Chemical Combination Research Articles

Impact of the Combination of Chemical and Organic Fertilization on the Growth and Yield of Pineapple under Two Shade Net Conditions

The use of organic sources presents itself as a viable alternative to mitigate the excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers in agricultural practices. However, in the realm of pineapple cultivation, research exploring the synergy between chemical and organic fertilizers remains scarce. In this context, the objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of the combination of chemical and organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of the MD-2 pineapple cultivar under two shade net conditions (installed 45 and 250 days after planting). The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design, with the main plot being the shade net conditions and the sub-plots the five fertilization treatments, which were applied 18 times via drip irrigation (control, 100% chemical fertilization, 50% reduced chemical fertilization, organic fertilization, and a combination of 50% chemical fertilization with organic fertilization). The results showed that the early installation of shade netting 45 days after planting decreases the growth and yield of pineapple; thus, the use of shade netting at this age is not recommended. Regarding fertilization, the combination of 50% chemical fertilization with organic fertilization showed similar growth and yield values compared to 100% conventional chemical fertilization under both shade net conditions. Furthermore, this combination presented similar nitrate and potassium values in the plant and did not negatively affect malic acid content. Therefore, the use of organic fertilizers in pineapple cultivation is a promising strategy to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and it could also improve soil fertility.

Delivery Strategies, Structural Modification, and Pharmacological Mechanisms of Honokiol: A Comprehensive Review.

Honokiol (HK) is a traditional Chinese herbal bioactive compound that originates mainly from the Magnolia species, traditionally used to treat anxiety and stroke, as well as alleviation of flu symptoms. This natural product and its derivatives displayed diverse biological activities, including anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial activities. However, its poor bioavailability and pharmacological activity require primary consideration in the development of HK-based drugs. Recent innovative HK formulations based on the nanotechnology approach allowed for improvement in both bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Chemical derivation and drug combination are also effective strategies to ameliorate the drawbacks of HK. In recent years, studies on HK derivatives and compositions have made great progress in the treatment of cancer, inflammation, bacterial infection, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases, demonstrating better activity than HK. The objective of this review is an examination of the recent developments in the field of pharmacological activity of HK and its drug-related issues, and approaches to improve its physicochemical and biological properties, including solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Recent patents and the ongoing clinical trials in HK are also summarized.

“A classical method for synthesis of epoxy-amino acid nanostructure composites with an enhanced property”

Here we have introduced the novel method for the processing of amino acid and epoxy composite preparation. Which generates new nanostructure composites from the stoichiometric combination of both amino acid and epoxy resin. Here the active functional hydroxy amino acids as well as amine were utilized as one of the reagents. The advantage for the duel functional group plays an important role in final composite for its strength and structural morphology of nanocomposites. The dispersion ability of this nanostructure was tested by using a non-conventional sonication method for coating formulation. The particle size plays an important role while dispersing the composites into the matrix. Organic solvents have been used during the composite preparation which provides synergy for the chemical combination. SEM images suggest the continuous dispersion and intact of the nanostructure nature of the final composites in the polymer matrix. DSC/TGA thermal degradation suggested the composite pattern with reference to the thermal decay events also the covalent bonding structure is also analyzed. Similarly, the strength of polymer nanocomposite was verified with the mechanical properties with ASTM standards. Eventually the presents of amino acid functionality in final composites structure breeds the antimicrobial nature.

Combination of Chemical and Physical Cancer Therapeutics Developed with Microcapsules Made of κ-Casein and Gold Nanoparticles in the Presence of Drug-Loaded Phase Change Materials.

Tumor heterogeneity requires development of an anticancer system equipped with both chemical and physical therapeutics to eradicate cancer exhibiting drug resistance and clonal evolution into diverse tumor cells. Assortment of various toxic components into one platform without compromising their individual toxic activity remains a formidable task. Herein, a novel drug delivery system (DDS) exerting potent cytotoxicity toward cancer cells was fabricated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) coated with an innocuous self-assembly protein of κ-casein (κC). Pickering emulsions of the κC-AuNP conjugates in the presence of chloroform inside led to the κC-AuNP microcapsules being stabilized via robust β-sheet formation between κC molecules located on the single-layered shell made of κC-AuNPs. Phase change material (PCM) comprising a eutectic mixture of lauric acid and myristic acid with the melting point of 43 °C was encapsulated in the presence of a hydrophilic anticancer drug of doxorubicin (Dox), in which the PCM has played multiple functions such as drug-holding matrix and thermoresponsive gating material for drug release. Once liberated with the heat generated by the AuNPs upon a near-infrared (NIR) irradiation at 808 nm, the PCM by itself exhibited not only chemical cytotoxicity but also physical toxic effects such as membrane destabilization of the cells and a possible cellular fixative effect toward cancer cells by the solidified PCM at body temperature. Moreover, the PCM was shown to facilitate the intranuclear localization of Dox. As a result, the DDS comprising κC-AuNP microcapsules containing Dox-loaded PCM was demonstrated to show a powerful anticancer effect upon the NIR irradiation, which unleashed several toxic agents such as Dox, PCM, heat-generating AuNPs, and tissue-immobilizing solidified PCM. Therefore, the κC-AuNP microcapsules would serve as an anticancer system into which diverse chemical and physical therapeutic agents could be combined to effectively remove the heterogeneous and drug resistant cancer cells.

Evaluation of culture methods and chemical reagent combinations on CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing systems by lipofection in pig zygotes.

The delivery of CRISPR/Cas ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes is gaining attention owing to its high cleavage efficiency and reduced off-target effects. Although RNPs can be delivered into porcine zygotes via electroporation with relatively high efficiency, lipofection-mediated transfection appears to be versatile because of its ease of use, low cost, and adaptation to high-throughput systems. However, this system requires improvements in terms of embryo development and mutation rates. Therefore, this study elucidated the effects of culture methods and reagent combinations on the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing systems by using three lipofection reagents: Lipofectamine™ CRISPRMAX™ Cas9 Transfection Reagent (CM), Lipofectamine™ 2000 Transfection Reagent (LP), and jetCRISPR™ RNP Transfection Reagent (Jet). Porcine zona pellucida-free zygotes were incubated for 5h with Cas9, a guide RNA targeting CD163, and the above lipofection reagents. When examining the effect of culture methods using 4-well (multiple embryo culture) and 25-well plates (single embryo culture) on the efficiency of CM-mediated zygote transfection, the culture of embryos in 25-well plates significantly increased the blastocyst formation rate; however, there was no difference in mutation rates between the 4-well and 25-well plates. When assessing the effects of individual or combined reagents on the efficiency of zygote transfection, the mutation rate was significantly lower for individual LP compared to individual CM- and Jet-mediated transfections. Moreover, combinations of lipofection transfection reagents did not significantly increase the mutation rate or mutation efficiency.

Combining biomarkers of susceptibility with toxicodynamic models: a novel approach for assessing modifying factors.

Biomarkers of susceptibility are indicative of an individual's capacity to react to particular exposures, whereas toxicodynamic models elucidate the correlation between exposure and response. In this article, a novel methodology is presented for the evaluation of modifying factors in the field of toxicology. The proposed approach involves the integration of biomarkers of susceptibility with toxicodynamic models. Through the integration of these two methodologies, scientists are able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of modifying factors, such as genetic polymorphisms or epigenetic profiles, on an individual's reaction to toxic substances. This methodology has the potential to facilitate a more thorough evaluation of the hazards linked to the contact with combinations of chemicals and the cumulative effects of such exposures. The utilization of biomarkers in the evaluation of exposure for risk assessment is progressively incorporating the examination of susceptibility factors alongside exposure factors. This may involve the identification of a particular genetic polymorphism for a metabolic enzyme. The integration of ecotoxicological tests with models is crucial for achieving a comprehensive assessment. This approach exhibits the potential to enhance our comprehension of disease causation and facilitate the identification of populations that may exhibit an elevated susceptibility to disease.

Impact of Climate Change on Pest Biology, Behaviour and Their Distributions

Increased temperatures, rising CO2 levels, and changing precipitation patterns are influencing agricultural production. These changes can lead to the expansion of insect pests geographic distribution, increased survival during overwintering, more generations per year, altered synchrony with plants, changed interspecific interactions, higher risk of invasion by migratory pests, increased incidence of insect-transmitted plant diseases, and reduced effectiveness of biological control. There is a serious risk of economic losses in crop production. Human food security is challenged due to potential disruptions in agricultural systems. Climate change necessitates adaptive management strategies to address evolving pest dynamics. Future research should focus on developing modified integrated pest management tactics to cope with changing pest statuses. Monitoring climate and pest populations is crucial for understanding and predicting the impact of climate change on insect pests. This review examines the climate change effect on insect pest biology and behavior and explores the potential use of modern pest monitoring technologies, modeling prediction tools can aid in forecasting and planning for potential pest outbreaks. Integrated pest management (IPM) approaches should be adapted to incorporate the changing dynamics influenced by climate change. This may involve a combination of chemical, biological, cultural, and mechanical control methods.

Effect of NPK through Chemical Fertilizers Combination with Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and Bio-fertilizers on Yield Attributes of Onion (Allium cepa L.) in Jaipur Region of Rajasthan, India

The field experiment was conducted in loamy sand soil of the Horticulture farm, Vivekanand Global University Jaipur, during Rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22. The experiment comprises of 32 treatment combinations replicated three times was laid out in split-plot design (SPD) with four fertility levels of NPK (0, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended dose of NPK) and two levels of FYM (without FYM and with FYM @ 25 t ha-1) were added in main plots. Four bio-fertilizer levels (No inculcation, N2 fixer Azotobacter, PSB inculcation and N2 fixer Azotobacter + PSB inoculation) were added in sub plots. The treatments comprised of Chemical fertilizers, FYM and biofertilizers with ten treatments Viz., F0- Control, F1-50% of recommended dose of NPK, F2-75% of recommended dose of NPK, F3-100% of recommended dose of NPK, M0- Without FYM, M1- With FYM @ 25 t ha -1, B0- No inoculation, B1- N2 fixer Azotobacter, B2- PSB inoculation and B3- N2 Fixer Azotobacter + PSB inoculation, respectively. The results of the study have clearly shown that application of chemical fertilizer up to 100% RDF increased the entire yield and its attributes viz. (neck length, bulb diameter, number of scales, fresh weight of bulb, volume of bulb). With application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 yield significantly improved with its attributes. Use of biofertilizers (N2 fixers Azotobacter + PSB inoculation) in combination or alone increased all yield and its attributes. Integrated system approach is not only the liable for attaining fairly high productivity with substantial fertilizer economy but also a concept of soundness leading to sustainable agriculture .

High entropy ceramics for applications in extreme environments

Compositionally complex materials have demonstrated extraordinary promise for structural robustness in extreme environments. Of these, the most commonly thought of are high entropy alloys, where chemical complexity grants uncommon combinations of hardness, ductility, and thermal resilience. In contrast to these metal–metal bonded systems, the addition of ionic and covalent bonding has led to the discovery of high entropy ceramics (HECs). These materials also possess outstanding structural, thermal, and chemical robustness but with a far greater variety of functional properties which enable access to continuously controllable magnetic, electronic, and optical phenomena. In this experimentally focused perspective, we outline the potential for HECs in functional applications under extreme environments, where intrinsic stability may provide a new path toward inherently hardened device design. Current works on high entropy carbides, actinide bearing ceramics, and high entropy oxides are reviewed in the areas of radiation, high temperature, and corrosion tolerance where the role of local disorder is shown to create pathways toward self-healing and structural robustness. In this context, new strategies for creating future electronic, magnetic, and optical devices to be operated in harsh environments are outlined.

Non-enzymatic electrochemical impedance sensor for selective detection of electro-inactive organophosphate pesticides using Zr-MOF/ZrO2/MWCNT ternary composite

The existence of multiple pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables constitutes a direct peril to living organisms. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a low-cost screening method for determining organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) in food samples. This study describes the solvothermal synthesis of a ternary composite comprising multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), zirconium oxide, and a zirconium-metal-organic framework (Zr-MOF). The ternary composite was characterised using XRD, FESEM, FTIR, and BET. The ternary composite provides a large surface area (1158 m2/g) compared with the pristine Zr-MOF (868 m2/g). The composite-modified glassy carbon electrode was used to determine nine pesticides, including organophosphate (malathion, dimethoate, chlorpyrifos, monocrotophos, and glyphosate) and non-organophosphate (thiophanate methyl, carbendazim, atrazine, and 2,4, D). In particular, various chemical combinations of OPPs were selected, such as S–P=S, P=S, P=O, and non-OPPs such as C=S (with sulphur), and without sulphur. The sensor results show that the sensor selectivity is high for OPPs containing both phosphorus and sulphur molecules. The low detection limit of the sensor was 2.02, 2.8, 2.5, 1.11, and 2.01 nM for malathion, chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, monocrotophos, and glyphosate, respectively. The electrode exhibited significant chemical stability (93%) after 100 cycles, good repeatability, and a long shelf life. The sensor is reliable for qualitative real-time applications.

Shear Bond Strength to Enamel, Mechanical Properties and Cellular Studies of Fiber-Reinforced Composites Modified by Depositing SiO2 Nanofilms on Quartz Fibers via Atomic Layer Deposition.

Poor interfacial bonding between the fibers and resin matrix in fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) is a significant drawback of the composites. To enhance the mechanical properties of FRC, fibers were modified by depositing SiO2 nanofilms via the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. This study aims to evaluate the effect of ALD treatment of the fibers on the mechanical properties of the FRCs. The quartz fibers were modified by depositing different cycles (50, 100, 200, and 400) of SiO2 nanofilms via the ALD technique and FRCs were proposed from the modified fibers. The morphologies, surface characterizations of nanofilms, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility of FRCs were systematically investigated. Moreover, the shear bond strength (SBS) of FRCs to human enamel was also evaluated. The SEM and SE results showed that the ALD-deposited SiO2 nanofilms have good conformality and homogeneity. According to the results of FTIR and TGA, SiO2 nanofilms and quartz fiber surfaces had good chemical combinations. Three-point bending tests with FRCs showed that the deposited SiO2 nanofilms effectively improved FRCs' strength and Group D underwent 100 deposition cycles and had the highest flexural strength before and after aging. Furthermore, the strength of the FRCs demonstrated a crescendo-decrescendo tendency with SiO2 nanofilm thickness increasing. The SBS results also showed that Group D had outstanding performance. Moreover, the results of cytotoxicity experiments such as cck8, LDH and Elisa, etc., showed that the FRCs have good cytocompatibility. Changing the number of ALD reaction cycles affects the mechanical properties of FRCs, which may be related to the stress relaxation and fracture between SiO2 nanofilm layers and the built-up internal stresses in the nanofilms. Eventually, the SiO2 nanofilms could enhance the FRCs' mechanical properties and performance to enamel by improving the interfacial bonding strength, and have good cytocompatibility.

Polymer-modified cement-based coating containing organic-inorganic silicons modified polyacrylate emulsion: Performance and mechanisms

How to simply and effectively improve the mechanical properties and UV resistance of polymer-modified cement-based coatings is the key to expand its application field. In this study, a novel type of polyacrylate (M-PA) emulsion modified by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), colloidal nano-silica (CNS), and 3-Glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH-560) was prepared based on the response surface methodology (RSM) to achieve composition optimization. In addition, the effect of M-PA emulsion on the mechanical properties, impermeability, microstructure, and UV resistance was comprehensively studied. The research results demonstrated that the tensile strength and hydrophobicity of M-PA emulsion film were the best when the content of CNS, PDMS and KH560 was 16–17%, 6–7% and 0.075–0.12%. The reason can be attributed to the chemical combination of modifier and the formation of ‘Si-O-Si’ of three-dimensional network structure in M-PA emulsion. In comparison with a coating containing unmodified PA emulsion, the bond and tensile strength of M-PA modified samples were increased by 29% and 43%, respectively, while the water absorption was reduced by 28% due to the refinement of microstructure. As a result, the hydrophobic film of the modified coating was still intact after UV-aging for 1000 h.

A comprehensive evaluation of the therapeutic potential of silibinin: a ray of hope in cancer treatment.

Natural compounds hold promise in the search for cancer therapies due to their unique chemical structures and combinations that may effectively combat cancer while minimizing toxicity and side effects compared to conventional treatments. Silibinin, a natural lignan, has been found to possess strong anti-cancer activity against several types of human cancers based on emerging research. This study aims to provide an overview of the therapeutic potential of silibinin in the treatment and prevention of cancers. A comprehensive search was conducted using various internet databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect to identify relevant research papers. Silibinin has been shown to exhibit anticancer activity against several types of cancers, including liver, lungs, breast, prostate, colorectal, skin, and bladder cancers. Its multifaceted mechanisms of action contribute to its therapeutic effects. Silibinin exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, and anti-angiogenic activities, making it a promising candidate for cancer therapy. One of the key mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of silibinin is its ability to modulate multiple signaling pathways involved in cancer development and progression. It can inhibit the activation of various oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, and MAPK pathways, thereby suppressing cancer cell proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest, and promoting apoptosis. Silibinin possesses great potential as an effective treatment agent for cancer. The multifaceted mechanisms of action, favorable safety profile, and potential synergistic effects of silibinin with conventional therapies make it an attractive candidate for further investigation and development as a cancer treatment. However, more extensive clinical studies are necessary to fully establish the efficacy, optimal dosage, and long-term effects of silibinin in cancer treatment.

Ulex europaeus

Ulex europaeus is an invasive exotic species that is reported in Uruguay associated with forest crops and grasslands in the eastern region of the country. With the objective of updating the records of its presence, and characterizing the environmental conditions where it is reported and the control measures applied, in 2019, livestock and forestry producers from the Eastern region were surveyed. In parallel, a survey was carried out with the "snowball" method to collect more sites with the presence of gorse. New reports account for 38 sites in the region. The invader was reported mainly in rocky lands, high areas and on wire fences. The controls most used by the producers were chemical control and grazing, while they considered the mechanical and chemical combination as the most effective. The greatest difficulty they pose to carrying out controls is the economic cost. Likewise, the lack of coordination between neighbors is a limitation to achieve results in the controls carried out. Most of the respondents do not perform preventive controls. The respondents indicate that reductions in sheep stock have been one of the causes for the presence of gorse in the region. The problem caused by Ulex europaeus must be addressed through the application of an integrated weed control in a coordinated and continuous manner by the different members of the society involved, and also communicate the results to sensitize the community.

Cumulative risk assessment of dietary exposure of the adult population in Serbia to pesticides that have chronic effects on the thyroid gland through fresh fruits and vegetables

In contrast to the traditional approach to risk assessment, which focuses on a single chemical, cumulative exposure and risk assessment considers the consequences of exposure to multiple chemical combinations. A cumulative risk assessment of dietary exposure of adult females and adult males to pesticides with chronic effects on the thyroid was conducted by estimation of the Total Margin of Exposure (MOET). Exposure to each active substance was estimated using a second-order Monte Carlo simulation. Input values for the simulation were based on over 2300 conventionally produced fruit and vegetable samples analysed from 2021 to 2023 and consumption data collected using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and 24h recall method. MOET values, for both populations assessed, did not exceed thresholds for regulatory consideration established by risk managers. Considering that MOETs values from consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables were relatively close to the threshold value, total exposure to the pesticides could likely reach risk-associated MOET levels, through the consumption of other food products that may be contaminated.

Impact of the Different Chemical-Based Decellularization Protocols on the Properties of the Caprine Pericardium.

This study aims to decellularized caprine pericardium tissue with varied non-ionic surfactant and anionic detergent concentrations. Protocol A consists of 1%, 0.5%, and 0.25% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Protocol B uses 1%, 0.5%, and 0.25% (w/v) Triton X-100. Protocol C comprised 0.5% SDS + 0.5% Triton X-100, 0.5% + 0.25%, and 0.25% SDS + 0.5% Triton X-100. Protocol B left a few countable cells in the pericardium tissue, but treatments A and C removed all cells. DNA quantification also demonstrated that protocol B had the most leftover DNA after decellularization. The pericardium tissue treated with an equal combination of anionic detergent and non-ionic surfactant preserves the matrix. However, changing the anionic detergent-non-ionic surfactant ratio disrupted the microstructure. Protocol A decreased pericardium tissue secant modulus (p < 0.05). Protocol B-treated pericardium tissue matched native tissue secant modulus and ultimate tensile stress. Protocol C strengthened pericardium tissue. The intact extracellular matrix and biomechanical properties like native tissues require optimal chemical doses and combinations.

Evaluation of different fractionation methods for the simultaneous protein and carbohydrate extraction from microalgae

AbstractThe production of high-value products from microalgae, one of the preferred emerging biorefineries’ feedstocks, relies on the crucial step of biomass fractionation. In this work, the fractionation of Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus biomass was tested for protein extraction using a wide range of physical, chemical, and enzymatic treatment combinations, including ultrasound, cell homogenizer, cellulase, and alcalase combinations in aqueous and alkali extraction conditions. The impact of these processes on biomass carbohydrates was also evaluated. Alkaline-assisted ultrasound treatments using alcalase presented the highest protein extraction yield, reaching 90 g/100 g protein on C. vulgaris, closely followed by the same treatment in aqueous conditions (85 g/100 g protein). The same aqueous treatment achieved the best performance on S. obliquus, reaching 82 g/100 g protein. All treatments on both microalgae partially solubilized the polysaccharide fraction with all alkaline treatments solubilizing over 50 g/100 g sugars for all conditions. Overall, all the treatments applied were effective methods for biomass fractionation, although they showed low selectivity regarding the individual extraction of protein or carbohydrates.

