Search

The interface issue concerning lithium dendrite formation between the separator and electrode remains a significant impediment to the further advancement of lithium‐ion batteries (LIB). Due to the inadequate interface compatibility between the conventional polyolefin separator and the electrode, there is a propensity for lithium dendrite growth. In this work, the surface of the polyethylene (PE) separator is coated with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) gel using a simple phase transformation method, resulting in the preparation of a composite separator consisting of PE and PVDF. The results demonstrate an enhanced interface compatibility following the introduction of the gel layer, with a polarization voltage as low as 0.14 V observed after 250 h of cycling. Additionally, the ionic conductivity of the PE/PVDF composite separator (1.77 mS cm−1) is enhanced, attributed to the incorporation of F functional group in PVDF gel, which could facilitate the formation of a rapid ion transport pathway through the interaction between F functional group and Li+. After the introduction of the gel layer, the discharge capacity of the battery after 250 cycles measures ~1.28 mAh, with a mere 27% decay in capacity. This study presents a novel concept for the design of composite separator in LIB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a necessity for an eco‐friendly inhibitor technology to safeguard mild steel from corrosion. Redox‐active Oligoanilines, namely diamine‐capped trimer (DCTA) and tetramer (DCTAni) have been synthesized and incorporated into the polyurethane backbone derived from polyethylene glycols (PEG, Mw = 2050, 4000) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI). The four water‐soluble polyurethanes, resulting from PEG, TDI, and DCTA/DCTAni, were denoted as IH‐1, IH‐2, IH‐3, and IH‐4. The corresponding redox‐active polyurethanes were rationally characterized using FTIR, and UV–visible spectroscopies. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to investigate the surface morphology. The electrochemical properties of these inhibitors were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV). All the inhibitors were studied for their corrosion inhibition efficiency using Tafel potentiodynamic polarization analysis and weight loss methods. These demonstrated high efficacy at a low concentration of 200–300 ppm. The absorptivity of polymers on the mild steel were confirmed by Langmuir adsorption isotherms with a well‐fitting (R2 = 99.9%). The SEM analysis showed the adsorption capacity of inhibitors as protective layers for the mild steel panels. Overall, this work paves the way for innovative ideas for producing more water‐soluble and electrochemically active polymer additives as excellent corrosive inhibitors for mild steel surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst the escalating global energy demand and the rapid advancement of renewable energy technologies, battery technology plays an indispensable role in energy storage. As a crucial anode material, Graphite enhances performance with significant economic and environmental benefits. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in the modification techniques for graphite materials utilized in lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries. This review initially presents various modification approaches for graphite materials in lithium‐ion batteries, such as electrolyte modification, interfacial engineering, purification and morphological modification, composite modification, surface modification, and structural modification, while also addressing the applications and challenges of graphite anode materials in this context. Subsequently, it focuses on the modification methods for graphite anode materials in sodium‐ion batteries, including composite material modification, electrolyte optimization, surface modification, and structural modification, along with their respective applications and challenges. It then compares the modification strategies across different battery systems and proposes innovative modification methods and alternative materials for future graphite anode materials to further enhance their performance in batteries. Finally, the review concludes with a summary of the significance of researching graphite anode material modifications and offers perspectives on future developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weakly‐coordinating anions (WCAs) are employed in a wide range of applications, but limitations remain, including high reactivity, limited redox window, complicated synthesis, high cost, low solublity, and low structural tunabililty. Herein, we report a new class of WCA based on alkyl or aryl (R) substituted silicates bearing fluorinated pinacolate ligands, “[RSiF24]−”. Anions bearing a variety of R groups were prepared, enabling facile tuning of sterics and solubility. A range of cations employed in chemical reactivity has been supported by these anions, including ether‐free alkali cations, Ag+, Ph3C+, Fc+, [NiI(COD)2]+. [Pd(dppe)(NCMe)Me]+ has been generated by salt metathesis or protonation of a metal‐alkyl bond, showcasing the ability of the [RSiF24]− anions to support applications in coordination chemistry and catalysis. Electrochemical studies on the [Bu4N]+ variant show an exceptionally wide stability window for the [MeSiF24]− anion of 7.5 V in MeCN. CV experiments demonstrate reversible Mg deposition and stripping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the potential advantages of minimally sized corroles for diverse applications, this study reports a facile access to cyano‐substituted derivatives via a rare CF3/CN conversion. Investigation of the fully characterized gallium, phosphorus, and cobalt complexes discloses multiple effects of the meso‐nitrile groups attached to the macrocycle. This corrole appears to be the most electron poor derivative which comes into play in the redox potentials of the corresponding complexes. Compared to its precursor, both the absorption and emission are strongly red shifted and the fluorescence lifetime and quantum yield are much larger. The coordination chemistry is affected as well, by virtue of axial ligands being perpendicular rather than parallel relative to each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ideal pathways to synthesize fluorinated compounds were pursued for over 100 years, due to wide application of organofluorides in materials, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. In this regard, electro‐organic synthesis, evolved as a sustainable and scalable approach in various synthetic protocols, stands out as a promising strategy. As a result, many novel and attracting applications of introduction of fluorine items into organic compounds by direct and redox‐mediated electrochemical methods has been reported, especially in recent five years. In this review, we are aim to highlight the reaction scopes, reaction mechanism, the fundamental aspects and the fluorine source variation in electrochemcial fluoriation transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redox-mediated