Surface Reconstructed NiPt/Si Photoelectrodes for Bias-free Hydrogen Evolution Coupled with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural Oxidation.

Coupling hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with biomass valorization using a photoelectrochemical (PEC) system presents a promising approach for effectively converting solar energy to chemical energy. A crucial biomass valorization reaction is the production of value-added 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) via 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation reaction (HMFOR). To achieve efficient FDCA production, we demonstrate an effective photoanode strategy that combines metal silicidation, dopant segregation, and surface reconstruction to create a bimetallic silicide NiPtSi/n-Si photoanode.

CaAlBO: borate with a graphene-like layer featuring two types of topological six-membered rings induced by [AlO] units.

A novel borate CaAlBO, with two types of topological six-membered rings (6-MRs) in its graphene-like layer, was successfully fabricated by introducing [AlO] tetrahedra. The 6-MRs [BAlO] in CaAlBO can be identified as unique ones, and CaAlBO exhibits a new fundamental building block [BO] greatly enriching the structural diversity of B-O configurations.

One-Step Synthesis for Orn-Val with High Molecular Weight and Low Polydispersity by Ugi Four-Component Condensation.

Basic amino acid alternating copolymers exhibit exceptional antimicrobial properties and biosafety, yet their application is restricted by the complexity of the synthesis process and low molecular weight ( = 1000). In this study, we synthesized a basic amino acid alternating copolymer (Orn-Val) in only one step by the Ugi four-component condensation (Ugi'4CC), achieving high molecular weight ( = 20,000) and narrow polydispersity (PDI ≤ 1.10).

Near-infrared AIE chemiluminescence probe for monitoring and evaluating singlet oxygen in vivo.

The incorporation a "singlet oxygen (O) battery" into photodynamic therapy (PDT) could overcome the deficiency of tumor hypoxia in PDT and enhance its effect. However, real-time monitoring the O release efficiency of the O battery still presents a significant challenge in vivo. To address this issue, we have developed a bright aggregation-induced emission (AIE) chemiluminescence (CL) probe (DTLum), which conjugates a luminol unit with a donor-acceptor structured diketopyrrolopyrrole fluorophore, for the specific detection of O.

Onion-like carbon based single-atom iron nanozyme for photothermal and catalytic synergistic antibacterial application.

Nanozymes with oxidase (OXD)-like activity have emerged as promising antibacterial agents due to their capability of catalyzing atmospheric O to generate highly active free radicals. However, the precise engineering of functional nanozyme at the atomic level for antibacterial therapy presents a challenge. Here, atomically dispersed Fe atoms were loaded onto onion-like carbon (OLC) through a ligand-assisted calcination strategy, yielding a single-atom nanozyme (FeSA-OLC) with enhanced oxidase-like activity.

Synergistic microwave hyperthermia treatment for subcutaneous deep breast cancer using conformal array antennas and a microwave-thermal-sensitive nanomaterial.

When microwave hyperthermia (MWH) array antenna technology is used to treat breast cancer, how to effectively target and heat deep tumors and reduce thermal damage to healthy tissues is still a challenge in clinical applications. In this study, the synergistic MWH effect of conformal-array antennas (CAA) and a novel microwave-thermal-sensitive nanomaterial (MTSN) was investigated for the treatment of subcutaneous deep breast cancer. At the beginning of the study, the thermal damage score was used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the CAA.

Surface Activation and Characterization of Basalt Fiber by Plasma Treatment and Its Interfacial Adhesion with Epoxy.

The weakness of the fiber-matrix interface restricts the practical application of basalt fiber (BF) as a reinforcing material. In order to improve the interfacial adhesion between the BF and epoxy matrix, surface activation of the BF was carried out using low-pressure O and H-Ar plasma under various conditions. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS), evaluated by a micro-droplet de-bonding test, was adopted to demonstrate the bonding effects at the BF/epoxy interphase.

Turing-type nanochannel membranes with extrinsic ion transport pathways for high-efficiency osmotic energy harvesting.

Two-dimensional (2D) nanofluidic channels with confined transport pathways and abundant surface functional groups have been extensively investigated to achieve osmotic energy harvesting. However, solely relying on intrinsic interlayer channels results in insufficient permeability, thereby limiting the output power densities, which poses a significant challenge to the widespread application of these materials. Herein, we present a nanoconfined sacrificial template (NST) strategy to create a crafted channel structure, termed as Turing-type nanochannels, within the membrane.

A Helical Tubular Dyad of [9]Cycloparaphenylene: Synthesis, Chiroptical Properties and Post-Functionalization.

The bottom-up synthesis of discrete tubular molecules that mimic the structural features of carbon nanotubes has been a long-standing pursuit for synthetic chemists. As the shortest segments of armchair-type carbon nanotubes, cycloparaphenylenes are regarded as ideal macrocyclic building blocks for achieving this goal. Here we report the synthesis of a helical tubular molecule featuring three diyne linkers between two site-specifically functionalized [9]cycloparaphenylenes.

Hierarchically mimicking outer tooth enamel for restorative mechanical compatibility.

