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Abstract Chinese ink has very special significance for presentation of artistic effects and preservation of works of art; however, wasted nonrenewable resources, potential toxicity, and complex and inefficient production technologies have limited the development of inks for traditional Chinese culture. Herein, environmentally friendly, practical and antibacterial Chinese ink was prepared by facile heating-stirring of gelatin and the natural polysaccharide chitosan. The internal composition, viscosity, morphology, particle size and antibacterial properties of the ink were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and bacteriostatic zone tests. The results showed that commercial ink (CM) spread easily on Xuan paper and led to imperfect artwork, while the chitosan and gelatin ink (CG) showed good adhesion and stability on Xuan paper. Based on this study, we believe that the good performance of CG ink should be attributed to restrictions arising from its internal chitosan and gelatin network, which restrict diffusion. Finally, the author used CG ink to display traditional Chinese calligraphy and landscape painting and believes that it has significant application prospects and will be used in large-scale production.

Chinese ink, generally produced in a stick form, was often like pellets before the Western Han dynasty (202 bce–8 ce) according to literary records and a few archaeological discoveries. However, their composition and manufacture have not been scientifically analysed to date. In this study, the ink pellets roughly dated to 2000 years ago from two royal tombs of the Han dynasty (the Nanyue King's tomb and the Marquis of Haihun's tomb) were analyzed by micro‐/non‐destructive methods, including synchrotron radiation‐based micro‐computed tomography (SR‐μCT), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py‐GC/MS). The results reveal that they were made from pine soot, and the production technology of the later Haihun ink was more complex than that of the earlier Nanyue King ink. The microstructure of the ink pellets indicated that some kind of glue should be used in the Haihun ink, which is the earliest case of glue addition. Moreover, plant extracts, including borneol and cedar oil, were detected in the Haihun ink, reflecting another aspect of progress in ink production history. These technical breakthroughs imply that the Western Han dynasty is a critical period for the development of traditional ink manufacture, and the shape transformation of Chinese ink is closely related to the evolution of ink production technology during this specific period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese ink has very special significance for presentation of artistic effects and preservation of works of art; however, wasted nonrenewable resources, potential toxicity, and complex and inefficient production technologies have limited the development of inks for traditional Chinese culture. Herein, environmentally friendly, practical and antibacterial Chinese ink was prepared by facile heating-stirring of gelatin and the natural polysaccharide chitosan. The internal composition, viscosity, morphology, particle size and antibacterial properties of the ink were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and bacteriostatic zone tests. The results showed that commercial ink (CM) spread easily on Xuan paper and led to imperfect artwork, while the chitosan and gelatin ink (CG) showed good adhesion and stability on Xuan paper. Based on this study, we believe that the good performance of CG ink should be attributed to restrictions arising from its internal chitosan and gelatin network, which restrict diffusion. Finally, the author used CG ink to display traditional Chinese calligraphy and landscape painting and believes that it has significant application prospects and will be used in large-scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial Chinese ink was employed to disperse pristine vapor-grown carbon nanofibers (VGCNFs) in aqueous suspensions via horizontal ball milling. The obtained suspension was used to fabricate conductive paper-based composites through filtration-deposition onto filter paper. It was found that the carbon black particles from the Chinese ink helped separate VGCNFs and acted as connection points between the VGCNFs, while the glue reinforced the conduction network. Thus, the VGCNF-ink/paper ternary composite showed sufficiently low sheet resistance. With merely 2.5 mg·cm−2 VGCNFs, the sheet resistance could be reduced to 4.5 Ω·sq−1. As a proof of concept, these paper-based composites were directly used as electrodes of solid-state symmetric electronic double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) and the substrate for the electrodeposition of MnO2 to achieve higher electrochemical performances. The EDLCs fabricated with 2.5 mg·cm−2 VGCNFs showed a specific capacitance of 224 mF·cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA·cm−2, which was retained by 86.4% after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles. Moreover, thanks to the high electrical conductivity and the porous structure, the MnO2 decorated paper-based composites exhibited dramatically enhanced specific capacitance. It is believed that our finding offers an idea to directly utilize commercial Chinese ink for the fabrication of electrode materials.

