Decomposition Products Research Articles

A short review: the biological activity of vitamin D and its decomposition products.

A vitamin D3 metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 exhibits numerous hormonal actions to various tissues and cells such as induction of calcium ion absorption, bone metabolism, activation of innate immune system. Because hormonal actions of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 are too complex, it is difficult to better understand overall views of intermolecular networks on the cell activation by 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. In this review we concisely outline the most fundamental molecular mechanisms for the cell activation by 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 based on the previous and recent studies. In addition, we expound biological activity of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 that differs from hormonal actions. In addition, recent studies by our group revealed that vitamin D decomposition products confer extremely selective bactericidal action to Helicobacter pylori, a pathogen causative gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancers in human. Vitamin D decomposition products induce the bacteriolysis as targeting of characteristic glycerophospholipids composed of the bacterial biomembranes. In the future we will expect to be capable of developing novel antibacterial agents targeting a characteristic glycerophospholipid of the pathogenic bacteria using vitamin D decomposition products as fundamental structures.

Insights into triazole-based energetic material design from decomposition pathways of triazole derivatives.

Nitrogen-rich heterocycles are of great interest for the design of high-energy materials (HEMs) because they offer high density, positive heat of formation, superior detonation properties, and high thermal stability. Among the different types of nitrogen-rich heterocyclic azoles, 1,2,4-triazole provides a remarkable framework for the development of green energetic materials. The presence of functional groups, such as nitro, amino, and nitramino groups, affects the stability, thermal decomposition behavior, and energetic properties of HEMs. In the present study, we chose amino- and nitramino substituted 1,2,4-triazole and triazole containing both amino and carboxymethyl groups to compare their decomposition mechanisms. The decomposition pathways of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (1), 2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylidene-nitramide (2), and 5-amino-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl-acetic acid (3) were explored using thermal experiments and mass spectrometry. Kinetic parameters were evaluated using a nonlinear integral method, and decomposition pathways were elucidated based on mass fragmentation data obtained from mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry. Furthermore, near-real-time identification of decomposition products that evolved in the form of gases was performed using the TG-FTIR technique. Based on kinetic analysis, mass fragmentation data, and TG-FTIR analysis, the possible degradation pathways of the HEMs following the introduction of different substituents were identified.

Partitioning Behavior of Lithium and Rare Earth Elements During Coal Preparation and Their Differences in Mode of Occurrence

ABSTRACT Coal preparation technology is an important and widely useful way to achieve clean utilization of coal. Furthermore, it has a huge effect on the recovery of critical elements in coal, including lithium (Li) and rare earth elements (lanthanides and yttrium, REY). In this study, the migration of Li and REY during coal preparation was investigated from industrial practice and laboratory. After industrial separation, Li is significantly enriched in the coal gangue with high ash content, while REY mainly migrates to fine coal, clean coal, and coal slime. Results of screening and float-and-sink from the laboratory show that Li is enriched in the +3 mm particle size fraction and the +2.0 g/cm3 density fraction, while REY is greatly enriched in the −0.5 mm particle size fractions and the −1.8 g/cm3 density fractions. Modes of occurrence of Li and REY greatly affect their migration routes during separation. Results of sequential chemical extraction and oxidation decomposition reveal that more REY occurs in organic matter-bound form compared to Li. REY-bearing minerals (monazite and bastnaesite) in feed coal were found by SEM-EDS, but they are embedded in organic matter. In addition, oxidation decomposition experiments confirmed that REY can directly bind to organic matter in coal, especially heavy REY. These findings demonstrate that REY is closely associated with the organic fractions, while the majority of Li occurs in inorganic minerals for these coals. This research could give support to clarify the Li and REY migration during coal preparation and their extraction in the future.

Improving the Quality of Back Contact Interface in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells by Inserting a Thin Mg(OH)2 Intermediate Layer

Abstract Modifying the back contact interface plays a key role in improving the efficiency of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells. Aiming at the phase decomposition and carrier recombination issues in the CZTSSe/Mo back contact interface, an ultra-thin Mg(OH)2 intermediate layer was introduced between the Mo substrate and the CZTSSe absorber layer. The Mg(OH)2 intermediate layer effectively suppressed the interface phase decomposition reactions and inhibited the generation of interface secondary phases. Meanwhile, during the high-temperature selenization process, the Mg2+ doped into CZTSSe at the back contact interface, reducing the defects and band offset at the CZTSSe/Mo interface. The performance of the device was improved, with a significant increase in efficiency compared to the control device. This work highlights the modification effect of Mg(OH)2 for improving back contact and also provides an easy-handling method to achieve high-performance CZTSSe solar cells.

