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Bioactive NAD+ mediated multiple biocatalytic pathways in metabolic networks. Refining the structure of NADH oxidase-like (NOX) mimics to efficiently replenish NAD+ has been promising but challenging in NAD+-dependent dehydrogenase electrochemical cascade biosensing. Herein, we discovered that PtOx structures, formed via lattice oxygen translocation from WO3 to Pt NPs at the interface, potentially activate and modulate the NOX-like functionality in Pt@WO3 nanosheets. Incorporating PtOx leads to a more positive valence of Pt species within Pt/PtOx@WO3−x, where the PtO2 species serve as preeminent reaction sites for NADH coordination, activation, and dehydrogenation. Consequently, such nanozymes display enhanced NOX-like activity towards NADH oxidation in comparison to Pt@WO3. Ultimately, the 650-Pt/PtOx@WO3−x nanozyme is employed in an electrochemical cascade biosensor for β-hydroxybutyrate (HB) detection, achieving a calculated detection limit of 25 μM. This study offers insights into PtOx activation in Pt-based NOX mimics and supports the future development of NAD+/NADH-dependent electrochemical biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most toxic pollutants, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is hazardous to human health and the environment. Selective oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur (S) over carbon-based catalysts has emerged as an interesting solution owing to the advantages of low reaction temperature (20–30 °C), high desulfurization efficiency and accuracy. Interestingly, the produced carbon–sulfur composites could be directly used as cathodes for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). Herein, a carbon-based catalyst consisting of nitrogen-doped hollow carbon nanofiber (NHCF) loading oxygen-deficient ZnO (Od-ZnO/NHCFs) is fabricated to achieve this integrated application. The oxygen vacancy in Od-ZnO/NHCFs is able to enhance the chemisorption of H2S and generates a ZnO/ZnS heterostructure; besides, it can enrich O2˙− radicals through electrostatic interaction to improve the catalytic oxidation of adsorbed H2S to elemental sulfur. Meanwhile, the hollow framework of NHCFs enables rapid gas diffusion and adequate storage space for solid sulfur; thus, the in situ construction of a high S-loading cathode (S@Od-ZnO/ZnS/NHCFs) for LSBs is realized during the desulfurization process. More importantly, the formed ZnO/ZnS heterostructure can boost the electrochemical kinetic behavior in the discharge/charge processes of LSBs. Coupled with the physical confinement of hollow structures on polysulfides, the as-prepared S@Od-ZnO/ZnS/NHCF cathode exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance in LSBs. This work opens up a new avenue for the synergistic application of high-performance LIB electrodes for the control and conversion of sulfur-containing pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The durability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) is still impeded due to issues such as dendrite growth, byproduct formation and hydrogen evolution reactions in Zn metal anodes. Herein, we proposed a polydentate ligand, triazole (Ta), as an effective electrolyte additive to prolong the anode stability by its selective adsorption preference and enhanced zinc ion coordination and proton buffering ability. Specifically, Ta induces the formation of an interfacial molecular dam that not only mitigates corrosion via the H2O-deficient electric double-layer (EDL) but also facilitates uniform Zn deposition through its large conjugated planes and zincophilic properties. As a result, a symmetrical cell with the Ta additive exhibits a highly reversible cycle life for 2200 h at 1 mA cm−2 with a capacity of 1 mA h cm−2. Notably, using the Ta/ZnSO4 electrolyte enables stable cycling for 400 h at a high depth-of-discharge (DOD) level of 85%, leading to improved performance in the Zn//α-MnO2 full cell with a lifetime of over 2000 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolytic water splitting using renewable energy sources, such as solar power, provides a green and sustainable approach for hydrogen production. Anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers present substantial commercial prospects; however, the rate of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline electrolytes is limited by the water dissociation step. In this work, we fabricated an N-doped Ni substrate for loading ultrafine Pt nanoparticles, realizing spatial decoupling of the reaction process to break the limitation of water dissociation, where the N-doped Ni substrate and Pt nanoparticles facilitate the supply of ample H* and H2 release, respectively. The prepared Pt–N–Ni/NC with extremely low Pt loading (1.0 wt%) requires only 15 and 149 mV overpotentials to reach current densities of 10 and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively. When assembled into an AEM electrolyzer, the system requires a cell voltage of only 1.75 V to achieve a current density of 1000 mA cm−2. Notably, the solar-driven AEM electrolyzer demonstrates a current density of 1390 mA cm−2 with a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency (STH) of 8.27%. This study proposes a strategy to achieve efficient utilization and performance improvement of precious metals, promoting the development of efficient green hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are gaining rapid prominence in numerous biocatalysis processes due to their green characteristics, biodegradability, low cost, and simple preparation compared to harsh organic solvents and toxic ionic liquids. However, natural enzymes tend to show activity reduction, even inactivation in the presence of many DESs. Here, we present the first rational design approach to achieve enzymes resistant to both DESs and high temperatures. Using the interaction pattern between DESs and BSLA (Bacillus subtilis lipase A, our model enzyme) derived from all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we formulated a solvation-guided engineering strategy. This was established after assessing 33 structural, solvation, and energy observables. We rationally designed and experimentally tested 36 single substitutions, of which 28 (a 77.78% success rate) exhibited improvements in at least two DES cosolvents: choline chloride (ChCl) : acetamide, tetrabutylphosphonium bromide (TBPB) : ethylene glycol (EG), and ChCl : EG. Additionally, through stepwise recombination, we identified two robust BSLA variants, D64H/R107L/E171Y and D64H/R142L, showing stability improvements of up to 4.4-fold and 3.2-fold in three DESs and at 50 °C, respectively. Further MD studies demonstrated that (i) the restricted overall structure but fine-tuned local flexibility and (ii) increased water but decreased DES molecules at substituted sites are two main factors contributing to the enhanced multiple DES resistance. Overall, solvation-guided engineering offers an efficient and rational approach for designing lipases tolerant to DES cosolvents and elevated temperatures, with a considerable potential for adaptation to other enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to methanol is an important reaction to convert CO2 into valuable products and reduce carbon emission. MoS2 is an effective catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation, but the synergistic effects of interlayer spacing expansion and surface sulfur vacancy strengthening have not been studied systematically. Here, this work reports hydrazine hydrate as an effective reducing agent for MoS2. The reducing agent can not only expand the interlayer spacing of MoS2, but also increase the concentration of sulfur vacancies through a simple treatment. More importantly, the synergistic effect between the interlayer spacing and sulfur vacancies of MoS2 significantly increases the methanol space-time yield (STY). At 220 °C, 4 MPa, and 8000 mL gcat−1 h−1, the MoS2–N2H4-4 catalyst exhibits 76.8% methanol selectively, 5.52% CO2 conversion, and a high methanol STY of up to 0.1214 g gcat−1 h−1 and lasts for at least 200 h. The structure–performance relationship was further studied using physio-chemical characterization and DFT. These results provide valuable insights into the development of highly efficient MoS2 catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water treatment is an essential process for ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water. Activation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to ˙OH is considered to be one of the most potential methods for treating micropollutants in water. However, traditional methods of producing H2O2 for water treatment involve the use of expensive and hazardous chemicals, which can compromise the safety and sustainability of this process. In contrast, the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) method offers a greener and more cost-effective approach to producing H2O2 for water treatment. In our proposed review, we will focus on the use of noble-free catalysts for electrochemical oxygen reduction to H2O2 in in situ water treatment. We provide an in-depth analysis of the theoretical foundations of the 2e− ORR process. We also classify the types of noble-free catalysts and summarize their applications in water treatment and environmental remediation. Additionally, we highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with this promising new approach, including scalability, stability, and selectivity of the catalysts. Our review offers valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners in this important field, and we are confident that it will stimulate new research and innovation in the development of greener and more sustainable water treatment methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Ce3+-doped borosilicate glass scintillators (GABSx) was successfully synthesized in ambient atmosphere. The cut-off wavelength was observed to change slightly in the range of 335–345 nm, which was related to the concentration ratios of Ce3+ to Ce4+ in the GABSx glasses. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra indicate that the valence state of cerium was effectively adjusted using various contents of Si3N4 powder as a reducing agent in the air atmosphere. Under ultraviolet excitation, the glasses show a broadband emission in the 320–600 nm wavelength regions. The PL decay time of the GABSx glasses is around 23 ns, and the maximum PL QY reaches 72.51%. The integral X-ray excited luminescence (XEL) intensity of the GABS1.0 glass is 11.8% of Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) crystal. Under γ-ray irradiation, the light yield of all glasses exceeds 1000 ph MeV−1 as the Si3N4 concentration increases. The highest light yield of GABS1.0 glass reaches 1279 ph MeV−1 with an energy resolution of 27.1% at 662 keV. All the glasses exhibited a scintillation decay time of approximately 820–873 ns, which is much slower than those of photoluminescence (PL) decay time of about 26 ns by a factor of over 30. Thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) curves were recorded to explore the nature of the defects in the glasses. Therefore, the potential application of the investigated GABSx glasses is promising, but performance optimization for practical high-energy physics engineering is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrolyte engineering is seen as a straightforward and efficient approach to optimize the cycling performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), but most of the studies tend to focus on the role of a single functional group or molecule, ignoring the intra and intermolecular interactions. This study focuses on tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (IDHA) and analyzes the coexistence and interaction of anions and cations in the electrolyte. It is found that the IDHA anion, with its strong chelating ability, strongly adheres to the Zn anode surface, while also participating in the solvation structure of Zn2+ and Na+. As a result of the influence of IDHA anions, Na+ also acquires a more robust and stable solvation sheath, achieving a combination of electrostatic shielding effect and steric hindrance effect. Based on the joint action of these effects, the Zn anode/electrolyte electric double layer is reshaped, which inhibits the occurrence of growth of dendrites and various side reactions. With a trace amount of IDHA (0.02 mol L−1), a high cumulative capacity density of 6860 mA h cm−2 at 4 mA cm−2 has been achieved for Zn//Zn symmetric cells, and a high coulombic efficiency of 99.879% and a stable voltage distribution in more than 2800 cycles have been achieved for the Zn//Cu asymmetric batteries. Besides, it demonstrates exceptional long-term cycling and rate performance when assembled with various cathode materials. In summary, we can propose a principle for the selection of electrolyte additives—molecules composed of anions with strong chelating ability and cations with the electrostatic shielding effect will become a class of key directions for selection of ideal additives in the future, and this kind of targeted modification idea will play a certain role in promoting the interfacial regulation strategies for aqueous metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CaO-supported Pt nanoparticle catalysts, herein referred to as the Pt/CaO-P catalysts, were synthesized for the first time to catalyze the selective hydrogenation of styrene oxide. All previously reported Pt- and Pd-based catalysts were prepared and evaluated under identical conditions, with 2-phenylethanol (2-PEA) being identified as the primary product in the selective hydrogenation of styrene oxide. The comparative analysis of the catalytic performance of Pt/CaO-P, Pt/CaO (unpurified), Pt/Ca(OH)2, and Pt/CaCO3 revealed that the purity of CaO is crucial for enhancing the selectivity towards 1-phenylethanol (1-PEA). Notably, the highest selectivity of 1-PEA over Pt/CaO-P reached up to 39%. Our SO-TPD, CO2-TPD and ex situ FT-IR results further indicated that strong basic sites can modify the adsorption site of SO over Pt nanoparticles, leading to the higher selectivity of 1-PEA. A proposed reaction mechanism for the ring opening of styrene oxide suggests that the breakage of conjugation between the benzene ring and the adjacent carbon cation by strong basic sites plays an important role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) offer numerous advantages, such as high energy density, enhanced safety, and low cost, making them an ideal choice for energy storage and conversion applications in the “postlithium” era. Hydrogel electrolytes, as the key component of flexible ZIBs, combine the ionic conductivity of traditional water electrolytes with the dimensional stability of solid polymer electrolytes. However, it remains a challenge to design comprehensive and appropriate hydrogel electrolytes to provide flexible ZIBs with good reversibility and