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A novel 1.5 V aqueous self-powered electrochemical energy device involving the integration of asymmetric supercapacitors and overall water splitting is designed, where the phosphorus-doped NiMoO4/MoO2 electrode plays a trifunctional role in the device.

We report the use of the aqueous extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum leaves (PPLE) as a source of relatively cheap and readily accessible reducing- and stabilizing agents for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).

Nickel molybdate (NiMoO4) attracts superior hydrogen desorption behavior but noticeably poor for efficiently driving the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media due to the sluggish water dissociation step. Herein, we successfully accelerate the water dissociation kinetics of NiMoO4 for prominent HER catalytic properties via simultaneous in situ interfacial engineering with molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) and doping with phosphorus (P). The as-synthesized P-doped NiMoO4/MoO2 heterostructure nanorods exhibit outstanding HER performance with an extraordinary low overpotential of −23 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which is highly comparable to the performance of the state-of-art Pt/C coated on nickel foam (NF) catalyst. The density functional theory (DFT) analysis reveals the enhanced performance is attributed to the formation of MoO2 during the in situ epitaxial growth that substantially reduces the energy barrier of the Volmer pathway, and the introduction of P that provides efficient hydrogen desorption of NiMoO4. This present work creates valuable insight into the utilization of interfacial and doping systems for hydrogen evolution catalysis and beyond.

We report a simple strategy for synthesizing Ni0.2Mo0.8N/MoO2 nanorods on NF for exceptional HERs in alkaline media. The Ni0.2Mo0.8N/MoO2 delivered an ultralow overpotential of 13 mV@10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH, which outperformed the benchmark Pt/C.

The electric-field effect is an important factor to enhance the charge diffusion and transfer kinetics of interfacial electrode materials. Herein, by designing a heterojunction, the influence of the electric-field effect on the kinetics of the MoS

The large-radius of both K- and Na-ions gives rise to a serious concern towards exploring high-performance electrode materials for potassium ion batteries (KIBs) and sodium ion batteries (SIBs), respectively. Herein, MnO2 nanowires coated with reduced graphene oxide (denoted MnO2@rGO) are demonstrated as excellent anode materials in KIBs and SIBs. The coating of rGO not only facilitates a lattice distortion in the spacing of high crystallinity MnO2 nanowires allowing the faster transfer of K- and Na-ions, but also creates an interfacial structure between rGO and MnO2. Both enhance the electronic conductivity and further protect the nanowires from degradation. As an anode for KIBs and SIBs, the MnO2@rGO nanowires deliver a stable cycling performance with capacity retention of 81.7% over 400 cycles and 75% after 500 cycles, respectively. The potassiation and depotassiation reaction mechanisms are also revealed. Furthermore, the uniqueness of our hybrid designs allows high crystallinity MnO2@rGO nanowires to be used as anodes for both K-ion capacitors (KICs) and Na-ion capacitors (SICs). Considering their easy synthesis, environmental benignity and low cost, MnO2@rGO nanowires are potential anode materials for Na- and K-ion based energy storage devices.

Here, the concept of thick electrode is utilized to design a-17 mm three-dimensional (3D) all-carbon frameworks with remarkable structural stability as high-areal-capacity anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The framework involves the rational design of graphite fibers (GFs) bonded with pyrolytic carbon (PC) and graphite nanoplatelets (GNP), offering a unique architecture and a scalable production approach. The as-fabricated 3D-GF/PC/GNP electrode with a high mass loading of ≈30 mg cm−2 can deliver an unexpected high initial and reversible areal capacity of 23.53 and 11.63 mA h cm−2 at current density of 2.0 mA cm−2, impressive rate performance and cyclic stability. Both theoretical simulations and experimental analyses show that the excellent performance of the electrode can be attributed to the incorporation of GNP that modulates the electronic conductivity of the framework, enabling easier Li-ion intercalation/deintercalation pathway to promote the pseudocapacitive and surface adsorption Li-ion storage.

