High-Performance and Anti-Freezing Moisture-Electric Generator Combining Ion-Exchange Membrane and Ionic Hydrogel.

Moisture-electric generators (MEGs), which convert moisture chemical potential energy into electrical power, are attracting increasing attention as clean energy harvesting and conversion technologies. However, existing devices suffer from inadequate moisture trapping, intermittent electric output, suboptimal performance at low relative humidity (RH), and limited ion separation efficiency. This study designs an ionic hydrogel MEG capable of continuously generating energy with enhanced selective ion transport and sustained ion-to-electron current conversion at low RH by integrating an ion-exchange membrane (IEM-MEG).

Thermophilic lignin-based laccase nanozyme with CuN center for the detection of epinephrine and degradation of phenolic pollutants.

Natural laccases are a family of multi‑copper oxidases that can oxidize multiple phenol substrates and of great importance to contaminant remediation and biosensing. However, the construction of substitutes for the expensive and perishable laccase used in harsh conditions remains a great challenge. Here, we reported a novel strategy for the fabrication of copper-doped lignin-based laccase nanozymes (Cu-AL) through the coordination of aminated lignin and different copper sources.

Distribution of xylan linked glucuronic acid labelled by molecularly imprinted polymers on pulp fiber surface.

Efficiently utilization of plant resources is heavily restricted by the resistance of lignocellulose in plant cells, which is related to the interlinkages of lignocellulose components. Hemicellulose in plant cell wall is bound to cellulose by hydrogen bond and linked with lignin in lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC). In the xylan chain of hemicellulose, glucuronic acid (GA) is a typical side-group, which provides clues for us to label and locate hemicellulose.

Improvement of interface bonding of bacterial cellulose reinforced aged paper by amino-silanization.

The aging of paper seriously threatens the service life of cultural heritage documents. Bacterial cellulose (BC), which has a good fiber aspect ratio and is rich in hydroxyl groups, is suitable for strengthening aged paper. However, a single BC added was not ideal for paper restoration, since only strengthening was not able to resist the persistent acidification of ancient book.

Production of vanillin via oxidation depolymerization of lignin over Fe- and Mn-modified TS-1 zeolites.

Converting lignin into specific aromatic chemicals for utilization through depolymerization of lignin is an effective way to achieve high-value applications. There are many depolymerization methods that can do this, but there are problems such as harsh reaction conditions, low depolymerization efficiency and uncontrollable target products that need to be solved. This study reports a novel system for the oxidative depolymerization of alkali lignin using Fe- and Mn- modified TS-1 as a catalyst to assist in the highly selective production of vanillin.

Facile design of structurally robust, highly conductive and well-flexible hybrid film based on MXene, cellulose nanofiber and poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiphoenes):polystyrene sulfonate for supercapacitors.

Robust, conductive and flexible electrode materials have been the focus of attention in portable, wearable electronics. However, it is still a significant challenge to achieve synergistic development of multiple properties simultaneously. Herein, we propose a combination of microscale design and nanostructures strategy to prepare MXene/cellulose nanofiber-poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiphoenes):polystyrene sulfonate (TiCT/CNF-PEDOT:PSS, TC-P) hybrid film by a simple in-situ polymerization and vacuum filtration process.

Sustainable, super-stable thermochromic material by coupling hydroxypropyl cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is a green thermochromic material in energy-saving buildings, anti-counterfeiting, and data security fields. However, the high lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of HPC, around 42 °C (higher than the human thermal comfort temperature), limits its thermochromic sensitivity, poor stability, and short lifespan. Herein, we developed a durable, high-performance cellulose-based thermochromic composite with a lower LCST and easy preparation capability by combining HPC with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).

Cellulose-derived raw materials towards advanced functional transparent papers.

Pulp and paper are gradually transforming from a traditional industry into a new green strategic industry. In parallel, cellulose-derived transparent paper is gaining ground for the development of advanced functional materials for light management with eco-friendly, high performance, and multifunctionality. This review focuses on methods and processes for the preparation of cellulose-derived transparent papers, highlighting the characterization of raw materials linked to responses to different properties, such as optical and mechanical properties.

Electrospinning and electrospun polysaccharide-based nanofiber membranes: A review.

