Chemical Energy Research Articles

Transducing chemical energy through catalysis by an artificial molecular motor

Abstract Cells display a range of mechanical activities generated by motor proteins powered through catalysis1. This raises the fundamental question of how the acceleration of a chemical reaction can enable the energy released from that reaction to be transduced (and, consequently, work to be done) by a molecular catalyst2–7. Here we demonstrate the molecular-level transduction of chemical energy to mechanical force8 in the form of the powered contraction and powered re-expansion of a cross-linked polymer gel driven by the directional rotation of artificial catalysis-driven9 molecular motors. Continuous 360° rotation of the rotor about the stator of the catalysis-driven motor-molecules incorporated in the polymeric framework of the gel twists the polymer chains of the cross-linked network around one another. This progressively increases writhe and tightens entanglements, causing a macroscopic contraction of the gel to approximately 70% of its original volume. The subsequent addition of the opposite enantiomer fuelling system powers the rotation of the motor-molecules in the reverse direction, unwinding the entanglements and causing the gel to re-expand. Continued powered twisting of the strands in the new direction causes the gel to re-contract. In addition to actuation, motor-molecule rotation in the gel produces other chemical and physical outcomes, including changes in the Young modulus and storage modulus—the latter is proportional to the increase in strand crossings resulting from motor rotation. The experimental demonstration of work against a load by a synthetic organocatalyst, and its mechanism of energy transduction6, informs both the debate3,5,7 surrounding the mechanism of force generation by biological motors and the design principles6,10–14 for artificial molecular nanotechnology.

Multielement-Doped Tungstic Acids via Submerged Photosynthesis for Enhanced All-Solar Photoelectrochemical Responses.

Bifunctional electrode materials that can convert solar energy into electricity and store chemical energy are a functional strategy for resolving the instability of solar energy. However, most commonly used transition metal oxide semiconductor materials lack broadband wavelength absorption responses, resulting in incomplete solar energy utilization. Herein, multielement-doped MoxW1-xO3·0.33H2O nanoparticles synthesized via the one-pot submerged photosynthesis of crystallite (SPsC) method are proposed to improve the full-spectrum solar responses of tungstic acids. The solar absorption efficiency of MoxW1-xO3·0.33H2O increases from 54 to 81% after Cu, Fe, and Mn doping. This increase in the solar absorption efficiency of MoxW1-xO3·0.33H2O improves its photogenerated capacitance by 18.7 times, which is attributed to the increase in the number of photogenerated charge carriers and planar defect structures produced via multielement doping. Moreover, ab initio calculations theoretically explain the relation between the elemental doping and corresponding absorption wavelengths of MoxW1-xO3·0.33H2O, providing instructions for tuning the light absorption wavelength of transition metal oxide semiconductor materials. Multielement doping achieved via the low-cost SPsC method enhances the photocarrier response to increase the photogenerated capacitance. This response demonstrates the importance of full-spectrum solar absorption, offering a prominent strategy for designing solar energy storage materials in the future.

Modification strategies of bismuth-based halide perovskites for solar to fuel conversion by photocatalytic CO2 reduction.

In light of the increasingly pressing energy and environmental challenges, the use of photocatalysis to convert solar energy into chemical energy has emerged as a promising solution. Halide perovskites have recently attracted considerable interest as photocatalysts due to their outstanding properties. Early developments focused on Lead-based perovskites, but their use has been severely restricted due to the toxicity of Lead. Consequently, researchers have introduced non-toxic elements to replace Lead, with common substitutes being transition metals such as Tin (Sn), Bismuth (Bi), and Antimony (Sb). Among them, Bi-based perovskites have demonstrated superior photocatalytic performance. Nevertheless, the inherent instability of perovskites and the severe recombination of charge carriers have necessitated the development of various modification strategies to enhance their performance. This Review discusses the modification strategies for Bi-based halide perovskites and illustrates the impact of these strategies on the photocatalytic performance. Finally, future modification strategies of Bi-based perovskites for photocatalysis are proposed.

Transforming an ATP-dependent enzyme into a dissipative, self-assembling system.

Nucleoside triphosphate (NTP)-dependent protein assemblies such as microtubules and actin filaments have inspired the development of diverse chemically fueled molecular machines and active materials but their functional sophistication has yet to be matched by design. Given this challenge, we asked whether it is possible to transform a natural adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-dependent enzyme into a dissipative self-assembling system, thereby altering the structural and functional mode in which chemical energy is used. Here we report that FtsH (filamentous temperature-sensitive protease H), a hexameric ATPase involved in membrane protein degradation, can be readily engineered to form one-dimensional helical nanotubes. FtsH nanotubes require constant energy input to maintain their integrity and degrade over time with the concomitant hydrolysis of ATP, analogous to natural NTP-dependent cytoskeletal assemblies. Yet, in contrast to natural dissipative systems, ATP hydrolysis is catalyzed by free FtsH protomers and FtsH nanotubes serve to conserve ATP, leading to transient assemblies whose lifetimes can be tuned from days to minutes through the inclusion of external ATPases in solution.

An Overview of the Key Technology of Renewable Energy Multi-Energy Complementary Hydrogen-Storage-Transport

Hydrogen Energy is the chemical energy that results from the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. It is also an environmental-friendly, safe and clean energy which can provide sustainable resources. Nowadays, hydrogen energy has become more and more popular due to its advantages. Therefore, the technologies of hydrogen production, transport and storage are obviously significant. To begin with, according to prior research, this section examines the benefits and advantages of hydrogen energy for humanity, as well as its developmental trajectory. Furthermore, it highlights the essential technologies of the complementary multi-energy hydrogen production system, detailing methods capable of generating hydrogen. The passage involves different kinds of energy production technology that help produce hydrogen energy. Lastly, the transportation and storage technology of hydrogen energy is summarized, and the paragraph also generalizes its disadvantages and outstanding features. This passage provides references for the development of renewable energy complementary systems controlling hydrogen technology.

FOF1-ATPase Biomolecular Motor: Structure, Motility Manipulations, and Biomedical Applications.

Biomolecular motors are dynamic systems found in organisms with high energy conversion efficiency. FOF1-ATPase is a rotary biomolecular motor known for its near 100% energy conversion efficiency. It utilizes the synthesis and hydrolysis of ATP to induce conformational changes in motor proteins, thereby converting chemical energy into mechanical motion. Given their high efficiency, autonomous propulsion capability, and modifiable structures, FOF1-ATPase motors have attracted significant attention for potential biomedical applications. This Review aims to introduce the detailed structure of FOF1-ATPase, explore various motility manipulation strategies, and summarize its applications in biological detection and cargo delivery. Additionally, innovative research methods are proposed to analyze the motion mechanism of FOF1-ATPase more comprehensively, with the goal of advancing its biomedical applications. Finally, this Review concludes with key insights and future perspectives.

Chemical Equilibrium and Energy Consumption Analysis on Biomass and Iron Oxides Direct Reduction Ironmaking Process

Chemical Equilibrium and Energy Consumption Analysis on Biomass and Iron Oxides Direct Reduction Ironmaking Process

Research on Water Flow Control Strategy for PEM Electrolyzer Considering the Anode Bubble Effect

At higher current densities, the bubble effect in the anode flow field of the PEM electrolyzer (PEM EL) worsens mass transfer losses and energy consumption. This study employs a moderate increase in the water flow rate to remove accumulated bubbles under fluctuating electrical input, thereby improving PEM EL system efficiency. An enhanced PEM EL equivalent circuit model incorporating bubble over-potential based on the oxygen volume fraction is developed. Considering the energy consumption of auxiliary equipment and the reduction in losses from mitigating the bubble effect, a numerical simulation evaluates the impact of flow rate variations on overall electrolysis energy consumption, leading to a comprehensive energy consumption model for the PEM EL system, incorporating electrical, chemical, and thermal energy conversions. The control objective is to maximize system efficiency by optimizing the water flow rate, with a performance-preset-based controller implemented in MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation results show that the controller can accurately track the target flow rate, and the dynamic regulation time improved by 1.5 s compared to the traditional performance constraint function, better matching the rate of change in electrical energy. Under the water flow control mode, hydrogen production increased by 6.6 L within 130 s of the simulation, available energy increased by 8.32 × 106 J, and the efficiency of the PEM EL system improved by 2.79%.

Anaerobic sludge digestion enhancement with bioelectrochemical and electrically conductive materials augmentation: a state of the art review.

Excess biological sludge processing and disposal have a significant impact on the energy balance and economics of wastewater treatment operations, and on receiving environments. Anaerobic digestion is probably the most widespread in-plant sludge processing method globally, since it stabilizes and converts biosolids organic matter into biogas, allowing partial recovery of their embedded chemical energy. A considerable number of studies concerning applicable techniques to improve biogas production, both in quantity and quality, include pre-treatment strategies to promote biosolids disintegration aimed at the release and solubilisation of intracellular energy compounds, inorganic/biological amendments aimed at improving process performance, and sludge thermal pre-treatment. As for in-process amendments, iron, micro and macro-nutrients, ashes from waste incineration and nanoparticles addition have been studied for the improvement of enzymatic reactions. Recently, use of electrically conductive materials has been credited with the possibility to accelerate and stabilize the conversion of organic substrates to methane. The possibility of increasing both biogas generation and its relative biomethane content by interfacing anaerobic digestion with bioelectrochemical systems was also postulated. This review addresses the research gap surrounding the integration of anaerobic digestion with novel technologies, particularly bioelectrochemical systems, to enhance biogas production and methane enrichment. While existing studies focus on pre-treatment and in-process amendments, the feasibility, mechanisms, and benefits of such integration remain underexplored. By critically evaluating the current state of the art, this review identifies the potential of bioelectrochemical integration to improve energy recovery and process stability, while highlighting key challenges and research needs for advancing these technologies toward practical implementation.

Comparing carbon agronomic footprint and sequestration in Central American coffee agroforestry systems and assessing trade-offs with economic returns.

Agricultural systems are both emitters of greenhouse gases and have the potential to sequester carbon, especially agroforestry systems. Coffee agroforestry systems offer a wide range of intensities of use of agricultural inputs and densities and management of shade trees. We assessed the agronomic carbon footprint (up to farm gate) and modelled the carbon sequestration of a range of coffee agroforestry systems across 180 farms in Costa Rica and Guatemala. The agronomic carbon footprint included upstream, direct and indirect processes associated with chemical and organic fertiliser use and energy consumption (excluding processing of cherries). Carbon sequestration was modelled using the CAF2021 model a processed based model of the C, N and water dynamics specifically designed for coffee agroforestry systems. The carbon footprint per kg of coffee cherries was significantly and positively related to the level of nitrogen inputs. Modelled changes in C stocks i.e. carbon sequestration was significantly and positively related to the Leaf Area Index (LAI) of the trees, and the levels of nitrogen inputs. Increasing nitrogen inputs per hectare was positively associated with emission per kg as nitrogen efficiency varied significantly across the sample. The net carbon balance, defined as sequestration minus CO2e emissions was also positively related to shade tree LAI but negatively with yield and N application. Carbon positive farms were characterized by shade cover over 60%, but low yields and low net income. However, farms that were close to carbon neutral had higher yields and higher net income, with shade levels of about 50% cover, while carbon negative farms which had shade cover averaging 40%. Nevertheless, farms showed a large variation in performance with all combinations of positive and negative for carbon balance and net income. However, among the farms with a positive net income, those with a positive carbon balance had a significantly lower net income than those that were carbon negative (i.e. net emitters). This confirms the economic trade-off for farmers seeking to maximise these two goals. If farmers are expected to generate positive carbon balances and potentially to offset emissions higher in the supply chain, then they should receive economic support to compensate continued on-farm carbon accumulation.

CTF Stabilizes Truncated Octahedral Cu2O Nanocrystals and SnO2 Nanoparticles Assisted Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction in Hybrid Ternary Cu2O/SnO2/CTF Nanostructures

Efficient CO2 conversion into value-added chemicals using visible light has been one of the prime focuses since the potential of direct employment of photon energy into chemical energy. Photocatalytic CO2...

Enhancing crop yields to ensure food security by optimizing photosynthesis.

The crop yields achieved through traditional plant breeding techniques appear to be nearing a plateau. Therefore, it is essential to accelerate advancements in photosynthesis, the fundamental process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, to further enhance crop yields. Research focused on improving photosynthesis holds significant promise for increasing sustainable agricultural productivity and addressing challenges related to global food security. This review examines the latest advancements and strategies aimed at boosting crop yields by enhancing photosynthetic efficiency. There has been a linear increase in yield over the years in historically released germplasm selected through traditional breeding methods, and this increase is accompanied by improved photosynthesis. We explore various aspects of the light reactions designed to enhance crop yield, including light harvest efficiency through smart canopy systems, expanding the absorbed light spectrum to include far-red light, optimizing non-photochemical quenching, and accelerating electron transport flux. At the same time, we investigate carbon reactions that can enhance crop yield, such as manipulating Rubisco activity, improving the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle, introducing CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) in C3 plants, and optimizing carbon allocation. These strategies could significantly impact crop yield enhancement and help bridge the yield gap.

Mathematical solutions for coupled nonlinear equations based on bioconvection in MHD Casson nanofluid flow

<p>The mathematical formulation of fluid flow problems often results in coupled nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs); hence, their solutions remain a challenging task for researchers. The present study offers a solution for the flow differential equations describing a bio-inspired flow field of non-Newtonian fluid with gyrotactic microorganisms. A methanol-based nanofluid with ferrous ferric oxide, copper, and silver nanoparticles was considered in a stretching permeable cylinder. The chemical reaction, activation energy, viscous dissipation, and convective boundary conditions were considered. The Casson fluid, a non-Newtonian fluid model, was used as flowing over a cylinder. The fundamental PDEs were established using boundary layer theory in a cylindrical coordinate system for concentration, mass, momentum, and microorganisms' field. These PDEs were then transformed into nonlinear ODEs by applying transforming variables. ODEs were then numerically solved in MATLAB software using the built-in solver bvp4c algorithm. We established an artificial neural network (ANN) model, incorporating Tan-Sig and Purelin transfer functions, to enhance the accuracy of predicting skin friction coefficient (SFC) values along the surface. The networks were trained using the Levenberg–Marquardt method. Quantitative results show that the ferrous ferric oxide nanofluid is superior in increasing Nusselt number, Sherwood number, velocity, and microorganism density number; silver nanofluid is superior in increasing skin friction coefficient, temperature, and concentration. Interestingly, heat transfer rate decreases with the magnetic and curvature parameters and Eckert number, whereas the skin friction coefficient increases with the magnetic parameter and Darcy–Forchheimer number. The present results are validated with the previous existing studies.</p>

Research on Correlation between DNA Typing and Trace Characteristics of Blood after Thermal Exposure

The identification of biological evidence is particularly important for criminal detection, and the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis plays a significant role in reconstructing events. However, bloodstains after thermal exposure in fires are quite unique compared to those in other scenes. Previous results regarding DNA recovery in bloodstains after heating are inconsistent with each other, which limits guidance for forensic science. In order to confirm the influence of heat on DNA recovery, the important physical evidence, bloodstain, was selected for its common occurrence, and a standard heat source, the Cone Calorimeter, was used to simulate high temperatures in fire scenes. A series of bloodstains were prepared under different heating conditions, and the results of short tandem repeat (STR) typing were systematically correlated with the trace characteristics of bloodstains. The findings indicate that heating bloodstains below 150oC for less than 10mins has minimal effect on DNA testing. After heating bloodstains at 150oC for 20mins or at 180oC for 5mins, partial DNA profiles were obtained, accompanied by blackening and cracking of the bloodstains. After exposure to 180oC for 20mins or 200oC for 10mins, no DNA profiles were obtained with bloodstains exhibiting metallic lusters and black bulges. Furthermore, from the perspective of chemical bond energy, the C-N, C-O, C-C, and P-O bonds in DNA molecules are prone to breaking during heating. The C-N bond serves as the primary connection between the four bases and the strand, while the C-O, C-C, and P-O bonds are significant connections within the DNA strand. It is thus hypothesized that the breakage of any bond aforementioned during heating results in the failure of DNA typing. Understanding the correlation between trace characteristics of bloodstains and DNA typing results after thermal exposure is crucial for comprehending DNA recovery from physical evidence collected from fire scenes.

Highly Efficient Sunlight‐Driven CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol Over NiZn Intermetallic Catalysts Under Atmospheric Pressure

AbstractThe synthesis of solar methanol through direct carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrogenation using solar energy is of great importance in advancing a sustainable energy economy. In this study, a non‐precious NiZn intermetallic/ZnO catalyst (NxZy) is reported to catalyze the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol using sunlight irradiation (≤ 1 sun). The NiZn/ZnO interface is identified as the active site to stabilize the key intermediates of HxCO*. At ambient pressure, the N1Z2 catalyst demonstrates a methanol production rate of 127.5 µmol g−1 h−1 from solar‐driven CO2 hydrogenation, with a remarkable 100% selectivity toward methanol in the total organic products. Notably, this production rate stands as the highest record for photothermic CO2 hydrogenation to methanol in continuous‐flow reactors with sunlight as the only requisite energy input. This discovery not only paves the way for the development of novel catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol but also marks a significant stride toward full solar‐driven chemical energy storage.

Novel Insights into Enhanced Stability of Li-Rich Layered and High-Voltage Olivine Phosphate Cathodes for Advanced Batteries through Surface Modification and Electron Structure Design.

The design of cathode/electrolyte interfaces in high-energy density Li-ion batteries is critical to protect the surface against undesirable oxygen release from the cathodes when batteries are charged to high voltage. However, the involvement of the engineered interface in the cationic and anionic redox reactions associated with (de-)lithiation is often ignored, mostly due to the difficulty to separate these processes from chemical/catalytic reactions at the cathode/electrolyte interface. Here, a new electron energy band diagrams concept is developed that includes the examination of the electrochemical- and ionization- potentials evolution upon batteries cycling. The approach enables to forecast the intrinsic stability of the cathodes and discriminate the reaction pathways associated with interfacial electronic charge-transfer mechanisms. Specifically, light is shed on the evolution of cationic and anionic redox in high-energy density lithium-rich 0.33Li2MnO3·0.67LiNi0.4Co0.2Mn0.4O2 (HE-NCM) cathodes, particularly those that undergo surface modification through SO2 and NH3 double-gas treatment to suppress the structural degradation. The chemical composition and energy distribution of the occupied and unoccupied electronic states at the different charging/discharging states are quantitatively estimated by using advanced spectroscopy techniques, including operando Raman spectroscopy. The concept is successfully demonstrated in designing artificial interfaces for high-voltage olivine structure cathodes enabling stable battery operation up to 5.1V versus Li+/Li.

Regenerative Biomimetic Photosynthesis by Covalent-Organic Framework-Based Nanobiohybrids.

