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Electrospinning is an important technique to fabricate nanofibers. In recent years, near-field electrospinning (NFES) has been developed to enhance the control of nanofiber deposition compared to conventional electrospinning, achieved by reducing the operating distance and electric field. This enables the construction of high-aspect ratio 3D structures in a self-aligned, layer-by-layer manner. However, the alignment of fiber deposition can be hindered by charge accumulation in the polymer fibers. Furthermore, a theoretical understanding of the underlying fiber deposition mechanism is still lacking. Herein, we present a numerical model for studying the charge transport, dissipation, and accumulation of NFES polymer fiber deposition. The model reveals that the presence of a trapped state in polymeric materials imposes limitations on the quality of charged fiber deposition. Moreover, the effect of different substrate materials on charge dissipation in fiber deposition is studied. To validate the model, we compare the simulation results with NFES experiments, demonstrating qualitative agreement. We also analyze the effect of the fiber materials and experimental parameters on the printing quality. This model provides an approach to analyze and optimize the operating parameters of NFES to achieve precise and stable nanofiber deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and nanofibers (CNF) have been broadly studied as renewable nanomaterials for various applications, including additives in cement and plastics composites. Herein, life cycle inventories for 18 previously examined processes are harmonized, and the impacts of CNC and CNF production are compared with a particular focus on GHG emissions. Findings show wide variations in GHG emissions between process designs, from 1.8-1100 kg CO2-eq/kg nanocellulose. Mechanical and enzymatic processes are identified as the lowest GHG emission methods to produce CNCs and CNFs. For most processes, energy consumption and chemical use are the primary sources of emissions. However, on a mass basis, for all examined production methods and impact categories (except CO emissions), CNC and CNF production emissions are higher than Portland cement and, in most cases, are higher than polylactic acid. This work highlights the need to carefully consider process design to prevent potential high emissions from CNCs and CNF production despite their renewable feedstock, and results show the magnitude of conventional material that must be offset through improved performance for these materials to be environmentally favorable.

Molecular systems with coincident cyclic and superhelical symmetry axes have considerable advantages for materials design as they can be readily lengthened or shortened by changing the length of the constituent monomers. Among proteins, alpha-helical coiled coils have such symmetric, extendable architectures, but are limited by the relatively fixed geometry and flexibility of the helical protomers. Here we describe a systematic approach to generating modular and rigid repeat protein oligomers with coincident C2 to C8 and superhelical symmetry axes that can be readily extended by repeat propagation. From these building blocks, we demonstrate that a wide range of unbounded fibres can be systematically designed by introducing hydrophilic surface patches that force staggering of the monomers; the geometry of such fibres can be precisely tuned by varying the number of repeat units in the monomer and the placement of the hydrophilic patches.

Machine learning (ML) methods are of rapidly growing interest for materials modeling, and yet, the use of ML interatomic potentials for new systems is often more demanding than that of established density-functional theory (DFT) packages. Here, we describe computational methodology to combine the CASTEP first-principles simulation software with the on-the-fly fitting and evaluation of ML interatomic potential models. Our approach is based on regular checking against DFT reference data, which provides a direct measure of the accuracy of the evolving ML model. We discuss the general framework and the specific solutions implemented, and we present an example application to high-temperature molecular-dynamics simulations of carbon nanostructures. The code is freely available for academic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract There is an increasing demand for innovative strategies that effectively promote osteogenesis and enhance bone regeneration. The critical process of bone regeneration involves the transformation of mesenchymal stromal cells into osteoblasts and the subsequent mineralization of the extracellular matrix, making up the complex mechanism of osteogenesis. Icariin’s diverse pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and osteogenic effects, have attracted considerable attention in biomedical research. Icariin, known for its ability to stimulate bone formation, has been found to encourage the transformation of mesenchymal stromal cells into osteoblasts and improve the subsequent process of mineralization. Several studies have demonstrated the osteogenic effects of icariin, which can be attributed to its hormone-like function. It has been found to induce the expression of BMP-2 and BMP-4 mRNAs in osteoblasts and significantly upregulate Osx at low doses. Additionally, icariin promotes bone formation by stimulating the expression of pre-osteoblastic genes like Osx, RUNX2, and collagen type I. However, icariin needs to be effectively delivered to bone to perform such promising functions. Encapsulating icariin within nanoplatforms holds significant promise for promoting osteogenesis and bone regeneration through a range of intricate biological effects. When encapsulated in nanofibers or nanoparticles, icariin exerts its effects directly at the cellular level. Recalling that inflammation is a critical factor influencing bone regeneration, icariin's anti-inflammatory effects can be harnessed and amplified when encapsulated in nanoplatforms. Also, while cell adhesion and cell migration are pivotal stages of tissue regeneration, icariin-loaded nanoplatforms contribute to these processes by providing a supportive matrix for cellular attachment and movement. This review comprehensively discusses icariin-loaded nanoplatforms used for bone regeneration and osteogenesis, further presenting where the field needs to go before icariin can be used clinically.

Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and its combined usage with cationic starch and a cationic copolymer of acrylamide were studied in relation to the properties of paper. Independent pulp treatments using additives separately included 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% refined long fiber pulp, 3 and 6% NFC, 0.75 and 1.5% cationic starch and 0.07% and 0.15% cationic polyacrylamide and combined treatments. Handsheets were made of the above treatments, and finally their optical and microscopic properties were evaluated. Increasing the NFC content to 6% increased the brightness and yellowness of the white liner by 13% and 21%, respectively. The liner opacity was also reduced by 1%. Additionally, increasing NFC by 6% compared to imported long fibers, the brightness and yellowness of the white liner increased 5.44% and 6.3%, respectively. The liner opacity was also reduced by 1%. A 1.5% cationic starch addition to NFC increased the brightness of the white liner by 4.4%, its whiteness increased 1.5%, and its yellowness increased 2.1%. The opacity of the liner was also reduced by 7.1%. The use of NFC and cationic starch can improve the optical properties of the white liner, while imported long fibers may be problematic.

