Construction of a Heterostructured Alloy-Molybdenum Nitride Catalyst for Enhanced NH Production via Nitrate Electrolysis.

Here, we reported a highly efficient nitrate electroreduction (NORR) electrocatalyst that integrated alloying and heterostructuring strategies comprising FeCo alloy and MoN (FeCo-MoN/NC). Notably, the maximum NH Faraday efficiency (FE) of 83.24%, NH yield of 12.

Mechanically Robust Bismuth-Embedded Carbon Microspheres for Ultrafast Charging and Ultrastable Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Advancements in the development of fast-charging and long-lasting microstructured alloying anodes with high volumetric capacities are essential for enhancing the operational efficiency of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). These anodes, however, face challenges such as declined cyclability and rate capability, primarily due to mechanical degradation reduced by significant volumetric changes (over 252%) and slow kinetics of sodium-ion storage. Herein, we introduce a novel anode design featuring densely packed bismuth (Bi) embedded within highly conductive carbon microspheres to overcome the aforementioned challenges.

Comprehensive Passivation of Surface and Bulk Defects in Perovskite for High Efficiency Carbon-Based CsPbI3 Solar Cells.

Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) have the advantages of high stability and low cost, but their mean efficiency has become an obstacle to commercialization. Defects, which are widely distributed on the surface and bulk of films, are an important factor in C-PSCs for low efficiency. The conventional post-treatment method through forming a low-dimensional (LD) perovskite layer usually fails in manipulating the bulk defects.

Interstitial Doping in Ultrafine Nanocrystals for Efficient and Durable Water Splitting.

Transition metal-based catalysts with high efficiency and stability for overall water splitting (OWS) offer significant potential for reducing green hydrogen production costs. Utilizing sputtering deposition technology, we propose a deposition-diffusion strategy to fabricate heterojunction coatings composed of ultrafine FeCoNi-C-N transition metal interstitial solid solution (TMISS) nanocrystals and amorphous nitrided carbon (NC) on the pre-deposited NC micro column arrays. The diffusion of C and N atoms results in the formation of uniformly distributed TMISS nanocrystals, with an average diameter of ~1.

Lattice Strain-Modulated Trifunctional CoMoO Polymorph-Based Electrodes for Asymmetric Supercapacitors and Self-Powered Water Splitting.

Developing efficient, multifunctional electrodes for energy storage and conversion devices is crucial. Herein, lattice strains are reported in the β-phase polymorph of CoMoO within CoMoO@CoO heterostructure via phosphorus doping (P-CoMoO@CoO) and used as a high-performance trifunctional electrode for supercapacitors (SCs), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline electrolytes. A tensile strain of +2.

Tumor-Resident Intracellular Bacteria Scavenger Activated In Situ Vaccines for Potent Cancer Photoimmunotherapy.

In situ tumor vaccines, which utilize antigens generated during tumor treatment to stimulate a cancer patient's immune system, has become a potential field in cancer immunotherapy. However, due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITME), the generation of tumor antigens is always mild and not sufficient. Tumor-resident intracellular bacteria have been identified as a complete tumor microenvironment component to contribute to creating ITME.

Thermoelectric Properties of a Light Compound FeS: the Role of Electron Correlation Strengthened Spin-Orbital Coupling.

Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) induced nontrivial bandgap and complex Fermi surface has been considered to be profitable for thermoelectrics, which, however, is generally appreciable only in heavy elements, thereby detrimental to practical application. In this study, the SOC-driven extraordinary thermoelectric performance in a light 2D material Fe₂S₂ is demonstrated via first-principles calculations. The abnormally strong SOC, induced by electron correlation through 3d orbitals polarization, significantly renormalizes the band structures, which opens the bandgap via Fe 3d orbitals inversion, exposes the second conduction valley with weak electron-phonon coupling, and aligns the energy of Fe 3d and S 3p orbitals with divergent momentum in valence band.

Advances of immunosensors based on noble metal composite materials for detecting procalcitonin.

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a reliable biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring bacterial infections and sepsis. PCT exhibits good stability both in vivo and in vitro, and its levels drastically increase in response to bacterial infection or inflammatory reactions in the human body, making it a dependable indicator for sepsis diagnosis and monitoring with significant implications for clinical diagnosis and treatment guidance. Currently, immunosensors are widely utilized in PCT detection due to their high sensitivity and low detection limits.

Intramolecular Cyclization and Energetic Group Modifications for Thermally Stable and Low-Sensitivity Monocyclic Dinitromethyl Zwitterionic Pyrazoles.

