Electron Flow Research Articles

Modulating the local electron density at built-in interface iron single sites in Fe-CN/MoO3 heterostructure for enhanced CO2 reduction to CH4 and Photo-Fenton reaction

The catalytic efficiency of heterogeneous photocatalytic CO2 reduction and photo-Fenton H2O2 activationisclosely related to the local electron density of reaction center atoms. However, electron-hole recombination from random charge transfer significantly restricts the targeted electron delivery to the active center. Herein, Fe-C3N4/MoO3 heterojunction with interfacial coordination of atomically dispersed Fe-N4 sites with the O interface of MoO3 was synthesized by simple hydrothermal method. Based on the experimental results and density functional theory calculation (DFT), the heterojunction structure fosters accelerated interfacial electron transfer due to directional interfacial electric field (IEF) between Fe-CN and MoO heterogeneous interfaces, and the interfacial bond between Fe-N4 sites and O at the built-in interface regulates the local electron density of Fe-N4 active center. DFT further reveals that the interfacial electron flow and concentrated electron density at Fe-N4 sites result from the coordination between Fe-N4 and MoO3 interfaces. This directs electron flow towards the Fe center, significantly enhancing CO2 adsorption and H2O2 conversion efficiency. PDOS analysis shows that the dyz and dz2 orbitals of the isolated Fe atom in Fe-CN overlap with the pz orbital of the O atom in MoO3, playing a pivotal role in CO2 adsorption. Consequently, the Fe-CN/MoO3 heterojunction demonstrated highly efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CH4, coupled with benzyl alcohol oxidation and photo-Fenton tetracycline degradation. These findings offer a promising multifunctional catalyst strategy for the development of energy conversion and environmental remediation.

Nonlinear saturation of the ion flow driven ion sound instability in a finite length plasma

The saturation mechanism and nonlinear evolution of the ion sound instability driven by the subsonic ion flow in a finite length plasma are studied by a one-dimensional hybrid model considering kinetic ions and Boltzmann electrons. Three regimes of the instability nonlinear behavior are identified as a function of the frequency of the ion-neutral charge exchange (CX) collision fcoll. In the first (collisionless-alike) regime when the CX frequency is low, the instability is saturated by ions trapping in wave potentials leading to the formation of phase space vortexes (PSVs). One of the PSVs subsequently expands and becomes system long in the steady state. The transition to the second (medium) regime occurs when fcoll≳vp/d, where vp is the PSV expansion velocity and d is the system length. In the second regime, CX collisions convert fraction of beam ions into slow ions that can be trapped in potentials of small scale ion sound eigenmodes fluctuations. The trapping of slow ions results in the formation of a chain of small scale PSVs and the disruption of the establishment of the single system long PSV. In the third (collision-dominated) regime when fcoll≳γ (γ is the instability growth rate), CX collisions transform all beam ions into slow ions and the instability is thereby eliminated.

Enhanced charge transfer kinetics across the graphdiyne-metal sulfide ohmic interface for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The design and construction of photocatalysts are the crucial step for solar-driven hydrogen evolution. Herein, a new type of graphdiyne (CnH2n-2)-based photocatalyst, which was prepared by one pot method, was used to promote hydrogen evolution reaction by constructing GDY/VS2 ohmic junction with S sites anchoring on the surface. Actually, the unique two-dimensional conjugated carbon network of GDY can maintain the structural stability. The uneven surface facilitates the flow of electrons, which makes GDY a good electron donor. In addition, the expanded interlayer spacing of VS2 exposes more hydrogen evolution active sites. The increase in surface electronegativity of composite catalysts enhances their redox ability and charge transfer kinetics. The band edge of the graphdiyne-metal sulfide Ohmic contact interface is bent, allowing electrons to flow into the co catalyst without resistance. These synergistic effects lead to the robust hydrogen production of GDY/VS2, which was increased by nearly 10.3 times compared with that of pure GDY. Finally, charge migration at the interface of graphdiyne-metal sulfide heterojunction was proposed and further verified combining in situ XPS and theory calculation. This research marks a significant stride for enhance the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution by designing and constructing composite heterojunction materials.

