Citric Acid Research Articles

Improving the mechanical property of silk by feeding silkworm with chiral carbon dots

The influence of chiral materials on organisms is crucial. However, there is little research on the impact of chiral carbon dots (CDs), a kind of typical chiral materials, on biology. Herein, chiral CDs (L-/D-CDs) were synthesized using the thermal polymerization method from citric acid and chiral cysteine. The effect of chiral CDs on silkworms was explored through feeding silkworms with chiral CDs. The breaking strength of silk fibers (667.9 MPa) in D-CDs group exhibit a 71.4 % increase compared with control-silk (389.5 MPa), while the breaking strength of silk fibers in L-CDs group increases by 51.6 %. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectra display CDs can prevent the transformation from random coil/α-helix structures to β-sheet structures. Furthermore, D-CDs group exhibit the highest percentage of four primary amino acids (glycine, alanine, serine, and tyrosine) relative to the total amino acids in silkworm hemolymph. This percentage is elevated by 70.5 % compared to the control group, thereby furnishing an ample supply of raw materials for the synthesis of silk proteins. In contrast, L-CDs group exhibits increase by 39.3 %. Our work provides new ideas and approaches for studying the effects of chiral materials on living organisms.

Recyclable NiO/g-C3N4/ag hybrid substrates for sensitive SERS detection and photo-degradation of residual pesticides in beverages

In this research, we fabricated an innovative NiO/CN/Ag composite through the straightforward electrostatic assembly of Ag nanoparticles and g-C3N4 sheets onto NiO nanoflowers. This composite enables both surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection and photo-degradation of pesticides. The results reveal NiO/CN/Ag can quantitatively detect thiram (TRM) and diquat dibromide (DQDB) in water, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10−9 M, and also exhibit outstanding photo-degradation efficiency, exceeding 95 % for TRM and DQDB within 90 min under simulated sunlight. Significantly, after the organic reagent (citric acid) on NiO/CN/Ag was completely removed through simulated solar irradiation, the signal-to-noise ratios of SERS spectra on NiO/CN/Ag were enhanced, achieving LODs of 10−8 M for TRM and DQDB in different fruit juices and dried flower teas. Additionally, the composite demonstrate impressive recyclability, maintaining robust SERS signals and high degradation rates even after five cycles of “detection-degradation” processes.

Unveiling the impact of low-molecular-weight organic acids on enrofloxacin sorption in North China agricultural soil: Insights and implications

Low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) play a crucial role as components of dissolved organic matter in soil, influencing the sorption/desorption, degradation, and plant uptake of diverse pollutants within the agricultural soil ecosystem. This study delves into the sorption behavior and mechanism of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic enrofloxacin (ENR) on agricultural soil in North China, focusing on the impact of LMWOAs. Through batch equilibrium experiments, we explored the sorption/desorption kinetics of ENR under varying conditions such as temperature, pH, ion strength, and ion type, with the addition of acetic acid, oxalic acid, and citric acid individually. Our findings reveal that the sorption and desorption kinetics of ENR—whether with or without LMWOAs—conformed well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 ≥ 0.997). The presence of LMWOAs notably enhanced ENR sorption while impeding desorption in soil, with oxalic acid demonstrating the highest promotion effect followed by acetic acid and citric acid. Moreover, the sorption capacity and affinity of ENR decreased with rising solution pH, dropping from 96.8%-98.5% to 30.9%–34.4%. Acidic conditions favored ENR retention in soil, with inhibition of sorption escalating alongside increasing ionic strength. LMWOAs, soil solution pH, and coexisting ions emerge as pivotal factors shaping ENR sorption behavior. Furthermore, LMWOA presence intensified desorption hysteresis of ENR on soil, with a desorption hysteresis coefficient (HI) ≤ 0.124. These results suggest that LMWOAs restrict ENR mobility in the local soil environment, heightening the risk of its accumulation in soil and crops. This study offers valuable insights into the intricate interplay among LMWOAs, ENR sorption dynamics, and environmental outcomes, underscoring the importance of understanding such complexities in agricultural soil management.