electrochemistry is an area of growing interest, particularly in the context of energy storage. The development of such systems requires knowledge of underlying reaction mechanisms, which bear similarities to the processes that underpin corrosion and semiconductor electrochemistry. Herein we discuss an example system, quinone-mediated zinc oxidation in an alkaline environment, using knowledge from the corrosion and semiconductor fields to understand the phenomenological aspects of the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are promising insertion‐type cathode materials for different types of aqueous batteries, capable of accommodating metal or non‐metal ions. However, their practical application is hindered by their susceptibility to dissolution, which leads to a shortened lifespan. Herein, we have revealed that the dissolution of PBAs primarily originates from the locally elevated pH of electrolytes, which is caused by the proton co‐insertion during discharge. To address this issue, the water‐locking strategy has been implemented, which interrupts the generation and Grotthuss diffusion of protons by breaking the well‐connected hydrogen bonding network in aqueous electrolytes. As a result, the hybrid electrolyte enables the iron hexacyanoferrate to endure over 1000 cycles at a 1 C rate and supports a high‐voltage pH‐decoupled cell with an average voltage of 1.95 V. These findings provide insights for mitigating the dissolution of electrode materials, thereby enhancing the viability and performance of aqueous batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we describe the first aptasensor for the detection of the Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV). The process involved the selection of aptamers through the systematic evolution of ligands by the exponential enrichment (SELEX) technique. After 12 rounds of selection, 6 aptamers were selected and the corresponding binding affinities were assessed using fluorescence binding assays, revealing dissociation constants ranging from 15.45 to 40.98 nM. Notably, among the aptamers, RV2 and RV3 exhibited the highest binding affinities toward RVFV, with dissociation constants of 15.45 and 18.62 nM, respectively. Thiol-modified aptamers were subsequently immobilized onto screen-printed gold electrodes, facilitating the label-free detection of RVFV through square wave voltammetry. The voltammetric aptasensor demonstrated an excellent sensitivity, with a detection limit of 0.015 ng/mL. In addition, cross-reactivity assessments were conducted, where negligible response was obtained when the aptasensor was exposed to non-specific proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite national curricula and instructional reforms calling for collaborative problem-solving skills (CPS), however, there is an absence of a theory-laden model showing how to effectively construct CPS for science learning. We therefore developed and validated a simulation-based CPS model that exploits its constructs, sequences, and causal relationships, and evaluating its effectiveness on students' problem-solving. Over the span of a two-week physics science course, 57 ninth-grade students were recruited from two intact middle school classes to engage in this online simulation-based collaborative problem-solving (CPS) program. This program consisted of nine electrochemistry problem-solving lessons spread across four class sessions, each lasting 45 min. Results indicated that the simulation-based CPS model was validated and proven to contribute to effective problem-solving by linking PS solution proposing, peer communication, implementing PS solutions with simulation, and providing evidence-based explanations. The simulation-based CPS model successfully improved the performance of both high- and low-achieving students. With the support and presence of high-achievers, low-achievers' collaboration attitude was boosted, which lead them to achieve similar learning success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐band gap semiconductor polymer materials play a crucial role in the field of organic optoelectronics. In this context, a series of low‐band gap polymers containing thienopyrazine as the acceptor and cyclofluorene–bithiophene as the donor were synthesized and utilized in resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices. These memory devices consistently exhibit nonvolatile flash memory behavior. Remarkably, all three polymers demonstrate stability even after 1000 cycles without significant fluctuations. Notably, the three polymer‐based devices also exhibit excellent ternary memory performance, with current ratios of 1:102.8:104, 1:101.3:103.9, and 1:101.8:103.6. Furthermore, the photoelectric properties of the three polymers and the conduction mechanisms of the memory devices were thoroughly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for portable and flexible energy storage devices drives the rapid development of flexible electrodes and electrolytes. Meanwhile, the free‐standing polymer electrodes face great chance and challenge. In this work, the stretchable and flexible polyaniline/carbon nanotube/poly(vinyl alcohol) electrode (PANI/CNT/PVA‐E) was fabricated by in‐situ polymerization of aniline in CNT/PVA‐E substrate, where CNT was used to enhance the conductivity and mechanical properties of the polymer electrodes. Compared with PANI/PVA, the comprehensive performance of PANI/CNT/PVA‐E was improved. In addition, the electrochemical performance and tensile property of the electrodes depended on the CNT content. The nanocomposite electrode with 0.25% of CNT possessed optimal properties with high capacitance of 248.69 mF cm−2, and 75.29% of capacity retention over 4000 charge–discharge cycles at 1 mA cm−2. It also exhibited outstanding tensile strength of 3.88 MPa and elongation up to 462.3%. Interestingly, the electrode possessed good heat driven shape memory effect. The temporary shape could be fixed at 70°C under extra force, and the fixed shape recovered within 10 s when it was reheated to the same temperature. It is concluded that the present work may contribute to the development and fabrication of flexible energy‐storage devices, portable and highly stretchable electric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Etherification and amination of aryl halide scaffolds are commonly used reactions in parallel medicinal chemistry to rapidly scan structure–activity relationships with abundant building blocks. Electrochemical methods for aryl etherification and amination demonstrate broad functional group tolerance and extended nucleophile scope compared to traditional methods. Nevertheless, there is a need for robust and scale‐transferable workflows for electrochemical compound library synthesis. Herein we describe a platform for automated electrochemical synthesis of C−X arylation (X=NH, OH) in flow to access compound libraries. A comprehensive Design of Experiment (DoE) study identifies an optimal protocol which generates high yields across>30 aryl halide scaffolds, diverse amines (including electron‐deficient sulfonamides, sulfoximines, amides, and