The electrospinning technology has set off a tide and given rise to the attention of a widespread range of research territories, benefiting from the enhancement of nanofibers which made a spurt of progress. Nanofibers, continuously produced via electrospinning technology, have greater specific surface area and higher porosity and play a non-substitutable key role in many fields. Combined with the degradability and compatibility of the natural structure characteristics of polysaccharides, electrospun polysaccharide nanofiber membranes gradually infiltrate into the life field to help filter air contamination particles and water pollutants, treat wounds, keep food fresh, monitor electronic equipment, etc.

Perforin-Mimicking Molecular Drillings Enable Macroporous Hollow Lignin Spheres for Performance-Configurable Materials.

Despite the first observations that the perforin can punch holes in target cells for live/dead cycles in the human immune system over 110 years ago, emulating this behavior in materials science remains challenging. Here, a perforin-mimicking molecular drilling strategy is employed to engineer macroporous hollow lignin spheres as performance-configurable catalysts, adhesives, and gels. Using a toolbox of over 20 molecular compounds, the local curvature of amphiphilic lignin is modulated to generate macroporous spheres with hole sizes ranging from 0 to 100 nm.

Multifunctioning of carboxylic-cellulose nanocrystals on the reinforcement of compressive strength and conductivity for acrylic-based hydrogel.

Simultaneously having competitive compressive properties, fatigue-resistant stability, excellent conductivity and sensitivity has still remained a challenge for acrylic-based conductive hydrogels, which is critical in their use in the sensor areas where pressure is performed. In this work, an integrated strategy was proposed for preparing a conductive hydrogel based on acrylic acid (AA) and sodium alginate (SA) by addition of carboxylic-cellulose nanocrystals (CNC-COOH) followed by metal ion interaction to reinforce its compressive strength and conductivity simultaneously. The CNC-COOH played a multifunctional role in the hydrogel by well-dispersing SA and AA in the hydrogel precursor solution for forming a uniform semi-interpenetrating network, providing more hydrogen bonds with SA and AA, more -COOH for metal ion interactions to form uniform multi-network, and also offering high modulus to the final hydrogel.

Adjustable strength and toughness of dual cross-linked nanocellulose films via spherical cellulose as soft-phase.

Nanocellulose films possess numerous merits ascribing to their inherent biocompatibility, non-toxic and biodegradability properties. The potential for practical applications would be improved if their mechanical strength and toughness requirements could be met simultaneously. Herein, dual cross-linked nanocellulose (DC) film was fabricated by the treatments of chemical and physical cross-linking, which was mechanically superior to pure nanocellulose (CNF) films.

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose/MXene/zeolite imidazolium framework-67-derived 3D porous carbon aerogel for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors.

Herein, we propose a carbon/TiO/CoO (CTC) composite carbon aerogel with a 3D porous conductive network structure derived from sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)/Mxene (TiCT)/zeolite imidazolium framework-67 (ZIF-67). Among them, CMC is used as the carbon skeleton, which can reduce the powdering caused by volume change and improve the cycle stability. TiCT acts as the conductive agent and dispersant for ZIF-67, exposing more reactive sites while constructing fast conductive channels to enhance electrochemical performance.

Fabrication of biodegradable films with UV-blocking and high-strength properties from spent coffee grounds.

Utilizing spent coffee grounds (SCG) to produce high value-added materials is attractive and meaningful. In this work, a multi-functional biomass film is prepared from SCG and dissolving pulp through a dissolution and regeneration process. Importantly, dissolving pulp as a reinforcing additive can significantly enhance the mechanical strength of the regenerated SCG film.

Recent advances in lignin-based 3D printing materials: A mini-review.

With the growing global population and rapid economic development, the demand for energy and raw materials is increasing, and the supply of fossil resources as the main source of energy and raw materials has reached a critical juncture. However, our overexploitation and overconsumption of fossil resources have led to serious problems, including environmental pollution, climate change, and ecosystem destruction. In the face of these challenges, we must recognize the negative impacts of the shortage of fossil resources and actively seek sustainable alternative sources of energy and resources to protect our environment and sustainable development in the future.

Carboxymethylcellulose/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate membrane after dimethyl sulfoxide treatment for flexible and high electrochemical performance asymmetric supercapacitors.

As the requirements for wearable electronic devices continue to increase, the development of bendable and foldable supercapacitors is becoming critical. However, it is still challenging to design free-standing electrodes with flexibility and high electrical conductivity. Herein, using carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as the biological template and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) as the electroactive material, a flexible CMC/PEDOT:PSS membrane with a cross-linked mesh structure was firstly synthesized by a facile in-situ polymerization and vacuum filtration process.

The catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oil for upgradation from lignocellulosic biomass.

The increasing depletion of oil resources and the environmental problems caused by using much fossil energy in the rapid development of society. The bio-oil becomes a promising alternative energy source to fossil. However, bio-oil cannot be directly utilized, owing to its high proportion of oxygenated compounds with low calorific value and poor thermal stability.

Superhydrophobic/Superhydrophilic Janus Evaporator for Extreme High Salt-Resistance Solar Desalination by an Integrated 3D Printing Method.

The emerging solar desalination technology has incomparable advantages for providing a clean water solution. However, the issue of salt accumulation on the solar evaporator tops during the steam generation leads to a considerable decrease in the evaporation rate. Herein, we demonstrate a superhydrophobic/superhydrophilic Janus evaporator that enables a stable solar evaporation even in saturated brine.

Lignin particles as green pore-forming agents for the fabrication of microporous polysulfone membranes.

Templating polymeric membranes with micro-nano-scaled solid materials is an effective method to simultaneously improve the water flux and retention ratio. However, the fabrication of a green, recyclable, and size-controlled template material remains a challenge. Here, a new green pore-forming agent, lignin particles (LP), was developed to prepare porous polysulfone (PSF) membranes via the phase inversion technique.

Preparation of rigid polyurethane foam from lignopolyol obtained through mild oxypropylation.

Lignin, one of the main components of lignocellulose, can be used as an alternative to chemical polyols in the production of polyurethane because of its abundant phenolic and alcohol hydroxyls. Traditionally, lignin is directly applied in the preparation of polyurethane; however, modified lignin has been proved to be superior, especially that obtained by the oxypropylation reaction. Therefore, lignopolyol obtained by mild and efficient oxypropylation was utilized in the production of rigid polyurethane foam in this study.

Controlled Cationic Polymerization of -Methylstyrene in Ionic Liquid and Its Mechanism.

Ionic liquid (IL) as a green solvent is entirely composed of ions; thus, it may be more than a simple solvent for ionic polymerization. Here, the cationic polymerization of -methylstyrene (-MeSt) initiated by 1-chloro-1-(4-methylphenyl)-ethane (-MeStCl)/tin tetrachloride (SnCl) was systematically studied in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([Bmim][NTf]) IL at -25 °C. The results show that IL did not participate in cationic polymerization, but its ionic environment and high polarity were favorable for the polarization of initiator and monomer and facilitate the controllability.

Stretchable and conductive cellulose hydrogel electrolytes for flexible and foldable solid-state supercapacitors.

In this study, the anti-freezing conductive hydrogel electrolytes with outstanding mechanical properties were synthesized by a facile and feasible method. The mechanical and anti-freezing properties of the synthesized polyacrylamide/lithium lhloride/water soluble cellulose acetate (PAM/LiCl/WSCA) hydrogels are significantly enhanced with the addition of WSCA and LiCl. The tensile strength and toughness of the gels were gradually increased to 341 KPa and 1.

Tunable mechanical behavior of collagen-based films: A comparison of celluloses in different geometries.

Collagen (Col) films were reinforced by celluloses in different geometries: microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), cellulosic fines (CF), cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). The reinforcement mechanisms were investigated by the elastoplasticity and fracture appearance. Compared with the fracture stress of collagen film (67.

Porous Carbon Material Derived from Steam-Exploded Poplar for Supercapacitor: Insights into Synergistic Effect of KOH and Urea on the Structure and Electrochemical Properties.

The electrochemical performance of supercapacitors using porous carbon as electrodes is strongly affected by the fabrication process of carbon material. KOH is commonly used as an activator combined with urea as a nitrogen dopant. However, the roles of KOH and urea in pore structure configuration and the electrochemical behavior of porous carbon electrodes are still ambiguous.

[Analysis on Diversity of Plankton Microbial Community in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Section of the North Canal River].

Reclaimed water plays an important role in alleviating the shortage of urban water resources; however, the trace pollutants and pathogens in reclaimed water have an effect on the plankton community in the receiving water. This study investigated the spatial variation mechanism of microbial community diversity in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei reach of the Nordkanal River based on the OTUs and phylum level fragment number and fragment abundance data matrix. The results showed that the physical and chemical disturbance caused by the frequent inflow of reclaimed water changed the hydrology and water quality of the water body, and the plankton community could be divided into two different groups along the geographical scale:the medium and upstream clustering (MUC) and the downstream clustering (DC).