Continuous Flow Cell Research Articles

Cobalt single-site molecular Catalyst-mediated electrochemical Hydrodechlorination for detoxification of halogenated Antibiotics: Performance, reaction pathway and mechanism

Electrocatalytic hydrodehalogenation (ECHD) offers a promising approach for detoxification of the halogenated antibiotics via hydrogenolysis of the C-X bonds (X = F, Cl or Br). Herein we demonstrated that the commercially-available cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) molecules with a high-loading of −[Co-N4]- moieties (Co wt%: 10.8 %) were exceptionally active for hydrogenolysis of the C-Cl bonds in florfenicol (FLO). It afforded an impressive mass activity of 6.2 gFLO h−1 g-1Co, a low Co leaching of 0.34 μg/L and a strong tolerance to interference from impurities in water, significantly surpassing reported Co/Fe/Ni-based particle and single-site counterparts. Mechanistic studies revealed that the ECHD on CoPc underwent a direct electron transfer manner rather than the atomic hydrogen (H*)-mediated indirect way, and the ECHD efficacy was affected by both the electron and proton transfer kinetics. The single-atom Co, with its d orbitals constituting the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals of CoPc, served as the primary active site. It facilitated both electron and proton transfer, as well as the cleavage of the C-Cl bond but not the C-F bond. In a continuous-flow cell, the CoPc/C-driven ECHD reduced the antibacterial activity of a FLO-contaminated natural lake water sample by 90.8 % with an energy consumption of 0.19 kwh g-1FLO. This study highlighted great promise of the single-atom metal-bearing molecular catalyst toward the sustainable detoxification of halogenated antibiotics-contaminated water.

Evaluation of a mixture of livestock wastewater and food waste as a substrate in a continuous-flow microbial electrolysis cell

While the efficiency of microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) systems has improved remarkably, their application in continuous reactors and wastewater treatment remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the performance of a continuous-flow MEC using livestock wastewater and food waste as substrates. The MEC system achieved a hydrogen production rate of 5.2 L/L/day using acetate as a substrate, and a rate of 2.9–4.6 L/L/day when real wastewater mixtures were used. In terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, the system demonstrated high efficiency, with values ranging from 42.3 % to 62.2 % depending on the wastewater composition. Volatile fatty acid (VFA) removal reached up to 72.8 %. The current density averaged 9.9 A/m2 with acetate and decreased to 7.0 and 6.1 A/m2 in phases using wastewater, reflecting the adaptation of the microbial community to the more complex substrates. The microbial community was dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Synergistetes, with Proteobacteria showing a particularly high abundance near the anion exchange membrane (AEM) on the anode. The MEC process demonstrates substantial promise as a sustainable technology for both biohydrogen production and wastewater treatment. With further optimization and scaling, MECs could play a crucial role in the circular economy by converting waste into clean energy while simultaneously treating wastewater, offering a pathway toward more sustainable industrial and environmental practices.

Experiences of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in geriatric patients at a tertiary care hospital in western Maharashtra: An observational study

BackgroundGeriatric patients undergo Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) for variety of indications that poses its unique challenges and complications. We present our experience with TPE in geriatric patients in terms of diseases encountered and adverse events, if any, witnessed during the procedure. MethodsA prospective analysis of TPE procedures was done for a period of 01 year. Patients above 60 years of age with a range of 01–02 volume exchange per procedure were enrolled in the study. Baseline procedure investigations such as complete blood count, serum electrolytes, coagulation profile, and transfusion-transmitted infection screening were carried out before the TPE procedure. All TPE procedures were performed using a continuous-flow cell separator. All these patients were followed-up, and findings related to patients and procedures were documented. ResultsA total of 21 eligible enrolled patients underwent 85 procedures in the present study. Neurological disorders (80.9%, n = 17) were most common indication, with Guillain–Barre syndrome (42.8%, n = 9) being tthe most replaced by second common, followed by myasthenia gravis (23.8%, n = 5). Barring one, all other patients showed significant clinical response. The overall incidence of complications during the study was 80.9% (n = 17), among which majority were patient-related (94.11%, n = 16). However, only one procedure was terminated due to a machine error, and there were no procedure-related deaths. ConclusionThe current study showed that TPE in geriatric patients gives substantial results in terms of clinical improvement but is fraught with multiple complications. However, in trained and expert hands, these complications can be managed effectively.

