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Environmental contamination, especially water pollution, is acknowledged as one of the most urgent global challenges. In essence, surface reactive oxygen species (ROS) is crucial for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater. Recently, the direct conversion of clean and renewable solar energy to heat to drive the activation process of oxygen is a highly effective and desirable way to use solar energy. However, it still remains a challenge to develop a flexible and versatile method to enhance the efficiency of photocatalysis. Herein, we report a new strategy for designing and constructing a C@TiO2 yolk–shell (YS) heterostructure with excellent photo-thermal conversion ability to achieve highly photo-thermal catalytic degradation of RhB under visible light irradiation, consisting of a tunable hydrothermal carbon sphere (CS) core covered by TiO2 shells. This approach integrates the hetero-interfacial charge carrier management, the photothermal excitation of the CS core and the injection of hot electrons into the TiO2 shells, leads to reliably boosted hot electron generation and transfer, and further promotes the activation of dissolved oxygen in water, consequently enhancing the visible light driven catalysis. The YS architecture and the photothermal effect interplay of the C@TiO2 heterostructure are comprehensively studied and optimized. Such a YS heterostructure photo-thermocatalyst concept provides a novel approach for effective utilization of solar energy, and coupling with the CS photothermal effect in a traditional catalytic process is a promising strategy for large-scale environmental and energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel synthesis approach toward Ag/g-C3N4 composite photocatalyst is reported. First, g-C3N4 nanoflakes (CNNs) were fabricated by thermal polymerization of melamine precursor combined with gas bubble exfoliation method. Second, Ag nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed on CNNs by photo-reduction method to assemble Ag/CNNs nanocomposites. The structure of Ag/CNNs nanocomposites was verified by SEM, EDS, TEM, FTIR and XRD. The photocatalytic properties of Ag/CNNs nanocomposites were verified by degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The increase of photocatalytic activity of Ag/CNNs nanocomposites was mainly due to the Schottky barrier between Ag and CNNs and the local surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) effect of Ag NPs, which was conducive to improving the separation and transportation efficiency of photogenerated electrons-holes as well as the absorption of visible light, reducing recombination of free charges. Thus, the Ag/CNNs nanocomposites would show excellent photocatalytic activity in organic waste water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdSe@CdS@TiO2 microsheet array (MSA) ternary core–shell heterojunctions were prepared by successive electrodeposition of CdS and CdSe onto TiO2 microsheets using cyclic voltammetry. The photoelectrochemical performance of CdSe@CdS@TiO2 MSAs ternary core–shell heterojunctions is significantly improved. This structure not only greatly enhances the utilization efficiency of visible light but also greatly extends the spatial separation of photoinduced charge. This is because CdSe@CdS@TiO2 MSAs ternary core–shell heterojunctions have an inherent cascade energy band structure and a high-quality contact between each other at the interface. After annealing, CdSe@CdS@TiO2 MSAs ternary core–shell heterojunctions show a further improved photoelectrochemical performance because the formation of ternary compound CdS1−xSex enhances the quality of the contact interface between CdSe and CdS layers and consequently increases the transportation efficiency of photoinduced charges and injection efficiency of photoinduced electrons to the TiO2 layer. The maximum photocurrent density of 3.5 mA/cm2 was observed in the CdSe@CdS@TiO2 MSAs ternary core–shell heterojunctions after annealing at 350 °C, which is 9.46, 3.18 and 2 times higher than that observed in CdS@TiO2 MSA, CdSe@TiO2 MSA, and as-prepared CdSe@CdS@TiO2 MSA photoelectrodes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wettability of TiO2 nanotube arrays (TiO2-NTAs) synthesized by electrochemical anodization was intensively investigated. It was found that annealing temperature of TiO2-NTAs has significant effect on the hydrophilicity of TiO2-NTAs. With the increase of annealing temperature, the fluorine element content on TiO2-NTAs surface decreases, which results in decrease in water