Facile Liquid Research Articles

Engineering Ag3PO4/SnS2 heterojunction composite: A promising electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic medium

A Ag3PO4/SnS2 heterojunction composite electrocatalyst was fabricated using combined facile liquid exfoliation and hydrothermal technique by varying the concentration of SnS2 in Ag3PO4. Tin disulfide (SnS2) is a transition metal dichalcogenide that is a promising non-precious catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) application. However, the practical application of this material is limited due to its poor electrical conductivity, to overcome this limitation it is made as a composite with Ag3PO4 as a n-type semiconductor which function by absorbing visible light with its suitable bandgap. The HER is evaluated through the three-electrode electrochemical set-up, where the catalyst coated on carbon cloth serves as a working electrode along with Ag/AgCl and platinum wire as reference and counter electrode respectively. The electrocatalyst is considered as best when it has certain criteria including lesser value of overpotential implying low current requirement to produce hydrogen. The catalyst should obey the following criteria like low resistance, high conductive nature, smaller exchange current density and has large surface area to actively participate in the electrochemical reaction. Apparently Ag3PO4/5 wt% of SnS2 is found to be the best performing composite as evidenced from the experimental data. This work may be useful for heterojunction composite catalyst for the practical application in electrochemical water splitting.

Atomically thin-layered WS2 based resistive sensors for detection of CO and NO2 at room temperature

The number of layers present in a two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial plays a critical role in applications that involve surface interaction, for example, gas sensing. This paper reports the synthesis of 2D WS2 nanoflakes using the facile liquid exfoliation technique. The nanoflakes were exfoliated using bath sonication (BS-WS2) and probe sonication (PS-WS2). The thickness of the BS-WS2 was found to range between 70 and 200 nm, and that of PS-WS2 varied from 0.6 to 80 nm, indicating the presence of single to few layers of WS2 when characterized using atomic force microscope. All the WS2 samples were thoroughly characterized using electron microscopes, x-ray diffractometer, Raman spectroscopy, UV–Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, and thermogravimetric analyser. Both the nanostructured samples were exposed to 2 ppm of NO2 at room temperature. Interestingly, BS-WS2 which comprises of a greater number of WS2 layers exhibited −14.2% response as against −3.4% response of PS-WS2, the atomically thin sample. The BS-WS2 sample was found to be highly selective towards NO2 but was slower (with incomplete recovery) as compared to PS-WS2. The PS-WS2 sample was observed to exhibit −11.9% to −27.4% response to 2–10 ppm of CO and −3.4%–35.2% response to 2–10 ppm of NO2 at room temperature, thereby exhibiting the potential to detect two gases simultaneously. These gases could be accurately predicted and quantified if the response times of the PS-WS2 sample were considered. The atomically thin WS2-based sensor exhibited a limit of detection of 131 and 81 ppb for CO and NO2, respectively.

Conjugated cobalt‐based metal complex nanosheet for fabricating high‐performance supercapacitor electrode

AbstractIn order to cope with the increasingly serious problem of energy shortage, supercapacitors have been developed as a clean and renewable energy source, and the supercapacitors with excellent energy density and long cycle life are imperative. Here, by employing a facile liquid–liquid (L‐L) interfacial method at room temperature (RT), a set of two‐dimensional (2D) metal complex nanosheets N1‐N3 have been synthesized by the facile coordination between Co2+ ion and 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexaiminotriphenylene (HITP). Given the layered superstructure with well‐ordered nanopores, the N1‐N3 electrodes displayed excellent capacities of 4751.9, 5770.9 and 6075.2 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, and a good cyclic stability with 92.1% capacity retention after 1000 cycles for the N3 electrode. The asymmetric supercapacitor device with N3 as the positive electrode delivers a maximum energy density of 238.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1610.1 W kg−1 and an excellent cycling stability with a capacitance retention of 109.1% after 5000 cycles. This is the best electroactive bottom‐up metal complex nanosheet reported so far for use in supercapacitor, which greatly expands the applicability of this 2D nanomaterial in energy device applications.image

A Tris(terpyridine) Ligand-based Metal Coordination Nanosheet as Electrode Material with Good Supercapacitor Performance