Abstract The production of micro and nanofibers through the electrospinning technique is a well assessed technology that finds application in a variety of fields. Indeed, the specific features of electrospun fibers, as well as the possibility to be modelled and functionalized, ensure their great versatility. In the last decades, the widespread use of electrospun fibers promoted studies related to the evaluation of both human health and environmental risks associated to their handling and exposure. However, to date, the environmental impact strictly related to the use of the manufacturing process has been barely considered. Therefore, the present work aims to assess the environmental impacts of the electrospinning technology used to produce micro and nanofibers. To this purpose, a model polymer was systematically electrospun, varying the main system, process and external parameters, that control the electrospinning technique. A simplified life cycle assessment analysis was finally used to evaluate how the fibrous morphology, closely linked to the choice of the technological parameters, intrinsically affected the environmental impacts.

There are several uses for electrospun nanofiber membranes because of their unique properties. Electrospinning, under suitable conditions, has allowed for the successful fabrication of nanofibrous membranes. This research, a dual-layer membrane was prepared and applied in a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) system. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based electrospun nanofibers comprised the initial (base) layer. Hydrophobic electrospun nanofibers made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) comprised the second (top) layer. The analysis was carried out using contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the morphology and wetting of a series of two-layer nanofiber membranes that were made with different percentages of PAN: PMMA. The study examined how the permeate flux was affected by changes in feed concentration, feed temperature, and feed flow rate. and optimized within a logical framework. These included feed inlet temperatures between 35 and 55 oC, salt concentrations between 70,000 and 210,000 ppm, and rates of supply flow of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 L/min. DCMD findings for the (25 PAN:75PMMA) membrane displayed that the amount of salt it rejected was better than 99.356% with flux 51.872 kg/m2.h and a penetrate through conductivity lower down 334 µs/cm when performed under optimally supplied conditions (i.e., 70 g/L; 0.6 L/min; and 55°C).

Abstract This research aimed to study on nanocellulose production from palm bunch using process design and cost analysis. Choline chloride based deep eutectic solvent pretreatment was selected for high-purity cellulose separation at mild condition, followed by nano-fibrillation using mechanical treatment. Three types of choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents employing different hydrogen-bond donors (HBDs) namely lactic acid, 1,3-butanediol and oxalic acid were studied. The optimal cellulose extraction condition was choline chloride/lactic acid (ChLa80C) pretreatment of palm empty bunch at 80 °C followed by bleaching yielding 94.96%w/w cellulose content in product. Size reduction using ultrasonication and high-pressure homogenization produced nanocellulose at 67.12%w/w based on cellulose in raw material. Different morphologies of nanocellulose were tunable in the forms of nanocrystals, nano-rods and nanofibers by using dissimilar deep eutectic solvents. This work offered a sustainable and environmentally friendly process as well as provided analysis of DES pretreatment and overview operating cost for nanocellulose production. Application of nanocellulose for the fabrication of highly functional and biodegradable material for nanomedicine, electronic, optical, and micromechanical devices is achievable in the near future.

Abstract The mitigation of hazardous effects of chemical dyes on the environment and living organisms, greatly demands an efficient and effective management of dye-laden wastewater. One such solution gaining prominence is the utilization of metal-infused nanofibers-based dye removal techniques, which are simple, effective, and environmentally friendly. In this report, we present the fabrication of mechanically stable hydrophobic nanofibers infused with metal blends, fabricated through the utilization of electrospinning techniques. The successful fabrication of these mechanically stable hydrophobic nanofibers is evidenced through contact angle measurements, tensile tests, and FESEM analysis. While polystyrene-based nanofibrous mats were anticipated to be effective, nanofibrous mats infused with Cu-Fe and Cu-Ni metal blends exhibit exceptional efficacy in degrading dyes. The size and morphology of nanofibers depend on polymer concentration, with the average diameter increasing from 13 to 20%. At a 20% polystyrene concentration, only nanometer-scale fibers of polystyrene polymers were fabricated, while both Cu-Fe and Cu-Ni metal blend-infused fibers were synthesized in micrometers. Fibers infused with Cu-Fe and Cu-Ni metal blend at a 17% polymer concentration displayed nano-scale diameters, confirmed by FESEM characterizations. The heat-based technique is identified as an accessible and cost-effective approach for industries reliant on color-based processes.

Xu Zhou,1,2,&ast; Aolin Tang,2,3,&ast; Chengjie Xiong,2,&ast; Guoquan Zhang,2 Liangliang Huang,1,2 Feng Xu1,2 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430070, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Orthopaedics, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Liangliang Huang; Feng Xu, Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, 430070, People’s Republic of China, Email hll666789@163.com; fengxu1969@163.comBackground: Treating peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) with defects remains challenging in clinical practice. The commercial conduits have shown suboptimal nerve regeneration and functional recovery due to their basic tubular design without electroactive and oriented topographical cues.Purpose: To develop a new scaffold with oriented microstructure and electroactive Graphene oxide (GO) and investigate its’ therapeutic effect on nerve regeneration in vitro and in vivo.Methods: This study employed a straightforward approach to co-spin PCL and GO, yielding an oriented hybrid nanofibrous scaffold known as the O-GO/PCL scaffold. The physical and chemical properties of nanofibrous scaffold were tested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), tensile test and so on. Primary Schwann cells (SCs) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were used to investigate the impact of the newly developed scaffolds on the biological behavior of neural cells in vitro. Transcriptome sequencing (mRNA-seq) was employed to probe the underlying mechanisms of the synergistic effect of electroactive GO and longitudinal topographic guidance on nerve regeneration. Furthermore, the developed O-GO/PCL scaffold was utilized to bridge a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect in rat, aiming to investigate its therapeutic potential for peripheral nerve regeneration in vivo.Results and discussion: The SEM and TEM revealed that the newly developed O-GO/PCL scaffold showed longitudinally oriented microstructure and GO particles were homogenously and uniformly distributed inside the nanofibers. Primary SCs were utilized to assess the biocompatibility of the GO-based scaffold, revealing that negligible cytotoxicity when GO concentration does not exceed 0.5%. In vitro analysis of nerve regeneration demonstrated that axons in the O-GO/PCL group exhibited an average length of 1054.88 ± 161.32 μm, significant longer than those in the other groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, mRNA sequencing results suggested that the O-GO/PCL scaffold could enhance nerve regeneration by upregulating genes associated with neural regeneration, encompassing ion transport, axon guidance and cell–cell interactions. Most importantly, we employed the O-GO/PCL scaffold to repair a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect in rat, resulting in augmented nerve regeneration, myelination, and functional recovery.Conclusion: The O-GO/PCL scaffold with oriented microstructure and electroactive GO represents a promising heral nerve reconstruction. Keywords: nanofibers, topographical guidance, electroactive, graphene oxide, nerve regeneration