An improved laser photo-detachment diagnostic for negative ion density measurement

A photo-detachment Langmuir probe is a crucial tool because it gives a point measurement of negative ion density. The detection circuitry of a photo-detachment diagnostic with nanosecond laser pulses is critical for the accuracy of the results. Applying the electromagnetic theory to the design of the photo-detachment system has allowed it to stabilize its frequency response up to ~445 MHz, providing a significantly higher time resolution than in a common photo-detachment circuit setup. A systematic design rule is given in this paper to standardize the proper circuit. The new standard allows comparison between laboratories without concern for electronic parameter differences. The high-time resolution result shows three different peaks in the photo-detached electron current. This paper identified that the first peak is the most correlated to negative-ion density information, and the second and third peaks are related to background electrons interacting with build-up potential.

Biomimetic Redox Capacitor To Control the Flow of Electrons.

In biological systems, electrons, energy, and information "flow" through the redox modality, and we ask, does biology have redox capacitor capabilities for storing electrons? We describe emerging evidence indicating that biological phenolic/catecholic materials possess such redox capacitor properties. We further describe results that show biomimetic catecholic materials are reversibly redox-active with redox potentials in the midphysiological range and can repeatedly accept electrons (from various reductants), store electrons, and donate electrons (to various oxidants). Importantly, catechol-containing films that are assembled onto electrode surfaces can enhance the flow of electrons, energy, and information. Further, catechol-containing films can serve as redox-based interactive materials capable of actuating biological responses by turning on gene expression from redox-responsive genetic circuits. Looking forward, we envision that the emerging capabilities for measuring dynamic redox processes and reversible redox states will provide new insights into redox biology and will also catalyze new technological opportunities for information processing and energy harvesting.

Performance Monitoring of Greenhouse Biogas Digester

The country of South Africa is facing an energy crisis due to heavy reliance on fossil fuels, resulting in continuous load shedding. The use of renewable energy technologies can help resolve the current electricity crisis in the country. Moreover, waste-to-energy conversion has the potential to greatly contribute to economic development and improve public health. One such technology is biomass, which exploits waste-to-energy conversion. Additionally, solar energy can be utilized to maintain appropriate digester temperatures for optimal biogas yield. The study aims to assemble a portable balloon biogas digester in an enclosed greenhouse cavity and feed it with cow dung. Daily monitoring of pH and temperature (ambient, greenhouse, and slurry) was conducted, while biogas yield was monitored using a serial residential diaphragm flow meter. Furthermore, the composition of methane was monitored using the SAZQ biogas analyzer. The study investigated the impact of temperature on biogas production. The results revealed that the gas production rate of biogas fermentation increased within a certain temperature range. Therefore, maximum biogas production was achieved at a pH of 6.84 to 7.03, and the composition of methane exceeded 50%. Consequently, the study concluded by indicating that the digester housed within a greenhouse envelope, as demonstrated in this novel study, maintains the temperature within the optimal mesophilic range necessary for anaerobic digestion.

On the interaction of glucose with ammonium molybdate (Hager-Gawalowsky test)

Glucose is an Analyte. Thus, several tests for its detection in urine have been developed. In the present communication the reaction route of the Hager-Gawalowsky test for glucose is provided. Each step is fully commented and the electron flow is also given. The test is based on the interaction of glucose with ammonium molybdate in neutral medium, a blue colour is produced on heating. The active hydrogen in glucose is removed by the inorganic anion, and the resulting enolate from an enediol reacts with the mono-anion just formed. A hydroxylate is eliminated via open-close of a Mo-O double bond. Hydrion switch forms a second enolate that produces a concerted mechanism affording 2-ketoglucose and molybdenum dioxide by a redox reaction.

Preventing Nitrite Desorption via Switching Hydrogenation Position: A Dual-Site Approach for Selective Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia.

The electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR), which converts harmful nitrates into valuable ammonia (NH3) with zero carbon emission, is one of the most promising alternatives to the Haber-Bosch process. However, the NO3RR process is complex and involves multiple proton-coupled electron transfers that generate intermediates or byproducts, such as NO2 -, resulting in low ammonia yields and faradaic efficiency (FE). Herein, by constructing a FeCu bimetallic catalyst (FeCu-NC), the hydrogenation position of *NO3 is switched at the FeCu dual-atom site, preventing the desorption of *NO2 intermediate. Furthermore, electron transfer from Cu to Fe sites mimics the electron flow direction in natural nitrite reductase enzymes and accelerates the reduction of *NO2 to NH3, achieving efficient conversion of NO3 - to NH3. A 24-hour electrocatalytic experiment with FeCu-NC demonstrates negligible NO2 - formation throughout the NO3RR process, with an ammonia production rate of 6.13mgh-1mgcat -1 and an impressive FE of 95%, which are remarkably superior in comparison to most of the NO3RR electrocatalysts. This work opens new avenues for the fundamental understanding of catalytic mechanisms and the development of next-generation catalysts for sustainable ammonia production.

Cyclic electron flow and Photosystem II-less photosynthesis.

Oxygenic photosynthesis is characterised by the cooperation of two photo-driven complexes, Photosystem II (PSII) and Photosystem I (PSI), sequentially linked through a series of redox-coupled intermediates. Divergent evolution has resulted in photosystems exhibiting complementary redox potentials, spanning the range necessary to oxidise water and reduce CO2 within a single system. Catalysing nature's most oxidising reaction to extract electrons from water is a highly specialised task that limits PSII's metabolic function. In contrast, potential electron donors in PSI span a range of redox potentials, enabling it to accept electrons from various metabolic processes. This metabolic flexibility of PSI underpins the capacity of photosynthetic organisms to balance energy supply with metabolic demands, which is key for adaptation to environmental changes. Here, we review the phenomenon of 'PSII-less photosynthesis' where PSI functions independently of PSII by operating cyclic electron flow using electrons derived from non-photochemical reactions. PSII-less photosynthesis enables supercharged ATP production and is employed, for example, by cyanobacteria's heterocysts to host nitrogen fixation and by bundle sheath cells of C4 plants to boost CO2 assimilation. We discuss the energetic benefits of this arrangement and the prospects of utilising it to improve the productivity and stress resilience of photosynthetic organisms.

Nighttime chemistry of furanoids and terpenes: Temperature dependent kinetics with NO3 radicals and insights into the reaction mechanism

In this study, the gas phase reaction of NO3 radical with three furanoids, furan (F), 2-methylfuran (2-MF) and 2,5-dimethylfuran (2,5-DMF) were investigated using a relative rate method in a temperature regulated atmospheric simulation chamber (THALAMOS). As part of this study, the temperature dependence of two monoterpenes, α-pinene (α-P) and 2-carene (2-C), that were used as reference molecules, is also reported. The kinetic measurements were performed in the range of 263–373 K, atmospheric pressure using zero air as bath gas. The reaction was followed using Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) to monitor in real time the mixing ratios of the investigated species. The corresponding Arrhenius expressions obtained were:kα−P+NO3(263−378K)=(1.32±0.16)×10−12×e462±70Tcm3molecule‐1s‐1.k2−C+NO3296–433K=8.77±2.71×10−13×e904±96Tcm3molecule‐1s‐1.kF+NO3263−353K=7.55±1.96×10−13×e254±79Tcm3molecule‐1s‐1.k2−MF+NO3263−373K=7.76±2.62×10−13×e922±262Tcm3molecule‐1s‐1.k2,5−DMF+NO3298–353K=2.58±0.77×10−13×e1692±136Tcm3molecule‐1s‐1.Where the estimated uncertainties include the 1σ precision of the fit and the estimated uncertainty in the precision of the Arhenius fit of the reference compound. In the case of furanoids, the negative temperature-dependence of the rate coefficients shows that the reaction mechanism is complex, indicating that the reaction involves the formation of an adduct that could lead either to NO3 addition to the double bond, as well as, in the case of 2-MF and 2,5-DMF, the H-abstraction from the methyl group attached to the ring. In addition to the kinetics measurements, the major products formed from the reaction of furan and 2,5-DMF with NO3 were studied. The two identified products from the reaction of furan with NO3, were 3H-furan-2-one (C4H4O2) and 2-butenedial (C4H4O2), formed by NO3 addition to the double bond of the furan ring. 3-Hexene-2,5-dione (C6H8O2) and 5-methylfurfural (C6H6O2) are the two major products of 2,5-DMF reaction with NO3, linked to the addition and abstraction pathways, respectively. Considering that 5-methylfurfural is the only primary product of the H elimination pathway of 2,5-DMF, the determination of its formation yields as a function of temperature, allowed us to extract the temperature dependence of the rate coefficients of the abstraction and addition pathways.Overall, the NO3 oxidation of the studied furanoids, is expected to be the dominant tropospheric loss process, in the studied temperature range.