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction in continuous-flow cell via water oxidation at ambient conditions: Promising for ammonia or diazene?

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) is recognized as an alternative green approach to the traditional energy-demanding and fossil-based catalytic processes (e.g. Haber Bosch). In this study, we implement eNRR in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzer in which nitrogen (N2) is fed in the cathode. This operation mode has been suggested as a way to overcome mass transfer limitations, however, there is a lack of developed evaluation protocols for appropriate product identification. Herein, we exemplify the spirit of the evaluation protocols for gas phase operation at the device level with a combination of online product analysis and isotopic labeling. Our protocol involves control experiments by replacing the cathodic N2 feed with (i) inert gas (i.e. Ar) and (ii) isotopic labeled 15N2 and by replacing the anodic water feed with isotopic labeled D2O. Taking advantage of the gas phase operation in the cathode product analysis is realized with online techniques i.e. quadrupole mass-spectrometer (QMS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. This allows us to verify the production of diazene (N2H2) resulted from genuine N2 reduction, rather than from nitrogen-containing contaminants. Our methodology provides a pathway for how the false positive results can be eliminated in the gas phase study and a platform for follow-up studies using promising or exotic catalysts in the cathode, especially to validate the eNRR products or discover more products.

Assessing the Activity and Stability of Cu-Based Gas Diffusion Electrodes for the CO2 Conversion in Different Electrolytes: Bicarbonate Vs. Ionic Liquid/Acetonitrile

In the context of sustainable strategies proposed to convert CO2 to valuable products, the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (ECR-CO2) represents one of the most promising alternatives1. Herein, the ECR-CO2 has been carried out employing for the first-time synthesised core-shell Cu2O/SnO2-based nanoparticles within a continuous flow cell both in aqueous solution and in the presence of ionic liquids (ILs), which have been known to boost CO2-derived products2. Interestingly, in aqueous potassium bicarbonate-based electrolyte, the synthesised material demonstrated a stable syngas production at -20 mA cm-2, with a CO/H2 ratio of about 10. The electrode stability and selectivity in aqueous environment has been further demonstrated for 24 hours of continuous operations at 10 cm2 scale. However, a CO/H2 ratio of about 3 was reached with 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium triflate ([BMIM][TfO]) in acetonitrile (ACN)3. In the aprotic media, stability issues have been faced during operations, visualized in the darkening of the gas diffusion electrodes and in colour changes of the electrolyte. Raman spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy techniques have been employed for the physicochemical characterization of the electrodes and to assess the evolution of the electrochemical interfaces within the system over time. Molecular dynamics simulations have shown that the instability of the GDE could start with the displacement of Cu surface atoms from their equilibrium position by ACN molecules. Furthermore, we observed that the immobilization of ruthenium and rhenium complexes on the catalyst can be crucial to determine its suitability for either the hydroformylation or the carbonylation reaction, making this technology a promising solution for the green transition of the chemical industry. Acknowledgments The financial support of the SUNCOCHEM project (Grant Agreement No 862192) of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Action programme and of Fondazione CRT are acknowledged. References IEA. Global Energy Review: CO2 Emissions in 2021. (2021).Kunene, T., Atifi, A. & Rosenthal, J. Selective CO2 Reduction over Rose’s Metal in the Presence of an Imidazolium Ionic Liquid Electrolyte. ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 3, 4193–4200 (2020).Fortunati, A., Hernández, S., et al. Understanding the role of imidazolium-based ionic liquids in the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction. Communications Chemistry, 6(1), 1–13 (2023).