Thermal decomposition and non‐isothermal kinetics of microcrystalline magnesite

AbstractThe thermal decomposition (TD) of magnesite is crucial for its high‐value applications, and understanding its reaction mechanisms requires establishing accurate kinetic models. This research investigates the TD kinetics of microcrystalline magnesite under varying heating rates (HRs) using thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG–DSC) analysis. Kinetic parameters were derived using the Coats–Redfern (CR), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) methods. The influence of HRs on the decomposition process and the resulting MgO morphology was analyzed. The results demonstrated that as HRs increased, the decomposition and reaction rate curves shifted to higher temperatures, necessitating elevated temperatures for similar levels of decomposition. The mean activation energy () was calculated to be 162.45 kJ/mol, with a strong linear correlation between the and pre‐exponential factor, suggesting robust kinetic compensation. The TD followed a two‐dimensional phase boundary mechanism with cylindrical symmetry. “Original shape pseudomorphs” were found to significantly affect the microstructure, particle size variation, and kinetic behavior of the decomposition products. These findings provide important insights for the industrial processing of microcrystalline magnesite.

Photophysical Characterization and Excited State Dynamics of Decamethylruthenocenium.

Understanding the landscape of molecular photocatalysis is vital to enable efficient conversion of feedstock molecules to targeted products and inhibit off-cycle reactivity. In this study, the light-promoted reactivity of [RuCp*2]+ was explored via electronic structure, photophysical, and photostability studies and the reactivity of [RuCp*2]+ within a photocatalytic hydrogen evolution cycle was assessed. TD-DFT calculations support the assignment of a low-energy ligand-to-metal charge transfer transition (LMCT) centered at 500 nm, where an electron from a ligand-based orbital delocalized across both Cp* ligands is promoted to a dx2-y2-based β-LUMO orbital. Upon irradiating the LMCT absorption feature, ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy measurements show that an initial excited state (τ1 = 1.3 ± 0.1 ps) is populated, which undergoes fast relaxation to a longer-lived state (τ2 = 12.0 ± 0.9 ps), either via internal conversion or vibrational relaxation. Despite the short-lived nature of these excited states, bulk photolysis of [RuCp*2]+ demonstrates that photochemical conversion to decomposition products is possible upon prolonged illumination. Collectively, these studies reveal that [RuCp*2]+ undergoes light-driven decomposition, highlighting the necessity to construct molecular photocatalytic systems resistant to off-cycle reactivity in both the ground and excited states.

Study of interfacial bonding properties and shrinkage deformation of cement-alkali activated gradient-structured composite in complex environments with temperature-humidity changes

The early shrinkage-deformation and mechanical property evolution of gradient-structured composites in extreme environments are still insufficient. The paper prepared ordinary Portland cement-alkali-activated slag (OPC-AAS) and ordinary Portland cement-alkali-activated metakaolin (OPC-AAMK) gradient-structured composite by stacking cement and alkali-activated materials together. The effects of temperature difference cycling and wetdry cycling extremes on the early shrinkage strain and splitting strength of OPC-AAS and OPC-AAMK composites, as well as the structure of the bond interface and the micromorphology of the hydration products, were comparatively analyzed. The results demonstrated that the temperature difference cycling affected the early deformation and bond strength of the gradient-structured composite interfaces more significantly than the dry-wet cycling. The maximum expansion strains of OPC-AAS and OPC-AAMK were 1,130.88 μm and 1,399.25 μm, respectively, under the effect of temperature difference cycling; the splitting strengths of OPC-AAS and OPC-AAMK after three cycles of temperature difference cycling were reduced by 26.37% and 31.32%, respectively, compared with that after three cycles of wet-dry cycling. In addition, the OPC-AAS composites showed better interfacial bonding properties after extreme environmental cycling compared to the OPC-AAMK composites. The early splitting strengths under the two extreme environmental effects increased and then decreased, and the maximum splitting strengths of OPCAAS were 2.66 MPa and 3.65 MPa under the temperature difference cycling and dry-wet cycling, respectively, which were 5.14% and 35.69% higher than those of OPC-AAMK, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization analysis showed that the temperature difference cycling resulted in more severe product decomposition of the AAMK cementitious material, and obvious cracks and holes appeared at the bonding interface of OPC-AAMK. This study provides some references for the optimal design of the early shrinkage-deformation properties and mechanical properties of gradient-structured composites under extreme environments as well as the assessment of service life.