Photosynthetic Electron Flows and Networks of Metabolite Trafficking to Sustain Metabolism in Photosynthetic Systems.

Photosynthetic eukaryotes have metabolic pathways that occur in distinct subcellular compartments. However, because metabolites synthesized in one compartment, including fixed carbon compounds and reductant generated by photosynthetic electron flows, may be integral to processes in other compartments, the cells must efficiently move metabolites among the different compartments. This review examines the various photosynthetic electron flows used to generate ATP and fixed carbon and the trafficking of metabolites in the green alga Chlamydomomas reinhardtii; information on other algae and plants is provided to add depth and nuance to the discussion. We emphasized the trafficking of metabolites across the envelope membranes of the two energy powerhouse organelles of the cell, the chloroplast and mitochondrion, the nature and roles of the major mobile metabolites that move among these compartments, and the specific or presumed transporters involved in that trafficking. These transporters include sugar-phosphate (sugar-P)/inorganic phosphate (Pi) transporters and dicarboxylate transporters, although, in many cases, we know little about the substrate specificities of these transporters, how their activities are regulated/coordinated, compensatory responses among transporters when specific transporters are compromised, associations between transporters and other cellular proteins, and the possibilities for forming specific 'megacomplexes' involving interactions between enzymes of central metabolism with specific transport proteins. Finally, we discuss metabolite trafficking associated with specific biological processes that occur under various environmental conditions to help to maintain the cell's fitness. These processes include C4 metabolism in plants and the carbon concentrating mechanism, photorespiration, and fermentation metabolism in algae.

Removal of nutrients and bioelectricity generation from institutional wastewater using constructed wetland-microbial fuel cell

This study evaluated the removal of nutrients from institutional wastewater and the generation of bioelectric power using a microcosm-scale constructed wetland system integrated with a microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC). The research explored the impact of vegetation on both bioelectric production and wastewater treatment within the wetland matrix. Results indicated that the CW-MFC system with vegetation outperformed the unplanted system in terms of treatment efficiency. The planted modules achieved average total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) removal efficiencies of 94.6 % and 90.0 %, respectively, compared to 90.59 % and 83.5 % in the unplanted system. Notably, the CW-MFC planted with Scirpus atrovirens exhibited the highest average output voltage (0.648 V) and power density (232 mW/m³). In contrast, the unplanted CW-MFC produced a maximum voltage of 0.537 V and a power density of 220 mW/m³. These findings suggest that Scirpus atrovirens enhances both the treatment efficiency and bioelectricity generation by facilitating microbial activity involved in the biodegradation of organic compounds and improving electron flow from the anode to the cathode. The significant nutrient removal efficiencies and bioelectric power generation demonstrate the potential of using a vegetated CW-MFC system to achieve sustainable wastewater treatment while simultaneously producing renewable energy, thus contributing to more eco-friendly waste management practices

Surface Cladding Engineering via Oxygen Sulfur Distribution for Stable Electrocatalytic Oxygen Production

AbstractInevitable leaching and corrosion under anodic oxidative environment greatly restrict the lifespan of most catalysts with excellent primitive activity for oxygen production. Here, based on Fick’ s Law, we present a surface cladding strategy to mitigate Ni dissolution and stabilize lattice oxygen triggering by directional flow of interfacial electrons and strong electronic interactions via constructing elaborately cladding‐type NiO/NiS heterostructure with controlled surface thickness. Multiple in situ characterization technologies indicated that this strategy can effectively prevent the irreversible Ni ions leaching and inhibit lattice oxygen from participating in anodic reaction. Combined with density functional theory calculations, we reveal that the stable interfacial O−Ni−S arrangement can facilitate the accumulation of electrons on surficial NiO side and weaken its Ni−O covalency. This would suppress the overoxidation of Ni and simultaneously fixing the lattice oxygen, thus enabling catalysts with boosted corrosion resistance without sacrificing its activity. Consequently, this cladding‐type NiO/NiS heterostructure exhibits excellent performance with a low overpotential of 256 mV after 500 h. Based on Fick's law, this work demonstrates the positive effect of surface modification through precisely adjusting of the oxygen‐sulfur exchange process, which has paved an innovative and effective way to solve the instability problem of anodic oxidation.

Dendrite-Free Lithium Batteries Enabled by an Artificial High-Dielectric Biopolymer Interface Layer.

Lithium (Li) metal batteries face challenges, such as dendrite growth and electrolyte interface instability. Artificial interface layers alleviate these issues. Here, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) nanomembranes, with excellent mechanical properties and high specific surface areas, combine with polyvinylidene-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) porous membranes to form an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. The porous structure of PVDF-HFP equalizes the electric field near metallic lithium surfaces. The high mechanical modulus of CNC (6.2 GPa) effectively inhibits dendrite growth, ensures the uniform flow of lithium ions to the lithium metal electrode, and inhibits the growth of lithium dendrites during cycling. The synergy of high polarity β-phase poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and CNC provides over 1000 h of stability for Li//Li batteries. Moreover, Li//LiFePO4 (LFP) full cells with this artificial protective layer perform well at 5 C, showcasing the potential of this film in lithium metal batteries.

The process of superdeep penetration of high-speed metallic particles in solid body

An explanation of the effects arising at the collision of a stream of metal particles with a size of 10–100 microns, moving at a speed of 1–3 km/s, with a solid target is proposed. It is assumed that at the moment of impact on the target, the particle loses some electrons and for some time, due to the presence of an oxide shell, retains a positive charge. The flow of electrons passing through the target at the moment of impact generates an electromagnetic field pulse. A particle with a charge of about 10–9 C, having penetrated into a solid target, presses on the channel wall with a force of about 500 MPa and moves in it under the action of forces caused by the polarization of the target substance. The combination of high pressure and displacement leads to a significant reduction in the particle-wall friction force. The proposed hypothesis, if confirmed, can help find ways to protect electronic devices of spacecraft from impacts from streams of fast dust particles.

On the interaction of uric acid with ammonium molybdate in acidic medium

This communication is a theoretical organic chemistry study on the interaction of uric acid with ammonium molybdate in acidic medium (Gigli test for uric acid). Colour tests give rapid, visible, results. However, it is interesting know what is happening in the test tube at molecular level. In the present paper we describe the reaction route of the above mentioned assay. Each step is fully commented and the electron flow is also given. The key stages are: addition of molybdic acid to the C-C double bond, acidolysis of the organometallic ester with reduction to molybdenum (IV) and epoxide formation (oxidation step). Ring opening of the oxirane and reaction with water. A glycol is formed followed by opening of the five-member ring giving a carbonyl and an ureido chain. Finally, elimination of urea gives rise to 2,4,5,6-tetraoxo-hexahydropyrimidine (alloxan) which is hydrated. The blue colour observed (molybdenum blue) is a mixture of several oxides.

Multi-channeled halloysite nanotube-blended polybenzimidazole separators for enhancing lithium-ion battery performance

The microscopic transport mode of lithium ions in the separator is crucial for solving the problem of irregular lithium dendrite growth, thereby enhancing the safety of battery operation, and it also has a positive impact on the electrochemical performance of the battery. Furthermore, the heat resistance of the separator is an important indicator for measuring the performance of the separator and the safety of battery usage. In this work, we have introduced sulfonated and lithiated halloysite nanotubes into a high-temperature-resistant OPBI matrix through an easily implementable NIPS, resulting in a high-temperature-resistant separator with multiple lithium-ion micro-transport morphologies. Lithium ions can shuttle through the halloysite nanotube pores, negatively charged sulfonate groups on the surface, and larger finger-like pores formed by NIPS within the separator, creating a high and uniform lithium-ion flux that prevents excessive localized ion flow leading to the aggressive growth of lithium dendrites. According to the characterization data, this separator exhibits relatively satisfactory performance, such as an ionic conductivity of 1.82 mS cm−1, a porosity of 82 %, an electrolyte uptake of 397 %, and no significant physical shrinkage at 200 °C. Additionally, the cells assembled using the OPBI@sHNT-Li20 separator delivers higher discharge capacity (164.92 mAh·g−1), more stable cycle, superior rate performance. So the OPBI@sHNT-Li separator is expected to play an active role in improving the safety and electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Biomedical device powered by triboelectric nanogenerator