In this work, through a facile liquid–liquid (L–L) interfacial-assisted synthesis at room temperature, a new two-dimensional (2D) metal coordination nanosheet Co-TPY-LB has been synthesized by the coordination between Co2+ ion and 1,3,5-tris(4′-tripyridinylphenyl)benzene (Tris-tpy). The flat and smooth sheet structure with a thickness of 83.3 nm and a hexagonal structure with a lattice spacing of about 0.206 nm for the as-fabricated nanosheet Co-TPY-LB has been identified by AFM and HRTEM respectively, providing a large number of redox sites and ion diffusion channels. The fabricated Co-TPY-LB have been used as electrodes and exhibit the highest capacity of 2741.5 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1, an excellent cycling stability with 97.6% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at the current density of 10 A g−1. Meanwhile, the assembled asymmetric supercapacitor with Co-TPY-LB as the positive electrode shows a high energy density 73.6 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 4800 W kg−1 as well as an excellent cycle stability of 92.9% capacity retention after 5000 cycles. Our work provides a controllable synthesis for the construction of 2D metal coordination nanosheet to overcome some defects of 2D nanosheet by traditional synthesis, leading such bottom-up nanosheet to a promising application in energy storage.Graphical

Anti-corrosive and carbonyl-rich interlayer enables highly reversible zinc anode

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered as highly promising candidates for large-scale energy storage due to their exceptional safety profile, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. However, the progress of AZIBs is impeded by several challenges including the formation of zinc dendrites, self-corrosion issues, and hydrogen evolution. Herein, we demonstrate the in-situ fabrication of a hydrophobic and carbonyl-rich zinc phthalate (ZCHO) solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the zinc foil through a facile liquid deposition method. The incorporation of carbonyls into the ZCHO layer enhances ion migration dynamics by attracting Zn2+, while also promoting preferential deposition onto the (002) surface, effectively mitigating water-induced corrosion and hydrogen evolution, likewise reducing charge transfer resistance. These inherent advantages contribute to a homogeneous distribution of Zn2+ concentration on the zinc anode surface, thereby suppressing dendrite growth. The results demonstrate that the symmetric battery exhibits an impressive cycle life of over 2300 h under a current density of 1 mA cm−2, with an areal capacity of 0.5 mAh cm−2. Additionally, it demonstrates stable cycling for more than 700 h at 5 mA cm−2, 0.25 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, when assembled with NH4V4O10, the full battery delivers a specific capacity of 222.9 mAh g−1 after undergoing 1000 cycles under a current density of 5 A g−1 while maintaining a capacity retention rate of 86.26 %. This study presents a novel and facile approach to advance research on high-performance AZIBs.

Enhanced Li storage of pure crystalline-C60 and TiNb2O7-nanostructure composite for Li-ion battery anodes

We propose a method for producing composite materials (hTNO@C60) comprising crystalline C60 particles and hollow-structured TiNb2O7 (hTNO) nanofibers via facile liquid–liquid interface precipitation followed by low-temperature annealing. This allows the systematic design of crystalline C60 as an active material for Li-ion battery anodes. The hTNO@C60 composite demonstrates outstanding cyclic stability, retaining a capacity of 465 mA h g−1 after 1,000 cycles at 1 A g−1. It maintains a capacity of 98 mA h g−1 even after 16,000 ultralong cycles at 8 A g−1. The enhancement in electrochemical properties is attributed to the successful growth and uniform doping of crystalline C60, resulting in improved electrical conductivity. The excellent electrochemical stability and properties of these composites make them promising anode materials.

Synthesis of polyaniline modified FeWO4 nanoparticles for superior visible-light photocatalysis

This communication reports the development of a new high-efficiency visible-light photocatalyst by coupling p-type FeWO4 with n-type polyaniline (PANI). PANI/FeWO4 nanocomposite was synthesized through a facile composition-controllable solid liquid mixing-evaporation of solvent method. The composition and structure of the synthesized PANI/FeWO4 nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The photoabsorption and photogenerated charge separation and transfer performance of PANI/FeWO4 nanocomposite were compared with those of FeWO4 nanoparticles. The photocatalytic properties of PANI/FeWO4 nanocomposite and FeWO4 nanoparticles were tested in the reduction of aqueous Cr(VI) under visible-light (λ > 420 nm). The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of PANI/FeWO4 was significantly elevated compared to FeWO4. Coupling with PANI can increase the adsorption of Cr(VI), enhance the absorption of visible-light, and promote the separation and transfer of photogenerated charges of FeWO4, thus contributing to the better photocatalytic activity of PANI/FeWO4.

