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• PGE 2 promotes cytokines and DAMPs expression in heat killed S. aureus treated bovine endometrial tissue regulated by EP4-p38 MAPK pathway. • S. aureus adhere and invade into bovine endometrial epithelial cells associated with PGE 2 generation. • The strategy of decreasing PGE 2 accumulation is helpful in reducing the inflammation stage caused by S. aureus. S. aureus isolated from bacterial bovine endometritis is common in epidemiological reports, but is often ignored as a subclinical pathogenic microorganism. In a previous study, we showed that live S. aureus (LSA) and heat killed S. aureus (HK–SA) induce different inflammatory responses in bovine endometrial tissue, and possibly being associated with the accumulation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE 2). Thus, in this study, we varied PGE 2 concentrations using inhibitors or agonists in HK–SA-treated bovine endometrial tissues. The results demonstrated that PGE 2 has a positive relationship with IL-6, TNF-α, and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs; e.g., HMGB-1 and HABP-1) expression and tissues damage, and is regulated by the EP4-p38 MAPK pathway. We concluded that lipoproteins of S. aureus are associated with PGE 2 generation. To further explore the relationship between LSA and PGE 2 accumulation, we used the S. aureus strain SA113 lipoprotein knockout (SA113Δlpl) to infect bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BECs). LSA decreased PGE 2 , cAMP, EP4, IL-6, IL-8, cAMP secretion, and the MAPK and PKA signaling pathways when infected with SA113Δlpl, as compared with SA113-infected groups. Moreover, the adhesion and invasion of BECs were similarly downregulated when lipoproteins in S. aureus were knocked out. The results of this study show that PGE 2 is involved in both HK–SA- and LSA-induced inflammatory responses in the bovine endometrium. We suggest that S. aureus infection is associated with bovine endometritis, and although HK–SA and LSA induce different inflammatory responses, the strategy of decreasing PGE 2 accumulation is helpful in reducing the inflammation stage caused by S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the safety and performance of lithium ion batteries (LIB) sparked the idea of using a solid electrolyte to construct all-solid-state ones. In this study, a composite solid polymer electrolyte based on Li 6.40 La 3 Zr 1.40 Ta 0.60 O 12 (LLZTO) nanoparticles and a random copolymer, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone- co -poly(oligo(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate) (PPO), was successfully prepared and investigated in detail. The copolymer PPO is mixed with LiTFSI and LLZTO at different ratios and the Li conductivity and other electrochemical properties were studied. The copolymer matrix shows the highest ionic conductivity, 2.43 × 10−5 S/cm at 60 °C, at the content of 20 wt% LiTFSI, the highest lithium ion transference number is determined to be 0.33 at room temperature, and the electrochemical stability reaches 4.3 V vs. Li+/Li. Interestingly, when compounded with LLZTO nanoparticles, the ionic conductivity is not improved much. For example, the highest ionic conductivity increases a little to 2.74 × 10−5 S/cm at 60 °C when 5 wt% LLZTO is added. However, a large increase in electrochemical stability to 5.0 V is obtained for the sample of PPO-20%-10LLZTO. Both PPO and the composite electrolyte show good cycling performance during a plating/stripping experiment at a current density of 0.01 mA/cm2. The limited improvement of properties is possibly due to the poor interface contact between PPO and LLZTO nanoparticles. The result may shed light on the complexity of fabricating composite electrolytes using mixtures of polymer and lithium-conducting ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A series of N -Me linked quinoline derivatives as analogues of CA-4 were synthesized. • The structure–activity relationships were summarized basing on the anti-proliferation activity in vitro. • 5e exhibited most potent antitumor efficacy and disrupted microtubule assembly in the HeLa cells in vitro. • The molecular docking model study revealed that compounds 5e , 5f , 5j and 5n might occupied the colchicine site of β -tubulin. In this work, a series of 2-(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-amine derivatives were designed and synthesized through structural optimization strategy as a microtubule-targeted agents (MTAs) and their cytotoxicity activity against PC3, K562 and HeLa cell lines were evaluated. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) of 5e , 5f , and 5o suggested that their potency of anti-proliferative activities against HeLa cell lines were better than the combretastatin A-4. Compound 5e showed the higher anti-proliferative activity against PC3, K562 and HeLa in vitro with IC 50 values of 0.49 µM, 0.08 µM and 0.01 µM, respectively. Further mechanism study indicated that the representative compound 5e was new class of tubulin inhibitors by EBI competition assay and tubulin polymerization assays, it is similar to colchicine. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that compound 5e apparently disrupted tubulin network in HeLa cells, and compound 5e arrested HeLa cells at the G2/M phase and induced cells apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking results illustrated that the hydrogen bonds of represented compounds reinforced the interactions in the pocket of colchicine binding site. Preliminary results suggested that 5e deserves further research as a promising tubulin inhibitor for the development of anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Catalysts have favorable ECSA, multiple active centers, and sufficient mass transport. • PtCo nanoparticles (about 2.5 nm) are uniformly distributed and firmly anchored in the matrix. • The synergistic effect of PtCo, Co 9 S 8 and Co-N strengthens the catalytic performance. • Strong chemical/electronic interactions enhance the anchoring of PtCo NPs on the carrier. • The catalysts exhibit more excellent ORR and HER performance than the Pt/C. The development of low-Pt bifunctional electrocatalysts with excellent performance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is critical for the advancement of the hydrogen economy. Here, we have integrated low-loading Pt and Co metals into N, S doped porous carbon nanosheets to obtain composite catalysts encapsulating PtCo alloy nanoparticles (PtCo2@Co 9 S 8 / N -CNS and PtCo2@ N -CNS). The acquired PtCo nanoparticles, with dimensions of about 2.5 nm, are uniformly distributed and firmly anchored in N, S doped carbon nanosheets with large specific surface areas and rich pore structure, forming multiple active centers and effectively preventing the aggregation of metal nanoparticles. The PtCo2@Co 9 S 8 / N -CNS and PtCo2@ N -CNS display high ORR catalytic mass activity of 1.65 A mg Pt -1 and 1.01 A mg Pt -1 in 0.1 M HClO 4. The PtCo2@ N -CNS catalyst exhibits excellent HER performance in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 , with a mass activity (at 50 mV) 4.3 times higher than that of Pt/C. The PtCo2@Co 9 S 8 / N -CNS and PtCo2@ N -CNS also exhibit stronger ORR and HER stability than Pt/C after accelerated durability tests. The superior catalytic activity performance of catalysts can be attributed to the synergistic effect of multiple active centers of PtCo, Co 9 S 8 and Co-N in the catalysts. The confinement of PtCo nanoparticles by Co metal and N, S doped porous nanosheets derived from graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) as the template, which can effectively prevent the corrosion and migration of the catalysts under acidic conditions, enhances the catalytic stability of the materials. This study provides a new perspective for the development of economical and efficient bifunctional low-Pt catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The amplified oxidative stress strategy has been emerged as one promising method to enhance the chemodynamic therapy (CDT) efficacy due to the H 2 O 2 up-regulation and glutathione (GSH) down-regulation behavior in tumor cells. However, how to further achieve the satisfied CDT efficacy is still a big challenge. In this paper, the supramolecular nanovalves (SNs) with oxidative amplification agents cinnamaldehyde-(phenylboronic acid pinacol ester) conjugates (CA-BE) encapsulated inside were developed to accelerate and amplify the generation of ·OH and consumption of GSH while augmenting the CDT efficacy. SNs were obtained through ferrocene/Au modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN@Au-Fc) and active targeting β -cyclodextrin modified hyaluromic acid (HA-CD). After CD44 receptor-mediated cellular internalization, the CA-BE were released to elevate H 2 O 2 amount and consume GSH for the desired generation of higher cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH). Moreover, the NIR-activated MSN@Au-Fc can increase the temperature for the accelerated and amplified oxidative stress. As such, the therapeutic efficacy of our synthesized CA-BE and the accompanied hyperthermia were augmented toward synergistically inhibiting tumor growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel composite catalyst prepared by fixing cobalt aluminate (CoAl 2 O 4) spinel on formed alumina carrier by impregnation-calcination route is reported, which can be used to efficiently activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade p-nitrophenol (PNP). The internal laws of phase composition and preparation conditions are explored in detail, and the results show that the introduction of additional aluminum ions in the preparation process changes the coordination environment and the electronic state of cobalt ions, which leads to the transformation of spinel/inverted spinel in the composition, and further affects the activity and stability of the catalyst. The selected CoAl-Aaps-600 catalyst has high CoAl 2 O 4 content, showing good cycle performance and low cobalt leaching, and has great catalytic degradation performance at different