Enabling materials with distinct features toward achieving high-performance energy storage devices is of huge importance but highly challenging. Commercial carbon cloth (CC), because of its appealing chemical and mechanical properties, has been proven to be an excellent conductive substrate for active electrode materials. However, its performance is notably poor when directly used as an electrode in energy storage, due to its low theoretical capacity and surface area. Herein, we successfully endow the CC with enhanced storage capacity via formation of a π-π stacking interaction by integrating electrochemically activated CC (denoted CC/ACC) with biomass-derived carbon (BMDC) (denoted π-CC/ECC@BMDC). The π-CC/ECC@BMDC electrode displays excellent storage performance with a high capacity of 2.53 mAh cm-2 under 0.2 mA cm-2 when used as anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Due to the induction energy, the negatively charged molecules of the CC/ACC functional groups interact with the BMDC during carbonization, creating the π-π stacking interaction. Based on first-principles calculations, the structural design of the tri-layer carbon enables the movement of electrons around the π-π stacking interaction, which significantly facilitates rapid transportation of electrons, creates three-dimensional (3D) ion tunnels for fast transportation of ions, and improves the electrode's mechanical and electronic properties.

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of female cancer deaths in Nigeria. Routine cervical cancer screening and early treatment can prevent up to 80% of cervical cancers. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, risk factors and practice of cervical cancer screening among women residing in urban slums of Lagos, Nigeria.This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 315 women aged 21-65 years in two slums in Lagos, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling method was used to select respondents. Data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaires. Analysis was done with IBM SPSS version 20.Only 3.2% had heard of cervical cancer. Most of the women did not know the symptoms (99.4%), or risk factors (99.7%) of cervical cancer, and 96.8% had not heard about cervical cancer screening. Forty-four percent of the respondents were between 21-30 years of age. Half of the respondents (51.4%) had only one lifetime sexual partner. Thirty-eight percent of the respondents had 3-4 children. About forty percent had their first childbirth at less than 20 years of age. Only 4.4% use tobacco. Only two respondents (0.6%) had undergone cervical cancer screening however, 93.3% of the respondents were willing to undergo cervical cancer screening. There was no significant association between socio-demographic factors, risk factors, and willingness to undergo cervical cancer screening.Campaigns should be carried out by government and charitable organisations to increase the knowledge and practice of cervical cancer screening among women residing in slums.Le cancer du col de l’utérus est la deuxième cause de décès par cancer chez les femmes au Nigeria. Le dépistage systématique du cancer du col de l’utérus et un traitement précoce peuvent prévenir jusqu’à 80 % des cancers du col de l’utérus. Cette étude a été menée pour évaluer les connaissances, facteurs de risque et la pratique du dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus parmi femmes résidant dans les bidonvilles urbains de Lagos, au Nigeria.Cette étude descriptive transversale a été menée auprès de 315 femmes âgées de 21 à 65 ans. 315 femmes âgées de 21 à 65 ans dans deux bidonvilles de Lagos, au Nigeria. Une méthode d’échantillonnage à deux degrés a été utilisée pour sélectionner les répondants. Les données ont été recueillies à l’aide de questionnaires administrés par un interrogateur L’’analyse a été réalisée avec IBM SPSS version 20.Seuls 3,2 % des répondants avaient entendu parler du cancer du col de l’utérus. La plupart des femmes ne connaissaient pas les symptômes (99,4%) ou les facteurs de risque (99,7%) du cancer du col de l’utérus, et 96,8% n’avaient pas entendu parler du dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus.Quarante-quatre pour cent des répondants étaient âgés de 21 à 30 ans. La moitié des répondantes (51,4%) n’ont eu qu’un seul partenaire sexuel au cours de leur vie. Trente-huit pour cent des répondants avaient 3 ou 4 enfants. Environ quarante pour cent ont eu leur premier accouchement à moins de 20 ans. Seulement 4,4 % consomment du tabac. Seuls deux répondants (0,6%) ont subi un dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus, mais 93,3% des personnes interrogées étaient disposés à subir un dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus. Il n’y avait pas d’association significative entre les facteurs sociodémographiques, les facteurs de risque et la volonté de se soumettre au dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus.Des campagnes devraient être menées par le gouvernement et les organisations caritatives pour augmenter la connaissances et la pratique du dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus parmi femmes résidant dans les bidonvilles.Cancer du col de l’utérus, connaissance, facteurs de risque, pratique, dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus, Bidonville, Nigeria.