Facile interfacial synthesis of thin AuPd alloy nanowires for plasmon-enhanced selective photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol

Bimetallic AuPd plasmonic photocatalyst is a promising candidate for catalyzing selective oxidation of aromatic alcohol. However, developing a simple one-step method for the preparation of free-standing AuPd nanostructures with excellent photocatalytic performance remains a huge challenge. Here, a facile liquid–liquid interface route was exploited to one-pot prepare free-standing AuPd alloy nanowires (NWs) under mild conditions. Specifically, Au1Pd1 NWs are grown via oriented attachment at chloroform-water interface and 40 °C with Na2PdCl4 and HAuCl4 as precursors and 1-naphthol as reductant. Au1Pd1 NWs possess many advantages, such as thin diameter (4.0 nm), large aspect ratio, abundant defects and strong Au-Pd electronic interaction. During benzyl alcohol oxidation to benzaldehyde, Au1Pd1 NWs exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity and durability. At 40 min of visible light illumination, 98 % conversion of benzyl alcohol and 100 % selectivity to benzaldehyde are finished. After five cycles, Au1Pd1 NWs still maintain high photocatalytic activity. Compared to pure Au NWs, alloying Pd with Au in Au1Pd1 NWs dramatically enhances photocatalytic activity. The results indicate that the generated abundant •O2– under illumination play an important role in significantly improving benzyl alcohol oxidation to benzaldehyde.

Machine learning-assisted liquid crystal-based aptasensor for the specific detection of whole-cell Escherichia coli in water and food

We have developed a rapid, facile liquid crystal (LC)-based aptasensor for E. coli detection in water and juice samples. A textile grid-anchored LC platform was used with specific aptamers adsorbed via a cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), on the LC surface. The presence of E. coli dissociates the aptamers from CTAB and restores the dark signal induced by the surfactant. Using polarized microscopy, the images of the LCs in the presence of various concentrations of E. coli were captured and analyzed using image analysis and machine learning (ML). The artificial neural networks (ANN) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) rendered the best results for water samples (R2 = 0.986 and RMSE = 0.209) and juice samples (R2 = 0.976 and RMSE = 0.262), respectively. The platform was able to detect E. coli with a detection limit (LOD) of 6 CFU mL−1.

Fast and Facile Liquid Metal Printing via Projection Lithography for Highly Stretchable Electronic Circuits.

Soft electronic circuits are crucial for wearable electronics, biomedical technologies, and soft robotics, requiring soft conductive materials with high conductivity, high strain limit, and stable electrical performance under deformation. Liquid metals (LMs) have become attractive candidates with high conductivity and fluidic compliance, while effective manufacturing methods are demanded. Digital light processing (DLP)-based projection lithography is a high-resolution and high-throughput printing technique for primarily polymers and some metals. If LMs can be printed with DLP as well, the entire soft devices can be fabricated by one printer in a streamlined and highly efficient process. Herein, fast and facile DLP-based LM printing is achieved. Simply with 5-10 s of patterned ultraviolet (UV)-light exposure, a highly conductive and stretchable pattern can be printed using a photo-crosslinkable LM particle ink. The printed eutectic gallium indium traces feature high resolution (≈20 µm), conductivity (3 × 106 S m-1), stretchability (≈2500%), and excellent stability (consistent performance at different deformation). Various patterns are printed in diverse material systems for broad applications including stretchable displays, epidermal strain sensors, heaters, humidity sensors, conformal electrodes for electrography, and multi-layer actuators. The facile and scalable process, excellent performance, and diverse applications ensure its broad impact on soft electronic manufacturing.

High-performance flexible resistive random-access memory based on SnS2 quantum dots with a charge trapping/de-trapping effect.

The application of resistive random-access memory (RRAM) in storage and neuromorphic computing has attracted widespread attention. Benefitting from the quantum effect, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) quantum dots (QDs) exhibit distinctive optical and electronic properties, which make them promising candidates for emerging RRAM. Here, we show a high-performance forming-free flexible RRAM based on high-quality tin disulfide (SnS2) QDs prepared by a facile liquid phase method. The RRAM device demonstrates high flexibility with a large on/off ratio of ∼106 and a long retention time of over 3 × 104 s. The excellent switching behavior of the memristor is elucidated by a charge trapping/de-trapping mechanism where the SnS2 QDs act as charge trapping centers. This study is of significance for the understanding and development of TMD QD-based flexible memristors.