A Hydrogel Electrolyte-Based Zn-CO2 Battery with Improved Life.

Environmental-friendly aqueous Zn-CO2 batteries present bifunctional potentials of achieving carbon neutrality and energy storage. Nonetheless, anode corrosions derived from H2O molecules and high risks of volatilization and leakage hinder the advancement of Zn-CO2 batteries. In this work, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based hydrogel electrolyte with fast ion diffusion kinetics, high mechanical strength, and flexibility is developed to replace liquid electrolyte. Since hydroxyl radicals in the polymer chain can interact with H2O and Zn2+, electrode corrosion from free H2O and active H2O around Zn2+ is significantly inhibited, facilitating the uniform deposition of Zn2+ cations. The introduction of an ionic liquid plasticizer further enhances the interaction between Zn2+ and polymer backbone, as well as amorphous extent of the electrolyte. The hydrogel electrolyte possesses adequate self-healing ability, whose ionic conductivity reaches 7.95 × 10-3 S cm-1. The symmetric Zn metal batteries containing the electrolyte remain steady for >2000h under different current densities. Furthermore, the Zn-CO2 battery based on Ru nanoparticles cathode and hydrogel electrolyte realizes a discharge capacity of 6028 mAh g-1 and stable cyclicity for 90 times. The reaction path of hydrogel electrolyte-based Zn-CO2 battery is that CO2 is reduced to ZnCO3 and C species followed by reversible decomposition of discharge products on recharge.

Pyrolysis Kinetics of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

ABSTRACTPolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is widely used in fields such as propellants and flame retardants. However, this is still a vacancy of detailed kinetic mechanisms to describe the complete decomposition of PTFE in the gas phase. The current work addresses this issue by conducting ab initio calculations for key reactions involved in the PTFE pyrolysis system. The potential energy surfaces (PESs) of PTFE unimolecular and bimolecular reactions are determined at the DLPNO‐CCSD(T)/cc‐pVTZ//B3LYP‐D3/6–31++G(d,p) level. Rate constants and branching ratios of the main reaction pathways are calculated by solving the RRKM master equation, and the thermochemical properties of related species at the DLPNO‐CCSD(T)/CBS level are calculated via the atomization method. The current study found that the initial decomposition of PTFE is dominated by the CC scission reactions and free radical (H, OH, CF, CF2, and CF3) abstraction reactions, forming the corresponding free radical species. Further β‐CC scission reactions dominate the overall kinetics and continuously generate CF2CF2. Self‐decomposition and free radical–driven decomposition of PTFE produce small molecules such as HF, FOH, CF2, CF3, and CF4. This work provides quantitative predictions of the detailed decomposition reaction pathways of gas‐phase PTFE and will lay a solid foundation for the development of detailed kinetic mechanisms for PTFE combustion and degradation.

Metastability‐Induced Atom Coordination and Electron Relocalization Toward Dendrite Free All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries

AbstractLi‐argyrodite electrolytes have attracted special attention as the promising candidate for all‐solid‐state batteries considering its high ionic conductivity and relative stability. However, the interfacial compatibility issues associated with PS43− tetrahedra decomposition led to dendrite growth and rapid battery failure in integrating the lithium metal anode. Herein, in situ electrochemical (de)lithiation of Li6PS5Cl coated with Mg(ClO4)2 (LPSC‐MCO) induced by metastable decomposition is proposed to mitigate undesirable reactions at lithium anode through atomic coordination and electron relocalization. The inhibition of electrochemical decomposition for PS₄3⁻ tetrahedra is due to the formation of PS3O3− and the components regulation from Li2S and Li3P to Li2O, LiCl in solid electrolyte interphase. Additionally, the ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) and density functional theory (DFT) analysis are utilized to uncover the fundamental mechanism behind the interactions of Li‐O and Li‐Cl and electron redistribution around O, Cl, and Mg. A high critical current density of 1.9 mA cm−2 and stable lithium plating/stripping behaviors over 2300 h are presented to verify the suppression for lithium dendrite and the NCM/LPSC‐MCO/Li cell consequently exhibits excellent performance. It inspires new pathways of probing into atom coordination and electron relocalization to address (electro)chemical decomposition and dendrite issues in all‐solid‐state batteries.