Sodium-ion batteries are considered as a promising candidate for lithium-ion batteries due to abundant sodium resources and similar intercalation chemistry. Hard carbon derived from biomass with the virtue of abundance and renewability is a cost-effective anode material. Herein, hard carbon is derived from renewable bagasse through a simple two-step method combining mechanical ball milling with carbonization. The hard carbon electrodes exhibit superior electrochemical performance with a high reversible capacity of 315 mA-h/g. Furthermore, the initial capacity of the full cell, HC//NaMn0.4Ni0.4Ti0.1Mg0.1O2, is 253 mA·h/g and its capacity retention rate is 77% after 80 cycles, which further verifies its practical application. The simple and low-cost preparation process, as well as excellent electrochemical properties, demonstrates that hard carbon derived from bagasse is a promising anode for sodium-ion batteries.

Perovskite transition metal oxides with ABO3 structure are considered as potential alternative non-precious metal electrocatalysts for designing highly active and durable electrocatalysis for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we successfully enable LaFeO3 coated on nickel foam (denoted LFO@NF) perovskite with impressive OER activity by systematically tailoring the Fe cation sites and the introduction of oxygen vacancies. The cationic site involves dual cation modulation with Cr and Mo, which creates lattice distortions inducing strong electronic interaction, while the anionic site entails reduction via a hydrogen-treatment process, creating oxygen vacancy sites to improve the electronic conductivity of the perovskite oxide. As a result, the optimized LFO-based catalyst, specifically hydrogenated LaFe0.75Cr0.15Mo0.10O3-coated on the nickel foam (denoted H-LFCMO@NF), requires the lowest overpotential of 263 mV at 10 mA cm−2, and has superior kinetics and excellent stability, which are superior to its counterparts. Theoretical analysis also confirmed that the tailoring of the LFO@NF perovskite leads to an increase in the exposure of active sites, optimization of the adsorption energy of reaction intermediates and enhanced electronic conductivity. This work may provide a promising concept to enhance the performance of LFO-based perovskite electrocatalysts for alkaline OER and beyond.

The water dissociation step (H2O + M + e- → M - Hads + OH-) is a crucial one toward achieving high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The application of electronic conducting polymers (ECPs), such as polypyrrole (PPy), as the electrocatalyst for HER is rarely reported because of their poor adsorption energy per water molecule, which hinders the Volmer step. Herein, we strongly enrich PPy hollow microspheres (PPy-HMS) with attractive HER activity by enhancing their hydrophilic properties through hybridization with good water affinity SiO2. The as-prepared PPy-coated SiO2 (PPy@SiO2-HMS) achieves a current density of 10 mA cm-2 at -123 mV, which is lower than that of pristine PPy-HMS (-192 mV). Raman and X-ray photospectroscopy analyses reveal that the enhanced HER catalytic capability can be attributed to the strong electronic couplings between PPy and SiO2, and this improves the adsorption energy per water molecule and in turn accelerates the water dissociation kinetics on PPy. This work highlights the potential application of low-cost ECPs as promising electrocatalysts for water electrolysis.

