Absorption Capacity Research Articles

The coupling effect of calcined layered double hydroxides and impressed current cathodic protection system on chloride ion binding and migration of sea sand mortar

Chloride introduced by sea sand and sea water leads to steel bar corrosion. Calcined Layered double hydroxides (CLDH) and impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system were used to adsorb chloride ion and control steel bar corrosion in chloride abundant environment. In this research, chloride binding effect of two kinds of CLDH were investigated in simulated concrete pore solution. Besides, chloride absorption capacity and steel bar corrosion resistance of Mg-Al CLDH was explored in mortar. Further, hydration degree of mortar installed ICCP system and migration of ions around the anode and cathode were detected. Results show that Mg-Al CLDH exhibits excellent chloride binding capacity and corrosion resistance. After installing the ICCP system, corrosion of steel bars in mortar mixed Mg-Al CLDH was controlled. And ions in mortar specimen around anode or cathode exhibits migration phenomenon in different degree. A two stage-four step model was established to explain the degradation of hydration products and ion migration in CLDH-ICCP system. Under the ICCP system, Cl− in pore solution increased at early stage and then decreased both around anode and cathode, the increment process was controlled by desorption of Mg-Al CLDH and decreased process was controlled by degradation of hydration products. Therefore, the CLDH-ICCP system was recommended to solve the problem of steel bar corrosion introduced by marine environment.

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch) nuts as an emerging source of protein: extraction, physicochemical and functional properties.

The increasing demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional protein sources, driven by population growth, underscores the importance of protein in a healthy diet. Pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch) nuts are currently underutilized as plant-based proteins but hold great potential in the food industry. However, there is insufficient information available on pecan protein, particularly its protein fractions. This study aimed to explore the physicochemical and functional properties of protein isolate and the main protein fraction glutelin extracted from pecan nuts. The results revealed that glutelin (820.67 ± 69.42 g kg-1) had a higher crude protein content compared to the protein isolate (618.43 ± 27.35 g kg-1), while both proteins exhibited amino acid profiles sufficient for adult requirements. The isoelectric points of protein isolate and glutelin were determined to be pH 4.0 and pH 5.0, respectively. The denaturation temperature of the protein isolate (90.23 °C) was higher than that of glutelin (87.43 °C), indicating a more organized and stable conformation. This is further supported by the fact that the protein isolate had a more stable main secondary structure than glutelin. Both proteins demonstrated improved solubility, emulsifying, and foaming properties at pH levels deviating from their isoelectric points in U-shaped curves. Compared to the protein isolate, glutelin displayed superior water and oil absorption capacity along with enhanced gelling ability. The protein isolate and glutelin from pecan nuts exhibited improved stability and competitive functional properties, respectively. The appropriate utilization of these two proteins will support their potential as natural ingredients in various food systems. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bioinspired superhydrophobic polysulfone foams with micro/nano hierarchical structures for highly efficient solar-assisted cleanup of viscous crude oil

Three-dimensional (3D) superhydrophobic/superoleophilic foams are promising candidates for swiftly and continuously separating immiscible and emulsified oil–water mixtures, but still need further study to fully improve their comprehensive performance, especially for viscous oils. This work designed and prepared superhydrophobic core–shell polydopamine nanoparticles modified polysulfone foams (denoted as SPP foams) with hierarchical micro/nano-structures, which exhibited robust super-wetting property (θwater = 163.1°, θoil = 0°). Immiscible oil–water compounds and water-in-oil emulsions could be continuously separated by the SPP foams with separation efficiencies higher than 99 %. The SPP foams showed high absorption capacity towards different types of oils and organic solvents (between 20 and 30 times of self-weight). The SPP foams also exhibited excellent self-cleaning ability, resistance to strong acids and alkalis, and long-term reusability. Through the integration of polydopamine, the foams achieved prompt photothermal conversion (the surface temperature could be increased to 80.7 °C in 1 min under 1 sun), and the generated heat could noticeably decrease the viscosity of crude oil, realizing efficient recovery of vicious crude oil. This study made progress in superhydrophobic/superoleophilic absorbent fabrication and the obtained SPP foams had great potential in treating oil spills especially in the aspect of solar-assisted cleanup of viscous oils.