Hyun Ho Shin,1,&ast; Junyoung Park,2,&ast; Yeo-Jin Kim,3 Donghyeon Kim,2 Eun-Jung Jin,2,4 Ji Hyun Ryu1,3,4 1Department of Chemical Engineering, Wonkwang, University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea; 3Department of Carbon Convergence Engineering, Smart Convergence Materials Analysis Center, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea; 4Integrated Omics Institute, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ji Hyun Ryu, Department of Carbon Convergence Engineering, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea, Email jhryu4816@wku.ac.kr Eun-Jung Jin, Department of Biological Sciences, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea, Email jineunjung@wku.ac.krIntroduction: Cartilage regeneration is a challenging issue due to poor regenerative properties of tissues. Electrospun nanofibers hold enormous potentials for treatments of cartilage defects. However, nanofibrous materials used for the treatment of cartilage defects often require physical and/or chemical modifications to promote the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of cells. Thus, it is highly desirable to improve their surface properties with functionality. We aim to design hydrophilic, adhesive, and compound K-loaded nanofibers for treatments of cartilage defects.Methods: Hydrophilic and adhesive compound K-containing polycaprolactone nanofibers (CK/PCL NFs) were prepared by coatings of gallic acid-conjugated chitosan (CHI-GA). Therapeutic effects of CHI-GA/CK/PCL NFs were assessed by the expression level of genes involved in the cartilage matrix degradation, inflammatory response, and lipid accumulations in the chondrocytes. In addition, Cartilage damage was evaluated by safranin O staining and immunohistochemistry of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) using OA animal models. To explore the pathway associated with therapeutic effects of CHI-GA/CK/PCL NFs, cell adhesion, phalloidin staining, and the expression level of integrins and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARs) were evaluated.Results: CHI-GA-coated side of the PCL NFs showed hydrophilic and adhesive properties, whereas the unmodified opposite side remained hydrophobic. The expression levels of genes involved in the degradation of the cartilage matrix, inflammation, and lipogenesis were decreased in CHI-GA/CK/PCL NFs owing to the release of CK. In vivo implantation of CHI-GA/CK/PCL NFs into the cartilage reduced cartilage degradation induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. Furthermore, the accumulation of lipid deposition and expression levels of IL-1β was reduced through the upregulation of PPAR.Conclusion: CHI-GA/CK/PCL NFs were effective in the treatments of cartilage defects by inhibiting the expression levels of genes involved in cartilage degradation, inflammation, and lipogenesis as well as reducing lipid accumulation and the expression level of IL-1β via increasing PPAR. Keywords: polycaprolactone nanofibers, gallic acid-conjugated chitosan, compound K, hydrophilic coating, adhesive material, cartilage regeneration

Natural macromolecules like alginate and gelatin are employed to create medication delivery systems that are both safe and effective. Zirconium nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) have been proposed as a means of enhancing the alginate-gelatin hydrogel's physical and biological properties. This study combines the synthesis of the biopolymers gelatin and alginate nanofibers with nanoparticles of zirconium oxide (GA/NF– ZrO2 NPs). UV, XRD, FTIR, and SEM were used to characterize the synthesized nanofibers. The expression of osteogenic genes was analyzed by western blotting and qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Based on our findings, MC3T3-E1 cells are performed for cell viability, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production by GA/NF– ZrO2 NPs through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cell migration was accelerated at 75 μg/mL concentration after 24 h of damage in a scratch wound healing assay. Proliferation of the MC3T3-E1 cell line was also detected. GA/NF–ZrO2 NPs influenced the osteogenic variation of MC3T3-E1 cells by inducing autophagy. Furthermore, the impact of obstruction on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a subject of ongoing discussion and analysis within the context of animal models. Coordinated GA/NF–ZrO2 NPs on biomaterial nanofibers could be used to introduce physical signals for modifying MC3T3-E1 responds for orthodontic engineering constructs.

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) with high energy densities have been demonstrated the potential for energy-intensive demand applications. However, their commercial applicability is hampered by hysteretic electrode reaction kinetics and the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). In this work, an interlayer consisting of high-entropy metal oxide (Cu0.7Fe0.6Mn0.4Ni0.6Sn0.5)O4 grown on carbon nanofibers (HEO/CNFs) is designed for LSBs. The CNFs with highly porous networks provide transport pathways for Li+ and e−, as well as a physical sieve effect to limit LiPSs crossover. In particular, the grapevine-like HEO nanoparticles generate metal-sulfur bonds with LiPSs, efficiently anchoring active materials. The unique structure and function of the interlayer enable the LSBs with superior electrochemical performance, i.e., the high specific capacity of 1381 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 561 mAh g−1 at 6 C. This work presents a facile strategy for exploiting high-performance LSBs.

Inflammatory cytokine storms can trigger disease exacerbation and even death and have reached a consensus in the clinical treatment of acute organ failure. However, the existing strategies remain a great challenge to efficiently suppress inflammatory cytokine storms for promoting organ repair and regeneration. Herein, fully human umbilical cord (UC)-derived adhesive materials (UCAM) that integrate decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) nanofiber hydrogel and homologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are demonstrated to greatly suppress inflammatory cytokine storms, demonstrating high efficacy in treating acute liver failure (ALF) in rats with 90% hepatectomy. The UC-derived adhesive materials have the capacity to secrete a significant quantity of cytokines by MSCs to recruit activated immune cells to migrate into their ECM nanofiber networks, segregating them away from the infection area and thereby greatly suppressing the inflammatory cytokine storms. As expected, the UC-derived adhesive materials can significantly promote hepatocyte proliferation to achieve functional recovery and regeneration of the liver, significantly improving the survival rate in rats. Our fully human UC-derived adhesive materials provide a new avenue in suppressing inflammatory cytokine storms for promoting organ regeneration that would be really utility in clinical organ transplantation-related treatment.