anilines) and alcohols (including serine residues within peptides). Reaction sequences are automated on commercially available equipment to generate libraries of anilines and aryl ethers. The unprecedented application of potentiostatic alternating polarity in flow is essential to avoid accumulating electrode passivation. Moreover, it enables reactions to be performed in air, without supporting electrolyte and with high reproducibility over consecutive runs. Our method represents a powerful means to rapidly generate nucleophile independent C−X arylation compound libraries using flow electrochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal ions and their complexes play a crucial role in homogeneous catalysis. These catalysts are pivotal for the production of, for example, fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, because of the homogeneous nature of these catalysts, their extraction and removal from the crude reaction mixture is cumbersome. Here, we propose an alternative approach where metal‐based homogeneous catalysts are generated electrochemically from a metallic anode (Cu), followed by their use without current, and finally again electrochemically deposited on the cathode. The generated Cu ions were used as catalysts in three different reactions of lauroyl peroxide: one ligand‐free (coupling with dienes), one without ligand but with a heteroatom containing substrate (coupling with toluidine and styrene) and one in the presence of 1,10‐phen as ligand (coupling with indazole). In the first two cases, performance of the electrochemically generated catalysts was similar to those reported in literature for classically prepared homogeneous catalysts, whereas in the last case a new reaction was observed. After reaction, the homogeneous copper catalyst could be efficiently removed electrochemically: 99% of the copper could be removed for the ligand‐free reaction, 97% for the amine coupling, whereas 89% of copper could be removed for the reaction containing N‐heterocycle and 1,10‐phenanthroline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophotocatalysis (EPC) has evolved as a new scientific discipline around the boundary of highly active fields: electrochemistry and photocatalysis. EPC allows us to combine the energy of light and electric potential to activate previously inaccessible compounds via single‐electron transfer (SET). Herein, we review the most essential applications of EPC to the C−H functionalization of molecules. This work discusses mechanisms that can be encountered when designing such processes and analyzes technical aspects of performing EPC reactions in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A new 1,2,3‐triazole functionalized ferrocene (1,2,3‐TAFc) produced by Cu(I)‐catalyzed click reaction was investigated as positive electrolyte for aqueous organic flow batteries (AOFBs). The molecule is highly soluble in 1 M hydrochloric acid and displays high electrochemical reversibility. 1,2,3‐TAFc demonstrated good stability during cycling with a low capacity decay (0.011%/cyc, 3.0%/day) and high Coulombic efficiency (99.4%) over 280 cycles when tested in a flow battery at low concentration. This low capacity decay was attributed to the instability of ferrocene. These findings indicate that a stable and water‐soluble catholyte for AOFBs can be obtained with structural modifications of 1,2,3‐TAFc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) holds considerable promise for large-scale hydrogen production. Decreasing energy input and improving efficiency are inevitable in its further commercial development. As one of the critical factors for reducing energy consumption, flow channel design on bipolar plates cannot be ignored. This study utilizes a three-dimensional model for alkaline electrolyzer that couples electrochemical reactions with mass and heat transfer to approximate the real physical process and achieve reliable convergence. Integrating diverse turbulence units tailored to different local flow demands, an advanced Partitioned Point Flow Channel (PPFC) structure is proposed aiming at optimizing electrolyte flow distribution. Results reveal that PPFC's unique combination of turbulence units promotes lateral flow and electrolyte mass transfer rate, increasing electrolyte flow uniformity and hydrogen removal efficiency by 17.5% and 24.4%, respectively. Further comparative analysis with traditional designs shows an average diaphragm temperature drop of 4 K and a current density increase of 10.7% at a cell voltage of 2 V. These results indicate that PPFC offers significant advantages in reducing energy loss in electrolyzer. • 3-D AWE model couples electrochemical reaction with mass and heat transfer is built. • Advanced PPFC integrates different turbulence units for diverse local flow demands. • PPFC improves flow uniformity by 17.5% and hydrogen removal efficiency by 24.4%. • PPFC reduces average temperature by 4 K and increases current density by 10.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports a unique flow-through electrode design for hydrogen production in alkaline water electrolysis. This paper investigates a variety of electrodeposition coatings on the 3D-printed electrodes, including nickel, nickel-copper, and nickel-iron. The catalytic activity and properties of the electrodes are examined through electrochemical measurements involving linear sweep voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and surface morphology analysis. An experimental setup is also developed to measure hydrogen production and evaluate the efficiency of the designed electrodes. The study finds the flow-through electrodes coated with nickel-copper and nickel-iron achieve the current densities of 54 mA/cm2 and 45 mA/cm2, respectively. The activation overpotentials for the nickel-copper coated electrode are reported as 539 mV, and 408 mV for the nickel-iron coated electrode, both at a current density of 10 mA/cm2. The highest production rate is obtained within the first 15 minutes, 0.273 μg/s for the Ni-Cu flow-through electrode and 0.255 μg/s for the Ni-Fe flow-through electrode. The study further shows that flow-through electrodes produce hydrogen with an efficiency approximately 74% higher than traditional electrodes, suggesting a potentially better design for better hydrogen production in industrial applications. • This study reports a new flow-through electrode design for hydrogen production. • The electrodes are fabricated using 3D-printing and coated using electrodeposition. • The performance is evaluated using electrochemical and hydrogen measurements. • The study finds that flow-through electrodes perform better than traditional. • The flow-through electrodes consume less energy with the same or higher production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating demand for sustainable energy storage solutions, driven by the depletion of fossil fuels has stimulated extensive research in advanced battery technologies. Over the past two decades, global primary energy consumption, initially satisfied by non‐renewables, has raised environmental concerns. Despite the availability of renewable sources like solar and wind, storage challenges propel innovation in batteries. Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have gained recognition for their high energy density and cost‐effectiveness. However, issues such as safety concerns, dendrite formation, and limited operational temperatures necessitate alternative solutions. A promising approach involves replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with non‐flammable solid electrolytes (SEs). SEs represent a transformative shift in battery technology, offering stability, safety, and expanded temperature ranges. They effectively mitigate dendrite growth, enhancing battery reliability and lifespan. SEs also improve energy density, making them crucial for applications like portable gadgets, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage. However, challenges such as ionic conductivity, chemical and thermal stability, mechanical strength, and manufacturability must be addressed. This review paper briefly identifies SE types, discusses their advantages and disadvantages, and explores ion transport fundamentals and all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) production challenges. It comprehensively analyzes sulfide SEs (SSEs), focusing on recent advancements, chemical and electrochemical challenges, and potential future improvements. Electrochemical reactions, electrolyte materials, compositions, and cell designs are critically assessed for their impact on battery performance. The review also addresses challenges in ASSB production. The objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of SSEs, laying the groundwork for advancing sustainable and efficient energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study delves into electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) for ammonia synthesis using borophane‐supported single‐atom catalysts (SACs) through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In comparison to previously reported borophene, which serves as a potential substrate for SACs in NRR, hydrogenated borophane, especially borophane‐2H(B5H2), not only prevents metal aggregation, resulting in stable atomically dispersed metal centers, but also enhances catalytic activity by modulating the metal's charge state. Among all candidates, atomic tungsten anchored on W1/borophane‐2H(B5H2) displays the most favorable NRR activity and product selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct valorization of carbon dioxide (CO2) into value‐added chemicals offers an efficient and attractive approach to promoting carbon neutrality. Among the available methods, the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) for producing multicarbon products (C2+) is gaining attention owing to its simplicity. However, achieving selective control over product formation remains a challenge. One key issue is the lack of a reliable correlation between the physicochemical properties of electrocatalytic materials and their activity and selectivity. To address this gap, we conducted a model study in which carbonized CuxZny@C materials, derived from metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), were synthesized with varying Cu/Zn ratios. The pyrolyzed bimetallic MOFs retained key properties of the original MOFs while also developing new characteristics. These subtle changes in physicochemical properties influenced product selectivity. The findings of our study revealed that higher Zn doping favors the formation of single‐carbon (C1) products, whereas it is less favorable for multicarbon (C2+) products. Optimizing the Cu/Zn ratio was emphasized through characterization techniques, which will help guide the design of improved electrocatalytic systems for the eCO2RR process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of the relevant electrochemical processes in the context of catalysis or energy conversion and storage, entail the production of gases. This often implicates the nucleation of bubbles at the interface, with the concomitant blockage of the electroactive area leading to overpotentials and Ohmic drop. Nanoelectrodes have been envisioned as assets to revert this effect, by inhibiting bubble formation. Experiments show, however, that nanobubbles nucleate and attach to nanoscale electrodes, imposing a limit to the current, which turns out to be independent of size and applied potential in a wide range from 3 nm to tenths of microns. Here we investigate the potential-current response for disk electrodes of diameters down to a single-atom, employing molecular simulations including electrochemical generation of gas. Our analysis reveals that nanoelectrodes of 1 nm can offer twice as much current as that delivered by electrodes with areas four orders of magnitude larger at the same bias. This boost in the extracted current is a consequence of the destabilization of the gas phase. The grand potential of surface nanobubbles shows they can not reach a thermodynamically stable state on supports below 2 nm. As a result, the electroactive area becomes accessible to the solution and the current turns out to be sensitive to the electrode radius. In this way, our simulations establish that there is an optimal size for the nanoelectrodes, in between the single-atom and 3 nm, that optimizes the gas production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While remarkable progress has been made in the development of peptide medicines, many problems related to peptide synthesis remain unresolved. Previously, we reported electrochemical peptide synthesis using a phosphine as a potentially recyclable coupling reagent. However, there was room for improvement from the point of view of reaction efficiency, especially in the carboxylic acid activation step and the peptide bond formation step. To overcome these challenges, we searched for the optimal phosphine. Among phosphines with various electronic properties, we found that electron‐rich triaryl phosphines improved the reaction efficiency. Consequently, we successfully performed electrochemical peptide synthesis on sterically hindered and valuable amino acids. We also synthesized oligopeptides that were challenging with our previous method. Finally, we examined the effect of substituents on the phosphine cations, and gained some insights into reactivity, which will aid researchers designing reactions involving phosphine cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalized arenes, such as aniline and phenol derivatives, are important structures in natural products, drug molecules, and functional materials. Thus, the development of methods for the efficient synthesis of functionalized arenes from different precursors under mild conditions have been a long‐term topic in organic synthesis and related areas. To date, great efforts have been devoted the Ar−X bond‐forming processes from aromatic precursors. In addition, synthesis of functionalized arenes from aliphatic architectures represents an attractive yet challenging alternative to access functionalized arenes, which construct aromatization during the reaction process along with the formation of C−X bonds. Recently, a new strategy for functionalized arenes from non‐aromatic precursors enabled by radicals has received considerable attention and represents a new direction to access functionalized arenes from broader precursors at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of in situ XAS of electrochemical systems is highly sensitive to electrode disturbances, such as gas evolution and gas consumption at an electrolyte/catalyst interface. A novel in situ spectro‐electrochemical X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (SPEC‐XAS) cell is presented as a new tool for the characterisation of gas evolving and consuming electrocatalysts at high overpotentials. By utilising a thin, porous membrane with efficient electrolyte and gas circulating loops, an improved three phase interface is established that enabled efficient gas supply and minimised the interference from bubble formation. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements were conducted in fluorescence mode with three experiments selected to demonstrate the cell's performance. The first two reactions; an in‐situ study of a highly active amorphous iridium oxide catalyst during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and an in‐situ study of copper oxide during the carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) are used to exemplify the XAS data quality achieved under operational conditions. Thirdly, a detailed XAS investigation of a highly dispersed platinum catalyst during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is presented, along with comparative data in nitrogen. These measurements show the retention of oxygen on the surface of the platinum metal particles down to 0.48 V (vs. RHE), well below the platinum oxide reduction peak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to generate chemical fuels such as formate presents a promising route to a carbon‐neutral future. However, its practical application is hindered by the competing CO production and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), as well as the lack of pH‐universal catalysts. Here, Te‐modified Bi nanorods (Te−Bi NRs) were synthesized through in situ reconstruction of Bi2Te4O11 NRs under the CO2RR condition. Our study illustrates that the complex reconstruction process of Bi2Te4O11 NRs during CO2RR could be decoupled into three distinct steps, i.e. the destruction of Bi2Te4O11, the formation of Te/Bi phases, and the dissolution of Te. The thus‐obtained Te−Bi NRs exhibit remarkably high performance in CO2RR towards formate production, showing high activity, selectivity, and stability across all pH conditions (acidic, neutral, and alkaline). In a flow cell reactor under neutral, alkaline, or acidic conditions, the catalysts achieved HCOOH Faradaic efficiencies of up to 94.3 %, 96.4 %, and 91.0 %, respectively, at a high current density of 300 mA cm−2. Density functional theory calculations, along with operando spectral measurements, reveal that Te manipulates the Bi sites to an electron‐deficient state, enhancing the adsorption strength of the *OCHO intermediate, and significantly suppressing the competing HER and CO production. This study highlights the substantial influence of catalyst reconstruction under operational conditions and offers insights into designing highly active and stable electrocatalysts towards CO2RR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal molecular editing gained considerable recent momentum and emerged as a uniquely powerful tool for late‐stage diversifications. Thus far, superstoichiometric amounts of costly hypervalent iodine(III) reagents were largely required for skeletal indole editing. In contrast, we herein show that electricity enables sustainable nitrogen atom insertion reactions to give bio‐relevant quinazoline scaffolds without stoichiometric chemical redox‐waste product. The transition metal‐free electro‐editing was enabled by the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and proved robust on scale, while tolerating a variety of valuable functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of dissolving metal electrodes for the direct electrochemical synthesis of metal complexes has been used widely in the last decade. A major benefit of the electrochemical approach is the minimal by‐products resulting from the synthesis. As such, metal complexes can be produced on‐demand and used directly in catalysis without the need for purification. Furthermore, the electrochemical method enables the production of metal complexes that cannot be synthesized using other methods, including those with base‐sensitive ligands. General principles of the electrochemical method and recent advances in the field are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in electrosynthesis of nanomaterials expanded structural and compositional variations accessible by the electrochemical method; however, reliably synthesizable morphological variety fall shy of that available by conventional solvothermal synthesis. In this communication, electrochemical preparation of surfactant‐free hollow nanoparticles is demonstrated. By anodic conversion of core‐shell precursors with metastable cores, hollowed nickel nanoparticles with uniform dimensions were synthesized and characterized. Implementation of TEM grids as the working electrodes, identical location tracking of the morphological evolution of single particles to anodic stimulus has been demonstrated. The synthesized nanoparticles were employed as catalysts for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction and exhibited catalytic rates that compare favorably to the Pt/C benchmark. This marks the first pure electrochemical synthesis of hollow nanoparticles and shall contribute to the structural diversification of electrosynthesized nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical model is proposed to study the oxidation mechanisms of the organic UV filters BP3 and BP4 during electrochemical water treatment utilizing Car‐Parrinello molecular dynamics. Factors such as the amount of solvent to be included and how to design the system with the least possible intervention are discussed. The proposed model consist of the optimization of the geometries by density functional theory methods, the equilibration of the structure immersed in a water box, the inclusion of the reactive species, and the analysis of the reaction energies of each reaction pathway. The ab‐initio molecular dynamics simulations lead to several products, and some trends can be identified, in accordance with the well‐known reactivity rules of organic chemistry. The products proposed in this work are intermediates in longer oxidative pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) represent an innovative approach for transforming biomass energy directly into electricity, which showed great promise in various applications beyond energy generation and wastewater treatment. The use of MFCs as biosensors for in‐situ and online monitoring has garnered increasing interest. These biosensors stand out for their compactness, ease of operation, affordability, and portability. They have