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The use of zinc (Zn) metal as an anode in aqueous batteries offers an eco‐friendly and cost‐effective energy storage solution. However, Zn dendrite formation severely restricts the cycle life of the battery toward practical application. Herein, a commercially hydrophilic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane is demonstrated as a separator to significantly extend the cycle life of the Zn metal anode. In contrast with the conventional fragile glass fiber separator, a wetted PTFE separator exhibited high mechanical strength (stress of 34.3 MPa at 41.4% strain) and favorable hydrophilicity, which both efficiently suppress dendrite growth. The uniform and robust pore structures are proven to facilitate a homogeneous Zn2+ ion flux and a high transfer number of Zn2+ (0.81), which has guaranteed reversible Zn plating/stripping. As a proof of concept, the PTFE separator extended the cycle life considerably to over 3000 h and promoted a Zn plating/stripping efficiency of 99.5% in the unmodified 2 m ZnSO4 aqueous electrolyte. This advancement underscores the significant potential of the PTFE separator for enhancement of the cycling durability of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of alternative catalytic systems toward high‐performance CO2 photoreduction is considered to be a promising approach to address the future energy demand and reduce the CO2 emissions. However, CO2 molecules are thermodynamically stable in nature, and thus the adsorption and activation of CO2 on the surface of catalysts are the key factors to determine the conversion efficiency. Herein, a porous liquid (NH2‐UIO‐66 PL) is demonstrated for efficiently facilitating the adsorption and activation of CO2 by modification of metal–organic framework (NH2‐UIO‐66) with ionic liquid via amide bonds. CdS/NH2‐UIO‐66 PL exhibits high‐performance CO2‐to‐CO photoreduction with CO yield of 71.37 µmol g−1 h−1 and selectivity of 100%. Experiments and theoretical calculations show that the introduced amide moieties not only enriched the electron density at Zr4+ active sites but also stabilize *COOH intermediate. The achievements provide an effective strategy for the development of metal–organic frameworks for energy catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic oxygen reductive H2O2 production is a promising approach to alternative industrial anthraquinone processes while suffering from the requirement of pure O2 feedstock for practical application. Herein, we report a spaced double hydrogen bond (IC−H‐bond) through multi‐component Radziszewski reaction in an imidazole poly‐ionic‐liquid composite (SI‐PIL‐TiO2) and levofloxacin hydrochloride (LEV) electron donor for highly efficient and selective photocatalytic air reductive H2O2 production. It is found that the IC−H‐bond formed by spaced imino (−NH−) group of SI‐PIL‐TiO2 and carbonyl (−C=O) group of LEV can switch the imidazole active sites characteristic from a covered state to a fully exposed one to shield the strong adsorption of electron donor and N2 in the air, and propel an intenser positive potential and more efficient orbitals binding patterns of SI‐PIL‐TiO2 surface to establish competitive active sites for selectivity O2 chemisorption. Moreover, the high electron enrichment of imidazole as an active site for the 2e− oxygen reduction ensures the rapid reduction of O2. Therefore, the IC−H‐bond enables a total O2 utilization and conversion efficiency of 94.8 % from direct photocatalytic air reduction, achieving a H2O2 production rate of 1518 μmol/g/h that is 16 and 23 times compared to poly‐ionic‐liquid composite without spaced imino groups (PIL‐TiO2) and TiO2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic oxygen reductive H2O2 production is a promising approach to alternative industrial anthraquinone processes while suffering from the requirement of pure O2 feedstock for practical application. Herein, we report a spaced double hydrogen bond (IC−H‐bond) through multi‐component Radziszewski reaction in an imidazole poly‐ionic‐liquid composite (SI‐PIL‐TiO2) and levofloxacin hydrochloride (LEV) electron donor for highly efficient and selective photocatalytic air reductive H2O2 production. It is found that the IC−H‐bond formed by spaced imino (−NH−) group of SI‐PIL‐TiO2 and carbonyl (−C=O) group of LEV can switch the imidazole active sites characteristic from a covered state to a fully exposed one to shield the strong adsorption of electron donor and N2 in the air, and propel an intenser positive potential and more efficient orbitals binding patterns of SI‐PIL‐TiO2 surface to establish competitive active sites for selectivity O2 chemisorption. Moreover, the high electron enrichment of imidazole as an active site for the 2e− oxygen reduction ensures the rapid reduction of O2. Therefore, the IC−H‐bond enables a total O2 utilization and conversion efficiency of 94.8 % from direct photocatalytic air reduction, achieving a H2O2 production rate of 1518 μmol/g/h that is 16 and 23 times compared to poly‐ionic‐liquid composite without spaced imino groups (PIL‐TiO2) and TiO2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To report the ocular characteristics and management of three cases of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) concurrent primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). Case presentation: Three middle-aged patients presenting with diminished vision, high intraocular pressure (IOP), and typical fundus manifestations of RP were clinically evaluated. The individualized treatment