Electrospinning is a simple and affordable method of producing nanofibers, offering a large specific surface area and highly porous structures with diameters ranging from nanometers to micrometers. This process relies on an electrostatic field, providing precise control over the fiber dimensions and morphologies through parameter optimization and the use of specialized spinnerets and collectors. The paper extensively covers the electrospinning process and parameters, shedding light on the factors influencing electrospinning. It addresses the morphological and structural aspects of electrospun fibers that are used in different applications. Additionally, this paper explores various polymeric and non-polymeric materials used in electrospinning. Furthermore, it investigates the incorporation of fillers during electrospinning, using an electric field to enhance properties and functionality. The review concludes by offering insights into upscaling electrospinning production.

Abstract Chemoresistance and severe toxicities represent major drawbacks of chemotherapy. Natural extracts, including the essential oils of Pistacia lentiscus (PLEO), exhibit substantial anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities where different cancers are reported to dramatically recess following targeting with PLEO. PLEO has promising antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the therapeutic properties of PLEO are restricted by limited stability, bioavailability, and targeting ability. PLEO nanoformulation can maximize their physicochemical and therapeutic properties, overcoming their shortcomings. Hence, PLEO was extracted and its chemical composition was determined by GC–MS. PLEO and 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) were electrospun into poly-ε-caprolactone nanofibers (PCL-NFs), of 290.71 nm to 680.95 nm diameter, to investigate their anticancer and potential synergistic activities against triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), human adenocarcinoma breast cancer cells (MCF-7), and human skin melanoma cell line (A375). The prepared nanofibers (NFs) showed enhanced thermal stability and remarkable physical integrity and tensile strength. Biodegradability studies showed prolonged stability over 42 days, supporting the NFs use as a localized therapy of breast tissues (postmastectomy) or melanoma. Release studies revealed sustainable release behaviors over 168 h, with higher released amounts of 5FU and PLEO at pH 5.4, indicating higher targeting abilities towards cancer tissues. NFs loaded with PLEO showed strong antioxidant properties. Finally, NFs loaded with either PLEO or 5FU depicted greater anticancer activities compared to free compounds. The highest anticancer activities were observed with NFs co-loaded with PLEO and 5FU. The developed 5FU-PLEO-PCL-NFs hold potential as a local treatment of breast cancer tissues (post-mastectomy) and melanoma to minimize their possible recurrence. Graphical Abstract

