Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Chemical Shift as a Probe for Single-Molecule Charge Transport.

Existing modelling tools, developed to aid the design of efficient molecular wires and to better understand their charge-transport behaviour and mechanism, have limitations in accuracy and computational cost. Further research is required to develop faster and more precise methods that can yield information on how charge transport properties are impacted by changes in the chemical structure of a molecular wire. In this study, we report a clear semilogarithmic correlation between charge transport efficiency and nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts in multiple series of molecular wires, also accounting for the presence of chemical substituents.

Highly Electroconductive Metal-Polymer Hybrid Foams Based on Silver Nanowires: Manufacturing and Characterization.

Due to their electroconductive properties, flexible open-cell polyurethane foam/silver nanowire (PUF/AgNW) structures can provide an alternative for the construction of cheap pressure transducers with limited lifetimes or used as filter media for air conditioning units, presenting bactericidal and antifungal properties. In this paper, highly electroconductive metal-polymer hybrid foams (MPHFs) based on AgNWs were manufactured and characterized. The electrical resistance of MPHFs with various degrees of AgNW coating was measured during repeated compression.

Accessing Mg-Ion Storage in VPS via Combined Cationic-Anionic Redox with Selective Bond Cleavage.

Magnesium batteries attract interest as alternative energy-storage devices because of elemental abundance and potential for high energy density. Development is limited by the absence of suitable cathodes, associated with poor diffusion kinetics resulting from strong interactions between Mg and the host structure. VPS is reported as a positive electrode material for rechargeable magnesium batteries.

Potential Dependent Reorientation Controlling Activity of a Molecular Electrocatalyst.

The activity of molecular electrocatalysts depends on the interplay of electrolyte composition near the electrode surface, the composition and morphology of the electrode surface, and the electric field at the electrode-electrolyte interface. This interplay is challenging to study and often overlooked when assessing molecular catalyst activity. Here, we use surface specific vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy to study the solvent and potential dependent activation of Mo(bpy)(CO), a CO reduction catalyst, at a polycrystalline Au electrode.

Studying the cation dependence of CO reduction intermediates at Cu by VSFG spectroscopy.

The nature of the electrolyte cation is known to have a significant impact on electrochemical reduction of CO at catalyst|electrolyte interfaces. An understanding of the underlying mechanism responsible for catalytic enhancement as the alkali metal cation group is descended is key to guide catalyst development. Here, we use vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy to monitor changes in the binding modes of the CO intermediate at the electrochemical interface of a polycrystalline Cu electrode during CO reduction as the electrolyte cation is varied.

Superionic lithium transport via multiple coordination environments defined by two-anion packing.

Fast cation transport in solids underpins energy storage. Materials design has focused on structures that can define transport pathways with minimal cation coordination change, restricting attention to a small part of chemical space. Motivated by the greater structural diversity of binary intermetallics than that of the metallic elements, we used two anions to build a pathway for three-dimensional superionic lithium ion conductivity that exploits multiple cation coordination environments.

Aula Verde (tree room) as a link between art and science to raise public awareness of nature-based solutions.

Nature-based solutions inherently require a multifaceted perspective that encompasses diverse fields. The aim of this project is to develop more effective nature-based solutions, climate action and environmental awareness by breaking down boundaries between disciplines and fostering a co-creative process. Concepts of ecology and urban forestry were combined with the research on political ecology, environmental humanities, land art, regenerative art, performing art, participatory art, and more-than-human art.

Local Structure in Disordered Melilite Revealed by Ultrahigh Field Ga and La Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Multinuclear Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of quadrupolar nuclei at ultrahigh magnetic field provides compelling insight into the short-range structure in a family of fast oxide ion electrolytes with LaSrGaO melilite structure. The striking resolution enhancement in the solid-state Ga NMR spectra measured with the world's unique series connected hybrid magnet operating at 35.2 T distinctly resolves Ga sites in four- and five-fold coordination environments.

Effect of iron addition to the electrolyte on alkaline water electrolysis performance.

