Rate Of Evolution Research Articles

Metal Cocatalyst Engineering in Metal-Semiconductor Hybrid Photocatalysts Achieves a Fivefold Enhancement of Hydrogen Evolution.

This study explores the optimal morphology of photochemical hydrogen evolution catalysts in a one-dimensional system. Systematic engineering of metal tips on precisely defined CdSe@CdS dot-in-rods is conducted to exert control over morphology, composition, and both factors. The outcome yields an optimized configuration, a Au-Pt core-shell structure with a rough Pt surface (Au@r-Pt), which exhibits a remarkable fivefold increase in quantum efficiency, reaching 86 % at 455 nm and superior hydrogen evolution rates under visible and AM1.5 G irradiation conditions with prolonged stability. Kinetic investigations using photoelectrochemical and time-resolved measurements demonstrate a greater extent and extended lifetime of the charge-separated state on the tips as well as rapid water reduction kinetics on high-energy surfaces. This approach sheds light on the critical role of cocatalysts in hybrid photocatalytic systems for achieving high performance.

RERconverge Expansion: Using Relative Evolutionary Rates to Study Complex Categorical Trait Evolution.

Comparative genomics approaches seek to associate molecular evolution with the evolution of phenotypes across a phylogeny. Many of these methods lack the ability to analyze non-ordinal categorical traits with more than two categories. To address this limitation, we introduce an expansion to RERconverge that associates shifts in evolutionary rates with the convergent evolution of categorical traits. The categorical RERconverge expansion includes methods for performing categorical ancestral state reconstruction, statistical tests for associating relative evolutionary rates with categorical variables, and a new method for performing phylogeny-aware permutations, "permulations", on categorical traits. We demonstrate our new method on a three-category diet phenotype and we compare its performance to binary RERconverge analyses and two existing methods for comparative genomic analyses of categorical traits: phylogenetic simulations and a phylogenetic signal based method. We present an analysis of how the categorical permulations scale with the number of species and the number of categories included in the analysis. Our results show that our new categorical method outperforms phylogenetic simulations at identifying genes and enriched pathways significantly associated with the diet phenotypes and that the categorical ancestral state reconstruction drives an improvement in our ability to capture diet-related enriched pathways compared to binary RERconverge when implemented without user input on phenotype evolution. The categorical expansion to RERconverge will provide a strong foundation for applying the comparative method to categorical traits on larger data sets with more species and more complex trait evolution than have previously been analyzed.

Enhanced photocatalytic organic pollutant degradation, H2 production and N2 fixation via a versatile zinc oxide-based nanocomposite: Synthesis, characterization and mechanism Insight

Developing highly efficient photocatalysts for visible light utilization is crucial for water purification, N2 fixation, and H2 generation. This work presents a novel α-Fe2O3/CeO2-ZnO heterostructure photocatalyst synthesized through a facile impregnation technique. The synthesized catalysts were characterized via XPS, TEM, SEM, XRD, BET, PL, EIS, Mott-schottky, etc. analyses. The optimized 25 wt% of α-Fe2O3/CeO2 on ZnO (25-FeCeZ) catalyst achieved 100 % ofloxacin (OFX) photodegradation under light irradiation within 90 min. The charge transfer pathway was investigated via optical analyses within the 25-FeCeZ. Experimental investigations elucidated the potential intermediates, four proposed OFX photodegradation pathways and photocatalytic mechanism. Scavenger experiments and ESR spectroscopy identified •O2–, •OH, and h+ as the primary reactive species. Furthermore, the degraded OFX solution exhibited lower overall toxicity compared to the initial solution, based on QSAR predictions and E. coli viability assays. The 25-FeCeZ catalyst displayed a significantly enhanced hydrogen production rate (2.57mmol g−1h−1) compared to pristine ZnO (0.09 mmol/g·h). Notably, the catalyst achieved an NH3 evolution rate of 335.80μmol g−1h−1 without additional sacrificial agents, which is 4.5 times greater than pure ZnO. Additionally, the optimised photocatalyst depicted a superb stability across all three photocatalytic processes. This study illustrates a promising approach for designing potent ZnO-based photocatalysts for diverse applications, including N2 fixation, H2 generation, and organic pollutant degradation under visible light irradiation.