contact angle and increase in hydrophilicity for TiO2-NTAs. The reason is that F− ions escape from the lattice and oxygen vacancies are created at the two coordinated oxygen bridging sites at TiO2-NTAs surface after annealing in argon atmosphere. And these defects can in turn increase the affinity for hydroxyl ions formed by dissociation of chemisorbed water molecules and thereby form hydrophilic domains. In addition, TiO2 crystal becomes well organized gradually with the increase of annealing temperature, F− ions are not favored to exist in the lattice and thus escape from the lattice. Less F element content results in better hydrophilicity of TiO2-NTAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hollow particles contain the inner aqueous compartment surrounding by a shell layer. Controllable construction of the shell layer may improve the potential use of hollow particles for encapsulating polyphenols. In this study, a novel method with alkaline-heat treatment was developed to fabricate the hollow particles with a hybrid shell of zein and whey protein isolate (WPI). Hollow particles were characterized in terms of soluble proteins, size distribution, ζ-potential, hollow structure and shell hydrophobicity. WPI at 0.25% (w/v) was enough to stabilize its zein complex hollow particles at neutral condition. The size of zein-WPI hollow particles was respectively 90 and 198 nm at pH 11 and 7, with a greater portion of proteins participated in the formation of hollow particles at pH 7 than 11. The formation mechanism of hollow particles was analyzed in terms of circular dichroism, infrared spectroscopy, dissociation test, gel electrophoresis, sulfhydryl contents and amino acid analysis. Hydrophobic interactions played a dominant role in stabilizing the shell structure of zein-WPI hollow particles, while Cys, Tyr and Lys participated in the covalent interaction between zein and WPI in hollow particles. Moreover, the shell hydrophobicity decreased by the presence of WPI, which provided a suitable microenvironment for the encapsulation of curcumin at pH 7. The findings of this study shed light on the design of protein-based hollow particles for the delivery of bioactive compounds. [Display omitted] • WPI at 0.25% stabilized its zein hybrid hollow particles at neutral condition. • A greater portion of proteins formed hollow particle at pH 7 than 11. • Protein shell compacted more tightly to form larger particles at pH 7 than pH 11. • Protein shell formed through non-covalent and covalent interaction. • Zein-WPI hollow particles could effectively encapsulate curcumin at pH 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aurora A, Aurora B and Kinase Insert Domain-containing Receptor (KDR) play essential roles in sustained cancer growth. In the present study, eighteen pyrazolo[4,3- b ]pyrimido[4,5- e ][1,4]diazepine derivatives were designed and synthesized. Most of the prepared compounds exhibited obviously enzymatic (Aurora A/B and KDR) activities. Among these analogs, compound 17g displayed significant Aurora A/B and KDR potencies with IC 50 values of 46.2 nM, 37.6 nM and 21.6 nM, respectively. The results of further biological assays showed that compound 17g possessed moderate anti-proliferative activities against SNU-5, MKN-45 and MKN-74 cells lines, induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MKN-45, MKN-74, SGC-7901 and SNU-5 cell lines, provided acceptable pharmacokinetic profiles (F = 63.8%), and inhibited the proliferation of SNU-5 tumors in vivo of mice. All of the above results suggested that pyrazolo[4,3- b ]pyrimido[4,5- e ][1,4]diazepine could be developed as a promising scaffold of multiple Aurora A/B and KDR inhibitors and 17g was worth of further research as a multi-targeted lead compound. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • New pyrazolo[4,3- b ]pyrimido[4,5- e ][1,4]diazepine derivatives were designed. • Most of the derivatives exhibited multi-targeted activities of Aurora A/B and KDR. • Preliminary structure-activity relationships were discussed. • Compound 17g has been proved to be a promising multi-targeted antitumor lead compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesuvium portulacastrum was treated with mixture of copper, zinc, and cadmium for 60 days, with the concentration of each metal ranging from 0 to 20 mg/L. The tolerance of plants and bioaccumulation of heavy metals were then investigated. The height of S. portulacastrum decreased significantly with increasing heavy metal concentrations from 1 to 20 mg/L. The biomass was adversely impacted when the concentration exceeded 5 