The (K , Na) Nb O 3 (KNN)-based ceramics have been deemed one of the most promising lead-free piezoelectric materials replacing lead-containing ones. In our study, we have prepared both undoped and Mn-doped KNN nanofibers via the electrospinning method and investigated how the thermal annealing process affects their structural, crystallographic, and piezoelectric properties. X-ray diffraction measurements suggest that the crystallization occurs around 450 ° C in these fibers, and with increasing annealing temperature, both undoped and Mn-doped nanofibers become granular with small grains forming along the fiber, accompanying the crystallization. Both exhibit increasing piezoelectric properties with annealing temperature based on the piezoresponse force microscopy measurements with Mn-doping, leading to a higher piezoelectric response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphite is considered the most promising anode for low-cost potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). However, the large volume change and sluggish kinetics due to the large ionic size of K+ cause inferior rate capability and poor cycling stability for the graphite anode. Herein, we report highly crystalline graphite nanofibers (GNFs) as an anode material for PIBs, which deliver flat voltage plateaus with a high specific capacity of 257 mA h g−1. The highly graphitized, fiber-shaped nanostructure not only mitigates the volume expansion caused by K+-intercalation but also facilitates both ionic diffusion and electron transfer. GNFs achieve a long cycle life of 1 year with 99% capacity retention and fast K+-intercalation kinetics. Moreover, the low-defect structure of GNFs ensures a high initial coulombic efficiency of up to 74.23%. A potassium-ion full-cell prototype featuring GNFs anode and Prussian blue analogue cathode demonstrates a high energy efficiency of up to 90.6%. This low-defect graphitic nanofiber may offer insights into the design of carbon-based anodes for PIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen can be produced from several feedstocks and technologies, making it an important partner in the energy transition to neutral carbon societies. Hydrogen production can be based on renewable feedstocks, such as agricultural residues, which are highly available and economical. However, a comprehensive analysis of all available hydrogen production technologies must be done. Therefore, this work focused on developing a comparative analysis of the sustainability of the main hydrogen production technologies. Technologies with the greatest opportunity for development were simulated and evaluated from a sustainability perspective. Techno-energetic, economic, environmental, and social indicators were used to calculate a comprehensive sustainability index (S Id). Steam biomethane reforming (SBMR) and electrolysis (EL) were the schemes with the highest S Id based on the techno-energetic and environmental dimensions. However, the S Id decreased substantially when the economic dimension was considered because SBMR presented high capital and operating costs, and EL had low technical performance. On the other hand, thermochemical and biological technologies require further research to decrease the environmental burden and improve the mass yield of the process. Therefore, each production scheme involves different disadvantages that must be resolved to increase the opportunities for hydrogen development. [Display omitted] • The sustainability index made it possible to establish the development opportunity presented by each technology considering different dimensions of analysis. • Steam biomethane reforming and gasification processes are more efficient and economically viable than electrolytic and biological technologies. • The cost of hydrogen production in electrolytic processes is highly dependent on the primary source of electricity. • Hydrogen production by biological processes requires more research on improving yields and production costs. • The scheme with the highest sustainability indexes was the steam biomethane reforming scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a method to enhance the stability of Fe–N–C electrocatalysts, known for their significant oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and positioned as promising alternatives to commercial noble metal-based catalysts. Despite the favorable ORR activity, Fe–N–C suffers from inadequate stability in acidic media, primarily attributed the loss of active FeN 4 sites resulted from Fe-demetalation. However, recent investigation reveals that pyridine N exhibits remarkable stability in retaining Fe atoms. To address this, we achieved a high proportion of pyridine N doping in carbon nanofibers through a process involving nano-SiO 2 shell coating and electrospinning. The nano-SiO 2 shell coating method demonstrates efficacy and versatility in transforming pyrrole-type FeN 4 into pyridine-type FeN 4 , irrespective of the origin material being trivalent or divalent Fe, whether organic or inorganic. [Display omitted] • Obtained a high pyridine proportion Fe–N–C electrocatalyst with long-term stability • Developed a method for the transformation from the pyrrole-type FeN 4 to pyridine-type FeN 4. • The method is applicable to both trivalent and bivalent iron, regardless of inorganic or organic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing evidence that composites made up of nanomaterials and plant extracts are effective in combating drug‐resistant pathogens, which are increasing globally. In this study, a hemicellulose extract from cactus pads (Opuntia ficus indica) is blended with poly(vinyl) acetate and electrospun into fine nanofibers. Further, the electrospun nanofibers are encapsulated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in situ, to form a nanocomposite, whose surface morphology are characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM images showed smooth nanofiber strands (average diameter = 240 nm), with AgNPs randomly dispersed on them. The antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite is tested against five bacterial species. The results obtained showed that the nanonomposite has strong inhibitory effects against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, whereas the pristine nanofibers showed minimal or no antibacterial activity. This study demonstrates i) successful electrospinning of hemicellulose extracts into fine nanofibers and ii) encapsulation with AgNPs to produce a rigid nanocomposite with antimicrobial characteristics for various applications, especially those that require protection against pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The increased usage and misuse of antibiotics cause antimicrobial resistance, which makes it necessary to develop new antibiotic agents. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) could be a significant solution to addressing this issue. Antimicrobial temporin 1Ta and temporin 1Tb peptides, derived from frog skin secretions, exhibit notable activity against Gram (+) bacteria; on the other hand, apidaecin 1b peptide, obtained from honeybees, is effective against Gram (−) bacteria. In this study, hybrid AMPs were synthesized by merging temporin 1Ta and temporin 1Tb with apidaecin 1b to produce peptides that are active against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. Furthermore, the hybrid peptides were mixed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer to produce bioactive nanofibers by electrospinning. The synthesized peptides and the nanofibers were tested on various Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacteria (E. coli ATCC 25922, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, S. aureus ATCC 29213, and E. faecalis ATCC 29212). As a result, the hybrid peptides were found to have a reasonable antibacterial effect on both bacterial groups. In addition, peptide‐containing nanofibers preserved the antibacterial activity as well. The hemolytic activities of the peptides were also examined, and it was found that the hybrid peptides were not lethal to red blood cells at a concentration of 16 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based electrochemical sensors have the characteristics of flexibility, biocompatibility, environmental protection, low cost, wide availability, and hydropathy, which make them very suitable for the development and application of biological detection. This work proposes electrospun cellulose acetate nanofiber (CA NF)-decorated paper-based screen-printed (PBSP) electrode electrochemical sensors. The CA NFs were directly collected on the PBSP electrode through an electrospinning technique at an optimized voltage of 16 kV for 10 min. The sensor was functionalized with different bio-sensitive