Asymmetric Janus composite films with superior humidity regulation capabilities for the efficient preservation of strawberry fruit.

This study aims to report the limitations of single-layer film packaging to control relative humidity and preventing water vapor condensation within packaging systems. It introduces the development of an asymmetrically structured Janus humidity-regulated composite film. The composite film consists of an inner active layer made of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS) with a fibrous structure, and an outer barrier layer composed of PVA with a dense configuration.

Biodegradable poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/polylactic acid mulching films containing glufosinate ammonium-loaded layered double hydroxide: Enhanced performance, herbicidal performance and extended functional life.

Biodegradable poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)-based mulching films are currently attracting a lot of attention in the agricultural sector for boosting crops yields whilst preventing plastic waste accumulating in the environment. However, PBAT-based films are easily broken by weeds and then rapidly degrade resulting in a loss of moisture retention function. In this work, a series of PBAT/polylactic acid (PLA) mulching films containing glufosinate-ammonium-loaded nano layered double hydroxide nanosheets (Glu@LDH, with Glu loadings between 6 and 60 %) were successfully prepared.

Coral-Inspired Zinc Acrylate Polymer Utilizing Coumarin as the Fluorescent Unit for Marine Antifouling.

The need for low-cost and effective antifouling solutions drives innovation in the fields of chemistry, materials science, and biology. In this work, guided by the antifouling strategies used by fluorescent corals, a series of fluorescent zinc acrylate polymer coatings containing coumarin units (ZAR-coumarin) was successfully prepared. The ZAR-coumarin coatings demonstrated excellent antifouling properties due to the synergistic action of multiple antifouling mechanisms, including fluorescent antifouling, natural bactericidal activity, and self-polishing surface renewal (due to ester group (-COO-Zn-OOC-) cleavage).

Engineering the Lewis Acidity of Fe Single-Atom Sites via Atomic-Level Tuning of Spatial Coordination Configuration for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction.

Nitrogen-doped carbon-supported Fe catalysts (Fe-N-C) with Fe-N active sites hold great promise for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, fine-tuning the structure of Fe-N active sites to enhance their performance remains a grand challenge. Herein, we report an innovative design strategy to promote the ORR activity and kinetics of Fe-N sites by engineering their Lewis acidity, which is achieved by tuning the spatial Fe coordination geometry.

Solar-Driven Conversion of Nitrogen and Water to Solid Fertilizer in an Outdoor 1 m Panel Reactor.

Harnessing solar energy to convert molecular N into nitrogen-rich chemicals (e.g., ammonia) provides a potential pathway for the manufacture of "solar fertilizers".