temperatures and a wide pH range. Most notably, a fixed bed reactor packed with 20 g of CoAl-Aaps-600 exhibits excellent capacity to continuously treat 60 L of PNP solution with acceptable PNP removal ratio and low cobalt leaching content. Sulfate radical and singlet oxygen are identified as the main reactive oxygen species produced in CoAl-Aaps-600/PMS system, and the reaction mechanism is reasonably inferred. This work provides a potential application material and process for the treatment of continuous organic wastewater. [Display omitted] • CoAl 2 O 4 spinel is anchored on activated alumina pellets to activate PMS. • Occupying the octahedrons by aluminum ions is the crux to control the phase composition. • The catalyst has low cobalt leaching and high stability. • The continuous-flow reaction shows the long-term effectiveness of the catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is insensitive to conventional therapy due to its highly invasive nature resulting in poor therapeutic outcomes. Recent studies have shown multiple genes associated with ferroptosis in TNBC, suggesting an opportunity for ferroptosis-based treatment of TNBC. However, the efficiency of present ferroptosis agents for cancer is greatly restricted due to lack of specificity and low intracellular levels of H 2 O 2 in cancer cells. Herein, we report a nano-theranostic platform consisting of gold (Au)-iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4) Janus nanoparticles (GION@RGD) that effectively enhances the tumor-specific Fenton reaction through utilization of near-infrared (NIR) lasers, resulting in the generation of substantial quantities of toxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Specifically, Au nanoparticles (NPs) converted NIR light energy into thermal energy, inducing generation of abundant intracellular H 2 O 2 , thereby enhancing the iron-induced Fenton reaction. The generated •OH not only lead to apoptosis of malignant tumor cells but also induce the accumulation of lipid peroxides, causing ferroptosis of tumor cells. After functionalizing with the activity-targeting ligand RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp), precise synergistic treatment of TNBC was achieved in vivo under the guidance of Fe 3 O 4 enhanced T 2 -weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This synergistic treatment strategy of NIR-enhanced ferroptosis holds promise for the treatment of TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new CoSe 2 -ZnSe@rGO composite with heterointerfaces is designed and synthesized. • The CoSe 2 -ZnSe@rGO composite behaves special structure characteristics. • The built-in electric field in the heterointerfaces is favorable for Na+ transfer. • The rGO could improve conductivity and alleviate volume variations of the active materials. • The CoSe 2 -ZnSe@rGO exhibits an enhanced coulombic efficiency and cycling stability. Transition metal selenides are promising anode candidates for sodium ion batteries (SIBs) because of their higher theoretical capacity and conductivity than metal oxides. However, the disadvantages of severe capacity degradation and poor magnification performance greatly limit their commercial applications. Herein, we have developed a new hollow bimetallic selenides (CoSe 2 -ZnSe)@reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite with abundant heterointerfaces. The rGO could not only alleviate the volume variations of hollow CoSe 2 -ZnSe microspheres during cycling, but also improve the conductivity of composite. The presence of the heterointerfaces could help to accelerate ionic diffusion kinetics and improve electron transfer, resulting in the improved sodium storage performance. As an advanced anode for SIBs, the CoSe 2 -ZnSe@rGO exhibits an enhanced initial coulombic efficiency of 75.1% (65.2% of CoSe 2 @rGO), extraordinary rate capability, and outstanding cycling stability (540.3 mAh/g at 0.2 A/g after 150 cycles, and 395.2 mAh/g at 1 A/g after 600 cycles). The electrochemical mechanism was also studied by kinetic analysis, showing that the charging/discharging process of CoSe 2 -ZnSe@rGO is mostly related to a capacitive-controlled behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of cobalt-based supported catalysts with high PMS catalytic activity and stability by adjusting the composition of the support is highly desirable yet remains scarce. In the work, a series of catalysts (Co 2 AlO 4 /Al 2 O 3 -xSiO 2) were prepared by impregnation and high-temperature calcination using Al 2 O 3 -xSiO 2 with a low Si–Al ratio as the support. Measurement techniques such as XRD, XPS, UV-DRS, FTIR, BET, SEM and HRTEM were used to characterize textural and chemical properties (ratio of Co3+/Co2+, specific surface area, pore size, pore volume, etc.). The ratio of Co3+/Co2+ and pore volume of Co 2 AlO 4 /Al 2 O 3 -xSiO 2 can be turned by controlling the ratio of Si to Al, which are closely related to the catalytic performance and reusability of the catalysts. The optimized catalyst (Co 2 AlO 4 /Al 2 O 3 -0.25SiO 2) can completely degrade 