materials for detecting different targets, and its sensing capability was evaluated by CV, DPV, and chronoamperometry methods. The test results demonstrated that the CA NFs enhanced the detection sensitivity of the PBSP electrode, and the sensor showed good stability, repeatability, and specificity (p < 0.01, N = 3). The electrochemical sensing of the CA NF-decorated PBSP electrode exhibited a short detection duration of ∼5–7 min and detection ranges of 1 nmol mL−1–100 μmol mL−1, 100 fg mL−1–10 μg mL−1, and 1.5 × 102–106 CFU mL−1 and limits of detection of 0.71 nmol mL−1, 89.1 fg mL−1, and 30 CFU mL−1 for glucose, Ag85B protein, and E. coli O157:H7, respectively. These CA NF-decorated PBSP sensors can be used as a general electrochemical tool to detect, for example, organic substances, proteins, and bacteria, which are expected to achieve point-of-care testing of pathogenic microorganisms and have wide application prospects in biomedicine, clinical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centralized laboratories in which analytical processes are automated to enable the analysis of large numbers of samples at relatively low cost are used for analytical testing throughout the world. However, healthcare is changing, partly due to the general recognition that care needs to be more patient-centered and putting the patient at the center of action. One way to achieve this goal is to consider point-of-care testing (PoC) devices as alternative analytical concepts. This requires miniaturization of current analytical concepts and the use of cost-effective diagnostic tools with appropriate sensitivity and specificity. Electrochemical sensors are ideally adapted as they provide robust, low-cost, and miniaturized solutions for the detection of variable analytes, yet lack the high sensitivity comparable to more classical diagnosis approaches. Advances in nanotechnology have opened up a plethora of different nanomaterials to be applied as electrode and/or sensing materials in electrochemical biosensors. The choice of materials significantly influences the sensor's sensitivity, selectivity, and overall performance. A critical review of the state of the art with respect to the development of the utilized materials (between 2019 and 2023) and where the field is heading to are the focus of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon composites are susceptible to invisible damage development such as matrix cracking, fiber kinking, and interfacial debonding upon external transverse loading. These incipient damages may interact to evolve into life‐limiting delamination propagating both in in‐plane and transverse directions. This study addressed that by interleaving carbon/epoxy composites with electrospun nylon 6 nanofibers adopting a double infusion method. Damage resistance results showed that the optimum nanofiber areal weight (17.35 g/m2) offered a 27% improvement in specific total toughness. The emergence of pseudo‐ductility substantially enhanced the plastic toughness (46.15%) of interleaved composites. The load required for initial matrix cracking was 65.49% higher, and number of matrix cracking events was suppressed by 84.11% at the optimum areal weight of interleave. Fractography revealed frequent interlaminar crossings and delamination crack bridging as two major toughness mechanisms. Both the external damage area and delaminated area increased with increment in nanofiber areal weight. Highlights: Electrospun nanofibre interleaved carbon/epoxy composites were fabricated through a double infusion method to characterize damage resistance.Acoustic data of matrix cracking was rationalized to show the effectiveness of nanofiber interleaves in suppressing this damage type.Microstructural factors and mechanisms contributing to the improved toughness of optimally interleaved composites were identified.External damage/delaminated areas of interleaved composites were correlated with nanofiber areal weights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, porous, and hollow nanorods of NiTiO 3 (NiTiO 3 NRs-p: 2–3 μm in length and 400 nm in diameter) are successfully prepared using an ethylene glycol-mediated approach at room temperature (25 °C), followed by calcination at 700 °C in air environment. Their rough surfaces and accumulated holes are advantageous for adsorption and subsequent photoreduction of carbon dioxide (CO 2) under UV–vis irradiation. The NiTiO 3 NRs-p exhibit superior performance in terms of photoconversion of CO 2 (purity 99.999 %, 100 mL/min) into gaseous CO (57.833 μmolg−1 h−1) and CH 4 (24.33 μmolg−1 h−1) with an overall CO 2 selectivity (S CO2) of 89 %. In contrast, the solid NiTiO 3 nanorods (NiTiO 3 NRs) exhibit moderate performance in CO 2 reduction, producing CO (30.33 μmolg−1 h−1) and CH 4 (11.50 μmolg−1 h−1) with a CO 2 selectivity of S CO2 = 60 %. NiTiO 3 NRs-p exhibits superior photocatalytic activity against CO 2 over other NiTiO 3 morphologies with similar physical and chemical properties (such as nanoparticles (NPs) and nanofibers (NFs). This enhancement in photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the porous texture and hollow rod-like structure of NiTiO 3 NRs-p, which provides a larger number of active sites to promote rapid mass transport. This unique one-dimensional (1D) structure also facilitates the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, as demonstrated experimentally. This study opens a new room for a simple and facile routes for the photocatalytic conversion of CO 2 into solar fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report copper oxide nanofibers (CuO – N) synthesized by Solution Blow Spinning (SBS) for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and their comparison with a control sample based on a commercial powder (CuO – C). Both materials were characterized by various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and spectroscopy (Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Raman and X-ray photoelectron (XPS)) to determine the purity, microstructural and surface chemical properties. Subsequently, the performance of copper oxide catalysts in a 1.0 M KOH solution was investigated. Copper oxide with nanofiber morphology (CuO – N) exhibited a small overpotential of 385 mV @ 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel coefficient of only 76 mV dec−1, i.e., fast kinetics for water splitting, a result that is modulated by oxygen vacancies (O 2 /O 1 = 0.83). The oxygen vacancies are due to the presence of Cu1+ in the lattice. The analyses of the magnetization measurements at 5 K suggest a larger amount of Cu1+ in sample CuO – N. Therefore, this work sheds light on how to design low-cost nanofibrous catalysts based on abundant transition metals in the earth's crust by SBS, an economical and scalable technique, which is promising for energy applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskites have become promising alternatives to precious metal-catalyzed oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we report the synthesis of several perovskite nanofibers, specifically La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co x Ni 1- x O 3- δ (LSCN), and investigate their electrocatalytic water oxidation activity in alkaline electrolytes. La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.8 Ni 0.2 O 3- δ (LSCN-0.8) is selected and immersed in an aqueous NaBH 4 solution for 1 h for surface reconstruction. The perovskite nanofibers' electrocatalytic OER activity and stability are rigorously evaluated using a standard three-electrode system. Results reveal that even a slight Co substitution for Ni content within the LSCN perovskite structure has a notable impact on electrocatalytic activity. Moreover, LSCN-0.8 exhibits an overpotential of 363 mV at 20 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH. However, significant improvement is observed after the surface reconstruction process. The optimized LSCN-0.8 (now called LSCN-2) displays the lowest OER overpotential (320 mV) under the same conditions. Furthermore, the LSCN-2 nanostructure demonstrates exceptional electrode stability, as evidenced by only a slight decrease in electrocatalytic performance during 5000 cycles of linear sweep voltammetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cermet has broad applications in electronics, but achieving stable ceramic‐metal contact has always been a challenge, particularly at hot temperature and large deformation conditions, due to the significant differences in thermal expansion coefficient and stiffness of ceramics and metals. Here, stress matching and strong interphase bonding at the heterogenous ceramic‐metal contact are realized by using flexible ceramics, leading to stable applications in flexible fire‐resistant