Improvement of alkaline water electrolysis is a key enabler for quickly scaling up green hydrogen production. Fe is omnipresent within most industrial alkaline water electrolyzers and its effect on electrolyzer performance needs to be assessed. We conducted three-electrode and flow cell experiments with electrolyte Fe and Ni electrodes.

Simultaneous Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering with a Kerr Gate for Fluorescence Suppression.

The combination of surface-enhanced and Kerr-gated Raman spectroscopy for the enhancement of the Raman signal and suppression of fluorescence is reported. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active gold substrates were demonstrated for the expansion of the surface generality of optical Kerr-gated Raman spectroscopy, broadening its applicability to the study of analytes that show a weak Raman signal in highly fluorescent media under (pre)resonant conditions. This approach is highlighted by the well-defined spectra of rhodamine 6G, Nile red, and Nile blue.

Concluding remarks: a summary of the on rechargeable non-aqueous metal-oxygen batteries.

The on rechargeable non-aqueous metal-oxygen batteries is summarised. The remarks paper highlights the specific science contributions made in the vital areas of oxygen reduction and evolution reaction mechanisms in non-aqueous electrolytes; material developments for stable metal-oxygen battery cathodes; achieving stable metal anodes and protected interfaces; and, finally, contributions concerning the progress towards practical metal-oxygen batteries. Key conclusions associated with these papers will be highlighted in an order such that readers can identify papers that they would like to explore in more detail.

Caffeine intake and its association with nutrition, sleep, and physical activity among schoolchildren in the United Arab Emirates: a national cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Recent surveys indicate a significant increase in total caffeine intake among schoolchildren. Limited research has been published concerning the total intake of caffeine among schoolchildren in the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey estimated the total caffeine intake from foods and beverages among 10,275 schoolchildren in the UAE.

Spontaneous Imbibition and Evaporation in Rocks at the Nanometer Scale.

Understanding multiphase fluid displacement dynamics in porous media is of great importance in efficiently designing hydrogen storage projects in porous reservoirs. During gas injection and extraction, cyclic evaporation and spontaneous imbibition processes have an impact on storage efficiency. In both imbibition and evaporation, capillary films on the surface of grains play a role in the transport of water through the pore space.

Temperature and pH Stimuli-Responsive System Delivers Location-Specific Antimicrobial Activity with Natural Products.

Smart materials with controlled stimuli-responsive functions are at the forefront of technological development. In this work, we present a generic strategy that combines simple components, physicochemical responses, and easy fabrication methods to achieve a dual stimuli-responsive system capable of location-specific antimicrobial cargo delivery. The encapsulated system is fabricated by combining a biocompatible inert polymeric matrix of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and a bioactive cargo of saturated fatty acids.

Impedance spectroscopy of SbSe photovoltaics consisting of (SbSe) nanoribbons under light illumination.

SbSe, consisting of one-dimensional (SbSe) nanoribbons has drawn attention as an intriguing light absorber from the photovoltaics (PVs) research community. However, further research is required on the performance-limiting factors in SbSe PVs. In this study, we investigated the charge carrier behavior in SbSe PVs by impedance spectroscopy (IS) under light illumination.

Electrochemical Activation of Atomic-Layer-Deposited Nickel Oxide for Water Oxidation.

NiO-based electrocatalysts, known for their high activity, stability, and low cost in alkaline media, are recognized as promising candidates for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In parallel, atomic layer deposition (ALD) is actively researched for its ability to provide precise control over the synthesis of ultrathin electrocatalytic films, including film thickness, conformality, and chemical composition. This study examines how NiO bulk and surface properties affect the electrocatalytic performance for the OER while focusing on the prolonged electrochemical activation process.

An effective planning approach for integrated energy systems considering equipment operating characteristics.

Aiming at the accuracy of modeling in existing integrated energy system planning methods, a comprehensive energy system p lanning method that takes into account the actual operating efficiency of the system is proposed. First, the output model of various equipment units based on the basic structure of the integrated energy system is established. Then, based on the traditional energy hub model, a correction model for the work efficiency of energy equipment to construct an improved dynamic efficiency model of energy equipment is established.

A Model for the Fate of a Gas Bubble Interacting with a Wire Mesh.

