Facile Process Research Articles

Thickness Variation of Conductive Polymer Coatings on Si Anodes for the Improved Cycling Stability in Full Pouch Cells.

Si-dominant anodes for Li-ion batteries provide very high gravimetric and volumetric capacity but suffer from low cycling stability due to an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). In this work, we improved the cycling performance of Si/NCM pouch cells by coating the Si anodes with the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) prior to cell assembly via an electropolymerization process. The thicknesses of the PEDOT coatings could be adjusted by a facile process parameter variation. Glow-discharge optical emission spectroscopy was used to determine the coating thicknesses on the electrodes prior to the cell assembly. During electrochemical testing, improvements were observed closely linked to the PEDOT coating thickness. Specifically, thinner PEDOT coatings exhibited a higher capacity retention and lower internal resistance in the corresponding pouch cells. For the thinnest coatings, the cell lifetime was 18% higher compared to that of uncoated Si anodes. Postmortem analyses via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy revealed a better-maintained microstructure and a chemically different SEI for the PEDOT-coated anodes.

One-pot synthesis of NiCo-phyllosilicate supported on zeolite for enhanced degradation of antibiotic contaminants

The overuse of antibiotics currently results in the presence of various antibiotics being detected in water bodies, which poses potential risks to human health and the environment. Therefore, it is highly significant to remove antibiotics from water. In this study, we developed novel rod-like NiCo-phyllosilicate hybrid catalysts on calcined natural zeolite (NiCo@C-zeolite) via a facile one-pot process. The presence of the zeolite served as both a silicon source and a support, maintaining a high specific surface area of the NiCo@C-zeolite. Remarkably, NiCo@C-zeolite exhibited outstanding catalytic performance in antibiotic degradation under PMS activation. Within just 5 min, the degradation rate of metronidazole (MNZ) reached 96.14%, ultimately achieving a final degradation rate of 99.28%. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of catalyst dosage, PMS dosage, MNZ concentration, initial pH value, and various inorganic anions on the degradation efficiency of MNZ. The results demonstrated that NiCo@C-zeolite displayed outstanding efficacy in degrading MNZ under diverse conditions and maintained a degradation rate of 94.86% at 60 min after three consecutive cycles of degradation. Free radical quenching experiments revealed that SO•− 4 played a significant role in the presence of NiCo@C-zeolite-PMS system. These findings indicate that the novel rod-like NiCo-phyllosilicate hybrid catalysts had excellent performance in antibiotic degradation.

Optimal hybrid layout of point and open‐path gas detectors in process facilities of natural gas stations

AbstractBecause open‐path gas detectors offer superior technical performance, leakage monitoring systems tend to use a hybrid layout of point and open‐path gas detectors. However, most research on the optimized layout of leakage monitoring has focused only on point gas detectors. In this paper, an optimization model for a hybrid layout of point and open‐path gas detectors was proposed considering the cost–benefit ratio and detection time. As the measured value of an open‐path gas detector is an integral concentration, a monitor line in the simulation was calculated via the approximate rectangle method. The results showed that the use of a multiobjective gas detector layout considering the cost–benefit ratio and an improved non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II) could optimize the layout of hybrid detectors. The hybrid layout was analyzed in a case study of process facilities at a natural gas station. As the number of detectors increased (safety investment), the proportion of open‐path gas detectors increased, improving both leakage monitoring performance and the cost–benefit ratio. Additionally, the layout of the point gas detectors was analyzed. A comparison of objective function values for detection time showed the superiority of the hybrid layout in our research.

Smart Handling of Biomedical Waste using Intelligent Deep Learning and IOT

Hospitals create an enormous volume of potentially hazardous trash. Currently, bandages, plastic papers, wasted pus, syringes, glucose drip bottles, other dangerous medical wastes, and containers are separated by hand, resulting in long-term health consequences such as tuberculosis, cancer, and infectious diseases. Rag pickers are currently responsible for the majority of waste separation. Efficient management of medical waste demands not only precise segregation but also real-time monitoring and notification systems to ensure timely intervention and optimized waste handling. This project proposes an integrated solution combining deep learning, image processing, Embedded Systems hardware and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Medical waste will be detected using the Deep Learning technique; A deep learning model is trained on a diverse dataset to classify medical waste items, and image processing techniques are utilized to enhance the accuracy of the classification process. This holistic approach offers an efficient and automated system for medical waste management integrating waste segregation, waste level monitoring, and timely notifications, thereby ensuring a sustainable and responsible waste management process in healthcare facilities.

Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Virus via Fiber-Optic and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Based Aptasensors

The development of rapid detection tools for viruses is vital for the prevention of pandemics and biothreats. Aptamers that target inactivated viruses are attractive for sensors due to their improved biosafety. Here, we evaluated a DNA aptamer (named as 6.9) that specifically binds to the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus with a low dissociation constant (KD = 9.6 nM) for the first time. Based on aptamer 6.9, we developed a fiber-optic evanescent wave (FOEW) biosensor. Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and the Cy5.5-tagged short complementary strand competitively bound with the aptamer immobilized on the surface of the sensor. The detection of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus was realized within six minutes with a limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) of 740 fg/mL. We also developed an electrochemical impedance aptasensor which exhibited an LOD of 5.1 fg/mL and high specificity. We further demonstrated that the LODs of the FOEW and electrochemical impedance aptasensors were, respectively, more than 1000 and 100,000 times lower than those of commercial colloidal gold test strips. We foresee that the facile aptamer isolation process and sensor design can be easily extended for the detection of other inactivated viruses.

Tailoring electrospun nanocomposite fibers of polylactic acid for seamless methylene blue dye adsorption applications.

The introduction of biopolymers, which are sustainable and green materials, desegregated nature's water purification proficiency with science and technology, opens a new sustainable methodology in water reclamation. In order to introduce an efficacious adsorbent system for MB dye-toxic pollutant, adsorption, providing robust mechanical properties and facile processability, a facile system was introduced via electrospinning utilizing polylactic acid (PLA) and Ti3C2Tx, viz., PMX. The addition of 3 wt.% Ti3C2Tx led to a 3-fold substantial augmentation in the uptake capacity of the membrane from 197.28 to 307 mg/g when the adsorbate concentration was 100 ppm. The adsorption followed a PSO behavior, proposing that the rate-limiting stage is chemisorption and data best fitted to Freundlich isotherm, indicating heterogeneous adsorption sites and multi-layer adsorption. Further, biodegradability was studied by simulating natural environmental conditions where the nanofibers exhibited 42-64% degradation after 270 days. Based on the result with PLA, it is anticipated that the prepared fibrous system will introduce a new perspective as a potential candidate for MB removal from wastewater, opening new directions toward the research and development in wastewater treatment with electrospun biopolymer fibers using waste PLA.

Sustainable chitosan derived 3D hierarchically porous carbon aerogel toward advanced infrared-radar compatibility

Simultaneously achieving infrared-radar compatibility in one material is an important challenge for multi-spectral compatible stealth technology. Chitosan-derived three-dimensional (3D) hierarchically porous carbon aerogel can effectively solve the problem. Inspired by floors-pillars concept, this work elaborately designed and successfully fabricated 3D skeletons consisted of two-dimensional (2D) sheets and one-dimensional (1D) struts. Benefiting from esterification and directional freeze drying method, the entire network could provide sufficient space for reducing thermal conductivity and motivating dipole polarization sites. Thanks to the facile calcination process, conductive components could be obtained, which guarantee low infrared (IR) emissivity and high conduction loss performance. In this work, the as-prepared carbon aerogel with ultra-low density of 0.005 g cm−3 exhibits superb infrared stealth property. It shows a low thermal conductivity coefficient of only 0.0933 W m−1 K−1. In addition, the heating rate of the upper surface is slow when placed on a heating platform of 60 °C. The relevant IR emissivity value is as low as 0.563 in 3–5 μm band and 0.432 in 8–14 μm band. Under relatively thin thicknesses, the prominent radar stealth performance including the optimum reflection loss value of −75.90 dB, the maximum effective bandwidth of 3.93 GHz, and the simulated radar cross section reduction value of 27.66 dB m2, can be obtained. This study not only introduces innovative design ideas but also offers technical approaches, facilitating further development in the realm of infrared-radar compatible stealth.

ANALYSIS OF PERCEPTION AND THE LEVEL OF USE OF IMPROVED PROCESSING AND STORAGE FACILITIES AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA.

This research was carried out to assess the perception and the level of use of improved processing and storage facilities among rural women in Kwara State. Specifically, the study described socio-economic characteristics of rural women, assessed the frequency of use and ascertained perception of women on the use of improved processing and storage facilities. A three stage sampling procedure was used to select 160 rural women from who data was collected using structured interview schedule. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Findings revealed that 60.6% were aged above 50years, 79.4% were married, 48.8% had no formal education while 62.5% were non-member of cooperative society. PPMC analysis between socio-economic characteristics and the use of improved processing/storage facilities among rural women indicated that level of formal education (p=0.002, r=0.240) and membership of agricultural society (p=003, r=0.237) showed positive significant relationship while age (p=0.000, r=-0.299) and marital status (p=0.000, r=-0.308) showed negative significant relationship at p<0.05 level of significance. The study concluded that women in the study area were low users of improved processing and storage facilities despite having favourable perception towards using them. It was therefore recommended that extension service should engage in training women and dissemination of affordable processing and storage technologies to the rural communities.

Utilizing poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate) as a reinforcing additive to produce high‐performance and biodegradable PBAT blends tailored for foaming applications

AbstractPoly(butylene‐adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) is recognized for its advantages as a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester. However, its application is often limited due to low strength and poor processability. In contrast, poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB) emerges as a fully biodegradable polyester characterized by high strength, excellent toughness, and facile processing. In this study, P4HB was employed to reinforce PBAT, and glycidyl methacrylate grafted onto poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB‐g‐GMA) was introduced as an effective compatibilizer to address their inherent incompatibility. The study explored the influence of P4HB‐g‐GMA content on the mechanical, thermal, morphological, and rheological properties of the blends. The findings revealed that P4HB‐g‐GMA significantly enhanced the compatibility, mechanical properties, and melt strength of PBAT/P4HB blends. Furthermore, various PBAT/P4HB foams were prepared through a batch foaming process, employing supercritical CO2 as a physical foaming agent. The volume expansion ratio and cell size of PBAT/P4HB foams increased with higher levels of the compatibilizer.

PSV-5 Influence of an oregano-based essential oil on growth performance and carcass traits of beef steers

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the influence of an oregano-based essential oil on growth performance, health outcomes, and carcass characteristics of yearling beef steers finished in an all-natural program. Single-sourced yearling steers [n = 128; initial body weight (BW) = 335 ± 7.98 kg] were allotted to 16 pens (n = 8 pens/treatment with 8 steers/pen). Steers were blocked by initial BW grouping in a Randomized Complete Block Design (n = 8 blocks total). Groups consisted of 1) control group fed no oregano-based essential oil product (CON) and 2) group fed 4 g/steer daily of By-O-Reg+ Beef (Advanced Ag Products, Canton, SD; OEO). Steers were individually weighed on d 0 (arrival), d 38, d 66, d 108, and d 149 for growth performance measures. Steers were transitioned from a 70% concentrate diet to a diet that contained 90% concentrate over 14 d and remained on the finishing diet until harvest on d 149. The finishing diet provided 1.37 Mcal/kg of NEg. Steers were evaluated daily for indications of disease or visible digestive disorders by a trained technician blinded to the treatments. Steers were fed until visually assessed to have 1.27 cm rib fat and were shipped for harvest at a commercial processing facility. Liver scores and hot carcass weights were recorded at the time of harvest and steer identity was maintained throughout the harvest process. Following an approximately 24 h chilling period, carcass data were recorded, and USDA Yield and Quality Grade were determined. Health outcomes were not influenced by dietary treatment (P ≥ 0.18). Inclusion of OEO did not influence (P ≥ 0.73) carcass-adjusted final BW, DMI, average daily gain (ADG), gain:feed, observed dietary NEm or NEg, observed-to-expected dietary NEm or NEg. In addition, no differences (P ≥ 0.30) were observed between treatment groups for hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, ribeye area, rib fat thickness, calculated yield grade, marbling score, estimated empty body fat percentage, or distribution of USDA Yield and Quality Grades. The OEO treatment tended (P = 0.11) to have a decreased percentage of normal liver scores compared with CON. Collectively, growth performance and carcass traits of yearling steers finished in an all-natural program in this experiment were not influenced by dietary inclusion of an oregano-based essential oil.

Mesophase pitch-based high performance carbon fiber production using coal extracts from mild direct coal liquefaction

Mild direct coal liquefaction (autogenous pressure, no catalyst, no H2 gas) of Springfield coal in fluid catalytic cracking decant oil is shown to effectively produce coal extract precursors to spinnable mesophase pitch. This work demonstrates that the coal extract can be thermally treated to obtain mesophase pitch in a facile one-step process, bypassing the production of an intermediate isotropic pitch. Furthermore, the presence of 25 wt.% coal in the initial slurry can increase the yield to mesophase pitch nearly twofold and yield to carbon fiber by approximately 70%. The coal extract-derived mesophase pitch was melt-spun and heat treated to produce carbon fiber with graphitic texture, high modulus (>400 GPa) and tensile strength up to 943 MPa. Overall, this work demonstrates that coal can be effectively utilized to markedly amplify the mesophase pitch and carbon fiber yield from fluid catalytic cracking decant oil by relatively simple processing, while conserving utility as a precursor to high performance carbon fiber and potentially other high value graphitic products.

MOF-derived yolk-shell CoN/Co-NC@SiO2 nanozyme with oxidase mimetic activities for colorimetric detection of glutathione

The development of nanozymes has garnered significant attention in biosensing applications owing to their exceptional catalytic properties and structural tunability. Herein, we present a yolk-shell nanozyme derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) featuring CoN/Co-NC@SiO2 architecture, exhibiting remarkable oxidase mimetic activities for colorimetric glutathione (GSH) detection. The synthesis involves a facile pyrolysis process of cobalt-based MOFs encapsulated within a silica shell, resulting in a unique yolk-shell nanostructure with CoN/Co-NC active sites. Yolk-shell CoN/Co-NC@SiO2 has been studied in detail as an oxidase and catalase-like nanozyme. In consideration of structural and composition modulation, including hydrophilic SiO2 shell, the unique cavity, a high specific surface area and dispersed active sites, the CoN/Co-NC@SiO2 was proposed for colorimetric detection of glutathione with its oxidase-like activities. Based on the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by CoN/Co-NC@SiO2, a wide linear detection range of 0.5–60 μM as well as a lower detection limit of 0.054 μM were obtained. Our research shows that optimizing structure and composition plays an important role in the construction of multiple-enzyme activity and offers bright potential applications of MOF-derived yolk-shell nanozymes in biosensing and medical diagnostics.

Rapidly chemical preparation of Mn doped ZnO nanostructures for photocatalysis efficiency based on UV light system and mechanism insights

Abstract Through a facile chemical precipitation process, pure zinc oxide (ZnO) and various ratio of Mn-doped zinc oxide (Zn1-xMnxO) nanostructured materials were synthesized. The degradation of an azo dye acid orange 2 (AO-2) solution under UV light was investigated using the synthesized materials as photocatalysts. XRD, FTIR, DLS, FESEM, EDS, PL, BET, magnetic, TGA and UV-vis techniques were used to elucidate the structural, functional, particle, elemental, morphological, and optical aspects of the catalysts. The XRD and FESEM analysis showed the hexagonal ZnO structure and spherical shape of the ZnO nano-photocatalyst, respectively. Under UV irradiation for 60 minutes, MZ-25 NPs demonstrated better degradation (100.0%) of AO-2 dye. The effect of various factors such as catalyst quantity, and pH of the dye solution on the rate removal was investigated. After 60 minutes of UV light irradiation, dye removal was obtained under ideal conditions (with catalyst loading of 3 mgL-1, and pH 4).

Long-term pilot study on advanced treatment of lake water by ultrafiltration / nanofiltration