Naphthalene Monoanhydride and Perylene Composites for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution and Metal-Free Heterogeneous Oxidative Amidation.

This study explores the synthesis of two visible light active organic chromophore-based composites using naphthalene monoanhydride (Np) and 1,7-dibromoperylene monoanhydride diester (PMDE). These chromophores feature favorable optical and electronic properties and polyaromatic skeletons with anhydride functionalities that facilitate π-π interactions between the chromophore and polymeric carbon nitride (CN) or covalent connections of chromophores with NH2 groups of CN. Accordingly, heterogeneous chromophore-CN composite photocatalysts namely, Np/CN(c) and PMDE/CN(c) were prepared by adopting in situ calcination (c) and composites Np/CN(a) and PMDE/CN(a) were prepared by ex situ physical adsorption (a) methods. In situ prepared Np/CN(c) and PMDE/CN(c) composites exhibited H2 evolution rates (HER) of 1069 and 705 μmol h-1 g-1, respectively, which are significantly higher than ex situ Np/CN(a) and PMDE/CN(a) composites with HER of 465 and 252 μmol h-1 g-1, respectively. These rates are 10, 7, 4.8, and 2.5 times higher than the bulk-CN, indicating the potential of these composites for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution. Surface area normalized HER enhancements were 3.8, 5.3, 6.6, and 4.2 times higher for Np/CN(c), PMDE/CN(c), Np/CN(a), and PMDE/CN(a) respectively compared to bulk-CN. These composite photocatalysts exhibited excellent stabilities under prolonged photoirradiation, with H2 evolution consistently increasing with the light exposure time. Additionally, these metal-free heterogeneous composites demonstrated efficient photocatalytic activities towards oxidative amidation of aromatic aldehydes, with up to 80% product yields, establishing the prospects of combining homogeneous and heterogeneous entities in a metal-free active material in solar energy harvesting.

Abnormal Gas Generation during First Discharge Process of Sodium Ion Battery.

In recent years, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted a lot of attention and are considered an ideal alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The hard carbon (HC) anode in SIBs presents a unique challenge for studying the formation process of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) during initial cycling, owing to its distinctive porous structure. This study employs a combination of ultrasonic scanning techniques and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry to conduct an in-depth analysis of the two-dimensional distribution and composition of gases during the formation process. The findings reveal distinct gas evolution behaviors in SIBs compared to LIBs during formation. Notably, significant gas evolution is observed during the discharge phase of the formation cycle in SIBs, with higher discharge rates leading to increased gas evolution rates. This phenomenon is likely attributed to the adsorption of CO2 gas by the abundant pores in HC, followed by desorption during discharge. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the addition of 5A molecular sieves, which competitively adsorb gases, effectively reduces gas adsorption on the anode during formation, thereby significantly enhancing battery performance. This research elucidates the gas adsorption and desorption behavior at the battery interface, providing new insights into the SEI formation process in SIBs.

Integration of Plasmonic Ag(I) Clusters and Fe(II) Porphyrinates into Metal–Organic Frameworks for Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Coupling with Photosynthesis of Pure H2O2

AbstractEfficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction coupled with the photosynthesis of pure H2O2 is a challenging and significant task. Herein, using classical CO2 photoreduction site iron porphyrinate as the linker, Ag(I) clusters were spatially separated and evenly distributed within a new metal–organic framework (MOF), namely Ag27TPyP‐Fe. With water as electron donors, Ag27TPyP‐Fe exhibited remarkable performances in artificial photosynthetic overall reaction with CO yield of 36.5 μmol g−1 h−1 and ca. 100 % selectivity, as well as H2O2 evolution rate of 35.9 μmol g−1 h−1. Since H2O2 in the liquid phase can be more readily separated from the gaseous products of CO2 photoreduction, high‐purity H2O2 with a concentration up to 0.1 mM was obtained. Confirmed by theoretical calculations and the established energy level diagram, the reductive iron(II) porphyrinates and oxidative Ag(I) clusters within an integrated framework functioned synergistically to achieve artificial photosynthesis. Furthermore, photoluminescence spectroscopy and photoelectrochemical measurements revealed that the robust connection of Ag(I) clusters and iron porphyrinate ligands facilitated efficient charge separation and rapid electron transfer, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic activity.

Abnormal Gas Generation during First Discharge Process of Sodium Ion Battery

AbstractIn recent years, sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted a lot of attention and are considered an ideal alternative to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The hard carbon (HC) anode in SIBs presents a unique challenge for studying the formation process of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) during initial cycling, owing to its distinctive porous structure. This study employs a combination of ultrasonic scanning techniques and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry to conduct an in‐depth analysis of the two‐dimensional distribution and composition of gases during the formation process. The findings reveal distinct gas evolution behaviors in SIBs compared to LIBs during formation. Notably, significant gas evolution is observed during the discharge phase of the formation cycle in SIBs, with higher discharge rates leading to increased gas evolution rates. This phenomenon is likely attributed to the adsorption of CO2 gas by the abundant pores in HC, followed by desorption during discharge. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the addition of 5A molecular sieves, which competitively adsorb gases, effectively reduces gas adsorption on the anode during formation, thereby significantly enhancing battery performance. This research elucidates the gas adsorption and desorption behavior at the battery interface, providing new insights into the SEI formation process in SIBs.

High-Selectivity Tandem Photocatalytic Methanation of CO2 by Lacunary Polyoxometalates-Stabilized *CO Intermediate.

Stabilizing specific intermediates to produce CH4 remains a main challenge in solar-driven CO2 reduction. Herein, g-C3N4 is modified with saturated and lacunary phosphotungstates (PWx, x = 12, 11, 9) to tailor the CO2 reduction pathway to yield CH4 in high selectivity. Increased lacuna of phosphotungstates leads to higher CH4 yield and selectivity, with a superior CH4 selectivity of 80% and 40.8 μmol·g-1·h-1 evolution rate for PW9/g-C3N4. Conversely, g-C3N4 and PWx alone show negligible CH4 production. The conversion of CO2 to CH4 follows a tandem catalytic process. CO2 is initially activated on g-C3N4 to form *CO intermediates, meanwhile photogenerated electrons derived from g-C3N4 transfer to PWx. Then the reduced PWx captures *CO, which is subsquently hydrogenated to CH4. With the injection of two photogenerated electrons, PW9 is capable of adsorbing and activating *CO. However, the reduced PW12 and PW11 are incapable of adsorbing *CO due to the small energy of occupied molecular orbitals, which is the reason for the poorer activity of PWx/g-C3N4 (x = 12, 11) compared with that of PW9/g-C3N4. This work provides new insights to regulate highly selective CO2 photoreduction to CH4 by utilizing lacuna of polyoxometalates to enhance the interaction of metals in polyoxometalates with key intermediates.

CdS Supporting the Growth of Cd-TCPP(Pt) for High Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Rates under Visible Light and Sunlight

CdS Supporting the Growth of Cd-TCPP(Pt) for High Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Rates under Visible Light and Sunlight

From light into shadow: comparative plastomes in Petrocosmea and implications for low light adaptation

BackgroundPlastids originated from an ancient endosymbiotic event and evolved into the photosynthetic organelles in plant cells. They absorb light energy and carbon dioxide, converting them into chemical energy and oxygen, which are crucial for plant development and adaptation. However, little is known about the plastid genome to light adaptation. Petrocosmea, a member of the Gesneriaceae family, comprises approximately 70 species with diverse light environment, serve as an ideal subject for studying plastomes adapt to light.ResultsIn this study, we selected ten representative species of Petrocosmea from diverse light environments, assembled their plastid genomes, and conducted a comparative genomic analysis. We found that the plastid genome of Petrocosmea is highly conserved in both structure and gene content. The phylogenetic relationships reconstructed based on the plastid genes were divided into five clades, which is consistent with the results of previous studies. The vast majority of plastid protein-coding genes were under purifying selection, with only the rps8 and rps16 genes identified under positive selection in different light environments. Notably, significant differences of evolutionary rate were observed in NADH dehydrogenase, ATPase ribosome, and RNA polymerase between Clade A and the other clades. Additionally, we identified ycf1 and several intergenic regions (trnH-psbA, trnK-rps16, rpoB-trnC, petA-psbJ, ccsA-trnL, rps16-trnQ, and trnS-trnG) as candidate barcodes for this emerging ornamental horticulture.ConclusionWe newly assembled ten plastid genomes of Petrocosmea and identified several hypervariable regions, providing genetic resources and candidate markers for this promising emerging ornamental horticulture. Furthermore, our study suggested that rps8 and rps16 were under positive selection and that the evolutionary patterns of NADH dehydrogenase, ATPase ribosome, and RNA polymerase were related to the diversity light environment in Petrocosmea. This revealed an evolutionary scenario for light adaptation of the plastid genome in plants.

