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Comprehensive Summary: The direct oxidation of methane (CH4) into high‐valued C1 oxygenates production has garnered increased attention in effectively using vast CH4 and alleviating the global energy crisis. However, due to the high cleavage energy of C—H bond and low polarity of CH4 molecule, it is difficult to activate the first C—H bond. Furthermore, C1 oxygenates are readily inclined to be oxidized to CO2, because their weaker C—H bond comparing with CH4 molecule, resulting in poor selectivity. Herein, we designed ultrathin PdxAuy alloy NWs supported on ZSM‐5 (Z‐5) to investigate the direct oxidation of CH4 to high value‐added oxygenate under mild conditions. By precisely adjusting the molar ratio of Pd/Au and alloying degree, Pd9Au1NWs/Z‐5 showed an excellent yield of 11.57 mmol·g–l·h–1 and the outstanding selectivity of 95.1% for C1 oxygenates (CH3OH, CH3OOH and HCOOH). The in‐situ spectroscopic and mechanism analysis proved that the enhanced catalytic performance of Pd9Au1NWs/Z‐5 was ascribed to the stable one‐dimensional nanostructure and the strong synergy effect with high alloying PdAu, which could increase the adsorption capacity of CH4 molecules on Pd atoms to promote the CH4 conversion. This work offers valuable insights into the design concept of high‐efficient catalysts and the structure‐activity relationship for the direct oxidation of CH4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen holds the promise of replacing fossil fuels and offers a sustainable pathway for energy generation. However, the large-scale production of hydrogen via the environment friendly electrocatalytic process relies heavily on the performance of electrocatalysts. In this study, we investigate the electrocatalytic performance of graphene nanosheets (GNS), molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2), ruthenium dioxide (RuO 2), and their composites for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), a novel combination that has not been explored in previous literature. We synthesize the materials using Liquid Phase Exfoliation at 500 and 1000 RPMs for GNS and MoS 2 and via hydrothermal methods for RuO 2 nanosheets and nanoparticles, aiming to exploit synergistic effects for enhanced activity and stability. The synthesized GNS-1000/MoS 2 -1000/RuO 2 -NSs composite demonstrates promising HER results, showcasing a low overpotential of 63 mV and a reduced Tafel slope of 59 mV/dec. This improvement indicates enhanced electron transfer, improved active site dispersion, and increased surface area due to the synergistic effects, which also aids in long-term electrochemical stability. Our study underlines the potential of GNS/MoS 2 /RuO 2 composites, particularly the GNS-1000/MoS 2 -1000/RuO 2 -NSs, in transforming hydrogen production methods and promoting efficient, sustainable energy solutions. The implications of our findings extend the boundaries of materials engineering, edging us closer to a sustainable energy future. • Novel GNS/MoS 2 /RuO 2 catalyst enhances HER with low overpotential and Tafel slope. • Synergistic effects of GNS, MoS 2 , and RuO 2 boost electron transfer in HER. • Cost-effective alternative to platinum catalysts developed for hydrogen production. • Optimized synthesis improves catalytic activity and stability in HER. • Composite catalyst offers potential for sustainable energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a commonly applied ignition composition, Zr/KClO 4 has attracted various interests and plenty of efforts have been made to improve the combustion performance. In this study, Si nanoparticles were incorporated into Zr/KClO 4 by sonication. Around 2.5× peak pressure and 9.2× reactivity were achieved by Si/50%Zr/KClO 4 when compared to Zr/KClO 4. In addition, the peak pressure and pressurization rate of Si/Zr/KClO 4 ternary systems are all superior to ones of both Zr/KClO 4 and Si/KClO 4 binary systems. The synergetic effect of Si/Zr/KClO 4 is a combination of shorter ignition delay of Zr/KClO 4 and more gas production of Si/KClO 4 , which is also reflected on the higher flame propagation rate of Si/Zr-based thermites than composites with pure Si or Zr as the fuel. Meanwhile, the heat release during the redox reaction has been measured. The results show ∼700–1000 J/g higher energy release than Zr/KClO 4 , and higher combustion efficiency can be attained by ternary systems than binary ones. Thus, adding Si powders is an effective way to improve the energetic behavior of Zr/KClO 4 ignition composition, and Si/Zr/KClO 4 ternary composites can be a promising candidate for application in pyrotechnics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bakelite, a thermosetting plastic, has limited feasibility for thermal recycling processes such as pyrolysis, unlike thermoplastics, due to its inherent tendency to get charred upon heating and difficulty in being converted into valuable fuel and chemical compounds. In this study, the co‐pyrolysis of bakelite and poly methyl methacrylate is explored to improve the thermal degradation and thus recycling feasibility of bakelite by pyrolysis. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the co‐pyrolysis of blended samples are analyzed using different kinetics models. The thermal degradation experiments of the sample are conducted from ambient to 1000 °C at five various heating rates of 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 °C/min in an inert N2 gas environment. The results showed that adding poly methyl methacrylate to bakelite changes the pyrolytic degradation temperature and weight loss trend. The kinetic analysis reveals that the thermal degradation at 220–345 °C follows an F2.5 order‐based model with an average activation energy of 181 kJ/mol, while the degradation at 345–475 °C follows an F2 order‐based model with an average activation energy of 318 kJ/mol. The enthalpy changes and free energy change associated with thermal degradation exhibit a positive trend while that of entropy change shows a negative trend. With blending the free energy change and entropy change decreased while enthalpy change increased. During batch pyrolysis at 450 °C, the PMMA‐Bakelite blend generates oil (49.17 %), wax (12.36 %), residue (15.36 %), and gas (23.11 %). According to FTIR and GC‐MS analyses, the pyrolytic oil produced by the co‐pyrolysis of the blended sample at 450 °C comprises 32.23 % saturated hydrocarbons (C9–40), 20.97 % unsaturated hydrocarbons (C6–24), and 46.80 % oxygenated material (C5–19). These findings can assist in the optimization of pyrolysis reactor design for the recycling of thermosetting plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) emerges as a viable oxidant for fuel cells, necessitating the development of an efficient and cost-effective electrocatalyst for the hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction (HPRR). In this study, we synthesized a self-supporting, highly active HPRR electrocatalyst comprising two morphologically distinct components: CeO 2 -NiCo 2 O 4 nanowires and CeO 2 -NiCo 2 O 4 metal organic framework derivatives, via a two-step hydrothermal process followed by air calcination. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the presence of CeO 2 and NiCo 2 O 4 , revealing the amalgamated interface between them. CeO 2 exhibits multifunctionality in regulating the surface electronic configuration of NiCo 2 O 4 , fostering synergistic connections, and introducing oxygen deficiencies to enhance the catalytic efficacy in HPRR. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate a reduction current density of 789.9 mA·cm−2 at −0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The assembly of direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell (DBHPFC) exhibits a peak power density of 45.2 mW·cm−2, demonstrating durable stability over a continuous operation period of 120 h. This investigation providing evidence that the fabrication of heterostructured catalysts based on CeO 2 for HPRR is a viable approach for the development of high-efficiency electrocatalysts in fuel cell technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites reinforced by cryptocrystalline graphite (CG) and multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared. The SBR composite with 50 phr CG content displays superior mechanical reinforcement achieving 20.7 MPa in tensile strength. However, the electrical conductivity enhancement is modest. After incorporating MWCNTs as a secondary filler, the electrical conductivity significantly improved. The results show that the electrical conductivity of the SBR composite reinforced with 10 phr of CG and an additional 5 phr of MWCNTs surpasses that achieved by using 50 phr of CG solely. This enhancement can be attributed to the inherent excellent electric conductivity and high aspect ratio of MWCNTs, with their presence also preventing the re‐agglomeration of CG. Furthermore, within 10–40 phr content of CG, the mechanical reinforcement of CG‐SBR composites is enhanced with the addition of MWCNTs, whereas a minor decline in tensile strength is noted when the concentration of CG above 40 phr. Overall, the SBR composite reinforced with a synergistic combination of CG and MWCNTs is achieved, demonstrating both exceptional mechanical and conductive properties. Highlights: Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites with different cryptocrystalline graphite (CG) phr and additional multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were characterized.CG‐SBR displays good mechanical property but limited electrical conductivity.Proper