Commercial Chinese ink was employed to disperse pristine vapor-grown carbon nanofibers (VGCNFs) in aqueous suspensions via horizontal ball milling. The obtained suspension was used to fabricate conductive paper-based composites through filtration-deposition onto filter paper. It was found that the carbon black particles from the Chinese ink helped separate VGCNFs and acted as connection points between the VGCNFs, while the glue reinforced the conduction network. Thus, the VGCNF-ink/paper ternary composite showed sufficiently low sheet resistance. With merely 2.5 mg·cm−2 VGCNFs, the sheet resistance could be reduced to 4.5 Ω·sq−1. As a proof of concept, these paper-based composites were directly used as electrodes of solid-state symmetric electronic double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) and the substrate for the electrodeposition of MnO2 to achieve higher electrochemical performances. The EDLCs fabricated with 2.5 mg·cm−2 VGCNFs showed a specific capacitance of 224 mF·cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA·cm−2, which was retained by 86.4% after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles. Moreover, thanks to the high electrical conductivity and the porous structure, the MnO2 decorated paper-based composites exhibited dramatically enhanced specific capacitance. It is believed that our finding offers an idea to directly utilize commercial Chinese ink for the fabrication of electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore high-performance carbide catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the rational design of hierarchically porous catalyst benefitting active-site exposure and fast mass transport is extremely demanded. Herein, Chinese ink (CI), used for writing and drawing for thousands of years, is adopted to promote the formation of co-assembly of carbon nanoparticles and Mo-based lamellar organic-inorganic hybrids, which, after pyrolysis in Ar atmosphere, is further converted to 3D hierarchically structured and porous MoC x /C nanocomposites (HSP-MoC x /C) for high-efficient HER. Their skeleton structure, porosity, carbon amounts, phase composition and active species dispersity are well modulated by simply tuning the CI dosage in starting mixture, and its mechanism is monitored via a series of physicochemical characterization techniques. The optimal composite exhibits remarkable HER activity with low overpotentials of 112 and 86 mV at current density of 10 mA cm−2, and the small Tafel slopes of 52 and 50 mV dec−1 in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 and 1 M KOH solution, respectively. Such performance stems from the combined effects of enhanced ion/mass transport, abundant exposed active sites and high conductivity due to the 3D hierarchically skeleton architecture of catalysts. This work paves a new strategy to design hierarchically porous materials for chemical conversion and energy storage. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An innovative interfacial evaporation module was prepared by electrospinning. • The evaporation rate is 1.29 kg m−2 h−1 under sunlight irradiation with 1 sun. • The evaporation efficiency is 81.0% under sunlight irradiation with 1 sun. • The fibrous membranes exhibiting the long-term durability and good reusability. Freshwater is a crucial resource for human life existence, diminishing freshwater resources and ever-increasing water demand had sprouted interest in desalination and water recycling. Solar energy has been utilized as an alternative to fossil fuels for energy requirements in water recycling. Efficient photo-thermal conversion materials and evaporation module are indispensable for such systems. In the current study, an innovative double-layer interfacial evaporation module of polylactic acid (PLA) fibrous membrane loaded with Chinese ink nanoparticles is synthesized. Electrospun layer of micro-scale diameter with enhanced hydrophilic properties is employed as water transport layer, while solution of electrospun layer of nano-scale diameter fiber loaded with Chinese ink nanoparticles functioned as evaporation interface. Ideal dispersion of Chinese ink nanoparticles in the PLA nanofiber is ensured with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). Experiments with designed evaporation module indicates that double-layer membrane with 2 wt% Chinese ink nanoparticles has achieved an evaporation rate of at 1.29 kg cm−2 h−1 at 81.0% efficiency under simulated sunlight with a illumination intensity of 1 sun (1 sun = 1 kW/m2), which is significantly higher than the pure water and conventional membranes without Chinese ink nanoparticles. The developed fibrous membrane is able to retain its enhanced characteristics even after 20 cycles under same operating conditions during the durability test. The designed evaporation module is a promising candidate for conversion of waste water to clean water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigments are the most commonly used colorations, due to their ease of accessibility, and have been used for textile printing and pad-dyeing processes for many decades. This research on pigment dyeing was conducted as part of a wearable art design project inspired by the techniques and aesthetics of traditional Chinese painting. To preserve the spirit of the Chinese paintings, silk and cotton fabrics were used in submersion pigment dyeing and direct painting experiments with Chinese ink to determine their color strength, colorfastness, and fabric properties. Due to the results, the researchers were confident in the viability of using Chinese ink as the pigment colorant for dip dyeing and direct silk painting in the wearable arts. This research was also intended for students and designers as an example of how to use practical concepts of textile testing in innovative apparel design projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofluids have shown competitive performance on solar thermal collection. This work proposes the application of Chinese ink as nanofluid in solar photo-thermal conversion. The dispersion stability of the nanofluid was characterized by spectrophotometer. Compared with reported Cu, CuO nanofluids, that of Chinese ink has shown more satisfied stability of dispersion. The obtained results reveal that the nanofluid of Chinese ink has surprisingly higher efficiency of photo-thermal conversion than that of Cu and CuO nanoparticles. Carbon black is determined for Chinese ink nanofluid to convert solar photo to heat. Bone glue coated on the surface of Chinese ink nanoparticle also plays a significant role that it prevents the carbon black nanoparticles from aggregation and deposition. The preparation process of Chinese ink is pretty simple and the raw materials are cheap and widely available, which promises the large-scale industrial applications of Chinese ink for solar thermal collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cost-effective renewable raw materials to develop electronic devices has been strongly demanded for sustainable and biodegradable green electronics. Here, by taking inspiration from the traditional calligraphy and kirigami/origami arts, we show a novel cuttable and foldable all-paper touch-temperature sensors fabricated by simply brushing the carbon black ink onto the cellulose paper followed by a layer-layer lamination strategy. The use of environmentally friendly common commodities in daily life including carbon black ink and cellulose paper as the main component materials of sensors effectively lowers the cost and has positive impacts on the environment and health. The sensors can be freely cut or folded into the targeted shapes and can even reversibly morph between 2D and 3D configurations without affecting device function. Additionally, the sensors show a discrimination capability toward pressure and temperature. Our fabrication strategy provides a promising approach for creating the low-cost eco-friendly sensors with a versatile pattern design and a morphing shape without sacrificing the global structural integrity and device functionality.

Fibre supercapacitors were designed and manufactured using a dip-coating method. Their electrochemical properties were characterized using a VersaSTAT 3 workstation. Chinese ink with a fine dispersion of carbon and binder was coated as the electrode material. The specific capacitance per unit length of a copper fibre supercapacitor with the length of 41 cm reached 34.5 mF/cm. When this fibre supercapacitor was bent on rods with a diameter of 10.5 cm, the specific capacitance per length was 93% of the original value (without bending). It showed that these fibre supercapacitors have good flexibility and energy storage capacity. Furthermore, the fibre supercapacitor in the fabric showed the same capacitance before and after weaving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rheological properties for Chinese ink in exhaustively deionized aqueous media were carefully examined. In the steady shear measurement, the shear viscosities of the ink could be well explained by considering the “effective” volume fraction of the particles in the ink including the electrical double layers and by using Einstein''s equation for dilute suspension viscosity, when the particle volume fraction was substantially low. In the case that the volume fraction was higher, the shear viscosities showed extremely higher than those from Einstein''s prediction, though the ink remained a Newtonian liquid. In the stress-strain measurement, the shear moduli were observed at strain smaller than 0.2. The “weak” aggregation among the particles in the ink under no shear or low shear rates was supported. It should be noted that the glue in the suspension plays an important role for the good liquidity of the ink and for the “weak” bridges among the particles resulting its good dispersion stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper proposes an image-based painterly rendering algorithm for automatically synthesizing an image with color ink diffusion. We suggest a mathematical model with a physical base to simulate the phenomenon of color colloidal ink diffusing into absorbent paper. Our algorithm contains three main parts: a feature extraction phase, a Kubelka-Munk (KM) color mixing phase, and a color ink diffusion synthesis phase. In the feature extraction phase, the