mg/L. There were no significant differences in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration among different treatment groups, while the soluble protein content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased with increasing heavy metal concentration. However, the BCF values of the three metals were all higher than 10 and the tolerance in root was up to 1000 mg/kg without causing significant growth inhibition, suggesting that S. portulacastrum should be a potential candidate for phytostabilization for the phytoremediation of polymetallic contaminations in coastal environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through pre‐coordination and subsequent polymerization from vinyl‐functionalized complex monomer with polysiloxane prepolymer (synthesized by vinyltrimethoxysilane and diphenylsilanediol), a novel anti‐ultraviolet Eu3+‐containing polysiloxane copolymer was obtained. FT‐IR spectra and UV/Visible absorption spectra prove the structure of the copolymer. TG‐DTG analyses indicate the copolymer keeps stable up to 321°C. When excited at 365 nm, the copolymer exhibits a stronger red emission at 612 nm. And the CIE coordinates (x=0.648, y=0.336) are very close to the National Television Standard Committee standard. Further, the red LEDs fabricated with the copolymer on 365 nm‐emitting chips display superior luminance (52110 cd/m2). Finally, 30‐day UV aging test only shows luminance loss of 6% and power efficiency loss of 7.3%, so the UV‐aging resistance of the copolymer is realized. All the results indicate that the Eu3+‐containing organosilicon copolymer is a promising anti‐ultraviolet red candidate. A novel anti‐ultraviolet Eu3+‐containing polysiloxane copolymer was synthesized by bonding Eu complex into the backbone of polysiloxane prepolymer through free‐radical copolymerization. Then the copolymer is assembled into LED with 365 nm chip and emits bright red light. The functional polysiloxane prepolymer luminescent material exhibits high thermal and photostabilty. 30‐day UV aging test only shows luminance loss of 6% and power efficiency loss of 7.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Development of a series of HSP90 inhibitors-SN38 conjugates for tumor-specific delivery. • These conjugates displayed appreciable HSP90 binding affinity and potent cytotoxic abilities. • Compound 10b exhibited excellent in vivo antitumor activity and low toxicities in Capan-1 xenograft models. Presently, chemotherapy remains to be one of the most important therapeutic approaches for malignant tumors. Ligands based drug conjugates are showing considerable promise as potential therapeutic agents delivery systems for cancer. Here, a series of HSP90 inhibitors-SN38 conjugates were developed through cleavable linkers for tumor-specific delivery of SN38 and reducing its side effects. In vitro assays showed that these conjugates exhibited acceptable stability in PBS and plasma, appreciable HSP90 binding affinity, and potent cytotoxic abilities. Cellular uptake behaviors also indicated that these conjugates could selectively target cancer cells in a time-dependent manner via HSP90. Among them, compound 10b with a glycine linkage exhibits appreciable in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles, and excellent in vivo antitumor activity in Capan-1 xenograft models, demonstrating the selective targeting and accumulation of the active payload at tumor sites. Above all, these results suggest that compound 10b has the potential as a potent anticancer drug, meriting further evaluation in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the tolerance and bioaccumulation of Cd and Cu in the halophyte Sesuvium portulacastrum , seedlings were hydroponically cultured for 30 days using the modified 1/2 Hoagland nutrient solution with different concentrations of Cd (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg L −1 ) and Cu (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 mg L −1 ). Afterwards, the seedling height, leaf area, biomass, and mineral element contents (Fe, Mg, Cu, and Zn) in the roots, stems and leaves were measured, and the tolerance index, bioconcentration factor (BCF), transportation index, and removal rate were calculated. The effects of salinity (0‰–30‰) on the growth and bioaccumulation ability of S. portulacastrum under combined Cu/Cd (5 mg L −1 ) exposure were also determined. The results showed that, with an increasing Cd concentration, the biomass and seedling height of S. portulacastrum initially increased and then decreased. The highest leaf biomass and seedlings height was observed in the 10 