A porous hollow hybrid nanoarchitecture that consist of Co2P/Co nanoparticles confined in nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) and carbon nanotube (CNT) hollow nanocubes (denoted as H-Co2P/Co-NC/CNT) has been rational designed as anode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Such design involves simple synthetic process of using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as sacrificial precursor. The uniform cubic-shaped H-Co2P/Co-NC/CNT hybrid is investigated with several intriguing advantages, including improved structural integrity, superior electronic conductivity, hollow architecture and large specific surface area and so on. The as-synthesized H-Co2P/Co-NC/CNT displays excellent lithium storage behaviour in terms of long cycle life (> 500 cycles), remarkable rate performance (up to 5 A g−1), high reversible capacity (601 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1) and high pseudocapacitance behavior. Besides, it also delivers a superior catalytic property for OER with a small Tafel slope of 45.3 mV dec−1 and overpotential of 256 mV (at 10 mA cm-2). The excellent performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect between Co2P/Co and NC/CNT, leading to enhanced conductivity through high pseudocapacitance contribution. This present work demonstrates that MOF-derived H-Co2P/Co-NC/CNT hybrid is a promising candidate for high-performance multifunctional energy systems.

Cassava is a tropical crop that can be processed into a variety of products including flakes popularly called gari. Gari is a product obtained from cassava root by fermentation, but the root from which the gari is obtained spoils rapidly. Efforts have been made to extend the shelf life of the root through the use of traditional and improved storage techniques, for example storage in boxes, freezing and refrigeration. However, the quality of the products from refrigerated roots, such as gari, has not been reported. In this study, cassava roots were refrigerated for a period of three weeks and the physicochemical properties of gari from the stored roots were determined. With the exception of the carbohydrate content which was very similar (approx. 88%), refrigeration of cassava roots significantly (p < 0.05) affected the physical and chemical properties of the resulting gari. The cyanide content decreased from 2.96 to 1.90 mg/ kg with increase in refrigeration period, while the functional properties including bulk densities and swelling power were only slightly affected. Cassava roots can be refrigerated for a period of two weeks without substantial changes in the eating quality of the resulting gari, if the storage condition is closely monitored. Future studies are required to investigate the physicochemical properties of other valuable products from refrigerated cassava roots to determine their potentials in food and non-food applications. Keyword: Cassava; Functional; Gari; Refrigeration; Pasting; Sensory

Fried groundnut cake, popularly called kulikuli, is obtained by frying the cake obtained from groundnut oil extraction. Addition of potash during defatting of groundnut is believed to increase oil yield and improve kulikuli quality, but there is little or no scientific information explaining this. This study investigated the yield, physical and chemical properties of oil extracted from groundnut with the addition of potash at 0.16, 0.32, 0.48 and 0.64%. The proximate and sensory attributes of the kulikuli produced were also determined. Groundnut yield increased from 14% to 27% with increasing addition of potash, presumably due to the emulsifying properties of potash. Potash addition significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the refractive indices, percentage impurity and colour of the oil samples. Oil extracted without potash had the lowest iodine value (85.12 mg/100 g), saponification value (202.2 mg KOH/g), acid value (6.46 mgKOH/g) and peroxide value (5.66 meq/Kg). The kulikuli had moisture in the range of 1.45 - 3.00%; carbohydrate, 20.6 - 40.4%; protein, 30.5 - 40.8%; ash, 4.45 - 5.05%; and fat, 23.5 - 30.6%. Kulikuli sample without potash was the most preferred based on taste and aroma while sample with 0.64% potash was the most preferred based on crunchiness, colour, breakability and overall acceptability. The study confirmed the hypothesis that potash addition during extraction of oil and production of kulikuli increases oil yield and some of the quality attributes of the kulikuli. Keywords: Groundnut, potash, oil yield, kulikuli, quality attributes

