Machine learning-guided realization of full-color high-quantum-yield carbon quantum dots.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have versatile applications in luminescence, whereas identifying optimal synthesis conditions has been challenging due to numerous synthesis parameters and multiple desired outcomes, creating an enormous search space. In this study, we present a novel multi-objective optimization strategy utilizing a machine learning (ML) algorithm to intelligently guide the hydrothermal synthesis of CQDs. Our closed-loop approach learns from limited and sparse data, greatly reducing the research cycle and surpassing traditional trial-and-error methods.

Amine-Functionalized Metal-Free Nanocarbon to Boost Selective CO Electroreduction to CO in a Flow Cell.

Highly efficient electrochemical CO-to-CO conversion is a promising approach for achieving carbon neutrality. While nonmetallic carbon electrocatalysts have shown potential for CO-to-CO utilization in H-type cells, achieving efficient conversion in flow cells at an industrial scale remains challenging. In this study, we present a cost-effective synthesis strategy for preparing ultrathin 2D carbon nanosheet catalysts through simple amine functionalization.

Isomerization Engineering of Oxygen-Enriched Carbon Quantum Dots for Efficient Electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Production.

Hydrogen peroxide (HO) has emerged as a kind of multi-functional green oxidants with extensive industrial utility. Oxidized carbon materials exhibit promises as electrocatalysts in the two-electron (2e) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for HO production. However, the precise identification and fabrication of active sites that selectively yield HO present a serious challenge.

Halogen doped graphene quantum dots modulate TDP-43 phase separation and aggregation in the nucleus.

TDP-43 is implicated in the dynamic formation of nuclear bodies and stress granules through phase separation. In diseased states, it can further condense into pathological aggregates in the nucleus and cytoplasm, contributing to the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this study, we evaluate the effect of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with different functional groups on TDP-43's phase separation and aggregation in various cellular locations.

Synergistic Effects of Amine Functional Groups and Enriched-Atomic-Iron Sites in Carbon Dots for Industrial-Current-Density CO Electroreduction.

Metal phthalocyanine molecules with Me-N centers have shown promise in electrocatalytic CO reduction (eCOR) for CO generation. However, iron phthalocyanine (FePc) is an exception, exhibiting negligible eCOR activity due to a higher CO to COOH conversion barrier and stronger CO binding energy. Here, amine functional groups onto atomic-Fe-rich carbon dots (Af-Fe-CDs) are introduced via a one-step solvothermal molecule fusion approach.

Aminated graphene quantum dots/CdS nanobelts for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of RhB dye under visible light.

CdS nanoparticles have wide applications as photocatalysts for degradation of organic pollutants, but due to their limited turnover number and off-pathway charge recombination processes, their degradation efficiency is low. Herein, aminated graphene quantum dots/CdS (GQDs/CdS) nanobelts were successfully fabricated by solvothermal and hydrothermal processes. The prepared GQDs/CdS were characterized by physical methods to investigate their structure, morphology, optical properties, specific surface area, element composition, and chemical state.

Amide Covalent Bonding Engineering in Heterojunction for Efficient Solar-Driven CO Reduction.

Inefficient charge separation and slow interfacial reaction dynamics significantly hamper the efficiency of photocatalytic CO reduction. Herein, a facile EDC/NHS-assisted linking strategy was developed to enhance charge separation in heterojunction photocatalysts. Using this approach, we successfully synthesized amide-bonded carbon quantum dot--CN (CQD-CN) heterojunction photocatalysts.

Graphene Quantum Dot-Mediated Atom-Layer Semiconductor Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution.

The hydrogen evolution reaction performance of semiconducting 2H-phase molybdenum disulfide (2H-MoS) presents a significant hurdle in realizing its full potential applications. Here, we utilize theoretical calculations to predict possible functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs), which can enhance HER activity of bulk MoS. Subsequently, we design a functionalized GQD-induced in-situ bottom-up strategy to fabricate near atom-layer 2H-MoS nanosheets mediated with GQDs (ALQD) by modulating the concentration of electron withdrawing/donating functional groups.

Gram-Scale Mechanochemical Synthesis of Atom-Layer MoS Semiconductor Electrocatalyst via Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution.

The development of advanced and efficient synthetic methods is pivotal for the widespread application of 2D materials. In this study, a facile and scalable solvent-free mechanochemical approach is approached, employing graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as exfoliation agents, for the synthesis and functionalization of nearly atom-layered MoS nanosheets (ALMS). The resulting ALMS exhibits an ultrathin average thickness of 4 nm and demonstrates high solvent stability.

Functional Group Modulation in Carbon Quantum Dots for Accelerating Photocatalytic CO Reduction.

This study investigates the mechanism behind the enhanced photocatalytic performance of carbon quantum dot (CQD)-induced photocatalysts. Red luminescent CQDs (R-CQDs) were synthesized using a microwave ultrafast synthesis strategy, exhibiting similar optical and structural properties but varying in surface functional group sites. Model photocatalysts were synthesized by combining R-CQDs with graphitic carbon nitride (CN) using a facile coupling technique, and the effects of different functionalized R-CQDs on CO reduction were investigated.