Biomimetic photosynthesis, which leverages nanomaterials with light-responsive capabilities, represents an innovative approach for replicating natural photosynthetic processes for green and sustainable energy conversion. In this study, a covalent-organic framework (COF)-based artificial photosynthesis system is realized through the co-assembly of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase and a light-responsive proton generator onto an imine-based COF, RT-COF-1. This system demonstrates an ATP production rate of 0.64 µmol ATP per mg protein within 90 s of light exposure and, for the first time, exhibites regenerative ATP production through multiple light on/off cycles. Furthermore, the ATP generated by the system facilitates the biocoupling of monosaccharides into disaccharides, confirming the hybrid system's capability to convert solar energy into chemical energy in the form of organic molecules. This approach shows significant potential for renewable bioenergy generation, offering precise and reliable control over biochemical processes through artificial photosynthesis.

High-Performance and Anti-Freezing Moisture-Electric Generator Combining Ion-Exchange Membrane and Ionic Hydrogel.

Moisture-electric generators (MEGs), which convert moisture chemical potential energy into electrical power, are attracting increasing attention as clean energy harvesting and conversion technologies. However, existing devices suffer from inadequate moisture trapping, intermittent electric output, suboptimal performance at low relative humidity (RH), and limited ion separation efficiency. This study designs an ionic hydrogel MEG capable of continuously generating energy with enhanced selective ion transport and sustained ion-to-electron current conversion at low RH by integrating an ion-exchange membrane (IEM-MEG). A single IEM-MEG exhibits a maximum open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.815 V and a short-circuit current (ISC) of 101 µA at 80% RH. Even at a low RH of 10%, a stable VOC of 0.43 V and ISC of 11 µA can be generated. Moreover, the antifreeze performance of the device is improved by adding LiCl, which significantly expands its operational range in low-temperature environments. Finally, a simple series-parallel connection of six IEM-MEGs can yield an enhanced VOC of 4.8 V and a ISC of ≈0.6 mA, and the scalable units can directly power commercial electronics. This study provides new insights into the design of MEGs that will advance the development of green energy conversion technologies in the future.

Beyond Homochirality: Computer Modeling Hints of Heterochiral Proteins in Early and Extraterrestrial Life.

Agent-based simulations are set to describe the early biotic selection of oligomers made of monomers of different chirality. The simulations consider the spatial distribution of agents and resources, the balance of biomass of different chirality, and the balance of chemical energy. Following the well-known Wald's hypothesis, a disadvantage is attributed to the change in chirality along the biochemical sequence. A racemic amino acid budget is considered, based on findings in meteorites and the results of Miller's experiments. It is also hypothesized that the very first life forms were heterotrophic. Given these assumptions, our simulations showed that biological sequences were not strictly homochiral and had few chirality changes. These results suggest that the current dominance of homochiral species may have been preceded by a more structurally varied biochemistry. This might be reflected in the few known heterochiral proteins, whose structures are based neither on alpha-helices nor on beta-sheets. Extraterrestrial life forms might be based on such heterochiral proteins.

A Lifetime of Catalytic Micro-/Nanomotors.

Microscopic and nanoscopic motors, often referred to as micro-/nanomotors, are autonomous devices capable of converting chemical energy from their surroundings into mechanical motion or forces necessary for propulsion. These devices draw inspiration from natural biomolecular motor proteins, and in recent years, synthetic micro-/nanomotors have attracted significant attention. Among these, catalytic micro-/nanomotors have emerged as a prominent area of research. Despite considerable progress in their design and functionality, several obstacles remain, especially regarding the development of biocompatible materials and fuels, the integration of intelligent control systems, and the translation of these motors into practical applications. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the current advancements in catalytic micro-/nanomotors is critical. This review aims to provide an in-depth overview of their fabrication techniques, propulsion mechanisms, key influencing factors, control methodologies, and potential applications. Furthermore, we examine their physical and hydrodynamic properties in fluidic environments to optimize propulsion efficiency. Lastly, we evaluate their biosafety and biocompatibility to facilitate their use in biological systems. The review also addresses key challenges and proposes potential solutions to advance their practical deployment.