Rapid evolution of mitochondrion-related genes in haplodiploid arthropods

BackgroundMitochondrial genes and nuclear genes cooperate closely to maintain the functions of mitochondria, especially in the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. However, mitochondrial genes among arthropod lineages have dramatic evolutionary rate differences. Haplodiploid arthropods often show fast-evolving mitochondrial genes. One hypothesis predicts that the small effective population size of haplodiploid species could enhance the effect of genetic drift leading to higher substitution rates in mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Alternatively, positive selection or compensatory changes in nuclear OXPHOS genes could lead to the fast-evolving mitochondrial genes. However, due to the limited number of arthropod genomes, the rates of evolution for nuclear genes in haplodiploid species, besides hymenopterans, are largely unknown. To test these hypotheses, we used data from 76 arthropod genomes, including 5 independently evolved haplodiploid lineages, to estimate the evolutionary rates and patterns of gene family turnover of mitochondrial and nuclear genes.ResultsWe show that five haplodiploid lineages tested here have fast-evolving mitochondrial genes and fast-evolving nuclear genes related to mitochondrial functions, while nuclear genes not related to mitochondrion showed no significant evolutionary rate differences. Among hymenopterans, bees and ants show faster rates of molecular evolution in mitochondrial genes and mitochondrion-related nuclear genes than sawflies and wasps. With genome data, we also find gene family expansions and contractions in mitochondrion-related genes of bees and ants.ConclusionsOur results reject the small population size hypothesis in haplodiploid species. A combination of positive selection and compensatory changes could lead to the observed patterns in haplodiploid species. The elevated evolutionary rates in OXPHOS complex 2 genes of bees and ants suggest a unique evolutionary history of social hymenopterans.

N-doped carbon-coated CoSe2/ZnIn2S4 Z-scheme heterojunction for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performances

N-doped carbon (NC)/CoSe2/ZnIn2S4 Z-scheme heterojunction was constructed by growing ZnIn2S4 on N-doped carbon-coated CoSe2 derived from the metal-organic framework (ZIF-67) via the self-sacrificing template method and hydrothermal method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that NC/CoSe2/ZnIn2S4 (NSZ) Z-scheme heterojunction was constructed with CoSe2 as an electron mediator. The optimal 5NSZ composite achieved 97.3% in photocatalytic degradation efficiency of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) within 30 min, and H2O2 production of 645.3 μM under visible light for 60 min. Moreover, the top-flight photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) rate of 6772.9 μmol g−1 h−1 is 19.1 folds and 2.2 folds higher than pure ZnIn2S4 and Pt–ZnIn2S4, respectively. The photoreduction CO2 gas produces rates of CO (53.7 μmol g−1 h−1), C2H4 (7.0 μmol g−1 h−1), and C2H6 (6.4 μmol g−1 h−1) products were obtained within 10 h under visible light. This work provides an effective strategy for designing unique noble-metal-free Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts to purify the environment and produce clean energy.

Simultaneous co-circulation of two genotypes of dengue virus serotype 3 causing a large outbreak in Sri Lanka in year 2023.

We observed a discrepancy between dengue NS1 antigen test and molecular diagnostics, with the emergence of (DENV) serotype 3 in Sri Lanka and sought to understand the cause for the rise in cases and high failure rates of molecular diagnostics. Whole genomic sequencing was carried out in 22 DENV-3 samples. Phylogenetic and molecular clock analysis were done for genotype assignment and to understand the rate of evolution. Mutation analysis was done to understand the reasons for PCR non-detection. We identified two DENV-3 genotypes (I and III) co-circulating. DENV-3 genotype III strains shared a common ancestor with a sequence from India collected in 2022, while DENV-3 genotype I, was found to share a common ancestor with DENV-3 sequences from China. DENV-3 genotype III was detected by the modified CDC DENV-3 primers whereas, genotype I evaded detection due to key mutations at forward and reverse primer binding sites. We identified point mutations, C744T and A756G of the forward primer binding sites and in position G795A of the reverse primer binding sites which were not identified in DENV-3 genotype III. Furthermore, our Sri Lankan DENV-3 strains demonstrated a high root to tip ratio, compared to the previous DENV-3 sequences, indicating a high mutation rate during the points of sampling (year 2017 to 2023). The co-circulation of multiple genotypes associated with an increase in cases highlights the importance of continuous surveillance of DENVs to identify mutations resulting in non-detection by diagnostics and differences in virulence.

