Glycol Research Articles

Monomer production from supercritical ethanol depolymerization of PET plastic waste using Ni-ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst

Plastic waste poses a serious threat to the global environment, with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic accounting for a considerable portion. The application of supercritical ethanol depolymerization technology presents an effective method for recycling PET waste. This study investigated using Ni as an additive to enhance the catalytic activity of ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst for PET waste depolymerization. The effects of different catalysts, catalyst dosage, reaction temperature, and reaction time on PET waste depolymerization were studied using the single-factor controlled variable method. The results showed that the 3Ni-ZnO/Al2O3 was the optimal catalyst, and under the optimal conditions with catalyst dosage of 4 %, reaction temperature of 260 °C, and reaction time of 60 min, the depolymerization efficiency of PET waste could reach 100 %, with the highest yields of diethyl terephthalate (DET) and ethylene glycol (EG) of 93.6 % and 90.2 %, respectively. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the operating conditions to obtain the highest monomer yields. The predicted optimal parameters from RSM were as follows: reaction temperature = 262.8 °C, reaction time = 63.2 min, catalyst dosage = 3.8 wt%, with the predicted highest DET and EG yields of 95.9 % and 90.7 %, respectively. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) results for DET and EG possessed the R2 values of 0.9921 and 0.9885, respectively, with p-values < 0.0001, indicating a good fit for the models. Furthermore, after five times reuse, the 3Ni-ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst still exhibited good catalytic activity and stability. In conclusion, this study offers a clean, green, and sustainable alternative to recycling plastic waste.

A new semi-empirical correlation for the evaluation of the dynamic viscosity of nanofluids

Thanks to their excellent heat transfer coefficient, nanofluids can be considered as ideal heat transfer fluids for a large number of relevant engineering and scientific applications. Precise assessments of their thermophysical properties are thus essential for reliable calculations. In this work, a new semi-empirical scaled correlation based on 8 parameters (volume fraction, temperature, base fluid critical temperature, base fluid density, base fluid critical density, nanoparticle diameter, base fluid molar mass, nanoparticle density) is introduced to evaluate the dynamic viscosity of nanofluids. The correlation is regressed and evaluated using a dynamic viscosity dataset for 32 nanofluids, including a total of 737 experimental points: 10 nanofluids have water as base fluid (Ag, Al2O3, Al2O3/CuO, C, CuO, diamond, Fe/Si, MWCNT, ND-Ni, TiO2), 6 nanofluids have ethylene glycol (Ag, Al2O3, CeO2, Co3O4, SiC, TiO2/CuO), 11 nanofluids comprise different mixtures of water and ethylene glycol (Al2O3, MWCNT/WO3, CB, fGnP, G/Dp, G/Dr, nD87, nD97, TiO2), 1 nanofluid has propylene glycol (SiC) and 4 nanofluids comprise different mixtures of water and propylene glycol (TiB2, TiB2/B4C, fGnP). The dynamic viscosity dataset was derived from experimental measurements documented in the scientific literature and conducted with samples that were prepared using consistent and reliable methods. The study evaluates the dynamic viscosity of nanofluids using 14 literature equations to verify their accuracy against the proposed correlation. Results show that the correlation has an average absolute relative deviation of 8.16%, which is significantly lower than that of the literature equations. A 4-fold cross-validation also shows that the correlation is resilient and accurate with different regression datasets.

Anti Urolithiatic and Diuretic Potentiality of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br.