Magnetic field and photon co-enhanced S-scheme MXene/In2S3/CoFe2O4 heterojunction for high-performance lithium-oxygen batteries

Under the spotlight for their potential to reduce over-potential, photo-assisted Li-O2 batteries still face a key challenge: the rapid recombination of photo-generated electron-hole pairs, which limits their efficiency. In this study, we address this limitation by designing a Li-O2 battery that integrates both photo and magnetic field assistance, using an S-scheme MXene/In2S3/CoFe2O4 heterojunction photocathode. This unique combination enhances visible light absorption and generates a strong built-in electric field, facilitating effective charge separation and boosting photocatalytic activity. During discharge, photo-generated electrons participate in the oxygen reduction reaction, while photo-induced holes contribute to the decomposition of discharge products during charging. Furthermore, the introduction of a magnetic field, confirmed through vibrating sample magnetometer, Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near edge structure, and cyclic voltammetry analyses, enhances electron-hole separation via Lorentz forces and spin-orbit coupling, accelerating the formation and decomposition of Li2O2. With this synergistic approach, the battery achieves a high specific capacity of 26,500mAhg-1, ultra-low oxygen reduction/evolution reaction over-potentials of 0.08V/0.17V, and a long cycle life of 2000 cycles with energy efficiency of 98.11%. This work demonstrates the promising potential of combining photo and magnetic field effects to improve the electrochemical performance of Li-O2 batteries, opening new avenues for high-performance energy storage systems.

Energy, exergy, economic and environmental analysis and optimization of an adiabatic-isothermal compressed air energy storage coupled with methanol decomposition reaction for combined heat, power and hydrogen generation system

Energy, exergy, economic and environmental analysis and optimization of an adiabatic-isothermal compressed air energy storage coupled with methanol decomposition reaction for combined heat, power and hydrogen generation system

An experimental speciation study of DME, OME1, and OME2 in a single-pulse shock tube at high pressures

An experimental speciation study of DME, OME1, and OME2 in a single-pulse shock tube at high pressures

Nitrogen vacancy mediated g-C3N4/BiVO4 Z-scheme heterostructure nanostructures for exceptional photocatalytic performance.

In this work, a novel VN-g-C3N4/BiVO4 (VN-CN/BVO) Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst was formed by introducing nitrogen vacancies (VN) and constructing heterojunction, which is able to efficiently degrade the representative contaminant rhodamine B (RhB) upon exposure to visible-light, resulting in an outstanding degradation rate of 98.91% of RhB within 30min. This photocatalyst exhibits catalytic universality and allows the degradation of methylene blue (MB, 97.59%) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH, 76.89%) within 100min. The exceptional performances are attributed to the rational manipulation of nitrogen vacancy and Z-scheme heterojunction. Furthermore, the performance of the prepared photocatalysts in wastewater was investigated by photocatalytic degradation of TCH under different environmental conditions (cationic, anionic, and pH), and the synthesized VN-CN/BVO photocatalysts exhibit excellent photocatalytic performance and stability. The decomposition products of TCH were further identified through liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and plausible decomposition routes were determined. This study demonstrates the importance of VN-CN/BVO photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants by photocatalysis under visible light. The Z-scheme heterostructure and synergistic effects endow the system with high-energy carrier transfer kinetics and strong oxygen reduction capability. Meanwhile, the surface nitrogen defects serve as electron acceptors to accelerate interfacial charge separation and as adsorption activation sites for organic pollutant molecules, promoting efficient mass transfer in the non-homogeneous system. This work may provide new ideas for the combination of defect engineering and heterojunction tactic for environmental remediation.