information of the reference image is simplified by luminance division and color segmentation. In the color mixing phase, the KM theory is employed to approximate the result when one pigment is painted upon another pigment layer. Then, in the color ink diffusion synthesis phase, the physically-based model that we propose is employed to simulate the result of color ink diffusion in absorbent paper using a texture synthesis technique. Our image-based ink diffusing rendering (IBCIDR) algorithm eliminates the drawback of conventional Chinese ink simulations, which are limited to the black ink domain, and our approach demonstrates that, without using any strokes, a color image can be automatically converted to the diffused ink style with a visually pleasing appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the potential clinical value of Chinese ink as a tracer in dye-directed sentinel lymph node biopsy. Methods: Forty-two female rabbits were randomly divided into 7 groups. The breast drainage lymphatic vessels and nodes in axilla were exposed by surgery. Under the papillae of the second pair of breast, 0.1 mL Chinese ink dilution at concentrations of 0.1%, 1%, 10%, 50% and 100% and isosulfan blue (IB, 1.0%) were injected. The movement of ink in lymphatic chain was investigated, and the number of stained nodes and their staining and washout time ware recorded. The first stained lymph node that was followed through lymphatic drainage was identified as the sentinel lymph node (SLN). The SLNs were dissected and prepared for histological observation 5 min, 1 h and 2 weeks after stained. Blood samples were harvested and tested before and 2 weeks after injection. The hearts, lungs, livers and kidneys were dissected after a period of post-operation observation and sent for pathologic examination. Results: No obvious differences were observed among the staining time of SLNs and the second lymph node using ink at different concentrations (P>0.05). But they were obviously longer than that of IB (P<0.05). The mean number of nodes obtained was nearly the same (P>0.05). It was too light for gross visual inspection when nodes were stained by ink at the concentration of 0.1%. Nodes stained by IB faded 33.9 min after stained. And carbon staining seemed permanent without any visible decline after 2 weeks. Carbon particles were found to be in the sinus of lymph nodes that were obtained 5 min after stained, and then was phagocytosed by macrophages (MΦ) 1 h later. The density of carbon obscured the microscopic observation of lymph nodes when they were stained using Chinese ink at concentration of higher than 20.0%. No obvious changes were investigated in blood test and vital organ pathologic examination. Conclusion: Chinese ink is potentially a novel type of dye tracer in SLN biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have reported that pain could be effectively relieved by Nd:YAG laser irradiation in dental or periodontal treatment, and that painting Chinese ink on the mucogingival surface reinforces the efficacy of anesthesia with laser irradiation. However, the effect of Chinese ink on nerve action potentials (a.p.) in this pain relief is not clear. In this study Xenopus tactile nerve fibers were used to clarify this efficacy. Dorsal surface skin was removed with fine tactile nerve bundles, and was put on the filter paper absorbed physiological buffer solution, and fastened on the rubber mat. From a bundle, a.p. with tactile stimuli on the skin surface were recorded by a silver electrode, and counted by the spike counter. After noncontact Nd:YAG laser irradiation (15 pps, 100 mJ, 60 s), with or without Chinese ink painting, tactile responses were periodically recorded. Results were as follows: (1) The conduction of a.p. was reversibly suppressed in the bundle; (2) Chinese ink painting has a considerable effect on reversible suppression; and (3) the suppressive effect was not certain in nerve bundles without Chinese ink painting. These results endorse that Chinese ink painting is effective for patients on dental or periodontal pain control using laser irradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: An animal model of glaucoma is necessary for the study of its pathogenesis and treatment. The purpose of this study was to create open-angle glaucoma using a laser in rabbits. Methods: The trabecular meshwork of anaesthetized, adult, pigmented and albino rabbits was ablated internally using a diode laser via a gonioscopy lens, or externally through the limbus. In albino rabbits we used Chinese ink to pigment the angle and methylcellulose to open the iridocorneal angle. The eyes were examined weekly and histological assessment was performed. Results: The success rate of intra-ocular hypertension was low (15%) and a result of synechial angle closure. A narrow angle prevented access of the laser beam to the trabecular meshwork and promoted damage to the ciliary processes located on the posterior iris. Conclusions: Due to the unique anatomy of the rabbit eye, laser-induced glaucoma is difficult to achieve. To create a successful model it is necessary to widen the iridocorneal angle, selectively damage the trabecular