In the present study, the physicochemical and sensory properties of ogi (a cereal-based starchy fermented gruel) produced from two local rice varieties, Abakaliki and Tapa, were determined. Ogi from white maize served as the control. There was a gradual increase in temperature from approximately 28 to 30 °C during fermentation. White maize exhibited the highest acidity level throughout the fermentation period. Tapa and Abakaliki rice ogi samples (i.e., TRO and ARO, respectively) were higher in yields and amylose contents than white maize ogi (WMO). WMO had significantly (P < 0.05) lower moisture content (54.14%) than ARO (62.18%) and TRO (68.02%). The highest and lowest sedimentation rates recorded for WMO and TRO, respectively, were attributed to difference in moisture contents and granule bulk densities. WMO showed higher solubility indices (3.54 to 4.66%) at all the temperatures (60 to 100 °C) tested. TRO and ARO had higher final and setback viscosities, as well as pasting temperatures than WMO, but were lower in breakdown viscosity. Ogi samples from rice recorded significantly (P < 0.05) higher L* values and distinct color characteristics with reference to a sample from maize, and this was suspected to have partially influenced their higher preference by the panelists during sensory evaluation. Rice is not just suitable for ogi production but looks promising to enjoy even more consumer acceptability than maize in this respect. However, there are notable peculiarities, such as major roles attributable to amylose contents. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The study confirms the potential of rice as a promising alternative to white maize in the production of ogi while comparing the quality attributes of products from the two cereal types. Results from the study represent useful scientific insights into the distinct variations in some properties of rice and maize during fermentation. Production of ogi from rice, such as Abakaliki and Tapa varieties, may present an effective strategy to support government's political will aimed at promoting local rice in Nigeria and in Africa at large.

Enriching electrode materials with definite functions is of great influence but highly challenging towards achieving high areal capacity lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Taking transition metal oxides (TMOs) as a case study, several attempts have been employed to demonstrate the large variations in lithium storage performance of TMOs, but explanation of the adsorption capability is rarely reported. Herein, the Li-ion storage chemistry of NiO nanosheets is successfully enhanced by modulating the position of the p-orbital energy level via engineering with porous N-doped carbon fiber and carbon quantum dots (CDs). The as-prepared monolithic NiO hybrid nanosheets (denoted CF/ECF/NiO/CD) exhibit high reversible areal capacity of 3.97 mA h cm−2 at 0.25 mA cm−2, excellent cyclic stability with capacity of 2.91 mA h cm−2 at 3.0 mA cm−2, as well as attractive rate capacity of 2.61 mA h cm−2 at 6.0 mA cm−2. In situ Raman analyses, XPS, and DFT calculations reveal that performance enhancement is related to the electronic modulations between NiO, porous carbon fiber and CDs that triggers the shift of the p-band towards accommodating interfacial electron transfer that helps in promoting the Li storage activity. In addition, an all-flexible lithium ion battery based on CF/ECF/NiO/CD anode is assembled and a volumetric energy density of 619.9 Wh L−1 is achieved (equivalent to an energy density of 201.7 Wh kg−1). This work opens an achievable approach for high-areal-capacity LIBs and provides relevant understanding into designing other LIB electrodes and beyond.

In this study, the potential of indigenous egg as functional ingredient in cake and chin chin was investigated. The proximate, colour and sensory characteristics of the pastries evaluated using standard methods. Indigenous eggs showed higher protein content (14.83%) than the exotic (13.61%) eggs. The same trend was observed for their fat contents. Ash and fibre contents of wheat flour and the eggs were generally low. The protein contents of cake (15.53%) and chin chin (10.75%) produced using indigenous chicken eggs were significantly (p ≤ .05) higher than samples produced using exotic eggs (Cake: 14.12%; Chin chin: 9.47%). In general, as exotic chicken eggs were replaced with indigenous eggs, the crust colour became lighter as measured by their L values. Overall acceptability of the cake samples were very similar for cakes produced from exotic (7.52) and indigenous chicken eggs (7.46) indicating that these two samples of cakes were moderately acceptable. Values obtained for sensory characteristics showed that indigenous eggs may only be suitable for making cakes with comparable quality to those made from exotic eggs. Future studies should make use of food additives to improve the taste of the chin-chin made using indigenous eggs. Keywords: Pastry, Indigenous, Exotic, Egg, Sensory properties