was based on the ocular conditions of each case. A novel genetic alteration in ZNF408 was identified in one patient. Two patients with short-axial eyes received unilateral combined trabeculectomy, cataract surgery, and Irido-zonulo-hyaloid-vitrectomy. One of them had a subluxated lens, managed with a capsular tension ring implantation. Their contralateral eyes, respectively, underwent laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) and transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. The third patient underwent bilaterally combined laser peripheral iridoplasty, LPI, and medication. Ultimately, all patients achieved the target IOP during a two-year follow-up. Conclusion: Young patients with RP may have a risk of developing angle closure glaucoma, and conversely, patients with angle closure glaucoma at younger age should be aware of the presence of RP. Therefore, routine gonioscopy and IOP monitoring are required for RP patients, and detailed fundus examinations are warranted for young PACG patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective photodecomposition of highly toxic pollutants is a significant challenge because the free radicals produced by photocatalyst show an indistinguishable attack on all contaminants in wastewater. To realize selective photodegradation, an organic imprinted Ag-PANI/CdS/Fe3O4/Biochar photocatalyst (IM-Ag-PANI/CdS/Fe3O4/BC) was successfully prepared by photoinitiated polymerization method. The formation of heterojunction facilitates the separation of photoexcited carriers and effectively inhibits the photocorrosion of CdS, thereby improving the photocatalytic activity and stability of photocatalysts. Moreover, the imprinted cavities in Ag-PANI layer help to selectively adsorb and degrade 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (MMIZ), resulting in a high selectivity coefficient of 2.40 relative to 5-Mercapto-1-methyltetrazole, and the photodegradation efficiency of MMIZ is boosted up to 76% within 1 h. This work provides a new idea to construct stable photocatalysts with high selectivity for the decontamination of target pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the hydrothermal in situ growth technique was used to controllably produce the stable nanoflower-like Pt-MoS2/BiVO4 (Pt-MS/BVO) composite. MoS2 nanospheres were embellished with BiVO4 and Pt nanoparticles. Excellent photocatalytic efficiency for the TC degradation was demonstrated by the Pt-MS/BVO composite. In the light irradiation, degradation efficiency was 11 and 5 times higher than MoS2 and BiVO4, respectively. The reaction speed of Pt-MS/BVO was 1.9, 3.2, and 18.3 times that of MoS2/BiVO4 (MS/BVO), BiVO4, and MoS2, according to the photocatalytic kinetics fitting curve. MoS2 not only resulted in good dispersion of Pt and BiVO4, furthermore but also performed a significant part in the creation of direct Z-type charge-transfer composites with relatively short charge diffusion distances and abundant intimate contact interfaces, while the noble metal Pt acted as an electron collector to suppress the electron–hole complexation rate, thus improving the photocatalytic activity. This study sheds light on the ternary photocatalyst's rational design for multilayer electron transport and achieves efficient removal of tetracycline residues in the water environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sluggish kinetics of the sulfur evolution reaction (SER) that occur because of the high oxidation barrier of Li2S causes low sulfur utilization and the poor rate performance of lithium–sulfur batteries. However, the design of the catalysts to solve this problem is still hard to achieve because it is difficult to precisely correlate the catalytic oxidation ability with the electronic structure. Here, a layer transition metal oxide, NaxTi0.5Co0.5O2, is used as a model catalyst to probe such a correlation because it has a tunable electronic structure and good stability in the working potential window of Li–S batteries. By removing Na+, a partial phase change gradually increases the concentration of Co active sites while decreasing the work function with an upshift of the Fermi level, accelerating charge transfer on the catalyst surface and therefore improving its catalytic oxidation activity of Li2S. In particular, Na0.7Ti0.5Co0.5O2 with two‐phases coexisting effectively lowers the activation potential of Li2S, leading to minimum polarization and excellent rate performance, and even at 5.0 C, the assembled cell has a high capacity of 615 mAh g−1. This study indicates a way to optimize the electronic structure to enhance the SER, which is important for promoting the practical use of Li–S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wadsley–Roth phased niobates are promising anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries, while their inherently low electrical conductivity still limits their rate‐capability. Herein, a novel doped Mo1.5W1.5Nb14O44 (MWNO) material is facilely prepared via an ionothermal‐synthesis‐assisted doping strategy. The detailed crystal structure of MWNO is characterized by neutron powder diffraction and aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscope, unveiling the full occupation of Mo6+‐dopant at the t1 tetrahedral site. In half‐cells, MWNO exhibits enhanced fast‐rechargeability. The origin of the improved performance is investigated by ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, density functional theory (DFT) computation, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, revealing that bandgap narrowing