mg L −1 and 5 mg L −1 Cd treatment group, respectively. Salinity did not affect the biomass of S. portulacastrum but decreased Cd concentration in roots and aboveground tissues and Cu concentration in roots of S. portulacastrum. Cu treatment significantly facilitated the absorption of Mg, Cu, and Zn in roots. With an increasing Cu concentration, the Mg and Fe contents increased in the leaves of S. portulacastrum . In comparison to the above-ground portions, the root showed a higher bioaccumulation ability of Cd and Cu, with the BCF of 341.5 and 211.9, respectively. The BCF and translocation factor (TF) values indicated that S. portulacastrum was not a hyperaccumulator for Cd and Cu, but could be used as a phytostablization plant in heavy metal contaminated coastal environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure-reactivity relationships of new N -hydroxysaccharin analogous organocatalysts for aerobic oxidation have been theoretically explored based on the replacements of carbonyl groups in the succinimide ring of N -hydroxyphthalimide and N , N -dihydroxypyromellitimide by sulfinyl or sulfonyl groups. Both sulfinyl and sulfonyl groups largely change catalytic reactivity by altering the planar resonance/conjugation structures of precursors. Sulfinyl group largely decreases the reactivity, and the reactivity of catalyst with single sulfonyl group in the succinimide ring is higher than that with double sulfonyl groups. The reactivity of multi-nitroxyl catalysts is higher than that of the corresponding mono-cases, which is even comparable to that of N , N -dihydroxypyromellitimide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Size-uniform octahedral Cu2O crystals were synthesized by a facile and time-saving ethanol-assisted solution method at low temperatures. The synthesized products were systematically characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that the amount of ethanol has strong effects on the phase purity and morphology development of the products. By adjusting the amount of ethanol, the morphology of Cu2O gradually changed from sphere to octahedron. The possible crystal growth processes are proposed. The presence of more oxygen in ethanol is helpful to the formation of octahedral Cu2O seeds with truncated low index {111} planes. It is suggested that the oriented attachment mechanism plays an important role in the transition from tiny Cu2O crystals to large octahedral Cu2O single crystals. The preferential adsorption of ethanol molecules on the Cu2O {111} facets makes the octahedral Cu2O more stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of heterojunctions, based on CdS nanorods and TiO 2 nanocrystals, were prepared by solvothermal process. Various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were used to characterize as-prepared composites. The results demonstrate that well crystalline TiO 2 nanocrystals play an important role in photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties. The well crystalline TiO 2 nanocrystals are beneficial to the formation of good chemical bonding between TiO 2 nanocrystal and CdS nanorod, which gives positive effect on the optical property and photoelectrochemical performance of this heterostructure. Further, the good bonding at the interface of TiO 2 nanocrystals and CdS nanorod is beneficial to the formation of larger width of space charge region, which gives rise to more band bending in CdS to improve the separation and transition efficiency of photo-induced electrons and holes in CdS TiO 2 heterojunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dense medium component (DMC) is a coal group with low ash content and fluidity at 200–600 °C, which is separated from coal by the extraction and back-extraction method. According to the principle of flow-encapsulation, using DMC as raw materials is expected to prepare porous carbons with better properties by the template method. In the study, the nano-alumina was used as the templating agent to prepare the porous carbon by mixing DMC, nano-alumina and KOH and carbonizing/activating them at a certain temperature for a certain time in one step. The effects of the template ratio, activation ratio and activation temperature on the performance parameters of porous carbon as electrode materials were investigated by the Ivium Vertex electrochemical workstation. Within the experimental range, the porous carbon obtained with the best performance has a specific surface area of 2659 m2/g and a pore volume of 1.542 cm3/g when the mass ratio of dense-mesosome, nano-alumina, and KOH was 1:2:3, and the activation