Aqueous Environment Research Articles

Facile solvothermal approach to design synergetic effect between the BiVO4 and TiS2 to boost up the Z-scheme photocatalytic performance for water treatment and hydrogen production

An innovative and economically practical method was developed to create unique BiVO4/TiS2 structures in an ecologically friendly way. Novel BiVO4/TiS2 composites are created by combining as synthesized BiVO4 and freshly prepared titanium disulfide (TiS2). The BiVO4/TiS2 composites were thoroughly evaluated to investigate their physical, optical, morphological, and photochemical characteristics. Pure BiVO4 material, TiS2 nanostructures, and BiVO4/TiS2 nanocomposites were evaluated for their photocatalytic capabilities by observing the deterioration of MB beneath natural solar irradiation. The BiVO4/TiS2@50 % composite exhibited highly improved sunlight-striving photocatalytic activities. The cycle stability of the as-produced BiVO4/TiS2@50 % photocatalyst material and active species effects that areparticipating in the photocatalytic coursehave also been studied. The decrease in charge recombination time and increased visible light absorption of the BiVO4/TiS2@50 % may be the causes of the enriched photocatalytic activity. A thorough examination encompassing empirical evidence and theoretical computations, culminated in developing a Z scheme photocatalytic mechanism. The results obtained from repeated cycling experiments and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy provided additional support for this mechanism. Furthermore, after five consecutive cycles, BiVO4/TiS2@50 % photocatalyst sample exhibited commendable stability in an aqueous environment. Utilizing a highly efficient photocatalyst material (BiVO4/TiS2@50 %) further elucidates the degradation mechanism and scavenging effect of MB dyes. The BiVO4/TiS2@50 % photocatalyst achieved a hydrogen production rate of 15.5 mmolg−1h−1, which is higher than the single BiVO4 and TiS2 and other prepared composites. The excellent reductive and oxidative capabilities of our best material (BiVO4/TiS2@50 %) and its superior stability due to the Z scheme operation significantly enhance its potential for practical implementations in photocatalysis and hydrogen production.

Efficient microplastics adsorption in aqueous environments via bidirectional ordered graphene oxide/nanocellulose aerogels

Microplastics not only accumulate various harmful substances but also are ingested by marine organisms and humans, causing immeasurable impacts. Therefore, the removal of microplastics has become a crucial proposition for addressing the issue of microplastic pollution. This study investigated a bidirectional ordered graphene oxide (GO)/nanocellulose aerogels (D-DPGG) to remove microplastics from water bodies. The concentration of microplastics before and after adsorption was measured using a fluorescence spectrophotometer. D-DPGG aerogel exhibited excellent adsorption performance for microplastics (241.56 mg/g) and maintained high adsorption efficiency (>80 %) over 20 cycles of adsorption testing. Additionally, the link between GO and dual-directional treatment significantly improved the aerogel microstructure. It had an apparent layered structure in the transverse direction and improves the mechanical properties. D-DPGG aerogel not only served as an effective solution in adsorption but also held promise as a novel material in directional structural design.

Voltammetric detection of chlorogenic acid by Poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene) electrodes

This work aims at developing selective detection of chlorogenic acid (CGA), a critical phenolic acid related to the antioxidant level and taste of coffee, by a pristine poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) electrode. The electrochemical oxidation of CGA on two types of PEDOT films, electrodeposited in aqueous (water, aq-PEDOT) and non-aqueous solvents (acetonitrile, ACN-PEDOT), were systematically studied and compared. Aq-PEDOT film showed a linear response for CGA in a range from 1.5 µM to 2.5 mM and a sensitivity of 0.33 mA/cm2⋅mM; ACN-PEDOT film showed a non-linear response with residual CGA. For repeated sensing purposes, we chose aq-PEDOT for the CGA sensor demonstration. Although cross-sensitivity with gallic acid (GA) and caffeic acid (CA) at 0.35 V was observed due to the shared catechol structure, selectivity for CGA determination against vanillin (VAN), guaiacol (GUA), theobromine (THB), theophylline (THP), quinic acid (QA), and caffeine (CAF) was confirmed. The distinct sensing behavior of the PEDOT films was further investigated: aq-PEDOT had a relatively flat surface and obeyed diffusion-controlled kinetics for CGA electro-oxidation. In contrast, ACN-PEDOT had a rougher coral-like morphology and strong adsorption characteristics. The measurements in real coffee samples by aq-PEDOT were also demonstrated with the interference from CA compensated. In brief, this study proves the niches and provides in-depth electrochemical kinetics for voltammetric CGA sensing using the PEDOT films prepared in aqueous and non-aqueous environments.

Potential of a CO2-Responsive supramolecular drug-carrier system as a safer and more effective treatment for cancer

We combined carbon dioxide (CO2)-responsive cytosine-containing rhodamine 6G (Cy-R6G) as a hydrophobic anticancer agent with hydrogen-bonded cytosine-functionalized polyethylene glycol (Cy-PEG) as a hydrophilic supramolecular carrier to construct a CO2-responsive drug delivery system, with the aim of enhancing the responsiveness of the system to the tumor microenvironment and thus the overall effectiveness of anticancer therapy. Due to self-complementary hydrogen bonding interactions between cytosine units, Cy-R6G and Cy-PEG co-assemble in water to form spherical-like nanogels, with Cy-R6G effectively encapsulated within the nanogels. The nanogels exhibit several distinctive physical features, such as widely tunable nanogel size and drug loading capacity for Cy-R6G, intriguing fluorescence properties, high co-assembled structural stability in normal aqueous environments, enhanced anti-hemolytic characteristics, sensitive dual CO2/pH-responsive behavior, and precise and easily controllable CO2-induced release of Cy-R6G. Cytotoxicity assays clearly indicated that, due to the presence of cytosine receptors on the surface of cancer cells, Cy-R6G-loaded nanogels exert selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells in pristine culture medium, but do not affect the viability of normal cells. Surprisingly, in CO2-rich culture medium, Cy-R6G-loaded nanogels exhibit a further significant enhancement in cytotoxicity against cancer cells, and remain non-cytotoxic to normal cells. More importantly, a series of in vitro experiments demonstrated that compared to pristine culture medium, CO2-rich culture medium promotes more rapid selective internalization of Cy-R6G-loaded nanogels into cancer cells through cytosine-mediated macropinocytosis and thus accelerates the induction of apoptosis. Therefore, this newly developed system provides novel avenues for the development of highly effective CO2-responsive drug delivery systems with potent anticancer capabilities.

Anodically Grown Pt(II) Oxide Microelectrode/Nanoelectrode pH Sensor

Abstract Operando measurements of local pH at the nanoscale can significantly improve the understanding of the complex microenvironments that exist in electrochemical systems. However, attempts to easily fabricate a nano-sized pH electrode that can operate under a wide range of pH conditions and have fast temporal responses have been difficult. Here, we show that an anodic-grown Pt/Pt(II) oxide pH sensor manufactured in alkaline conditions (1 M NaOH) shows a near-Nernstian response (-60 mV/pH) from pH 0 to pH 14, is insensitive to dissolved oxygen, cation, and anion identities, and responds correctly in solution with different ionic strengths. This is in contrast to Pt/Pt(II) oxide films grown in acidic media, which do not demonstrate a Nernstian relationship due to cation interference other than H+. We observed a response time of 2.25 seconds, corresponding to 90% of the final measured pH, for an approximately twelve-fold pH step change when growing the Pt(II) oxide layer on a platinum nanoelectrode. Our findings emphasize the influence of solution pH used for anodization synthesis on the anodic Pt(II) oxide pH sensing properties. The direct oxidation approach for fabricating Pt/Pt(II) oxide microelectrode/nanoelectrode pH sensors can simplify the manufacture of real-time pH sensors for complex aqueous environments.

Microemulsion Templating Synthesis of Hierarchical Porous Ag‐Doped SiO2‐TiO2 Composites for Efficient Degradation of Noxious Methylene Blue Dye: Effect of Calcination Environment

AbstractWe report herein a dual function mesoporous structure of titanium oxide based porous carbon with large surface‐to‐volume ratios for efficient degradation of noxious methylene blue dye (MB) from an aqueous environment. The mesoporous photocatalysts is fabricated via direct template synthesis of highly ordered silica‐titania monolith doped with Ag0/Ag2O starting from a quaternary microemulsion liquid crystalline phase. The produced monoliths are subjected in‐situ to doping by growing silver, in the cubic cavities, and on the silica/titania structure's domain. This study investigated the efficiency of novel composite materials, consisting of silver‐doped silica‐titania (SiO2/TiO2), which is synthesized using the microemulsion templating approach. The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized composite in the photodegradation of MB has been studied. The procedure of photodegradation was employed to achieve decolorization of the cationic MB dye using visible light. The catalyst effectively achieved the decolorization of the dyed solution through the processes of adsorption and photodegradation. The composite consisting of SiO2, TiO2, and Ag2O at a ratio of 1 : 1:0.5, which underwent calcination in an air environment (AgOST), exhibited a removal efficiency of 99 % compared to its calcined state under argon (AgSTC).

A Zn‐MOF With Its Mixed‐Matrix Membranes for Convenient and Efficient Visualization Detection of 3‐Nitrotyrosine Biomarker in Aqueous Media and Practical Application in Serum

ABSTRACTInstant and accurate detection of 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT) biomarker is an important but challenging task in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases. Herein, this work reported a Zn (II)–based metal–organic framework (MOF) {[Zn2(BDPT)(DIMB)]}n, denoted as Zn‐BDPT, synthesized by solvothermal method using bis(3,5‐dicarboxyphenyl)terephthalamide (H4BDPT) and 1,4‐di(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)butane (DIMB). Neighboring [Zn (COO)2] clusters were connected by BDPT4− units and DIMB to form a (2,4,4)‐connected three‐dimensional (3D) architecture. X‐ray powder diffraction (PXRD) and thermogravimetric (TGA) experiments indicated that Zn‐BDPT had good purity and stability. Zn‐BDPT could selectively and rapidly recognize 3‐NT in an aqueous environment. For rapid economic detection of 3‐NT in actual samples, mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) based on Zn‐BDPT were successfully prepared and named Zn‐BDPT@PMMA. The addition of 3‐NT under the UV lamp displayed an evident visible fluorescence quenching effect. Quantitative titration analysis of Zn‐BDPT@PMMA in real serum sample obtained the Ksv value of 1.13 × 104 M−1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.17 μM. This report demonstrated that MOF‐based MMMs could be used as ideal candidate for luminescent probe in actual application.

Utilising date palm fibres as a permeable reactive barrier to remove methylene blue dye from groundwater: a batch and continuous adsorption study.

This study aimed to utilise cheap and abundantly available date palm fibre (DPF) wastes for the remediation of methylene blue (MLB) dye-contaminated groundwater. The DPF adsorbents were first prepared, followed by various characterisation analyses, including surface morphology, functional groups, and material structure. Subsequently, the DPF adsorbents were applied in the batch and continuous adsorption studies to assess the MLB dye removal from aqueous environments. The batch adsorption study achieved 98% maximum removal efficiency with a contact time, adsorbents dosage, initial pH, temperature, particle size, initial dye concentration, and agitation speed of 105min, 3g/L, 7.0, 45°C, 0.075mm, 50mg/L, and 150rpm, respectively. Langmuir was the best-fitted isotherm model depending on a higher correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.985), with a maximum monolayer dye adsorption capacity (qmax) of 54.204mg/g. Additionally, the second order was the best-fitted kinetic model (R2 = 0.990), indicating that MLB dye was removed through chemisorption. Besides, the positive enthalpy change (ΔH°) and negative Gibb's free energy (ΔG°) values verified the endothermic process and spontaneous adsorption. According to the impact analysis of initial dye concentrations and flow rates on the permeable reactive barrier (PRB) performance in the continuous adsorption study using the Thomas, Belter, and Yan models, the experimental results and predicted breakthrough curves reflected an excellent agreement (R2 ≥ 0.8767) and a sum of squared errors (SSE) ≤ 0.4834. In short, the results demonstrated DPF as an effective adsorbent material in PRB technology.