ratio of CG/MWCNTs significantly enhances various properties.MWCNTs act as a "bridge" structure connecting isolated CG filler in SBR matrix.MWCNTs network effectively prevents the re‐agglomeration of CG nanosheets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclic carbonate hydrogenation offers an alternative for the efficient indirect CO2 utilization. In this study, a series of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supported xCu/CNTs catalysts with different Cu loadings were fabricated using a convenient impregnation method, and exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of ethylene carbonate to methanol and ethylene glycol. The structural and physicochemical properties revealed that acid treatment of CNTs resulted in plentiful oxygen‐containing functional groups, providing sufficient anchoring sites for copper species. The calcination process conducted under an inert atmosphere resulted in the formation of ternary CuO, Cu2O, and Cu composites, enhancing the metal‐support interaction and facilitating the formation of balanced Cu0 and Cu+ dual sites as well as high active surface area after reduction. Contributed to the synergetic effect of balanced Cu+ and Cu0 species proved by density functional theory calculation and the electron‐rich CNTs surface, the 40Cu/CNTs catalyst achieved strengthened catalytic performance with methanol yield of 83 %, ethylene glycol yield of 99 % at ethylene carbonate conversion of >99 %, and 150 h of long‐term running stability. Consequently, CNTs supported Cu serve as efficient non‐silica based catalyst for ester hydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing an efficient strategy to replace the conventional synthesis method for producing isoindolinone (IIO) scaffold, a crucial structural motif for constructing pharmaceutical molecules, remains to be a great challenge. Herein, a single‐atom Pd/TiO2 tandem catalysis has been developed for the IIO scaffold synthesis by using readily available phthalic anhydride (PA), ammonia, and H2. The single‐atom Pd/TiO2 catalyst demonstrates superior catalytic performance, achieving a PA conversion of 99 %, an IIO selectivity of 91 %, and a turnover frequency (TOF) up to 4807 h−1. This exceptional performance can be attributed to the tandem catalysis between TiO2 support and single‐atom Pd. The TiO2 efficiently catalyzes the conversion of PA with ammonia to form phthalimide (PAM), subsequently transformed into IIO over TiO2 through the reaction of PAM with NH3 and the spillover hydrogen species derived from single‐atom Pd. Notably, NH3 functions not only as a reactant but also as a promoter to accelerate the reduction of amides combined with the Pd/TiO2 catalyst. This tandem catalysis of a single‐atom Pd/TiO2 catalyst provides a promising strategy for the synthesis of the crucial IIO platform molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilization of waste pollution to solve electromagnetic waves pollution is a good strategy towards a green future. In this study, we have used two different biowastes, wheat stubble and peanut hulls, as biocarbon sources to obtain two diverse inherited morphologies, i.e., sheet-like morphology from wheat stubble and distorted/ripped biocarbon morphology from peanut hulls. Detailed microwave absorption characterization analysis shows that the distorted/ripped morphology has better reflection loss and effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) as compared to the sheet-like morphology. Furthermore, MnFe 2 O 4 particles are also used to get composites with both types of biocarbon. The minimum reflection loss (RLmini) value achieved by the ripped biocarbon/ MnFe 2 O 4 is − 40.6 dB, with EAB being 5.6 GHz (13.2–7.6 GHz). Our findings show that better microwave absorption performance is attributed to the distorted/ripped morphology and by biocarbon– MnFe 2 O 4 synergetic influence. These findings open a route for biowaste and magnetic waste to be used in controllable microwave absorption applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though the different exposed crystal facets of cadmium sulfide (CdS) catalysts have been demonstrated to enhance their photocatalytic activity, the mechanism behind H 2 evolution on these diverse facets remains elusive. Here, we synthesized CdS photocatalysts with co-exposed (101) and (002) crystal facets, incorporating S vacancies via a hydrothermal method within the temperature range from 80 to 240 °C. The resulting CdS nanorods exhibited exposed (002) and (101) crystal facets, demonstrating abundant S vacancies, and showcased a notable photocatalytic hydrogen (H 2) evolution activity of 467.67 μmol g−1·h−1—approximately 144 times higher than that of CdS nanoparticles. Both experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed the significance of co-exposed (101) and (002) crystal facets as self-constructed crystal homojunctions on CdS, facilitating efficient spatial separation of photogenerated charges. Additionally, co-exposed (101) and (002) crystal facets with S vacancies, stemming from the mismatched lattice, were observed to enhance the adsorption of water (H 2 O) molecules. This, in turn, reduced the energy required for H 2 dissociative adsorption, providing thermodynamic advantages. The understanding of the synergistic effect between self-constructed (101) and (002) facet junctions and S vacancies on CdS for boosting photocatalytic H 2 evolution holds promise for expanding the applications of CdS-based materials in various photocatalytic processes. [Display omitted] • The synergistic effect of self-constructed facet junctions and S vacancies on CdS boosts photocatalytic H 2 evolution. • Mismatched lattices in co-exposed (101) and (002) facets produce S vacancies, enhancing H 2 O molecule adsorption. • Understanding of crystal facets and S vacancies is crucial for refining strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for renewable energy conversion contributes to the ultimate goal of a zero-carbon emission society. Metal phosphides have been considered as promising HER catalysts in the alkaline environment, which, unfortunately, is still limited owing to the weak adsorption of H* and easy dissolution during operation. Herein, a bimetallic NiCoP-2/NF phosphide is constructed on nickel foam (NF), requiring rather low overpotentials of 150 mV and 169 mV to meet the current densities of 500 and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively, and able to operate stably for 100 h without detectable activity decay. The excellent HER performance is obtained thanks to the synergetic catalytic effect between Ni and Co, among which Ni is introduced to enhance the intrinsic activity and Co increases the electrochemically active area. Meanwhile, the protection of the externally generated amorphous phosphorus oxide layer improves the stability of NiCoP/NF. An electrolyser using NiCoP-2/NF as both cathode and anode catalysts in an alkaline solution can produce hydrogen with low electric consumption (overpotential of 270 mV at 500 mA cm−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the authors prepared nanocomposite cotton gauze cloth (NCGC) by in situ generating the nanoparticles of silver (ANPs) and copper (CuNPs) and their binary metallic nanoparticles (BMNPs) using aqueous extraction of Azadirachta indica leaves as a reducing agent. The NCGCs had roughly spherical AgNPs, CuNPs and BMNPs in the size range of 50–120 nm. The corresponding mean size of the spherical AgNPs, CuNPs and BMNPs was 94, 89 and 87 nm respectively. The participation of the hydroxyl and amino groups of the leaf extract in the generation of the metal nanoparticles in the NCGCs was established by studying the chemical interactions. All the NCGC specimens exhibited significant antibacterial activity. However, the NCGCs with BMNPs had higher antibacterial efficiency when compared to those with homo metal nanoparticles. Hence, the NCGC with generated BMNPs can be effectively used as antibacterial wound dressing material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objectives of the study are to investigate the synergistic effect of oxaliplatin (oxa) and punicalagin (pun) on the death of colon cancer cells (Caco-2) by apoptosis and autophagy. Methods: The effects of the combined treatments (5 µM oxa + 50 µM pun, 5 µM oxa + 75 µM pun, 20 µM oxa + 50 µM pun, and 5 µM oxa + 75 µM pun) were compared with untreated Caco2 cells (control) or cells treated with oxa alone. Apoptosis was detected using an Annex in V FITC flow cytometry assay and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage by western blotting. Light chain 3 was detected by western blotting as an autophagy marker. Results: The combined treatments significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells in comparison to untreated cells or cells treated with oxa alone. By contrast, the combined treatments had no significant effect on autophagy. Conclusion: The combined treatment significantly promoted cell death through apoptosis while maintaining a basal level of autophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: The advancement and current status of dual-atom catalysts are reported. The synergistic effects exhibited by recent dual-atom catalysts in mechanistic studies are classified and summarized. Challenges and prospects of dual-atom catalysts in synthesis, characterization, applications, and theory are discussed. The exploration of sustainable energy utilization requires the implementation of advanced electrochemical devices for efficient energy conversion and storage, which are enabled by the usage of