Bifunctional magnetic chitosan microspheres for simultaneous adsorption of Cu(II) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS).

HighlightsAn innovative multi-energy field-assisted ultra-precision manufacturing technology is proposed to break through the limitations of traditional single-energy field machining.In-situ laser-magnetic dual-field coupling-assisted diamond cutting achieves a leap in manufacturing performance of high-entropy alloy.The multiscale behavior of coupled dual-field effects is characterized, spanning macroscopic surface topography, mesoscopic crystallographic evolution, to microscopic atomic arrangement.The dual-field coupling synergistically enhances surface integrity, mitigates subsurface damage, stabilizes material removal processes, and prolongs diamond tool lifespan.

A review on bipolar membrane-based fuel cell fabrication processes and characterization techniques: an integrated approach

Urban mining for resource recovery from legacy waste: Advancing circular economy practices for sustainable waste management.

Glucose-activated cascade nanozyme hydrogels for synergistic antibacterial therapy via cascade reaction and microenvironment modulation in diabetic wounds.

The application of green nanotechnology has emerged as a potentially fruitful strategy for sustainable agriculture, particularly for the purpose of improving postharvest quality and preventing fungal diseases in fruits and vegetables. The purpose of this review was to investigate the environmentally friendly synthesis, characterization, mechanisms, and agricultural applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), with a particular focus on the mitigation of green mold disease associated with Penicillium digitatum fungi. We discuss a variety of biological, chemical, and physical methods for the synthesis of AgNPs. We highlight the superiority of plant-mediated and microbe-mediated “green” approaches, which are nontoxic, cost-effective, and environmentally benign. When it comes to confirming the morphology and stability of nanoparticles, characterization techniques such as ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis are of utmost importance. The generation of reactive oxygen species, disruption of membranes, and inhibition of fungal enzyme systems are the mechanisms by which AgNPs exercise their antifungal effects. The use of AgNPs during both the preharvest and postharvest stages of fruit production increases the shelf life of fruit, preserves its nutritional quality, and reduces the need for synthetic fungicides. Additionally, this review investigates the concerns regarding safety, regulatory frameworks, and economic implications that are associated with the utilization of AgNPs. Collectively, environmentally friendly AgNPs represent an innovative and sustainable tool for postharvest disease management and the enhancement of food security. However, additional research of toxicity, field validation, and large-scale implementation is still required.

Electrocatalysts with Jahn–Teller distortion have been reviewed for the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction involving basic fundamentals, characterization techniques, and their application.

Amino/thiol-functionalized silica from coal fly ash for Cu2+ removal.

Assessing performance of atenolol removal from contaminated water using zero-valent iron impregnated apricot stone biochar.

In the realm of nanomaterials, surface modification and vacancy defects are widely recognized as key factors that influence various physical and chemical properties. However, the creation and dynamic structural evolution of vacancy defects in atomically thin graphene quantum dots (GQDs) remain largely unexplored, primarily due to the challenges in isolating GQDs that exhibit such defects. In this study, nitrogen-doped GQDs (size ca. 3 nm) were synthesized from biomass extracts and subsequently surface functionalized to enhance their properties. Interestingly, the functionalization process not only introduced inner defects but also promoted the aggregation of GQDs, which, in turn, led to a significant boost of green fluorescence. The successful synthesis of GQDs and the incorporation of functional groups were confirmed using various characterization techniques. UV-vis spectroscopy was employed to identify the characteristic optical signatures of GQDs, while FTIR spectroscopy verified the presence of specific functional groups. Dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) was utilized for size authentication, visualization of inner defects, and insights into the morphological features of the GQDs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed for elemental analysis. Additionally, luminescence studies, including fluorescence and photoluminescence, were conducted to investigate the optical properties. The meticulously prepared surface-functionalized GQDs, showcasing elevated luminescence, hold significant promise as advanced multifunctional materials. Their semiconducting nature makes them strong candidates for high-performance display applications, while their exceptional biocompatibility and robust fluorescence position them as an ideal platform for drug delivery, particularly in cancer therapeutics.

