An Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Flexible and Wearable Mechanoluminescent Strain Sensor System.

The complex wiring, bulky data collection devices, and difficulty in fast and on-site data interpretation significantly limit the practical application of flexible strain sensors as wearable devices. To tackle these challenges, this work develops an artificial intelligence-assisted, wireless, flexible, and wearable mechanoluminescent strain sensor system (AIFWMLS) by integration of deep learning neural network-based color data processing system (CDPS) with a sandwich-structured flexible mechanoluminescent sensor (SFLC) film. The SFLC film shows remarkable and robust mechanoluminescent performance with a simple structure for easy fabrication.

Synthesis of hydrothermal-assisted papaya peel-derived carbon quantum dots impregnated carboxymethyl cellulose and pectin crosslinked nanohydrogel for shelf-life enhancement of strawberry.

This study focuses on utilizing papaya peel to produce carbon quantum dots (PP-CQDs) via a hydrothermal method and the PP-CQDs are subsequently embedded into carboxymethyl cellulose and pectin nanohydrogel to enhance the shelf-life of strawberries. The synthesis of PP-CQDs was found to be optimal under conditions of 12 h and 200 °C, resulting in a quantum yield of 39.15 % and an average particle size of 4.

Self-assembled hole transport engineering and bio-inspired coordination/incoordination ligands synergizing strategy for productive photoelectrochemical water splitting.

Charge transport and metal site stability play a critical role on realizing efficient solar water splitting in photoelectrochemical devices. Here, we investigated BiVO-based composite photoanodes (labelled as NF@PTA/2PACz/BVO) in which BiVO, [2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl) ethyl] phosphonic acid (2PACz) hole transport layers based on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), and terephthalic acid (PTA)-functionalized NiFeOOH (NF@PTA) oxygen evolution cocatalysts (OECs) structurally similar to the OECs in natural photosystem II, were assembled sequentially. Alignment of energy levels and stabilization of metal sites can be achieved by this layer-designed structure.

Preprocessed Monomer Interfacial Polymerization for Scalable Fabrication of High-Valent Cluster-Based Metal-Organic Framework Membranes.

Current research on emergent membrane materials with ordered and stable nanoporous structures often overlooks the vital facet of manufacturing scalability. We propose the preprocessed monomer interfacial polymerization (PMIP) strategy for the scalable fabrication of high-valent cluster-based metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes with robust structures. Using a roll-to-roll device on commercial polymer supports, Zr-fum-MOF membranes are continuously processed at room temperature through the PMIP approach.

Tandem indium oxide-boron nitride catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane.

This study introduces a novel approach of precisely depositing InO nanoislands on the edges of BN sheets using selective atomic layer deposition. The modified catalysts demonstrated a significant improvement and characterization results revealed that the presence of InO nanoislands, when free of BO overlayers, is crucial in mitigating side reactions.

Tailored nanofibrous polyimide-based membranes for highly effective oil spill cleanup in marine ecosystems.

Oil spills pose significant environmental threats to marine ecosystems and indirectly affect human health. They are often caused by tanker accidents and pipeline leaks. The persistence of hydrocarbons in the marine environment and their long-term ecological impacts necessitate efficient remediation strategies.

Quantum Chemistry Study on Cl-Initiated Reactions of 2-Chloropropane and 2-Methylpropanoyl Halogen (Cl, Br, F): Mechanism, Kinetics, and Atmospheric Implications.

Halogenated volatile organic compounds (HVOCs) pose significant bioaccumulative and toxicological risks, necessitating effective strategies for their removal. Here, we show, through a computational study employing density functional theory and coupled cluster methods, the detailed mechanism and kinetic properties of Cl-initiated degradation reactions of 2-chloropropane (2-CP, (CH)CHCl) and 2-methylpropanoyl halide ((CH)CHCOX, X = Cl, Br, F). The reaction rate constants of all the channels were calculated by the canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) with the correction of the small curvature tunneling effect (SCT) at 200-1000 K.

Deciphering the Impact of Lignin on Anaerobic Digestion: Focus on Inhibition Mechanisms and Methods for Alleviating Inhibition.

China has abundant lignocellulosic biomass resources. These resources are converted into biogas by anaerobic digestion (AD), which not only realizes the comprehensive utilization of waste resources but also obtains abundant biomass energy. However, the low biodegradability of lignocellulosic biomass caused by the complex structure has seriously hindered its utilization by enzymes and microorganisms, resulting in low biogas production and limited development of biogas engineering.

A Comprehensive Review of Multifunctional Proppants.

Hydraulic fracturing technology is a crucial method for enhancing the production and recovery rates of unconventional oil and gas wells. In this process, proppants, as key materials, directly influence the effectiveness of the fracturing operation, thus attracting widespread attention. With the continuous development of hydraulic fracturing technology, researchers have designed and prepared a series of multifunctional proppants, such as surface-modified proppants, self-suspending proppants, and slow-release proppants, to effectively address issues like water production, sand production, and scaling in reservoirs.

Effect of Sb-Bi alloying on electron-hole recombination time of CsAgBiBr double perovskite.