Harnessing Novel Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Aerogel for Efficient Organic Contaminant and Heavy Metal Removal in Aqueous Environments.

Ensuring clean water sources is pivotal for sustainable development and the well-being of communities worldwide. This study represents a pioneering effort in water purification, exploring an innovative approach utilizing modified reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels. These advanced materials promise to revolutionize environmental remediation efforts, specifically removing organic contaminants from aqueous solutions. The study investigates the exceptional adsorption properties of rGO-aerogel, enhanced with cysteamine, to understand its efficacy in addressing water pollution challenges. The characterization methods utilized encompass various analytical techniques, including FE-SEM, BET, FTIR, TGA, DSC, XPS, NMR, and elemental analysis. These analyses provide valuable insights into the material's structural modifications and surface chemistry. The research comprehensively explores the intricacies of adsorption kinetics, equilibrium, and isothermal study to unravel the underlying mechanisms governing contaminant removal. MO and Ni2+ exhibited adsorption of 542.6 and 150.6 mg g-1, respectively, at 25 °C. Ni2+ has unveiled the highest removal at pH 5, and MO has shown high removal in a wide pH range (pH 4-7). Both contaminants have shown fast adsorption kinetic performance on an rGO-aerogel surface. This study aims to identify the synergistic effect of cysteamine and rGO in aerogel formation to remove heavy metals and organic contaminants. These findings mark a significant stride in advancing sustainable water-treatment methods and pioneering in synthesizing innovative materials with versatile applications in environmental contexts, offering a potential solution to the global water pollution crisis.

Eu3+-Doped Mixed-Ligand UiO-66-Type Metal-Organic Framework for Ratiometric Fluorescence Sensing Fluoride Ions with Ultralow Detection Limit.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a highly promising platform for various sensing applications due to their tunable structures and functionalities. In the present work, a Eu3+-doped mixed-ligand MOF, namely, the Eu3+@UiO-66-IPA, exhibited excellent luminescent properties and high fluorescence stability in aqueous media, displaying dual-emission peaks under 395 and 615 nm excitation that were readily visible to the naked eye. Importantly, the presence of fluoride ions (F-) promoted the "antenna effect" between the ligand and the Eu3+ centers, which significantly enhanced the emission intensity of the Eu3+ characteristic peak. In addition, the addition of F- also inhibited the quenching effect of high-energy O-H bonds existing in the aqueous environment. Notably, Eu3+@UiO-66-IPA demonstrated exceptional selectivity for F- over a range of competing anions, with a remarkable limit of detection as low as 0.22 μM. The developed Eu3+-doped mixed-ligand MOF system offers a highly promising strategy for the simple and accurate sensing of F- in practical applications.