Hydrological alteration drives chemistry of dissolved organic matter in the largest freshwater lake of China (Poyang Lake)

As the largest reactive organic carbon pool, dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays an important role in various biogeochemical processes in lake ecosystems. Recently, climate change-induced extreme events (e.g., floods and droughts) have significantly modified the hydrological patterns of lakes worldwide, and regulated the quality and quantity of DOM. However, the responses of DOM chemistry to hydrological alteration in lakes remain poorly understood. Here we investigated the influences of hydrological alteration on sources, composition, and characteristics of DOM in Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China, using a combination of bulk chemical, optical and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) techniques. Results show various sources of DOM (autochthonous, allochthonous, and anthropogenic inputs) and significant variations in DOM chemistry across four hydrological periods (the retreating, dry, rising, and flooding periods) in Poyang Lake. During the retreating, rising, and flooding periods, DOM was characterized by higher aromaticity, humification degree, and recalcitrance, and exhibited pronounced allochthonous signatures. In contrast, DOM contained more S-containing molecules and aliphatic compounds during the dry period, displaying relatively stronger autochthonous features. Terrestrial inputs and the lignin-CHOS formation process are likely the primary underlying mechanisms shaping the differences in DOM chemistry in Poyang Lake. Our research demonstrates the significant impacts of hydrological alteration on DOM dynamics, and provides an improved understanding of DOM biogeochemical cycles and carbon cycling in large aquatic systems under global climate change.

In Situ Copper Coating on Silicon Particles Enables Long Durable Anodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Addressing the significant obstacles of volume expansion and inadequate electronic conductivity in silicon-based anode materials during lithiation is crucial for achieving a long durable life in lithium-ion batteries. Herein, a high-strength copper-based metal shell is coated in situ onto silicon materials through a chemical combination of copper citrate and Si-H bonds and subsequent heat treatment. The formed Cu and Cu3Si shell effectively mitigates the mechanical stress induced by volume expansion during lithiation, strengthens the connection with the copper substrate, and facilitates electron transfer and Li+ diffusion kinetics. Consequently, the composite exhibits a reversible specific capacity of 1359 mA h g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 and maintains a specific capacity of 837 mA h g-1 and an 83.5% capacity retention after 400 cycles at 1 A g-1, surpassing similar reports on electrochemical stability. This facile copper plating technique on silicon surfaces may be used to prepare high-performance silicon-based anodes or functional composites in other fields.

Evaluation of initial pH and urea hydrogen peroxide (UHP) co-pretreatment on waste-activated sludge

Wastewater treatment and conversion into renewable energy sources have been of great interest in recent times due to growing environmental pollution concerns and need for sustainable energy sources. Sewage sludge treatment can convert sludge into renewable energy. In this study, the impact of initial pH and urea hydrogen peroxide (UHP) co-pretreatment on sludge hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion was investigated. The pH of sludge was initially adjusted to 7, 9, and 11 before the addition of 8 mmol/g VS UHP. Under 24 h pretreatment, alkaline medium and UHP effectively enhanced sludge solubilization and hydrolysis. The combination of chemical, sonication, and centrifugation improved the extraction of extracellular polymerase substances released in soluble state. Secondly, anaerobic digestion was performed for 11 days to determine the influence of a lower mesophilic temperature (20 °C) and retention time on the pretreated sludge. The highest NH4+-N concentration of 5.32 g/L was recorded in pH 7+UHP. The most significant total VFA concentration of 13.1 g COD/L was observed in pH 7+UHP on day 9. Acetic acid, isovaleric acid and propionic acid accounted for 80%–83% of the total VFA composition in all pretreated reactors. Lower mesophilic temperature efficiently optimized UHP and VFA production in the pretreated reactors. Microbial metabolism was stabilized under a longer retention time. Alkaline pH and longer retention time elevated NH4+-N and VFA concentration. The results showed that initial pH and UHP co-pretreatment of waste activated sludge offer an alternative pathway for enhancing sludge hydrolysis and VFA production applicable in sludge treatment.