Aim: The present study investigated the development of kidney stone formation in animal models involving renal tubular stone formation by ethylene glycol and COX-2 selective inhibitor-induced urolithiasis along with the diuretic potentiality by Lipschitz teston Wistar rats. Background: Hemidesmus indicus (H. indicus) R. Br. played a prominent role in various ancient traditional systems of medications and possessed various pharmacological applications. Since the last few decades, urolithiasis has been a major constraint in both livestock and human health. Celecoxib administration increased urinary enzyme excretion but did not affect oxalate or citrate excretion in a urolithiasis model. Objective: This research provides a comprehensive account of the ethnobotanical use of H. indicus as an antiurolithiatic and diuretic agent in animal models. Methods: The plant material was dried, pulverized into a dry powder, extracted with ethanol, and analyzed for the presence of various secondary metabolites. The anti-urolithic effect of ethanolic extract of H. indicus roots in albino rats was investigated using ethylene glycol (0.75%) and COX -2 selective inhibitor models Results: The experimental data showed the significant effect of H. Indicus root extract (HIEE) as anti-urolithiasis by the prevention of kidney stone formation, also by decreasing crystal nucleation, growth inhibition, decreased aggregation, and crystal retention within the renal tubules. The effect of HIEE supplementation prevents the impairment of renal stone formation, which was also confirmed by the histological findings. HIEE also acts as a potent diuretic, which supports the study. Conclusion: The results indicated that HIEE was effective against experimentally induced urolithiasis, and it also acts as a potent diuretic in treated animals. So, it needs to perform future research on medicinal plants, including in vivo mechanistic and human studies for urolithiasis.

Metabolic engineering of Halomonas bluephagenesis for the production of ethylene glycol and glycolate from xylose

Halophilic Halomonas bluephagenesis, a natural producer of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), was metabolically engineered to synthesize ethylene glycol and glycolate from xylose. Xylose utilization was achieved by overexpressing either the xylonate pathway or the ribulose-1-phosphate pathway. The key genes encoding for xylonate dehydratase and 2-keto-3-deoxy-xylonate aldolase in the xylonate pathway were screened. With further overexpressing aldehyde reductase gene yjgB, ethylene glycol accumulation was improved to 0.91g/L, accompanied with 1.48g/L of PHB accumulation. The disruption of native glycolate oxidase was found to be essential for glycolate production, and the defective recombinant strain produced 0.80g/L glycolate with 1.14g/L PHB in shake flask cultures. These results indicated that H. bluephagenesis has the potential to produce diverse metabolic chemicals from xylose.

Role of Rosmarinus officinalis Aqueous Extract in Relieving the Complications Associated with Ethylene Glycol-induced Urolithiasis in Male Rats

Background: Rosmarinus officinalis is considered one of the famous plants from ancient times for its therapeutic ability in many diseases, such as headache, spasms, brain disorders, and some pathological conditions associated with toxicity cases in the liver and kidneys. Aim: The current research has aimed, for the first time, to evaluate anti-urolithiatic effect of Rosmarinus officinalis aqueous extract (RMAE) on calcium oxalate stones formation in male rats and its possible therapeutic mechanisms of action. Evaluation of the polyphenols and flavonoid content in the extract was also performed. Methods: A calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis case was established in rats by adding ethylene glycol (1%) to the rats' daily drinking water for a duration of one month. Treatment was achieved by oral co-administration of RMAE to rats administrated ethylene glycol. Results: Phytochemical results showed that LC/MS-MS analysis led to the identification of 37 compounds in the phytoconstituent profile of RMAE. The biochemical results revealed significant improvement in serum kidney functions (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) in addition to restoring the calcium x phosphorous product and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in the plant-treated group compared to the non-treated one. The data have been supported by the significant decrease in lactate dehydrogenase enzyme (LDH) expression in the liver tissues, reflecting the decrease in oxalate synthesis in the liver compared to the non-treated group. Kidneys' histological examinations showed the absence of oxalate crystals in the treated group and the immunohistochemical findings of osteopontin (OPN) protein revealed the impact of RMAE on OPN expression in kidney tissues. Improvements in the femur bone fractures and the parathyroid gland in the treated group were also noticed during microscopic examinations. Conclusion: The anti-lithiatic effect of the extract was attributed to its influence on serum phosphate, serum PTH, and OPN levels in kidney tissues and decreasing synthesis of LDH in liver tissues in addition to the prevention of secondary disease incidences, such as secondary hyperparathyroidism and cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, the plant's considerable content of phenolics and flavonoids has been found to play a role in controlling kidney stone progression episodes.