The Growth Kinetics of Sucrose Crystals in an Isothermal Continuous-Flow Cell using a Photomicroscopic Method

The Growth Kinetics of Sucrose Crystals in an Isothermal Continuous-Flow Cell using a Photomicroscopic Method

Release profile of encapsulated microparticles based on Landolphia owariensis (Apocynaceae) extract contained in suppositories for the treatment of hemorrhoidal crisis

Introduction: Hemorrhoidal disease is one of the most frequent causes of anal complaints. The general aim of this study was to evaluate the release profile of the encapsulated drug, in order to overcome the limitations of conventional galenic forms, while maintaining their efficacy. Methods: Determination of the active ingredient contained in Landolphia owariensis extract was carried out by UV-Visible spectrophotometry. Release studies were carried out in a continuous flow cell. The dissolution profile of the suppository containing microparticles was compared to the dissolution profile of suppositories containing the unencapsulated extract and to that of Landolphia owariensis extract-based microparticles. Results: The percentage of active ingredient released from suppositories containing microparticles and those containing the extract alone was 69.47% and 80.01% respectively. Flavonoid release from suppositories containing microparticles was slower, with a release rate of 6.31µg/mm, slightly close to the release rate of extract based microparticles (7.37µg/mn); in contrast, in vitro flavonoid release from suppositories containing the extract was faster (19.85µg/mm). Conclusion: Release trials have shown the influence of the sodium alginate matrix system on PA release kinetics. These innovative suppositories will help improve compliance and the treatment of hemorrhoidal crisis. Keywords: Microparticles, Suppositories, Landolphia owariensis, Hemorrhoids, In vitro release

Paired photoelectrochemical conversion of CO2/H2O and glycerol at high rate

Photoelectrochemistry holds the promise of directly converting sunlight to valuable chemical products. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) methods, however, lag behind their electrochemical counterparts in terms of current density. In this work, we demonstrate that, by using concentrated sunlight, we can achieve current densities similar to electrochemical methods, but with lower energy input. Specifically, we combined the direct PEC oxidation of glycerol with the dark hydrogen evolution or CO2 reduction in a membrane-separated continuous-flow PEC cell. We achieved over 110 mA cm−2 photocurrent density, which is at least an order of magnitude larger than those typically reported in the literature. We demonstrated that the product distribution of glycerol oxidation is notably different in PEC and electrochemical scenarios at the same current density, and the parasitic oxygen evolution reaction can be suppressed in the PEC case. This approach raises opportunities to drive complex electrochemical reactions in a more selective manner.

Electrochemical Oxidation of Hydrothermal Liquefaction-Derived Aqueous Phase for Simultaneous H2 Production

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a thermochemical process in which high water containing feedstocks (95%-75%) such as food waste or sewage sludge is converted into fuels. There are four different phases generated during HTL, namely biocrude (oil phase), biochar (solid phase), aqueous phase and gaseous phase. The biocrude phase needs to be processed with hydrogen (H2) via catalytic hydrotreating to produce gasoline, diesel, jet oil. The aqueous phase (AP) contains up to 5 wt% organic compounds mostly in the form of carboxylic acids and amines and inorganics (e.g., Na, K) and cannot be treated with traditional wastewater treatment technologies (e.g., anaerobic digestion). Hence, it is necessary to treat this wastewater so it can be released safely.Electrocatalysis represents a novel approach to treat this AP waste stream while simultaneously generating the H2 needed for hydrotreating. Instead of using traditional water electrolysis (H2O → 2 H+ + 2 e- + ½ O2, E° = − 1.18 V, ∆H° = 275 kJ/mol H2), we explore electrocatalytic oxidation (ECO) of organic molecules (e.g., CH3COOH + 2 H2O → 2 CO2 + 8 e- + 8 H+, E° = − 0.02 V, ∆H° = 53 kJ/mol H2) to simultaneously remove organics from the HTL-derived AP while simultaneously producing H2. The HTL-derived AP can have different concentration and composition of both organics as well as inorganics, which depend on the source feedstock. The ECO of different HTL-derived wastewaters was evaluated in this study. It was studied, how the concentration and source of AP as well as the electrochemical reaction conditions affect the organic removal as well as the H2 production in both batch cell and continuous flow-cell configuration. Our results show that the presence of organics decreases the current density as well as causes anode deactivation after 40 h of operation in the continuous flow cell. However, the cathode performance and stability remained unaffected for more than 1,000 h. Different strategies were evaluated to enhance the life of the electrode and running the system under alkaline conditions improved the anode stability 5 folds References Andrews, E.; Lopez-Ruiz, J. A.; Egbert, J. D.; Koh, K.; Sanyal, U.; Song, M.; Li, D.; Karkamkar, A. J.; Derewinski, M. A.; Holladay, J.; Gutiérrez, O. Y.; Holladay, J. D., Performance of Base and Noble Metals for Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation of Bio-Oil-Derived Oxygenated Compounds. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2020, 8 (11), 4407-4418.Lopez-Ruiz, J. A.; Qiu, Y.; Andrews, E.; Gutiérrez, O. Y.; Holladay, J. D., Electrocatalytic valorization into H2 and hydrocarbons of an aqueous stream derived from hydrothermal liquefaction. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 2021, 51 (1), 107-118.Lopez-Ruiz, J. A.; Andrews, E.; Akhade, S. A.; Lee, M.-S.; Koh, K.; Sanyal, U.; Yuk, S. F.; Karkamkar, A. J.; Derewinski, M. A.; Holladay, J.; Glezakou, V.-A.; Rousseau, R.; Gutiérrez, O. Y.; Holladay, J. D., Understanding the Role of Metal and Molecular Structure on the Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation of Oxygenated Organic Compounds. ACS Catalysis 2019, 9 (11), 9964-9972. Figure 1