Tumor therapy utilizing dual-responsive nanoparticles: A multifaceted approach integrating calcium-overload and PTT/CDT/chemotherapy

The advancement of rational nano drug delivery systems offers robust tools for achieving synergistic therapeutic outcomes in tumor treatment. In this study, we present the development of pH and near-infrared laser dual-responsive nanoparticles (DOX-CuS@CaCO3@PL-PEG, DCCP NPs) based on calcium carbonate, utilizing a one-pot gas diffusion reaction. These nanoparticles enable combined photothermal therapy (PTT), chemodynamic therapy (CDT), chemotherapy, and Ca2+-overloading synergistic therapy. Doxorubicin (DOX) and copper sulfide (CuS) NPs were co-loaded in CaCO3, followed by PEG surface functionalization. The presence of PEG enhanced the stability of DCCP NPs in aqueous environments. Controlled release of DOX, CuS NPs, and Ca2+ occurs specifically in the acidic tumor microenvironment. Released DOX enhances chemotherapy efficiency, while CuS NPs, upon laser irradiation, induce thermal damage, promoting further drug release and cellular uptake. Additionally, CuS NPs in our system consume excess GSH and generate toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH) through a Fenton-like reaction, contributing to CDT. These radicals not only directly eliminate tumor cells but also disrupt mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering capacity. Furthermore, Ca2+ released from CaCO3 induces Ca2+-overloading, intensifying mitochondrial disruption and oxidative damage. The synergistic combination of PTT, CDT, chemotherapy, and Ca2+-overloading showcases significant therapeutic potential, indicating broad applications in tumor therapy. This multifaceted approach holds promise for advancing the field of tumor therapeutics.

Construction of engineered heterojunction based on CdS and MgO material co-integrated into a flat plane-like graphene for tetracycline decontamination: Ecological hazard assessment and toxicity alleviation

This study encompasses the photocatalytic decomposition activity of an appreciable ternary CdS/MgO/graphene heterostructured composite (denoted as CMG) for the decontamination of recalcitrant tetracycline (TTC) from aqueous environment under LED light illumination. The physicochemical characteristics of the as-prepared catalysts were elucidated utilizing a series of advanced analytical methods including XRD, FTIR, DRS, BET, EIS, TEM, and FESEM. The CMG architectures reveal vigorous photocatalytic performance towards the decontamination of TTC upon exposure to the LED light, the decontamination rate is approximately 5.5, 4 and 3 times higher than neat graphene, MgO and CdS, respectively. Under the optimized conditions (i.e., pH: 7, CMG dosage: 0.5 g. L−1, light intensity: 75 W and TTC content: 30 mg. L−1), the remarkable degradation rate of TTC (98 % in 120 min) was achieved by the CMG/LED system. An inhibitory impact of anions during the photocatalyst process was recorded as follows: Cl− > NO3− > SO42− > PO43−. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the photocatalyst's behavior and shed light on its mechanism, various analytical techniques were utilized including band structure evaluation, EIS, and capture experiments. The active agents trapping experiments evidenced that OH radicals are the predominant decomposing agents participated in the TTC decontamination. Furthermore, the CMG composite exhibited a noticeable performance during six cycling treatment experiments, inducing its remarkable capability for practical applications. The photocatalytic mechanism of the TTC degradation route over the CMG/LED system was unraveled on the basis of the LC-MS analysis. The ECOSAR software calculations forecasted that CMG/LED system could be regarded as an ecologically benign technology to eliminate antibiotic-related hazards to the living individuals and the environment. In extension, the ecological risk assessment of TTC and its intermediates was scrutinized over CMG/LED system for the first time ever, revealing the excellent performance of the target system in diminishing the actual potential ecological risk.

Robust tetra-armed poly (ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel as tissue bioadhesive for the efficient repair of meniscus tears.

Repair and preservation of the injured meniscus has become paramount in clinical practice. However, the complexities of various clinic stitching techniques for meniscus repair pose challenges for grassroots doctors. Hence, there is a compelling interest in innovative therapeutic strategies such as bioadhesives. An ideal bioadhesive must cure quickly in aqueous and blood environments, bind strongly, endure arthroscopic washing pressures, and degrade appropriately for tissue regeneration. Here, we present a tetra-poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogel bioadhesive, boasting high biocompatibility, ultrafast gelation, facile injectable operation, and favorable mechanical strength. In view of the synergistic effects of chemical anchor and physical chain entanglement to tightly bind the meniscus, a seamless interface was formed between the surrounding meniscal tissues and hydrogels, enabling the longitudinal tear of the meniscus fused in situ to withstand large tensile force with the adhesive strength of 541.5±31.4kPa and arthroscopic washout resistance of 29.4kPa. Superior to existing commercial adhesives, ours allows sutureless application and arthroscopic assistance, without requiring specialized clinical skills. This research is expected to significantly impact our understanding of meniscal healing and ultimately promote a simpler process for achieving functional and structural recovery in torn menisci.

