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Optimizing the electronic and synergistic effect of hybrid electrocatalysts based on Pt and Pt‐based nanocatalysts is of tremendous importance towards a superior hydrogen evolution performance under both acidic and alkaline conditions. However, developing an ideal Pt‐based hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalyst with moderated electronic structure as well as strong synergistic effect is still a challenge. Herein, we fabricated boron (B)‐doped PtNi nanobundles by a two‐step method using NaBH4 as the boron source to obtain PtNi/Ni4B3 heterostructures with well‐defined nanointerfaces between PtNi and Ni4B3, achieving an enhanced catalytic HER performance. Especially, the PtNi/Ni4B3 nanobundles (PtNi/Ni4B3 NBs) can deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at the overpotential of 14.6 and 26.5 mV under alkaline and acidic media, respectively, as well as outstanding electrochemical stability over 40 h at the current density of 10 mA cm−2. Remarkably, this approach is also universal for the syntheses of PtCo/Co3B and PtFe/Fe49B with outstanding electrocatalytic HER performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel BiOBr@TiO2/carbon hybrid framework as a continuous flow sunlight water purification system has been reported in the present work. The BiOBr@TiO2/carbon hybrid framework was fabricated via the sequential growth of TiO2 nanowires and BiOBr nanoplates on carbon fiber cloth. TiO2 nanowires interweaved with carbon fibers to form a porous network, while BiOBr nanoplates were arrayed on TiO2 nanowires. The obtained BiOBr@TiO2/carbon hybrid framework possesses numerous micro/nanochannels between their adjacent one-dimensional building blocks, which can serve as an effective water transport network driven by capillary force. Furthermore, BiOBr@TiO2/carbon hybrid frameworks exhibit impressive sunlight-driven photocatalytic activity and adsorption ability because of their enhanced sunlight absorption ability, efficient charge separation features, and mesoporous architecture. The excellent reusability and durability of the BiOBr@TiO2/carbon hybrid frameworks have also been confirmed. A novel BiOBr@TiO2/carbon hybrid framework based continuous flow sunlight water purification system with a high water purification efficiency (305.6 L h−1 m−2) has been constructed in the present work. All the features make the BiOBr@TiO2/carbon hybrid framework a promising material suitable for water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the potential of using corn stover, a byproduct of corn production, for bioethanol production. The main obstacle in utilizing corn stover is its high lignin content, which hinders the fermentation process. Researchers have identified a maize mutant, ZmNST2, with reduced lignin content and have evaluated its potential for bioethanol production. The mutant has shown promising results, with lower lignin content and improved efficiency in saccharification and fermentation compared to the wild-type maize. This research provides valuable insights into the genetic factors that can enhance the use of corn stover for bioethanol production. The study was funded by various research programs in China. [Extracted from the article]

Optimizing the electronic and synergistic effect of hybrid electrocatalysts based on Pt and Pt-based nanocatalysts is of tremendous importance towards a superior hydrogen evolution performance under both acidic and alkaline conditions. However, developing an ideal Pt-based hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalyst with moderated electronic structure as well as strong synergistic effect is still a challenge. Herein, we fabricated boron (B)-doped PtNi nanobundles by a two-step method using NaBH 4 as the boron source to obtain PtNi/Ni 4 B 3 heterostructures with well-defined nanointerfaces between PtNi and Ni 4 B 3 , achieving an enhanced catalytic HER performance. Especially, the PtNi/Ni 4 B 3 nanobundles (PtNi/Ni 4 B 3 NBs) can deliver a current density of 10 mA cm -2 at the overpotential of 14.6 and 26.5 mV under alkaline and acidic media, respectively, as well as outstanding electrochemical stability over 40 h at the current density of 10 mA cm -2 . Remarkably, this approach is also universal for the syntheses of PtCo/Co 3 B and PtFe/Fe 49 B with outstanding electrocatalytic HER performance., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

A novel BiOBr@TiO 2 /carbon hybrid framework as a continuous flow sunlight water purification system has been reported in the present work. The BiOBr@TiO 2 /carbon hybrid framework was fabricated via the sequential growth of TiO 2 nanowires and BiOBr nanoplates on carbon fiber cloth. TiO 2 nanowires interweaved with carbon fibers to form a porous network, while BiOBr nanoplates were arrayed on TiO 2 nanowires. The obtained BiOBr@TiO 2 /carbon hybrid framework possesses numerous micro/nanochannels between their adjacent one-dimensional building blocks, which can serve as an effective water transport network driven by capillary force. Furthermore, BiOBr@TiO 2 /carbon hybrid frameworks exhibit impressive sunlight-driven photocatalytic activity and adsorption ability because of their enhanced sunlight absorption ability, efficient charge separation features, and mesoporous architecture. The excellent reusability and durability of the BiOBr@TiO 2 /carbon hybrid frameworks have also been confirmed. A novel BiOBr@TiO 2 /carbon hybrid framework based continuous flow sunlight water purification system with a high water purification efficiency (305.6 L h -1 m -2 ) has been constructed in the present work. All the features make the BiOBr@TiO 2 /carbon hybrid framework a promising material suitable for water purification.