Solvent Engineering of Oxygen-Enriched Carbon Dots for Efficient Electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Production.

The development of cost-effective and reliable metal-free carbon-based electrocatalysts has gained significant attention for electrochemical hydrogen peroxide (H O ) generation through a two-electron oxygen reduction reaction. In this study, a scalable solvent engineering strategy is employed to fabricate oxygen-doped carbon dots (O-CDs) that exhibit excellent performance as electrocatalysts. By adjusting the ratio of ethanol and acetone solvents during the synthesis, the surface electronic structure of the resulting O-CDs can be systematically tuned.

Graphene Quantum Dots Modulate Stress Granule Assembly and Prevent Abnormal Phase Transition of Fused in Sarcoma Protein.

Protein liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays a crucial role in mediating dynamic assembly of different membraneless organelles such as stress granules (SGs). Dysregulation of dynamic protein LLPS leads to aberrant phase transition and amyloid aggregation which is closely associated with neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we found that three types of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) exhibit potent activity in preventing SG formation and promoting SG disassembly.

Rational Design of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots for Inhibiting -Amyloid Aggregation.

The fibrillization and abnormal aggregation of -amyloid (A) peptides are commonly recognized risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, and require an effective strategy to inhibit the A deposition and treat AD. Herein, we designed and synthesized nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) as an A-targeted probe, which exhibits the capacity of inhibiting the 1-42 A (A) self-assembly in vitro. The N-CDs exhibited orange emission with an emission wavelength of 570 nm, which demonstrates their excellent optical properties with excitation-independent behavior.

Surface state engineering of carbon dot/carbon nanotube heterojunctions for boosting oxygen reduction performance.

Platinum-based (Pt) catalysts are the most common commercial catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). Unfortunately, their high price, scarcity and poor durability hinder their further development. Therefore, the development of effective and economical ORR electrocatalysts has received increasing attention.

Elastic Buffering Layer on CuS Enabling High-Rate and Long-Life Sodium-Ion Storage.

The latest view suggests the inactive core, surface pulverization, and polysulfide shuttling effect of metal sulfides are responsible for their low capacity and poor cycling performance in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Whereas overcoming the above problems based on conventional nanoengineering is not efficient enough. In this work, erythrocyte-like CuS microspheres with an elastic buffering layer of ultrathin polyaniline (PANI) were synthesized through one-step self-assembly growth, followed by in situ polymerization of aniline.

Isolated transition metal nanoparticles anchored on N-doped carbon nanotubes as scalable bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient Zn-air batteries.

Accelerating the sluggish anode reaction in a Zn-air battery can improve its energy efficiency, but the large-scale development of this battery is hindered by the lack of bifunctional catalysts. Herein, we designed a one-step carbonization strategy for synthesizing monodispersed Co nanoparticles supported on N-doped carbon nanotube (Co/CNT), which shows excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic performance with long-term durability for oxygen reduction reaction/oxygen evolution reaction. The formation of carbon substrates from the carbonization of nitrogenous organic molecules are benefit to capture more Co nanoparticles though strong metal-substrate interaction, then construct high-density effective active sites of the Lewis base for accelerating the electrocatalytic reaction process.

Stabilization of crystal and interfacial structure of Ni-rich cathode material by vanadium-doping.

Stable structure and interface of nickel-rich metal oxides is crucial for practical application of next generation lithium-ion batteries with high energy density. Bulk doping is the promising strategy to improve the structural and interfacial stability of the materials. Herein, we report the impact of vanadium-doping on the structure and electrochemical performance of LiNiCoAlO (NCA88).

Femoral artery aneurysm with large hematoma from Pasteurella: case report and literature review.

Background: Pasteurella multocida is a well-known gram-negative facultative anaerobe well known for its ability to cause soft tissue infections following animal bite or scratch. Here we present a case with mycotic aneurysm of the superficial femoral artery due to P. multocida infection.

Amine-Functionalized Carbon Nanodot Electrocatalysts Converting Carbon Dioxide to Methane.

The electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO ) to methane (CH ), which can be used not only as fuel but also as a hydrogen carrier, has drawn great attention for use in supporting carbon capture and utilization. The design of active and selective electrocatalysts with exceptional CO -to-CH conversion efficiency is highly desirable; however, it remains a challenge. Here a molecular tuning strategy-in situ amine functionalization of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for highly efficient CO -to-CH conversion is presented.

Regulation of functional groups on graphene quantum dots directs selective CO to CH conversion.

A catalyst system with dedicated selectivity toward a single hydrocarbon or oxygenate product is essential to enable the industrial application of electrochemical conversion of CO to high-value chemicals. Cu is the only known metal catalyst that can convert CO to high-order hydrocarbons and oxygenates. However, the Cu-based catalysts suffer from diverse selectivity.