improves the electrical conductivity of MWNO. Furthermore, operando X‐ray diffraction elucidates that MWNO exhibits a typical solid‐solution phase conversion‐based lithium‐ion insertion/extraction mechanism with reversible structural evolution during the electrochemical reaction. The boosted lithium‐ion diffusivity of MWNO, due to the Mo6+/W6+ doping effect, is confirmed by a galvanostatic intermittent titration technique and DFT. With the simultaneously enhanced electrical conductivity and lithium‐ion diffusivity, MWNO successfully demonstrates its fast‐rechargeability and practicality in the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4‐coupled full‐cells. Therefore, this work illustrates the potential of ionothermal synthesis in energy storage materials and provides a mechanistic understanding of the doping effect on improving material's electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a novel transformed CdO with low coordination and N doping environment was simply synthesized through the involvement of the target molecule tetracycline (TC). The results showed that the shedding of surface hydroxyl groups led to a low coordination environment, and N doping formed a new doping energy level, which increased the charge density and promoted the migration and separation of photo-generated carriers. Its photocatalytic performance was 4.32 times higher than that of hydroxy-rich CdO and the selectivity coefficient was 4.8. Combined with theoretical calculation and in situ Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis, the significant improvement of selectivity was due to the interaction of the doped N atom with the methyl carbon in TC. This work provided a new idea for the simultaneous construction of low coordination environment and N-doped materials for efficient selective photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic carbon material was synthesized by a simple solid-phase method, and a modified imprinting layer was formed on the surface of the magnetic carbon material by molecular imprinting and microwave methods, and the final modified imprinted Ag-Poly (o-phenylenediamine) (Ag-POPD) photocatalyst was used to degrade the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. The as prepared photocatalyst is very sensitive to temperature, and the ciprofloxacin degradation rate in ambient environment (25 °C) was 73.25% higher than at 40 °C. The photocatalyst has high selectivity to ciprofloxacin and is convenient to recover due to its magnetic properties. The significant increase in photocatalytic activity is mainly attributed to the synergistic effect between Ag and magnetic carbon materials that can accelerate the spatial separation of charge carriers. Furthermore, details of the photocatalytic degradation mechanism of the photocatalyst composite are discussed. The described method is a new single-step continuous microwave synthesis, which also opens new ways to modify/tune materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sodium (Na)‐metal batteries hold great promise as a sustainable technology owing to the high element abundance and low cost. However, the generally used carbonate electrolytes remain highly reactive towards Na metal, leading to flammable gas evolution. Here, we propose an electrolyte sieving strategy to separate anion‐mediated ion‐pairs from dilute electrolytes by introducing a 3A zeolite molecular sieve film. The anion‐mediated ion‐pair firstly weakens the electron‐withdrawing property of the cation, which effectively suppresses the gassing. In addition, the sieved electrolyte promotes the formation of robust inorganic‐dominated solid electrolyte interphases. Therefore, it contributes to stable Na plating/stripping in Na|Al half cells with Coulombic efficiency maintaining at 98.5 % and a long service life of 800 cycles in full cells. Moreover, the electrode stability is well preserved even under harsh conditions of high temperature and ester‐based electrolytes with higher reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sodium (Na)‐metal batteries hold great promise as a sustainable technology owing to the high element abundance and low cost. However, the generally used carbonate electrolytes remain highly reactive towards Na metal, leading to flammable gas evolution. Here, we propose an electrolyte sieving strategy to separate anion‐mediated ion‐pairs from dilute electrolytes by introducing a 3A zeolite molecular sieve film. The anion‐mediated ion‐pair firstly weakens the electron‐withdrawing property of the cation, which effectively suppresses the gassing. In addition, the sieved electrolyte promotes the formation of robust inorganic‐dominated solid electrolyte interphases. Therefore, it contributes to stable Na plating/stripping in Na|Al half cells with Coulombic efficiency maintaining at 98.5 % and a long service life of 800 cycles in full cells. Moreover, the electrode stability is well preserved even under harsh conditions of high temperature and ester‐based electrolytes with higher reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The effects of Otubain-2 (OTUB2) on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) were investigated by interfering with OTUB2 expression. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis was used to analyze OTUB2 expression in esophageal carcinoma and interactions between OTUB2 and YAP1/TAZ. Paraffin-embedded ESCC tissues (n = 183) were selected for immunohistochemical staining to detect OTUB2, YAP1, TAZ, CTGF and their relationship with clinicopathological parameters, then the survival prognosis of ESCC patients was analyzed. Immunofluorescence, western blotting, and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate OTUB2 in ESCC cell lines. Cell lines with the highest expression of OTUB2 were transfected with lentivirus to knockdown OTUB2 levels. Changes in KYSE150 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were measured using CCK-8, wound healing, and clone formation assays. The Transwell test and flow cytometry identified OTUB2 targets and explored roles and mechanisms involved in ESCC. Effects of OTUB2 on YAP1/TAZ signaling were also observed. Results: Bioinformatics analysis revealed OTUB2 was highly expressed in esophageal cancer and was associated with YAP1/TAZ. Immunohistochemistry showed that OTUB2 expression was increased in ESCC samples compared to parcancerous tissue. YAP1 and TAZ were higher expression in ESCC tissues, mainly localized in the nucleus. Compared with controls, the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of KYSE150 cells after OTUB2 knockdown were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The protein expression levels of YAP1, TAZ and CTGF decreased after knocking down the expression of OTUB2 (P < 0.05). OTUB2 knockdown in ESCC cell lines suppressed YAP1/TAZ signaling. Conclusions: OTUB2 regulated the protein expression of YAP1/TAZ to promote cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor development. Therefore, OTUB2 may represent a biomarker for ESCC and a potential target for ESCC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐cost and scalable sodium ion (Na‐ion) batteries serve as an ideal alternative to the current lithium‐ion batteries. To compensate for the shortage of energy density, the most accessible solution is developing a high‐voltage anode‐free configuration comprising a lightweight Al current collector on the anode and a high‐voltage sodiumized cathode. However, it imposes stringent Na reversibility and high‐voltage stability requirements on the electrolyte. A 3A zeolite molecular sieve film is rationally designed, and a highly aggregated solvation structure is constructed through the size effect. It suppresses the trace but continuous oxidative decomposition and extends the oxidative stability to 4.5 V without sacrificing the Na reversibility of the anode (99.91 %). Thus, we can make anode‐free cells with high energy density of 369 and 372 W h kg−1 for 4.0 and 4.25 V class cells, respectively. Furthermore, this strategy enables a long lifespan (250 cycles) for 4.0 V‐class anode‐free cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐cost and scalable sodium ion (Na‐ion) batteries serve as an ideal alternative to the current lithium‐ion batteries. To compensate for the shortage of energy density, the most accessible solution is developing a high‐voltage anode‐free configuration comprising a lightweight Al current collector on the anode and a high‐voltage sodiumized cathode. However, it imposes stringent Na reversibility and high‐voltage stability requirements on the electrolyte. A 3A zeolite molecular sieve film is rationally designed, and a highly aggregated solvation structure is constructed through the size effect. It suppresses the trace but continuous oxidative decomposition and extends the oxidative stability to 4.5 V without sacrificing the Na reversibility of the anode (99.91 %). Thus, we can make anode‐free cells with high energy density of 369 and 372 W h kg−1 for 4.0 and 4.25 V class cells, respectively. Furthermore, this strategy enables a long lifespan (250 cycles) for 4.0 V‐class anode‐free cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the scarcity in the wireless spectrum and limited energy resources especially in mobile applications, efficient resource allocation strategies are critical in wireless networks. Motivated by the recent advances in deep reinforcement learning (DRL), we address multi-agent DRL-based joint dynamic channel access and power control in a wireless interference network. We first propose a multi-agent DRL algorithm with centralized training (DRL-CT) to tackle the joint resource allocation problem. In this case, the training is performed at the central unit (CU) and after training, the users make autonomous decisions on their transmission strategies with only local information. We demonstrate that with limited information exchange and faster convergence, DRL-CT algorithm can achieve 90% of the performance achieved by the combination of weighted minimum mean square error (WMMSE) algorithm for power control and exhaustive search for dynamic channel access. In the second part of this paper, we consider distributed multi-agent DRL scenario in which each user conducts its own training and makes its decisions individually, acting as a DRL agent. Finally, as a compromise between centralized and fully distributed scenarios, we consider federated DRL (FDRL) to approach the performance of DRL-CT with the use of a central unit in training while limiting the information exchange and preserving privacy of the users in the wireless system. Via simulation results, we show that proposed learning frameworks lead to efficient adaptive channel access and power control policies in dynamic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A constant energy supply is crucial for the exploration of deep‐sea extreme environments, and a self‐powered energy conversion device is ideal for this situation. Dissolved‐oxygen seawater batteries (SWBs) that generate electricity by reducing the dissolved oxygen are promising candidates but the ultralow oxygen concentration in deep sea limits the reaction kinetics. As a result, oxygenophilic electrocatalysts for lean‐oxygen conditions are urgently needed. A microwave heating method is reported that achieves the ultrafast synthesis of atomic dispersed FeNC catalyst (FeNgraphene (G)/carbon nanotube (CNT)), which possesses high activity and strong oxygenophilic interface between graphene and CNTs. DFT calculations and experimental results both show that the high oxygenophilicity is due to the double‐adsorption sites on the G/CNT interface, and the high activity FeN4 active sites is caused by the charge separation. FeNG/CNT catalysts have an outstanding oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance in both O2‐saturated alkaline medium and neutral seawater with half‐wave potentials (E1/2) of 0.929 and 0.704 V, respectively, far better than commercial Pt/C. A SWB shows excellent performance in lean‐oxygen seawater (≈0.4 mg L−1), with a discharge voltage of 1.18 V at 10 mA cm−2. These results suggest a critical role for oxygenophilic catalyst specifically for SWBs under lean‐oxygen conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodic nanostructures, a group of nanomaterials consisting of single or multiple nano units/components periodically arranged into ordered patterns (e.g., vertical and lateral superlattices), have attracted tremendous attention in recent years due to their extraordinary physical and chemical properties that offer a huge potential for a multitude of applications in energy conversion, electronic and optoelectronic applications. Recent advances in the preparation strategies of periodic nanostructures, including self-assembly, epitaxy, and exfoliation, have paved the way to rationally modulate their ferroelectricity, superconductivity, band gap and many other physical and chemical properties. For example, the recent discovery of superconductivity observed in "magic-angle" graphene superlattices has sparked intensive studies in new ways, creating superlattices in twisted 2D materials. Recent development in the various state-of-the-art preparations of periodic nanostructures has created many new ideas and findings, warranting a timely review. In this review, we discuss the current advances of periodic nanostructures, including their preparation strategies, property modulations and various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To substitute the energy‐intensive Haber‐Bosch process for the synthesis of ammonia, some labile techniques, such as photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and photothermocatalysis, have emerged and attracted intense research interest. However, the contamination of the reaction system is one of the major concerns on how to reliably and accurately evaluate the performance of these catalysts, which is why various control studies are involved. Isotopic labeling studies are one of the most reliable control strategies in nitrogen fixation experiments, to ensure that N2 is exclusively the source of the generated ammonia. As a convenient, sensitive and accurate technique distinguished with a quantitative atomic mass resolution, liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) has been extensively employed for the detection of ammonia in aqueous electrolyte systems. However, the previous work protocols for 15N2 isotopic analysis using LC‐MS either involved hazardous procedures which could potentially damage the instrument, or lacked in their experimental verification using real samples. Herein, a safe, reproducible and economical protocol for the detection of ammonia using LC‐MS is presented, exhibiting an exponentially steep progressive detectivity of 15N abundance, well verified with a series of experimental results for nitrogen reduction reactions. This is expected to provide a prudent cost‐effective and sustainable gateway into isotopic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) possesses fascinating merits, but its practical applications are limited by the inferior properties of limited visible-light sorption, rapid recombination of photo-excited charge carriers and low electrical conductivity. Introduction of N-defects is an efficient approach to tune its optical properties, but strategies capable of creating abundant vacancies and simultaneously maintaining the highly crystalline architecture are still limited and highly desired. In this work, a facile construction methodology was demonstrated to afford g-C3N4 with abundant N vacancies, high crystallinity, a hydrophilic surface structure, a small particle size, and an increased surface area under neat and mild conditions. The essence of our approach lies in the treatment of the bulk g-C3N4 precursor with an alkaline salt (LiN(SiMe3)2) with a low melting point, moderate nucleophilicity, and easy removal procedures. The unique structural properties of the afforded ND-g-C3N4 allow for a significantly redshifted absorption edge and enhanced charge carrier separation, leading to superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance three times that obtained by pristine g-C3N4. The modification strategy developed herein sheds light on the fabrication of g-C3N4-based materials with improved photocatalytic efficiency via efficient introduction of N defects, variation of the surface structure, and retention of the high crystallinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D materials based on main group element compounds have recently attracted significant attention because of their rich stoichiometric ratios and structure motifs. This review focuses on the phases in various 2D binary materials including III–VI, IV–VI, V–VI, III–V, IV–V, and V–V materials. Reducing 3D materials to 2D introduces confinement and surface effects as well as stabilizes unstable 3D phases in their 2D form. Their crystal structures, stability, preparation, and applications are summarized based on theoretical predictions and experimental explorations. Moreover, various properties of 2D materials, such as ferroelectric effect, anisotropic optical and electrical properties, ultralow thermal conductivity, and topological state are discussed. Finally, a few perspectives and an outlook are given to inspire readers toward exploring 2D materials with new phases and properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is an organic environment-sensitive material, which can be combined with photocatalysts to control the photocatalytic process. Herein, rodlike environment-sensitive Bi2O3 (PNIPAM/Bi2O3) was prepared by a novel one-step continuous microwave method. This new method is efficient and convenient. The as-prepared PNIPAM/Bi2O3 was very sensitive to temperature and pH, and the degradation rate in the environment of 25 °C and pH = 9 was 3.87 times than that in the environment of 45 °C and pH = 5. While Bi2O3 is under the above various environmental conditions, its degradation rate did not change obviously. More interestingly, the introduction of PNIPAM and one-step continuous microwave method was beneficial to the transformation of Bi2O3 from no specific shape to rodlike morphology without changing its crystal structure. This work not only developed a new one-step continuous microwave synthesis method, but also opened up new ideas for the controllability requirements of materials in special environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is still a challenging work to realize the universality of photocatalytic materials for unselectively removing environmental pollutants in water. Here, a ternary magnetism CoFe2O4/g-C3N4/HNTs heterojunction photocatalyst is firstly prepared, and the morphology, crystalline property, surface area, and magnetic recycling capability of the photocatalyst were investigated. The CoFe2O4/g-C3N4/HNTs shows a superior degradation efficiency for degrading 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) than that of pure g-C3N4. The high degradation performance that derives from the hollow structure of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) can inhibit stacking of g-C3N4, which results in a larger specific surface area and more abundant reaction sites. Meanwhile, the heterojunction structure between g-C3N4 and CoFe2O4 improved the separation efficiency of charge carriers. In addition, the intermediate products, degradation pathway, and reaction mechanism of representative MBT pollutant over the CoFe2O4/g-C3N4/HNTs photocatalyst are revealed in depth. This work makes an important development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a two-dimensional (2D) photocatalyst by the BiOCl ultrathin nanosheet modification of biochar (derived from biomass bamboo leaves) was successfully prepared via a facile one-pot hydrothermal process. The synthesized C/BiOCl photocatalysts showed a satisfactory performance on the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl). The enhanced photocatalytic activity originating from the introduction of biochar facilitated the rapid transfer of electrons generated from the defect states of the BiOCl ultrathin nanosheets. Moreover, the more the photo-electrons transferred in biochar, the more the quantities of active ˙O2− generated during the photocatalytic reaction, which was confirmed from the free radical capture tests. This work can be extended to the modified routes of BiOCl in the further applications of environmental wastewater treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel biomass carbon quantum dots@Bi2WO6 (BC-QDs@Bi2WO6) photocatalyst with uniform dispersivity was prepared via a dialysis-assisted hydrothermal process. Multiple techniques including HR-TEM, XPS, UV-Vis, PL, photocurrent analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were employed to investigate the morphology and structures as well as the optical and electronic properties of the as-prepared samples. The photocatalytic activity of BC-QDs@Bi2WO6 was assessed by the degradation of antibiotics (tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and gatifloxacin). The improved photocatalytic activity was attributed to the quantum effect of BC-QDs, which acted as the light harvesting center, electron reservoir, and reaction center for degrading the pollutants. Furthermore, a plausible mechanism for photocatalysis was put forward according to the ESR and quenching experiments. The present work can have significant advantages in the construction of biomass carbon-based photocatalysts in pollutant degradation and improved light utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the development of the emerging magnetic functional heterojunction reactors with three-dimensional (3D) specific recognition. Upon synthesis via surface imprinting and visible light-induced polymerization, the developed magnetic functional heterojunction reactors not only possess the emblematic conductive polymer POPD, but they are also equipped with the imprinted cavities in the corresponding 3D specific recognition outer layer. Our experimental data show that POPD forms a heterojunction with TiO2 and remarkably enhances the photocatalytic activity. Owing to the presence of imprinted cavities, the magnetic functional heterojunction reactors exhibit excellent 3D