Zwitterionic energetic materials offer a unique combination of high performance and stability, yet their synthesis and stability enhancement remain key challenges. In this study, we report the synthesis of a highly stable (dinitromethyl-functionalized zwitterionic compound, 1-(amino(iminio)methyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)dinitromethanide (), with a thermal decomposition temperature of 215 °C, surpassing that of most previously reported energetic monocyclic zwitterions ( < 150 °C). This compound was synthesized via intramolecular cyclization of a trinitromethyl-functionalized hydrazone precursor.

Bioinspired Photo-Thermal Catalytic System using Covalent Organic Framework-based Aerogel for Synchronous Seawater Desalination and H2O2 Production.

Efficient utilization of solar energy is widely regarded as a crucial solution to addressing the energy crisis and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Coupling photothermal and photochemical conversion can effectively improve solar energy utilization yet remains challenging. Here, inspired by the photosynthesis system in green plants, we report herein an artificial solar energy converter (ASEC) composed of light-harvesting units as solar collector and oriented ionic hydrophilic channels as reactors and transporters.

Surmounting the instability of atomically precise metal nanoclusters towards boosted photoredox organic transformation.

Atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) have recently been recognized as an emerging sector of metal nanomaterials but suffer from light-induced poor stability, giving rise to the detrimental self-transformation into metal nanocrystals (NYs), losing the photosensitization effect and ultimately retarding their widespread applications in photoredox catalysis. Are metal NCs definitely superior to metal NYs in heterogeneous photocatalysis in terms of structural merits? To unlock this mystery, herein, we conceptually demonstrate how to rationally manipulate the instability of metal NCs to construct high-efficiency artificial photosystems and examine how the metal NYs self-transformed from metal NCs influence charge transfer in photoredox selective organic transformation. To our surprise, the results indicate that the Schottky-type electron-trapping ability of Au NYs surpasses the photosensitization effect of glutathione (GSH)-protected Au clusters [Au(GSH) NCs] in mediating charge separation and enhancing photoactivities towards selective photoreduction of aromatic nitro compounds to amino derivatives and photocatalytic oxidation of aromatic alcohols to aldehydes under visible light irradiation.

Retraction: Color tuning of Bi-doped double-perovskite Ba(Gd ,Lu )NbO (0 ≤ ≤ 0.6) solid solution compounds crystal field modulation for white LEDs.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1039/D0RA03793A.].

Fluorinated Benzothiadiazole-Based Polymers for Organic Solar Cells: Progress and Prospects.

The integration of fluorinated benzothiadiazole (FBT) into donor-acceptor (D-A) copolymers represents a major advancement in the field of organic solar cells (OSCs). The fluorination process effectively fine-tunes the energy levels, reduces the highest occupied molecular orbital levels, and enhances the open-circuit voltages of the polymers. Furthermore, fluorination improves molecular packing and crystallinity, which significantly boosts the charge transport and overall device performance.

Tracing the change of the volatile compounds of soy sauce at different fermentation times by PTR-TOF-MS, -nose and GC-MS.

Proton-transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-TOF-MS), combined with electronic nose (-nose), was first used to track the change of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soy sauce in this study. The results showed that 163 VOCs with different mass numbers were identified. Based on the differences in VOCs, the entire fermentation cycle was divided into four stages (0D and 15D; 30D-75D; 90D; 105D-120D).

Templated self-organization of polymer-tethered gold nanoparticles into freestanding superlattices at the liquid-air interface.

Programmable organization of uniform organic/inorganic functional building blocks into large-scale ordered superlattices has attracted considerable attention since the bottom-up self-organization strategy opens up a robust and universal route for designing novel and multifunctional materials with advanced applications in memory storage devices, catalysis, photonic crystals, and biotherapy. Despite making great efforts in the construction of superlattice materials, there still remains a challenge in the preparation of organic/inorganic hybrid superlattices with tunable dimensions and exotic configurations. Here, we report the spontaneous self-organization of polystyrene-tethered gold nanoparticles (AuNPs@PS) into freestanding organic/inorganic hybrid superlattices templated at the diethylene glycol-air interface.

Machine Learning-Assisted High-Throughput Screening of Nanozymes for Ulcerative Colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder with rising prevalence. Due to the recurrent and difficult-to-treat nature of UC symptoms, current pharmacological treatments fail to meet patients' expectations. This study presents a machine learning-assisted high-throughput screening strategy to expedite the discovery of efficient nanozymes for UC treatment.