Europium-Infused Polystyrene Nanoparticles for Enhanced Bacterial Labeling in Microscopic Imaging

Luminescence microscopic imaging has become an indispensable tool in diagnostics and therapeutics. Lanthanide luminescent complexes (LLCs) have proven to be invaluable in this endeavor due to certain attractive characteristics such as long decay times, large Richardson shifts and narrow emission bands. However, the insolubility of these complexes and the negative effects of the aqueous environment on their photophysical properties still restrict their biological applications. By embedding luminescent Eu3+ complexes into polystyrene nanoparticles (NPs), these complexes can not only maintain their photophysical properties, but even enhance them. This leads to exceptionally high quantum yields (> 90 %) and decay times ( >800 μs). In addition, the surfaces of the NPs described here are covered with primary amine groups, which may be exploited for various interesting bioconjugation chemistries. In the present application, they were modified with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters and then coupled either electrostatically or covalently to both, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, labeling them for luminescence microscopic imaging. This, to the best of our knowledge, is the first report of polymer NPs infused with LLCs for bacteria labeling.

Evaluation of Hydrogen Permeation in Fretting Corrosion Interfaces with Ti-6Al-4V Alloy and Varying Lubricants Using a Modified Devanathan-Stachurski Cell

Titanium alloys are commonly used in biomedical applications for structural components such as hip femoral stems and acetabular cup shells. Whilst the fretting-corrosion degradation of titanium (Ti)-alloys has been well documented, the role of hydrogen permeation within these contacts has not received much attention despite evidence in clinical retrieval studies. This is likely due to the complexity of measurement and simulation. The aim of this study was to better understand the effect of tribological and electrochemical mechanisms on hydrogen permeation. A novel detection cell based on the Devanathan-Stachurski (DS) cell was designed to investigate hydrogen permeation in fretting corrosion contacts found in titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy. Hydrogen permeation was found to be dependent on the amplitude of fretting displacement. Hydrogen permeation was not detected at lower amplitudes (10 and 50 μm); whereas, a significant increase in hydrogen permeation was found at 150 μm displacements. Furthermore, hydrogen permeation was found to be affected by the components of the tested physiological saline solution. Presence of hydrogen permeation was noticed in 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) and physiological saline combined with albumin protein. However, the amount of permeated hydrogen was reduced (38%) when hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was added. While corrosion rate and hydrogen permeation increased (6%) significantly when both albumin and H2O2 were added to the solution. These results show that fretting induced hydrogen ingress can be simulated and detected in situ within simulated aqueous environments. Furthermore, a framework to assess the interactions between fretting and hydrogen ingress, which can be translated to other industrial challenges, has been developed.

Surface-functionalized PAN fiber membranes for the sensitive detection of airborne specific markers.

PAN fibers are characterized by having a large surface-to-volume ratio and small pores, which are beneficial for applications in filtration and specific molecular detection systems. Naturally, larger items are filtered, and a lower ratio between specific and nonspecific binding is expected since small pores do not allow larger elements to penetrate through membranes; thus, nonspecific binding is enhanced. We prepared and tested fiber membranes (diameter cca 700 nm) functionalized with a specific antibody to prove that even microscopic systems such as bacteria could be specifically identified. In addition, we established a methodology that enabled the effective binding of bacteria in not only an aqueous environment but also air. Our data clearly prove that even large systems such as bacteria could be specifically identified by fiber membranes surface-functionalized with a specific antibody. This research opens the door to the construction of biosensors for the fast, inexpensive, and sensitive identification of airborne bacterial contaminants and other airborne pollutants.