specific recognition and selective degradation of danofloxacin mesylate in a binary antibiotic solution. Importantly, through in-depth understanding of the mechanism and systematic experiments, the electron transfer mode, 3D specific recognition mode, selective photodegradation mode and photodegradation pathways are methodically discussed and thoroughly illustrated. The present study demonstrates that the 3D specific recognition can be utilized to selectively degrade a specific organic pollutant in a variety of practical environmental protection applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A competitive complexation strategy has been developed to construct a novel electrocatalyst with Zn‐Co atomic pairs coordinated on N doped carbon support (Zn/CoN‐C). Such architecture offers enhanced binding ability of O2, significantly elongates the O−O length (from 1.23 Å to 1.42 Å), and thus facilitates the cleavage of O−O bond, showing a theoretical overpotential of 0.335 V during ORR process. As a result, the Zn/CoN‐C catalyst exhibits outstanding ORR performance in both alkaline and acid conditions with a half‐wave potential of 0.861 and 0.796 V respectively. The in situ XANES analysis suggests Co as the active center during the ORR. The assembled zinc–air battery with Zn/CoN‐C as cathode catalyst presents a maximum power density of 230 mW cm−2 along with excellent operation durability. The excellent catalytic activity in acid is also verified by H2/O2 fuel cell tests (peak power density of 705 mW cm−2). Discrete zinc/cobalt bimetallic sites were supported on N‐doped carbon (Zn/CoN‐C) through a competitive complexation stretegy. The as‐prepared Zn/CoN‐C catalyst exhibits outstanding ORR performance in both alkaline and acid conditions, and the assembled Zn–air batteries and H2/O2 fuel cell show excellent power density and stability, which demonstrate suitability for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A novel magnetic double-conductive photocatalyst of Fe3O4@Bi2O3/C was successfully prepared by microwave and deposition technology, and it showed satisfactory photocatalytic activity in the degradation of tetracycline compared with that of pure Bi2O3 under visible light. The improved degradation efficiency of the as-prepared Fe3O4@Bi2O3/C is attributed to the better conductivity of biomass carbon and Fe3O4 quantum dot, which significantly inhibited the recombination of electron–hole pairs and improved the optical absorption. In addition, the mechanism exploration of the radical trapping experiments and ESR measurement indicated that h+, ṖO2− and ṖOH participated in the tetracycline removal procedure. The possible photocatalytic reaction mechanisms including transfer behavior of charge carriers and the intermediate products of tetracycline degradation were also revealed in depth. This work provides a promising approach to construct a biomass carbon-based photocatalyst for the wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By combining the photopolymerization method with surface imprinting techniques, a magnetic photocatalyst modified with a POPD–CdS heterojunction embedded imprinted layer (a POPD–CdS heterojunction embedded magnetic imprinted photocatalyst) was successfully prepared. And ciprofloxacin (CIP) can be recognized and degraded by the POPD–CdS heterojunction embedded magnetic imprinted photocatalyst. The coefficient of selectivity of the POPD–CdS heterojunction embedded magnetic imprinted photocatalyst relative to CdS, POPD–CdS and a non-imprinted photocatalyst were 1.88, 1.98 and 2.12, respectively. Moreover, the secondary pollution resulting from CdS photo-corrosion can also be effectively suppressed by the surface imprinted layer. More importantly, the POPD–CdS heterojunction, as a functional monomer, was embedded into the surface imprinted layer. This method not only ensured sufficient contact between POPD and CdS, but also effectively solved the problem that the photocatalytic activity decreased drastically because of coverage by the surface imprinted layer. Therefore, this work offers an innovative concept and technical approach for the application of the selective removal of specific target pollutants in complex water environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel functional inorganic imprinted ZnFe2O4@Ag3PO4/SiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized by a facile sol–gel method combined with the surface imprinting technique, which possessed excellent stability. By optimizing the amount of materials, we determine the preferable addition amounts of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and tetracycline to be 0.06 mL and 0.06 g, respectively. This as-prepared functional inorganic imprinted ZnFe2O4@Ag3PO4/SiO2 photocatalyst was proved to not only exhibit high photocatalytic activity (the photodegradation rate was 61.52% under the simulated sunlight irradiation of 60 min), but also possess a strong oriented ability to selectively recognize and photocatalyze tetracycline (the coefficient of selectivity ( k selectivity) was 5.14 for ciprofloxacin and 3.63 for gatifloxacin). Moreover, the functional inorganic imprinted ZnFe2O4@Ag3PO4/SiO2 photocatalyst prepared with SiO2 as the inorganic imprinted layer has good stability and can be recycled many times. This work not only puts forward a novel design idea of functional semiconductor materials but also is expected to be widely applied to the oriented catalysis for a target substance according to the practical requirement. The functional inorganic imprinted