temperature was 750 °C. An electrode based on the porous carbons exhibited a capacitance of 398 F/g at the current density of 0.1 A/g and 250 F/g at 2.0 A/g. It also showed a cycling stability with 73.4 % capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles in a 6 M KOH electrolyte. In addition, the energy density reaches up to 70.9 Wh/kg at the power density of 5431 W/kg for a symmetrical supercapacitor. During the activation process, the DMC will carry potassium hydroxide to coat the nano-alumina particles at 380 °C so that the DMC can be well dispersed, ensuring the gas generated during the pyrolysis process escape evenly. When the temperature rises to 540 °C, the DMC is solidified. Potassium hydroxide plays a significant role in pore formation, which etches carbon atoms to obtain more microporous structures. This work provides new a new methodological perspective for designing advanced carbon-based materials for capacitive energy storage. [Display omitted] • During activation, the DMC will carry potassium hydroxide to coat the alumina nanoparticles at a temperature of 380°C. • The DMC is solidified at 540 °C and potassium hydroxide etches carbon atoms to obtain more microporous structures. • The addition of nano-alumina made the pore distribution more uniform and the number of mesopore increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomaterials usually require simultaneous possession of excellent performances such as bioactivity, mechanical and bio-tribological properties to meet biomedical application requirements. In this reported work, the bioactive and mechanical properties of biocomposites were simultaneously optimised according to the functional gradient design idea. The functional gradient nano-hydroxyapatite reinforced polyetheretherketone (nano-HA/PEEK) biocomposites were fabricated through the layer-by-layer casting method and incorporation with thermal pressure moulding technology. The microstructure and morphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The result of the XRD study verified that the crystallinity of the PEEK matrix obviously improved after heat treatment. The SEM observation revealed that the size of HA particles in the biocomposites was in the nanometre scale. Furthermore, two typical morphologies such as encapsulated- and dimple-like microstructures were observed by SEM. The FTIR study showed that the interaction between nano-HA particles and the PEEK molecule existed. Both the SEM and FTIR studies results revealed that the morphology and microstructure in the functional gradient HA/PEEK biocomposites were beneficial for the improvement of the mechanical properties of the gradient biocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agglomeration of the doped graphene powder during electrochemical deposition and non-uniform dispersion in the nickel coating matrix are problems to be solved urgently. In order to solve these problems, a graphite flake was used for the anode, and on the basis of Watt's type electroplating solution, sulfuric acid was introduced to strip the graphite. Since the electroplating solution can peel graphene, the anodic peeling and cathodic deposition of graphene can be realized simultaneously, and the nickel/graphene composite coating can be obtained. The results showed that the exfoliated graphene (EG) was uniformly dispersed in the coating without agglomeration, which exhibited a typical wrinkled double-layer structure. The addition of graphene changed the preferred orientation of nickel from (200) to (111), the crystal grains were refined, and the performance was significantly improved. The microhardness of the nickel coating was increased from 186 HV to 330 HV, the friction coefficient was reduced to 0.16, and the wear rate was only 3.2 × 10−5 mm3 (N·m)−1. This research provides a new idea to solve the problem of graphene agglomeration and uniform dispersion in the electrolyte and coating and offers a new solution for the efficient preparation of nickel/graphene composite coatings with uniform graphene dispersion. [Display omitted] • Graphene synthesized by graphite anode during the electrochemical deposition process • The obtained graphene with the nickel ions in the cathode co-formed the coating • Dispersing uniformly of graphene in the coating • Settling agglomeration of graphene to improve wear resistance of the coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A series of RIPK1 and HDACs dual inhibitors were designed and synthesized. • Compound 4 demonstrated potent inhibitory activities against both RIPK1 and HDACs. • Molecular modelling confirmed 4 could bind to RIPK1 and HDAC6 with high affinity. • Compound 4 demonstrated promising drug-likeness profiles. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) is a key target in the necroptosis signaling pathway, and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are crucial epigenetic modifiers for various proteins. Both RIPK1 and HDACs are critical for homeostasis and inflammation, and their dysfunction were observed concurrently in many diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, acute injuries, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune diseases. Thus, simultaneous inhibition of RIPK1 and HDACs may offer promising strategies for the treatment of these diseases. In this research, we adopted a hybrid design strategy and synthesized a series of RIPK1/HDACs dual inhibitors. Among them, compound 4 demonstrated potent inhibitory activities against both RIPK1 and HDACs with nanomolar level potency. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed that compound 4 could bind to RIPK1 and HDAC6 with high affinity. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis suggested that compound 4 possesses promising drug-likeness profiles. Overall, this study provided potent RIPK1/HDACs dual inhibitor for future study of RIPK1 and HDACs in disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the correction to the article "The possible role of visceral fat in early pregnancy as a predictor of gestational diabetes mellitus by regulating adipose-derived exosomes miRNA-148 family: protocol for a nested case-control study in a cohort study" is presented.

CdSe with coherent polymophic ZB/WZ interfaces are obtained from the change of atomic stacking sequence by dislocation movement induced by stoichiometry changes occurring during annealing. The formation of ZB/WZ coherent polymophic junctions enhance the separation and transport of photo-generated electron-hole pairs in CdSe. The CdSe/TiO 2 photoanode produces H 2 at a rate of 260.9 μmol cm−2 h-1 under AM 1.5G. • The polymorphic transformation in CdSe crystal is analyzed by in situ TEM observation. • CdSe with coherent polymophic ZB/WZ interfaces are obtained by dislocation movement. • Dislocation movement was induced by stoichiometry changes during annealing of CdSe. • The coherent polymophic junctions enhance the separation of photogenerated carriers. • CdSe/TiO 2 photoanode produces H 2 at a rate of 260.9 μmol cm−2 h-1 under AM 1.5 G. CdSe with high densities of coherent polymorphic zincblende/wurtzite (ZB/WZ) interfaces were deposited on TiO 2 nanorod arrays (NRAs) by electrodeposition and an optimized annealing process. In situ TEM annealing experiments observed the formation of the ZB/WZ polymorphic junctions that resulted from the change of atomic stacking sequence by dislocation movement induced by stoichiometry changes occurring during annealing. The process deforms CdSe 4 -tetrahedrons in ZB driving the ZB to WZ phase transition. The formation of ZB/WZ coherent polymorphic junctions enhanced the separation and transport of photo-generated electron-hole pairs in CdSe. The CdSe/TiO 2 photoanode produced H 2 at a rate of 260.9 μmol cm−2 h-1 under AM 1.5 global sunlight (AM 1.5 G). This is the highest reported value among CdSe-based photoanodes, which indicates the important role of the coherent polymorphic junctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order not to sacrifice nitrided layer thickness and reduce brittle compound layer thickness, Ni-coated pretreatment was carried out with electrodeposition on a pure iron surface, followed by gas nitriding. The brittle compound layer thickness of duplex surface treated samples was reduced, and the nitrided layer thickness increased to 320 μm. The microhardness was 4 times harder, and the wear loss was reduced by 68% compared with the original material. The results indicate that Ni-coated pretreatment could effectively improve microhardness and wear resistance and realize the controlled microstructure of a brittle compound layer of pure iron without compromising nitrided layer thickness. Ni coating plays an important role in ammonia adsorption and decomposition, and in the transfer of active nitrogen atoms during nitriding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, three-dimensional hierarchical porous NiO/NF composites were fabricated by hydrothermal method combined with subsequent annealing process. First, nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH) 2) nanosheets were grown vertically on flexible and porous nickel foam (NF) to form Ni(OH) 2 /NF. Second, three-dimensional porous NiO/NF were obtained by thermal decomposition of Ni(OH) 2 /NF in different atmosphere containing various oxygen content (Ar, Air, O 2) at 400 °C for 3h, accompanied by the emergence of numerous mesopores. It is found that O 2 -annealed NiO/NF possesses more Ni3+ and exhibiting superior adsorption performance for Cr(VI)/OH− anions. Furthermore, NiO-X/NF(X represents annealing atmosphere) was used as anode to remove Cr(VI) accompanied with hydrogen generation by electrocoagulation. Compared with bare nickel foam, the presence of NiO nanosheets promote the generation of Ni(OH) 2 flocculant further accelerate Cr(VI) removal and H 2 production. Besides, the NiO/NF exhibited excellent removal performance for other coexisting metal ions. Removal mechanism was investigated and ultimately demonstrated three routes consist of reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) at the cathode followed by the coprecipitation with Ni(OH) 2 floc in the form of Cr(OH) 3 , direct complexation reactions with the freshly produced amorphous Ni hydroxides, and adsorption on NiO-X/NF electrodes. • Three-dimensional hierarchically porous NiO/NF composites were fabricated. • O 2 -annealed NiO/NF enhances the content of Ni3+ promoting the adsorption of Cr(VI). • NiO/NF exhibits excellent Cr(VI) removal efficiency via electrocoagulation. • Simultaneous Cr(VI) removal and hydrogen generation achieve resource utilization. 3D hierarchically porous NiO/NF (Ni foam) was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method and a subsequent annealing process in different atmospheres for the simultaneous Cr(VI) removal and hydrogen generation from wastewater by the electrocoagulation method. O 2 atmosphere for annealing increased the Ni3+ content in NiO, thus led to an enhanced electrostatic interaction with Cr(VI)/OH− anions and subsequently increased the Cr(VI) adsorption and Ni hydroxide flocculant production. Thus, the NiO-O 2 /NF electrode exhibited the best Cr(VI) removal performance of 99.5% within 20 min at the applied potential of 0.97 V vs. RHE, along with a hydrogen generation rate of 1.1 mmol g−1 h−1. The removal mechanism was suggested, including the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), direct complexation reactions with the freshly produced amorphous Ni hydroxides, and adsorption on NiO-X/NF electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium nitride and nitrogen-doped graphene are widely used in lithium-sulfur batteries due to their excellent electronic conductivity and the ability to suppress polysulfides migration. However, complex and time-consuming preparation methods limit their practical applications. Therefore, we report the fabrication of titanium nitride/nitrogen-doped graphene (TiN/NG) nanocomposite as separator modifying material via a one-step solid state reaction. This unique structure of TiN/NG, in which ultrafine TiN nanoparticles are homogeneously distributed on the nitrogen-doped graphene skeleton, is favorable for the adsorption and conversion of polysulfides. As a result, the lithium-sulfur batteries with TiN/NG modified separator exhibit the excellent initial discharge capacity (1501 mAh/g at 0.1C) and long-term cycling stability (718 mAh/g at 1C, after 300 cycles). Image 1 • A facile one-step carbonization method is used to synthesize the TiN/NG nanocomposite. • TiN nanoparticles are uniformly embedded in nitrogen-doped graphene skeleton. • The unique structure of TiN/NG can effectively inhibit the shuttle of polysulfides. • Li-S batteries with TiN/NG modified separator deliver a high specific capacity and excellent cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) hierarchically porous NiO/Ni composites were fabricated by hydrothermal method combined with subsequent annealing process. First, nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH) 2) nanosheets were synthesized on flexible and porous nickel foam to form Ni(OH) 2 /Ni. Second, 3D porous nickel oxide (NiO) nanosheets grown on nickel substrate, named NiO/Ni, were obtained by thermal decomposition of Ni(OH) 2 /Ni in air at 400–650 °C for 3 h. The prepared samples were applied as adsorbents for the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions and characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and nitrogen adsorption and desorption to analyze their structures and compositions. NiO nanosheets grow on the 3D nickel foam provide more active sites and the large connected macropores are favorable to flow of solution. Numerous mesopores and micropores emerged on NiO nanosheets after thermal calcination, leading to high surface area