proven effectively in the detection of various water quality indicators, including organic matter, nitrogen, heavy metals, pH levels, and dissolved oxygen. This comprehensive review aims to provide a critical analysis of the current research landscape and the latest advancements in MFC technology, with special emphasis on the challenges encountered in its application for wastewater and water quality monitoring. Moreover, strategies for performance improvement, such as the adoption of miniaturized structures, the exploration of innovative materials, and the application of mathematical modelling for analysis, are also discussed. The review also explores potential avenues for future research, especially in the realm of detecting mixed pollutants. Thus, it provides insightful perspectives on the evolving field of biosensor technology based on MFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive exploration of the electrochemical behavior of layer‐by‐layer assemblies comprising silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), poly‐l‐lysine (PLL), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) on gold surfaces. AgNPs were synthesized using the reduction of silver ions with the synergy of ascorbic acid and citrate in the presence of sodium chloride. The obtained silver nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. A typical preparation produced AgNPs with a plasmon peak at 402 nm, a diameter of 27.5 nm and zeta potential of −37 mV. Employing a drop‐coating approach, we successfully achieved stable multilayers of AgNPs, PLL, and BSA. Cyclic voltammetry revealed well‐defined, bell‐shaped oxidation and reduction peaks of AgNPs within the multilayers, demonstrating complete conversion to AgCl and back to Ag. Notably, the stripping of AgNPs on a monolayer of PLL prepared at pH 4.00 resulted in the highest current intensity, contrasting with lower intensities observed for PLL monolayers prepared at pH 7.01 and pH 9.01. Despite the absence of a splitting reduction peak in the presence of biopolymer materials, a noteworthy observation emerged: the peak splitting exclusively occurred when PLL/AgNP layers, terminated with PLL, were exposed to BSA in the solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, an electrochemically driven catalyst-free nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) of electron-rich fluoroarenes with carboxylic acids as weak nucleophiles under mild conditions was reported. A series of highly valuable ester derivatives were obtained in a direct and rapid way. This transformation features commercially available reagents and an exceptionally broad substrate scope with good functional group tolerance, using cheap and abundant electrodes and completed within a short reaction time. Gram-scale synthesis and complex biorelevant compounds ligation further highlighted the potential utility of the methodology. The mechanistic investigations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations verified the feasibility of the proposed pathway of this transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cortisol biosensor was developed based on double-conducting polymer nanowires, which exhibits excellent conductivity, resistance to biological contamination, and outstanding sensing performance. The biosensor employs dual-mode electrochemical techniques, namely, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and chronoamperometry (CA), for the sensitive and low fouling detection of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol. Experimental results demonstrated that the linear detection range of the biosensor in DPV mode was 1.0 × 10−14–1.0 × 10−8 M, with a detection limit of 0.131 × 10−14 M. In CA mode, the biosensor exhibited a detection range of 1.0 × 10−13–1.0 × 10−7 M and a detection limit of 0.313 × 10−13 M. The biosensor was successfully utilized for the rapid detection of cortisol in human saliva. The combination of a high-specificity cortisol aptamer and functionalized double-conducting polymer nanowires ensured the exceptional specificity and sensitivity of the biosensor in detecting real biological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of unsymmetrical diorganyl selanes was accomplished under electrochemical conditions in an undivided cell utilizing a magnesium cathode and a carbon anode made out of aryl and alkyl iodides and diselanes. This electrochemical cross-electrophile coupling (eXEC) was accomplished using a simple nickel catalyst formed in situ out of Ni(acac)2 and 2,2′-bipyridine in DMF at ambient temperatures. The reaction showed good functional group compatibility, and heteroaryl iodides, such as thiophene or pyridine derivatives, were well accepted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoassays have been widely used for the determination of various analytes in the fields of disease diagnosis, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Dual-signal immunoassays are now advanced and integrated detection technologies with excellent self-correction and self-validation capabilities. In this work, we summarize the recent advances in the development of optical and electrochemical dual-signal immunoassays, including colorimetric, fluorescence, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), electrochemical, electrochemiluminescence, and photoelectrochemical methods. This review particularly emphasizes the working principle of diverse dual-signal immunoassays and the utilization of dual-functional molecules and nanomaterials. It also outlines the challenges and prospects of future research on dual-signal immunoassays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐solid‐state sodium batteries offer the advantage of both sustainability and safety. Solid‐state electrolytes play a key role, and an oxygen‐incorporated NaAlCl4 composite electrolyte is presented with a high ambient‐temperature ionic conductivity of > 0.1 mS cm−1. The electrolyte synthesized with a mechanochemical reaction consists of in situ‐formed Al2O3 nanoparticles that provide enhanced conduction through an oxychloride phase at the interface. Magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirms the formation of Al2O3 and the oxychloride phases at the interface and sheds insights into the origin of the enhanced ionic conductivity of the composite electrolyte. Additionally, simply adding Al2O3 nanoparticles to NaAlCl4 before mechanochemical synthesis is investigated, and a relationship between Al2O3 surface area and composite electrolyte ionic conductivity is identified. All‐solid‐state sodium batteries assembled with the composite electrolyte demonstrate a high specific capacity of 124 mA h g−1, clearly outperforming the baseline NaAlCl4 electrolyte. Furthermore, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy is utilized to understand the origin of capacity fade and obtain insights into electrolyte decomposition products. This work provides a deeper understanding of methods for boosting the ion transport in a low‐cost halide solid electrolyte for practical viability of all‐solid‐state sodium batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorenones are suitable candidates for negolytes in flow batteries, as they demonstrate the ability to store 2 electrons, and can achieve reversibility, solubility, and stability with appropriate molecular design. However, limitations persist such as the use of alkaline media, high redox potentials, and a limited scope for optimization. Herein, azoniafluorenones is reported as a novel class of negolytes. They can be readily accessed in a highly modular fashion from inexpensive commercially available materials (e.g., boronic acids). Variations in the substitution patterns reveal the 3‐substituted N‐alkylated AZON3, which demonstrates excellent solubility at neutral pH (1.64 m) with two low reversible redox potentials (−0.31 and −0.58 V vs Ag/AgCl). AZON3 exhibits high stability when evaluated at high concentration in a neutral supporting electrolyte (1 m in 3 m KCl), paired with BTMAP‐Fc on the positive side. Capacity retentions of 99.95% and 99.91% per cycle (99.35% and 99.21% per day) are achieved when cycling with 1 and 2 electrons, respectively, coupled with high volumetric capacity of 46.4 Ah L−1 (87% of capacity utilization). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical investigation of the electrochemical reaction between β-nitrostyrene and benzaldehyde was conducted at the DFT M06-2X/def2-TZVP level of theory. The reaction mechanism was dissected into five proposed routes, via 3 pathways, concluding with 4 possible products (P1 to P4). To gain a comprehensive understanding, we explored these routes both in the gas phase and in solution using three solvents: dimethylformamide, methanol, and water. In the gas phase, the overall barriers of these five routes (the energy in parentheses refers to the relative G versus reactants in kcal/mol) are in this order: A2 (− 48.22) < A1 (21.29) < C1 (21.59) < B (29.81) < C2 (77.59). The ΔG for the formation of four products (the energy in parentheses refers to the relative G versus reactants in kcal/mol) are in this order: P2 (− 233.40) < P4 (− 82.13) < P3 (− 74.18) < P1 (− 46.97). Therefore, in the extra amount of both benzaldehyde and proton, P2 is the major product, in the extra amount of benzaldehyde and minimum amount of proton, P1 is preferred, and in the small amount of benzaldehyde and proton, P4 is preferred (only via C1 route). In the solvents, despite the gas phase data, path B and product P3 are a favorable path and products. Thermodynamically, the average relative G in three solvents for P3 is − 112.09 kcal/mol, for P2 is − 112.1, for P4 is − 118.46, and for P1 is − 60.25. Kinetically, the average relative G in three solvents for the transition states of P3 is − 8.25 kcal/mol, P2 is − 42.84, P4 is 34.16 via route C1 and 29.05 via route C2, and P1 is 95.81. Therefore, in the excess concentration of proton, P2 is the most favorable product by both kinetic and thermodynamic data and in low concentration of proton, P3 is the most favorable product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the appeal of organic redox systems as next-generation energy-storage media, achieving high cell voltages with electrolytes based on main-group elements typically comes at the cost of reduced long-term stabilities. In this Synpacts article, we summarize our recent finding that the introduction of phosphine oxide functionalities can unlock the ability of terthiophenes to serve as robust two-electron acceptors at extreme potentials. These investigations uncovered a fundamentally new class of multielectron redox systems, capable of expanding the cell potential range achievable with organic electrolytes without compromising stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Room‐temperature sodium‐sulfur (RT‐Na/S) batteries display attractive potential in large‐scale energy‐storage, but their practical application was still restricted by the serious dissolution of polysulfides. Herein, supported by the constructing of interface engineering, the metal sulfide‐carbon nanocomposite can be prepared with considerable electrochemical properties. Utilizing the double‐helix structure of carrageenan‐metal hydrogels as precursors, in‐situ metal sulfide (MxSy) nanostructure/3D carbon aerogels (3D CAs) can be successfully constructed. Importantly, with the assistance of the vulcanization process, 3D carbon architecture was maintained in the composites and acted as a skeleton to optimize their structural stability. As the cathode of RT‐Na/S batteries, ZnS/S@C and NiS2/S@C delivered an excellent cycling stability and rate performance (179.8 mAh·g−1 at 20 A·g−1 after 10000 cycling for ZnS/S@C, 220.3 mAh·g−1 at 10 A·g−1 after 3000 cycling for NiS2/S@C). The detailed investigation of mechanism revealed that the powerful adsorption for Na2S4 originated from 3D metal sulfide‐carbon structure. The well‐designed architecture of sulfide‐carbon composites servers as an electrocatalyst to alleviate the shuttle effect of polysulfides, resulting in the long‐term electrochemical stability. Given this, the work is expected to provide promising insights for designing advanced cathode materials for RT‐Na/S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Test & Measurement Technology is the property of Publishing Center of North University of China and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) represent a diverse group of double‐stranded DNA viruses associated with various types of cancers, notably cervical cancer. High‐risk types of HPVs exhibit their oncogenic potential through the integration of their DNA into the host genome. This integration event contributes significantly to genomic instability and the progression of malignancy. However, traditional detection methods, such as immunohistochemistry or PCR‐based assays, face inherent challenges, and thus alternative tools are being developed to fasten and simplify the analysis. Our study introduces an innovative biosensing platform that combines loop‐mediated amplification with electrochemical (EC) analysis for the specific detection of HPV16 integration. By targeting key elements like the E7 mRNA, a central player in HPV integration, and the E2 viral gene transcript lost upon integration, we show clear distinction between episomal and integrated forms of HPV16. Our EC data confirmed higher E7 expression in HPV16‐positive cell lines having integrated forms of viral genome, while E2 expression was diminished in cells with fully integrated genomes. Moreover, we revealed distinct expression patterns in cervical tissue of patients, correlating well with digital droplet PCR, qRT‐PCR, or immunohistochemical staining. Our platform thus offers insights into HPV integration in clinical samples and facilitates further advancements in cervical cancer research and diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screen‐printed electrochemical sensing platforms are ubiquitous within the field of electrochemistry where they provide benefits of being disposable, cost‐effective, reproducible, easily customisable, portable and allow one to transfer the laboratory approach into the field. In this review, we introduce the concept of screen‐printed electrodes, we