Tooth enamel, and especially the outer tooth enamel, is a load-resistant shell that benefits mastication but is easily damaged, driving the need for enamel-restorative materials with comparable properties to restore the mastication function and protect the teeth. Synthesizing an enamel analog that mimics the components and hierarchical structure of natural tooth enamel is a promising way to achieve these comparable mechanical properties, but it is still challenging to realize. Herein, we fabricate a hierarchical enamel analog with comparable stiffness, hardness, and viscoelasticity as natural enamel by incorporating three hierarchies of outer tooth enamel based on hierarchical assembly of enamel-like hydroxyapatite hybrid nanowires with polyvinyl alcohol as a matrix.

Structural diversity, biological activities and biosynthetic pathways of [2 + 2] and [4 + 2] amide alkaloid dimers from Piperaceae: An updated review.

The Piperaceae family is distributed widely in tropical and subtropical areas. It encompasses around 5 genera and over 3000 species. They are distinguished by the substantial chemical diversity and potential medicinal applications.

Highly Efficient Chiral Separation Based on Alkali-proof Protein Immobilization by Covalent Organic Frameworks.

Chiral separation plays a pivotal role in both practical applications and industrial productions. However, traditional chiral stationary phases (CSPs) exhibit inherent instability in alkaline environments, presenting a significant challenge despite their importance. Herein, basophilic alcalase is creatively developed to fabricate ultrastable protein-based CSPs that can efficiently work under alkaline conditions.

Ultra-Fast, Unidirectional Water Absorption on Wood Ear.

Materials exhibiting rapid, unidirectional liquid absorption are desirable for comfort textiles and wound dressings. Implementing chemical or structural gradient along the vertical axis of substrates is an effective way to achieve such properties. Liquid's lateral spreading across the substrate affects area occurring vertical imbibition.

Comparative extraction of antioxidant proteins from whole frogs ( Pollas).

The forest frog ( Pollas) is a traditional medicinal source rich in active protein compounds. In order to extract these compounds, six extraction methods were employed, including freeze-thaw and stirring techniques. Three different solvents were utilized in this process: 0.

Spatiotemporal Programmability of 3D Chiral Color Units Driven by Ink Spontaneous Diffusion toward Customized Printing.

Blue phase liquid crystals (BPLCs) have exhibited promising applications in 3D flexible displays due to their molecular-level self-assembled chiral structures, fast response, and tunable polarized colors. However, there remain challenges for spatiotemporal programming of 3D chiral color units for BPLC dynamic patterning. Herein, the programmable temporal evolution of micrometer-scale color units and spatial configuration switch of chiral modes are achieved by spontaneous ink diffusion-driven asymmetric lattice deformation in dual-chiral polymer-templated blue phases.

Confined Water Dynamics in Topological Networks Hydrogel for Aqueous Electrochemical Devices.

The unique properties of confined water molecules within polymer networks have garnered extensive research interest in energy storage, catalysis, and sensing. Confined water molecules exhibit higher thermodynamic stability compared to free water, which reduces decomposition and evaporation of water in hydrogel electrolyte system. Herein, a facile strategy is developed to limit active water molecules in a hydrogel network via hydrogen bonding within a topological network.

Physicochemical and processing properties and in vitro fecal fermentation characteristics of Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart polysaccharide.

Prunus cerasifera Ehrhart fruit polysaccharide (PCP) was obtained after determining the optimal extraction conditions for complex enzyme-assisted hot buffer extraction based on single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, followed by characterization of its physicochemical, processing, rheological, and biological properties. PCP was a thermally stable carbohydrate with acidic functional groups and a molecular weight of 1398.69 kDa, exhibiting smooth, dense flake and honeycomb network microstructures.

Selective ion channel adsorbents facilitate efficient and low environmental impact extraction of liquid lithium resources.

As lithium is the cornerstone of green energy development, it is crucial to realize a low environmental impact and efficient lithium extraction process. Ion-sieve adsorption is the most widely used method to extract liquid lithium resources, but this method is only efficient under alkaline conditions for H and Mg competing adsorption. Conventional methods are often accompanied by the consumption of quantities of alkali, the generation of solid waste, and the acidification of liquid lithium resources.

Sesquiterpenes from the aerial parts of Artemisia vachanica krasch. ex poljakov and their anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities.

Eleven undescribed sesquiterpenes, vachanins A-K covering types of germacrane, eudesmane, guaiacane, and cadinane, along with fifteen known analogs were isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia vachanica Krasch. ex Poljakov. Their structures were established on the basis of HRMS and NMR data, and their absolute configurations were successfully determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, C-NMR calculations and DP4+ probability analysis, and ECD data in corporation with quantum chemical calculations.

Atomically Resolved Surface Reconstruction of WO (002).

The rearrangement of surface atoms in oxide nanocrystals, namely surface reconstruction, plays an important role in improving the physical and chemical properties of metal oxides. However, structural information pertaining to reconstructed surfaces is scarce due to the challenges associated with directly imaging surface and sub-surface atoms under reconstruction conditions. Herein, the reconstruction of the nanocrystalline tungsten trioxide (002) surface is directly investigated via scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM).