An 18-connected wheel-shaped molybdenum(V) nickel-phosphate cluster for photoelectrochemical sensing of levofloxacin.

An 18-connected {MoNiP}-based 2-D layered network was constructed for photoelectrochemical sensing of levofloxacin, and it represents the highest connection number of the {MoNiP} wheel cluster to date. The detection limit is as low as 6.46 nM with a high sensitivity of 110.

Rational design of 1, 2, 4, 5-tetraphenyl-1H-imidazole-based AIEgens with tunable intramolecular charge transfer and restricted intramolecular rotation processes for multifunctional sensing.

Aggregation-induced emission fluorogens (AIEgens) with intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) characteristic are widely used in the detection of various analytes owing to their highly tunable fluorescence emission properties. However, facilely synthesis of AIEgens with ICT characteristic for multiple sensing is still rare and limited in use. In this work, two new AIEgens of 1,2-bis(4-alkoxycarbonylphenyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazole (AMI) and its hydrolyzed derivative 1,2-bis(4-carboxylphenyl)-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazole (CMI) were facilely synthesized with donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) structures.

Development of an accurate synchronous transport signal hand-held sensing platform for fluorescence-based berberine on-site detection.

Background: Berberine is widely used in clinical treatment because of its wide antibacterial spectrum and low toxic side effects. However, its abuse could lead to bacterial resistance and several other adverse effects. In addition, measuring the content of berberine in environmental water samples helps to monitor its accumulation and metabolism in ecosystems.

In Situ Ligand-Transformation-Assisted Assembly of a Polyoxometalate and Silver-Phosphine Oxide Cluster for Colorimetric Detection of Phenol Contaminants.

In situ ligand transformation strategies represent an efficient pathway for constructing function-oriented polyoxometalate (POM)-based crystalline materials. Herein, three POM-based hybrid networks were synthesized through in situ transformation of the phosphine ligand, formulated as [Ag(dppeo)][HPMoO]·5HO (), [Ag(dedpo)][SiWO]·6HO (), and [Ag(dppeo)][PWO]·3HO () (dedpo = (2-(diphenylphosphaneyl)ethyl)diphenylphosphine oxide; dppeo = ethane-1,2-diylbis(diphenylphosphine oxide)). During the synthesis of these compounds, the 1,2-diphenylphosphine ethane molecule underwent in situ oxidation, transforming into dppeo and dedpo ligands, respectively.

Enhancing Conductivity in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells with Silver Nanowire-Assisted TiCT MXene Electrodes for Cost-Effective and Scalable Photovoltaics.

Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells have set world-record efficiencies among single-junction silicon solar cells, accelerating their commercial deployment. Despite these clear efficiency advantages, the high costs associated with low-temperature silver pastes (LTSP) for metallization have driven the search for more economical alternatives in mass production. 2D transition metal carbides (MXenes) have attracted significant attention due to their tunable optoelectronic properties and metal-like conductivity, the highest among all solution-processed 2D materials.

Phosphomolybdates for Dual-Mode Photoelectrochemical Sensing toward Trace Chromium(VI) and Tetracycline.

Highly sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors for trace carcinogens, such as heavy metal chromium(VI) [Cr(VI)] and antibiotic tetracycline (TC) are crucial. Herein, by integration of photoactive and redox phosphomolybdates with conjugated organic components, types of dual-mode PEC sensors were synthesized for sensing trace Cr(VI) and TC pollutants, with formulas of (Hbimb)[Co(bimb)][Co(HO)][Co(PMoOH)]·6HO (), (Hbib)[Co(HO)][Co(HO)][Co(PMoOH)]·9HO (), and (Hbib)[Co(Hbib)(HO)][Co(PMoOH)]·15HO (), where bimb represents 1,4-bis(1-imidazolyl)benzene and bib is 4,4'-bis(imidazolyl)bibphenyl. Hybrid consisted of a three-dimensional framework structure constructed by Co{PMo} clusters and one-dimensional (1D) {Co-bimb} chains, hybrid exhibited 1D Co ion-bridged Co{PMo} chains hydrogen-bonding with [Hbib] cations, and hybrid showed a discrete hybrid structure built upon a Co{PMo} cluster modified by the {Co-bib} unit.

Recent advances in photonic crystal-based chemical sensors.

The increasing attention towards environmental quality, food safety, public security and medical diagnosis demands high requirements and standards for chemical sensors with merits of rapid response, high precision, long-term stability and reusability. In this case, a prominent innovation in sensory materials holds potential to realize new generations of chemical sensor technologies. Specifically, photonic crystals (PCs) as structured dielectric materials with spatially periodic ordered arrangements offer unique advantages in improving the sensing performance of chemical sensors.

Lipidomics and metabolomics reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of thermal treatment on composition and oxidative stability of walnut oil.

Roasting walnut kernel significantly improves the oxidative stability and sensory properties of its oil. However, the effect of roasting temperatures on the molecular change of main components and micronutrients in walnut oil is still unclear. Herein, lipidomics and metabolomics were integrated to comprehensively profile the walnut oil obtained at different roasting temperatures (30 °C, 120 °C, 140 °C, 160 °C, and 180 °C).

Synthesis of indolines palladium-catalyzed [4 + 1] annulation of (2-aminophenyl)methanols with sulfoxonium ylides.

A facile strategy for the synthesis of valuable indolines has been developed, involving a palladium(II)/Brønsted acid co-catalyzed annulation of readily available (2-aminophenyl)methanols and sulfoxonium ylides. This protocol allows for the direct utilization of the OH group as a leaving group, tolerates alkyl and aryl groups on the N atom of the aniline moiety, operates under mild reaction conditions, and exhibits good efficiency.

Development of an accurate hand-held sensing platform for nitrite detection based on nitrogen-doped carbon dots.

As is well known, excessive nitrite can seriously pollute the environment and can harm human health. Although existing methods can be used to determine nitrite content, they still have some drawbacks, such as relatively complicated operation and expensive equipment. Herein, a hand-held sensing platform (HSP) for NO determination was developed.

Achieving "Ion Diode" Salt Resistance in Solar Interfacial Evaporation by a Tesla Valve-Like Water Transport Structure.

Salt deposition is a disturbing problem that limits the development of passive solar-driven interfacial evaporation. Inspired by the passive fluid control mechanism of the Tesla valve, a novel solar evaporator is proposed with a Tesla valve-like water transport structure to prevent salt accumulation at the evaporation interface. A unique "ion diode" salt resistance of this evaporator is significantly achieved by optimizing the two asymmetric water transport structures, consisting of one Tesla valve-like side and one wide-leg side, which establish a reverse-suppressing and forward-accelerating water transport channel.

Enhancing carrier transfer properties of Na-rich anti-perovskites, NaOM with tetrahedral anion groups: an evaluation through first-principles computational analysis.

The practical application of Na-based solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) is limited by their low level of conduction. To evaluate the impact of tetrahedral anion groups on carrier migration, we designed a set of anti-perovskite SSEs theoretically based on the previously reported NaOBr, including NaO(BH), NaO(BF), and NaO(AlH). It is essential to note that the excessive radius of anionic groups inevitably leads to lattice distortion, resulting in asymmetric migration paths and a limited improvement in carrier migration rate.

Amelioration of walnut, peony seed and camellia seed oils against D-galactose-induced cognitive impairment in mice by regulating gut microbiota.

Diet adjustment will affect the health of gut microbiota, which in turn influences the development and function of the organism's brain through the gut-brain axis. Walnut oil (WO), peony seed oil (PSO) and camellia seed oil (CSO), as typical representatives of woody plant oils, have been shown to have the potential to improve cognitive impairment in mice, but the function mechanisms are not clear. In this study, we comparatively investigated the neuroprotective effects of these three oils on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced cognitive impairment in mice, and found that the ameliorative effect of WO was more prominent.

Textural Precursor Compositions Harvested for Independent Signal Generators: Scaling Micron-Sized Flower-Like Metal-Organic Frameworks as Amplifying Units for Dual-Mode Glycoprotein Assay.

In this work, a micron-sized flower-like metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based boronate-affinity sandwich-type immunoassay was fabricated for the dual-mode glycoprotein assay. For proof of concept, the flower-like MOFs were synthesized from transition Cu nodes and tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) ligands by spontaneous standing assembly. In addition, the specificity toward glycoprotein involved the antigen recognition as well as covalent bonding via the boronate-glycan affinity, and the immediate signal responses were initiated by textural decomposition of the flower-like MOFs.

A self-calibrating ratiometric fluorescence sensor with photonic crystal-based signal amplification for the detection of tetracycline in food.

A dual-color ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on photonic crystals (PCs) was developed to detect tetracycline (TC) in food. PC was fabricated via self-assembly of carbon dots (CDs)-loaded SiO nanoparticles. Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) and copper ions (Cu) were then adsorbed onto the PC for sensor fabrication.

Enhanced conversion of CO into CH on single atom Cu-anchored graphitic carbon nitride: Synergistic diatomic active sites interaction.

Single atom metal-nitrogen-carbon materials have emerged as remarkably potent catalysts, demonstrating unprecedented potential for the photo-driven reduction of CO. Herein, a unique Cu@g-CN catalyst obtained by cooperation of single atom Cu and nitrogen-rich g-CN is proposed. The particular CuN diatomic active sites (DAS) in Cu@g-CN contribute to the formation of highly stable CuOCN adsorption, a key configuration for CO activation and CC coupling.

Electrospun Fiber Membrane with the Dual Affinity of Chelation and Covalent Interactions for the Efficient Enrichment of Glycoproteins.

As important biomarkers of many diseases, glycoproteins are of great significance to biomedical science. It is essential to develop efficient glycoprotein enrichment platforms and investigate their adsorption mechanism. In this work, a conspicuous enrichment strategy for glycoproteins was developed by using an electrospun fiber membrane wrapped with polydopamine (PDA) and modified with 3-aminophenylboronic acid and nickel ions, named PAN/DA@PDA@APBA/Ni.

An in silico scheme for optimizing the enzymatic acquisition of natural biologically active peptides based on machine learning and virtual digestion.

Background: As a potential natural active substance, natural biologically active peptides (NBAPs) are recently attracting increasing attention. The traditional proteolysis methods of obtaining effective NBAPs are considerably vexing, especially since multiple proteases can be used, which blocks the exploration of available NBAPs. Although the development of virtual digesting brings some degree of convenience, the activity of the obtained peptides remains unclear, which would still not allow efficient access to the NBAPs.

P2/O3 Biphasic Cathode Material through Magnesium Substitution for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

P2-type Fe-Mn-based oxides offer excellent discharge specific capacity and are as affordable as typical layered oxide cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). After Cu modification, though they can improve the cycling performance and air stability, the discharge specific capacity will be reduced. Considering the complementary nature of biphasic phases in electrochemistry, hybridizing P2/O3 hybrid phases can enhance both the storage performance of the battery and specific capacity.

Polycarbonyl polymer with zincophilic sites as protective coating for highly reversible zinc metal anodes.

The Zn anode of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) have suffered from a series of rampant side reactions such as dendrite growth and corrosion, which seriously affect the reversibility and stability of Zn anodes. Herein, a polycarbonyl polymer poly(1,4,5,8-naphthalene tetracarboxylic anhydride anthraquinone) imine (PNAQI) as the protective coating is synthesized through a simple solvothermal method with the raw materials of the equimolar 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA) and 2, 6-aminoanthraquinone (2,6-DAAQ). A series of characterizations such as contact angle measurement and ex-situ XRD analysis confirm that it can effectively prevent some side reactions.

Efficient photoreduction of carbon dioxide to ethanol using diatomic nitrogen-doped black phosphorus.

Successful conversion of CO into C products requires the development of new catalysts that overcome the difficulties in efficient light harvesting and CO-CO coupling. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) is used to assess the photoreduction properties of nitrogen-doped black phosphorus. The geometric structure, redox potential, first step of hydrogenation activation, CO desorption, and CO-CO coupling are systematically calculated, based on which the diatomic nitrogen-doped black phosphorus (N@BP) stands out.

Effects of an Akt-activating peptide obtained from walnut protein degradation on the prevention of memory impairment in mice.

Akt acts as a central protein influencing multiple pathologies in neurodegenerative diseases including AD and PD, and using Akt activators is a promising management strategy. The current study characterized the effects of an Akt-activating peptide (Glu-Pro-Glu-Val-Leu-Pro, EPEVLR) obtained from walnut protein degradation on D-gal-induced memory impairment in mice. EPEVLR was obtained by hydrolysis of walnut proteins, identification of peptide sequences, and screening for molecular docking sequentially.

Bridging Component Strategy in Phosphomolybdate-Based Sensors for Electrochemical Determination of Trace Cr(VI).

Rapid and sensitive electrochemical determination of trace carcinogenic Cr(VI) pollutants remains an urgent and important task, which requires the development of active sensing materials. Herein, four cases of reduced phosphomolybdates with formulas of the (Hbib)[Zn(HPO)]{Mn[PMoOH]}·6HO (), (Hbib)[Na(HO)][Mn(HO)]{Mn[PMoOH]}·5HO (), (Hbib)[Mo(μ-O)(HO)]{Ni[PMoOH]}·4HO (), and (Hbib){Ni[PMoOH]}·9HO () (bib = 4,4'-bis(1-imidazolyl)-biphenyl) were hydrothermally synthesized under the guidance of a bridging component strategy, which function as effective electrochemical sensors to detect trace Cr(VI). The difference of hybrids - is in the inorganic moiety, in which the reduced phosphomolybdates {M[PMoO]} (M{PMo}) exhibited different arrangements bridged by different cationic components ({Zn(HPO)} subunit for , [Mn(HO)] dimer for , and [Mo(μ-O)(HO)] for ).

Green electrosynthesis of 3,3'-diamino-4,4'-azofurazan energetic materials coupled with energy-efficient hydrogen production over Pt-based catalysts.

The broad employment of clean hydrogen through water electrolysis is restricted by large voltage requirement and energy consumption because of the sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction. Here we demonstrate a novel alternative oxidation reaction of green electrosynthesis of valuable 3,3'-diamino-4,4'-azofurazan energetic materials and coupled with hydrogen production. Such a strategy could greatly decrease the hazard from the traditional synthetic condition of 3,3'-diamino-4,4'-azofurazan and achieve low-cell-voltage hydrogen production on WS/Pt single-atom/nanoparticle catalyst.