versatility. This review discusses the engineering design of hydrogel electrolytes required for flexible ZIBs from the viewpoint of an electrolyte designer. The basic properties of the hydrogel electrolytes, zinc anodes, cathodes and electrolyte stabilization effects are described in detail. Furthermore, we explore the various challenges faced by hydrogel electrolytes and propose corresponding strategies. Finally, the review offers insights into the future development of hydrogel-stabilized ZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucosal antibodies in the upper respiratory tract are the earliest and most critical responders to prevent respiratory infections, providing an indication for the rapid evaluation of immune protection. Here, we report a microfluidic particle counter that directly visualizes mucosal antibody levels in nasal mucus. The mucosal anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies in nasal secretions first react with magnetic microparticles (MMPs) and polystyrene microparticles (PMPs) that are surface-modified to form a "MMPs-anti-spike RBD IgG-PMPs" complex when RBD is present. After magnetic separation and loading into the microfluidic particle counter, the free PMPs, which are reduced with increasing anti-spike RBD IgG antibody levels, are trapped by a microfluidic particle dam and accumulate in the trapping channel. A sensitive mode [limit of detection (LOD): 14.0 ng mL−1; sample-to-answer time: 70 min] and an equipment-free rapid mode (LOD: 37.4 ng mL−1; sample-to-answer time: 20 min) were achieved. Eighty-seven nasal secretion (NS) samples from vaccinees were analyzed using our microfluidic particle counter, and the results closely resemble those of the gold-standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The analysis shows that higher antibody levels were found in convalescent volunteers compared to noninfected volunteers. Together, we demonstrate a rapid kit that directly indicates immune status, which can guide vaccine strategy for individuals and the government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-state lithium--oxygen batteries offer great promise in meeting the practical demand for high-energy-density and safe energy storage. We have developed fibrous gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) using a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) matrix via electrospinning. The 3D structure of GPEs enhances electrolyte absorption, while the interconnected design promotes strong interactions between Li+ and polar groups within the PAN matrix, thereby improving ion transport efficiency. In practical tests, both lithium symmetric cells and Li--O2 batteries demonstrated the ability to operate at high current densities over long cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New dynamic, wireless and cost-effective analytical devices are developing rapidly in biochemical analysis. Here, we report on a remotely-controlled rotating electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing system for enzymatic detection of a model analyte, glucose, on both polarized sides of an iron wire acting as a bipolar electrode. The iron wire is controlled by double contactless mode, involving remote electric field polarization, and magnetic field-induced rotational motion. The former triggers the interfacial polarization of both extremities of the wire by bipolar electrochemistry, which generates ECL emission of the luminol derivative (L-012) with the enzymatically produced hydrogen peroxide in presence of glucose, at both anodic and cathodic poles, simultaneously. The latter generates a convective flow, leading to an increase in mass transfer and amplifying the corresponding ECL signals. Quantitative glucose detection in human serum samples is achieved. The ECL signals were found to be a linear function of the glucose concentration within the range of 10–1000 μM and with a limit of detection of 10 μM. The dynamic bipolar ECL system simultaneously generates light emissions at both anodic and cathodic poles for glucose detection, which can be further applied to biosensing and imaging in autonomous devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li metal anodes are considered among the most ideal candidates for next generation batteries owing to their lowest electrochemical potential and high theoretical capacity. However, the highly reactive Li metal is subject to continuous side reactions with conventional carbonate electrolytes. The resulting unsatisfying solid electrolyte interface (SEI) induces severe Li dendritic growth. Therefore, there is an urgent need to effectively control the components of SEI to solve the electrolyte/anode interface electrochemical instability. Herein, LiDFP and LiNO3 are introduced into the electrolyte to modulate the composition of the SEI. Owing to the lower lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of LiDFP and LiNO3 relative to those of the solvents, LiDFP and LiNO3 have preferential reducibility and thus generate a stable SEI containing LiF and Li3N, which has swift ion migration kinetics and homogeneous Li deposition behaviors. As a result, our electrolyte modified by additives enables the anode to achieve an excellent coulombic efficiency of 98% and exhibits an ultra-long cycling life of over 700 h in symmetrical cells. Li metal full cells paired with the LFP or NCM811 cathode also have excellent long cycling performance. This work demonstrates that additive-modified electrolytes are a viable and simple strategy for the evolution of Li metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing demand for scalable and cost-effective electrochemical energy storage systems, aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted attention as cheap, efficient, and safe energy storage devices. However, practical applications of ZIBs are hampered by some challenges, such as Zn dendrite growth, corrosion, passivation, byproducts, cathodic dissolution, and harmful electrostatic interactions. These problems are directly associated with the electrolytes of ZIBs, which are in contact with both the cathode and anode. Recently, several studies have been conducted to optimize ZIB electrolytes. The electrolyte system includes the electrolyte and solvent. The solvent ensures stable operation of the electrolyte and improves the electrochemical efficiency of the cathode and anode, thus improving the electrochemical performance and stability of ZIBs. However, to date, the effect of solvents on the stability of Zn anodes remains unclear. Therefore, there is a need for detailed studies on solvents for ZIB electrolytes. Herein, we review the research progress in the stabilization of Zn anodes using various solvents, including alcohols, amines, acetonitrile, lipids, ethers, and dimethyl sulfoxide. In addition, we discuss the effects of different solvents on the stabilization mechanism of Zn anodes. Finally, the challenges and prospects of solvents used for stabilizing Zn anodes in electrolytes are analyzed, and future research directions for ZIB electrolyte dissolution are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, Sb3+-doped all-inorganic vacancy-ordered double perovskites A2SnCl6 (A = K, Rb, and Cs) have attracted wide attention because of their unique optoelectronic properties and excellent stability. However, Sb3+-doped A2SnCl6 generally exhibits poor emission intensity. To overcome this, we take all-inorganic A2SnCl6 as the conformational model and utilize a universal supramolecular assembly strategy to develop three different halide perovskite materials with dumbbell structures of (KC)2SnCl6:Sb3+, (RbC)2SnCl6:Sb3+, and (CsC)2SnCl6:Sb3+ (C = 18-crown-6). While Sb3+-doped A2SnCl6 shows poor emission intensity, Sb3+-doped (AC)2SnCl6 exhibits efficient tunable white emission with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 86.7% for (KC)2SnCl6:Sb3+, 81.6% for (RbC)2SnCl6:Sb3+, and 89.8% for (CsC)2SnCl6:Sb3+, which stems from Sb3+-induced Jahn–Teller-like singlet and triplet self-trapped exciton (STE) emission. Particularly, the eruptive PLQY obtained in Sb3+-doped (AC)2SnCl6 can be attributed to the strong supramolecular interactions increasing the structural rigidity and thus inhibiting non-radiative transitions. Longer Sb–Sb distances in Sb3+-doped (AC)2SnCl6 facilitate the expression of Sb3+ 5s2 lone pairs. Moreover, Sb3+-doped (AC)2SnCl6 also exhibits excellent chemical- and photo-stabilities. Finally, taking Sb3+-doped (KC)2SnCl6 as an example, we further demonstrated its applications in single-component white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) at room temperature (RT), multiple-mode optical anti-counterfeiting, and information encryption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The balance between pertinence and universality of high value-added energetic materials has gained importance in recent years. Inspired by the efficient working mechanism of stem cells, an innovative energetic material concept, multifunctional modular energetic materials (MMEMs), with the ability of quantity production and multifunctional uses was first proposed. A machine learning-assisted high-throughput screening system was developed and applied to guide the discovery of MMEMs, and promising energetic compounds were rapidly targeted and synthesized. These compounds exhibited a satisfactory density, thermal properties, detonation performance and sensitivity. Furthermore, they can be easily synthesized to maintain the "energetic stem cell pool" and can undergo "differentiation" for functioning as various compounds such as crystal explosives, cast explosive carriers, energetic binders, and plasticizers through different processing forms/different formulae as needed. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will open up a new research direction of application-oriented energetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is well known for its high toxicity to humans and the environment. It is of utmost significance to develop robust and effective materials for removing this hazardous compound. Fe nanoparticles (FeNPs) play an important role in the reduction and neutralization of environmental pollutants; however, they still face considerable challenges in performance. Herein, we first propose an encapsulation-pyrolysis strategy to engineer atomically dispersed Fe–N–C sites on the surface of FeNPs (FeNPs@FeSAsNC) as synergistic active sites to increase Cr(VI) reduction. Characterization results confirmed that FeNPs@FeSAsNC was developed by both encapsulation and pyrolysis processes. The FeNPs@FeSAsNC composite demonstrated a promoted reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) with an initial activity of 2036.81 mg (greductant h L)−1 and the removal capacity of 0.259 gCr greductant−1, compared with those of FeNPs/CN (26.91 mg (greductant h L)−1 and 0.024 gCr greductant−1). Spectroscopic tests and theoretical calculations indicated that both electron-rich C/N atoms and low energy barrier for electron transfer in Fe–N–C sites assist in the adsorption and reduction of Cr(VI) on the surface of FeNPs@FeSAsNC. Moreover, FeNPs@FeSAsNC exhibits superior reusability and biocompatibility in practical applications, and the encapsulation-pyrolysis strategy was effective in activating other Fe-based reductants. To summarize, this work provides an approach to engineering Fe–N–C sites on the surface of FeNPs for the remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 cycloaddition has emerged as a promising approach for producing value-added cyclocarbonates and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Although MOF-808 serves as a stable catalyst for cycloaddition, its limited activity constrains broader applications. Through the modification with a fluoride group via a ligand exchange method, F-MOF-808-1.5 exhibits exceptional performance, achieving a 98.8% conversion with 97.8% selectivity to epichlorohydrin carbonate—marking a substantial 100% improvement compared to pristine MOF-808. The defective Zr sites and the electron-withdrawing groups synergistically promote the ring opening of epoxides. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrates high stability over multiple reaction cycles. Notably, without adding solvents and co-catalysts, F-MOF-808-1.5 outperforms most reported MOF-based catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We first constructed a new type of two-dimensional nanoribbon material by splicing a C2N-h2D nanoribbon with a BN nanoribbon, which is called the C2N-h2D/BN nanoribbon. The electronic properties of the C2N-h2D/BN nanoribbon were investigated using first-principles calculations, and its thermodynamic stability was verified through molecular dynamics simulations, demonstrating its dynamic stability at room temperature. Through analysis of the band structure, density of states, and charge density plots, we found that it is a nonmagnetic direct narrow bandgap semiconductor. To manipulate its electronic structure, we adsorbed transition metal atoms Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni into the nanoribbon. By analyzing the band structure and density of states after adsorption, we observed that the properties of the nanoribbon transitioned from a semiconductor to a metal upon adsorption of Mn, Co, and Ni atoms. Interestingly, after the adsorption of Fe atoms, the C2N-h2D/BN nanoribbon transformed from a semiconductor to a half-metal, indicating the generation of 100% spin-polarized current at the Fermi level and improved the electronic performance of the nanoribbon. This finding is exciting as it demonstrates that adsorption of different transition metal atoms can control the physicochemical properties of the nanoribbon, particularly the generation of 100% spin-polarized current at the Fermi level. This provides promising prospects for the application of this two-dimensional nanomaterial in spintronic devices and magnetic storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart lipids with fluorescence emission, thermal response, and polyethylene glycolation (PEGylation) functions can be highly valuable for formulation, image-traceable delivery, and targeted release of payloads. Herein, a series of jellyfish-shaped amphiphiles with a tetraphenylethene (TPE) core and four symmetrical amphiphilic side chains were conveniently synthesized and systematically investigated as smart lipids. Compared with regular amphiphilic TPE lipids and phospholipids, the unprecedented jellyfish-shaped molecular geometry was found to enable a series of valuable capabilities, including sensitive and responsive aggregation-induced emission of fluorescence (AIE FL) and real-time FL monitoring of drug uptake. Furthermore, the jellyfish-shaped geometry facilitated the concentration-dependent aggregation from unimolecular micelles at low concentrations to "side-by-side" spherical aggregates at high concentrations and a unique mode of AIE. In addition, the size and the arrangement of the amphiphilic side chains were found to dominate the aggregate stability, cell uptake, and thus the cytotoxicity of the amphiphiles. This study has unprecedentedly developed versatile smart TPE lipids with precise structures, and unique physicochemical and biological properties while the peculiar structure–property relationship may shed new light on the design and application of AIE fluorophores and functional lipids in biomedicine and materials science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underwater flexible sensors are important for the exploration of and detection in underwater environments. In this paper, graphene and lignin-based polyurethane conductive foam (Gr-LPUF) composites were prepared by a one-step foaming process, the conductivity was improved by polymerizing a coating of polypyrrole (PPy) onto the porous foam surfaces, and then superhydrophobicity was achieved after dip-coating the porous material inside a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) solution in order to prepare a superhydrophobic, high sensitive, stable, environmentally friendly, and flexible underwater sensor material. This superhydrophobic, conductive foam sensor (SCFS) has a rapid response time (100 ms), excellent pressure sensitivity, and excellent reproducibility and reliability for over 2000 cycles. This SCFS can be used not only as a wearable underwater sensor to detect human movement but also to accurately detect tiny water wave vibrations; such as falling water droplets, the movements of fish in the water, etc. This work will present an approach to manufacturing environmentally friendly, flexible underwater sensors for innovative, and widespread applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we designed and synthesized three conformation-adaptive Pd2L4- and Pd3L6-type coordination cages based on three dihydrophenazine-based ligands with different lengths. Interestingly, the shorter ligands L1 and L2 self-assembled into Pd2L4-type coordination cages while the longer ligand L3 formed Pd3L6-type one, mainly driven by the anion template effect. All coordination cages were confirmed through single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and their structural conformations underwent great changes compared with those of their corresponding ligands. Moreover, the conformational changes also significantly affected their photophysical and electrochemical properties which were distinct from their parent ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncontrollable side reactions and dendrites severely undermine the stability and reversibility of Zn anodes and remain significant challenges for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Herein, it is demonstrated that glutamine (Gln) is a multifunctional electrolyte additive to enable highly stable and reversible Zn anodes. Theoretical and experimental results reveal that Gln has three functions: preferentially absorbing on the Zn anode and constructing a water-poor interface, enhancing the steric effect, and optimizing the solvation structures of Zn2+. Consequently, Zn//Zn batteries exhibited an impressive cycling durability and high cumulative capacity at 3 mA cm−2. Furthermore, Zn//Cu batteries also demonstrated a remarkably reversible stripping/deposition process accompanied by a notably high average coulombic efficiency of 99.6%. In addition, the fabricated Zn//NH4V4O10 batteries with Gln also yielded impressive cycle performances and capacity retention. Gln exhibits promising attributes as a cost-effective and versatile electrolyte additive to facilitate the stability and reversibility of AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although antibacterial platforms involving nanozymes have been extensively investigated, there are still problems of poor reactive oxygen species generation efficiency and obstinate bacterial biofilms. Developing a nanozyme-photothermal therapy nanoplatform with superior sterilization effects and minimal side effects would be a good alternative for completely eliminating bacteria and biofilms. Herein, an ultrathin PdMo bimetallene nanozyme with a planar topology and boosted metal utilization, exhibiting excellent photothermal and peroxidase-like activity, is designed for synergistic nanozyme-photothermal sterilization applications and accelerated wound healing. The superior catalytic activity of PdMo bimetallene nanozymes could convert a biosafe concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into large quantities of toxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH) under laser irradiation, enhancing bacterial membrane permeability and thermal sensitivity for efficient removal of bacteria and biofilms. In addition, PdMo bimetallene presents a good wound-healing ability according to the results of fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition with minor side effects. This work would provide an innovative avenue for developing metallene-based nanozymes for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]