Elucidating Thermal Decomposition Kinetic Mechanism of Charged Layered Oxide Cathode for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

The safety of the P2-type layered transition metal oxides (P2-NaxTMO2), a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), is a prerequisite for grid-scale energy storage systems. However, previous thermal runaway studies mainly focused on morphological changes resulting from gas production detection and thermogravimetric analysis, while the structural transition and chemical reactions underlying these processes are still unclear. Herein, a comprehensive methodology to unveil an interplay mechanism among phase structures, interfacial microcrack, and thermal stability of the charged P2-Na0.8Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 (NNMO) and the P2-Na0.8Ni0.21Li0.12Mn0.67O2 (NNMO-Li) at elevated temperatures is established. Combining a series of crystallographic and thermodynamic characterization techniques, the specific chemical reactions occurring in the NNMO materials during thermal runaway are clarified firstand solidly proved that Li doping effectively hinders the dissolution of transition metal ions, reduces oxygen release, and enhances thermal stability at elevated temperatures. Importantly, based on Arrhenius and nonisothermal kinetic equations, the kinetic triplet model is successfully constructed to in-depth elucidate the thermal decomposition reaction mechanism of P2-NaxTMO2, demonstrating that such thermodynamic assessment provides a new perspective for building high-safety SIBs.

Feasibility of controlled nitric oxide generation via ascorbate induced chemical reduction of nitrite ions.

Inhalable nitric oxide (iNO) is a lifesaving, FDA-approved drug to improve oxygenation in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. iNO also has many other applications in lung diseases owing to its vasodilatory and antimicrobial effects. However, its wider therapeutic application is often prohibited by the high cost and logistical barriers of traditional NO/N2 gas tanks. Development of low-cost, portable and tankless nitric oxide (NO) generators is a critical need to advance iNO therapy. Here, we describe the feasibility of NO generation by the controlled reduction of nitrite (NO2-) ions. This was accomplished by using ascorbate to reduce NO2- ions mediated by a copper(I/II) redox pair complexed by an azo-crown ether ligand ([Cu(II)L]2+/[Cu(I)L]+) in the solution phase. We found that oxalate, a decomposition product of ascorbate, interferes with the NO generation from the copper-ligand complex. This interference was mitigated, and the reaction was further optimized. NO generation through this method was found to be highly controllable via its proportionality to the flow rate of NO2- injected into a reaction chamber containing the reducing components. Hence, this simple approach adds to the current collection of innovative methods under development to obviate the use of NO tanks for iNO delivery.

Alumina Coated with Titanium Dioxide Supported Iron for Hydrogen Production and Carbon Nanotubes via Methane Decomposition

Research on converting methane to hydrogen has gained more attention due to the availability of methane reserves and the global focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources. The decomposition of methane through catalysis (CDM) has excellent potential to produce clean hydrogen and valuable carbon products. However, developing catalysts that are both active and stable is a highly challenging area of research. Using titanium isopropoxide as a precursor and different loadings of TiO2 (10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, and 30 wt.%), alumina has been coated with TiO2 in a single-step hydrothermal synthesis procedure. These synthesized materials are examined as possible support materials for CDM; different wt.% of iron is loaded onto the synthesized support material using a co-precipitation method to enhance the methane conversion via a decomposition reaction. The result shows that the 20 wt.% Fe/20 wt.% Ti-Al (20Fe/20Ti-Al) catalyst demonstrates remarkable stability and exhibits superior performance, reaching a conversion rate of methane of 94% with hydrogen production of 84% after 4 h. The outstanding performance is primarily due to the moderate interaction between the support and the active metal, as well as the presence of the rutile phase. The 20Fe/30Ti-Al catalyst exhibited lower activity than the other catalysts, achieving a methane conversion of 85% and hydrogen production of 79% during the reaction. Raman and XRD analysis revealed that all the catalysts generated graphitic carbon, with the 20Fe/20Ti-Al catalyst specifically producing single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Thermal evolution of soddyite, (UO2)2SiO4(H2O)2 and structurally related Na2(UO2)2SiO4F2

