Structural Conversion Research Articles

An additively manufactured dual circularly polarized open‐ended waveguide antenna using outer ridges with wideband characteristic

AbstractThis paper presents a novel additively manufactured wideband dual circularly polarized (CP) open‐ended waveguide (OEW) antenna, which adopts a pair of wedge‐shaped outer ridges acting as a circular polarizer. Study found that compared to the con‐ ventional designs that employ internal polarization converting structures, such outer ridges are capable of achieving wider axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) and better reflection coefficients. On each ridge, two rectangular slots are designed to suppress the higher order mode caused by the increased waveguide size, and further expanding the ARBW. The proposed antenna is fed by two differential ports. By switching the feeding ports, the CP states can be altered to either right‐handed CP (RHCP) or left‐handed CP (LHCP). In terms of configuration, the proposed antenna has a simple one‐piece structure and is fabricated by using dielec‐ tric 3‐D printing technology. To form the waveguide walls, its partial surfaces are coated by copper films through electroplat‐ ing. The proposed antenna features easy fabrication and light weight. Experimental results show that the proposed antenna has an impedance bandwidth of larger than 47.6% (8–13 GHz) with reflection coefficients lower than −15 dB, while the 3‐dB ARBW is 37.7% from 8.4 to 12.3 GHz.

A Cross-Border Biorisk Toolkit for Healthcare Professionals.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to public health, exposing first responders to high biosafety risks during medical assistance and containment efforts. The PANDEM-2 study aimed to address these critical biosafety issues by emphasising the importance of frequently updated, harmonised guidelines. This study reviewed scientific publications, lessons learned, and real-world experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic to identify biorisk gaps in three critical areas: (i) patient transportation and management, (ii) sample handling and testing, and (iii) data management and communication by laboratory staff. At the onset of the pandemic, first responders faced several challenges, including the rapid expansion of emergency medical services, conversion of non-medical structures, increased internal and cross-border transport of infected patients, frequent changes in biosafety protocols, and a shortage of personal protective equipment. In response, this study developed a versatile and easily adaptable toolkit, including biosafety guidance and recommendations linked to updated national and international online repositories. It establishes the groundwork for a minimum standard that can be tailored to various pandemic response scenarios, using monkeypox as a fictive test case. The toolkit enables rapid access to updated information via QR codes and mobile devices, improving biorisk response by providing an adaptable and standardised approach for caregivers involved in national and cross-border responses.

DEVELOPMENT OF DUAL-SWITCHES BRIDGELESS PFC TOTEM-POLE SEPIC CONVERTER FOR LED DRIVER APPLICATION

This paper presents a Dual-Switch Bridgeless Power Factor Correction (DSBPFC) Single Ended Primary Inductor Converter (SEPIC) with Totem-Pole circuit structure for LED Driver Application. The conventional Full-Bridge Rectifier (FBR) SEPIC converter has five diodes, four in the rectifier bridge and one in the SEPIC. In addition, the FBR SEPIC converter has several drawbacks, including low power factor (PF), high current harmonics (THDi), and high output voltage ripple, due to the combination of two operation circuits in a single converter structure. The proposed DSBPFC SEPIC converter with Totem-Pole method improves PF and reduces THDi and output voltage ripple compared to the conventional FBR SEPIC. Additionally, it only requires three diodes instead of five. The optimization parameter design minimizes the THDi and output voltage ripple. In addition, to improve the quality of the AC source, the inductors are designed to operate in DCM and CCM based on the ripple-balancing concept between input and output inductors. As to reduce output voltage ripple, a high capacitance of output capacitor is used. The simulation result of the THDi is 3.8% whereas the experimental result shows that the THDi is 23.5%; which can be attributed to the parasitic elements at the passive components. Furthermore, the experimental results of the output voltage ripple are 2 V with output capacitance of 3300 μF, compared to the output voltage ripple of 4.40 V for 470 μF. Therefore, the proposed converter's design is confirmed with an output power of approximately 14.4 W.

Influence of Rheological Modifications on Primary Network Chemical and Structural Cure Kinetics for an Interpenetrating Polymer Network Resin.

The development of non-contact in situ techniques for monitoring cure kinetics has the potential to greatly improve both resin formulation and processing. We have recently shown that low-frequency Raman spectroscopy is a viable method for assessing resin structural cure kinetics and complements the traditional chemical conversion determined from the fingerprint region of the spectrum. In this work, we further evaluate the relationship between structural and chemical conversion by investigating two chemically identical yet rheologically different interpenetrating polymer network resin formulations. Rheological analysis demonstrates a relationship between structural conversion and storage modulus, which is not observed in the chemical conversion data. We show that one can produce master cure kinetics curves with comparable kinetic constants using both the chemical and structural conversion methodologies. Parametric analysis of the structural conversion, chemical conversion, and photorheological conversion was combined with a semi-empirical model for the storage shear modulus as a function of the extent of cure.

Optimal‐droop voltage‐restorer for zonal dc distribution system with simultaneous consideration of dynamic current balance and power loss reduction

AbstractA dc voltage restorer (dc‐VR) with optimal droop control is developed to reduce the power loss and solve the dynamic current imbalance simultaneously of the zonal dc distribution system integrating multi‐parallel energy storage. Firstly, the power loss model composed of line loss and converter loss is built and it is proved to be a strictly convex function with respect to droop coefficients, which indicates the power loss can be mitigated by optimizing the current distribution. Thus, an image‐based droop optimization method is proposed to search for the optimal droop coefficients. Then, the economy of voltage compensation on power loss reduction is investigated and an ESS‐combined dc‐VR is designed, including an interleaved parallel architecture and a capacitor‐integrated electric spring (C‐ES). Unified virtual inertia is proposed for interleaved parallel bridge arms to make their dynamic performance consistent. And the newly introduced C‐ES can keep the bus voltage at the rated level to reduce the system cost. Therefore, the problem of dynamic currents imbalance is addressed from the points of converter structure (dc‐VR) and control system (unified inertia), and the power loss can be reduced by voltage recovery (C‐ES) and optimizing the current reallocation which is achieved by updating sharing coefficients from the image‐based droop optimization method. Finally, the simulation cases validate the effectiveness of the proposed optimal‐droop dc‐VR on dynamic current balance and power loss reduction, and hardware in the loop experiment results prove the consistent dynamic characteristics of the dc‐VR's arms.

Effectiveness of preventive intervention programmes aiming to improve oral health in children who have undergone caries-related dental extractions: a rapid review.

To determine the effectiveness of preventive interventions in children who have undergone caries-related dental extractions. Rapid review across five databases (CENTRAL, Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus). Quality was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool. Five studies were included, all randomised controlled trials involving pre-and/or post-extractions activity. Three studies involved oral health education (computer game, motivational interviewing, visual aids), one delivered clinical prevention (fissure sealants), and one an enhanced prevention programme combining additional health education and a clinical intervention (fluoride varnish). Retention was mixed (55%-80% in the intervention groups). Of the three studies measuring caries, all reported less caries development in the test group. However, only a study involving a dental nurse-delivered structured conversation, informed by motivational interviewing, showed an improvement in oral health. Two studies reporting on plaque and gingival bleeding had conflicting results. A study reporting on subsequent dental attendance did not demonstrate a clear improvement. Few published studies have explored prevention-based interventions in high caries-risk children requiring dental extractions. Whilst evidence of clinical benefit of preventive interventions in this population is limited, the potential use of contemporary behaviour change techniques appears promising. There is an urgent need for more high-quality longer-term trials using contemporary methodologies.

Development of Polarization-Insensitive THz-to-IR Converters for Low-IR-Signature Target Detection and Imaging.

A THz-to-IR converter can be an effective solution for the detection of low-IR-signature targets by combining the advantages of mature IR detection mechanisms with high atmospheric transmittance in the THz region. A metallic metasurface (MS)-based absorber with linear polarization dependence based on a split-ring resonator (SRR) unit cell has been previously studied as a preliminary example of a THz-to-IR converter structure in the literature. In this simulation-based study, a new cross-shaped unit cell-based metallic MS absorber structure sensitive to dual polarization is designed to eliminate linear polarization dependency, thereby allowing for incoherent detection of THz radiation. A model is developed to calculate the temperature difference and the response time for this new cross-shaped absorber structure, and its performance is compared to the SRR structure for both coherent and incoherent illumination. This model allows for understanding the efficiency of these structures by considering all loss mechanisms which previously had not been considered. It is found that both structures show similar performance under linearly polarized coherent illumination. However, under incoherent illumination, the IR emittance efficiency as gauged by the temperature difference for the cross-shaped structure is found to be twice as high as compared to the SRR structure. The results also imply that calculated temperature differences for both structures under coherent and incoherent illumination are well above the limit of the minimum resolvable temperature difference of the state-of-the-art IR cameras. Therefore, dual-polarized or multi-polarization-sensitive MS absorber structures can be crucial for developing cost-effective THz-to-IR converters and be implemented in THz imaging solutions.

Accelerated structural transformation of metal-organic frameworks via interfacial engineering for efficient oxygen evolution reaction

Most metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) undergo structural transformations during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), prompting the development of more catalytically active metal oxyhydroxides. However, one of the biggest challenges still is managing the MOF reconstruction process. Here, we present an interface engineering strategy to encourage MOFs to structurally change into metal oxyhydroxides, which are more active in the OER process. By meticulous design, the NiSe/CoFc′ (CoFc-MOF, Fc′ = 1,1′-ferrocenecarboxylic acid) heterojunction was successfully constructed, exhibiting remarkable interface coupling effects. This characteristic not only facilitates efficient electron transfer from CoFc′ to NiSe, and accelerates the structural transformation process of CoFc′, but also activates more catalytic active sites. Compared to pure CoFc′, NiSe/CoFc′ exhibits enhanced structural transformation capability, occurring in a shorter time and at a lower voltage, with more catalytic sites being activated. Furthermore, the transformed NiSe/CoFc′ displays suprior catalytic activity with an overpotential of 227 mV at a current density of 100 mA cm−2, surpassing the single-component CoFc′. And the Faradaic efficiency of NiSe/CoFc′ is near to 99.6%. This approach offers a noval avenue for the levelheaded plan of non-precious metal electrocatalysts for water electrolysis, enabling the control of structural conversion through interface engineering.

Rotation insensitive implantable wireless power transfer system for medical devices using metamaterial-polarization converter

This article introduces an innovative approach for creating a circular polarization (CP) antenna-based rotation-insensitive implantable wireless power transfer (WPT) system for medical devices. The system is constructed to work in the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) frequency band of 902–928 MHz. Initially, a flexible, wide-band, and bio-compatible open-ended CP slot antenna is designed within a single-layer human skin tissue model to serve as the receiving (Rx) element. To form the implantable WPT link, a circular patch antenna is also constructed in the free-space to use as a transmitting (Tx) source. Further, a new metamaterial-polarization converter (MTM-PC) structure is developed and incorporated into the proposed system to enhance the power transfer efficiency (PTE). Furthermore, the rotational phenomenon of the Rx implant has been studied to show how the rotation affects the system’s performance. Moreover, a numerical analysis of the specific absorption rate (SAR) is conducted to confirm compliance with safety regulations and prioritize human safety from electromagnetic exposure. Finally, to validate the introduced concept, prototypes of the different elements of the proposed WPT system were fabricated and tested using skin-mimicking gel and porcine tissue. The measured results confirm the feasibility of the introduced approach, exhibiting improved efficiency due to use of the MTM-PC. The amplitude of the transmission coefficient (|S21|\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$|S_{21}|$$\\end{document}) has improved by 6.94 dB in the simulation, whereas the enhancement of 7.04 dB and 6.76 dB is obtained from the experimental study due to the integration of MTM-PC. As a result, the PTE of the proposed MTM-PC integrated implantable WPT system is increased significantly compared to the system without MTM-PC.

In Situ Photoreversible Tuning of Chemical Interface Damping in Single Gold Nanorods Through Cucurbit[8]uril-Based Host-Guest Interactions.

Chemical interface damping (CID) is a recently proposed plasmon-damping pathway based on the interfacial hot-electron transfer from metal to adsorbate molecules. However, the in situ reversible tuning of CID in single gold nanorods (AuNRs) has remained a considerable challenge. In this study, we used total internal reflection scattering microscopy and spectroscopy to investigate the CID induced by p-aminoazobenzene (p-AAB), which has fast photoisomerization characteristics, attached to single AuNRs. We demonstrated the in situ reversible tuning of CID in single AuNRs by switching between ultraviolet (UV, 365 nm) and visible (vis, 465 nm) irradiation to induce photoresponsive structural conversions between the cis and trans forms of p-AAB in ethanol, leading to different lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies for both forms. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) line width was wide under vis irradiation but narrow under UV irradiation, indicating that hot electrons are more efficiently transferred to trans-p-AAB with a low LUMO energy level. We further investigated the in situ photoreversible tuning of CID by manipulating supramolecular host-guest interactions between cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) and p-AAB in the single AuNRs. Additionally, real-time in situ reversible tuning of CID in single AuNRs was achieved through photonic switching of the cis-trans forms of p-AAB inside CB[8]. The LSPR line width was narrow under vis irradiation but gradually widened under UV irradiation before narrowing again upon returning to vis irradiation, unlike the case with p-AAB only. These results can be ascribed to the fact that cis-p-AAB completely encapsulated within CB[8] in water is thermodynamically more favorable than trans-p-AAB. Therefore, we have discovered a new strategy for tuning the CID by performing p-AAB photoisomerization and adjusting the wavelength of incident light in single AuNRs. In addition, this study demonstrates that CID can be effectively applied to the development of biosensors to detect guest molecules and their structural changes inside the cavity of CB[8] in single AuNRs.

Unraveling the impact of pore length on the conversion reaction of Fe3O4/carbon anodes in lithium-ion batteries

Despite numerous studies investigating Fe3O4/porous carbon anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the inherent limitations of the Fe3O4 conversion reaction, such as low reversibility and sluggish kinetics, continue to pose significant challenges. While modifying the porous structure of Fe3O4 anodes has demonstrated considerable promise in overcoming these limitations, the precise relationship between the porous structure and Fe3O4 conversion behavior still remains unclear. Here, we explore the impact of the pore length of the anode active material on the electrochemical performance of LIBs. Using two different composites of Fe3O4 and porous carbon with varying pore lengths as model materials, we conduct various in-depth electrochemical and ex-situ analyses. Our findings confirm that a shorter pore length facilitates higher Li+ ion diffusivity compared to longer pore length. Consequently, the conversion reaction of Fe3O4 to Fe and Li2O during lithiation process can be expedited, leading to a decrease in the resistance at the solid electrolyte interphase. As a result, we demonstrate that shortening the pore length of the porous anode composite materials can enhance the initial Coulombic efficiency (CE), reversible capacity, and rate capability of LIBs.

Portable smartphone-assisted amperometric immunosensor based on CoCe-layered double hydroxide for rapidly immunosensing erythromycin

Herein, we have manufactured a newly designed bifunctional impedimetric and amperometric immunosensor for rapidly detecting erythromycin (ERY) in complicated environments and food stuffs. For this, bimetallic cobalt/cerium-layered double hydroxide nanosheets (CoCe-LDH NSs), which was derived from Co-based zeolite imidazole framework via the structure conversion, was simultaneously utilized as the bioplatform for anchoring the ERY-targeted antibody and for modifying the gold and screen printed electrode. Basic characterizations revealed that CoCe-LDH NSs was composed of mixed metal valences, enrich redox, and abundant oxygen vacancies, facilitating the adhesion on the electrode, the antibody adsorption, and the electron transfers. The manufactured impedimetric and amperometric immunosensor based on CoCe-LDH has showed the comparable sensing performance, having a wide linear detection range from 1.0 fg mL−1 to 1.0 ng mL−1 with the ultralow detection limit toward ERY. Also, the portable, visualized, and efficient analysis of ERY was then attained at the smartphone-assisted CoCe-LDH-based SPE.

In Situ Characterization of Metastable Pb3O5 and Pb2O3 Phases During Thermal Decomposition of PbO2 to PbO.

Nonstoichiometric lead oxides play a key role in the formation and cycling of the positive electrodes in a lead acid battery. These phases have been linked to the underutilization of the positive active material but also play a key role in the battery's cycle life, providing interparticle adhesion and the connection to the underlying lead grid. Similar phases have previously been identified by mass loss or color change during thermal annealing of PbO2 to PbO, suggesting that at least two intermediate PbOx phases exist. Using multiple, in situ analysis techniques (powder diffraction, X-ray absorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and ex situ nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, the structural conversion and changes in the lead oxidation state were identified during this process. Isolation of the PbOx phases enabled confirmation of Pb3O5 and Pb2O3 by diffraction and the first 207Pb NMR measurement of these intermediates. The thermodynamic and kinetic stability of these intermediates and other reported polymorphs were determined by density functional theory, providing key insight into their origins and variation of PbOx structures found in previous studies.