Regeneration of the caudal fin of the evolutionary ancient tropical gar Atractosteus tropicus

BackgroundThe tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus), a member of the Lepisosteidae family, is native to regions extending from southeastern Mexico to southern Costa Rica. This species serves as a unique bridge between tetrapods and teleosts due to its phylogenetic position, slow evolutionary rate, dense genetic map, gene similarities with humans, and ease of laboratory cultivation. As a taxonomic sister group to teleosts like the zebrafish (Danio rerio), known for its high regenerative capacity, it remains unclear whether the tropical gar shares a similar ability for regeneration.ResultsThis study aims to elucidate the caudal fin regeneration process in tropical gar through skeletal and histological staining methods. Juvenile specimens were observed over a two-month period, during which they were fed brine shrimp, and anesthetized with 1% eugenol for caudal fin amputation. Samples were collected at various days post-amputation (dpa). Alcian blue and alizarin red staining were used to highlight skeletal regeneration, particularly the formation of new cartilage, while histological staining with hematoxylin and eosin was performed to observe tissue regeneration at the amputation site.ConclusionsThe findings reveal a remarkable ability for caudal fin regeneration in juvenile tropical gar. Given the Garfish evolutionary relationship with teleosts, this opens new avenues for research into tissue regeneration across different groups of Actinopterygii.

Template-synthesized CdWO4/Cd0.5Zn0.5S hollow microsphere photocatalyst for high-efficient hydrogen evolution under visible light

Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production is a promising strategy for renewable energy. While Cd1-XZnXS catalysts display high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency in pure water, they are limited by severe photocorrosion and rapid recombination of electron–hole pairs. In this study, HGM (hollow glass microspheres) was used as the support template, Cd0.5Zn0.5S and CdWO4 were successively coated on the template by hydrothermal method. The tightly packed heterojunction interface between the coatings ensures efficient electron transport and suppresses the recombination of electron-hole pairs. Under visible light irradiation, when the theoretical mass ratio of Cd0.5Zn0.5S to CdWO4 is 4:1, the Cd0.5Zn0.5S/CdWO4-25% hollow microsphere photocatalyst exhibits the highest hydrogen evolution rate, reaching 41.40 mmol g−1 h−1, which is approximately 3.4 times higher than the hydrogen evolution rate of pure Cd0.5Zn0.5S (12.31 mmol g−1 h−1). This research provides a novel approach for the design and synthesis of efficient and stable photocatalysts.

Noble-metal-free Bi-OZIS nanohybrids for sacrificial-agent-free photocatalytic water splitting: With long-lived photogenerated electrons

The production of hydrogen via the hydrogen evolution reaction, reliant on the use of valuable sacrificial agents, is not conducive to large-scale photocatalytic hydrogen generation. A more pragmatic approach involves the creation of catalyst materials free from noble metals, which possess enduring photogenerated electrons suitable for catalyzing hydrogen evolution from undiluted water. In our research, x%Bi-OZIS nanohybrids were effectively synthesized. Remarkably, the hydrogen evolution rate for the 10 %Bi-OZIS sample reached 170.22 μmol g-1h−1, marking an enhancement of 11.8 times over pure ZIS and 3.7 times over OZIS, achieved without resorting to sacrificial agents. Notably, post-light exposure, H2O2 presence was identified in the water solution. The strategy of substituting some of the sulfur with oxygen doping extends the lifespan of the photogenerated carriers. Further, the introduction of Bi spheres onto the OZIS nanosheet surfaces substantially reduces electron-hole interband recombination. These adaptations collectively augment the photogenerated electron lifespan in x%Bi-OZIS nanohybrids, leading to heightened photocatalytic redox proficiency. This research outlines a method for devising an economical solar-driven water splitting mechanism devoid of sacrificial agents.

A classic key innovation constrains oral jaw functional diversification in fishes

Abstract Modifications to the pharyngeal jaws—a prey processing system located posterior to the mouth cavity—are widely considered a key innovation that enhanced diversification within several prominent fish clades. Seen in cichlids, damselfishes, wrasses, and a few other lineages, these musculoskeletal alterations are believed to increase the evolutionary independence and, thus, the diversification of the oral and pharyngeal jaw systems. To test this classic hypothesis, we conducted comparative phylogenetic analyses to assess the effect of the pharyngeal novelty on the diversification of feeding morphology and kinematics across a taxonomically diverse sample of spiny-rayed fishes. We quantified movements of the oral jaws and other craniofacial structures from 689 suction-feeding strikes using high-speed videos collected from 228 species with and without the pharyngeal jaw novelty. Contradicting long-held predictions, we find significantly greater disparity across all traits and faster rates of oral jaw functional evolution in fishes without the specialized prey processing system. The modified pharyngeal jaw is undoubtedly a functional innovation as it enhances the strength of the prey processing system, facilitating exceptional transition rates to feeding on hard and tough prey. However, it also restricts the diversification of the feeding system, revealing that the impact of pharyngognathy is more nuanced than previously thought. In light of these and other recent findings, a reinterpretation of the macroevolutionary consequences of the pharyngeal jaw novelty is needed.

Rapid evolution leads to extensive genetic diversification of cattle flu Influenza D virus

Influenza D virus (IDV), the cattle flu virus, is a novel multi-host RNA virus, circulating silently worldwide, with widespread seropositivity among US cattle, reaching up to 80% in some areas raising a potential threat of cattle-to-human transmission. Currently, five genetic lineages of IDV have been described, but their evolutionary dynamics have not been studied. Although IDV was first identified in 2011, our comprehensive analysis of all known IDV genomes suggests that the earliest ancestors of IDV likely to have evolved towards the end of the 20th century and D/OK lineage appears to have emerged in 2005. We confirmed a significantly higher substitution rate in IDV than in Influenza C virus, which is consistent with their global distribution and multi-host tropism. We identified multiple sub-populations within the D/OK lineage, highlighting extensive diversification and dissemination. Other findings are evidence for potential reassortment among IDV strains in the USA and transboundary circulation of IDV in Europe with introductions into Danish cattle, some of which potentially originated from France. IDV, an emerging virus with a higher rate of evolution and uncontrolled circulation, could facilitate its adaptation to humans. Our findings underscore the importance of targeted surveillance for IDV in humans and at-risk animal populations.

Chronic infections can generate SARS-CoV-2-like bursts of viral evolution without epistasis.

Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants have arisen during the first years of the pandemic, often bearing many new mutations. Several explanations have been offered for the surprisingly sudden emergence of multiple mutations that enhance viral fitness, including cryptic transmission, spillover from animal reservoirs, epistasis between mutations, and chronic infections. Here, we simulated pathogen evolution combining within-host replication and between-host transmission. We found that, under certain conditions, chronic infections can lead to SARS-CoV-2-like bursts of mutations even without epistasis. Chronic infections can also increase the global evolutionary rate of a pathogen even in the absence of clear mutational bursts. Overall, our study supports chronic infections as a plausible origin for highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants. More generally, we also describe how chronic infections can influence pathogen evolution under different scenarios.

Defect inhibition mechanism of 3D‐printed ceramics via synergetic resin composition and debinding processing regulation

AbstractProducing ceramic parts by Vat Photopolymerization (VPP) additive manufacture with desired mechanical properties typically requires time‐consuming debinding steps. This study aims at optimizing composition and processing parameters with the use of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in the resin formulation and debinding in an argon atmosphere for dental zirconia‐toughed alumina (ZTA). The method produces parts with fewer defects, and 67.7% higher flexural strength while increasing the debinding heating rate over 400% compared to standard formulations debinded in air. These improvements are attributed to pore formation at low temperatures and reduced heat release and gas evolution rates arising from use of the DBP and the inert atmosphere, respectively. While ZTA ceramics were studied, this method should be applicable to many ceramic systems with exciting possibilities for promoting the rapid development of VPP 3D‐printed high‐performance ceramics for various engineering applications.