In the concept of a microstructured bubble column reactor, microstructuring of the catalyst carrier is realized by introducing a static mesh of thin wires coated with catalyst inside the column. Meanwhile, the wires also serve the purpose of cutting the bubbles, which in turn results in high interfacial area and enhanced interface hydrodynamics. However, there are no models that can predict the fate of bubbles (cut/stuck) passing through these wires, thus making the reactor optimization difficult.

Transient absorption spectroscopy reveals that slow bimolecular recombination in SrTiO underpins its efficient photocatalytic performance.

The charge carrier dynamics of SrTiO are measured by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, revealing bimolecular recombination kinetics that are at least two magnitudes slower than alternative metal oxides. This slow recombination is associated with its high dielectric constant, and suggested to be central to SrTiO's high performance in photocatalytic systems.

Polyurethane/-Octadecane Phase-Change Microcapsules via Emulsion Interfacial Polymerization: The Effect of Paraffin Loading on Capsule Shell Formation and Latent Heat Storage Properties.

Organic phase-change materials (PCMs) hold promise in developing advanced thermoregulation and responsive energy systems owing to their high latent heat capacity and thermal reliability. However, organic PCMs are prone to leakages in the liquid state and, thus, are hardly applicable in their pristine form. Herein, we encapsulated organic PCM -Octadecane into polyurethane capsules via polymerization of commercially available polymethylene polyphenylene isocyanate and polyethylene glycol at the interface oil-in-water emulsion and studied how various -Octadecane feeding affected the shell formation, capsule structure, and latent heat storage properties.

Interfacial Bonding between a Crystalline Metal-Organic Framework and an Inorganic Glass.

The interface within a composite is critically important for the chemical and physical properties of these materials. However, experimental structural studies of the interfacial regions within metal-organic framework (MOF) composites are extremely challenging. Here, we provide the first example of a new MOF composite family, i.

Scaling up BiVO Photoanodes on Porous Ti Transport Layers for Solar Hydrogen Production.

Commercialization of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting devices requires the development of large-area, low-cost photoanodes with high efficiency and photostability. Herein, we address these challenges by using scalable fabrication techniques and porous transport layer (PTLs) electrode supports. We demonstrate the deposition of W-doped BiVO on Ti PTLs using successive-ionic-layer-adsorption-and-reaction methods followed by boron treatment and chemical bath deposition of NiFeOOH co-catalyst.

Disorder and Oxide Ion Diffusion Mechanism in LaSrGaO Melilite from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.

Layered tetrahedral network melilite is a promising structural family of fast ion conductors that exhibits the flexibility required to accommodate interstitial oxide anions, leading to excellent ionic transport properties at moderate temperatures. Here, we present a combined experimental and computational magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approach which aims at elucidating the local configurational disorder and oxide ion diffusion mechanism in a key member of this structural family possessing the LaSrGaO composition. O and Ga MAS NMR spectra display complex spectral line shapes that could be accurately predicted using a computational ensemble-based approach to model site disorder across multiple cationic and anionic sites, thereby enabling the assignment of bridging/nonbridging oxygens and the identification of distinct gallium coordination environments.

Euler-Lagrange Simulations of Microstructured Bubble Columns Using a Novel Cutting Model.

In the concept of a microstructured bubble column reactor, meshes coated with catalyst can cut the bubbles, which in turn results in high interfacial area and enhanced interface hydrodynamics. In previous work, we developed a closure model for the fate of bubbles interacting with a wire mesh based on the outcomes of energy balance analysis. In this paper, the model is validated using Euler-Lagrange simulations against two experimental cases of microstructured bubble columns.

Innovative Low-Cost Composite Nanoadsorbents Based on Eggshell Waste for Nickel Removal from Aqueous Media.

In a contemporary sustainable economy, innovation is a prerequisite to recycling waste into new efficient materials designed to minimize pollution and conserve non-renewable natural resources. Using an innovative approach to remediating metal-polluted water, in this study, eggshell waste was used to prepare two new low-cost nanoadsorbents for the retrieval of nickel from aqueous solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that in the first eggshell-zeolite (EZ) adsorbent, the zeolite nanoparticles were loaded in the eggshell pores.