Gaussian Process-Based Learning Control of Underactuated Balance Robots with an External and Internal Convertible Modeling Structure

Abstract External and internal convertible (EIC) form-based motion control is one of the effective designs of simultaneous trajectory tracking and balance for underactuated balance robots. Under certain conditions, the EIC-based control design is shown to lead to uncontrolled robot motion. To overcome this issue, we present a Gaussian process (GP)-based data-driven learning control for underactuated balance robots with the EIC modeling structure. Two GP-based learning controllers are presented by using the EIC structure property. The partial EIC (PEIC)-based control design partitions the robotic dynamics into a fully actuated subsystem and a reduced-order underactuated system. The null-space EIC (NEIC)-based control compensates for the uncontrolled motion in a subspace, while the other closed-loop dynamics are not affected. Under the PEIC- and NEIC-based, the tracking and balance tasks are guaranteed and convergence rate and bounded errors are achieved without causing any uncontrolled motion by the original EIC-based control. We validate the results and demonstrate the GP-based learning control design using two inverted pendulum platforms.

Black bioceramic scaffolds with micro/nano surface structure inducing mild hyperthermal environment for regenerating osteochondral defects

The treatment of osteochondral defects remains a huge challenge in clinic. The thermotherapy in traditional Chinese medicine is widely used in treating joint disease because the mild heat stimulation can promote the nutrient circulation. Inspired by the function of thermotherapy, we design a new thermotherapy strategy by using black bioceramic scaffolds to build local mild hyperthermal environment for treating osteochondral defects. Herein, black akermanite (B-AKT) bioceramic scaffolds with micro/nano surface structure and excellent photothermal conversion property are successfully fabricated. The temperature of scaffolds can be precisely controlled by near infrared (NIR) irradiation to construct a mild hyperthermal environment (～41°C). The micro/nanostructure on the scaffolds surface well promoted the cell adhesion and nutrition absorption by activating integrins and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Meanwhile, the mild hyperthermal environment constructed by B-AKT scaffolds can simultaneously induce the chondrogenesis and osteogenesis both in vitro and in vivo by activating the expression of cellular heat shock proteins (HSPs) and corresponding signaling pathways. Furthermore, in rabbit osteochondral defects, mild hyperthermal environment induced by B-AKT scaffolds exhibits stimulatory effects on the integrated regeneration of cartilage and bone. This study proposes a novel therapy strategy of constructing local mild hyperthermal environment by black bioceramic scaffolds to treat osteochondral defects and other joint diseases.

Collaborative Planning and Comprehensive Evaluation Method for Energy Storage System and Flexible Interconnection in Distribution Networks Considering Island Operation

Introduction: When the superior power grid fails and loses power, due to the traditional single power supply radial grid structure of low-voltage substation areas, all loads in the lowvoltage substation area will lose power, causing a poor electricity consumption experience for low-voltage users. To enhance the resilience of low-voltage distribution areas against faults and power outages from higher-tier power grids, a collaborative planning and comprehensive evaluation method for grid-forming energy storage systems (GFM-ESS) and flexible interconnection in distribution networks, considering island operation, is proposed. Method: This method integrates GFM-ESS and flexible interconnections, taking islanding operations into account. Firstly, the structure of GFM-ESS and voltage source converters is analyzed. The control modes of GFM-ESS in parallel or off-grid scenarios are also scrutinized. Secondly, minimizing the annual comprehensive cost and the annual power outage load are the objective functions. A bilevel programming model for GFM-ESS and flexible interconnection of lowvoltage distribution networks, considering island operation, has been established. Moreover, a comprehensive evaluation method based on the analytic hierarchy process for proposed lowvoltage distribution network structural schemes is introduced. An evaluation index system is established to assess the rationality of these proposed network structural planning schemes. Finally, the superiority of the proposed collaborative planning method is verified through a comparative analysis of three planning methods. Result: The proposed collaborative planning method can effectively ensure the continuous power supply of low-voltage distribution networks under the fault scenario of the upper power network. Conclusion: Moreover, the rationality of the results obtained from the proposed collaborative planning method is verified through a comprehensive evaluation method of grid structure schemes based on the analytic hierarchy process. The proposed comprehensive evaluation method can determine which two areas are optimal for grid planning. result: The superiority of the proposed collaborative planning method was verified by comparative analysis of three planning methods. And the rationality of the proposed collaborative planning method results was verified by the comprehensive evaluation method of grid structure schemes based on analytic hierarchy process.