A study on beneficial impact of the use of medium-molecular-weight hydroxyethyl starch in granulocyte apheresis using continuous-flow cell separator Spectra Optia: A retrospective single-center study at a tertiary care oncology center.

Granulocyte transfusion is one of the best therapeutic modalities in prolonged neutropenic patients with severe bacterial/fungal infections. Granulocyte harvest using conventional acid citrate dextrose (ACD) anticoagulant (ACD-A) by apheresis is not satisfactory in comparison to the use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES), but the latter is associated with various adverse events, especially with high-molecular-weight HES. This study aimed to assess the beneficial impact of the use of medium-molecular-weight (MMW)-HES and trisodium citrate combination over ACD-A in granulocyte apheresis when using Spectra Optia. This was a retrospective study comparing granulocyte harvest results with the use of ACD or HES and trisodium citrate combination. All the donors in both the groups received single 600 μg of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor subcutaneous injection followed by 8 mg of dexamethasone tablet 10-12 h and omnacortil 60 mg orally 3 h before harvest. A number of adverse incidents, if any, were observed and noted. Donor/procedure parameters were compared using Mann-Whitney U-test/unpaired t-test. Granulocyte yield (mean: 3.29 × 1010/unit vs. 4.5 × 1010/unit in the ACD and HES groups, respectively, P ≤ 0.0001) was significantly better in the HES group. The collection efficiency was also better in the HES group (mean: 15.86% vs. 26.70% in the ACD and HES groups, respectively, P ≤ 0.0001) in the ACD and HES groups, respectively. There was no significant adverse event noted in any of these two groups. In our study, granulocytes with optimum yield can be easily harvested with Spectra Optia cell separator using 6% HES (MMW) and trisodium citrate combination with standard 12-h interval gap between mobilization and harvest. This strategy can also have no or minimal extra cost burden to patients.

Effect of plateletpheresis on haematological values in voluntary donors: a retrospective data analysis over an eight-month period

<p><strong>Aim</strong> <br />To analyse changes in haematological values after plateletpheresis in donor population with regard to donor safety.<br /><strong>Methods</strong> <br />A retrospective study was conducted on first time and repeated healthy donors over a period of eight months in the Blood<br />Transfusion Institute in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo. A total of 75 plateletpheresis procedures performed using Amicus continuous flow cell separator were evaluated. Various pre- and post-donation haematological values were measured in all donors: haemoglobin concentration (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), red blood cell count (RBC), platelet count (PLT), white blood cell count (WBC), mean platelet volume (MPV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC).<br /><strong>Results</strong> <br />A significant decrease in post-donation Hb, Hct, RBC, PLT, MCHC (p<0.000) and WBC (p=0.003), and a significant<br />increase in MPV (p=0.011) and MCV (p<0.000) was found. Percentage reduction of haematological parameters Hb, Hct, RBC, PLT, WBC and MCHC decrease of 6.6%, 6.5%, 5.9%, 24%, 4.6% and 0.3%, respectively, in their respective count was noted postdonation. Eight (11%) donors had a post-procedure platelet count less than 150x10e9/L. Twenty two donors (29%) experienced mild side effects due to hypocalcaemia.<br /><strong>Conclusion </strong><br />Plateletpheresis procedures are generally safe and well tolerated, without evident associated clinical manifestations<br />on healthy donors. </p>

Plateletpheresis: A comparison between two blood cell separators at a tertiary care facility.