The stainless steel mesh (SSM) has received growing consideration as an electrocatalyst for efficient hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. Recently, the application of SSM as an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst has been more promising, while its hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalytic activity is very low, which definitely affects its overall water splitting activity. Herein, a simple chemical bath deposition (CBD) method followed by phosphorization is employed to significantly boost the overall water splitting performance of SSM. The CBD method could allow the voids between the SSM fibers to be filled with Ni and P. Electrocatalytic studies show that the CBD-treated and phosphorized stainless steel (denoted SSM-Ni-P) exhibits an HER overpotential of 149 mV, while the phosphorization-free CBD-treated SSM (denoted as SSM-Ni) delivers an OER overpotential of 223 mV, both at a current density of 10 mA cm–2. An asymmetric alkaline electrolyzer assembled based on the SSM-Ni-P cathode (HER) and SSM-Ni anode (OER) achieved an onset and 10 mA cm–2 current densities at an overall potential of 1.62 V, granting more prospects for the application of inexpensive and highly active electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting reactions.

Hybrid engineering of electrocatalysts is still very challenging for electrochemical water splitting. Ni5P4 is a promising electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) but the formation of phosphide-hydrogen on Ni5P4 (P-Hads) bonds usually weakens the HER activity. Herein, we report a simple nitrogen treatment strategy to controllably hybridize Ni5P4 porous nanosheets with amorphous nickel hydr(oxy)oxide [Ni2+δOδ(OH)2−δ] layer and utilize as efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in neutral (real seawater), alkaline and acidic media. The in situ derived Ni5P4@Ni2+δOδ(OH)2−δ hybrid nanosheets can be obtained by annealing the nickel hydroxide-precursor nanosheets coupled with decomposition of NaH2PO2·H2O in nitrogen atmosphere. Benefiting from the thin amorphous Ni2+δOδ(OH)2−δ coated layer, the optimized Ni5P4@Ni2+δOδ(OH)2−δ with 3 nm amorphous layer achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at low overpotential of 87, 144 and 66 mV in alkaline, seawater and acidic media, respectively. Theoretical and experimental analyses show that the hybridization of Ni5P4 and Ni2+δOδ(OH)2−δ could not only serve as protection to further enhance the electrocatalytic properties and high surface area of the hybrid electrocatalyst but also create good electronic interaction and synergistic properties for suppressing P-Hads bonds, which is beneficial for promoting water adsorption and optimizing the free energy of hydrogen adsorption for triggering the catalytic pathway at all pH range. This work offers new insights for facile designing of non-precious transition metal compound hybrids for HER with enhancing electrocatalytic performance and opens a promising pathway for hydrogen production at all-pH range.

This study investigated the effect of replacement of cassava starch (CS) by 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% with sweet potato starch (SPS) on the physicochemical and sensory properties of tapioca (a meal made by roasting and partial gelatinization of CS). Amylose content ranged from 23.89% to 30.25% with SPS inclusion from 0 through 100%. Peak viscosity and breakdown decreased while final viscosity and setback increased, with increasing SPS. Peak time and peak temperature were in the ranges of 4.3–5.0 min and 50.20–75.0 °C, respectively. Least gelation capacity (L.G.C.), swelling capacity (S.C.) and water absorption capacity (W.A.C.) increased by 16.67–80.67%, 7.17–21.18% and 0.33–10.90%, respectively. All tapioca samples were generally accepted, though 100% CS tapioca was most accepted. Tapioca sample with 20% SPS was most accepted among the various CS-SPS blends. Sensory impairment was attributed to caramelization of sucrose remnant in the SPS extract. The increased functional properties, particularly W.A.C. and S.C., of tapioca in this study is an indication of less soaking time which can reduce the drudgery associated with the preparation of tapioca. The study also reveals a strategy to diversify the traditional base source of the meal.

