane exhibited good selectivity. Selective determination of Cd(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) was achieved by adding a suitable masking agent. The sensing membrane was regenerated by soaking in nitric acid for 1–3 min and maintained a stable response after three times of reuse. The sensing membrane was successfully used for the determination of Cd(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-cleaning surface can effectively solve the accumulation problem of irreversible contamination of ultrafiltration membranes. In this work, a (polyvinylidene fluoride)-g-(polyacrylic acid) (PVDF-g-PAA) ultrafiltration membrane, hereafter denoted as FAS, was prepared by a one-pot method. A superhydrophilic self-cleaning ultrafiltration membrane, hereafter denoted as FASF, was then obtained based on the strong complexation of Fe3+ with the abundant carboxyl groups at the FAS surface, which then mineralized Fe3+ into β-FeOOH nanoparticles and deposited them onto the FAS surface. This deposition was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) cross-flow filtration experiments confirmed the high ultrafiltration performance of FAS and FASF. FASF exhibited highly efficient degradation of methylene blue (MB) solution under visible light photo-Fenton conditions. The optimum amount of acrylic acid was 6 wt% in the one-pot reaction system, and the alkaline coagulation bath enhanced the wettability of FAS. The β-FeOOH nanoparticle content of the surface-mineralized FASF tended to be saturated after 24 h. β-FeOOH can significantly enhance the hydrophilicity and wettability of FASF and further enhance the antifouling performance of BSA. After four cycles of cleaning operation under visible light photo-Fenton conditions, the flux recovery rate of BSA-contaminated FASF reached 96.2%, and the rejection rate remained stable. FASF had superhydrophilicity, high antifouling, and fast photocatalytic self-cleaning performances, indicating good application prospects in organic wastewater treatment. Image 1 • A superhydrophilic self-cleaning ultrafiltration membrane (FASF) was prepared. • FASF had visible light photo-Fenton reaction activity. • FASF was obtained by Fe3+ mineralization on the surface of PVDF-g-PAA membrane (FAS). • FAS was prepared by graft copolymerization of AA and PVDF through a one-pot method. • FASF had stable antifouling and visible light photo-Fenton self-cleaning performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights The development of the electroplating and battery industries has increased the environmental problems and the needs for resource recovery of Cd(II). In this study, the Electro-membrane extraction (EME) behaviour of Cd(II) was investigated by using polymer inclusion membrane with bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate as carrier and polyvinyl chloride as base polymer(PD-PIM) at 0−80 V. Results showed that the EME of Cd(II) by PD-PIM can be obtained in the feed phase with pH 3–8 and stripping phase of dilute acid. Voltage is the main factor to increase the mass transfer rate of Cd(II). The applied electric field reduced the mass transfer activation energy of Cd(II) by PD-PIM and weakened the mass transfer interference of Cd(II) on the background material of the feed phase. After using kerosene-stabilised PD-PIM for operation at pH5, 60 V for 120 h, Cd(II) in the 1 L solution reduced from 15 mg/L to 0.08 mg/L, and the enrichment factor was 9.79. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Microscale Fe2+&H 2 O 2 can initiate the Fenton reaction without added acidity. • In situ acid production by organics provided acidity for the Fenton reaction. • Pre-Fenton changed the size and adhesion force of organics at the membrane surface. • Remarkable mitigation of membrane fouling was found after the pre-Fenton process. The homogeneous Fenton process involves both coagulation and oxidation, but it requires added acidity, so it is rarely used to control membrane fouling. This work found that the pH of neutral simulated wastewater sharply declined to 4.1 after pre-treatment with 0.1 mM Fenton reagent (Fe2+:H 2 O 2 =1:1) without added acidity. This occurred mainly because the trace homogeneous Fenton reagent induced in situ acid production by organic matter in the wastewater, which supplied the acidic conditions required for the Fenton reaction and ensured that the reaction could proceed continuously. Then, oxidation during the pre-Fenton process enhanced the electrostatic repulsion forces and effectively weakened the hydrogen bonds of organic matter at the membrane surface by altering the net charge and hydroxyl content of organic matter, while coagulation caused the foulants to gather and form large aggregates. These changes diminished the deposition of foulants onto the membrane surface and resulted in a looser fouling layer, which eventually caused the membrane fouling rate to decline from 83 % to 24 % and the flux recovery rate to increase from 44 % to 98 % during 2 h of filtration. This membrane fouling mitigation ability is much superior to that of pre-H 2 O 2 , pre-Fe2+ or pre-Fe3+ processes with equivalent doses. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Multiband-compatible stealth materials play an increasingly crucial role in the field of modern military defence because they can enable the targeted objects to dodge advance detection technologies. In this study, chain-like Fe 3 O 4 @poly(ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate- co -methacrylic acid) nanocomposites were constructed as precursors through the magnetic field-induced distillation precipitation polymerisation. Then, the liquid-phase seed-mediated growth method, together with subsequent calcination, was applied to introduce SnO 2 shells and remove poly(ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate- co -methacrylic acid) shells, which led to the successful preparation of innovative core–shell Fe 3 O 4 @SnO 2 nanochains. The unique microstructure and appropriate components endowed nanochains with multiple functional applications. The minimum reflection loss value was approximately −39.4 dB (5.67 GHz), exhibiting excellent microwave absorption performance. The possible microwave absorption mechanisms involve interfacial polarisation, space charge polarisation, natural resonance, and multiple reflections and scatterings. The optimal infrared reflectivity reached 0.64, 0.51, and 0.37 in three atmospheric windows, indicating outstanding infrared stealth performance, which was attributed to the intense infrared reflection of SnO 2 shells. Furthermore, three nanochains showed different colours (dark green, brick red, and bright orange), revealing selection absorption for visible light. This can be attributed to the combined effect of visible responses of SnO 2 shells along with Bragg diffraction from the periodic arrangement of Fe 3 O 4 particles in a single nanochain. Thus, core-shell Fe 3 O 4 @SnO 2 nanochains can be considered as promising radar-infrared-visible compatible stealth materials. This discovery opens a new means to exploit multiband-compatible stealth materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate how the characteristics of pregenerated organic fouling layers on nanofiltration (NF) membranes influence the subsequent gypsum scaling behavior, filtration experiments with gypsum were carried out with organic-fouled poly(piperazineamide) NF membranes. Organic fouling layer on membrane was induced by bovine serum albumin (BSA), humic acid (HA), and sodium alginate (SA), respectively. The morphology and components of the scalants, the role of Ca 2+ adsorption on the organic fouling layer during gypsum crystallization, and the interaction forces of gypsum on the membrane surface were investigated. The results indicated that SA- and HA-fouled membranes had higher surface crystallization tendency along with more severe flux decline during gypsum scaling than BSA-fouled and virgin membranes because HA and SA macromolecules acted as nuclei for crystallization. Based on the analyses of Ca 2+ adsorption onto organic adlayers and adhesion forces, it was found that the flux decline rate and extent in the gypsum scaling experiment was positively related to the Ca 2+ -binding capacity of the organic matter. Although the dominant gypsum scaling mechanism was affected by coupling physicochemical effects, the controlling factors varied among foulants. Nevertheless, the carboxyl density of organic matter played an important role in determining surface crystallization on organic-fouled membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To obtain a high-performance polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane, low-temperature thermally induced phase separation (LT-TIPS) was employed to prepare microporous flat PVDF membranes and hollow-fiber membranes using diluent mixtures of triethylphosphate and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate. The membrane morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results show that thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) played a more important role than nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) in determining the cross-sectional morphology of the membranes, and the surface structure was mainly affected by NIPS in a low-temperature (0 °C) coagulation bath. By increasing the temperature of the coagulation bath, different structures of membranes, such as spherulites and cellular and sponge structures, were observed. It is believed that the formation mechanism of these membranes depended on a combined NIPS and TIPS process. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that PVDF crystallized into an α-phase crystal structure for all the membranes tested. In addition, the porosity, tensile strength and filtration performance of the flat membranes were measured. On the basis of the above results, a hollow fiber membrane with highly interconnected pores and high porosity could be prepared employing LT-TIPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]