Advanced water treatment technologies, including ozone biologically activated carbon adsorption (O3-BAC), ultrafiltration (UF), and nanofiltration (NF), are essential for enhancing drinking water quality. O3-BAC and UF excel in pathogen, virus, and by-product removal, while NF promises enhanced contaminant elimination for high-quality water. However, the implementation of combined UF/NF dual-membrane treatment processes in large-scale water treatment facilities using surface water sources like lakes remains relatively novel. The lack of long-term operational data is the main reason for the limited widespread adoption. To address this, two pilot systems were established: one comprising ‘O3-BAC + pressure-driven UF(I) + NF(I) (Route 1 at 6.4m3/h), and the other ‘immersed UF(II) + NF(II) (Route 2 at 3.2m3/h), undergoing a year-long evaluation. The trials showed that the dual-membrane systems were effective and resistant to interference. Notably, they achieved removal efficiencies exceeding 98 % for turbidity, UV254 absorbance, fluorescence substances, and algae, alongside significant reductions in odor (80 %) and total dissolved solids (TDS) by 30 %. Both membrane systems display promising performance and O3-BAC is recommended as a pretreatment process. Analysis revealed that the primary constituents of membrane fouling on the NF membranes are aluminum silicate, SiO2, CaCO3 particles, and organic pollutants, which are typically formed through interactions between calcium ions and dissolved organic matter (DOM). The most effective cleaning protocol involves acidic-alkaline treatments. This study provides valuable operational insights into advanced treatment processes using dual-membrane combinations for water treatment plants that rely on lake water sources.

Visualization of the rolling motion of spheres connected with a rubber band using an image processing technique

The traditional physics laboratory has adopted a photogate and polarized light to measure rotation motion in a fixed system, but they are not applicable to rolling objects. Computer vision has played an increasingly important role in image analysis. The popularization of mobile phones, cameras and computers makes it possible to measure the rotation of an object in a simple but nonintrusive way in a physics laboratory. A ‘tracker’ has been used to analyze the rotation motion of large objects, such as vehicle wheels, by recognizing the position of a marker. However, it is still challenging to precisely recognize the marker in a small object via simple algorithms in a physics laboratory. In this paper, we introduce a facile image processing technique to visualize the rotation and spin motion of spheres by marking it with two red and green semi-spheres. A basic formula of projection was derived to analyze the expression of spin angles with the projection area of the semi-sphere. The precision and suitability of the image processing technique was proven to be effective through comparison with the photogate measurement technique. The image processing technique has also been used to analyze the rotation and spin motion of two spheres bonded with a rubber band. It provides not only the trajectory of sphere centers, but the evolution of spin angles, orbit diameter and orbit angles of spheres. By analyzing the relationship between spin angles and orbit diameter, it is clear that the rubber band experienced typical transformations between three different phases (twist, coil and supercoil) until the energy was exhausted. The method offers valuable insights into rotational dynamics, showcasing its potential for practical applications in the physics laboratory and in educational contexts.

Effective Charge Collection of Electron Transport Layers for High-Performance Quantum Dot Infrared Solar Cells.

Infrared (IR) solar cells, capable of converting low-energy IR photons to electron-hole pairs, are promising optoelectronic devices by broadening the utilization range of the solar spectrum to the short-wavelength IR region. The emerging PbS colloidal quantum dot (QD) IR solar cells attract much attention due to their tunable band gaps in the IR region, potential multiple exciton generation, and facile solution processing. In PbS QD solar cells, ZnO is commonly utilized as an electron transport layer (ETL) to establish a depleted heterostructure with a QD photoactive layer. However, band gap shrinkage of large PbS QDs makes it necessary to tailor the behaviors of the ZnO ETL for efficient carrier extraction in the devices. Herein, the characteristics of ZnO ETL are efficiently and flexibly tailored to match the QD layer by handily adjusting the postannealing process of ZnO ETL. With a suitable temperature, the well-matched energy level alignment and suppressed trap states are simultaneously achieved in the ZnO ETL, effectively reducing the nonradiative recombination and accelerating the electron injection from the QD layer to ETL. As a consequence, a high-performance PbS QD photovoltaic device with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 10.09% and 1.37% is obtained under AM 1.5 and 1100 nm filtered solar illumination, demonstrating a simple and effective approach for achieving high-performance IR photoelectric devices.