Confined polymerization, as an innovative polymerization strategy, achieves precise control over the reaction pathway and microscopic structure of the product by confining the polymerization reaction within the physical space of a micro-nano scale. Compared with traditional large-scale or solution polymerization, confined polymerization is carried out in confined spaces, such as nanochannels, layered intermediate layers, or porous material pores, significantly altering properties such as the polymerization rate, molecular weight distribution, glass transition temperature, and product morphology. This review systematically classifies the limited-domain polymerization strategies in different dimensional spaces, clarifies their mechanism differences, and emphasizes the progress in characterisation techniques, including in situ microscopy, spectroscopy, and computational simulation. Additionally, we discuss confined polymerization in cutting-edge applications, such as water purification, medical diagnosis and treatment, energy storage, catalysis, and composite coatings. By combining fundamental principles with functional innovation, we identify the key challenges, such as real-time mechanism detection and scalable synthesis, and propose future directions, including dynamic limitations, biomimetic design, and AI-driven optimization. The aim of this article is to stimulate the attention of more scholars to the field of confined polymerization, thereby accelerating breakthrough progress in this field and providing innovative material solutions for global challenges such as climate change, disease treatment, and clean energy.

A hybrid multi-objective optimization framework for designing superhydrophobic coatings on magnesium alloys for biomedical applications.

Biosynthesised reduced graphene oxide/CuO based nanocomposite using 'Cordia dichotoma' leaf extract for 'nitrobenzene' determination.

The exploration of green chemistry approaches for novel nanoparticles derived from microalgae presents a promising frontier in the realm of biomedical applications, harnessing the unique properties of these microorganisms for innovative solutions in healthcare. Microalgae, mainly due to their rapid growth rates and ability to synthesize diverse bioactive compounds, have become an environmentally friendly, green chemistry method to produce nanoparticles, overcoming current toxic chemical approaches. This review study aims to clarify the processes that underlie the biosynthesis of different microalgal species' nanoparticles and the ensuing biomedical uses. The study investigates the manufacturing of copper, gold, iron, and silver nanoparticles and the optimization of other parameters, including pH and metal ion concentration. Characterization techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, and XRD revealed particle sizes ranging from 2 to 149nm with distinct crystalline structures. Notably, microalgae-derived silver nanoparticles exhibited strong antioxidant activity (e.g., 77.01% DPPH and 88.12% ABTS scavenging at 500µg/mL), potent antibacterial action (minimum inhibitory concentrations as low as 5µg/mL for Escherichia coli), and selective cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines (IC50 values: 25-30µg/mL for HeLa and MCF-7; as low as 0.16µg/mL for MCF-7). These nanoparticles also demonstrate high biocompatibility, with minimal toxicity to normal human cells at effective concentrations. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of further studies in this area to create safe and efficient nanomaterials from microalgae for use in medical applications.

Origins and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in a Scottish urban area: Implications for groundwater systems.

A comparative study of robustness to noise and interpretability in U-Net-based denoising of Raman spectra.

The black tears of USS Arizona: Forensic assessment of residual oil from the Pearl Harbor shipwreck.

Understanding the chemical processes that occur during the solvothermal synthesis of functional nanomaterials is essential for their rational design and optimization for specific applications. However, these processes remain poorly understood, primarily due to the limitations of conventional ex situ characterization techniques and the technical challenges associated with in situ studies, particularly the design and implementation of suitable reactors. Here, we present a versatile reactor suitable for in situ X-ray scattering, X-ray spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy studies performed during solvothermal synthesis under autoclave-like, inert conditions. The reactor enables precise control of the temperature between -20°C and 200°C, pressure up to 8 bar, magnetic stirring, and injection of gas or liquids. The reactor's capabilities are demonstrated by comprehensively studying the solvothermal synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles from iron acetylacetonate in benzyl alcohol through in situ X-ray scattering and spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy.

Cascade electrocatalysis is increasingly being recognized as a promising approach for achieving efficient and selective conversion of carbon and nitrogen resources, in response to critical challenges in energy sustainability and environmental management. Compared to conventional single-site systems, cascade pathways are designed to enable spatial and temporal coordination of multiple reaction steps, through which the generation, migration, and transformation of key intermediates can be precisely controlled. In this review, a multiscale perspective is provided, spanning atomic, sub-nanoscale, nanoscale, and macroscopic dimensions. Recent progress is summarized in several representative strategies, including the use of multiple active sites for relay catalysis, the engineering of crystal facets and heterointerfaces, the application of nanoconfinement, and the implementation of tandem reactor systems. Particular emphasis is placed on their applications in CO2 reduction, nitrate reduction, and urea electrosynthesis. Moreover, state-of-the-art in situ characterization techniques are highlighted, through which dynamic insights into catalyst evolution and intermediate behaviour have been obtained. Finally, opportunities are outlined for future development, where rational catalyst design, integrated system construction, and data-driven optimization are expected to further advance cascade electrocatalysis for sustainable chemical transformations.

Discoloration source and control of a biotechnological drug product manufactured using a high titer production process.