cost-effective, high-performance electrocatalysts. Currently, heterogeneous atomically dispersed catalysts are considered as potential candidates for a wide range of applications. Compared to conventional catalysts, atomically dispersed metal atoms in carbon-based catalysts have more unsaturated coordination sites, quantum size effect, and strong metal–support interactions, resulting in exceptional catalytic activity. Of these, dual-atomic catalysts (DACs) have attracted extensive attention due to the additional synergistic effect between two adjacent metal atoms. DACs have the advantages of full active site exposure, high selectivity, theoretical 100% atom utilization, and the ability to break the scaling relationship of adsorption free energy on active sites. In this review, we summarize recent research advancement of DACs, which includes (1) the comprehensive understanding of the synergy between atomic pairs; (2) the synthesis of DACs; (3) characterization methods, especially aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron spectroscopy; and (4) electrochemical energy-related applications. The last part focuses on great potential for the electrochemical catalysis of energy-related small molecules, such as oxygen reduction reaction, CO2 reduction reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and N2 reduction reaction. The future research challenges and opportunities are also raised in prospective section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is a prevalent malignancy in the female reproductive system, and developing effective targeted therapies for this disease remains challenging. The aim of this study was to use clinically-relevant OC models to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of RC48, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting HER2, either alone or in combination with the VEGFR inhibitor Cediranib Maleate (CM), for the treatment of advanced OC. Methods: OC tumor specimens and cell lines were analyzed to determine HER2 and VEGFR expression by Western blot, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence. Moreover, the OC cell lines, cell-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were treated with RC48 and/or CM and then subjected to cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis, and tumor growth analyses to evaluate the feasibility of combination therapy for OC both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, RNA-Seq was performed to investigate the critical mechanism underlying the combination therapy of RC48 and CM. Results: Our results demonstrated that RC48 alone effectively targeted and inhibited the growth of HER2-positive OC tumors in both cell lines and PDX models. Furthermore, the combination of RC48 and CM synergistically induced tumor regression in human OC cell lines, as well as CDX and PDX models. Mechanistically, we observed that the combination treatment inhibited the growth of OC cells involved inducing apoptosis and suppressing cell motility. RNA-seq analysis provided further mechanistic insights and revealed that co-administration of RC48 and CM downregulated multiple cancer-related pathways, including the AKT/mTOR pathway, cell cycle, and cell proliferation. Notably, our data further confirmed that the PI3K-AKT pathway played a key role in the inhibition of proliferation triggered by combinational treatment of RC48 and CM in OC cells. Conclusions: These findings provide a preclinical framework supporting the potential of dual targeting HER2 and VEGFR as a promising therapeutic strategy to improve outcomes in patients with OC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-energy ball milling was applied to produce nanocrystalline MgH2-FeTi powder composites. In order to achieve a remarkable synergetic effect between the two materials, the amount of the FeTi catalyst was chosen to be 40 wt.%, 50 wt.% and 60 wt.%. The morphology and microstructure of the as-milled powders were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The evaluation of the diffraction profiles by the Convolutional Multiple Whole Profile fitting algorithm provided a detailed microstructural characterization of the coherently scattering α-MgH2 crystallites. Differential scanning calorimetry experiments revealed two overlapping endotherms corresponding to the dehydrogenation of metastable γ-MgH2 and stable α-MgH2 hydrides. Isothermal hydrogen-sorption experiments were carried out in a Sieverts-type apparatus. It was established that the MgH2-40 wt.% FeTi powder is capable of absorbing 5.8 wt.% hydrogen, while extraordinary absorption kinetics were observed for the MgH2-50 wt.% FeTi alloy, i.e., 3.3 wt.% H2 is absorbed after 100 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic degradation technique is an effective route for degrading the polluting sources by using photocatalysts. In recent years, van der Waals material based photocatalysts has been drawing more and more attention due to their excellent photodegradation performance. In this research, we have developed a type of highly efficient layered photocatalyst, CdPS 3 nano flakes prepared by the liquid-phase exfoliation method. We compared different photodegradation rates of rhodamine B (RhB) by using photocatalysts of CdPS 3 ground bulk powder and CdPS 3 nanosheets exfoliated by three different dispersants, i.e., N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), deionized (DI) water and sodium cholate (SC). For a complete degradation of RhB (80 mL, 100 mg/L), the SC-exfoliated CdPS 3 nanosheets exhibited the highest degradation efficiency within 15 min. These SC-exfoliated nanosheets also demonstrated good potential for degrading methylene blue (MB), potassium dichromate (PD), tetracycline (TC) and methyl orange (MO). The strong dark adsorption and dye-sensitized photocatalytic properties of CdPS 3 nanosheets could both contribute to high degradation efficiencies of RhB and MB, synergistically. Capture experiments revealed that superoxide radicals dominated the degradations of these pollutants. Additionally, for PD and MO, hydroxyl radicals and holes were also important active species in the photodegradation redox reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic Fenton reactions combined the advantages from both photocatalysis and Fenton reaction in mineralizing organic pollutants. The key problems are the efficiency and recycling stability. Herein, we reported a novel Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 /reduced graphene oxide (FTG) nanocomposite synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The TiO 2 in FTG degraded organic pollutants and mineralized intermediates via photocatalysis under visible light irradiation, which could also promote Fenton reaction by accelerating Fe3+-Fe2+ recycle. Meanwhile, the Fe 2 O 3 rapidly degraded organic pollutants via Fenton reactions, which also promoted photocatalysis by enhancing visible light absorbance and diminishing photoelectron-hole recombination. The high distribution of TiO 2 and Fe 2 O 3 on rGO, together with their strong interaction resulted in enhanced synergetic cooperation between photocatalysis and Fenton reactions, leading to the high mineralization efficiency of organic pollutants. More importantly, it could also inhibit the leaching of Fe species, leading to the long lifetime of FTG during photocatalytic Fenton reactions in a wide pH range from 3.4 to 9.2. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite remarkable progress in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the unsatisfying stability strongly interrelated with the defect density remains the main obstacle for commercialization. Herein, a synergetic defect passivation method is judiciously designed that consists of a precursor engineering strategy based on an ionic liquid 1‐butylsulfonate‐3‐methylimidazolium dihydrogen phosphate (BMDP), and two‐stage annealing (TSA) treatment to sufficiently passivate defects and enhance performance further. It is found that the multifunctional groups from BMDP have strong chemical interactions and form chelated complexes with perovskite components thus effectively passivating the intrinsic defects. Synergized by the sequential TSA treatment, the formed hydrophobic complexes can be precisely controlled with filling along grain boundaries (GBs) and on surfaces, leading to a wrapping of perovskite grains and significant passivation of GBs. Consequently, both deep‐ and shallow‐level defects in the bulk, at GBs and surface are sufficiently passivated, resulting in a champion efficiency of 24.20%. Impressively, the resultant unencapsulated films and corresponding devices exhibit admirable stability with maintaining 83.9% of initial composition for 4000 h of aging in moist air, 81.7% original structure after continuous heating for 1600 h, and 97% initial power conversion efficiency for 1000 h under continuous illumination. This work provides an efficient strategy toward improved efficiency and stability PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the pilot-scale combination of nonthermal plasma and photocatalysis for removing Toluene and dimethyl sulfur (DMDS), examining the influence of plasma energy and initial pollutant concentration on the performance and by-product formation in both pure compounds and mixtures. The results indicate a consistent 15% synergy effect, improving Toluene conversion rates compared to single systems. Ozone reduction and enhanced CO2 selectivity were observed when combining plasma and photocatalysis. This process effectively treats pollutant mixtures, even those containing sulfur compounds. Furthermore, tests confirm nonthermal plasma's in-situ regeneration of the photocatalytic surface, providing a constant synergy effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated in vitro activity of 13 drugs used in the treatment of some non-communicable diseases via repurposing to determine their potential use in the treatment of Acinetobacter baumannii infections caused by susceptible and multidrug-resistant strains. A. baumannii is a multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria causing nosocomial infections, especially in intensive care units. It has been identified in the WHO critical pathogen list and this emphasises urgent need for new treatment options. As the development of new therapeutics is expensive and time consuming, finding new uses of existing drugs via drug repositioning has been favoured. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were conducted on all 13 drugs according to CLSI. Drugs with MIC values below 128 μg/mL and control antibiotics were further subjected to synergetic effect and bacterial time-kill analysis. Carvedilol-gentamicin (FICI 0.2813) and carvedilol-amlodipine (FICI 0.5625) were determined to have synergetic and additive effect, respectively, on the susceptible A. baumannii strain, and amlodipine-tetracycline (FICI 0.75) and amitriptyline-tetracycline (FICI 0.75) to have additive effect on the multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strain. Most remarkably, both amlodipine and amitriptyline reduced the MIC of multidrug-resistant, including some carbapenems, A. baumannii reference antibiotic tetracycline from 2 to 0.5 μg/mL, for 4-folds. All these results were further supported by bacterial time-kill assay and all combinations showed bactericidal activity, at certain hours, at 4XMIC. Combinations proposed in this study may provide treatment options for both susceptible and multidrug-resistant A. baumannii infections but requires further pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics analyses and in vivo re-evaluations using appropriate models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reductive etherification is an attractive and practical strategy to convert bio-platform compounds into valuable chemicals. In directed synthesis of furfuryl ethers, reductive etherification of bioderived furfurals is still challenging due to the complexity of catalytic reaction. Herein, reductive etherification of furfural with alcohol was investigated over Ni/ZSM-5 catalyst, which found that Si/Al ratios in ZSM-5 played an important role on the catalytic performance. For Ni/ZSM-5 with Si/Al ratio of 50, 80.9% yield of furfuryl ether at 90.8% conversion of furfural was achieved under the condition of 2 MPa H 2 and 180 °C for 3 h in isopropanol. The catalyst exhibited superior stability and recyclability during the consecutive cycle run. Catalysts characterization demonstrated that both acidic properties and furfural adsorption were influenced by the Si/Al ratios in Ni/ZSM-5, which correlated to the reaction route and catalytic performance. Lewis acid sites enhanced furfural hydrogenation into furfuryl alcohol, while Brønsted acid sites on ZSM-5 effectively catalyzed sequential etherification of furfuryl alcohol to furfuryl ether. Under optimization conditions, various furfuryl ethers could be obtained with yields above 80% over Ni/ZSM-5 catalyst in different primary alcohols, demonstrating the general versatility of the approach. Our findings offered opportunities to develop an efficient furfuryl ethers synthesis method. A synergistic effect between Lewis and Brønsted acid sites in Ni/ZSM-5 accelerated the reductive etherification of furfural and alcohols. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the giant large-scale integrated circuits manufacturing process, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) for Cu interconnection can lead to chemical corrosion on Cu surface if inhibitors are not added to the CMP slurry. This paper concentrated on the synergistic effect of benzotriazole (BTA) and pyrazole (PZ). Electrochemical tests and UV–Vis spectra showed that they were effective inhibitors. The adsorption mechanism was investigated by fitting the adsorption isotherm and using quantum chemical calculations. Finally, the synergistic effect of BTA and PZ was studied by electrochemical experiments and corrosion characterization. The outcomes demonstrated that the surface quality and inhibition effect of composite inhibitor (BTA/PZ) were better than that of single inhibitor. This result could be the consequence of changes in the density and structure of the passive film composed of Cu and inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Addition of pine sawdust (PS) promoted the formation of porous char. • Addition of PS improved the retention capacities of metals in dyeing sludge (DS) • Ratio of 25% PS decreased N-containing compounds contents from 88.66% to 8.14% • Zeolites greatly enhanced CO, CO 2 and H 2 yields when 75% PS was added at 650 °C. • Energy utilization of co-pyrolysis is higher than that of single pyrolysis. Co-pyrolysis of dyeing sludge (DS) and pine sawdust (PS) was carried out in a fluidized bed pyrolyser. The results revealed that addition of PS increased the yields of condensate and gas, and dramatically improved pore structure of co-pyrolysis char, enhancing immobilization of the metals, nutrient and pollution elements. Catalysts (Na-ZSM-5 and HZSM-5) significantly reduced tar and coke, strengthened the integrity of pore structure. Yield of nitrogen-containing compounds declined sharply from 88.66% to 8.14% when 25% of PS was added. Addition of 50% PS promoted ring opening to generate chain compounds and abundant oxygenates (such as ketones, aldehydes and carboxylic acids) in pyrolysis oil (PO) at 650 °C. Correspondingly, yield of gaseous products was inhibited except CO 2 and H 2 when PS content was dominant. The catalysts greatly increased yield of gaseous products by enhancing primary and secondary cracking depending on different feedstocks and catalysts (e.g., DS over Na-ZSM-5 and PS over HZSM-5). The maximum energy efficiency (69.75%) was obtained at 650 °C when 75% PS was added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is one of the most destructive rice pests in Asia. It has already developed a high level of resistance to many commonly used insecticides including nitenpyram (NIT), which is a main synthetic insecticide that is used to control BPH with a much shorter persistence compared to other neonicotinoid insecticides. Recently, we found that an exogenous supplement of paclobutrazol (PZ) could significantly enhance the efficacy of NIT against BPH, and the molecular mechanism underlying this synergistic effect was explored. The results showed that the addition of a range of 150–300 mg/L PZ increased the toxicity of NIT against BPH with the highest mortalities of 78.0–87.0% on the 16th day after treatments, and PZ could also significantly prolong the persistence of the NIT efficacies. Further investigation suggested that PZ directly increased the content of flavonoids and H2O2 in rice and increased the activity of polyphenol oxidase, which might be involved in the constitutive defense of rice in advance. Additionally, there was an interaction between PZ and BPH infestation, indicating that PZ might activate the host defense responses. Therefore, PZ increased the efficacy of NIT against the brown planthoppers by enhancing the constitutive and inducible defense responses of rice. Our study showed for the first time that PZ could contribute to improving the control effects of insecticides via inducing the defense responses in rice plants against BPH, which provided an important theoretical basis for developing novel pest management strategies in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal chalcogenides as potential anodes for lithium-ion batteries have been widely investigated. For practical application, the drawbacks of low conductivity and volume expansion should be further overcome. Besides the two conventional methods of nanostructure design and the doping of carbon-based materials, the component hybridization of transition metal-based chalcogenides can effectively enhance the electrochemical performance owing to the synergetic effect. Hybridization could promote the advantages of each chalcogenide and suppress the disadvantages of each chalcogenide to some extent. In this review, we focus on the four different types of component hybridization and the excellent electrochemical performance that originated from hybridization. The exciting problems of hybridization and the possibility of studying structural hybridization were also discussed. The binary and ternary transition metal-based chalcogenides are more promising to be used as future anodes of lithium-ion batteries for their excellent electrochemical performance originating from the synergetic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is considered the most environmentally harmful when discharged without proper treatment. In addition to conventional biological treatment methods, physicochemical treatment techniques are considered alternative methods to treat POME as polishing or post-treatment techniques to meet the discharge water quality standards set by authorities. Recently, electroflotation (EF) has gained popularity in wastewater treatment owing to its high efficiency, no harmful by-products, and ease of operation. However, EF has limitations on energy consumption because high current density and long electrolysis time are often used to increase the density of gas bubbles and metallic ions produced in the EF system used in pollutant removal. Polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) are used as alternative options for the production of coagulants instead of using a sacrificial anode in EF. In this study, we hypothesized that PAC and CPAM could enhance the efficiency and reduce the specific energy consumption of EF by minimizing the electrolysis time used in POME treatment. The effects of electrolysis time, current density, and coagulant dosage on POME treatment were investigated. EF treatment at a current density of 2.5 mA/cm2 has achieved 82% of turbidity and 47% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal after 45 min electrolysis time, consuming 0.014 kWh of specific energy for the treatment of one gram of COD. There was no improvement in terms of turbidity removal when the current density was increased from 2.5 to 5 mA/cm2; however, the COD removal efficiency was increased up to 52% at 5 mA/cm2. When EF was performed at 1 A combined with PAC at a dosage of 40 mg/L and CPAM at a dosage of 20 mg/L, it was noticed that turbidity and COD removal increased up to 96% and 54%, respectively, within 15 min electrolysis. Subsequently, the specific energy consumption was reduced to 0.004 kWh (by 71%) per one gram of COD treatment. Results confirmed that the chemical coagulants could increase the POME treatment efficiency and reduce the specific energy consumption of EF. However, this method can be improved aiming at further reduction of COD by mineralizing the dissolved organic compounds to fulfill the POME discharge quality standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates the efficiency of phage-nano combinational therapy in treating planktonic and biofilm bacteria. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by olive oil as a coating emulation and characterized. Then, the antibacterial activity, biofilm inhibition, and the compatibility of phage ZCEC5 with AgNPs were evaluated. The results revealed that AgNPs were effective against a wide range of bacteria including Enterobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella Enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus sciuri, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 0.6 to 3.15% and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranged from 3.15 to 12.5%. As a model bacteria, E. coli O157:H7 was tested against the formulated AgNPs alone, and in combination with bacteriophage ZCEC5. While the MIC and MBC for E. coli treated with the AgNPs only were 1.1% and 3.15%, respectively, when combined with phage ZCEC5 (∼108 PFU/mL), the MIC and MBC were reduced to be 0.13% and 0.25%, respectively. Therefore, this paperwork introduces an antibacterial AgNPs against a wide spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, along with a novel combinational therapy of AgNPs and bacteriophage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since bacteria in biofilms are inherently resistant to antibiotics and biofilm‐associated infections pose a serious threat to global public health, new therapeutic agents and schemes are urgently needed to meet clinical requirements. Here two quaternary ammonium‐functionalized biphen[n]arenes (WBPn, n=4, 5) were designed and synthesized with excellent anti‐biofilm potency. Not only could they inhibit the assembly of biofilms, but also eradicate intractable mature biofilms formed by Gram‐positive S. aureus and Gram‐negative E. coli bacterial strains. Moreover, they could strongly complex a conventional antibiotic, cefazolin sodium (CFZ) with complex stability constants of (7.41±0.29)×104 M−1 for CFZ/WBP4 and (4.98±0.49)×103 M−1 for CFZ/WBP5. Combination of CFZ by WBP4 and WBP5 synergistically enhanced biofilm eradication performance in vitro and statistically improved healing efficacy on E. coli‐infected mice models, providing a novel supramolecular strategy for combating biofilm‐associated infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since bacteria in biofilms are inherently resistant to antibiotics and biofilm‐associated infections pose a serious threat to global public health, new therapeutic agents and schemes are urgently needed to meet clinical requirements. Here two quaternary ammonium‐functionalized biphen[n]arenes (WBPn, n=4, 5) were designed and synthesized with excellent anti‐biofilm potency. Not only could they inhibit the assembly of biofilms, but also eradicate intractable mature biofilms formed by Gram‐positive S. aureus and Gram‐negative E. coli bacterial strains. Moreover, they could strongly complex a conventional antibiotic, cefazolin sodium (CFZ) with complex stability constants of (7.41±0.29)×104 M−1 for CFZ/WBP4 and (4.98±0.49)×103 M−1 for CFZ/WBP5. Combination of CFZ by WBP4 and WBP5 synergistically enhanced biofilm eradication performance in vitro and statistically improved healing efficacy on E. coli‐infected mice models, providing a novel supramolecular strategy for combating biofilm‐associated infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: The instability of perovskite materials under continuous ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation and high sensitivity in humid environments remain obstacles to future commercialization. Especially, the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) is prone to decline under UV light exposure for sustained periods of time. However, in conventional methods, preventing UV light from entering PVSCs usually comes at the expense of reducing short circuit photocurrent (Jsc). Herein, the UV stability of PVSCs is modified by introducing a singlet fission down‐conversion layer 6,13‐bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS‐PEN) via one‐step anti‐solvent method without sacrificing device efficiency. The introduction of down conversion layer can not only improve the Jsc by converting UV light into multiple excitons, but also enhance the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) owing to a better matched energy level alignment at the perovskite/spiro‐OMeTAD interface. Consequently, the TIPS‐PEN incorporated PVSCs attain the champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 22.92% accompanied with dramatically increased UV photostability which can retain 80% of its primitive PCE under continuous UV light soaking for 150 h. Moreover, the unencapsulated PVSCs with TIPS‐PEN exhibit remarkable moisture stability which can sustain over 80% of the initial value under air conditions (50% relative humidity, 25 °C) after 1000 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization affects various biotic and abiotic conditions through the disturbance and modification of the environment by human activity. Anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night (ALAN) associated with urbanization have negative impacts on wildlife. However, few studies have focused on the combined effects of noise and ALAN, and the counter‐adaptation of urban individuals to environmental pollution. We examined the single and combined effects of ALAN and noise on life history traits, including developmental period, survival rate, egg diapause, the number of progeny, and body size, of the cricket Dianemobius nigrofasciatus. We examined whether urban individuals are adapted to these factors by a common garden experiment using the crickets of both urban and rural origin. Our findings revealed no combined effect of ALAN and noise on the life‐history traits of D. nigrofasciatus except on that of survival and progeny production. Both ALAN and noise alone delayed development and prevented egg diapause. Neither noise nor ALAN had a significant effect on body size. The survival rate of rural crickets was not affected by noise and ALAN, but there was a negative synergetic effect. However, there were no significant effects of ALAN, noise, or their combined effect on the survival rate of urban crickets. These results suggest that urban individuals exhibit adaptive evolution to these factors. The number of progeny was positively affected by noise and not affected by ALAN, while the combined effect negatively affected the progeny production. The results suggest that a combined effect of noise and ALAN on important factors for the cricket such as survival and reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic combustion of hazardous particulate matter (soot) generated by automobile engines is a primary method of their elimination. Ruthenium-based catalysts are a promising alternative for traditional noble metal (Pt, Pd) based systems; however, their relatively poor thermal stability hinders wide applications. In this study, we synthesized a novel, highly active, and stable catalyst for soot oxidation containing bimetallic RuRe nanoparticles supported on TiO2. The RuRe NPs were synthesized by colloidal, microwave-assisted polyol method and deposited on rutile or anatase TiO2. The effect of rhenium content and the nature of TiO2 support on the performance of RuRe nanoparticles (NPs) in the soot oxidation under air atmosphere was investigated. Bimetallic RuRe/TiO2 nanocatalysts exhibited higher activity in the soot oxidation than Ru/TiO2 systems, and the rutile supported 2 wt% Ru–0.4 wt% Re nanocatalyst (Ru/Re atomic ratio of 9:1) showed the best catalytic performance (T50 = 340 °C and T90 < 400 °C). All studied nanocatalysts were stable under reaction conditions in the consecutive catalytic tests. The exceptional catalytic performance of bimetallic RuRe NPs is explained by the synergy effect between ruthenium, rhenium, and TiO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • MnO 2 catalysts embedded with Pt single-atoms (0.11 wt%) achieve the superior toluene conversion (95 %). • The unique synergy of light-driven thermocatalysis (major) and photocatalysis (minor) has been disclosed. • The strong electron transfer from Pt single-atoms to MnO 2 greatly boosts the activity of surface lattice oxygen. • Photocatalysis produces strong-oxidative radicals (O 2 −) to facilitate the ring-opening and deep oxidation of toluene. The degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at low temperature remains a big challenge. Photothermal catalysis coupling the advantages of photocatalysis and thermocatalysis is promising to address this issue. However, there is still a long way to construct highly active catalysts and deeply understand the mechanism of photothermal catalysis. Herein, maganese oxide (MnO 2) catalysts embedded with Pt single-atoms (0.11 wt% Pt) have achieved greatly enhanced toluene conversion of 95%, far surpassing most supported Pt photothermal catalysts. The excellent catalytic activity has been disclosed to derive from the synergetic effect of light-driven thermocatalysis and photocatalysis. The light-driven thermocatalysis predominates and the strong electron transfer from Pt single-atoms to MnO 2 improves the activity of surface lattice oxygen to boost the generation of benzoic acid and the mineralization of toluene. Meanwhile, in photocatalytic process, Pt single-atoms accelerate the generation of superoxide radicals (O 2 −), which facilitate the ring-opening and deep oxidation of toluene. This understanding on the photothermal synergetic mechanism will inspire the design of highly efficient catalysts for VOCs oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth tungstate anchored PEDOT: PSS (BiW@PEPS) electrocatalyst was prepared via hydrothermal and ultrasonication methods successively. The synergetic effects of bismuth tungstate with PEDOT: PSS conducting polymer showed excellent electrocatalytic performance of hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in alkaline conditions. When compared with pristine bismuth tungstate, the BiW@PEPS exhibited an enhanced electrocatalytic activity with a lower overpotential of 361 mV at 10 mA cm−2, small Tafel slope of 106 mV/dec and enduring stability in 1 M KOH electrolyte. The enhanced electrocatalytic performance of the BiW@PEPS proved to be a beneficial electrocatalyst to the high-cost platinum-based materials in hydrogen production applications. • Bismuth tungstate anchored PEDOT: PSS (BiW@PEPS) synthesized by ultrasonication method. • BiW@PEPS showed the interconnected flakes with rod-like morphology. • BiW@PEPS exhibited the excellent HER activities in aqueous medium. • BiW@PEPS exhibited overpotential of 361 mV and a small Tafel slope of 106 mV/dec were recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalysts combined with nanoconfinement can improve the sluggish desorption kinetics and poor reversibility of LiBH4. However, at high LiBH4 loading, their hydrogen storage performance is significantly reduced. Herein, a porous carbon‐sphere scaffold decorated with Ni nanoparticles (NPs) was synthesised by calcining a Ni metal‐organic framework precursor, followed by partial etching of the Ni NPs to fabricate an optimised scaffold with a high surface area and large porosity that accommodates high LiBH4 loading (up to 60 wt.%) and exhibits remarkable catalyst/nanoconfinement synergy. Owing to the catalytic effect of Ni2B (formed in situ during dehydrogenation) and the reduced hydrogen diffusion distances, the 60 wt.% LiBH4 confined system exhibited enhanced dehydrogenation kinetics with >87% of the total hydrogen storage capacity released within 30 min at 375 °C. The apparent activation energies were significantly reduced to 110.5 and 98.3 kJ/mol, compared to that of pure LiBH4 (149.6 kJ/mol). Moreover, partial reversibility was achieved under moderate conditions (75 bar H2, 300 °C) with rapid dehydrogenation during cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid use of a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and expansive agent (EA) is beneficial for mitigating the autogenous shrinkage of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) without compromising strength. However, the unclear mechanisms behind the synergetic effect of the two materials may hinder the more effective applications of this method. This study clarifies the interactions between SAP and CaO-based EA (CEA) in a UHPC matrix by quantifying the content and distribution of water and hydration products, underlining their influence on the strength and autogenous shrinkage evolution. The high strength of 135 MPa can be achieved in systems with a reasonable combination (S1E1, 0.1 wt%SAP, and 1 wt%CEA), and after 7 days, a 24% reduction in shrinkage was found in the same system, which is more effective than the use SAP or CEA alone at the same dose. The mitigating effect on the autogenous shrinkage of a UHPC matrix with hybrid materials at different stages depends on the competition between the water retention for self-desiccation and portlandite formation. With the continuing formation of hydration products, the microporosity of UHPC matrix under internal curing conditions at 28 d is considerably reduced, resulting in a more compact microstructure. This study also finds a suppressed crystallization pressure of growing portlandite in the extra space provided by emptied SAP, which explains the lost expansion of CEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower-like TiO2 nanostructures were obtained by chemical oxidation of Ti foil using H2O2 combined with subsequent annealing. This paper offers an analysis of the phase transformation of 3D flower-like titanium dioxide nanostructures. The role of the annealing atmosphere, sample thickness, grain shape, and nanoflower size are discussed. The nanostructures were examined using SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. Due to the nature of these two processes, the morphology of these nanomaterials is complex, and is obtained through a reaction involving Ti foil and H2O2 at 80°C. A distinction is made between the layer composed of small grains at the substrate/oxide interface, elongated crystal-like structures, and outer spongle-like film. The annealing parameters, such as atmosphere (air or argon) and temperature (450 or 600 °C), affect phase composition. The photoelectrochemical performance of the anode based on flower-like TiO2 has been shown. The thickness and phase composition of the anodes are factors that strongly affect the photocurrent. The multiphase heterojunctions proposed for 3D flower-like TiO2 photoanodes in photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells suppose that the conduction band of anatase should be above rutile. The highest photoelectrochemical performance was obtained for a photoanode composed of 20–40% anatase and an associated thickness of 0.75–1.5 µm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The percolation of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) is generally regarded as an important factor that may accelerate the penetration of aggressive agents in concrete materials, and its threshold is largely determined by the features of aggregates. In most numerical studies about ITZ percolation, both fine aggregates and coarse aggregates are assumed to be the particles of uniform shape, and their size distributions are generally strung together by a single function, which is quite different from reality. To quantify the ITZ percolation associated with the polydispersity of aggregate shapes and size gradations in a more realistic way, the two-dimensional (2D) meso-scale model of concrete is generated by simplifying coarse aggregates and fine aggregates as polygons and ovals, respectively. Moreover, the size gradations of them are also represented by two separate expressions. By combining these models with percolation theory, the percolation of ITZ in the 2D case is explicitly simulated, and the influence of aggregate shape- and size-diversities on the critical threshold ϕagg,c is studied in detail. Based on the simulated results of ϕagg,c, an empirically analytical expression is further proposed to fast predict the ITZ percolation, and its reliability is verified. The results show that the ITZ thickness, average aggregate fineness, coarse aggregate shape, and fine aggregate shapes are the four main contributing factors to the ITZ percolation. Compared with the existing literature, the proposed model here has a broader range of applications (e.g., mortar, concrete, and other granular systems) in the 2D case and can provide the larger predicted results, which may be closer to reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rheological and filtration properties of the biopolymer solutions based on natural polymers, gum and starch, that affect the removal of drilled cuttings to the day surface, the creation of hydrodynamic pressure, and the borehole cleaning, were considered. Hydrodynamic pressure, in turn, predetermines possible arising of complications during well construction such as absorption of the drilling fluid or influx of formation fluids, hydraulic fracturing of the rocks, and contamination of the productive formations which are opened mainly via horizontal wellbore drilling. The peculiar features of the use of a combination of gums and starch in biopolymer drilling fluids, manifested in changes in the values of the process parameters of the drilling fluids, as well as in the physicomechanical processes of solution circulation in the well, were studied. By means of mathematical modeling, the change in the annular velocity profile for the biopolymer solutions containing the studied reagents (gum and starch) separately and jointly was demonstrated. In this regard, the basic equation describing the motion of a pseudoplastic liquid (the Ostwald–de Waele model) was used for finding the velocity profiles in an annular gap of 10 mm for the biopolymer solutions, and the optimal velocity profiles were graphically determined for the aqueous solutions of the biopolymer reagents. Basing on analysis of the obtained velocity solutions and the experimental data on the filtration and transport properties of the biopolymer compositions, the optimal concentrations of the reagents were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of fatalities caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is over 700,000 annually due to widespread antibiotic usage. So, there is a need of new antibiotics, materials that work like antibiotics, or combinations of antibiotics with nanomaterials that could help in treating the infections which is caused by MDR bacteria. The present study describes the synthesis of ZnO nanoflakes using a co-precipitation method. The ZnO nanoflakes and ZnO nanoflakes combinations with carbapenem antibiotics were tested against carbapenem-resistant (CR) clinical isolates. The SEM analysis showed surface morphology of the synthesized nanoflakes-like structure of ZnO. All 67 CR isolates were tested and showed inhibitory action at varying concentrations of ZnO nanoflakes. ZnO nanoflakes were found to have an inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae at lowest concentration of 1.25 mg.ml-1 of ZnO NPs with average zone size (mean ±SD) 1.91±2.94 mm and 2.00±4.14 mm and the average zone size of ZnO nanoflakes against Acinetobacter baumanni and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 9.89±0.76 mm and 10.17±0.39 mm at 2.5 mg.ml-1 concentration. The combined action of ZnO nanoflakes with Meropenem 10 mcg demonstrated synergetic activity against CR pathogens, with an average zone of inhibition measuring 15.2 mm in diameter. ZnO nanoflakes illustrated considerable antibacterial activity against MBL-producing gram-negative clinical isolates at the lowest concentration. Chemically synthesized ZnO nanoflakes may offer a superior future expectation as a nano-antibiotic to treat the infection caused by CRE bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Using chemical penetration enhancers to improve the penetration effect is one kind of important strategies in transdermal drug delivery system. Azone is a widely used transdermal absorption enhancer for transdermal drug delivery. To shed light on the permeation-promoting mechanism of azone, we selected ternary systems formed by azacyclopentane-2-one and N-methylolacetamide (1: 2) and explored the synergetic effect of hydrogen-bonding interactions among them and their thermodynamic properties. The findings indicate that the synergetic effects can enhance the ability of azone to change the original conformation of ceramides and even break the original hydrogen bonds, which is more beneficial for azone to destroy the 3D network structure of ceramides. When azone interacts with ceramide, the order of action tends to interact with one molecule of ceramide first and then with another molecule of ceramide. Methods: The synergetic effects of hydrogen-bonding interactions in ternary systems were computed at the B3LYP/6–311 + + G** and MP2(full)/6–311 + + G** levels. Thermodynamic parameters for two ternary-complex routes were worked out at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ level. The shift of the electron density occurring simultaneously with trimer formation was analyzed at the MP2(full)/6–311 + + G** level. The above calculations were carried out using the Gaussian 03 program packages. Atoms in molecules (AIM) method and the AIMPAC program showed the topological charge density at the MP2(full)/6–311 + + G** level. The synergetic effects of hydrogen-bonding interactions and thermodynamic property in the 1: 2 (azacyclopentane-2-one: N-methylolacetamide) ternary systems were investigated using the B3LYP and MP2(full) methods [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 (NVP) cathode holds the merit of NASICON tunnel structure. Whilst, it still suffers from the defects of knockdown electronic conductivity and inadequate working voltage (3.4 V). Herein, we design a series of synergistic Ga3+/Cr3+-doped and amorphous carbon coated Na 3 V 1.6 Ga x Cr 0.4-x (PO 4) 3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) materials via a facile solid-state method. To clarify the structure-activity relationship, the in-situ XRD is performed to confirm the more stable structural evolution during Na + extraction/insertion process. The in-situ EIS tests reveal a reduced charge transfer resistance and greatly enhanced electronic transfer in a charge-discharge cycle. And the DFT calculations profoundly shed light on the improvements on electronic/spatial structures. Owing to the synergistic effect, the optimal Na 3 V 1.6 Ga 0.2 Cr 0.2 (PO 4) 3 (NVPGC-0.2) electrode can exhibit superior discharge capacity (118 mAh g−1), unprecedented cycling/rate capabilities (97.34 %@5000 cycles@20 C, 91.35 mAh g−1@50 C) and competitive energy/power densities (410.78 W h kg−1, 18142.8 W kg−1@70 C) during 2.0–4.3 V. Moreover, to unseal the entirely reversible multi-electrons redox (V5+↔V2+), the NVPGC-0.2 is tested within a wider voltage window (1.4–4.3 V) and displays a much-enhanced capacity (183.4 mAh g−1) with higher energy density (518.6 W h kg−1). [Display omitted] • Synergistic Ga3+/Cr3+-doped and carbon-coated are realized with multi-electrons redox (V5+↔V2+). • NVPGC-0.2 displays unprecedented electrochemical performances in both half- and full-cells. • The in-situ XRD, in-situ EIS and DFT revealed improvements on electronic/spatial structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical CO 2 -to-ethanol conversion bargains a promising approach to lowering CO 2 emission while yielding valuable chemical products. Here, we report the NiCu-SACs/N-C catalysts with cooperative dual heteroactive sites that achieve by far the highest catalytic activity for yielding ethanol with the unprecedented Faradaic efficiency of 92.2 % at the potential of −0.6 V versus RHE. The catalyst exhibits the lowest onset potential of −0.4 V versus RHE to catalyze CO 2 -to-ethanol conversion. In-operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy provides an interesting observation of restructuring behavior of dynamically generated Cu clusters from atomically distributed Cu single-atoms and reversible structural changes or oxidation states of Cu sites while Ni sites remain unchanged during the catalytic reactions. Our experimental analysis and DFT computation suggest that CO produced on Cu-N 4 /Ni-N 3 cooperative single atom sites undergoes C-C coupling, which is further reduced into ethanol. This strategy provides a new route to design selective and efficient catalysts for CO 2 -to-ethanol conversion. [Display omitted] • The cooperative dual heteroactive sites achieve by far the highest catalytic activity for yielding ethanol. • Operando XAS provides a restructuring behavior of dynamically generated Cu clusters from Cu single-atoms. • Our experimental analysis and DFT computation suggest that CO produced at the Ni sites undergoes C-C coupling on Cu sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the powerful nanomaterials, single-walled nanotubes (SWCNTs) can be used in antitumor application field for targeted drug delivery. SWCNTs have also an excellent light absorption characteristic in the near-infrared area (NIR, 700–1400 nm), which can increase the temperature in a medium environment to realize hyperthermia. In this study, pristine SWCNTs were acidized by nitric acid and the shortened products (CNTs) were modified with NH 2 -PEG 2000 -NH 2 and folic acid (FA). The resulting SWCNTs-PEG-FA were further coated by phase-change material (PCM)-1-Tetradecanol (TD) to adsorb photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG). The final SWCNTs-PEG-FA-ICG/TD (CNTs-PFI/T) and other functionalized carriers were characterized and assessed in terms of various properties. The results showed that various modified SWCNTs had better monodispersity, stability, and biocompatibility. Especially, CNTs-PFI/T exhibited more excellent physical and chemical properties, as well as photothermal conversion performance under NIR laser irradiation (808 nm). In vitro experiment results demonstrated that CNTs-PFI/T@DOX could induce the apoptosis of MCF-7 cells and affect the cycle distribution more efficiently than other formulations, by mediating the coordination of chemotherapy and hyperthermia. In tumor-bearing model animals, CNTs-PFI/T@DOX similarly exhibited the highest antitumor activities among all the treatment groups. Thus, the functionalized CNTs-PFI/T designed in this study could be promising delivery systems to realize cooperative chemotherapy and photothermal therapy (PTT). • TD was covered on the surface of SWCNTs to manufacture a sensitive delivery system for the co-delivery of DOX and ICGCNTs-PFI/T possessed high loading efficiency, responsive drug release, and prominent photothermal conversion performanceThe CNTs-PFI/T could be served as a novel nano-delivery platform for cooperative chemotherapy and PTT. • CNTs-PFI/T vehicles possessed several excellent performances, such as high drug loading efficiency, stability, biocompatibility, responsive drug release under the acidic condition, and prominent photothermal conversion performance