Hollow size optimization of α-MoC modified nitrogen-doped carbon spheres for efficient microwave absorption

Recently, electromagnetic pollution has become a serious concern. Existing microwave absorbers cannot achieve the goals of being lightweight, broadband, and strongly absorbing simultaneously. The design of hollow structures has attracted a great deal of attention because they can optimize impedance matching and enhance microwave attenuation while reducing mass. However, the effect of the hollow size on microwave absorption is not yet clear. In this study, we synthesized nitrogen-doped hollow carbon microspheres embedded with α-MoC nanoparticles (α-MoC/C, MNC) using template pyrolysis. The hollow size of MNC nanospheres was successfully controlled by adjusting the size of carboxylated PS nanospheres. The hollow structure improves microwave absorption in MNC nanospheres by facilitating the construction of the 3D conductive network. This prevents carbon aggregation, improves impedance matching, increases conductive loss, and promotes multiple reflections and scattering. Additionally, the α-MoC nanoparticles embedded in the carbon shells generate abundant nano-interfaces, which promote interfacial polarization and further attenuate the electromagnetic waves. The MNC-3 sample with the carbon sphere size of around 300 nm achieved the best reflection loss of −58.9 dB (3.16 mm thickness) and an effective absorption bandwidth of 4.80 GHz (2.07 mm thickness). This work demonstrates that the microwave absorption capacity of nanoscale carbonaceous spheres is effectively enhanced by adjusting the hollow size, providing the basis for designing and optimizing wave-absorbing materials by hollow structure.

Construction of cobalt zinc metal-organic frameworks derived Co/CoO/C composites toward broadband and high-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorption

The fabrication of novel carbon-based electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers with broad absorption bandwidth, strong absorption strength, low filler loading ratio and thin matching thickness remains a challenging task. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are widely recognized as ideal self-sacrificial templates for the construction of carbon-based EMW absorbers. In this work, bimetallic CoZn-MOFs derived Co/CoO/C composites were prepared by combining magnetic stirring with subsequent pyrolysis treatment. The results showed that the morphology of carbon skeletons evolved from an irregular agglomerate to a uniform hexagonal star shape and then to an agglomerate again by reducing the molar ratio of Co2+ to Zn2+. Remarkably, excellent EMW absorption capacity in the Ku-band was achieved through carefully regulating the molar ratio of Co2+ to Zn2+. When the filling ratio was 20wt.%, the prepared Co/CoO/C composite exhibited the best EMW absorption performance with the minimum reflection loss of -64 dB at a thickness of 1.79mm and the maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 6GHz at a thickness of 2.14mm. Furthermore, the radar cross section in the far-field was simulated by computer simulation technique. In addition, the possible EMW attenuation mechanism was proposed. Therefore, the results of this paper could be helpful for developing carbon-based magnetic composites derived from MOFs as broadband and high-efficiency EMW absorbers.

Hereditary Rickets: A Quick Guide for the Pediatrician.

With the increased discovery of genes implicated in vitamin D metabolism and the regulation of calcium and phosphate homeostasis, a growing number of genetic forms of rickets are now recognized. These are categorized into calciopenic and phosphopenic rickets. Calciopenic forms of hereditary rickets are caused by genetic mutations that alter the enzymatic activity in the vitamin D activation pathway or impair the vitamin D receptor action. Hereditary forms of phosphopenic rickets, on the other hand, are caused by genetic mutations that lead to increased expression of FGF23 hormone or that impair the absorptive capacity of phosphate at the proximal renal tubule. Due to the clinical overlap between acquired and genetic forms of rickets, identifying children with hereditary rickets can be challenging. A clear understanding of the molecular basis of hereditary forms of rickets and their associated biochemical patterns allow the health care provider to assign the correct diagnosis, avoid non-effective interventions and shorten the duration of the diagnostic journey in these children. In this mini-review, known forms of hereditary rickets listed on the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database are discussed. Further, a clinical approach to identify and diagnose children with hereditary forms of rickets is suggested.