meshwork and reduce inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar-driven water desalination is considered as an efficient and sustainable approach to produce clean water. In this work, a bilayered evaporator composed of black Chinese ink layer and wood sheet substrate for continuous desalination is rationally designed. Millimeter-sized hole arrays were drilled within the wood substrate. The ink coating on the wood surface offers strong and broad light absorption. The hierarchical channels in the wood itself functions as thermal insulator and promotes water transport. In addition, the drilled hole arrays provide salt-rejection pathways and enable the wood evaporator with antifouling property. The wood evaporator (H-C-Wood) shows a stable solar thermal conversion efficiency of 74% and an evaporation rate of 1.6 kg m−2 h−1 under simulated 1 sun irradiation. Such ink deposited solar steam generation device is low cost and has a self-regenerating ability. Unlabelled Image • Chinese ink was utilized as solar absorber for desalinization. • Wood substrate has a good water transport ability and low thermal conductivity. • Hierarchal wood channels endow the evaporator surface with salt-resistant property. • The evaporator with drilled holes has a solar thermal conversion efficiency of 74%. • Such wood-based solar steam evaporator is renewable and cost-efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chinese ink is used to engineer a hydrophobic PVDF membrane. • The membrane exhibits superior separation efficiencies for oil/water emulsions. • The membrane exhibits a superior recyclability for gasoline-in-water emulsion. • The ink coating shows excellent chemical stability and mechanical robustness. The separation and recovery of oil from oily wastewater was still challenging due to the limitations of conventional separation techniques in its limited application fields, high operation cost and low separation efficiency. Membrane separation was a novel candidate to satisfy various separation tasks. Seeking for an efficient and facile strategy to manipulate the membrane performance was urgently needed. Chinese ink was a promising material to functionalize the membrane by virtue of the self-adhesion and intrinsic hydrophilicity. Herein, a composite polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) microfiltration membrane was fabricated via a facile rub-coating strategy. The micro/nano structures derived from the nanoparticles in Chinese ink readily facilitated the membrane with the superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity (underwater various oils contact angle above 150°, underwater dichloromethane roll off angle ~ 3°). The composite membrane exhibited a high permeation flux, a considerable separation efficiency for separating various oil-in-water emulsions and a superior recyclability for separating gasoline-in-water emulsion in ten cycles. Moreover, the membrane maintained a desirable underwater dichloromethane contact angle (above 145°) after respectively being immersed in pH = 1 HCl, pH = 13 NaOH and 3.5 wt% NaCl solutions for one week, and a sandpaper abrasion test, demonstrating an excellent chemical stability and a robust mechanical durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional calligraphy ink possesses an unusual confluence of properties rendering it highly effective for sunlight‐driven water evaporation. Ability to wet diverse porous substrates with sufficient viscosity to prevent over‐penetration, combined with broad light harvesting and efficient photothermal conversion is key. Its one drawback is solubility in water, but encapsulation with transparent oxide via atomic layer deposition circumvents this challenge. More details can be found in the article number 1801252 by Hao‐Cheng Yang, Seth B. Darling, and co‐workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar steam generation holds great promise in alleviating fresh water crises, particularly in regions with accessible seawater and abundant insolation. Affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly photothermal materials are needed to fabricate sunlight‐driven evaporation devices. Herein, Chinese ink, a carbon‐based paint used in traditional painting and calligraphy, is readily coated on diverse substrates and stabilized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) for solar steam generation. The ALD/Chinese ink coating exhibits strong and broad light absorption from the NIR to UV regions. Both ALD/Chinese‐ink‐coated membranes and wood display excellent photothermal properties and superior evaporation performance under simulated sunlight. This study demonstrates the potential of ALD/Chinese ink coating to achieve higher evaporation rate and efficiency by utilizing substrates with rough, structured surfaces and low thermal conductivity. Chinese ink is applied on diverse materials and stabilized by atomic layer deposition to fabricate solar steam generation devices. The encapsulated ink has excellent photothermal properties and evaporation efficiency under simulated sunlight, holding great promise in solar evaporation device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]