Highly sensitive electrochemical DNA sensor based on the use of three-dimensional nitrogen-doped graphene.

This paper describes a voltammetric method for sensitive determination of specific sequences of DNA. The assay is based on three-dimensional nitrogen-doped graphene (3D-NG) which, due to its excellent electrical conductivity, provides a favorable microenvironment to retain the activity of immobilized probe single-stranded DNA and also facilitates electron transfer. The free-standing 3D-NG electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

A novel energy-efficient pyrolysis process: self-pyrolysis of oil shale triggered by topochemical heat in a horizontal fixed bed.

This paper proposes a novel energy-efficient oil shale pyrolysis process triggered by a topochemical reaction that can be applied in horizontal oil shale formations. The process starts by feeding preheated air to oil shale to initiate a topochemical reaction and the onset of self-pyrolysis. As the temperature in the virgin oil shale increases (to 250-300°C), the hot air can be replaced by ambient-temperature air, allowing heat to be released by internal topochemical reactions to complete the pyrolysis.

Metagenomics of ancient fermentation pits used for the production of chinese strong-aroma liquor.

The complex microbiota of pit mud of solid-state fermentation reactors used for the production of Chinese liquor is responsible for producing one of the oldest distillates in the world. We apply a deep-sequencing approach to characterize the microbiota from pits that have been in use for up to 440 years.

Direct conversion of urea into graphitic carbon nitride over mesoporous TiO2 spheres under mild condition.

Mesoporous TiO(2) spheres with a large surface area and rich surface hydroxyl groups have been prepared through a light-driven synthetic strategy, and the as-prepared mesoporous material is able to convert urea to carbon nitride efficiently under a mild condition.

Heterometal alkoxides as precursors for the preparation of porous Fe- and Mn-TiO2 photocatalysts with high efficiencies.

Transition-metal-doped titanium glycolates (M-TG, with M=Fe, Mn), which are the first non-stoichiometric heterometal alkoxides, have been synthesised through a solvothermal doping approach. X-ray diffraction, UV/Vis diffuse reflectance and ESR spectroscopy revealed that the dopant ion (Fe(3+) or Mn(2+)) is substituted for Ti(4+) in the TG lattice. Fe(3+) prolongs the crystallisation time of Fe-TG, whereas Mn(2+) has a smaller effect on the crystallisation time in comparison with Fe(3+).