NiS2/FeS2 binary nanoparticles confined in interconnected carbon framework with regulated pore structure enabled by citric acid for enhanced sodium storage properties

Recently, pyrite iron disulfide (FeS2) has emerged as a promising anode candidate for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity, affordability, non-toxicity and abundant resource in nature. However, the utilization of FeS2 still confronts the challenges of inferior rate capability and cycling instability for sodium storage, stemming from its low electronic conductivity and substantial volume changes during cycling. Herein, to address these obstacles, NiS2/FeS2 binary nanoparticles encapsulated within a network of interconnected N-doped porous carbon framework (NiS2/FeS2@NPC) are prepared by a successive solid-state ball milling, carbonization and sulfurization strategy with coordination complex of nickel iron Prussian blue analogue (NiFe-PBA) as precursor. The introduction of citric acid plays a critical role for the formation of interconnected carbon framework with regulated internal porous structure, thereby achieving heterostructured NiS2/FeS2@NPC with modulated specific surface area and pore volume. The rational design of interconnected N-doped porous carbon framework and heterogeneous structure guarantees rapid ion/electron transport kinetics, alleviated mechanical stress, and enhanced structural integrity. Benefitting from these advantages, the optimal NiS2/FeS2@NPC-1 electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity (545 mAh/g at 1 A/g), superior rate capability (267 mAh/g at 5 A/g) and ultrastable long-term cycling performance (98.5 % retention over 1000 cycles at 5 A/g). This study presents a novel and efficient design approach for creating durable and high-rate anode materials based on metal sulfides for SIBs.

Development of polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethylcellulose-based bio-packaging film with citric acid crosslinking and clove essential oil encapsulated chitosan nanoparticle pickering emulsion

This study developed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-based films, using citric acid (CA) as a non-toxic crosslinking agent, to enhance the shelf life of water-soluble packaging films. Clove essential oil (CEO)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) were prepared via Pickering emulsion and incorporated into PVA/CMC/CA composite films. The encapsulation of CEO was confirmed by FTIR and optical microscopy. Thermal properties were analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), revealing improved thermal stability and a decrease in glass transition temperature (Tg) upon crosslinking. The formation of ester bonds was confirmed by ATR-FTIR and 13CNMR. Water contact angle (WCA) measurements showed a decrease in hydrophilicity, enhancing the barrier properties of the films. SEM images demonstrated good dispersion of CSNP/CEO within the matrix, improving mechanical and barrier properties. The films exhibited a 30 % reduction in water vapor permeability and water solubility. Controlled release studies indicated that the composite films sustained CEO release, extending the shelf life of cherry tomatoes. Thus, these PVA/CMC/CA-CSNP/CEO composite films offer strong potential for food preservation applications.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of astaxanthin from black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) shells using deep eutectic solvent and ethanol as a co-solvent

The study aimed to enhance the extraction of astaxanthin (ASX) from black tiger shrimp shells by combining Deep eutectic solvent (DES) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UADE). The DES used in the research consisted of choline chloride (Ch) and citric acid (CA) in a 1:2 molar ratio with 20% water. Response surface methodology (RSM) utilizing a Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed to optimize the UADE conditions, considering ultrasound power (200 – 400 W), ethanol concentration in the DES (5 – 65 %), and extraction time (5 – 45 min). The optimal UADE parameters identified by BBD were 330 W ultrasound power, 35% ethanol content, and 33 min of extraction, resulting in the highest ASX content of 47.42 μg/g, closely matching the predicted value of 48.65 μg/g. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed structural alterations in samples treated with DES-based UAE, setting it apart from soxhlet extraction, maceration, and ethanol-based DES extraction. The outcomes indicated that UADE outperformed traditional extraction methods like soxhlet extraction, maceration, and ultrasound-assisted ethanol extraction (UAET) regarding ASX yield and antioxidant activity, while also needing shorter extraction durations. These results underscore UADE as a productive and eco-friendly approach for extracting ASX from shrimp shells.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Chemical, Bioactive Profile, and Anti-oxidant Potential of Gabiroba (Campomanesia cambessedeana): An Underexplored Fruit from Brazil

Background: The Cerrado region has one of the world's largest and most diverse tropical biodiversity, hosting several species of exotic fruits little explored. In this context, we can highlight the gabiroba (Campomanesia cambessedeana), a native fruit tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family. However, its fruits are not used frequently, except by the local population who consume them, and are also reported as nutritional. Objective: This work evaluated the chemical composition of the whole fruit, pulp, peel, and seed of gabiroba. Methods: Physicochemical characterization, bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential, and mineral profile (ICP-OES) were evaluated. Individual phenolic compounds and organic acids by liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) of the pulp, peel, and seed fractions of gabiroba were also explored. Results: The results showed that the gabiroba fruit has a low lipid content (1.09 g 100 g-1), high magnesium content (12.60 μg g-1), and significant values of total phenolics (153.17 mg EAG 100 g-1), vitamin C (51.20 mg AA 100 g-1) and antioxidant potential by DPPH radical scavenging (15.35 g sample g-1 DPPH). The analysis of organic acids showed that the pulp and peel are rich in malic acid (7.29 and 8.15 mg 100 g-1, respectively) and the seed in citric acid (10.26 mg 100 g-1). On the other hand, both pulp, peel, and seed fractions showed similar individual phenolic composition, mainly being composed of catechin (3.36, 2.71, and 2.70 mg 100 g-1), gallic acid (1.67, 1.66, and 1.68 mg 100 g-1) and rutin (0.85, 1.39 and 1.16 mg 100 g-1, respectively). Conclusion: The individual phenolics in the gabiroba fractions may have been responsible for the high antioxidant activity. In this way, gabiroba has demonstrated its technological potential for its full use in producing food products and applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry.

Solid-state fermentation with lactic acid bacteria of citric acid degrading for hawthorn fruit improvement: sensory, flavor, antioxidant properties

Hawthorn fruit with high citric acid content leads to sour taste, and compacted flesht is not conducive to process into juice. To solve these problems, Leuconostoc citreum, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus brevis were screened out for compounding, by which the rate of degradation of citric acid reached 81.147% after solid-state fermentation (SSF). Results show that pectin solubility is improved, the cell-wall structure is dissolved and loosened, the fruit becomes softer, and the juice yield is increased to 60.63%, while the surface color is slightly affected after fermentation. Meanwhile pH value of fermented hawthorn fruit grows to 5.05, the content of citric acid reduces to 1.54 mg/kg, and the solidity-acid ratio is increased to 11.55, so sourness and astringency are alleviated and the taste is apparently improved. Additionally, total phenolics and total flavones are released and the antioxidant activity is enhanced by a factor of 1.2 ∼ 1.6. Besides, the contents of undesirable flavor substances such as acids and sulpho-compounds are reduced in fermented hawthorn fruit, while the content and diversity of flavor substances including esters, phenolics, and aldehydes are increased. This is positive for improving the flavor of hawthorn fruit. Based on the KEGG(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes)results, it is proven that seven pathways are mainly involved in the fermentative metabolism, in which nine metabolites are produced. Therein, the phenylalanine metabolism pathway involving benzeneacetaldehyde shows the highest enrichment. Therefor, SSF of compound LAB is feasible in improving the processing quality and the suitability of hawthorn fruit.

Fluorescence Sensing of Glutathione Based on the In-Situ Growth of Carbon Dots-Manganese Dioxide Nanosheets

Blue fluorescent carbon dots with high purity were synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method using citric acid and ethylenediamine as raw materials and then purification by column chromatography. In-situ controllable synthesis was used to prepare carbon dots-manganese dioxide (CDs-MnO2) nanosheets, with carbon dots as the seed, potassium permanganate as the manganese source and sodium citrate as the reducing agent. The as-prepared nanosheets were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, absorption spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. It was found that MnO2 can be degraded by Glutathione (GSH) through a redox reaction, which restores the fluorescence of CDs. A new method for determining GSH was constructed using CDs-MnO2 fluorescence sensing. The method is simple and sensitive, with linear ranges of 0.1-5 μM and 10-60 μM, respectively, and a lowest detection limit of 0.034 μM. The method was successfully used for the determination of GSH in human serum, with satisfactory recoveries in the range of 98.9-100.1%.

Carbon dot aggregates: a new strategy to promote corrosion inhibition performance of carbon dots

The corrosion of metal not only produces serious economic losses and environmental pollution but also threatens equipment safety. Carbon dots (CDs) exhibit outstanding inhibition properties to availably retard the corrosion of metal. However, the present CDs-based corrosion inhibitors still fail to fully exert the environmentally friendly and low-cost merits of CDs. To address this issue, CD aggregates (CDAs) prepared by low-cost and eco-friendly CDs are developed as novel corrosion inhibitors for the first time, and their corrosion inhibition mechanism is disclosed. Specifically, CDAs with excellent long-term dispersion stability are synthesized by solvothermal treatment of CDs formed by citric acid and urea. CDAs at only 200 mg/L provide a corrosion inhibition effect of 90.38% for Q235 carbon steel in 1 mol/L HCl solution, approximately 1.53 times higher than that of CDs (59.21%). Moreover, the corrosion inhibition mechanism of CDAs is proposed through the analysis of adsorption isotherm, examination of corrosion morphologies, and theoretical calculations. That is, CDAs physically and chemically adsorb on the carbon steel surface, mainly hindering its anodic reaction, thus retarding the corrosion of carbon steel. This research firstly verifies the corrosion inhibition potential of green and low-cost CDAs and provides a novel strategy to promote the corrosion inhibition performance of CDs, promoting the progress of aggregate-based corrosion inhibitors.

Sustained photoluminescence of porous silicon is enhanced by efficient oxidation with a stable and moderate tris buffer solution

In this paper, we report a moderate and efficient method for the oxidation of porous silicon micro-particles (pSiMPs). The oxidation reaction was controlled by using a moderate Tris-buffer (25 mM) as the oxidant and citric acid solution as the terminator. The physical and chemical properties of pSiMPs before and after reaction have been characterized using photoluminescence, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. And the mechanism of the oxidation of porous silicon and the termination reaction by adding acid was explored. The pSiMPs with good stability and photoluminescence properties can obtained by introducing 405 nm laser irradiation during the oxidation process, the ratio of oxidant volume and pSiMPs mass was 3:1, and controlling the oxidation process by 25 mM citric acid solution. Furthermore, specific concentration of citric acid can effectively improve the photoluminescence property of porous silicon.

The quality and technological parameters of milk obtained from dairy cows with subclinical mastitis

Mastitis is one of the most common diseases in dairy cattle. It significantly reduces milk quality and yield, thus incurring economic losses for farmers. This study investigates the impact of various bacterial pathogens on the somatic cell count, milk composition, and technological properties of milk samples from 302 clinically healthy Polish Holstein-Friesian cows kept under intensive rearing conditions. Of the 462 milk samples analyzed, 85.06% were contaminated with bacteria. The majority were coagulase-negative staphylococci (52.60%).-Escherichia coli, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, or Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus agalactiae, a major pathogen, were identified in 16.66% of samples; their presence was associated with higher SCC levels. Additionally, contamination with S. aureus or S. agalactiae had prolonged clotting time, adversely affected curd and whey quality, with curd yield remaining unaltered. Bacterial contamination did not appear to significantly impact the yield of milk or its main components, viz. protein, casein, lactose, fat, total solids, solid nonfat, free fatty acid or citric acid. Although pH, freezing point depression (FDP), and acidity also remained unaffected by bacterial contamination, they were significantly influenced by herd-year-season of calving and herd-year-time of sampling interaction effects. The results indicate that the presence of bacteria causing subclinical mastitis negatively influences milk processing potential. However, fixed linear regression indicated that the number of colony-forming units (cfu/ml) only had a significant influence on FPD and clotting time, and as such, the number of bacteria in a sample did not influence milk yield or quality during subclinical chronic mastitis.

ZF protein C2H2-71 regulates soluble solids content by inhibiting LIN5 in tomato

Soluble solids content (SSC) plays an important role in determining the flavor of tomato fruits. Tomato fruit SSC has been shown to be transcriptionally regulated via sugar metabolism. Previous studies have been predominantly focused on the role of C2H2-type zinc finger proteins in tomato growth and development. However, the specific regulatory mechanism of C2H2 in the accumulation of soluble solids in tomato fruits are yet to be fully understood. This study involved the selection of eight tomato accessions with varying levels of SSC to study the expression of SlC2H2 family genes in red ripe fruits. The study found that the levels of SlC2H2-71 expressions were significantly reduced in high-SSC accessions compared to low-SSC accessions. The Slc2h2-71 mutant lines were developed using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, leading to elevated levels of soluble solids, fructose, glucose, malic, and citric acids in mature red ripe fruits. However, sucrose content in the edited Slc2h2-71 mutant lines generally decreased. RNA-seq analysis revealed that fruits from the mutant lines had altered expression of genes related to sugar and acid metabolic pathways, which was further confirmed by quantitative real time PCR. Specifically, there was an observed increase in the expression of SlLIN5 encoding the cell wall invertase (CWIN). The yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay, 35S::UAS-GUS, dual-luciferase reporter systems and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) demonstrated that SlC2H2-71 regulates tomato sugar metabolism by directly binding to the promoter region of SlLIN5, culminating in the repression of its transcriptional activity. The activity of acid invertase in the SlC2H2-71 knock-out lines exhibited a significantly higher level compared to that observed in the control lines. In summary, the regulation of tomato fruit SSC by SlC2H2-71 involves the inhibition of SlLIN5 expression.