pressure tactile sensors. Cu/Au nanolayers are deposited first onto the toughened flexible SiO2 nanofibers with a chemical plating method to form sensitive interdigital electrode sensors, then use an in situ thermal reaction strategy to form conformal and interlocked Au3Cu and CuSiO3 interphases, which enhance the mechanical thermal stability of the ceramic‐metal contact. With deep learning technique, the as‐fabricated intelligent pressure tactile gloves can accurately recognize the human body parts in low‐visible burning environments and show a long‐term stability over 1000 cycles with a high sensitivity of 112.18 kPa−1, which is important for developing intelligent firefighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly stretchable and cycle‐stable (high operando dynamic stretchable) zinc‐ion microbatteries that are nonharmful, environmentally friendly, and low cost are developed herein for the first time. Stretchable zinc‐ion microbatteries (SZIMBs) are fabricated by simultaneously incorporating the facile synthesis of conducting polymer‐intercalated vanadium oxide nanofibers as flexible and elastic cathode materials; the construction, design, and assembly of wavy‐type microdevices; and pre‐zincation techniques that break stereotypes. The poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT)‐intercalated zinc vanadium oxide nanofiber zinc‐ion microbatteries (E‐ZVONF‐SZIMBs) manufactured by combining these strategies exhibit a maximum specific capacity of 0.16 mAh cm−2, high energy density of 0.112 mWh cm−2, and high power density of 3.5 mW cm−2 and maintain 83.7% of the initial specific capacity after 500 cycles. The E‐ZVONF‐SZIMBs maintain 78.9% of their initial specific capacity even after 7000 mechanical stretching/bending tests, exhibiting excellent operando dynamic stretchability. The stretchable zinc‐ion microbatteries show practical feasibility by maintaining 80% and 90% of the capacity at −20 and 60°C under 200% strain, respectively. These remarkable achievements in the field of stretchable zinc‐ion microbatteries are expected to have significant implications for the development of future device platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aramid nanofibers (ANFs), as promising organic nano building blocks for their high mechanical strength and thermal stability, are widely applied to fabricate energy‐efficient membranes for ionic and molecular sieving in aqueous solutions. However, the existing ANFs often have small diameters, limiting the permeability of the resulting membranes. Here, the ANFs with a diameter in the hundred‐nanometer scale are fabricated through a progressive protonation process, in which dimethylformamide as a secondary deprotonation solvent is added into dimethyl sulfoxide to provide a mild deformation environment. Then, the deformed ANFs are applied to prepare membranes with a larger pore size distribution and higher surface charge. Notably, the water flux of the resulting membranes can reach up to 410 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, which is 40 times higher than commercially available nanofiltration membranes and much higher than currently reported ANF‐based membranes. Impressively, these membranes with super‐stable nanochannels maintain a high water flux of over 194 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 in a wide range of pH values from 4 to 10 and show excellent long‐term durability over 120 h. The application of deformed ANFs provides a new and promising approach for designing the next generation nanofiltration membranes which balance the trade‐off between permeability and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design and preparation of bifunctional electrocatalysts with optimized structures and abundant electrocatalytic active sites are significant for hydrogen generation in electrocatalytic water splitting. Herein, we have elaborately prepared Fe-doped CoP nanoparticles encapsulated in porous electrospun carbon nanofibers for bifunctional electrocatalysis on both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The morphologies, components, and properties of the prepared electrocatalysts are influenced by the introduction of a facile air calcination treatment. Porous nanostructure as well as the full conversion of metal active sites are simultaneously achieved. Owing to the protective electrospun carbon nanofibers as well as the abundant exposed active sites, the optimized electrocatalyst exhibits excellent pH-universal HER activities with small overpotentials (99 mV, 159 mV, and 185 mV) at 10 mA cm−2 in acidic, alkaline, and neutral electrolytes, and also presents remarkable OER performance. Moreover, a water electrolyzer cell, using the optimized electrocatalyst as the electrodes, manifests both a high efficiency (1.63 V@10 mA cm−2) and robust stability. This work provides a convenient route for the controllable fabrication of transition metal-based electrocatalysts toward energy conversion. [Display omitted] • Fe-doped CoP nanoparticles anchored in electrospun carbon nanofibers were prepared. • An effective, facile, and controllable air calcination strategy was introduced. • Porous structure and full conversion of metal sites were simultaneously achieved. • The optimized catalyst shows excellent activity and durability for water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dressing materials that provide surface protection, bacteriostatic activities, and tissue regeneration are important for the treatment and management of complex wounds. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing properties of electrospun nanofibers containing a blend of methylcellulose (MC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The nanofibers were tested in single-layered (S-NFs) and multilayered (M-NFs) forms (PCL/MC-PVA/PCL). In vitro scratch assay using L929 cells and in vivo experiments on Wistar rats were conducted. The results showed that both S-NFs and M-NFs significantly accelerated wound closure by promoting cell migration. M-NFs demonstrated superior wound healing activity compared to S-NFs. Additionally, M-NFs exhibited faster skin epithelization compared to S-NFs. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the absence of irritation or lesions on the healed wound surface. Overall, the study concluded that these polymeric nanofibers have the potential to be used as self-wound healing dressings. They are safe, non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology is being used to create innovative food packaging systems that can inhibit the oxidation of foods, thereby improving their quality, safety, and shelf life. These nano-enabled antioxidant packaging materials may therefore increase the healthiness and sustainability of the food supply chain. Recent progress in the application of nanotechnology to create antioxidant packaging materials is reviewed in this paper. The utilization of nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanocrystals, and nanoemulsions to incorporate antioxidants into these packaging materials is highlighted. The application of nano-enabled antioxidant packaging materials to preserve meat, seafood, fruit, vegetable, and other foods is then discussed. Finally, future directions and challenges in the development of this kind of active packaging material are highlighted to stimulate new areas of future research. Nanotechnology has already been used to create antioxidant packaging materials that inhibit oxidative deterioration reactions in foods, thereby prolonging their shelf life and reducing food waste. However, the safety, cost, efficacy, and scale-up of this technology still needs to be established before it will be commercially viable for many applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DMSO-inspired polymer is frequently applied in advanced biomedical aspects due to its highly hydrophilic, excellent biocompatibility, and negligible cytotoxicity nature. Herein, our study aimed for the first time to synthesize electrospun poly((2-methylsulfinyl)ethyl acrylate-co-acrylic acid) (PMSEA-AA) nanofibers as wound dressing materials. PAA was initially grafted through a steglich esterification reaction to obtain poly(2-(methylthio)ethyl acrylate-co-acrylic acid) copolymer (PMTEA-AA). Subsequently, the obtained copolymer was further oxidized and exposed to electrospinning to give PMSEA-AA nanofiber-containing sulfoxide groups. The chemical structure of as-obtained polymers was carefully confirmed by FTIR, UV–vis, 1H-NMR, TGA, DSC, and GPC. Further, PMSEA-AA nanofibers were observed with remarkable mechanical, hydrophilic, cell viability, and antibacterial behaviors. The tensile strength and elongation at a break for PMSEA-AA nanofibers were recorded as 9 MPa and 30%, which are higher