Degradation of TCH by Fe3O4/B4C catalyzed heterogeneous Fenton oxidation

In this work, Fe3O4/B4C (FeB) composites were successfully prepared by a facile co-precipitation process. FeB composites were characterized using XRD, FTIR, N2 adsorption-desorption, XPS, etc techniques and then used as heterogeneous Fenton catalysts to activate green oxidant (H2O2) for the degradation of TCH. The removal efficiency of TCH by FeB composites was explored including different parameters of Fe3O4 loading on B4C, catalyst dosage, initial solution pH, H2O2 dosage, and reaction temperature. The highest photo-Fenton catalytic efficiency was obtained for the composites with a mass ratio of Fe3O4 to B4C of 1:0.75. At this time, the removal efficiency of Fe3O4/B4C was 2 times and 391 times that of the parent Fe3O4 and B4C, respectively, and B4C can effectively improve the efficiency of the Fenton cycle. h+, e-, and ·OH were mainly responsible for the degradation of TCH by Fe1B0.75 composites. After repeated use for five times, the removal efficiency of the catalyst was reduced by only 8.0%. The disparity in work functions by density functional theory calculations confirmed the formation of an internal electric field at the Fe3O4/B4C composites interface, which contributed the transfer of charge carriers between the Fe3O4 and B4C. Moreover, the FeB composite showed a high stability, indicating that FeB composites may be a promising heterogeneous catalyst.

A physicochemically reformed nanostructured graphene oxide-doped indium magnesium oxide film with enhanced electrical properties

Brush-coated graphene oxide (GO)-doped indium magnesium oxide (InMgO) films were produced in this study. The GO concentration was adjusted to 0, 5, and 15 wt%. The hybrid films were constructed using a one-step facile brush-coating process. The formed hybrid film had an oriented anisotropic morphology with a micro/nanogroove structure due to the shear stress induced by the brush hair movement. This anisotropic structure was used as a liquid crystal (LC) alignment layer. Polarized optical microscopy and pretilt angle analysis revealed the presence of a uniform and homogeneous LC alignment on the hybrid film. The film exhibited excellent light control with the LCs, as well as stable and high optical transmittance in the visible region. The GO doping of InMgO increased its polar anchoring energy and decreased its hysteresis characteristics for LC electronic device applications. These results demonstrate the potential of doping metal oxide films with GO and brush coating them for use in next-generation LC devices.

Development of ultrathin 2D layered titanate Pt/K2Ti4O9/rGO nanocomposites for enhanced visible active photocatalytic detoxification of harmful organic pollutants

In this work, different wt. % of rGO-loaded Pt-K2Ti4O9 (x = 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5wt.%) nanocomposites were prepared by a facile hydrothermal process and used for the degradation of two different dyes such as congo red (CR) methylene blue (MB) and tetracycline (TC) antibiotic solution under visible light illumination. The bare K2Ti4O9 (labeled as KTO) and the most active Pt-K2Ti4O9/5% rGO (labeled as Pt-KTO/5% rGO) composite catalysts were thoroughly characterized by XRD, FT-IR, Raman, XPS, FE-SEM with EDS, HR-TEM, UV-DRS, and PL analyses. The photocatalytic activity of Pt-KTO/5% rGO was remarkable compared to bare KTO and other rGO-supported catalysts. Pt-KTO/5% rGO composite photocatalyst showed enhanced photocatalytic degradation of 97%, 99%, & 99% for CR, MB & TC at 180, 120 and 180min, respectively. Mineralization of dyes (TOC of 85%, 87%, and COD of 76%, 79% for CR, MB) and antibiotics (TOC of 78% and COD of 69% for TC) was confirmed by chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) measurements. The Pt-KTO/5% rGO catalyst showing the highest activity also demonstrates recyclability. A suitable photocatalytic reaction mechanism has been proposed for the higher activity of Pt-KTO/rGO at neutral pH under visible light irradiation.

Antibacterial oxygen-sulfur terminal polymers from a facile initiator-strategy

Bacterial infection has become a long-term concern that seriously threatens human health. However, the application of conventional antibacterial materials in antibacterial treatment and infection prevention has been severely hindered due to their limitations such as complex synthesis, high cost, and high cytotoxicity. Therefore, developing a facile and cost-effective route to prepare high-performance antibacterial materials is of urgent need and significant importance. In this work, we for the first time reported that oxygen-sulfur terminal bonds possess excellent antibacterial properties, and the oxygen-sulfur terminal polymer (OSTP) can effectively kill bacteria when contacting and interacting with the bacteria. A universal and simple initiator strategy has been developed to fabricate OSTPs through a facile solution polymerization process. Via this approach, the PEGDA-APS OSTPs exhibited superfast and superior antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria while maintaining good hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility, outperforming many common antibacterial agents that usually require several hours of bacterial extinction. Moreover, it is demonstrated that OSTPs exhibited excellent antibacterial activity in a wide range of application situations, including textile, medicine, washing, food, and coating, as well as antibacterial hydrogels.