Application of deep eutectic solvent based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method followed by HPLC-DAD for quantification of selected neonicotinoid pesticides in vegetable oils

The use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) as alternative green solvents in various analytical chemistry fields has garnered attention of researchers globally. Therefore, this study presents environmentally friendly DES for extraction of selected neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam) prior to their determination using high-performance liquid chromatography- diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). The DES mixture that resulted in the highest extraction recoveries of neonicotinoids (NEOs) was choline chloride with ethylene glycol (CCl:EG) and nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared confirmed the successful synthesized CCl:EG. Thereafter, the CCl:EG was applied in dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) for the preconcentration and extraction of acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam. The optimum factors affecting extraction efficiency of the DES-DLLME procedure were 0.8 mL (DES volume), 4.5 min (extraction time), 0.5 mL (eluent volume), 7 pH and 75 s (eluent time). The optimized DES-DLLME achieved limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOD) range of 0.4–4.95 ng.µL−1 and 1.43–9.70 ng.µL−1 respectively. Additionally, the extraction method achieved good accuracy (79.0–119.6 %), preconcentration factors (39.3–118), interday (0.61–1.62 %) and intraday (0.1–0.98 %) precisions. The greenness assessment of the proposed DES-DLLME method using AGREE, NEMI and AES tools revealed that the method was green. Finally, the developed DES-DLLME method was applied to real vegetable oils and the concentrations were below detection limits.

Extraction of type I collagen and development of collagen methacryloyl (ColMA)/PEGDA ink for digital light processing printing

The fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) biostructures through additive manufacturing relies on the critical role of ink development. With the growing demand for high-resolution manufacturing, digital light processing (DLP) technology has emerged as a promising technique requiring specialised photosensitive inks. Although gelatine methacryloyl (GelMA) has been the primary option for DLP, its mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and low stability still present limitations. The development of collagen-based ink is thus in high demand for a wider stiffness adjustment range, native bioactivities, and versatility in biomedical engineering applications. In this paper, we report a rapid and low-cost protocol for collagen methacryloyl (ColMA)/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) ink for DLP printing. The ink demonstrated the highest printing resolution of ~50 μm by using 405 nm visible light. The printability, mechanical properties and cell viability of the DLP-printed ColMA/PEGDA structures were comprehensively evaluated. The printed ColMA/PEGDA structures reached a compressive modulus over 100 kPa with 0.6 wt% collagen. The printed ColMA/PEGDA scaffolds promoted the attachment and proliferation of 3 T3 fibroblasts, demonstrating their potential in future applications in biomedical engineering.

Heuristic based physics informed neural network (H-PINN) approach to analyze nanotribology for viscous flow of ethylene glycol and water under magnetic effects among parallel sheets

In this article, we have conducted the study for the flow and thermal transfer of magneto-hydrodynamic squeezing nanofluid in the middle of two collateral plates extending to infinity using artificial neural network (ANN). The fluid employed in this research is a combination of Ethylene Glycol and water, and we delve into the utilization of a hybrid nanoparticle consisting of Fe3O4 and MoS2 particles. To solve the governing differential equations, we used unsupervised heuristic based physics informed neural network (H-PINN) based fitness function. In this research, the weights and biases of neural network were optimized using a hybridization of heuristic algorithms to achieve high accuracy. The fitness values obtained from proposed approach ranging from10−05 to10−08. The optimal results were then compared with numerical solutions obtained by using Runge-Kutta order-4 method through BVP4c tool as a reference solution, demonstrating the effectiveness of the unsupervised ANN method. The absolute error between the reference solution and proposed heuristic based physics informed neural networks approaches are ranging from2.36×10−04to3.46×10−06, 2.77×10−05to1.20×10−05 and1.10×10−06to6.53×10−07. Our findings demonstrate a strong agreement with the numerical approach, with the maximum discrepancy in the profiles of flow speed and energy profiles. Notably, we observed that an increase in the squeeze number and the Hartman number resulted in a reduction in the velocity profile.