In this work, we developed ternary metallic cobalt-cobalt nitride-dicobalt phosphide composite embedded in nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon (Co/CoN/Co2P-NPC) as bifunctional catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The as-prepared Co/CoN/Co2P-NPC is achieved by simultaneous annealing and phosphating of a Co–N rich metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) precursor. Compare with the phosphorus-free Co/CoN embedded nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalyst (Co/CoN-NC), the as-prepared Co/CoN/Co2P-NPC display superior HER and OER low overpotential of 99 mV and 272 mV at current density of 10 mA cm−2. When Co/CoN/Co2P-NPC electrocatalyst is use as bifunctional catalysts in overall alkaline water splitting, it exhibit excellent behaviour with 10 mA cm−2 current at overall cell potential of 1.60 V. The excellent performance of Co/CoN/Co2P-NPC electrocatalyst is attributed to the phosphating process that could further enhance synergistic effect, create stronger electronic interactions, and form efficient dual heteroatom doping to optimize the interfacial adhesion within the electrocatalyst. This present work will create more opportunities for the development of new, promising and more active sites electrocatalysts for alkaline electrolysis.

In the work reported herein, the electrocatalytic properties of Co3 O4 in hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions have been significantly enhanced by coating a shell layer of a copper-based metal-organic framework on Co3 O4 porous nanowire arrays and using the products as high-performance bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting. The coating of the copper-based metal-organic framework resulted in the hybridization of the copper-embedded protective carbon shell layer with Co3 O4 to create a strong Cu-O-Co bonding interaction for efficient hydrogen adsorption. The hybridization also led to electronically induced oxygen defects and nitrogen doping to effectively enhance the electrical conductivity of Co3 O4 . The optimal as-prepared core-shell hybrid material displayed excellent overall-water-splitting catalytic activity that required overall voltages of 1.45 and 1.57 V to reach onset and a current density of 10 mA cm-2 , respectively. This is the first report to highlight the relevance of hybridizing MOF-based co-catalysts to boost the electrocatalytic performance of nonprecious transition-metal oxides.

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a valuable food security crop in West Africa, where 92% of the world production occurs. The availability of quality seed tubers for increased productivity is a major challenge. In this study, minitubers weighing 1, 3, and 5 g produced from virus-free single-node vine cuttings of two improved yam varieties (Asiedu and Kpamyo) growing in an aeroponics system were assessed for suitability in seed production at a population of 100,000 plants ha−1. A 3 × 2 factorial experiment with randomized complete block design and three replications was set up during the cropping seasons of 2017 to 2019 at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Research Station in Kubwa, Abuja, Nigeria. Results showed field establishments of 87%–97.8%. Yields differed with minituber size, variety, and cropping season, the highest was 31.2 t ha−1 in 2019 and the lowest, 10 t ha−1 in 2018 from 5 and 1 g Kpamyo minitubers, respectively. The estimated number of tubers produced per hectare by 1, 3, and 5 g minitubers was 101,296, 112,592, and 130,555, with mean weights per stand of 159.2, 187.3, and 249.4 g, respectively. We recommend using less than 6 g minitubers for seed yam production due to their high multiplication rates.

Some heavy metals, consisting of Fe, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined using USEPA Method 3050B for total metal concentration. Six composite samples were located from Aladja (ALJ), Ovwian (OVW), Ejevwu (EJW), Ekete Inland (EKI}, Orhuwhorun (ORH), and Otor-Udu (OTU) towns. In addition, chemical speciation was carried out on these samples using method employed by Tessier et al. as modified by Kersten and Forstner to assess their speciation pattern and the fraction of abundance as determinant of environmental pollution. From the results obtained, concentrations of Fe, Cd and Mn were more predominant in the residual fraction (F5) in the form of Fe3+, Cd2+ Mn2+ respectively for both wet and dry seasons. Co was more in the exchangeable fraction (F1) as Co2+ for both seasons. Concentration of Cu in the form of Cu2+ is higher in Fe-Mn oxide fraction (F3) for wet season and dry season’s organic fraction (F4). Pb and Zn were abundant in Fe-Mn oxide fraction (F3) for both seasons as divalent ions. Mobility factor calculated for the metals shows pattern in the order: Pb > Co > Zn > Mn > Fe > Cd > Cu > Ni for wet season and Co > Zn > Mn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd > Fe for dry season; which is as a result of changes in some physiochemical parameters such as acidity, pH, among others. From this result, there is the need to ensure that future health catastrophe is averted from the accumulation and release of Pb2+, Zn2+, Co2+ and Mn2+ especially into the environment.