Gold nanoparticles supported on aldehyde-functionalized chitin nanocrystals as efficient catalysts in environmental catalysis.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with ultra-small size anchored onto support materials is highly desired towards good catalytic performance. In this study, aldehyde-functionalized chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs-PVMA) are prepared by surface-initiated electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ARGET ATRP) with vanillin methacrylate (VMA) as a functional monomer, which are used as reductant, stabilizer and support for the fabrication of AuNPs through an environmentally friendly process that eliminates the need for any additional reducing agents. The abundant aldehyde groups of the prepared ChNCs-PVMA are crucial to achieve ultra-small AuNPs with average size of 5.

Geographical impact on the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in hilly terrain topsoil: A case study at Chongqing, SW, China.

The distribution and transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban environments are influenced by both anthropogenic sources and natural landscape features. While previous research has primarily focused on human activities as drivers of PAH pollution, the role of terrain-especially in cities with complex topographies-remains underexplored. To investigate the effect of terrain features on PAH distribution and transport, we analyzed topsoil samples evenly distributed in Chongqing, a city with hilly terrain (elevation: 48-2300 m).

Sequential addition of cations increases photoluminescence quantum yield of metal nanoclusters near unity.

Photoluminescence is one of the most intriguing properties of metal nanoclusters derived from their molecular-like electronic structure, however, achieving high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of metal core-dictated fluorescence remains a formidable challenge. Here, we report efficient suppression of the total structural vibrations and rotations, and management of the pathways and rates of the electron transfer dynamics to boost a near-unity absolute PLQY, by decorating progressive addition of cations. Specifically, with the sequential addition of Zn, Ag, and Tb into the 3-mercaptopropionic acids capped Au nanoclusters (NCs), the low-frequency vibration of the metal core progressively decreases from 144.

Room-temperature and recyclable preparation of cellulose nanofibers using deep eutectic solvents for multifunctional sensor applications.

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have gained increasing attention due to their robust mechanical properties, favorable biocompatibility, and facile surface modification. However, green and recyclable CNF production remains challenging. Herein, a green, low-cost and room-temperature strategy was developed to exfoliate CNFs using deep eutectic solvents.

Support effect on methane combustion over iridium catalysts: Unraveling the metal-support interaction mechanism.

The redox properties of iridium (Ir) active component are critically important in methane combustion. Interface engineering is highly effective in modulating the redox properties of active metals via tailoring the metal-support interaction (MSI). Herein, Ir catalysts supported on different carriers (TiO, CeO, AlO) were synthesized and evaluated for methane combustion.

Strategically Engineered Metal Cluster-Rare Earth Oxide Heterojunction Catalyst for High-Performance Lean Electrolyte Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Developing high-energy-density lithium-sulfur batteries faces serious polysulfide shuttle effects and sluggish conversion kinetics, often necessitating the excessive use of electrolytes, which in turn adversely affects battery performance. Our study introduces a meticulously designed electrocatalyst, Cu-CeO@N/C, to enhance lean-electrolyte lithium-sulfur battery performance. This catalyst, featuring in situ synthesized Cu clusters, regulates oxygen vacancies in CeO and forms Cu-CeO heterojunctions, thereby diminishing sulfur conversion barriers and hastening reaction kinetics through the generation of S/S intermediates.

Multiscale Understanding of Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Mechanisms, Electrocatalysts, Polymers, and Cell Management.

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are among the most promising sustainable electrochemical technologies to help solve energy challenges. Compared to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), AEMFCs offer a broader choice of catalyst materials and a less corrosive operating environment for the bipolar plates and the membrane. This can lead to potentially lower costs and longer operational life than PEMFCs.

Weakening Pd─O Bonds by an Amorphous Pd Layer to Promote Electrocatalysis.

Construction of core-shell structured electrocatalysts with a thin noble metal shell is an effective strategy for lowering the usage of the noble metal and improving electrocatalytic properties because of the structure-induced geometric and electronic effects. Here, the synthesis of a novel core-shell structured nanocatalyst consisting of a thin amorphous Pd shell and a crystalline PdCu core and its significantly improved electrocatalytic properties for both formic acid oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions are shown. The electrocatalyst exhibits 4.

Mechanical and Ecological Properties of CO Curing Magnesium Slag Concrete.

Magnesium slag is a by-product of the magnesium industry. As an auxiliary cementitious material incorporated into concrete, it can make full use of waste resources and has a certain potential for hydration and carbonation. To improve the mechanical properties of the concrete, the influence mechanism and strengthening mechanism of the carbon curing method on mechanical properties of magnesium slag concrete were investigated.