Biomedical devices play vital roles in health monitoring. Operability of these devices is hindered by their limited battery life. In vivo monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment have become challenging. The proposed Triboelectric Nanogenerator helps in overcoming the shackles of battery life. This article describes the process involved in the development of a healthcare device powered by triboelectric effect. In this work a contact-separation mode based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has been used to power the device. TENG uses triboelectric phenomenon to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. A contact-separation mode TENG operates through the interaction of two triboelectric materials. These materials act as an anode and a cathode, respectively, and develop opposite charges when brought into contact. Upon separation, the charged surfaces retain their individual charges, creating a potential difference between the materials. This difference generates an electrostatic field that drives the flow of electrons from one electrode to the other. As the electrons return, the field collapses, and the materials come back into contact, repeating the cycle. The device has been used to power a heart rate monitoring system. Experimental results demonstrate the output performance and long-term durability of the TENG device. Furthermore, future research, challenges and opportunities have been elaborated.

Electromigration in Cu–Cu joints: Measurement of activation energy and polarity effect

Electromigration (EM) has been a pivotal reliability challenge for interconnects, but there are only few studies on EM in Cu–Cu joints. In this work, accelerated EM tests for the Cu–Cu joints were conducted at three temperatures (150 °C, 179 °C, and 208 °C) and the temperature-dependent failures were discussed. The polarity effect of the grain growth behaviors at the bonding interfaces was observed at the opposite electron flows, which may be attributed to the difference in EM-build-up stress conditions and the divergence in atomic fluxes. Moreover, the activation energy (Ea) extrapolated from the three EM temperatures was derived as 0.9 eV. As compared to the solder joints with same dimensions, the Cu–Cu joints possess more than ten times of time-to-failures (TTFs) under the same EM condition.

Decoding Cancer through Silencing the Mitochondrial Gatekeeper VDAC1.

Mitochondria serve as central hubs for regulating numerous cellular processes that include metabolism, apoptosis, cell cycle progression, proliferation, differentiation, epigenetics, immune signaling, and aging. The voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) functions as a crucial mitochondrial gatekeeper, controlling the flow of ions, such as Ca2+, nucleotides, and metabolites across the outer mitochondrial membrane, and is also integral to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. VDAC1 functions in regulating ATP production, Ca2+ homeostasis, and apoptosis, which are essential for maintaining mitochondrial function and overall cellular health. Most cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming, often referred to as the "Warburg effect", supplying tumors with energy and precursors for the biosynthesis of nucleic acids, phospholipids, fatty acids, cholesterol, and porphyrins. Given its multifunctional nature and overexpression in many cancers, VDAC1 presents an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Our research has demonstrated that silencing VDAC1 expression using specific siRNA in various tumor types leads to a metabolic rewiring of the malignant cancer phenotype. This results in a reversal of oncogenic properties that include reduced tumor growth, invasiveness, stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Additionally, VDAC1 depletion alters the tumor microenvironment by reducing angiogenesis and modifying the expression of extracellular matrix- and structure-related genes, such as collagens and glycoproteins. Furthermore, VDAC1 depletion affects several epigenetic-related enzymes and substrates, including the acetylation-related enzymes SIRT1, SIRT6, and HDAC2, which in turn modify the acetylation and methylation profiles of histone 3 and histone 4. These epigenetic changes can explain the altered expression levels of approximately 4000 genes that are associated with reversing cancer cells oncogenic properties. Given VDAC1's critical role in regulating metabolic and energy processes, targeting it offers a promising strategy for anti-cancer therapy. We also highlight the role of VDAC1 expression in various disease pathologies, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and viral and bacterial infections, as explored through siRNA targeting VDAC1. Thus, this review underscores the potential of targeting VDAC1 as a strategy for addressing high-energy-demand cancers. By thoroughly understanding VDAC1's diverse roles in metabolism, energy regulation, mitochondrial functions, and other cellular processes, silencing VDAC1 emerges as a novel and strategic approach to combat cancer.