The double perovskite material CsAgBiBr, characterized by high stability, low toxicity, and excellent optoelectronic properties, has emerged as a promising alternative to lead-based halide perovskites in photovoltaic applications. However, its photovoltaic conversion efficiency after integration into solar cell devices is less than 3%, significantly lower than that of traditional perovskite solar cells. While alloying methods have been widely applied in the design of photovoltaic materials, their specific role in modulating the lifetime of photo-generated charge carriers in double-perovskite solar cells remains inadequately explored.

Boosting lithium/magnesium separation performance of selective electrodialysis membranes regulated by enamine reaction.

Monovalent cation exchange membranes (MCEMs) have progressively played an important role in the field of ion separation. However, according to transition state theory (TST), synchronously tuning the enthalpy barrier (△H) and entropy barrier (△S) for cation transport to improve ion separation performance is challenging. Here, the enamine reaction between the -NH- and -CHO groups is applied to regulate the subsequent Schiff-base reaction between the -CHO and -NH groups, which reduces the positive charges of the selective layer but increases the steric hindrance.

Contribution of piezoelectric effect on piezo-phototronic coupling in ferroelectrics: A theory assisted experimental approach on NBT.

A new study explores the distinct roles of spontaneous polarization and piezoelectric polarization in piezo-phototronic coupling. This investigation focuses on differences in photocatalytic and piezo-photocatalytic performance using sodium bismuth titanate, a key ferroelectric material. The research aims to identify which type of polarization has a greater influence on piezo-phototronic effects.

Hybrid optimization for DC resistivity imaging via intelligible-in-time logic and the interior point method.

Geophysical DC resistivity imaging is crucial in subsurface exploration, environmental studies, and resource assessment. However, traditional inversion techniques face challenges in accurately resolving complex subsurface features because of the inherent nonlinearities in geophysical data. To overcome these challenges, we propose a hybrid optimization approach that combines incomprehensible but intelligible-in-time (IbI) logic with the interior point method (IPM).

Mechanical Analysis of the Critical Conditions for Trapping and Detachment of Microscale Air Bubbles on the Pure Water Freezing Front.

Icing is a widespread phase change phenomenon with implications for daily life and industrial production. Air bubbles form on the freezing front of pure water with dissolved air during the icing, which may affect the physical properties of ice. Controlling the behavior of air bubbles will be one method to change the physical properties of ice.

Small-sized starch nanoparticles for efficient penetration of plant cells.

Starch nanoparticles (sNPs) are considered ideal materials for applications in plant and agricultural sciences aiming at increasing crop yields, and improving resilience due to their non-toxicity, global availability, hydrophilicity, and biodegradability. However, the lack of research on the interaction between sNPs and plant cell walls has limited their application in these fields. Here, we designed Nile blue A-based sNPs (NB@G50-NPs) to investigate the penetration of small-sized sNPs (G50-NPs) through the plant cell wall.

Pressure Analysis of Vertical-Wells with the Hydraulic Fracturing Assisted Water Injection in Low-Permeability Hydrogen and Carbon Reservoirs.

Enhancing the energy of hydrogen and carbon reservoirs is crucial for the extraction of these resources. Currently, the conventional water-flooding technology faces challenges in replenishing the energy of hydrogen and carbon reservoirs due to the low injection rates caused by their low-permeability properties. To address this, hydraulic fracturing-assisted water injection technology has been employed to enhance the energy of these reservoirs.

Two amino-functionalized metal-organic frameworks with different topologies for CH/CH separation.

The rational design of metal-organic framework adsorbents is crucial for target gas separation. Herein, we report two three-dimensional MOFs with different topologies by regulating metal ions with amino-functionalized V-type ligands. Adsorption isotherms and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulation reveal that UPC-122 with channel-cavity structure has the potential to separate CH/CH at room temperature with a separation ratio of 2.

Obstacle-enhanced spontaneous oscillation of confined active granules.

Spontaneous oscillation in particle numbers has been reported recently, in which two chambers connected by a narrow channel are alternately filled and emptied by self-propelled particles. The challenge in realizing the application of this oscillation lies in promotion of the oscillatory periodicity. By placing an asymmetric obstacle at an appropriate position near a channel opening, we can significantly improve the oscillation quality, which approaches the quality of an ideal oscillation.

Yolk-shelled MoS/C@Void@C@MoS nanospheres as a stable and high-rate anode in sodium/potassium ion batteries.

We report a yolk-shelled anode material with an MoS/C core, large inner void and C@MoS shell (MoS/C@Void@C@MoS). This design could accelerate Na/K reaction kinetics and endure volume changes. Based on the kinetics analysis and calculations based on density functional theory, this structure could effectively enhance the high-rate sodium/potassium storage capability.

Design of Ligand-Nonbridging Sites in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Boosting Lithium Storage Capacity.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are lagging in the use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), ascribing to full coordination between metal nodes and organic ligands, to a large extent. By integrating a modulator into a ligand with missing bridging functionality, this study elucidates the role of non-bridging defect sites in MOFs in tailoring lithium storage performance. A fully bridged pristine MOF (p-MOF) utilizing the meso-tetra(4-carboxylphenyl) porphyrin ligand is compared with a modified MOF containing non-bridging defects (d-MOF) introduced by a homologous ligand, tris(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin.