Abundant Carboxyl Research Articles

A bio-based, self-healable, conductive rubber film with oxidized cellulose nanofiber segregated network

Rubber composites are indispensable in all areas of our daily lives. However, the formation of permanent crosslinked networks in rubber materials makes it difficult to recycle, resulting in a non-negligible waste of resources. In this paper, a vulcanization-free, fully bio-sourced rubber composite was prepared by using oxidized natural rubber (oNR) and oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCFs). TOCFs are selectively dispersed between the latex particles to form a segregated network. Meanwhile, the formation of hydrogen-bonding between oxygenated polar groups of oNR and abundant hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of TOCFs improves their interfacial interactions. This special structure promotes strain-induced crystallization (SIC) behavior of oNR matrix, giving its tensile strength up to 14.7 MPa. Furthermore, the oNR/TOCFs film shows excellent self-healing efficiency (96 %) at 40 °C for 5 h. The hygroscopicity of the TOCFs segregated network can turn the oNR/TOCFs film to be a conductive film by regulating the absorbed water content. The film has high conductivity (0.05 S/m) at a water content of 8.99 wt%, and the resistance change (RV/R0) can be varied between 1–5.9 × 10−6 at a water content range of 0–8.99 wt%, which makes it have potential for a wide range of humidity monitoring applications.

Co-based carbon material as CYP3A4-like nanozyme with both biocatalytic activity and inhibition behaviors

Up to now, the biocatalytic activity of nanozymes has been extensively studied, while little research focus on their inhibitory behaviors. Here, Co-based carbon material (Co-DMOF) containing abundant carboxylic acid groups was prepared, with defects introduced by COx escape during pyrolysis to achieve controllable activity. As a result, Co-DMOF exhibited biocatalytic activity similar to cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in the metabolism of 1,4-Dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP, a calcium channel blocker). Excitingly, studies on IC50 and drug-drug interaction (DDI) suggested that Co-DMOF had similar inhibitory behaviors to CYP3A4. Moreover, Co-DMOF displayed excellent stability even under high temperature (100 °C), organic solvents, and a wide range of pH (4–9). Additionally, it can be reused for at least 7 times with only slight loss of activity. Therefore, Co-DMOF has great potential to become a low-cost alternative to CYP3A4 for drug dosage guideline, drug metabolism and DDI. This work provides more possibilities for expanding the CYP3A4-like nanozyme library.

Structure formation mechanism of pectin-soy protein isolate gels: Unraveling the role of peach pectin fractions.

This study investigated the macro & micro properties of the composite gels formed by soy protein isolate (SPI) and peach pectin fractions: water-soluble pectin (WSP), chelator-soluble pectin (CSP), and sodium carbonate soluble pectin (NSP). Specially, the interaction between pectin fractions and SPI was studied to explain the formation mechanism of the composite gels. WSP, as a high methoxyl pectin, exhibited rich branching (sugar ratio B=3.10). CSP, as a low methoxyl pectin, depicted a high linearity. NSP, with low linearity (sugar ratio A=6.14), contained numerous side chains. Due to the strong interaction between pectin fractions and SPI, the new composites with excellent dense network microstructures were formed, accompanied by increased apparent viscosity, higher G' and G'', and reduced particle size. XRD and FT-IR analysis highlighted the modifications in gel structures. SEM-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy observed elemental distribution and framework composition in pectin-SPI gels. Hydrophobic interaction was the most important chemical force in pectin-SPI binding. Molecular docking results indicated that galacturonic acid in pectin bound more strongly to 7S than to 11S, with tighter hydrogen bonds. Notably, WSP-SPI showed the lowest turbidity, indicating enhanced solubility and particle dispersion, which helped prevent aggregation. CSP-SPI demonstrated the highest G' and G'', ascribing to the high linearity and abundant carboxyl groups in CSP. NSP-SPI showed the highest apparent viscosity and irregular structure. Overall, the texture properties of pectin-SPI gels were driven by pectin's structure properties, which would provide new and valuable information for texture control in gel formulation.

Simple and efficient enrichment and separation of glycoprotein by teamed boronate affinity magnetic carbon nanospheres

Protein glycosylation is a key regulatory mechanism that controls many physiological and pathological processes. Analyses of glycoproteins in biological samples require challenging enrichment steps in light of sample complexity and low glycoprotein abundance. Here, in order to develop an efficient method to enrich glycoproteins, a magnetic carbon nanospheres (MCs) rich in amino group and polyboric acid sites was designed and prepared. The teamed boronate affinity was formed by the self-assembled of amino group and boric acid, which can specifically capture glycoprotein containing cis-diol under neutral conditions. Firstly, a simple green hydrothermal method led to the production of a carbon nanospheres matrix with abundant surface hydroxyl and carboxyl moieties. Then, MCs were synthesized by solvothermal method. Subsequently, the MCs were modified with polyethyleneimine and boric acid in turn to obtain the proposed composite. The hydrophilicity of amino group and its hydrogen bond with glycoprotein, as well as the cyclization reaction of boric acid with cis-1,2-diol, are utilized to specifically bind to glycoprotein. The prepared magnetic nanospheres exhibited binding to glycoproteins with rapid kinetics and strong affinity. Adsorption equilibrium was reached within 40 min, and the adsorption capacities for the glycoproteins ovalbumin, transferrin and horseradish peroxidase were found to be 493, 346 and 326 mg/g, respectively, while the adsorption capacities for the non-glycoproteins bovine serum protein and lysozyme were 60 and 30 mg/g, respectively. This novel nanoparticle provides a simple and efficient method for the enrichment and separation of glycoproteins from biological samples.

Determination of Dipicolinic Acid through the Antenna Effect of Eu(III) Coordination Polymer.

Bacillus anthracis is a Gram-positive bacterium that can cause acute infection and anthracnose, which is a serious concern for human health. Determining Bacillus anthracis through its spore biomarker dipicolinic acid (DPA) is crucial, and there is a strong need for a method that is rapid, sensitive, and selective. Here, we created Eu(III)-coordination polymers (Eu-CPs) with surfaces that have abundant carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. This was achieved by using citric acid and europium nitrate hexahydrate as precursors in a straightforward one-pot hydrothermal process. These Eu-CPs were then successfully utilized for highly sensitive DPA determination. The fluorescence (FL) emission of Eu-CPs, which is typically weak due to the coordination of Eu(III) with water molecules, was significantly enhanced in the presence of DPA. This enhancement is attributed to the competitive binding between DPA's carboxyl or hydroxyl groups and water molecules. As a result, the absorbed energy of DPA, when excited by 280 nm ultraviolet light, is transferred to Eu-CPs through an antenna effect. This leads to the emission of the characteristic red fluorescence of Eu3+ at 618 nm. A strong linear relationship was observed between the enhanced FL intensity and DPA concentration in the range of 0.5-80 μM. This relationship allowed for a limit of detection (LOD) of 15.23 nM. Furthermore, the Eu-CPs we constructed can effectively monitor the release of DPA from Bacillus subtilis spores, thereby further demonstrating the potential significance of this strategy in the monitoring and management of anthrax risk. This highlights the novelty of this approach in practical applications, provides a valuable determination technique for Bacillus anthracis, and offers insights into the development cycle of microorganisms.

Eco-friendly sustainable fluorescent coal-based carbon dots as a highly selective probe for Cu2+detection

Carbon dots as fluorescent probes exhibit brilliant sensitivity and selectivity in copper ion detection, which greatly depends on their microstructure. Herein, a mild oxidation method was adopted to tailor the organic macromolecules of coal and its derivatives for preparing coal-based carbon dots. Such coal-based carbon dots comprise a carbonaceous center dominated by sp2 microcrystalline carbon, surface defects formed by sp3 amorphous carbon, and oxygen/nitrogen-containing functional groups. The coal-based humic acid-based carbon dots (HA-CDs) exhibit high dispersity (∼7.6 nm), high sp2 microcrystalline carbon (61.73 %), abundant carboxyl groups (2.09 %), hydroxy groups (8.93 %), and pyridinic nitrogen (1.06 %). Due to their unique microstructure, the HA-CDs in aqueous solutions exhibit prominent fluorescence stability under different pH conditions and show superior selectivity and sensitivity to Cu2+ even in the existence of other metal ions. Within the concentration range of 0–40 µmol/L, the fluorescence intensity of HA-CDs linearly correlates with the concentration of Cu2+. The limit of detection is 0.014 µmol/L, allowing for tracing the Cu2+ concentration in flowing water. This work affords a novel idea for the microstructure design of high-sensitivity carbon dots for Cu2+ detection in the water environment.

Superoleophobic polyethylene glycol grafted graphene oxide/polyamide 6 nanofibrous composite membrane for highly efficient separation of oil/water emulsion

Graphene oxide (GO) has been applied for membrane-based oil/water emulsion separation processes due to its ease of functionalization, substantial surface area, and abundant hydrophilic hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups. In this study, the dispersion of GO in polyamide 6 (PA6) was improved through grafting of GO with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The prepared GO-PEG was integrated into PA6 nanofibers at different loading levels and the oil/water emulsion separation of the resulting PA6/GO-PEG membranes was compared as a function of GO-PEG content. The homogeneous dispersion of GO-PEG at a 2 wt% loading level within PA6 nanofibers (designated as PA6/GO-PEG2) resulted in a nanofibrous composite membrane that exhibited exceptional mechanical strength (approximately 16.29 MPa), and remarkable hydrophilic properties (water contact angle of 12.30°). Moreover, a remarkable underwater superoleophobicity was exhibited by PA6/GO-PEG2 and provided an underwater oil contact angle of 150.41°. Notably, the optimal characteristics were showcased by the PA6/GO-PEG2 nanofibrous membrane, offering an impressive water flux rate of 813 L/m2h and an outstanding oil rejection efficiency of 99.26 % when subjected to an oil/water emulsion under a pressure of 1 bar. Furthermore, robust antifouling properties were displayed by PA6/GO-PEG2, in which 95.69 % of the water flux rate was maintained and reached 778 L/m2h, and excellent oil rejection efficiency remained at 98.59 % even after 15 cycles of oil/water separation. These results highlight the potential of the PA6/GO-PEG2 nanofibrous membrane as a highly promising candidate for practical applications in oil/water separation, owing to its superior performance and enduring antifouling characteristics.

Influence of Tectonically Deformed Coal-Based Activated Carbon and Its Surface Modification on Methane Adsorption.

A series of coal-based activated carbons (CACs) were synthesized from mylonitized fat coal, a type of tectonically deformed coal (TDC) and symbiotic primary structural coal (PSC), followed by oxidative modification. The pore structure, surface oxygen-containing functional groups, and their influence on methane adsorption by CAC as the simplified coal model were investigated by using low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Boehm titration, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that tectonic deformation fostered smaller pores, particularly ultramicropores in TDC, dominating methane adsorption. Acid-modified TDC-based activated carbons (ACs) showed higher pore parameters and oxygen-containing functional groups than those of PSC-based ACs. Nitric acid introduced abundant carboxyl groups concurrently increasing the pore volume and specific surface area (SSA), while sulfuric acid-ammonium persulfate treatment resulted in increased lactone groups and a partial collapse/blockage of nanopores. Methane adsorption experiments confirmed the importance of micropores and revealed a significant decrease in capacity owing to increased oxygen-containing functional groups as the primary role, with pore wall corrosion playing a secondary role. Thus, the study highlights the surface effects of TDC on methane adsorption and the potential for producing high-performance methane storage materials from China's tectonic coal resources.

Sodium alginate synergises with copper ion deposition on LDH surface to enhance the fire resistance of waterborne epoxy coatings

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) possesses the effect of interlayer barrier and dilute the concentration of flammable gases due to its unique lamellar structure, which enables it to perform excellent flame retardancy in both gas and condensed phases. In this paper, the abundant hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on the surface of sodium alginate (SA) were utilized to confer excellent hydrophilicity to LDH. Meanwhile, through ion substitution at the carboxyl site of sodium alginate, thus introducing Cu to catalysis charring into LDH@SA for the synthesis of a novel organometallic ion flame retardant (LSCu). Combination of flame retardants with intumescent fireproofing coatings to prepare composite coatings and test them for fire performance. The large panel test indicated that when the LSCu content was 4 %, the backside temperature of the steel panel dropped to 174.7°C, and the char layer surface remained intact, without any holes or cracks. In the furnace test, the composite coating had the highest expansion height (15.6 mm) and expansion rate (13.28 %) with uniform expansion. SEM illustrated that the char layer of the composite coating had a honeycomb structure, which enhanced the adsorption of heat and smoke. In addition, the composite coating retained the highest residual char content (28.1 %), which had to do with the synergistic effect between LDH and Cu complexes. Furthermore, through analyzing the residual char, it was demonstrated that the formation of metal oxides by LSCu at elevated temperatures improved the sustained barrier performance of the char layer.

Poly(3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine)-modified cellulose paper for the extraction of deoxyribonucleic acid by a laboratory-built automated extraction device

The success of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) depends on the quality of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) templates. This study developed a cost-effective and eco-friendly DNA extraction system utilizing poly(3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine)-modified cellulose paper (polyDOPA@paper). PolyDOPA@paper was prepared by oxidatively self-polymerizing DOPA under weak alkaline conditions and utilizing the adhesive property of polyDOPA on different materials. Compared to the uncoated cellulose paper, polyDOPA coating significantly enhances DNA adsorption owing to its abundant amino, carboxyl, and hydroxyl moieties. The DNA extraction mechanism using polyDOPA@paper was discussed. The maximum adsorption capacity of polyDOPA@paper for DNA was 20.7 μg cm−2. Moreover, an automated extraction system was designed and fabricated using 3D printing technology. The device simplifies the operation and ensures the reproducibility and consistency of the results. More importantly, it eliminates the need for specialized training of operators. The feasibility of the polyDOPA@paper-based automated extraction system was evaluated by quantitatively detecting Escherichia coli in spiked milk samples via a real-time PCR. The detection limit was 102 cfu mL−1. The results suggest that the system would have significant potential in detecting pathogens.

Tailoring amino-functionalized cellulose separators for improved lithium-ion battery performance

This study aims to enhance cellulose separators for energy storage, focusing on achieving high security and superior electrolyte wetting properties. Bacterial cellulose (BC) separators were initially prepared via vacuum filtration. Subsequently, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) underwent amino-functionalization by successfully cross-linking polyethyleneimine (PEI) using glutaraldehyde. The amino-functionalized CMC was then composited onto the BC separator. This composite separator demonstrated excellent thermal stability at 200 °C and favorable electrolyte wetting. The amino groups in PEI enhanced Li+ migration by forming hydrogen bonds with PF6− in the electrolyte. Additionally, molecular-level hydrogen bonding between amino groups on PEI and carboxyl/hydroxyl groups in CMC regulated the separator's porosity. The abundant carboxyl groups in CMC facilitated Li+ transfer, notably boosting the lithium-ion battery's electrochemical performance. After 90 charge and discharge cycles, the discharge capacity of the battery assembled with BC/CMC-PEI composite separator is 132.8 mAh/g, which is 25.1 % higher than the 106.1 mAh/g of the battery assembled with traditional PP separator. At a current density of 2C, the minimum discharge capacity of the battery assembled with the composite separator is 71.1 mAh/g, while the minimum discharge capacity of the battery assembled with the PP separator is 53.6 mAh/g. This approach using functional group modification provides a promising approach to improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Photoluminescent sensing of HepG2 cells with a metal-organic framework / molybdenum disulphide nanosheets composite probe

The photoluminescence-based detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can offer the development of rapid, simple, and sensitive techniques for the screening of cancer at early stages as well the monitoring of therapy progression. The present work reports the application of a photoluminescent composite of Terbium based metal–organic framework (Tb-BTC MOF) with L-cysteine conjugated molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) nanosheets for the highly sensitive immunosensing of HepG2 cells. The formation of the above composite facilitates the achievement of a highly fluorescent, large surface area material with abundant carboxyl functionality. This novel composite has been immobilized with the anti-EpCAM antibodies to form the desired immunosensor for HepG2 cells. After spectroscopic and morphological characterizations, the antibody immobilized Tb-BTC/MoS2 bioprobe (Ab/Tb-BTC/MoS2) has been investigated for the sensing of HepG2 cells (10–1000 cells). Based on the PL quenching mechanism, the above bioprobe has delivered a broad range analysis with a low limit of detection (8 cells). The Ab/Tb-BTC/MoS2 bioprobe is also found selective toward other possible interferants, such as HEK cells, bovine serum albumin, immunoglobin G, and glucose.

Novel aerogel of aminated MXene composite orange peel biomass for ultra-high capacity of V(V) adsorption

Efficient and selective adsorption of V(V), pentavalent vanadium, from strategic polymetallic shale leaching solutions is crucial for resource utilization. However, the lack of a high-capacity adsorbent poses a significant challenge. Herein, we have successfully developed a novel composite adsorbent material by cross-linking orange peel biomass with aminated MXene, referred to as OPM. The incorporation of aminated MXene enhanced the availability of reactive groups within the material. The unique aerogel structure avoids the accumulation of MXene, thus improving the exposure of active sites. Furthermore, the positively charged surface of OPM enabled efficient adsorption of pentavalent vanadium ions. Experimental results showed that the adsorption of V(V) fitted well with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, and its adsorption rate was controlled by the pseudo-second-order kinetic mechanism. Remarkably, OPM exhibited a remarkable maximum adsorption capacity of 748.42 mg/g at pH=4. Even in the presence of interfering anions and cations, OPM maintains a high adsorption capacity for V(V).In the simulated wastewater adsorption experiment, the removal rate of V by the adsorbent exceeded 80 % After five cycles of adsorption, the material retains an adsorption capacity of more than 78 %. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the adsorption mechanism of OPM on V(V) is attributed to the fact that OPM is protonated under acidic conditions and has strong electrostatic interactions with pentavalent vanadium anion, in which abundant hydroxyl and carboxyl groups can undergo ion-exchange reactions with vanadium anion. Meanwhile, the amino group reduces V(V) to V(IV) and forms a complex with the oxygen/nitrogen functional group. This study provides theoretical understanding and practical application for the synergistic adsorption of V(V) on aerogels prepared from MXene composite orange peel biomass.

A Cellulose-Based Dual-Crosslinked Framework with Sensitive Shape and Color Changes in Acid/Alkaline Vapors.

Cellulose detectors, as green sensors, are some of the defensive mechanisms of plants which combat environmental stresses. However, extracted cellulose struggles to fulfil these functionalities due to its rigid physical/chemical properties. In this study, a novel cellulose dual-crosslinked framework (CDCF) is proposed. This comprises a denser temporary physical crosslinking bond (hydrogen bonding) and a looser covalent crosslinking bond (N,N-methylenebisacrylamide), which create deformable spaces between the two crosslinking sites. Abundant pH-sensitive carboxyl groups and ultralight, highly porous structures make CDCF response very sensitive in acid/alkaline vapor environments. Hence, a significant shrinkage of CDCF was observed following exposure to vapors. Moreover, a curcumin-incorporated CDCF exhibited dual shape and color changes when exposed to acid/alkaline vapors, demonstrating great potential for the multi-detection of acid/alkaline vapors.

A novel zirconium glyphosine carbon nanotube composite for fast and ultraeffective In(Ⅲ) capture

Extraction of In(Ⅲ) from the tail liquid of zinc ore which possesses the large amounts of Zn(Ⅱ) and the characteristics of highly acidity, remains a critical challenge. Adsorption method can be considered as an effective and green strategy to recovery In(Ⅲ). However, the adsorption capacity of mostly reported adsorbents is unsatisfactory toward In(Ⅲ) in the acidic environment. In this work, an effective In(Ⅲ) trap is developed by using a mild, simple strategy that introduces zirconium glyphosine coordination networks in situ loaded on carbon nanotube. Benefiting from the characteristics of abundant carboxyl and phosphate groups, excellent hydrophilicity and thermal stability, the resultant zirconium glyphosine carbon nanotube composite (xZrGP-CNT) exhibits remarkable adsorption capacity (193.72 mg g-1) toward In(Ⅲ) under pH 2.5 exceeded most of the reported adsorbents, and its adsorption behavior is consistent with pseudo-second order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. In addition, the obtained 2ZrGP-CNT shows prominent kinetics that reaches equilibrium only within 2 h, superior selectivity and excellent regeneration performance for In(Ⅲ) capture, which indicates the highly encouraging potential for the recovery of In(Ⅲ) in practical ore fluids. Our work poses a new way to recovery of In(Ⅲ) under acidic environments with superior adsorption performance and broadens the potential of organocphosphonates for recovering In(Ⅲ).

β-Ketoenamine covalent organic frameworks with abundant carboxyl groups for the efficient removal of malachite green in actual water environments

In this study, imine-based COF (TpPa-2COOH) with abundant carboxyl groups is constructed by 1,3,5-triisopropylchloroglucitol (Tp) and 2,5-diaminoterephthalic acid (Pa-2COOH) via “one-step” approach with solvent stability and resistance to acidity and alkalinity. TpPa-2COOH COF achieves highly efficient malachite green (MG) adsorption with a maximum adsorption of 296.56 mg·g−1 at pH = 5, and the adsorption capacity exceeds many reported adsorbents. Meanwhile, TpPa-2COOH COF shows outstanding adsorption performance to MG, such as 97.67 % removal rate in actual water environments, unique selective adsorption of MG in kinds of contaminants and good adsorption capacity in highly concentrated salt solutions. Additionally, TpPa-2COOH COF shows 78.4 % removal rate after six cyclic desorption-adsorption, demonstrating its excellent recyclability. Furthermore, the processes of monolayer adsorption and chemisorption are confirmed by the isotherms and kinetics of adsorption experiments. The adsorption mechanisms of π-π interaction, electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding and channel adsorption are further verified by XPS, EDX, Zeta potential and DFT calculations. This work hopes the synthesis and adsorption application of carboxylated COFs provide new ideas for developing novel adsorbents.

Nanocellulose membrane with double-salt deep eutectic solvent for efficient carbon capture

Membrane-based gas separation technology is becoming increasingly attractive as a feasible alternative for carbon capture to alleviate global warming. Here, a double-salt deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of organic salt (choline chloride) and inorganic salt (ZnCl2) is designed. The as-prepared DES exhibits a superb affinity and compatibility with nanocellulose because of the interactions between salt ions and cellulose carboxyl/hydroxyl groups. Through a solvent impregnation process, the DES was integrated into the nanocellulose gel precursor and used as a facilitated transport agent to form the functionalized nanocellulose membrane. The DES is tightly attached to the cellulose fibers with a high uniformity in the membrane matrix. Gas separation tests demonstrated that the DES@nanocellulose membranes presented a maximum CO2 permeability of 155.8 Barrer, with CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 ideal selectivities of 43.6 and 48.4, respectively. Mixed gas separation tests were performed and the optimal membrane exhibited separation factors of 48.1 and 52.3 for CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4, respectively. The membranes provide a high solubility for CO2 due to the presence of abundant zinc ions, choline cations and carboxyl groups in the network, which can establish reversible coordination with CO2 and promote CO2 transport.

Hybrid cross-linking for the synthesis of highly tough fluorescent alginate fibers

The limited mechanical performance and functional constraints of alginate fibers significantly impede their development in the context of professional research. To address the aforementioned issues, this study initially utilized polyethyleneimine (PEI) and citric acid to synthesize carbon quantum dots (CD) with surface amino functionalization. Subsequently, in a sodium alginate (SA) solution, CD and vinyl silicon-based nanoparticles (VSNP) were co-introduced. Utilizing the abundant hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in polysaccharides, stable interactions were achieved with CD and VSNP. Incorporating a dynamic hydrogen-bonded crosslinking network among CD, VSNP and SA, the establishment of a calcium alginate (CA) ionically crosslinked network is facilitated via calcium-sodium ion exchange. Additionally, the interwoven and interlocked structure between the aforementioned dual networks was established. Employing a wet spinning process, the synergistic multiple dynamic energy dissipation mechanisms significantly enhance the mechanical performance. Fluorescent alginate fibers (CA/VSNP/CD) were prepared. The tensile strength was 3.81 cN/dtex, and the elongation at break was 13.16%. Compared to pure CA fibers, there were respective increases of 95.38% and 82.02%. Simultaneously, the fibers exhibit excitation-dependent emission characteristics. This work lays the foundation for potential applications of fluorescent alginate fibers in environmental monitoring, chemical sensors, dynamic anti-counterfeiting, and biomedical fields.

Interfacial carbon quantum dot thin film impacts on morphological and chemical structures of fluorine-doped tin oxide films

Morphology and chemical bonding states, including surface roughness, film density, F-doping, and oxygen vacancy (VO) concentration directly affect the electrical and optical properties of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) films. In this study, morphology and chemical bonding states of FTO films are engineered simultaneously by introducing a carbon quantum dot (CQD) thin film as an interface layer during ultrasonic spray pyrolysis deposition. The abundant oxygen-containing surface functional groups and large surface free energy of the CQD thin film promoted (200) oriented crystal growth and accelerated nucleation of FTO, resulting in smooth and dense FTO film morphology. The abundant carboxyl surface functional groups on the CQDs generate active F− species that are effectively doped into SnO2. Formic acid, formed by dissociation of the carboxyl group, can serve as a strong reducing agent for extracting oxygen atoms from the SnO2 lattice, thereby increasing the VO concentration. The accelerated F-doping and VO concentration result in the generation of additional free electrons. The effects of the optimized CQD on the morphological and chemical structures of FTO films are demonstrated by their superior electrical (sheet resistance of ∼5.7 Ω/□) and optical properties (visible transmittance of ∼85.9 %) compared with bare FTO. Moreover, CQD/FTO used as transparent conducting electrodes in electrochromic (EC) application exhibited improved EC performances, including fast switching speeds (5.3 s and 2.3 s for bleaching and coloration, respectively) and high coloration efficiency (81.1 cm2/C) compared to that of bare FTO.

Biomimetic Anticoagulated Porous Particles with Self-Reporting Structural Colors.

Anticoagulation is vital to maintain blood fluidic status and physiological functions in the field of clinical blood-related procedures. Here, novel biomimetic anticoagulated porous inverse opal hydrogel particles is presented as anticoagulant bearing dynamic screening capability. The inverse opal hydrogel particles possess abundant sulfonic and carboxyl groups, which serve as binding sites with multiple coagulation factors and inhibit the blood coagulation process. Owing to the variations of refractive index and pore sizes during the binding process, the particles appeared corresponding structure color variations, which can be adopted as sensory index of anticoagulation. Based on these features, a sensor containing these diverse structure color particle units is constructed for pattern recognition of coagulation factors level in clinical plasma samples. By analyzing the sensory information of the unit, the colorimetric "fingerprint" for each target can be obtained and summarized as a database. Besides, a portable test-strip integrating sensory units is developed to distinguish the sample regarding abnormal coagulation factors-derived diseases via multivariate data analysis. It is believed that such biomimetic anticoagulated structural color particles and their derived sensor will open new avenue for clinical detection and disease diagnosis.