Highly efficient CO2 capture by a non-aqueous amine-based absorbent of 3 aminopropanol/polyethylene glycol 200: Experimental and computational simulation

In the present work, a novel non-aqueous 3-aminopropanol/polyethylene glycol 200 (3AP/PEG200) absorbent for efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) capture was designed using environment-benign and non-toxic polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200) as an alternative to water. The mechanism, physical, thermodynamic, and kinetic properties of absorption process was investigated through a combination of experimental and multi-scale computational simulation approaches including molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and quantum chemical (QC) calculations. It was found that the addition of PEG200 not only enhanced the thermal stability of the absorbent, but also did not significantly increase the viscosity. In addition, kinetic studies revealed that the absorption process conforms to a pseudo-first-order equation, with the activation energy (Ea) value of 20.40 kJ/mol, significantly lower than that of the benchmark 30 % monoethanolamine (MEA) aqueous solution used in industrial CO2 capture. Furthermore, the enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) values were found to be more negative than those of other liquid absorption systems, indicating that the 3AP/PEG200 absorbent is favorable for CO2 absorption even at low partial pressures. Most importantly, the absorption system exhibited good regeneration capability, as demonstrated by five absorption–desorption cycle experiments. In conclusion, the non-aqueous 3AP/PEG200 absorbent exhibits low viscosity, high thermal stability, enhanced absorption capacity, and excellent cyclic performance, positioning it as a promising candidate for CO2 absorption in industrial applications.

Mechanical properties of diamond-type triply periodic minimal surface structures fabricated by photo-curing 3D printing

Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures have attracted significant attention owing to their smooth surface configuration and parametric modeling properties. In this study, photo-curing 3D printing was employed to generate diamond-type TPMS structures, and micro-CT scanning revealed the presence of internal defects within the 3D printed TPMS structures. Two key design variables were explored: volume fraction and unit cell size. Quasi-static compression experiments were conducted to delve into the compression properties and energy absorption capabilities of the 3D printed TPMS structures. The findings reveal that increasing the volume fraction significantly enhances the compressive modulus, ultimate strength, and energy absorption capacity of TPMS structures. Additionally, increasing the cell size improves compression properties and energy absorption per unit volume. To predict the coupling effect of volume fraction and unit cell size on the compression performance of TPMS structures, a bivariate quadratic regression model was established. In addition, TPMS structures were subjected to load-unload cyclic experiments, shedding light on the evolution patterns of residual strain and hysteresis energy during cyclic loading. It provides insights into the design of reusable and fatigue-resistant diamond-type TPMS structures for various engineering applications.

Drying of avocado peels using carbonation-ultrasonication as pretreatment: energy consumption, antioxidant capacity and rheological properties

Fruit processing by-products, especially peels are underused and mostly discarded as waste. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ultrasonication (US) combined with carbonation (CUS) on the convective drying process of avocado peels at different temperatures, adding value to this waste. For this, the avocado peels were treated with dry ice for 15 min and subjected to US (400W/10 min, 30°C) before convective air drying (50-70°C). The energy consumption, antioxidant capacity, water adsorption isotherms, rehydration rate, and dynamic rheology of dried avocado peels pretreated by CUS were compared with a control process (without pretreatment) and only US pretreatment. The combined treatment (CUS70) resulted in a 2.6-fold reduction in drying time and a 2.3-fold decrease in energy consumption, with CO2 preserving bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity after the drying process. Differences were also observed in the rehydration capacity of the samples (CUS), with an increased water absorption capacity, along with a reduction in the viscoelastic properties of the peels. The results present new perspectives for the application of CUS in the food industry, paving the way for the development of creative, innovative, and simple approaches for the management and recycling of agri-food waste, with the potential to extend this knowledge to new food matrices.