Analysis and verification of electrodynamic force, thermal stress and current sharing for CRAFT converter structure design

In the design realm of fusion power supplies, structural components play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of fusion devices. To verify the reliability of the converter structure design at the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT), meticulous analysis of the converter's dynamic impact is carefully performed based on the worst fault current (400 kA), firstly. Subsequently, the thermal stress analysis based on the maximum allowable steady-state temperature is finished, and the equivalent thermal stress, thermal deformation, maximum shear stress of a single bridge arm and the whole converter are studied. Furthermore, a simple research method involving the current-sharing characteristics of a bridge arm with multi-thyristor parallel connection is proposed using a combination of Simplorer with Q3D in ANSYS. The results show that the current-sharing characteristics are excellent. Finally, the structural design has been meticulously tailored to meet the established requirements.

Multi-stimuli-responsive luminescent switching properties of cycloplatinated(II) complexes bearing 2-phenylpyridine derivatives

Three new cycloplatinated(II) complexes, Pt(ppy)L (1), Pt[(CF3)ppy]L (2) and Pt[dF(CF3)ppy]L (3) based on 2-phenylpyridine (ppy), 2-phenyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine [(CF3)ppy], 2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine [dF(CF3)ppy] and 4-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethynyl]-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid (L) ligands were synthesized and characterized. Complex 1 has one metastable structure and exhibits reversible mechanoluminescent property. On the contrary, complexes 2 and 3 each have five types of metastable structures and exhibit multi-stimuli-responsive luminescent switching properties triggered by VOC vapors absorption, heating, and mechanical grinding. Moreover, complexes 2 and 3 display a series of untraditional luminescent switching behaviors such as two-step conversion processes, irreversible process and more than one thermally stable products. Systematic studies on crystal structure, luminescence spectra, PXRD and DFT theoretical calculation demonstrate that the luminescent switching properties of these complexes are attributed to the formation/elimination of intermolecular Pt-Pt interactions during structural conversion processes between metastable structures, which lead to the transformation of the lowest energy excited states between MLCT and MMLCT transitions. Furthermore, the unconventional luminescent switching behaviors are due to the high stability of the metastable structures. In addition, the studies also reveal that the stacking structure of complex can affect its luminescent switching behavior, while the good molecular planarity of the complex is not conducive to the luminescent switching properties.

Co-delivery liposomes of irinotecan hydrochloride and curcumin in the synergistic treatment of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands out as the most prevalent and deadliest malignant tumour within the digestive system. Despite being the first-line chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic CRC, Irinotecan (IRI) faces limitations due to its unstable structure, short half-life and low conversion efficiency. In this work, we prepared IRI and Curcumin (CUR) co-delivery liposomes (CoIRI/CUR Lipo) by using CUR as a sensitizer to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of IRI for CRC. The results of experiments in vitro demonstrated that CoIRI/CUR Lipo effectively co-delivered both drugs to tumour cells at synergistic ratios and steadily released. Additionally, CUR promoted the conversion of IRI into its active metabolite 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) and increased the targets of SN-38 by upregulating the expression of Carboxylesterase 2 (CSE 2) and Topoisomerase I (Top I) at the tumour cells, thereby enhancing the proliferation inhibition on SW620 cells. In vivo, antitumor studies demonstrated that CoIRI/CUR Lipo exhibited a strong antitumor effect, with a tumour inhibition rate of 94.43 %.

Graphitization transformation of aluminum electrolytic spent carbon cathode

Aluminum electrolysis spent cathode carbon (SCC), as typical solid hazardous waste, poses significant environmental risks. Harmless treatment of SCC and recycling of its carbon component are important research areas. In this study, SCC was subjected to microwave hydrothermal acid leaching to remove harmful components, followed by the production of high-quality graphite via iron-catalyzed graphitization. The effects of reaction temperature, heating time, and catalyst loading on the graphitization conversion of SCC were investigated. The catalytic graphitization process of SCC was optimized using the response surface method. The results show that when the reaction temperature is 1520 °C, the heating time is 85.24 min, and the catalyst loading is 46.15 wt%, the graphitization degree of the sample is 97.61 %. The samples prepared under the optimal conditions were characterized using XRD, Raman, SEM, and TEM. The results reveal that the catalytic graphitization process significantly influences the conversion of microcrystalline structures in SCC into graphite structures. The iron-catalyzed transformation of microcrystalline carbon was analyzed to elucidate the graphitization transformation mechanism. This study offers an effective pathway for the high-value utilization of SCC. It also serves as a technical reference for the catalytic graphitization conversion of carbon materials.