Abstract Thermal expansion of the mineral soddyite, (UO2)2SiO4(H2O)2, and structurally related synthetic compound Na2(UO2)2SiO4F2 ( NAUSIF ) has been studied by means of high-temperature single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. The mineral is orthorhombic, Fddd, while NAUSIF is tetragonal, I41/amd. The framework structures of both compounds are comprised of either neutral [(UO2)2(SiO4)(H2O)2] or negatively charged [(UO2)2(SiO4)F2]2- chains of similar topology. In the structure of soddyite, the chains cross at the angle of 72°, while in NAUSIF of 90°. Upon increasing temperature, the acute inter-chain angles in soddyite increase due to hinge deformations, the overall symmetry approaching tetragonal. The mineral is stable below 325 ± 25 °С; between 325 and 640 °С, the decomposition products cannot be identified unambiguously and contain significant amount of amorphous phases; at higher temperatures, a mixture of U3O8 polymorphs is formed. NAUSIF is stable until its melting point of 625 ± 25 °С. The thermal expansion of both compounds is strongly anisotropic; for NAUSIF , it is due to difference in bond strength in the uranium and sodium polyhedra. Anisotropic thermal expansion of soddyite is controlled by shear deformations of the structure upon the temperature rise.

Theoretical Investigation of C4F7N–CO2 Mixture Decomposition Characteristics Under Extreme Conditions

Due to their low greenhouse effect and exceptional insulating properties, C4F7N-CO2 gas mixtures have garnered significant attention. In particular, understanding the decomposition characteristics of C4F7N-CO2 is crucial for their practical use as an eco-friendly dielectric medium. At elevated temperatures, the pyrolysis of C4F7N produces high concentrations of CFN, CF3, and C2F2, along with lower levels of C3F5, C4F6N, C2F, and CN. A further increase in temperature may lead to the decomposition of CO2 into CO and additional components such as C2, C2F3, C3F4, C4F7 and C3F6, CF, CO, C3F7, C3F2, C3F, C3F3, C3F3N, C3, CF2, and CF2N. Under electrical discharge conditions, the decomposition of CO2 becomes more pronounced, forming products like CO, C2O, O2, C2O2, and C2O4, with up to 25 decomposition components observed. These include products originated from both C4F7N and CO2 and their combinations. In ultra-high electric field intensities, only small molecules such as O2, C2, C3, and N2 are detected among the decomposition products. This study aims to provide theoretical insights and valuable data to advance research into the decomposition behavior and practical engineering applications of C4F7N-CO2 gas mixtures under extreme conditions.

The Effects of the Addition of Secondary Phyllosilicate Minerals on the Decomposition Process and Products of Maize Straw in Black Soil

The interaction between secondary phyllosilicate minerals and straw is crucial for preserving soil organic carbon (SOC) and fertility. However, the specific mechanism through which these minerals affect straw decomposition and its products in northeast China’s black soil remains unclear. In this study, montmorillonite, illite, and vermiculite were mixed with quartz sand and maize straw, inoculated with microbes, and incubated to analyze the effects of different secondary phyllosilicate minerals on the degradation of organic components in maize straw and the formation of soil humus. The results showed that montmorillonite significantly facilitated the decomposition of maize straw hemicellulose and lignin, which decreased by 95.85% and 76.38%, respectively. Conversely, vermiculite decelerated hemicellulose and lignin degradation. Regarding soil organic acids, lactic acid and malic acid were predominant, with the highest content being found after the montmorillonite treatment. Montmorillonite was the most effective in enhancing extractable humic-like substances, which increased by 71.68%. Montmorillonite increased the content of G0 (water dispersion group), G1 (sodium ion dispersion group), and G2 (sodium grinding dispersion group) complexes. The addition of secondary phyllosilicate minerals increased the organic carbon (OC) content in the G0, G1, and G2 samples, with montmorillonite demonstrating the most pronounced effect. Secondary phyllosilicate minerals increased the abundance of fungi, particularly Ascomycota, with the highest abundance being found after the montmorillonite treatment. In conclusion, our results indicated that montmorillonite facilitated the decomposition of lignocellulose in maize straw, enhanced the accumulation of humus, and promoted the formation of organic–mineral complexes. These findings provide valuable insights into the interaction between secondary phyllosilicate minerals and maize straw and have important implications for improving the quality of black soil in northeast China.