Controllable self-assembly of double polyphenol-metal-network: A universal gravel-like lignin catalysts for water purification.

Lignin has attracted wide attention in sustainable environment remediation, especially the polyphenol-metal-network (PMN) based on lignin that shows unique applicability. In this work, by self-assembly of double PMN formed by lignin, plant tannins (TA) and Fe ions, a universal gravel-like lignin catalysts were reported for cost-efficient water purification. A controllable self-assembly technique dependent in pH was developed, achieving the controllable synthesis of materials with highly uniformity.

Lignin-modified cellulose nanofibers hydrogel under adjustable binary solvent systems with excellent adhesion, self-healing and anti-freeze properties.

Hydrogels with remarkable flexibility have gained popularity as materials for current research. However, the unfavorable properties of short-term adhesion, susceptibility to damage, and freezing in low-temperature presented by conventional hydrogels have become bottlenecks for further applications. In this work, an anti-freezing hydrogel with excellent mechanical, adhesion, and self-healing properties were developed by constructing a persistent semiquinone/quinone-catechol redox equilibrium environment.

Superhydrophobic and highly moisture-resistant PVA@EC composite membrane for air purification.

Electrospun fiber membranes have great potential in the field of air filtration because of their high porosity and small pore size. Conventional air filtration membranes are hydrophilic, leading to weak moisture-barrier properties, which hinders their application in high-humidity environments. In this study, eugenol was added to polyvinyl alcohol and ethyl cellulose (EC) for electrospinning and electrospraying, respectively, of superhydrophobic bilayer composite fiber membranes to efficiently filter particulate matter (PM) in air.

L-Cys-Assisted Conversion of H/CO to Biochemicals Using Clostridium ljungdahlii.

Carbon fixation and conversion based on Clostridium ljungdahlii have great potential for the sustainable production of biochemicals (i.e., 2,3-butanediol, acetic acid, and ethanol).

A bioinspired, strong, all-natural, superhydrophobic cellulose-based straw.

The promotion of cellulose-based paper straws is one of the important ways to improve white pollution nowadays. However, developing composite straws that are simultaneously highly biocompatible, safe, and non-toxic and that overcome the low water stability and physical strength problems caused by the inherent hydrophilicity of the raw material cellulose has become an important challenge in the development process. In this study, a new all-natural superhydrophobic straw (CFS) made of a composite of cellulose nanofibers and stearic acid was introduced.