Bambara groundnut (BGN) was separately parboiled for 45 and 90 min, then, sun‐, oven‐, or freeze‐dried. Untreated BGN served as the control. Cooking, physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics were investigated to assess quality. All parboiled‐dried samples cooked significantly (p ≤ .05) faster (43%–86%) than the control. Freeze‐dried samples showed significantly (p ≤ .05) higher L* values than their sun‐ and oven‐dried counterparts, irrespective of parboiling time. Sphericity and aspect ratio significantly (p ≤ .05) reduced with all the drying methods, though insignificantly when parboiling was extended from 45 to 90 min. Pretreated BGN had higher protein but lower antinutrient contents. Mineral leaching was minimal at 45 min parboiling. Parboiled‐dried BGN cooked samples were generally accepted by the panelists as demonstrated by scores of >6 on a 1–9 Hedonic scale. Combined parboiling and (sun‐ or oven‐) drying presents a practicable strategy for BGN farmers/processors to offer an easy‐to‐cook product, potentially storable for later food preparation by consumers. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The study provides a useful strategy to farmers/food industries in their quest to meet the increasing demand of consumers for more convenience foods as opposed to the drudgery associated with the long cooking time of Bambara groundnut. Combined parboiling and drying operations produced Bambara groundnut seeds which cooked 43%–86% faster, and had storable potential for later food preparation. The results from the study may enhance the research efforts in recent times aimed at further promoting the utilization of the crop for better food and nutrition security, particularly in regions where its cultivation is favored.

The ever-growing portable electronics and electric vehicle draws the attention of scaling up of energy storage systems with high areal-capacity. The concept of thick electrode designs has been used to improve the active mass loading toward achieving high overall energy density. However, the poor rate capabilities of electrode material owing to increasing electrode thickness significantly affect the rapid transportation of ionic and electron diffusion kinetics. Herein, a new concept named "sub-thick electrodes" is successfully introduced to mitigate the Li-ion storage performance of electrodes. This is achieved by using commercial nickel foam (NF) to develop a monolithic 3D with rich in situ heterogeneous interfaces anode (Cu3 P-Ni2 P-NiO, denoted NF-CNNOP) to reinforce the adhesive force of the active materials on NF as well as contribute additional capacity to the electrode. The as-prepared NF-CNNOP electrode displays high reversible and rate areal capacities of 6.81 and 1.50 mAh cm-2 at 0.40 and 6.0 mA cm-2 , respectively. The enhanced Li-ion storage capability is attributed to the in situ interfacial engineering within the NiO, Ni2 P, and Cu3 P and the 3D consecutive electron conductive network. In addition, cyclic voltammetry, charge-discharge curves, and symmetric cell electrochemical impedance spectroscopy consistently reveal improved pseudocapacitance with enhanced transports kinetics in this sub-thick electrodes.

The potentials of Bambara groundnut for food and industrial applications have been recognized. Considering its nutrient profile and agronomic traits, the crop is a good candidate to alleviate food and nutrition insecurity in Africa. Unfortunately, there are yet notable concerns that processors and consumers of Bambara groundnut have to contend with, hence its limited level of utilisation. Hard to process phenomenon, which develops during storage, poses a huge challenge in a world where demands for convenience foods are rather on the rise. Again, as if the nutrient loss incurred during rigorous processing is not enough, the array of antinutrients present beyond permissible limits constitute another limitation. Other challenges include oxidation of some polyunsaturated fatty acids resulting in repulsive flavour development, starch gelatinisation and sedimentation associated with milk production, limited protein quality and functionality, and safety controversies with respect to the use of processing aids. However, some remarkable efforts aimed at circumventing these setbacks are currently being made through research and there are bright prospects for Bambara groundnut if the momentum can be at least sustained.