A Novel Fluorescent Sensor for Detecting Ag+ and Hg2+ ions: A Combination of Theoretical and Experimental Studies.

A new fluorescent sensor based on diethylaminosalicylaldehyde-thiosemicarbazide (DST) was studied using a combination of density functional theory calculations and experimental investigations. DST was able to detect the metal ions Ag+ and Hg2+ in the presence of various competing metal ions and anions, with detection limits of 0.45 and 0.34 µM, respectively. The DST sensor could operate in a fully aqueous environment and within a wide pH range from 5 to 9. Density functional theory studies supported the experimental findings in determining the stable structures of the DST sensor and the complexes between DST and the Ag+ and Hg2+ ions, as well as elucidating the fluorescence ON-OFF mechanism in the DST sensor and the complexes.

Stable Halide Perovskite CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals Assisted by Covalent-Organic Frameworks for Electrochemiluminescence Analysis in an Aqueous Medium.

Lead halide perovskites have garnered attention as promising electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitters owing to their superior photophysical characteristics. However, their poor water stability severely restricts their application in aqueous media for ECL. In this study, inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 was assembled in situ in the imine-linked covalent-organic framework (COF-LZU1) as a novel ECL emitter. The expansive surface area and robust hydrophobic architecture of COF-LZU1 not only improved the water stability of CsPbBr3 but also guaranteed its exceptional ECL performance. The novel composite nanoluminescent material was coated onto an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode via spin-coating and calcination processes to serve as an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) platform. A sensor was developed by combining a DNA hydrogel target-induced release system with a platform using ascorbic acid (AA) as a coreactant and T-2 toxin as the target analyte model. This method achieved a detection limit as low as 3.56 fg·mL-1 and was successfully applied to the analysis of the T-2 toxin content in corn samples. This study offers a novel path for the advancement of perovskite-based ECL emitters and their utilization in aqueous environments within the ECL field.

Strong, Spontaneous, and Self-Healing Poly(Ionic Liquid) Elastomer Underwater Adhesive with Borate Ester Dynamic Crosslinking.

Adhesion in aqueous environments is often hindered by the water layer on the surface of the substrate due to the water sensitivity of the adhesive, greatly limiting the application environment. Here, a borate ester dynamically crosslinked poly(ionic liquid) elastomer adhesive (PIEA) with high strength, toughness, self-healing abilities, and ionic conductivity is synthesized by copolymerizing hydrophobic ionic liquid monomer ([HPVIm][TFSI]) and 2-methoxyethyl acrylate (MEA). The adhesion strength of PIEA can increase spontaneously from almost no adhesion to 314 kPa after 12 h without any external preloading due to the dissociation of the borate ester in water, leading to noncovalent interactions between the hydroxyl groups of PIEA and the substrate. Additionally, PIEA can be developed for soft sensors or ion electrodes to enable underwater detection and communication. This strategy offers broad application potential for the development of novel underwater smart adhesives.

Bismuthenium Cations for the Transport of Chloride Anions via Pnictogen Bonding

AbstractOur interest in the design of heavy pnictogen‐based Lewis acids for anion trafficking across biological membrane mimics has led us to investigate trivalent bismuthenium cations as chloride anion transporters. Here, we describe two chlorodiarylbismuthines, elaborated on a peri‐substituted naphthalene backbone and stabilized by an adjacent thio‐ or seleno‐ether functionality that engages the bismuth center in a Ch→Bi interaction (Ch=chalcogen). These new derivatives are stable in aqueous environment and readiliy transport chloride anions across the membrane of phospholipid‐based vesicles loaded with KCl. In addition to establishing the use of such motifs in anion transport, this investigation shows that the Lewis acidity, lipophilicity, and thus chloride transport properties depend on the nature of the chalcogen.