Construction of NiP/Ni(OH)2/Ag-ZIF photocatalyst with 2-methylimidazole framework for rapid removal of tetracycline

Tetracycline (TC) is a kind of antibiotic that is difficult to be degraded by photocatalysis due to its stable molecular structure, and no ideal photocatalyst has been developed so far, thus developing a photocatalyst that can efficiently remove TC remains a challenge. In this work, a novel ternary photocatalyst of NiP/Ni(OH)2/Ag-ZIF (NNA) with 2 −Methylimidazole framework was constructed via a facile liquid phase reaction, in which the NiP is amorphous with particle size of about 3–5 nm, the Ni(OH)2 is nano-flake crystal with a one-dimensional diameter of about 200 nm, and the Ag-ZIF is a octahedral crystal with a side length of 4 µm. The NiP nano particles covered on the surface of Ni(OH)2 nanosheeps to form NiP/Ni(OH)2 heterojunction with flower-like structure and large BET area of 393.11 m2 g−1, which was further assembled with Ag-ZIF to form NiP/Ni(OH)2/Ag-ZIF composite with double heterojunction. The as-constructed NNA shows high removal capacity for TC, while 10 mg NNA was added into 100 mL 60 mg/L TC solution and exposed in visible light for 60 min, 91.3% of TC was removed. Meanwhile, the NNA shows good stability and reusability, which is attribute to the reversible of adsorption and desorption process of NiP/Ni(OH)2 for TC and the excellent photo-corrosion resistance of Ag-ZIF. The radical trapping and electron spin resonance (ESR) tests manifested that the superoxide radical (O2-) and the hydroxyl radical (·OH) play the key role in the degradation of TC.

In-situ constructing porous N-doped carbon skeleton with rich defects from modified polyamide acid to boost the high performance of Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode for full sodium-ion batteries

Generally, the transport of electrons and Na+ is seriously constrained in Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) due to intense interactions of V-O and PO bonds. Besides, polyamide acid (PAA) is hardly used in the sol–gel route due to insolubility. This work develops a facile liquid synthesis strategy based on modified PAA, achieving in-situ construction of a porous N-doped carbon framework with rich defects to improve the kinetics of NVP. The addition of triethylamine (TEA) reacts with carboxyls in PAA to achieve acid-base neutralization, turning PAA into polyamide salts with good solubility. The special morphology construction mechanism of this unique system was observed by ex-situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Specifically, PAA undergoes in-situ conversion into chain-like polyimide (PI) through a thermal polymerization mechanism during the pre-sintering process. Meanwhile, NVP precursors are evenly dispersed in the PI fibers, efficiently reducing the particle size. After the final treatment, the favorable porous carbon skeleton could be generated derived from the partial decomposition of PI, on which small active grains are in situ grown. The resulting N-doped carbon substrate contains rich defects, benefiting from the migration of Na+. Furthermore, the porous construction is conducive to alleviating the stress and strain generated by the high current impact, increasing the contact area between electrodes/electrolytes to improve the utilization efficiency of active substances. Comprehensively, the optimized samples exhibit a capacity of 82.1 mAh g−1 at 15C with a retention rate of 95.45 % after 350 cycles. It submits a capacity of 67.6 mAh g−1 at 90C and remains 52.2 mAh g−1 after 1500 cycles. Even in full cells, it reveals a value of 110.6 mAh g−1. This work guides the application of in-situ multiple modifications of polymers in electrode materials.

In-situ construction of MoC quantum dots embedded in n-doped 2D nanocarbon as a multifunctional host for high-performance lithium sulfide cathode

Lithium–ion batteries using Li2S cathode are considered as an optimal alternative for current lithium–ion batteries since their high theoretical capacity (1166 mAh/g) and high energy density (2600 W h kg−1). However, low electronic/ionic conductivity, severe lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttle, and sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics are the three major challenges for the practical application of Li2S. Herein, we report a multifunctional host of MoC quantum dots embedded in N–doped 2D nanocarbon (MoC@2D–NNC) with high electronic/ionic conductivity, strong LiPSs capture ability and superior electrochemistry catalytic activation for Li2S electrode. Nano Li2S is successfully entered into the MoC@2D–NNC to form MoC@2D–NNC/Li2S composite via facile liquid–phase dissolution precipitation. The obtained MoC@2D–NNC/Li2S composite displays a high electronic conductivity of 0.1624 S cm−1, high initial discharge capacity of 1059 mAh/g, and long–term cycling performance over 1000 cycles. This reported MoC@2D–NNC/Li2S composite exhibits promising applications in advanced Li–S batteries.