Determination of Viscosity of Browntop Millet Grain Paste and Whole Browntop Millet Flour Paste

Background:: Methods of incorporating millets in daily diets are increasingly being explored to suit the consumer's changing needs. They are consumed mainly in low-middle-income countries. Data (functional, sensory, physical, and nutritional) to support browntop millet (BTM) use in various minimally processed/convenience foods is scanty. Objectives:: This study was carried out to study the water absorption capacity and viscosity of whole browntop millet (WBTM) grains and WBTM flour at different ratios with water after autoclaving and blending and to explore the scope of developed BTM pastes, which could be used for preparing a variety of products. Methods:: WBTM grain pastes and WBTM flour pastes were prepared in different ratios of water, such as 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, 1:3.5, 1:4, 1:4.5, 1:5, 1:5.5, 1:6, 1:6.5. Results:: It was found that the viscosity of pastes made from WBTM grain ranged from 40911 ± 1469 to 66867 ± 7469 mPa's at 24.2 ± 0. 2 to 24.7 ± 0.1˚C at 84.7 ± 3.3 to 95.3 ± 3.0% torque respectively. RPM ranged from 11.9 ± 0.2 to 18.6 ± 0.5. The viscosity of WBTM flour pastes ranged from 33874 ± 2864 to 45792 ± 1664 mPa's at 24.2 ± 0.1 to 24.5 ± 0.3°C at 81.7 ± 1.7 to 89.1 ± 3.0% torque with 10.8 ± 1.2 to 13.3 ± 3.2 RPM respectively. Conclusion:: The viscosity of WBTM grain pastes was statistically greater than the viscosity of WBTM flour pastes at a 5% significant level. Such pastes can be explored as convenience foods (ready to cook/ ready to eat) for use at household and commercial levels to produce products similar to bread, extruded products such as noodles, pasta, snacks etc.

Preparation of Superhydrophobic and Multifunctional Sponges for Oil/Water Separation and Oil Absorption.

For settling the recycling problem of waste polyurethane sponges (PU) and environment pollution of oil spills simultaneously, this work exploited the multifunctional superhydrophobic PU materials via the dip-coating method, which were prepared by anchoring modified Fe3O4 and expandable graphite (EG) on PU sponges under the adhesion effect of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The water contact angle and sliding angle of as-prepared PU sponges reached 154.1 ± 1.6 and 8°, respectively. Most importantly, the superhydrophobic PU sponges were endowed with the multipath oil treatment ability, which consisted of magnetically driven, gravity-driven, peristaltic pump-driven, and photothermally driven modes. Besides, the light oil absorption capacity, separation flux, and efficiency for superhydrophobic PU sponges reached 23.9 g/g, 27779 L m-2 h-1, and 99.5%, respectively. Owing to the photothermal conversion ability of Fe3O4 and EG, the temperature of superhydrophobic PU sponges was raised to 71.5 °C within 233 s under 1.2 solar irradiation (1200 W/m2), demonstrating its absorption potential for high-viscosity crude oils. In addition, the prepared sponges exhibited good chemical/mechanical stability, self-cleaning, and flame retardancy. In a nutshell, this article has evolved an environmentally benign and practical method for fabricating the multifunctional materials in oil spill treatment, which will efficiently accomplish the targets of low carbon and environmental management.

The effects of counter ion on CO2 capture performance of amino acid salt solutions for direct air capture applications

Direct CO2 capture from the atmosphere has received growing attention driven by the imperative of achieving global net-zero emission targets. Amino acid salt solutions are promising candidates for liquid-based direct air capture processes. Utilised as a neutralized salt by reacting initially with hydroxides, it has been speculated that their performance may vary with the type of counter ion present in the solution. This work investigates the influence of counter ions, potassium, sodium, and lithium, of amino acid salt solutions on the physical properties, the CO2 absorption capacities, and the CO2 absorption kinetics under atmospheric CO2 concentration levels. The potassium-containing amino acid solutions exhibited significantly lower viscosities and mildly elevated densities compared to sodium- and lithium-containing ones. At 25 °C, the potassium-prolinate solution demonstrated the highest viscosity (8.5 mPa⋅s), whereas K-glycinate exhibited the lowest viscosity (2.5 mPa⋅s). Additionally, potassium-based solutions consistently displayed the highest CO2 mass transfer coefficients, followed by sodium- and lithium-containing ones. The CO2 mass transfer coefficient was highest for potassium-prolinate (2.99 mmol m−2⋅s−1⋅kPa−1) with the lowest rate observed for potassium-β-alaninate (1.68 mmol m−2⋅s−1⋅kPa−1). Interestingly, the type of counter ion had minimal impact on the CO2 absorption capacity, with potassium-based solutions exhibiting only a slightly elevated capacity compared to sodium- and lithium-based solutions. Specifically, potassium-lysinate displayed the highest CO2 absorption capacity (0.7 mol CO2 /mol amine), while potassium-β-alaninate showed the lowest (0.65 mol CO2/mol amine). It should be noted that all lithium-based solutions of all amino acids formed precipitates during CO2 absorption. From a practical and operational perspective, these findings suggest that the potassium salt solution of amino acids would be the optimal choice for direct air capture applications due to their enhanced solubility and CO2 mass transfer rates compared to the corresponding sodium and lithium counter ion salt solutions.

Experimental Investigation The Effect of Bamboo Micro Filler on Performance of Bamboo-Sisal-E-Glass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Hybrid Composites

The numerous advantages of natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites, such as their light weight, biodegradability, recyclability, availability, and low cost, have brought them to the forefront for various structural applications in the automotive and aerospace industries. Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of varying the weight fractions of bamboo micro filler on the tensile, flexural, impact, and water absorption properties of the Sisal-Bamboo-E-glass fiber reinforced epoxy matrix hybrid composite prepared by manual hand layup method. To enhance the bond between natural and synthetic fibers and reduce the hydrophilic nature of natural fibers, bamboo and sisal fibers were treated with 5% NaOH for 6 and 8 hours, respectively. The E-glass fiber content was kept constant at 10%, while the weight fractions of sisal, bamboo fiber, epoxy matrix, and bamboo micro filler were varied. The bamboo micro filler size ranged from 75 to 100 μm. Tensile and flexural tests were conducted using a computer-controlled universal electromechanical testing machine, while impact testing was performed with a Charpy impact test machine. The results showed that the hybrid composite containing 15% sisal, 10% glass, 15% bamboo fiber, 57% epoxy, and 3% bamboo micro filler exhibited the highest tensile strength (87 MPa),flexural strength (77 MPa), high impact energy (8.9 J) and high toughness (24.64 J/cm2). Conversely, the highest water absorption capacity was observed in composites with 6% bamboo micro filler. Overall, the tensile, flexural, impact, and water absorption properties of the hybrid composites were significantly influenced by the weight fractions of the fibers and bamboo micro filler.

Is technological innovation good or bad? An empirical investigation of technology startups

Digitalization has brought several unpredictable changes in the field of technology and innovation management. Despite several studies on how digital innovation stands out in terms of a firm's performance, there is an evident research gap for empirical studies on technology startups from developing countries. Therefore, this research investigates the impact of digitalization in three categories (digital interconnectedness, digitalized value chains and big data analytics) on exploratory and exploitative innovations under the moderation of absorptive capacity in technology startups of three different sizes operating in Pakistan. The study used the binary probit model and the results reveal the impact of digitalization on exploratory and exploitative innovations is heterogenous in startups of different sizes along with a significant moderating effect of absorptive capacity. The findings suggest that technological innovation plays a different role among different sizes of startups under the moderation of absorptive capacity.

Upcycling stale bread into (meso)porous materials: Xerogels and aerogels

This work explores the upcycling of stale bread into bio-based, low-density porous materials with partial mesoporosity, produced through gelatinization and drying, using either supercritical CO2 (aerogels) or low-vacuum conditions (xerogels). Cryogels were also fabricated via freeze-drying for comparison purposes. Stale bread particles (Bread) were subjected to proteolytic gluten depletion (Gluten-Depleted Bread, GDB) or particle size reduction (Finely milled Bread, FB) to investigate the effect of protein removal or particle size on porous materials’ properties. Porous materials made from wheat starch (WS) and wheat flour (Flour) were also examined for comparison. The solvent exchange induced volume shrinkage (SE-VS), which accounted for over 87% of the total shrinkage, ranged from 62% in GDB to 78% in WS. Bread-based porous materials presented comparable specific surface area (∼40 m2/g) and water absorption capacity (∼400%) to WS materials, but outperformed in resistance to volume shrinkage, resulting in lower density. FB porous materials possessed a higher specific surface area than Bread materials, indicating the benefits of particle size reduction. Furthermore, gluten depletion resulted in GDB-aerogels with the highest specific surface area (∼80 m2/g), highlighting the benefits of gluten depletion. However, WS materials exhibited significantly greater maximum compressive stress (>2.0 MPa) and compressive modulus (>6 MPa) than stale bread-based porous materials. Importantly, the porous properties of xerogels and aerogels were similar (differences < 10%), indicating the feasibility of using low vacuum drying to produce new porous materials with partial mesoporosity (surface area 60–80 m2/g) from stale bread at a lower cost.

White cabbage waste powder improves gluten-free rice-based breadsticks functional and nutritional characteristics

Fruit and vegetable industrialization generates large amounts of organic residues abundant in bioactive compounds. In the present work, white cabbage powders (WCP) were used to partially replace rice flour (5, 10, 20 and 30% w/w) in the formulation of gluten-free breadsticks. Physicochemical (moisture content, water and oil absorption capacity), pasting, and antioxidant properties (reducing sugars, total phenols and DPPH scavenge ability) were evaluated in flour blends. Breadsticks quality was evaluated by analysing dough rheology, physicochemical (aw, colour, texture) and antioxidant properties. Water and oil absorption capacities improved with WCP addition, whereas pasting properties worsened. Dynamic oscillatory tests revealed that WCP incorporation increased G’ and G’’ values. Colour attributes were also significantly modified with WCP addition, whereas breadsticks hardness reduced compared to control formulation. Nutritional properties of breadsticks improved with WCP addition, as deduced from the better antioxidant characteristics obtained for both blends and breadsticks, when vegetable powders were added. In conclusion, this study reveals that WCP can be suggested as functional food ingredient to increase the nutritional properties of new, rice-based gluten-free breadsticks.

Thin-slice structure enhanced hyperelastic composite foams for superb sound absorption and thermal insulation

With the ongoing advancement of society, the populace’s needs for goods are progressively evolving from essential to comfy. Within the construction sector, the demands for building materials with exceptional sound absorption and thermal insulation capabilities are becoming increasingly expected by consumers. Herein, the melamine foam (MF) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were combined through a facile dip-coating method. Benefitting from the unique three-dimensional porous structure and the folded pore walls caused by CMC, the composite foam with thin-slice structure exhibited a high sound absorption capacity with a noise reduction coefficient of 0.424 (thickness = 20mm). In particular, compared to the unmodified MF, the sound absorption performance of the composite foam was increased by approximately 94.3% at 500Hz and 211.2% at 1000Hz. Furthermore, it also demonstrated outstanding thermal insulation ability with low thermal conductivity of 0.0319W/mK and thermal diffusivity of 0.855 mm2/s. When placed on a heating platform of 145 °C, the temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the composite foam reached an impressive 105.1 °C. Based on these advantages, this high-performance composite foam possesses great potential for applications in engineering, construction, noise reduction, and personal protection.