Objective: Platelet concentrate is an invaluable support product in the management patients presenting with thrombocytopenia. Collection of high quality, single donor platelets depends upon efficient cell separators at the plateletapheresis facility. We evaluated the performance of two different cell separators used for plateletpheresis at our facility. This evaluation was done to ascertain which cell separator performed better in terms of various product parameters. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Chughtai Stat Lab, National Hospital. Period: July to December 2020. Material & Methods: A total of 100 plateletapheresis procedures were done, 50 on Cobe Spectra and 50 on Haemonetics MCS900. Male donors were selected after detailed medical history, screening and informed consent. For each cell separator, the total procedure time, collection rate and platelet yield of the final product (single donor platelets) was noted and compared. The predonation platelet count of each donor was also recorded. Results: Donor turnaround time was better for the Cobe 60.1 + 2.757 min vs 81.1 + 3.311 min on Heamonetics (p value < 0.0001). Cobe had a superior collection rate 0.065+0.0088 (PLT×10 11/min) than Heamonetics 0.0519 + 0.007 (PLT×10 11/min) (p value< 0.0001). For both cell separators, the final product was similar in terms of platelet yield (p value = 0.56). Overall, donor predonation platelet counts ranged from 220-480x109 /L. Pearson correlation test showed positive correlation (r = 0811, p value; < 0.0001) between platelet yield and donor platelet count. Conclusion: Continuous flow cell separators, like the Cobe spectra, offer a high quality platelet product with greater efficiency when compared to intermittent flow cell separators like the Haemonetics.

Addressing the Stability Challenges of Gas Diffusion Electrodes in the Presence of ILs-Based Solutions for the Continuous Electrochemical Reduction of CO2

Nowadays, it has become clear that the ever-increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is a threat to global security1. Therefore, the adverse climate events remind us that a transition towards a carbon neutral economy is more necessary than ever. Several approaches have been proposed to convert CO2 to valuable products and, among these, the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (ECR-CO2) represents one of the most promising alternatives. Herein, the ECR-CO2 has been carried out for the first-time employing silver based-gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) within a continuous flow cell and in the presence of ionic liquids (ILs)-based solutions, which have been known to boost CO2-derived products2. As reported in the literature, the instability of GDEs is initiated by the high overpotentials needed during the CO2 reduction reactions and usually culminates in flooding3. This eventually has a negative impact on the product selectivity as well as limits the perspectives of scalability. In particular, in this work, different stability issues have been faced and visualized, for example, in the blackening of typical carbon-based gas diffusion layers (GDLs) and in the degradation/colour changes of ILs-electrolyte. Interestingly, by switching to non-carbon based GDLs it has been possible to reach and maintain a steady-state production of carbon monoxide (CO) both at -10 mA cm-2 and at -20 mA cm-2 for at least 40 minutes, with a H2/CO ratio slightly above 2 in the former case. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) techniques have been employed to carry out the physicochemical characterization of the electrodes and to assess the electrochemical interfaces within the system, respectively. The observed findings definitely encourage us to proceeding with our study on GDL-supported catalyst for the continuous ECR-CO2 in the presence of ILs solutions and offers openings for a large-scale deployment. Acknowledgments The financial support of the SUNCOCHEM project (Grant Agreement No 862192) of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Action programme is acknowledged. References IEA. Global Energy Review: CO2 Emissions in 2021. (2021).Kunene, T., Atifi, A. & Rosenthal, J. Selective CO2 Reduction over Rose’s Metal in the Presence of an Imidazolium Ionic Liquid Electrolyte. ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 3, 4193–4200 (2020).Yang, K., Kas, R., Smith, W. A. & Burdyny, T. Role of the Carbon-Based Gas Diffusion Layer on Flooding in a Gas Diffusion Electrode Cell for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction. ACS Energy Lett. 6, 33–40 (2021).

Large-Scale Cell Production Based on GMP-Grade Dissolvable Porous Microcarriers.