favorable to adsorption of Cr(VI) ions. The results show that NiO/Ni annealed at 400 °C provides the maximum specific surface area (22 m2 g−1) and best removal capacity (25.94 mg g−1) at pH 4 with excellent recyclling performance. The pseudo-first-order kinetic fitting suggests the physical adsorption of Cr(VI) on NiO/Ni surface and the possible adsorption mechanism was investigated. Moreover, the effect of contact time, initial concentration of Cr(VI), pH, and matrix anion were studied in detail. Image 1015909 • Three-dimensional hierarchical porous NiO/Ni composites were fabricated. • NiO/Ni composites provide excellent removal of trace hexavalent chromium. • NiO/Ni composites exhibit excellent recyclling performance. • The pseudo-first-order kinetic model suggests the physical absorption of Cr(VI) on NiO/Ni surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have successfully constructed a PDI supramolecular material, s-PDI- P 1, with an intermolecular double hydrogen bonding structure, which has a compact H-type π-π stacking structure and achieves high carrier separation and migration efficiency. The oxygen evolution rate of the s-PDI- P 1 was 3.23 mmolg-1h−1, without the use of precious metal co-catalysts. [Display omitted] • In the absence of a noble metal co-catalyst, the s-PDI- P 1 molecule exhibited the highest oxygen evolution rate of 3.23 mmolg-1h−1. • The formation of a double hydrogen-bonded structure resulted in a tight H-type π-π stacking between the s-PDI- P 1 molecules, leading to the creation of an ultrathin nanosheet structure with a thickness of 4.7 nm. • s-PDI- P 1 with higher photocurrent intensity (87.2 μA) and lower internal resistance (0.32 KΩ). • s-PDI- P 1 has a higher valence band position (+1.5 V). Perylene diimides (PDI) are widely used in photocatalytic oxygen evolution due to their deep valence band potentials. Here, we report the synthesis of a unique supramolecular photocatalyst (designated s-PDI- P 1) by introducing hydroxyl and carboxyl groups at the imide position of PDI. This modification allows the formation of intermolecular double hydrogen bond structures between the hydroxyl groups, oxygen atoms on the perylene cores and the carboxyl groups. The resulting double hydrogen bonding structures reduce lateral slip and promote the formation of supramolecular structures with H-type π-π stacking. In addition, the intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between the hydroxyl groups and the oxygen atoms on the perylene cores bring the PDI molecules closer together, enhancing the conjugation of the PDI supramolecules and facilitating the formation of ultrathin nanosheet-like structures. In this study, we successfully constructed ultrathin nanosheets of the supramolecular photocatalyst s-PDI- P 1 with a compact H-type π-π stacking structure, which exhibited enhanced charge transfer capability, shorter charge migration distance, and achieved a high photocatalytic oxygen evolution rate of 3.23 mmolg-1h−1. These results highlight the potential of intermolecular double hydrogen bond structures to improve the separation and migration driving force of photogenerated charges, thus providing a novel design strategy for organic photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Single-atom photocatalysts can modulate the utilization of photons and facilitate the migration of photogenerated carriers. However, the preparation of single-atom uniformly doped photocatalysts is still a challenging topic. Herein, we propose the preparation of Ni single-atom doped g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts by metal vapor exfoliation. The Ni vapor produced by calcining nickel foam at high temperature accumulates in between g-C 3 N 4 layers and poses a certain vapor pressure to destroy the interlayer van der Waals forces of g-C 3 N 4. Individual metal atoms are doped into the structure while exfoliating g-C 3 N 4 into nanosheets by metal vapor. Upon optimization of Ni content, the Ni single atom doped g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets with 2.81 wt% Ni exhibits the highest CO 2 reduction performance in the absence of sacrificial agents. The generation rates of CO and CH 4 are 19.85 and 1.73 μmol g−1h−1, respectively. The improved photocatalytic performance is attributed to the anchoring Ni of single atoms on g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets, which increases both carrier separation efficiency and reaction sites. This work provides insight into the design of photocatalysts with highly dispersed single-atom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]