Tailoring a Transition Metal Dual-Atom Catalyst via a Screening Descriptor in Li-S Batteries.

The adsorption-conversion paradigm of polysulfides during the sulfur reduction reaction (SRR) is appealing to tackle the shuttle effect in Li-S batteries, especially based upon atomically dispersed electrocatalysts. However, mechanistic insights into such catalytic systems remain ambiguous, limiting the understanding of sulfur electrochemistry and retarding the rational design of available catalysts. Herein, we systematically explore the polysulfide adsorption-conversion essence via a geminal-atom model system to understand the catalyst roles toward an expedited SRR.

Magnetointeractive CrTe-Coated Liquid Metal Droplets for Flexible Memory Arrays and Wearable Sensors.

Magnetic liquid metal droplets, featured by unique fluidity, metallic conductivity, and magnetic reactivity, are of growing significance for next-generation flexible electronics. Conventional fabrication routes, which typically incorporate magnetic nanoparticles into liquid metals, otherwise encounter the pitfall pertaining to surface adhesivity and corrosivity over device modules. Here, an innovative approach of synergizing liquid metals with 2D magnetic materials is presented, accordingly creating chromium(III)-telluride-coated liquid metal (CT-LM) droplets via a simple self-assembly process.

Modeling and Simulation of Micron Particle Agglomeration in a Turbulent Flow: Impact of Cylindrical Disturbance and Particle Properties.

The fly ash generated by coal combustion is one of the main sources of PM2.5, so the particulate matter removal technology of coal-fired boilers is receiving increasing attention. Turbulent agglomeration has emerged as a powerful tool for improving the efficiency of removing fine particulates from environments, sparking interest in its study.

Influence of Renewable Nano-AlO on Engine Characteristics and Health Impact under Variable Injection Timings and Excess Air Coefficients.

Nano-AlO derived from recyclable sources emerges as a promising sustainable solution for enhancing diesel engine efficiency while mitigating emissions. However, a lack of an in-depth understanding of the health hazard aspect still challenges its commercial applications. To this end, nano-AlO/diesel (NAD) blends prepared via ultrasonic homogenization were experimentally and analytically investigated under various injection timings and excess air coefficients to explore the potential of nano-AlO for balancing energy performance and emissions.

Popularizing Holistic High-Index Crystal Plane via Nonepitaxial Electrodeposition Toward Hydrogen-Embrittlement-Relieved Zn Anode.

Electrodeposition is promising to fabricate Zn electrodes affording nonepitaxial single-crystal textures. Previous research endeavors focus on achieving Zn(002) faceted deposition, nevertheless, the popularization of a high-index Zn plane with favorable electrochemical activity remains poorly explored. There also exists a deficiency in the assessment of the electrodeposited quality of Zn.

Perfluorobutanoic acid: A short-chain perfluoroalkyl substance exhibiting estrogenic effects through the estrogen-related receptor γ pathways.

Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) is an emerging contaminant that was demonstrated to exhibit estrogen effects via action on classic estrogen receptors (ERs) in a low-activity manner. The purpose of the present study is to reveal the estrogen disruption effect and mechanism of PFBA via estrogen-related receptor γ (ERRγ) pathways. In vivo experiment indicated that PFBA accumulated in zebrafish ovary and caused ovarian injury, with disturbing sex hormone levels and interfering gene expression related to estrogen synthesis and follicle regulation.

Efficient ion transport mode and stable Li-interface induced by the introduction of HA-SiO in PVDF-based electrolytes for solid-state lithium metal batteries.

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) materials have been widely investigated as polymer matrix for solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) due to their high dielectric constant, electroactive effect (piezo-, pyro-, and ferroelectricity), and excellent thermal stability. However, the poor interface compatibility caused by highly reactive residual solvents and unsatisfactory ionic conductivity owing to sluggish Li transport kinetics are principal bottlenecks impeding the further development of PVDF-based electrolytes. Herein, we design a PVDF-based electrolytes with the assistance of hydrophilic-amorphous silica (HA-SiO).

Boosting Photovoltaic Efficiency: The Role of Functional Group Distribution in Perovskite Film Passivation.

The utilization of small organic molecules with appropriate functional groups and geometric configurations for surface passivation is essential for achieving efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, two isomers, 4-sulfonamidobenzoic acid (4-SA) and 3-sulfamobenzoic acid (3-SA), both featuring sulfanilamide and carboxyl functional groups arranged in different positions, are evaluated for their effectiveness in passivating defects of the perovskite layer. The calculation and characterization results reveal that 3-SA, with its meta-substitution, offered superior passivation compared to the para-substituted 4-SA, leading to enhanced charge carrier dynamics and extraction efficiency.

Multiscale Mass Transport Across Membranes: From Molecular Scale to Nanoscale to Micron Scale.

Multiscale mass transport across membranes occurs ubiquitously in biological systems but is difficult to achieve and long-sought-after in abiotic systems. The multiscale transmembrane transport in abiotic systems requires the integration of multiscale transport channels and energy ergodicity, making multiscale mass transport a significant challenge. Herein, emulsion droplets with cell-like confinement are used as the experimental model, and multiscale mass transport is achieved from molecular scale to nanoscale to micron scale, reproducing rudimentary forms of cell-like transport behaviors.

New Polymeric Acceptors Based on Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b'] Difuran Moiety for Efficient All-Polymer Solar Cells.

In order to realize high-performance bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) all-polymer solar cells, achieving appropriate aggregation and moderate miscibility of the polymer blends is one critical factor. Herein, this study designs and synthesizes two new polymer acceptors (Ps), namely PYF and PYF-Cl, containing benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b'] difuran (BDF) moiety with/without chlorine atoms on the thiophene side groups. Thanks to the preferred planar structure and high electronegativity of the BDF units, the resultant Ps generate strong intermolecular interactions and π-π stacking in both the neat and blend films.

Bismuth-Metal and Carbon Quantum Dot Co-Doped NiAl-LDH Heterojunctions for Promoting the Photothermal Catalytic Reduction of CO.

The quest for sustainable photocatalytic CO reduction reactions (CRR) emphasizes the development of high-efficiency, economically viable, and durable photocatalysts. A novel approach involving the synthesis of Bi-CDs/LDH heterojunctions, incorporating plasma metals and carbon quantum dots via hydrothermal and co-precipitation methods, yields remarkable results. The optimized BCL-4 photocatalyst demonstrates exceptional performance, with CH and CH yields of 1.

Dual-Doping Strategy for Lowering the Thermal Expansion Coefficient and Promoting the Catalytic Activity in Perovskite Cobaltate Air Electrodes for Solid Oxide Cells.

Lowering the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) and promoting the catalytic activity of cobalt-based perovskite air electrodes is crucial for efficient solid oxide cells (SOCs) devices. However, the co-achievement of both merits has usually been largely compromised in most scenarios. Herein, a dual-doping strategy to manipulate the properties of perovskite cobaltate electrocatalyst is reported in which a high valence element of Ta is incorporated into B-site to significantly suppress the dynamic reduction of Co species and reduces the TEC value from PrBaCoO (PBC, 17.

A Novel Tensile Fracture Location of Friction Plug Welding (FPW) Joints.

The fracture position of a friction plug welding (FPW) joint is typically located at or near the thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ). Here, we found that microcracks in all FPW specimens initiate at the deformed plug center (DPC) zone and then propagate through the plug center along 45° shear surfaces, because the lowest hardness occurs at the DPC zone rather than the TMAZ or other zones, and the DPC zone presents a tilt fiber-like microstructure. Such a tilt microstructure stimulates formations and deformations of microvoids and propagation of microcracks along 45° shear surfaces.

Research Progress and Outlook of Molecular Dynamics Simulation on Carbon Dioxide Applied for Methane Exploitation from Hydrates.

Research progress of carbon dioxide applied for methane exploitation from hydrates is summarized, with a focus on advances in molecular dynamics simulations and their application in understanding the mechanism of carbon dioxide replacement for hydrate exploitation. The potential of carbon dioxide in enhancing energy recovery efficiency and promoting carbon capture and storage is emphasized. An overview is provided of the advancements made in utilizing carbon dioxide for methane hydrate exploitation, highlighting its significance.

Enhanced Optoelectronic Performance and Polarized Sensitivity in WSe Nanoscrolls Through Quasi-One-Dimensional Structure.

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as tungsten diselenide (WSe), are expected to be used in next-generation optoelectronic devices due to their unique properties. In this study, we developed a simple method of using ethanol to scroll monolayer WSe nanosheets into nanoscrolls. These nanoscrolls have a quasi-one-dimensional structure, which enhances their electronic and optical properties.

The Growth and Ion Absorption of Sesbania ( and Hairy Vetch () in Saline Soil Under Improvement Measures.

Soil salinization is a serious threat to the ecological environment and sustainable agricultural development in the arid regions of northwest China. Optimal soil salinization amelioration methods were eagerly explored under different soil salinity levels. Sesbania and hairy vetch are salt-tolerant plants, and green manure improved the saline environment.