Researchers in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) industry have long faced a formidable challenge in the efficient and large-scale expansion of cells. To address the primary shortcomings of the two-dimensional (2D) planar culturing system, we innovatively developed an automated closed industrial scale cell production (ACISCP) platform based on a GMP-grade, dissolvable, and porous microcarrier for the 3D culture of adherent cells, including human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs), HEK293T cells, and Vero cells. To achieve large-scale expansion, a two-stage expansion was conducted with 5 L and 15 L stirred-tank bioreactors to yield 1.1 x 1010 hMSCs with an overall 128-fold expansion within 9 days. The cells were harvested by completely dissolving the microcarriers, concentrated, washed and formulated with a continuous-flow centrifuge-based cell processing system, and then aliquoted with a cell filling system. Compared with 2D planar culture, there are no significant differences in the quality of hMSCs harvested from 3D culture. We have also applied these dissolvable porous microcarriers to other popular cell types in the CGT sector; specifically, HEK293T cells and Vero cells have been cultivated to peak cell densities of 1.68 x 107 cells/mL and 1.08 x 107 cells/mL, respectively. This study provides a protocol for using a bioprocess engineering platform harnessing the characteristics of GMP-grade dissolvable microcarriers and advanced closed equipment to achieve the industrial-scale manufacturing of adherent cells.

Removal of fluoride and arsenic from groundwater by capacitive deionization using a continuous flow cell with graphite felt electrodes

This paper reports for the first time the removal of fluoride and arsenic from natural groundwater by capacitive deionization (CDI). The CDI trials were performed in a laboratory-scale flow cell, in recirculation mode, equipped with two graphite felts (GFs) as the anode and cathode. The characterization of the cell in terms of anodic applied potential (Eapp, 0-1.3 V vs. SHE) and flow rate (Q, 0.1-0.4 L min−1) was systematically examined in a synthetic solution containing F−, finding Eapp = 1.2 V vs. SHE and Q = 0.2 L min−1 as the best conditions. Afterward, F− and arsenic removal from real groundwater (1.6 mg L−1F−, 19.6 μg L−1 As, 0.4 mg L−1 PO43‒, pH 6.6, and 430 μS cm−1 conductivity) was performed by using Eapp = 1.2 V vs. SHE and Q = 0.2 L min−1. After three rounds of CDI, the solution reached ending values of 1.2 mg L−1F−, 7.4 μg L−1 As, 0.2 mg L−1 PO43‒, with energy consumption (EC) of 0.023 kWh m−3. The treated water fulfills the WHO guidelines (< 1.5 mg L−1F−, and < 10 μg L−1 As). CDI using GF electrodes is an affordable technology to supply safe drinking water.

Synergistic catalysis of bimetallic nitrogen-doped carbon materials for efficient electrocatalytic CO2 reduction

Long-term continuous operation and large-scale development are essential for practical applications of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (ECR). Herein, Fe/Ni binary metal nitrogen-doped carbon (Fe/Ni-N-C) materials were successfully constructed and evaluated in typical H cell. The Fe/Ni-N-C electrocatalyst showed a highest CO Faradaic efficiency (FECO) of 92.9% at − 0.677 V vs. RHE and a largest turnover frequency of 10.77 × 103 h−1. After being transferred to a larger-scale continuous flow cell, Fe/Ni-N-C exhibited higher current density and FECO with robust durability. Above 89% of FECO was reserved after 40 h of electrolysis. It was found that the synergetic effects of the binary metals effectively enhanced the charge transfer rate and provided favorable kinetics. Based on Fe/Ni-N-C as the cathode, an aqueous Zn-CO2 battery was further assembled with excellent charge-discharge cycle stability, which could serve as the electricity supply for ECR.

Tailoring the three-phase microenvironment surface to induce carbon nitride oxide generating ·O2– with 100% selectivity for ultrafast photodegradation tetracycline under visible light