The Ether’s Chain Length Effect in Electrolyte for Hard carbon towards Efficient Sodium Storage at Low Temperature

The synergy between ether-based electrolytes (EBEs) and hard carbon (HC) in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) enhances Coulombic efficiency, durability, and rate capability. Despite these advantages, the intricate relationship of how the molecular structure of ether solvents modifies electrolyte properties and, subsequently, sodium storage performance remains inadequately explored, especially for low-temperature applications, limiting the advancement of EBEs. Our study investigates ethylene glycol ether-based electrolytes with varying chain lengths to understand their influence on reaction kinetics and sodium storage. Notably, HC electrodes paired with NaPF6/ethylene glycol dimethyl ether exhibit superior performance, achieving 247.5 mAh g-1 after 2000 cycles at 1.0Ag-1. Even at -20 °C, these cells exhibit impressive endurance, retaining capacities of 257.5 mAh g-1 in half cells and 75.5 mAh g-1 in full cells at 0.1Ag-1 after 100 cycles, considering the entire mass of active material. Our thorough analysis indicates that the ether solvent with shorter chain length, distinguished by its low solvation-free energy and accelerated ionic kinetics, promotes rapid de-solvation and the formation of an inorganic-rich interface. Through this study, we illuminate the pivotal influence of solvent chain length on sodium storage in hard carbon, contributing to foundational insights towards the design of sophisticated electrolytes for SIBs.

Investigation of the modification of gold electrodes by electrochemical molecularly imprinted polymers as a selective layer for the trace level electroanalysis of PAH

Electrochemical molecularly imprinted polymers (e-MIPs) were grafted for the first time as a thin layer to the surface of a gold electrode to perform trace level electroanalysis of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). This was achieved by controlled/living radical photopolymerization of a redox tracer monomer (ferrocenylmethyl methacrylate, FcMMA) with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in the presence of benzo(a)pyrene as the template molecule. For that purpose, a novel photoiniferter-derived SAM was first deposited on the gold surface. The SAM formation was monitored by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Then, the “grafting from” of the e-MIP was achieved upon photoirradiation during a controlled time. Differential pulse voltammetry was used to quantify BaP in aqueous solution by following the modification of the signal of FcMMA. A limit of detection of 0.19 nM in water and a linear range of 0.66 nM to 4.30 nM, were determined, thus validating the enhancement of sensitivity induced by the close contact between the e-MIP and the electrode, and the improved transfer electron.

Effect of Pt Nanoparticle Morphology on the Aerobic Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol to Glycolic Acid in Water

Effect of Pt Nanoparticle Morphology on the Aerobic Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol to Glycolic Acid in Water

A comparative study of mono ethylene glycol economic production via different techniques

AbstractMono-ethylene glycol (MEG) is a high-volume chemical intermediate used as a raw material for a variety of chemical products. It could also be used as a hydrate inhibitor in natural gas. Recently, the importance of MEG has been increased due to its usage as a supporting emulsifier in diesel engines to reduce NOx and soot emissions, in addition to its usage as an additive to dual fuel diesel engines. The increase consumption of MEG in wide range of applications leads to the search for the most efficient, environmental friendly and cost effective technique to produce more quantities of it. MEG is most commonly manufactured via the hydration of ethylene oxide (EO). In this work, two different technologies of EO hydration to produce MEG are compared; the direct hydration of EO with water and the indirect hydration through the usage of ethylene carbonate (EC) as an intermediate. Comparative economic and environmental impact assessments were performed based on plant-scale simulations (per 600,000 tons per year of MEG produced) of the two hydration technologies using Aspen HYSYS version 11 simulation software. Economic analysis showed that the utilities’ energy consumption for direct hydration process is significantly higher than for indirect hydration by 279 megawatts. On the other hand, the environmental impact assessments showed that GHG emissions from natural gas power generation from utilities from direct hydration are three times greater than GHG emissions from indirect hydration. This leads to indirect hydration of ethylene oxide through ethylene carbonate formation being considered economically and environmentally preferable compared to the direct hydration process of ethylene oxide.