under NIR laser irradiation. • Both the in vitro and in vivo experimental results revealed the more efficient antitumor activity of CNTs-PFI/T@DOX under NIR irradiation than other DDS, which could induce apoptosis of MCF-7 cells, arrest cells cycle at G0/G1 peak and cause cells to produce excessive ROS, by regulating synergistic chemotherapy and hyperthermia. Therefore, the functionalized CNTs-PFI/T developed in this study could be served as a novel nano-delivery platform for cooperative chemotherapy and PTT in the treatment of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Non-invasive large-scale cations such as carbazole propylamine can passivate the perovskite films without forming undesired low dimensional phase; • Posttreatment agents with different mechanisms offer the room for synergistical use of them for efficient defect suppression to the perovskite films; • One of the two amine groups of ethylenediamine cation (EDA2+) is inactive, while it can be trigged by Br-, so EDA2+ can become dual-site-binding ligand; • The PCE and stability of all-inorganic tin–lead perovskite (CsPb 0.6 Sn 0.4 I 3 with the bandgap of sub-1.4 eV) based solar cells are successfully improved by the sequential interface engineering strategy. All-inorganic tin–lead perovskites present a promising avenue for achieving an ideal bandgap, approaching the Shockley-Queisser limit, while circumventing the use of volatile organic cations. However, challenges such as relatively low power conversion efficiency (PCE) and rapid degradation dynamics—stemming from complex film crystallization mechanisms and Sn oxidation—hinder their advancement. In this study, we employed sequential interface engineering on the CsPb0.6Sn0.4I3 system, utilizing non-invasive carbazole propylamine bromide and ethylenediamine diiodide as post-treatment agents. This approach significantly enhances both the bulk structure and surface morphology, thereby promoting charge transport, suppressing non-radiative recombination, and improving structural stability. The champion device achieved a PCE of 16.62 % and demonstrated over 2200 h of T80 stability in dry N 2. Remarkably, stability in high-humidity environments was validated through device aging tests and in situ GIWAXS analysis. These results underscore the substantial potential of sub-1.4 eV bandgap all-inorganic Sn-Pb perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Al-25Si hypereutectic alloy was cast with fast solidification. Nucleation undercooling and cores of primary Si were increased. The high undercooling restrained anisotropic facet-growth and induced more refined primary Si with round edges, of which the average size near the sample’s surface has been reduced to 50 μm. Net-like distribution of eutectic Si near the sample’s surface was weakened and some have been fractured under the high cooling rate. Single La and Ce, La+Ce and La+Ce+Y were used to modify primary and eutectic Si phases. Cerium can refine primary Si more apparently than La and they both can weaken the net-like distribution and induce refinement of eutectic Si. The composite of the two can refine both primary and eutectic Si whereas has much more apparent refining effect on primary Si than the single addition does. The refining effect of La+Ce+Y on primary Si is the most apparent. The impurity induced twinning mechanism dominants the rare earth modification and accounts for the decrement of refining effect with the increase in La+Ce content. Synergetic modification effect works under binary and ternary modification. Easier adsorption of Y on primary Si surfaces than La and Ce partly should account for the better refining effect of La+Ce+Y than La+Ce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A branched hierarchical Co 3 O 4 @Fe 2 O 3 core–shell composite is prepared. • The composite can realize selective and efficient electroreduction of NO 3 – to NH 3. • The experimental and DFT results verify a synergistic effect between Co 3 O 4 and Fe 2 O 3. • The composite can enhance nitrate adsorption, suppress HER and promote NH 3 release. This work employs a high-efficiency, low cost and environmentally friendly electrochemical nitrate reduction (NO 3 RR) strategy to realize the highly selective conversion of a typical environmental pollutant-nitrate to an extremely important chemical product-ammonia. To ensure high ammonia selectivity and Faradaic efficiency, a branched hierarchical Co 3 O 4 @Fe 2 O 3 core–shell structure was synthesized on carbon cloth (CC) using a simple two-step hydrothermal method. After material characterization and parameter optimization, a nitrate conversion rate of 88.4 %, ammonia selectivity of 89.4 %, Faradaic efficiency of 87.2 % and NH 3 -N yield rate of 3810 μg h−1 cm−2 were obtained at Co 3 O 4 @Fe 2 O 3 |CC, which also displayed durability by retaining a high Faradaic efficiency of 79.3 % after six consecutive NO 3 RR cycles. Investigation of the mechanism reveals that active atomic *H plays a key role in the NO 3 RR. The excellent NO 3 RR performance of Co 3 O 4 @Fe 2 O 3 |CC is attributed to its branched hierarchical core–shell structure with large electrochemical surface area and fully exposed catalytic sites. In addition, both experimental and density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the Co 3 O 4 @Fe 2 O 3 core–shell structure is superior to Co 3 O 4 |CC and Fe 2 O 3 |CC in catalyzing NO 3 RR due to the synergistic effect between Co 3 O 4 and Fe 2 O 3. This synergistic effect can promote the adsorption of NO 3 –, release of NH 3 and inhibition of hydrogen evolution, ensuring the highly selective and efficient conversion of NO 3 – to NH 3. This work demonstrates that the morphology of an electrocatalyst can significantly affect its performance for the NO 3 RR, and has potential for practical application purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gradual transformation of ZnFe 2 O 4 (spinel structure) to NiFe 2 O 4 (inverse spinel structure) is observed as the nickel fraction increases. • The bulk conductivity progressively decreases with increasing nickel content when transitioning from ZnFe 2 O 4 to NiFe 2 O 4. • Catalytic performance for OER gradually increases with the increase of Ni doping. • Despite the lower conductivity, the better OER activity suggests that redox sites and Fe x Ni 1-x OOH species are more important. Fe and Ni oxide-based systems are often investigated as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water electrolysis and the improvement in OER activity is explained by two main reasons, (i) improving bulk electrical conductivity and (ii) synergic effect between Ni and Fe. Among the two factors, the identification of the dominant factor for OER is very important for catalyst engineering in the right direction. In order to have a better understanding, spinel-structured ZnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles have been synthesized and its bulk conductivity is studied by progressively varying Ni doping. The conductivity of the synthesised compounds follows the order of ZnFe 2 O 4 > Ni 0.3 Zn 0.7 Fe 2 O 4 > Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 Fe 2 O 4 > Ni 0.7 Zn 0.3 Fe 2 O 4 > NiFe 2 O 4. The oxygen evolution studies reveal that NiFe 2 O 4 is highly active with an onset potential of 1.57 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and Tafel slope of 102 mV/dec. With the increase in Ni doping, the structure changes from spinel to inverse spinel as confirmed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra. Further, the contribution from Ni redox sites in addition to Fe ion sites and Fe x Ni 1−x OOH species formation, causes improved OER performance. This study uniquely proves that the OER activity majorly relies on redox/active metal sites, Fe x Ni 1−x OOH species and charge transfer resistance at OER potential rather than the bulk electrical conductivity of spinel ferrites. This conclusion is supported by voltammetry and impedance studies of five different spinel ferrites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substitution of Portland cement clinker with a combination of calcium carbonate and calcined clay is a promising binder concept to lower the CO 2 footprint of the cement industry due to the synergetic effect of both materials which form carbo-aluminate hydrates. In this study, the reactivity of several calcined clays was tested using the R3 test and mortar strength testing in different combinations with calcium carbonate and Portland cement. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the reactivity in the R3 test depends mainly on the amorphous Al 2 O 3 and to a minor extent on the grain size and the MgO content. It was found that the most reactive calcined clay according to the R3 test led to no significant increase in compressive strength between 7 and 28 days. This clay also shows a slightly lower overall strength after 28 days than a calcined clay that was rated "medium reactive" according to the R3 test. The most reactive calcined clay was further investigated in a hydration study using X-ray diffraction. Based on this, a thermodynamic model was built and revealed that only a comparatively small percentage of the calcined clay reacted after 28 days. • Amorphous Al2O3 as most important factor for calcined clay reactivity using R3 test. • Low strength gain after 7 days using a highly reactive calcined clay. • Combining XRD with thermodynamic modeling. • Low reaction degree after 28 days of the highly reactive calcined clay. • Lower reactive calcined clays can outperform higher reactive ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]