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to photodegrading tetracycline (TC), which determines the overall efficiency of photocatalysts. Superoxide radical (·O2–) is one of the excellent ROS for photodegrading TC by carbon nitride. However, achieving hierarchical carbon nitride with efficient, stabile, and selective production of ·O2– via O2 photoreduction is a great challenge. Herein, a carbon nitride oxide nest (CNON6) with carbon/nitrogen vacancies (C-v, N-v) and oxygen substitution (O-s) was prepared via tailoring surface microenvironment. The CNON6 can photodegrade 82% of TC within 2 min under visible light, and the pseudo-first-order kinetic constant is 1.22 min−1, 24-fold higher than that of CN. The superior photoactivity is attributed to a unique surface microenvironment, which N-v increased photoelectric conversion efficiency, C-v enhanced O2 adsorption and O-s induced ·O2– evolution with ∼ 100% selectivity. Moreover, PVDF membrane-supported CNON6 (11.33 cm2, 0.88 mg/cm2) can completely remove TC from wastewater at a rate of 2.62 mg/h in a simulated industrial continuous flow cell. The cost-effectiveness assessment was $6.36/kg/h, implying the CNON6/PVDF has a bright application prospect in wastewater treatment. This work developed a surface microenvironment tailor strategy to design photocatalysts for efficient degradation of TC.

A High Voltage Aqueous Zinc-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery with Bimodal Tin and Copper Clusters by a Continuous-Flow Electrometallic Synthesis.

Aqueous zinc-based redox flow batteries are promising large-scale energy storage applications due to their low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness. However, the zinc dendritic growth has depressed the cycle performance, stability, and efficiency, hindering the commercialization of the zinc-based redox flow batteries. We fabricate the carbon felt modified with bimodal sized tin and copper clusters (SCCF) with the electrometallic synthesis in a continuous-flow cell. The SCCF electrode provides a larger zinc nucleation area and lower overpotential than pristine carbon felt, which is ascribed to the well-controlled interfacial interaction of bimodal tin and copper particle clusters by suppressing unwanted alloy formation. The zinc symmetric flow battery and the zinc-based hybrid redox flow battery show the improved zinc plating and stripping efficiency. The SCCF electrode exhibits 75% improved cycling stability compared to the pristine carbon felt electrode in the zinc symmetric flow battery. Notably, the high-voltage aqueous zinc-vanadium redox flow battery demonstrates a high average cell voltage of 2.31 V at 40 mA cm-2, showing a Coulombic efficiency of 99.9% and an energy efficiency of 87.6% for 100 cycles. We introduce a facile strategy to suppress the zinc dendritic growth, enhancing the performance of the zinc-based redox flow batteries.

Electrochemical direct air capture of CO2 using neutral red as reversible redox-active material

Direct air capture of carbon dioxide is a viable option for the mitigation of CO2 emissions and their impact on global climate change. Conventional processes for carbon capture from ambient air require 230 to 800 kJ thermal per mole of CO2, which accounts for most of the total cost of capture. Here, we demonstrate electrochemical direct air capture using neutral red as a redox-active material in an aqueous solution enabled by the inclusion of nicotinamide as a hydrotropic solubilizing agent. The electrochemical system demonstrates a high electron utilization of 0.71 in a continuous flow cell with an estimated minimum work of 35 kJe per mole of CO2 from 15% CO2. Further exploration using ambient air (410 ppm CO2 in the presence of 20% oxygen) as a feed gas shows electron utilization of 0.38 in a continuous flow cell to provide an estimated minimum work of 65 kJe per mole of CO2.

High-precision, low-complexity, high-resolution microscopy-based cell sorting.

Continuous flow cell sorting based on image analysis is a powerful concept that exploits spatially-resolved features in cells, such as subcellular protein localisation or cell and organelle morphology, to isolate highly specialised cell types that were previously inaccessible to biomedical research, biotechnology, and medicine. Recently, sorting protocols have been proposed that achieve impressive throughput by combining ultra-high flow rates with sophisticated imaging and data processing protocols. However, moderate image quality and high complex experimental setups still prevent the full potential of image-activated cell sorting from being a general-purpose tool. Here, we present a new low-complexity microfluidic approach based on high numerical aperture wide-field microscopy and precise dielectrophoretic cell handling. It provides high-quality images with unprecedented resolution in image-activated cell sorting (i.e., 216 nm). In addition, it also allows long image processing times of several hundred milliseconds for thorough image analysis, while ensuring reliable and low-loss cell processing. Using our approach, we sorted live T cells based on subcellular localisation of fluorescence signals and demonstrated that purities above 80% are possible while targeting maximum yields and sample volume throughputs in the range of μl min-1. We were able to recover 85% of the target cells analysed. Finally, we ensure and quantify the full vitality of the sorted cells cultivating the cells for a period of time and through colorimetric viability tests.