Electrochemical Behavior of Mixed Cu Powder and LiCl/Li13In3-Coated Li Powder Anodes in Lithium Metal Secondary Batteries

A novel anode consisting of a mixture of Cu powder and LiCl/Li13In3-coated Li powder was developed and tested for use in Li metal secondary batteries (LMSBs). The aim was to improve the electrochemical performance as suppress dendrite formation and volume change on the Li metal electrode. A LiCl/Li13In3 composite film was deposited on the surface of Li powder particles using a facile liquid treatment method. The coated Li powder was mixed with Cu powder to produce a Li–Cu composite electrode (LCE) for LMSBs. It has been proven through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analysis of the coating layer using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and depth profile analysis that LiCl/Li13In3 has formed well on the surface of the Li powder. The coated LCE exhibited improved electrochemical properties in both the symmetric cell and full cell tests. Through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement, it has been determined that after 50 cycles, the impedance of the coated LCE is 98 Ω. In particular, even when a large amount of Li was used (40%, 1544 mAh g−1), it exhibited improved electrochemical behavior over 50 cycles in a symmetric cell test. In addition, in a full cell test with LiV3O8 as a cathode at a 2 C rate, the capacity retention was 96% after 50 cycles. SEM images showed that dendrite growth and volume change were suppressed by the novel electrode architecture.

Urea–choline chloride deep eutectic solvent-assisted synthesis of luminescent nitrogen-doped carbon dots from chitin and their photocatalytic application in decolourizing malachite green

Luminescent carbon dots (CDs) are emerging carbon nanomaterials whose tunable and exceptional optoelectronic properties have found applications as alternatives to traditional fluorophores and metal-based catalysts. Further, they can be easily prepared from biomass and using green solvents. Biomass sources of CDs, however, often result in the formation of thousands of products, which are difficult to separate. In this study, CDs were synthesized using a urea–choline chloride deep eutectic solvent and shrimp shell-derived chitin as raw materials through a low-temperature solvothermal treatment. This was followed by a facile liquid–liquid extraction with acetone to improve the optical properties and narrow the size distribution of the CDs. The acetone-extracted CDs (ACDs) showed good performance in photocatalytic degradation of the aquatic pollutant, malachite green. They also show good potential in monitoring various toxic water pollutants through the quenching effect of selected pesticides, antibiotics, heavy metals, and anions on the fluorescence of ACDs.

Abstract 979: Development of a methylation-based classifier to identify pancreatic adenocarcinoma subtype

Abstract Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) demonstrates variable prognosis and response to first-line FOLFIRINOX therapy depending on molecular subtype; patients with classical tumors showed a greater response compared to basal-like tumors. Identifying molecular subtype may inform treatment approaches, but current subtyping schemas rely on tumor biopsies which are invasive and can be technically challenging. Blood based epigenetic assays are commercially available, and identification of subtype-associated epigenetic modifications may provide a path toward blood-based PDAC molecular subtyping. We analyzed methylation levels and developed a subtype classifier using methylation data on PDAC tumors. Using this classifier, we then developed a methylation-specific qPCR assay to subtype PDAC tumors by analyzing methylation at particular sites in tumor DNA which may now be further adapted to more facile liquid biopsy approaches. Methods: Using methylation data (n=150) from TCGA PAAD, we applied a random forest (RF) model followed by a k-Top Scoring Pairs (k-TSP) algorithm to develop a methylation site-based classifier that allows prediction of subtype by comparing methylation levels between paired sites. The classifier was validated on two independent datasets, including ICGC (n=82) and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) (n=21). We designed methylation-specific qPCR primers for these sites and validated their specificity with fully methylated or fully unmethylated DNA. Using genomic DNA extracted from 10 PDAC PDXs of known molecular subtype, we obtained methylation levels at sites identified by the classifier via a SYBR Green-based qPCR assay. We then used our classifier to predict subtype of the PDX tumors. Results: We validated our RF-kTSP methylation subtype classifier on two independent cohorts and predicted subtype using 20 methylation sites. In ICGC, we found balanced accuracy=0.94, AUROC=0.98, AU-PR=0.89. In PDX PDAC tumors, we found balanced accuracy=1, AUROC=1, AU-PR=1. We designed 14/20 primers for qPCR and confirmed specificity for methylated DNA. Using 14/20 methylation sites, we achieved 80% correct subtype prediction of 10 PDX tumors (5/5 basal-like, 3/5 classical). Conclusion: We have developed a methylation-based classifier that accurately and replicably predicts PDAC subtype. We continue to develop a qPCR assay for PDAC subtype that so far has 80% accuracy using 14/20 probes. We are completing validation of the remaining 6 primers and correlating methylation levels at each site with those obtained from EPIC array methylation analysis. The long-term goal is to apply our complete set of primers in a digital droplet PCR assay that will be amenable for subtyping using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Citation Format: Zachary Schrank, Des Weighill, Hannah Thel, Hannah Trembath, Ashley Morrison, Jen Jen Yeh. Development of a methylation-based classifier to identify pancreatic adenocarcinoma subtype [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 979.

Ionic Liquid Passivation for High‐Performance Sky‐Blue Quasi‐2D Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes

AbstractGreat progress has been made in high‐performance perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). However, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of blue PeLEDs still lags. Particularly, defects are inevitable in solution‐processed perovskite films, which inhibit the efficient radiative recombination in blue PeLEDs. Herein, a facile ionic liquid (IL, 1,3‐dimethyl‐3‐imidazolium hexafluorophosphate) post‐treatment on the as‐fabricated quasi‐2D perovskite film is reported, to passivate the uncoordinated Pb through the strong interaction with IL. The IL‐assisted perovskite film demonstrates a great enhancement of radiative recombination efficiency, and the photoluminescence quantum yield of the film increases from 35.7% to 74.6%. IL post‐treatment also adjusts the energy level of perovskite film and enhances the hole injection in PeLED. As a result, the peak EQE of the sky‐blue quasi‐2D PeLED is improved from 4.0% to 9.0%, while the turn‐on voltage is reduced from 3.3 to 3.0 V. This work contributes to a feasible and effective approach for improving the quality of blue quasi‐2D perovskites and enhancing the efficiency of blue PeLEDs.

Integrated Sustainable Management of Petrochemical Industrial Air Pollution.

The emission inventory, emission factor, and spatial concentration distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a petrochemical industry (aromatics plant) were intensively evaluated in this study to elucidate the potential sources of BTX emission and their contribution to ambient concentrations. Five emission groups were quantified through direct measurement and emission models. These data were then used as input for the AERMOD dispersion model for the source apportionment analysis. The source to ambient contribution analysis revealed that a wastewater treatment facility and organic liquid storage tank were major contributors accounting for about 20.6-88.4% and 10.3-75.4% to BTX environmental concentrations, respectively. The highest annual ambient concentrations of benzene (B), toluene (T), and xylenes (X) were predicted as 9.0, 2.8, and 57.9 µg/m3 at the fence line of the plant boundary, respectively. These findings assist policymakers in prioritizing the appropriate control measures to the right source by considering not just the amount released but also their contribution to ambient concentrations. This study suggested that the wastewater treatment unit should be changed to the closed system which will benefit reduction in its emission (45.05%) as well as effectively minimizing ambient VOC concentration by 49.96% compared to its normal operation.

SbI3·3S8: A Novel Promising Inorganic Adducts Crystal for Second Harmonic Generation.

In the past twenty years, the basic investigation of innovative Non-Linear Optical (NLO) crystals has received significant attention, which has built the crucial heritage for the use of NLO materials. Fundamental research is essential given the scarcity of materials for NLO compounds, especially in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) and middle- and far-infrared (MFIR) regions. In the present work, we synthesized high-quality MFIR SbI3·3S8 NLO crystals having a length in the range of 1-5 mm through rapid facile liquid phase ultrasonic reaction followed by the assistance of instantaneous natural evaporation phenomenon of the solvent at room temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results ratify the hexagonal R3m structure of SbI3·3S8 crystal, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) demonstrates that the elemental composition of SbI3·3S8 crystal is similar to that of its theoretical composition. The direct and indirect forbidden energy gaps of SbI3·3S8 were measured from the optical transmittance spectra and they were shown to be 2.893 eV and 1.986 eV, respectively. The green sparkling signal has been observed from the crystal during the second harmonic generation (SHG) experiment. Therefore, as inorganic adducts are often explored as NLO crystals, this work on the MFIR SbI3·3S8 NLO crystal can bring about additional investigations on this hot topic in the near future.