Exopolysaccharide pullulan production from enzymatic hydrolysate of quinoa stalks via citric acid–assisted hydrothermal pretreatment

Exopolysaccharide pullulan production from enzymatic hydrolysate of quinoa stalks via citric acid–assisted hydrothermal pretreatment

Consequential life cycle assessment of urban source-separating sanitation systems complementing centralized wastewater treatment in Lund, Sweden

This study examined various source-separating sanitation systems to evaluate their environmental performance, providing decision-makers with insights for selecting an appropriate system for a newly developed neighborhood in Sweden. A full consequential LCA was conducted to account for resource recovery and substitution. The local wastewater treatment plant WWTP was modeled as a reference. Secondly, a urine recycling system was introduced to treat 75% of the collected urine, with the remainder piped to the WWTP. Thirdly, a black and greywater (BW&GW) treatment system handling all generated wastewater was examined. Finally, a hybrid source-separating system combining urine, black, and greywater was investigated. The results indicated that the four scenarios exhibited global warming potentials (GWP) of 78, 62, 32, and 24 kg CO2-eq per PE/ y. Recycling urine as fertilizer led to a 20% reduction in the GWP of the reference. It also reduced other impact categories, with a 55%, 65%, and 45% reduction in eutrophication, ozone depletion, and acidification, respectively. The BW&GW system achieved a 60% reduction over the reference GWP, mainly due to fertilizer, biogas, and cleanwater recovery. Integrating urine, black, and greywater recycling in the final scenario achieved a 25% reduction compared to the BW&GW scenario, primarily due to lowering of the ammonia stripping GWP and the additional fertilizer recovery. Based on sensitivity analyses, switching citric acid for sulfuric acid reduced the GWP of the urine stabilization unit process by 101%, from 15.47 to -0.14 kg CO2-eq per PE/ y. Ultimately, the findings suggest that the fully decentralized source-separating sanitation system incorporating urine, blackwater, and greywater recycling, particularly when combined with 70% energy recovery at the urine concentrator, is most favorable.

The synergistic interaction of fungi with different structural characteristics improves the leaching of lithium from lepidolite

The aim of this study was to explore the improvement of lithium leaching from lepidolite by microbial co-culture, focusing on the synergistic effect of different structural fungi in improving the leaching performance of biological systems. The results showed that in the single leaching experiment, the multicellular fungi and the unicellular yeast showed weak effects. Multicellular fungus is limited by insufficient EPS secretion, while unicellular yeast is non-mycelial organisms with weak acid production capacity and limited effect on minerals. However, in the combined leaching experiment, the interspecific collaboration promoted the synthetic and metabolic activity of the two strains, resulting in changes in the type and content of organic acids, polysaccharides, proteins and humus. The content of citric acid reached the highest value of 16.98g·L-1 at about 22 d, and the EPS secreted by unicellular yeast promoted the mycelium adhesion and mineral wrapping of multicellular fungi. The combined action of the two enhanced the effects of acidification, complexation and mycelium destruction, and improved the leaching effect. This study revealed the synergistic metabolic mechanism of lepidolite leaching by fungi with different structures, verified the effectiveness of microbial co-culture to improve the leaching rate, and provided a basis for industrial application. In addition, the use of co-culture technology has a positive impact on commercial production and environmental protection.

Distinct Metabolites in Atherosclerosis Based on Metabolomics: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Primarily in Chinese Population

AimsAtherosclerosis is a life-threatening disease that develops when a plaque builds up inside an artery and progresses silently. Identifying the early pathological changes and the biomarkers of atherosclerosis deserves attention. We aimed to systematically study and integrate the various metabolites of atherosclerosis in the level of disease to provide more evidences to support early prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Data synthesisThe protocol was registered with PROPSERO (CRD42023441845). We searched 14985 records via EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, WanFang data, VIP data, and CNKI databases. The collected metabolites were for qualitative and quantitative meta-analysis. The I2 statistic estimated heterogeneity, with over 50% considered to adopt the random-effects model. A total of 49 articles were included in the meta-analysis. We finally integrated 83 and 16 metabolites presented more than two times in inclusion studies, respectively in blood (plasma and serum) and urine. Among them, the level of citric acid (SMD=-10.35 [95%CI -15.03, -5.67], p<0.001), lactic acid (SMD= 6.32 [95%CI 0.12, 12.52], p<0.001) and TMAO (SMD= 1.40 [95%CI 0.27, 2.53], p<0.001) had significant differences between atherosclerosis and controls. And we observed blood stasis syndrome of atherosclerosis patients present arterial ischemia and energy disorder obviously. ConclusionsThe study provides an in-depth understanding of the roles of metabolites on atherosclerosis progression and prediction primarily in Chinese population, which contributing to development of prevention and therapeutic potential in the future.

Effect of Extraction Processes on the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Protein-Rich Extracts from the Red Seaweed Pyropia Seriata (Nori)

This study examined the physicochemical and techno-functional properties of protein extracts from the red seaweed (Pyropia seriata). The extraction processes involved variations of some of the following steps: alkaline treatment, milling, freeze drying, neutralisation, heating, and concentration. The extracts had total amino acid contents ranging between 40–55% of the powders with essential amino acids comprising 25–30% of the powders. The extracts were particularly abundant in aspartic acid and limited in the essential sulphur amino acids. The molecular weight (MW) distribution of the proteins within the extracts ranged from <10 to 50 kDa. All the extracts were soluble, with a solubility of 65–100% depending on the final pH of the solution. The extracts had significant foaming-producing and emulsifying potential. The foaming stability ranged between 75–91% for solutions between pH 7 to 11 and less than 75% for solutions with pH of 5 or 3. Alkaline treatment significantly improved foaming capacity (120-160%). A similar effect was also observed for emulsifying activity (0.29–0.51) and emulsifying stability (15–40%). Milling enhanced the emulsifying potential and decreased the mg of amino acids per g powder. Neutralisation with hydrochloric acid instead of citric acid and subsequent heating and concentration showed minimal effect on the properties of the extracts and decreased the mg amino acids per g powder. This research highlights the potential of Pyropia seriata as a source of soluble alternative protein for food applications.

Edge‑nitrogen/sulfur co-doping boost high potassium ion storage of carbon nanosheet anode materials

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have garnered considerable attention as a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries. However, the larger radius of K+ poses challenges, including slow kinetic processes and significant volume changes, which adversely affect the rate performance and cycling stability of electrode materials. Herein, N, S co-doped carbon nanosheets (xNS-HC) are synthesized as anode materials of PIBs by carbonization of citric acid and CH₄N₂S precursors in LiCl/KCl molten salts. Of these, 5NS-HC possesses a high N content of 20.19 at.% with 90.90 % of edge N-species and a S content of 2.53 at.%. The 5NS-HC material exhibits a high specific K+ storage capacity of 368.2 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, superior rate capability (106.1 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1), and long-term cycling stability (205.8 mAh g−1 after 2800 cycles at 1 A g−1). In-depth analysis via in-situ XPS and DFT calculations reveals that the active sites doped with edge-N/S exhibit a profound affinity towards K+, thus contributing to the outstanding electrochemical K+ storage performance observed in 5NS-HC. The full cell of K0.4Mn0.9Li0.1O2·0.33H2O||5NS-HC exhibits a high specific capacity of 141.2 mAh g−1, supporting a high energy density of 147.1 Wh kg−1. These compelling results illustrate that edge-N/S co-doping can significantly enhance the K+ storage of carbon anode materials.

Citric Acid Functionalized Neomycin Carbon Dots for Cytotoxicity and Sensing Application

Citric Acid Functionalized Neomycin Carbon Dots for Cytotoxicity and Sensing Application