compared to PAA fibers (6.33, 20%). The cell growth of PMTEA-AA nanofiber was considerably increased concerning pure PAA nanofiber approving the nontoxic capability due to the hydrophobicity nature and high surface area that can lead to effective contact with the cancer cells. Also, PMSEA-AA nanofiber could achieve superior bacterial inhibition zones of 12 and 9 mm for S. aureus and E. coli, respectively, compared to PAA. PMSEA-AA nanofibers could discover biomedical and pharmaceutical applications for wound healing materials, tissue engineering, and transdermal drug delivery system for skin and oral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanobiotechnology has achieved great advances in the field of scientific research in past years. Nanoparticles (NPs) with diameters ranging from 1 to 100 nm are the focus of nanotechnology. Green synthesis of encapsulated silver nanoparticles (eAgNPs) was carried out by using Solidago virgaurea L. (SvL) and Tussilago farfara L. (TfL) extract as reducing/protecting agent. An UV–vis spectrophotometer was used to determine the optimal conditions to produce eAgNPs from plant extracts, including pH, temperature, plant extract, and mixing times. The optimal conditions for AgNPs synthesis from the SvL plant and TfL plant were (1:1) extract-AgNO3, 24 h mixing time, and a temperature of 25 °C. SEM, TEM, FTIR, and UV–Vis Spectrophotometer analyses were carried out to ascertain the surface characterization and structural properties of eAgNPs and the nanofibrous mats' physicochemical characteristics. The results of the analysis revealed that the eAgNPs are nanosized and contain silver. eAgNPs-doped nanofiber production from polylactide acid (PLA) polymer was realized by electrospin method. The required production parameters for the electrospinning method of producing PLA-based nanofibers were investigated. Nanofiber was produced by combining 0.5 and 1% AgNPs in an 8% PLA solution. The biological effects of the developed PLA@eAgNPs nanofibrous mats were examined in vitro. The antibacterial activity of nanofibers against E. coli was determined using the agar diffusion method. eAgNPs and PLA-based nanostructured materials are suggested as bioactive coatings capable of preventing the development of microbial population on surfaces relevant to healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive compounds blended with synthetic polymers constitute an effective alternative for tailored materials design in advanced applications. Biological functionalities are easily incorporated, and the materials' overall performance can be improved using this technique. The present work introduces the production and characterization of electrospun scaffolds comprised poly(vinyl alcohol), chitosan, and oligo(β-pinene) with potential for tissue engineering. Oligo(β-pinene) presents many biological functionalities of interest, especially cytoprotective activity. The scaffolds' structure, processing, properties, and performance relationships were evaluated. The materials presented an average fiber diameter of 159 nm, which was increased with the oligo(β-pinene) addition in the polymer matrix. There was an overall trend of crystallinity decrease (from 21.02 to 6.4%) with the incorporation of the oligomer. The polymers' ∆Hm and Tm increased from 28.43 to 35.51 J g−1 and from 190.54 to 194.10 °C, respectively, with the addition of oligo(β-pinene). The presence of a few fiber defects appeared upon oligomer inclusion. However, the overall thermal performance of the scaffolds improved with the increase in oligo(β-pinene) content on the nanofibers. Essays of cell proliferation revealed significant benefits from oligo(β-pinene) inclusion on the blends tested. Biocompatibility improvement of up to 21.5% was noted compared to the control. Thus, incorporating oligo(β-pinene) in poly(vinyl alcohol)-chitosan electrospun nanofibers constitutes a renewable option to enhance the scaffolds' properties and biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A life cycle assessment (LCA) of solid recovered fuel (SRF) was conducted. • SRF production process contributes to about 35.6 kg CO 2 -eq per ton. • A maximum of −1752.03 kg CO 2 -eq was obtained with about 80 % of SRF biogenic carbon. • A footprint of −542.09 to −1729.05 kg CO 2 -eq can be found due to coke substitution. • The study recommended SRF production to mitigate the global carbon footprint. Solid recovered fuel (SRF) from non-recyclable waste obtained from source separation and mechanical treatments can replace carbon coke in cement plants, contributing to the carbon neutrality. A life cycle assessment (LCA) of the SRF production from non-recyclable and selected waste was conducted in an Italian mechanical treatment plant to estimate the potential environmental impacts per ton of SRF produced. The analysis would contribute to evaluate the benefits that can be obtained due to coke substitution in best- and worst-case scenarios. The avoided impacts achieved were assessed, together with an evaluation of the variables that can affect the environmental benefits: SRF biogenic carbon content (in percentage of paper and cardboard); transportation distances travelled from the treatment plant to the cement kiln; the renewable energy used in the mechanical facility. On average, about 35.6 kgCO 2 -eq are generated by the SRF transportation and production phase. These impacts are greatly compensated by coke substitution, obtaining a net value of about −1.1 tCO 2 -eq avoided per ton of SRF. On balance, the global warming potential due to SRF production and consumption ranges from about −542 kgCO 2 -eq to about −1729 kgCO 2 -eq. The research recommended the use of SRF to substitute coke in cement kilns also in low densely-populated areas to mitigate environmental impacts and achieve carbon neutrality at a global level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) reduction provides an environment-friendly alternative to conventional method for the upgrade of furfural to furfuryl alcohol. At present, exploring superior catalysts with high activity and selectivity, figuring out the reduction mechanism in aqueous alkaline environment are urgent. In this work, zinc cobalt bimetallic oxide (ZnMn 2 O 4) with surface-derived Zn2+ vacancies supported by carbon nanofibers (d- ZnMn 2 O 4 -C) was fabricated. The d- ZnMn 2 O 4 -C exhibited excellent performance in electrocatalytic reduction of furfural, high furfuryl alcohol yield (49461.1 ± 228 µmol g−1) and Faradaic efficiency (95.5 ± 0.5 %) was obtained. In-depth research suggested that carbon nanofiber may strongly promoted the production of adsorbed hydrogen (H ads), and Zn2+ vacancies may significantly lowered the energy barrier of furfural reduction to furfuryl alcohol, the synergistic effect between carbon nanofiber and d- ZnMn 2 O 4 probably facilitated the reaction between H ads and furfuryl alcohol radical, thereby promoting the formation of furfuryl alcohol. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism was clarified by inhibitor coating and isotope experiments, the results of which revealed that the conversion of furfural to furfuryl alcohol on d- ZnMn 2 O 4 -C followed both ECH and direct electroreduction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practical application of room temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na–S) batteries are prevented by the sulfur insulation, the severe shuttling effect of high‐order sodium polysulfides (Na2Sn, 4 ≤ n ≤ 8), and the sluggish reaction kinetics. Therefore, designing an ideal host material to suppress the polysulfides shuttle process and accelerate the redox reactions of soluble NaPSs to Na2S2/Na2S is of paramount importance for RT Na–S batteries. Here, a quasi‐solid‐state transformation of NaPSs is realized by building high efficiency MoC‐W2C heterostructure in freestanding multichannel carbon nanofibers via electrospinning and calcination methods (MoC‐W2C‐MCNFs). The multichannel carbon nanofibers are interlinked micro‐mesoporous structures that can accommodate volume change of electrode materials and confine the entire redox process of NaPSs (restraining the polysulfides shuttle process). Meanwhile, the MoC‐W2C heterostructure with abundant heterointerfaces can facilitate electron/ion transport and accelerate conversion of NaPSs. Consequently, the S/MoC‐W2C‐MCNFs cathode delivers a high capacity of 640 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 and an excellent reversible performance of 200 mAh g−1 after ultralong 3500 cycles at 4 A g−1. What's more, the heterostructure catalytic mechanism (a quasi‐solid‐state transformation) is proposed and confirmed in carbonate electrolyte by combining experimentally and theoretically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]