ZnFe2O4@Ag3PO4/SiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized by a facile sol–gel method combined with the surface imprinting technique, also possess a strong oriented ability to selectively recognize and photocatalyze tetracycline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lactobacillus bulgaricus was used to ferment raw pork to pork jerky at different fermentation conditions, including temperature, initial pH value, and time. Through assessing the sensory attributes, the free amino acids, and pH of the pork jerky, it was determined that the optimum conditions for fermentation was temperature of 35 °C, initial pH of 6.5, and fermentation time of 36 hr. Through fermenting with L. bulgaricus, the texture, the color, and the flavor of the prepared pork jerky were improved. The pH of pork jerky was lower than fresh pork which thus, potentially enhanced the safety of pork jerky. Additionally, the free amino acids contents of pork jerky were higher (greater than 143.5 mg/100 g) than the fresh pork (64.0 mg/100 g) which suggest more benefits and better absorption. The results presented herein demonstrate that the L. bulgaricus can be used for the production of fermented pork jerky to improve the quality attributes and the safety of pork jerky. Practical applications: Pork jerky is a traditional food in China. It is popular because it is tasty and easy to carry. Microbial fermentation technology was applied to the production process of the pork jerky, which can change the traditional dried meat product quality and processing technology that change little for years. The fermented pork jerky not only improves the flavor of pork jerky, also improve its security. Therefore, the fermented pork jerky can overcome the defects of traditional process, such as hard palate, off‐color, and preservative addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel magnetic PW-doped PEDOT (PW@PEDOT) imprinted photocatalyst with good reproducibility was prepared by the surface imprinting technique and microwave heating method. Due to the existence of PW@PEDOT and imprinted cavity in the imprinted layer, the as-prepared magnetic PW@PEDOT imprinted photocatalyst not only had higher photocatalytic activity, but also had the excellent specific recognition ability for selective photodegradation of TC. This paper proposed a new idea to prepare the imprinted photocatalysts. The novel magnetic PW@PEDOT imprinted photocatalyst with good reproducibility was prepared by the surface imprinting technique and microwave heating method, which not only had higher photocatalytic activity, but also had the excellent specific recognition ability for selective photodegradation of tetracycline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To minimize saturation magnetization ( Ms) degradation and simultaneously maintain the optical and magnetic responsiveness characteristics of FeO/Au nanocomposites, we successfully prepared FeO-Au seeds composite nanoparticles (NPs) by a novel seed deposition process. The effects of gold seeds coating amounts and the concentration of FeO NPs on the morphologies of final products are extensively characterized. The results of energy-dispersive spectrometry mapping show that the gold seeds are uniformly adhered onto the FeO NPs surfaces in precisely controlled amount. Importantly, with the electronic redistribution between FeO and Au NPs interfaces, the obvious position shifting of Fe 2 p and Au 4 f electronic binding energy peaks is observed. Upon increasing surface coatings of gold seeds, the electron deficiency on the gold NPs leads to the redshift of the absorption peak. Though Ms declines slightly due to the diamagnetic contribution from decorated gold seeds, the developed FeO-Au seeds composite NPs possess the robust magnetic responsiveness and they are amenable to be separated and recycled by the external magnet, which facilitates great potential applications in biological, medical and photocatalytic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strains of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Angel Yeast were combined to ferment raw pork and make pork jerky. After fermentation, the jerky was dried and then tested for sensory evaluation, pH and free amino acid content. The results showed that the optimal conditions for fermentation using L. bulgaricus and Angel Yeast were: a pH of 6.5, a 1:1 (v/v) ratio of L. bulgaricus to Angel Yeast, a fermentation time of 42 h and temperature of 25 °C. The results showed that the pork jerky fermented with the combined strains was not very sour which was close to the pH of 7.0 and had a higher free amino acid content which was more than 68.3 mg/100 g compared with the pork jerky fermented by either L. bulgaricus or Angel Yeast alone. Overall, the results demonstrate that fermentation of raw pork with combined strains of L. bulgaricus and Angel Yeast improves the quality and flavor of pork jerky. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wurtzite-type ZnS:Mn quantum dots (QDs) were successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal method at 180 °C without any surface-active agent. The XRD and EDAX results showed that Mn ions were incorporated into ZnS lattice. The average size of ZnS:Mn QDs was about 5.43 nm. The maximum concentration of Mn ions in ZnS QDs was 3.81 %. The yellow-orange emission coming from the T-A transition of Mn ions was observed in photoluminescence spectra, the peak intensity increased as the Mn doped ratio increased, and showed a maximum when the concentration of Mn ions kept at 3 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]