Comprehensive analysis and validation of TP73 as a biomarker for calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis using machine learning and in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis constitutes approximately 75% of nephrolithiasis cases, resulting from the supersaturation and deposition of CaOx crystals in renal tissues. Despite their prevalence, precise biomarkers for CaOx nephrolithiasis are lacking. With advances in high-throughput sequencing, we aimed to identify biomarkers of CaOx nephrolithiasis by combining twoCaOx nephrolithiasis datasets (GSE73680 and GSE117518). Utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and four machine learning, we identified six hub genes (DLK2, BHLHA15, C12orf5, ICMT, LOXHD1, and TP73) as potential biomarkers. Additionally, CIBERSORT immune infiltration analysis suggested that these core genes may influence immune cell recruitment and infiltration in CaOx nephrolithiasis. Then, TP73 emerged as a significant hub gene in CaOx nephrolithiasis via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis (AUC = 0.885). Furthermore, the role of TP73 was validated in CaOx nephrolithiasis rat models induced by 1% ethylene glycol, as well as clinical samples and renal tubular epithelial cell models treated with 1mM oxalate. Immunohistochemistry, RNA-Sequencing, and RT-qPCR experiments demonstrated an increased expression of TP73 in CaOx nephrolithiasis rat models and clinical samples. After transfection with TP73 lentivirus, CCK-8 assays suggested that TP73 could inhibit the proliferation of HK-2 and NRK-52E cells. In oxalate-induced cell models, dihydroethidium staining and flow cytometry apoptosis assays indicated that TP73 could enhance ROS levels and cell apoptosis. In summary, our study preliminarily identified TP73 as a diagnostic biomarker and elucidated the promoting role of TP73 in CaOx nephrolithiasis, providing a deeper understanding of the clinical diagnosis and pathogenesis.

Controlling Temporally and Spatially Homogeneous Temperature Distribution of Paper Substrates by Biogenic Phase Change Hybrid Material Coatings

AbstractHere the performance of phase change material (PCM)‐coated paper made from unbleached kraft pulp is introduced. The applied PCM consists of a mixture of ethylene glycol distearate (EGDS), a well‐known PCM wax material, and a fully substituted cellulose stearoyl ester (CSE). Transfer of the PCM material onto/into paper is achieved by spray as well as blade coating of EGDS + CSE mixture. It is shown that the kind of coating method used does not interfere with observed PCM properties. The significantly higher melt viscosity of the EGDS + CSE blends ensures that the EGDS wax is not bleeding out of the paper, which avoids the use of further encapsulation processes. The PCM behavior, as observed by thermal load measurements, and the thermal buffering of the coated paper is a function of the applied mass of the PCM material applied. The thermal retention exhibited a quasi‐isothermal behavior at ≈65 °C with EGDS + CSE coatings. These effects can offset fluctuations in temperature, and the PCM papers can be employed to achieve a more uniform temperature setting. PCM‐modified papers are therefore interesting candidates for paper‐based packaging or for use in paper‐based sensors, where overheating can strongly affect reliability of results.

Comparative efficacy of Knema retusa extract delivery via PEG-b-PCL, niosome, and their combination against Acanthamoeba triangularis genotype T4: characterization, inhibition, anti-adhesion, and cytotoxic activity

Background Acanthamoeba spp. is a waterborne, opportunistic protozoan that can cause amebic keratitis and granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Knema retusa is a native tree in Malaysia, and its extracts possess a broad range of biological activities. Niosomes are non-ionic surfactant-based vesicle formations and suggest a future targeted drug delivery system. Copolymer micelle (poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ɛ-caprolactone); PEG-b-PCL) is also a key constituent of niosome and supports high stability and drug efficacy. To establish Knema retusa extract (KRe) loading in diverse nanocarriers via niosome, PEG-b-PCL micelle, and their combination and to study the effect of all types of nanoparticles (NPs) on Acanthamoeba viability, adherent ability, elimination of adherence, and cytotoxicity. Methods In this study, we characterized niosomes, PEG-b-PCL, and their combination loaded with KRe and tested the effect of these NPs on Acanthamoeba triangularis stages. KRe-loaded PEG-b-PCL, KRe-loaded niosome, and KRe-loaded PEG-b-PCL plus niosome were synthesized and characterized regarding particle size and charge, yield, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and drug loading content (DLC). The effect of these KRe-loaded NPs on trophozoite and cystic forms of A. triangularis was assessed through assays of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), using trypan blue exclusion to determine the viability. The effect of KRe-loaded NPs was also determined on A. triangularis trophozoite for 24–72 h. Additionally, the anti-adhesion activity of the KRe-loaded niosome on trophozoites was also performed on a 96-well plate. Cytotoxicity activity of KRe-loaded NPs was assessed on VERO and HaCaT cells using MTT assay. Results KRe-loaded niosome demonstrated a higher yielded (87.93 ± 6.03%) at 286 nm UV-Vis detection and exhibited a larger size (199.3 ± 29.98 nm) and DLC (19.63 ± 1.84%) compared to KRe-loaded PEG-b-PCL (45.2 ± 10.07 nm and 2.15 ± 0.25%). The EE (%) of KRe-loaded niosome was 63.67 ± 4.04, which was significantly lower than that of the combination of PEG-b-PCL and niosome (79.67 ± 2.08). However, the particle charge of these NPs was similar (−28.2 ± 3.68 mV and −28.5 ± 4.88, respectively). Additionally, KRe-loaded niosome and KRe-loaded PEG-b-PCL plus niosome exhibited a lower MIC at 24 h (0.25 mg/mL), inhibiting 90–100% of Acanthamoeba trophozoites which lasted 72 h. KRe-loaded niosome affected adherence by around 40–60% at 0.125–0.25 mg/mL and removed Acanthamoeba adhesion on the surface by about 90% at 0.5 mg/mL. Cell viability of VERO and HaCaT cells treated with 0.125 mg/mL of KRe-loaded niosome and KRe-loaded PEG-b-PCL plus niosome exceeded 80%. Conclusion Indeed, niosome and niosome plus PEG-b-PCL were suitable nanocarrier-loaded KRe, and they had a greater nanoparticle property to test with high activities against A. triangularis on the reduction of adherence ability and demonstration of its low toxicity to VERO and HaCaT cells.

Preparation and characterization of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) micelles as potential nanocarriers for donepezil

Polymeric micelles were prepared for the delivery of donepezil, a leading Alzheimer’s disease drug, to enhance its transport across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) amphiphilic block copolymers were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Empty and donepezil loaded polymer micelles were formed using the dialysis method and characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Drug loading efficiency and release behavior were monitored using UV/Vis spectroscopy, and cytotoxicity was evaluated via colorimetric tests and impedance measurements. Additionally, the permeability of the nanocarriers across an in vitro BBB culture model was assessed. Drug-loaded micelles demonstrated similar permeability to free donepezil but offered sustained release and improved stability. This micellar delivery system holds significant potential for improving therapeutic outcomes in Alzheimer’s treatment by enhancing donepezil’s delivery across the BBB. Improved BBB permeability and sustained drug release could lead to more effective concentration of the drug in the brain, potentially reducing peripheral cholinergic side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, often observed with traditional donepezil administration. This could result in better patient compliance and improved cognitive outcomes, making this nanocarrier system a promising alternative for Alzheimer’s therapy.

Mitochondrial-Targeting Mesoporous Polydopamine Nanoparticles for Reducing Kidney Injury Caused by Depleted Uranium.

Depleted uranium (DU), when accidentally released from the nuclear industry, can enter the human body and cause kidney damage, as DU induces oxidative damage and apoptosis through mitochondrial pathways and inflammatory reactions. The existing nanoparticles used to treat DU injury have low bioavailability and poor targeting. In this study, mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA), poly-(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and triphenylphosphonium (TPP) are combined to develop a novel mitochondrion-targeting bifunctional nanoparticle, MPDA-PEG-TPP, and confirm that it can protect the kidneys from DU. This study demonstrates the high selectivity of MPDA-PEG-TPP for uranyl in uranyl chelate assays and its promising efficiency in uranyl sequestration from the kidneys, lungs, and femurs, following immediate or delayed administration of MPDA-PEG-TPP nanoparticles. In vitro assays confirm its efficiency in removing reactive oxygen species and targeting the mitochondria. In addition, in vitro and in vivo assays confirm that MPDA-PEG-TPP can reduce mitochondrial dysfunction and ameliorate kidney injury. These results suggest that MPDA-PEG-TPP is a valuable agent for ameliorating the DU-induced kidney injury.

Ruthenium-Substituted Polyoxoanion Serves as Redox Shuttle and Intermediate Stabilizer in Selective Electrooxidation of Ethylene to Ethylene Glycol.

The high carbon intensity of present-day ethylene glycol (EG) production motivates interest in electrifying ethylene oxidation. Noting poor kinetics in prior reports of the organic electrooxidation of small hydrocarbons, we explored the design of mediators that activate and simultaneously stabilize light alkenes. A ruthenium-substituted polyoxometalate (Ru-POM, {Si[Ru(H2O)W11O39]}5-) achieves 82% faradaic efficiency in EG production at 100 mA/cm2 under ambient conditions. Via the union of in situ spectroscopic techniques, electrochemical studies, and density functional theory calculations, we find evidence of a two-step oxidation mechanism: Ru-POM first undergoes electrochemical oxidation to the high valent state, activating ethylene via partial oxidation and forming an intermediate complex; this intermediate complex then migrates to the anode where it undergoes further oxidation to produce EG. The Ru-POM-mediated electrocatalytic system reduces the projected energy consumption required in EG production, requiring 9 GJ per ton of EG (and accompanied by 0.04 ton H2 coproduction), compared to 20-30 GJ/ton in typical prior processes.

Photoelectrochemical Ethylene Glycol Oxidization Coupled with Hydrogen Generation Using Metal Oxide Photoelectrodes.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting represents a promising approach for harnessing solar energy and transforming it into storable hydrogen. However, the complicated 4-electron transfer process of water oxidation reaction imposes kinetic limitations on the overall efficiency. Herein, we proposed a strategy by substituting water oxidation with the oxidation of ethylene glycol (EG), which is a hydrolysis byproduct of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste. To achieve this, we developed and synthesized BiVO4/NiCo-LDH photoanodes capable of achieving a high Faradaic efficiency (FE) exceeding 85 % for the oxidation of EG to formate in a strongly alkaline environment. The reaction mechanism was further elucidated using in situ FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, we successfully constructed an unassisted PEC device for EG oxidation and hydrogen generation by pairing the translucent Mo : BiVO4/NiCo-LDH photoanode with a state-of-the-art Cu2O photocathode, resulting in an approximate photocurrent density of 2.3 mA/cm2. Our research not only offers a PEC pathway for converting PET plastics into valuable chemicals but also enables simultaneous hydrogen production.

Photoelectrochemical Ethylene Glycol Oxidization Coupled with Hydrogen Generation Using Metal Oxide Photoelectrodes

AbstractPhotoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting represents a promising approach for harnessing solar energy and transforming it into storable hydrogen. However, the complicated 4‐electron transfer process of water oxidation reaction imposes kinetic limitations on the overall efficiency. Herein, we proposed a strategy by substituting water oxidation with the oxidation of ethylene glycol (EG), which is a hydrolysis byproduct of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste. To achieve this, we developed and synthesized BiVO4/NiCo‐LDH photoanodes capable of achieving a high Faradaic efficiency (FE) exceeding 85 % for the oxidation of EG to formate in a strongly alkaline environment. The reaction mechanism was further elucidated using in situ FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, we successfully constructed an unassisted PEC device for EG oxidation and hydrogen generation by pairing the translucent Mo : BiVO4/NiCo‐LDH photoanode with a state‐of‐the‐art Cu2O photocathode, resulting in an approximate photocurrent density of 2.3 mA/cm2. Our research not only offers a PEC pathway for converting PET plastics into valuable chemicals but also enables simultaneous hydrogen production.