Construction of a Convenient and Highly Sensitive Sensor for the Detection of Myo in Serum Based on ELI-SERS.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most common causes of sudden death in cardiovascular disease, and myoglobin (Myo) is the first protein to be released in the blood after the attack, which is an important biomarker for clinical detection of AMI. The "Golden Rescue Time" for acute myocardial infarction is to intervene within the first 30 min after the attack; therefore, a rapid and accurate Myo detection method is needed urgently. In this study, we designed a combined enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunoassay (ELI-SERS), which integrates the small sample volume, ease of operation, and excellent linearity of ELISA while utilizing the SERS technique and selecting the molecule with the Raman signal (IR-808), which is in resonance with the excitation wavelength, for further signal enhancement.

Computational evaluation of interactive dynamics for a full transcatheter aortic valve device in a patient-specific aortic root.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a key treatment for severe aortic stenosis, especially for patients unsuitable for surgery. Since its introduction in 2002, TAVI has advanced significantly due to improvements in imaging, operator skills, and device engineering. Despite these innovations, challenges in device sizing and positioning remain, complicating outcome predictions.

Monodisperse, Highly Spherical, Single Crystalline Au Nanospheres for Uniform and Reproducible Hot Spots in Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering at the Single-Particle Level.

Hot spots can generate intense local electromagnetic (EM) fields, thereby boosting diverse innovative applications. However, these applications may face challenges due to their subtle structural changes that can significantly impact their EM field strength. Herein, we report a large-scale synthesis of monodisperse, highly spherical, single crystalline (SC) Au nanospheres (Au NSs) with tunable sizes ranging from 38 to 92 nm for constructing uniform and reproducible hot spots with a nanosphere-on-mirror (NSoM) configuration.

Strengthened d-p Orbital Hybridization on Metastable Cubic MoC for Highly Stable Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Suppressing the lithium polysulfide (LiPS) shuttling as well as accelerating the conversion kinetics is extremely crucial yet challenging in designing sulfur hosts for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Phase engineering of nanomaterials is an intriguing approach for tuning the electronic structure toward regulating phase-dependent physicochemical properties. In this study, a metastable phase δ-MoC catalyst was elaborately synthesized via a boron doping strategy, which exhibited a phase transfer from hexagonal to cubic structure.

Enhancing Performance of Microbial Fuel Cell by Binder-Free Modification of Anode with Reduced Graphene Oxide through One-Step Electrochemical Exfoliation and In Situ Electrodeposition.

As the core component of microbial fuel cells, the conductivity and biocompatibility of anode are hard to achieve simultaneously but significantly influence the power generation performance and the overall cost of microbial fuel cells. Stainless steel felt has a low price and high conductivity, making it a potential anode for the large-scale application of microbial fuel cells. However, its poor biocompatibility limits its application.

In Situ Unravelling NiOOH Species on Flower-Like NiFeCo LDH/NbCT for Ameliorated Solar-Powered Bifunctional Electrocatalytic Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation Coupled with Hydrogen Evolution.

Developing bifunctional electrocatalysts from earth-abundant first-row transition metals for large-scale hydrogen production through water electrolysis is both promising and challenging. This study presents a ternary layered double hydroxide (LDH) as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and benzyl alcohol oxidation (BAOR). The synergy between 2D NiFeCo LDH and non-Ti-based NbCT MXene enhances electrochemical performance.

Directing Zn Growth with Biased Adsorption of Straight-chain Molecules for Superior Zn Anode Stability.

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs), which have attracted attentions in the field of energy storage, is affected by dendrites and side reactions of Zn anode, resulting in an unsatisfactory performance of AZIBs. Herein, we propose a biased adsorption strategy mediated by straight-chain molecule (Scm) for stabilizing Zn anode. The dual polar termini of Scms guaranties securely anchor themselves in a parallel orientation upon the Zn anode surface.

Exploring the impact mechanism of ambient gas properties on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy to guide the raw signal improvement.

Background: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has long been regarded as the future superstar for chemical analysis. However, hindered by the fact that the signal source of LIBS is a spatially and temporally unstable plasma that interacts dramatically with ambient gases, LIBS has always suffered from poor signal quality, especially low signal repeatability. Although ambient gases act as one of the most direct and critical factors affecting LIBS signals, a clear understanding on how ambient gas properties impact LIBS signals is still lacking to act as guideline for the signal quality improvement.