Performance evaluation of innovative composite wall system under extreme loads

ABSTRACT Current reports on accidents in urban areas reveal the devastation of boundary walls and the consequent risks to human lives and property damage. The present study proposes to mitigate such risks through the development and application of a robust and shock-absorbent composite wall system to replace the normal concrete wall system. The paper adopted a comprehensive Finite Element (FE) study using ABAQUS and used the three-dimensional validated model to initially evaluate the selected four different innovative wall systems (Polypropylene fibre-reinforced composite, ECC-Concrete, ECC-Rubberised concrete, and Rubberised concrete-Concrete composite walls) to evaluate their structural performances under lateral impact and blast loads. The most suitable composition of the wall system is identified after comparing the impact resistance, blast resistance, and the energy absorption capacity of all the selected wall structures. Then, an optimisation study on the best-performed composite is conducted to propose the most appropriate geometric parameters for the composite wall. ECC-Rubberised concrete composite wall shows the least deflection at the selected magnitudes of impact loads and blast loads compared to the other walls. The energy absorption capacity of the ECC-Rubberised concrete composite wall is the highest among all the walls including the normal concrete wall.

Comparison and Assessment of Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Capacity Between EGCG and Phosphatidylcholine-Encapsulated EGCG.

To compare and evaluate the differences between EGCG and phosphatidylcholine-encapsulated EGCG in terms of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities. In this study, transdermal absorption experiments were conducted to compare the absorption capacity of EGCG and phosphatidylcholine-encapsulated EGCG. Subsequently, the disparity in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy between EGCG and phosphatidylcholine-encapsulated EGCG were evaluated through cytotoxicity experiments, as well as the determination of cellular inflammatory factors and the measurement of ROS content under different treatment conditions. The concentration of EGCG, encapsulated in phosphatidylcholine, in porcine skin is 40.76 ± 1.29 μg/cm2, which is significantly higher than the concentration of EGCG alone (31.62 ± 2.01 μg/cm2). Also, the ability of phosphatidylcholine-encapsulated EGCG to suppress inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was notably superior to that of EGCG alone. Both phosphatidylcholine-encapsulated EGCG and EGCG showed excellent ROS scavenging ability in terms of antioxidant capacity. The percutaneous absorption and anti-inflammatory impact of EGCG encapsulated within phosphatidylcholine were substantially enhanced when compared to EGCG by itself. Additionally, both formulations exhibited enhanced ROS scavenging capacities, albeit the variance between them was not pronounced. These insights furnish a vital theoretical underpinning for the utilization of phosphatidylcholine-encapsulated EGCG in cosmetic applications, specifically for fostering products with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Copper-nickel MOF-coated electrospun polyacrylonitrile membranes for Li–S batteries: Mitigating the shuttle effect and enhancing stability

Cu–Ni MOF nanoparticles were synthesized as coating materials for lithium–sulfur battery membranes, and the performance of batteries employing Cu–Ni MOF/PAN (CNMP) electrospinning membranes were examined. The modified membrane efficiently suppresses the shuttle effect, leveraging the synergistic catalysis and adsorption capabilities of the Cu–Ni MOF nanoparticles. The modified membrane exhibited relatively high porosity and outstanding electrolyte absorption capacity. The CNMP membrane battery demonstrated a remarkable first-cycle discharge capacity of 1529 mA h g⁻¹. The battery maintained an exceptional discharge capacity with 85.2 % retention and a minimal capacity decay rate of just 0.074 % per cycle after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. The capacity retention of the modified membrane battery remained at 74.6 % even after 2000 cycles at 2 C. The excellent performance of the modified membrane battery was due to the physical entrapment and strong chemical adsorption of lithium polysulfides by Cu–Ni MOF nanoparticles, significantly preventing the shuttle effect and facilitating rapid oxidation–reduction kinetics based on strong catalytic conversion.