10 mg/L p-nitrophenol (PNP) in 40 min in the pH range of 3–9 with excellent reusability. The effects of several reaction parameters (i.e., PMS dosage, Co 2 AlO 4 /Al 2 O 3 -0.25SiO 2 dosage, reaction temperature, initial pH value, and inorganic ions) on PNP removal were comprehensively investigated. Sulfate radical (SO 4 •−) and singlet oxygen (1O 2) are making a major contribution to the degradation of PNP. Moreover, a millimeter-scale catalyst (CoSiAl-0.25/Al 2 O 3 pellet) was prepared by sol adsorption and high-temperature calcination method, which maintained high oxidation activity after treatment of 18 L wastewater (PNP of 10 mg/L) in a continuous flow process. The method is simple and easy to operate on a large scale, providing a new perspective on the design and preparation of cobalt-aluminum spinel catalysts for activated PMS. [Display omitted] • Co 2 AlO 4 /Al 2 O 3 -xSiO 2 were prepared by impregnation and calcination. • The ratio of Si–Al plays a key role in catalytic performance and reusability. • Sulfate radical (SO 4 •−) and singlet oxygen (1O 2) is the crucial reactive species. • The Co3+/Co2+ were the intrinsic active centers for PMS activation. • CoSiAl-0.25/Al 2 O 3 pellet exhibited better long-term PNP removal ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fe 3 O 4 -rGO/Pt microjets as composite Fenton catalyst were successfully synthesized. • Fe 3 O 4 -rGO/Pt microjets exhibited excellent propulsion and catalytic capability. • Synergistic and enhanced mixing effects contributed to efficient MB degradation. • Fe 3 O 4 -rGO/Pt microjets can be magnetically recycled for further decontamination. A global water pollution on account of organic dye waste poses serious heath threat to human beings. Graphene-based micromotors have recently attracted considerable attentions for efficient water remediation. However, a secondary catalytic degradation is required for completely destroying persistent organic dyes after their adsorption by graphene and its derivatives. Here, we immobilized ferroferric oxide (Fe 3 O 4) nanoparticles (NPs) with reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based micromotors in order to synthesize heterogeneous Fenton Fe 3 O 4 -rGO/Pt composite microjets and to improve their catalytic performance. The as-prepared composite microjets are well propelled in contaminated waters by Pt catalyzing hydrogen peroxide. Combining the attractive properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and Fe 3 O 4 NPs along with fascinating motor movement, the composite microjets offer an efficient removal of methylene blue in short time. This outstanding catalytic performance is ascribed to the synergistic effect of Fe 3 O 4 and rGO during the heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction and the enhanced localized mixing effect during the motion. Moreover, the Fenton composite microjets are able to magnetically recovered and reused for further decontamination processes. Our proposed Fenton composite microjets with extraordinary catalytic capability and good recyclability holds considerable promise for diverse environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An adsorbent, which is easy to be separated and reused after adsorption, is very important for the removal of pollutants in aqueous solution. Hence, a novel nanofibrous sandwich structured adsorbent of silica nanofiber/magnetite nanoparticles/porous silica (SNF/MNP/PS) was designed and synthesized for the first time. The magnetite nanoparticles with diameter less than 10 nm were evenly distributed on the surface of silica nanofiber, which was subsequently fully covered by a layer of porous silica. The novel adsorbent was proved possessing good adsorption capacity for both methylene blue (MB) and Pb (II) ion (Pb 2+ ), and the adsorption equilibrium could be well described by the Langmuir-isotherm model with the maximum adsorption capacity of 103.1 mg/g for MB and 243.9 mg/g for Pb 2+ at 288 K. Moreover, in MB-Pb 2+ mixed system the measured adsorption capacity reached 74.5 mg/g for MB and 202.4 mg/g for Pb 2+ , respectively. The saturated adsorbent could be readily magnetically separated from the solution and then efficiently regenerated by heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction (for MB) or acidic desorption process (for Pb 2+ ), respectively. After 5 cycles of adsorption-regeneration, the adsorption capacity of the reused adsorbent still reached 81.0% (for MB) and 70.9% (for Pb 2+ ) of the initial value. The SNF/MNP/PS behaves good adsorption properties for different types of pollutants, high magnetic recoverability and regeneration efficiency, which make it applicable to different contaminants removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct alkali-hydrothermal induced transformation process was adopted to prepare nepheline from raw kaolinite (shortened form RK in this paper) and NaOH solution in this paper. Structure and morphology characterizations of the synthetic product showed that the nepheline possessed high degree of crystallinity and uniform surface morphology. Specific surface area of nepheline is 18 m 2 /g, with a point of zero charge at around pH 5.0–5.5. The fluoride (F − ions) adsorption by the synthetic nepheline (shortened form SN in this paper) from aqueous solution was also investigated under different experimental conditions. The adsorption process well matched the Langmuir isotherm model with an amazing maximum adsorption capacity of 183 mg/g at 323 K. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG 0 , ΔH 0 , and ΔS 0 ) for adsorption on SN were also determined from the temperature dependence. The adsorption capacities of fluoride on SN increased with increasing of temperature and initial concentration. Initial pH value also had influence on adsorption process. Adsorption of fluoride was rapidly increased in 5–60 min and thereafter increased slowly to reach the equilibrium in about 90–180 min under all conditions. The adsorption followed a pseudo-second order rate law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulase is a new research point besides glucoamylase, amylase, and protease in the enzyme industry. Cellulase can decompose lignocellulosic biomass into small-molecule sugars, which facilitates microbial utilization; thus, it has a vast market potential in the field of feed, food, energy, and chemistry. The Aspergillus was the first strain used in cellulase preparation because of its safety and non-toxicity, strong growth ability, and high enzyme yield. This review provides the latest research and advances on preparing cellulase from Aspergillus. The metabolic mechanisms of cellulase secretion by Aspergillus , the selection of fermentation substrates, the comparison of the fermentation modes, and the effect of fermentation conditions have been discussed in this review. Also, the subsequent separation and purification techniques of Aspergillus cellulase, including salting out, organic solvent precipitation, ultrafiltration, and chromatography, have been declared. Further, bottlenecks in Aspergillus cellulase preparation and corresponding feasible approaches, such as genetic engineering, mixed culture, and cellulase immobilization, have also been proposed in this review. This paper provides theoretical support for the efficient production and application of Aspergillus cellulase. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for the preparation of thin films of Ag nanoparticles is reported. Using mercaptoacetic acid as the stabilizing agent, AgI nanoparticles were prepared in aqueous solution. And based on electrostatic interactions, the thiol-passivated AgI nanoparticles were assembled in a self-assembled film by alternative deposition with a cationic polyelectrolyte. Then the AgI nanoparticles in the composite film were reduced by NaBH4, which resulted in the formation of a thin film of Ag nanoparticles. UV-visible spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data confirmed the transformation from AgI to Ag. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that the formed Ag nanoparticles distributed on the film homogeneously. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) measurement indicated that the prepared thin films could be used as effective SERS substrates. The reduction process was also carried out by UV light at selective surface regions, which resulted in the formation of patterned nanoparticle arrays. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Graphical abstract We first report a Co 9 S 8 nanoflakes on reduced graphene oxide sheets (rGO/Co 9 S 8) composites derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with enhanced the sodium diffusion coefficient, excellent mechanical stability and partial surface-induced capacitive effect. The rGO/Co 9 S 8 electrode delivered a high discharge capacity of at 0.1 A g−1, good rate capability at 10 A g−1 and excellent cyclic stability up to 500 cycles. It also shows a good potential as an anode in Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 ‖rGO/Co 9 S 8 full cell application. Abstract We report a metal-organic framework-derived Co 9 S 8 nanoflakes on reduced graphene oxide sheet composites as an advanced sodium-ion battery anode. Using a galvanostatic intermittent titration technique, we reveal that the sodium diffusion coefficient of the composite is higher than that of its counterpart. Ex - situ scanning electron microscopy images suggest the excellent mechanical stability of Co 9 S 8 nanoflakes on the reduced graphene oxide sheet electrode during cycling, thereby facilitating cyclic stability. The partial surface-induced capacitive effect also contributes to electrochemical performance. With the reduced graphene oxide, the Co 9 S 8 nanoflakes on the reduced graphene oxide sheet electrode deliver a high discharge capacity of 551 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, a good rate capability at 10 A g−1, and an excellent cyclic stability up to 500 cycles. rGO/Co 9 S 8 shows potential for practical applications in Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 ‖rGO/Co 9 S 8 full cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) mainly suffer from poor electronic conductivity and large volume expansion upon cycling. Improving kinetics and designing good morphology structural stability of electrode materials can effectively enhance the lithium storage performances of LIBs. In this study, we successfully synthesized hierarchical carbon-coated cobalt oxide (C@CoO) porous spheres with improved kinetics and good structural stability, which were investigated by ex situ electrochemical impedance spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. We also optimized the preparation conditions of the C@CoO porous spheres. The C@CoO350 porous spheres exhibited good electrochemical performances including the high 2nd specific capacity of 811 mAh g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 and good rate property of 450 mAh g −1 at 4 A g −1 . Furthermore, it demonstrated an excellent cyclic stability with a high capacities of 669 mA h g −1 after 400 cycles at 0.5 A g −1 . Results demonstrated that C@CoO350 porous spheres are promising LIBs anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A novel windowed Inconel rolling-ball viscometer is designed and used by our team. [•] Viscosity data are reported for n-hexadecane, n-octadecane, and n-eicosane at high temperatures and pressures. [•] The viscosity results are compared with the available literature data. [•] The viscosity results are modeled with the free volume theory model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three types of alkyl-ammonium with different branching chains and three complexants with different functional groups were used to prepare alkyl-ammonium or complexant intercalated montmorillonite nanocomposite (A-Mt or C-Mt). In addition, synergistic intercalated montmorillonite nanocomposites (A/C-Mt) with alkyl-ammonium along with complexant were also prepared. The adsorption performance of the various nanocomposites toward Zn2+ and p-nitrophenol (PNP) from simulated binary wastewater containing both Zn2+ and PNP were systematically investigated. Characterization of Mt nanocomposites showed that both alkyl-ammoniums and complexants were successfully intercalated into the interlayers of Mt. The surfactant loading amounts of the various nanocomposites were also determined and correlated with the resulting expansion of the interlayer spacing. It was found that intercalation of alkane (OTAC) and –SH (CSH) were conducive to the adsorption of Zn2+ while –C 2 H 4 NH (TETA) and all alkyl-ammoniums were beneficial for PNP adsorption. The extent of adsorption was found to be controlled primarily by pH, i.e., the higher pH had a good effect on the adsorption of both Zn2+ and PNP. The adsorption process of Zn2+ onto Mt nanocomposites was more in line with the Freundlich model (R 2 = 0.99), while the Langmuir model described the adsorption of PNP well (R 2 = 0.99). The adsorption kinetics could be well described by the Elovich equation (R 2 = 0.98) and the double-constant model (R 2 = 0.89). Chemical adsorption was determined to be the dominant process between the contaminant and Mt nanocomposite surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the post-synthetic preparation strategy, Dye molecules Rhodamine B (RhB) and enzyme β-G (β-galactosidase) can be successfully loaded into the zeolite imidazole framework ZIF-365, the unique dual-emission fluorescent hybrid materials RhB@ZIF-365 and MOFs-based enzyme-encapsulated biosensor β-G@ZIF-365 can be prepared. These hybrid materials also have been characterized through PXRD, FT-IR, N 2 absorption, thermal stabilities and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Dual-Emission ratiometric fluorescent sensors have the unique advantage, which can avoid the external background influence interference through its self-calibrated detection. In this work, dual-emission RhB@ZIF-365 represents the excellent candidate as the ratiometric MOF-based thermometer with maximum thermometric sensitivity 0.54% °C−1 and good temperature resolution better than 0.1 °C. On the other hand, RhB@ZIF-365 also can be applied as the first example of fluorescent sensor for biomolecule nicotinamide with high sensitivity and selectivity among animo acids. In addition, when enzyme β-G is loaded into ZIF-365 forming the Enzyme-MOF based composite material β-G@ZIF-365, catalytic activity of β-G has been significantly improved. β-G@ZIF-365 can also be used as the first example of fluorescent sensing platform for lactose and Al3+ with high sensitivity and low detection limit 0.14 mM and 1.3 μM, respectively. Image 1 • Dual-emission RhB@ZIF-365 and MOFs-based enzyme-encapsulated biosensor β-G@ZIF-365 can be prepared. • RhB@ZIF-365 represents the excellent candidate as the recyclable ratiometric MOF-based thermometer. • RhB@ZIF-365 also can be applied as fluorescent sensor for biomolecule nicotinamide with high sensitivity and selectivity. • β-G@ZIF-365 can be used as the first example of fluorescent sensing platform for lactose and Al3+ with high sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]