summarise positive and negative aspects before moving into the current highlights of using traditional screen‐printed carbon electrodes within the field of electroanalysis. We then look to cover metallic and bulk modified varieties, geometric changes (micro, microband and associated arrays), electrode activation and finally the physical length of screen‐printed electrodes, providing insights for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical sensors based on self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) were synthesized using metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), quantum dots (QDs) and their composite (QDs@MOFs) to modify gold electrode (AuE) that was used as electrochemical sensors for bisphenol A detection. The molecular layer was assembled on the surface of the gold electrode by adsorption and provide a highly flexible method to tailor the interfaces between analyte and the electrode. Single crystal X‐ray of the MOF revealed a six‐coordinate copper(II) ion that bidentately coordinate two molecules of p‐anisic acid and two molecules of 1H‐benzimidazole to form a distorted octahedral geometry around the copper(II) ion. Electrochemical studies revealed that under optimal conditions, the modified gold electrode sensors show excellent sensing of bisphenol A, however, QDs@MOFs modified electrode is the best sensor with the highest oxidation peak current of 8.43E‐05 μA and the lowest charge transfer resistance of 19.4 Ω within a wide concentration range of 0.1–1 μM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.252 μM. This could be attributed to the electrocatalytic activity of the composite (QDs@MOFs) modified sensor, and the synergistic effect of the MOFs and QDs in the composite. The LOD is comparable to other electrochemical methods of sensing BPA which indicates that QDs@MOFs modified gold electrode could be develop as sensor for BPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Room‐temperature sodium‐sulfur (RT‐Na/S) batteries display attractive potential in large‐scale energy‐storage, but their practical application was still restricted by the serious dissolution of polysulfides. Herein, supported by the constructing of interface engineering, the metal sulfide‐carbon nanocomposite can be prepared with considerable electrochemical properties. Utilizing the double‐helix structure of carrageenan‐metal hydrogels as precursors, in‐situ metal sulfide (MxSy) nanostructure/3D carbon aerogels (3D CAs) can be successfully constructed. Importantly, with the assistance of the vulcanization process, 3D carbon architecture was maintained in the composites and acted as a skeleton to optimize their structural stability. As the cathode of RT‐Na/S batteries, ZnS/S@C and NiS2/S@C delivered an excellent cycling stability and rate performance (179.8 mAh·g−1 at 20 A·g−1 after 10000 cycling for ZnS/S@C, 220.3 mAh·g−1 at 10 A·g−1 after 3000 cycling for NiS2/S@C). The detailed investigation of mechanism revealed that the powerful adsorption for Na2S4 originated from 3D metal sulfide‐carbon structure. The well‐designed architecture of sulfide‐carbon composites servers as an electrocatalyst to alleviate the shuttle effect of polysulfides, resulting in the long‐term electrochemical stability. Given this, the work is expected to provide promising insights for designing advanced cathode materials for RT‐Na/S batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, electrochemical sensors have garnered significant attention in the environmental field due to their potential to offer effective solutions for addressing the environmental challenges our planet faces, particularly in proactive environmental preservation. A particular interest has been focused on the development of electrochemical sensors due to their restricted sample volume and the potential for system miniaturization, enabling portability. Taking these aspects into consideration, this review centers on the utilization of electrochemical electrodes to acquire relevant chemical information pertaining to environmental issues. Furthermore, it will analyze how the use of nanotechnology has provided new substrate alternatives for the determination of chemically significant species in the environment. Finally, the challenges and future prospects in this field are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Low-Carbon Chemistry & Chemical Engineering is the property of Low-Carbon Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Traditional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) consume a significant amount of energy to clean wastewater. However, for medium‐ and small‐scale WWTPs, it is crucial to have an energetically self‐sustained treatment. In this regard, novel low‐energy demand treatment systems, such as nature‐based solutions (NBS), are highly suitable alternatives. Constructed wetlands coupled with microbial fuel cells (MFC), referred to as electrowetlands (EWs), are NBS able to treat wastewater while recovering electricity. In this study, initially, various granular carbon materials were tested as anode materials in laboratory‐scale MFCs, and anthracite was selected due to its higher electrochemical activity. Then, pre‐pilot scale tests were conducted, evaluating different EW configurations. The one consisting in a horizontal anode yielded the best wastewater treatment efficiencies (chemical oxygen demand [COD] degradation greater than 90%) and electricity production (11 mW m−2; 260 mWh day−1 m−2). Finally, a 50 m2 pilot was constructed in Valladolid, studying its performance under real conditions for 1 year. The pilot showed robust and stable performance, achieving high wastewater treatment efficiencies (COD degradation >85%, outflow COD of 100 ppm) and generating 115 Wh in 1 year (power density of 0.4 mW m−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell, the following degradation mechanisms are associated with the catalyst particles and their support: carbon support corrosion triggered by carbon and platinum oxidation, platinum dissolution with redeposition, and particle detachment with agglomeration. In this work, an electrochemical model for those degradation effects is presented as well as its coupling with a three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics PEM fuel cell performance model. The overall model is used to calculate polarization curves and current density distributions of a PEM fuel cell in a fresh and aged state as well as the degradation process during an accelerated stress test with 30 000 voltage cycles. The obtained simulation results are compared to measurements on a three‐serpentine channel PEM fuel cell with an active area of 25 cm2 under various temperatures and humidities. The experimental data are obtained with a segmented test cell using respective degradation protocols and test conditions proposed by the United States Department of Energy. In addition to the temperature and humidity changes, the influence of geometry and material parameters on the degree of degradation and the resulting fuel cell performance is explored in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]