High Transport Capacity Research Articles

Atomic-level design of biomimetic iron-sulfur clusters for biocatalysis.

Designing biomimetic materials with high activity and customized biological functions by mimicking the central structure of biomolecules has become an important avenue for the development of medical materials. As an essential electron carrier, the iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters have the advantages of simple structure and high electron transport capacity. To rationally design and accurately construct functional materials, it is crucial to clarify the electronic structure and conformational relationships of Fe-S clusters. However, due to the complex catalytic mechanism and synthetic process in vitro, it is hard to reveal the structure-activity relationship of Fe-S clusters accurately. This review introduces the main structural types of Fe-S clusters and their catalytic mechanisms first. Then, several typical structural design strategies of biomimetic Fe-S clusters are systematically introduced. Furthermore, the development of Fe-S clusters in the biocatalytic field is enumerated, including tumor treatment, antibacterial, virus inhibition and plant photoprotection. Finally, the problems and development directions of Fe-S clusters are summarized. This review aims to guide people to accurately understand and regulate the electronic structure of Fe-S at the atomic level, which is of great significance for designing biomimetic materials with specific functions and expanding their applications in biocatalysis.

Cocross-Linked Nanofibrous Separator with High Ion Transport Capacity for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Cocross-Linked Nanofibrous Separator with High Ion Transport Capacity for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Achieving Non-Interfacial Blocking Zinc Ion Transport Based on MOF Derived Manganese Oxides and Amorphous Carbon Hybrid Materials.

How to coordinate electron and ion transport behavior across scales and interfaces within ion battery electrodes? The exponential increase in surface area observed in nanoscale electrode materials results in an incomprehensibly vast spatial interval. Herein, to address the problems of volume expansion, dissolution of cathode material, and the charge accumulation problem existing in manganiferous materials for zinc ion batteries, metal organic framework is utilized to form the architecture of non-interfacial blocking ~10 nm Mn2O3 nanoparticles and amorphous carbon hybrid electrode materials, demonstrating a high specific capacity of 361 mAh g-1 (0.1 A g-1), and excellent cycle stability of 105 mAh g-1 after 2000 cycles under 1 A g-1. The uniform and non-separated disposition of Mn and C atoms constitutes an interconnected network with high electronic and ionic conductivity, minimizing issues like structural collapse and volume expansion of the electrode material during cycling. The cooperative insert mechanism of H+ and Zn2+ are analyzed via ex-situ XRD and in-situ Raman tests. The model battery is assembled to present practical possibilities. The results indicate that MOF-derived carbonization provides an effective strategy for exploring Mn-based electrode materials with high ion and electron transport capacity.

Helical Ni‐Cluster Organic Framework Constructed from Enantiopure Lactate Derivative: Synthesis, Structure and Properties

AbstractUnder hydrothermal condition, lactate derivative (R)‐4‐(1‐ carboxyethoxy)‐2‐methylbenzoic acid ((R)‐H2cma) as chiral synthon assembled with 4,4′‐di(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)‐1,1′‐biphenyl (4,4’‐dib) and Ni(II) ions to obtain complex {[Ni2((R)‐cma)2(4,4’‐dib)2(H2O)] ⋅ 2H2O}n (HU20‐R). In complex HU20‐R, carboxyl group from lactate unit of (R)‐cma2− anion and coordinating H2O molecule adopt a μ2‐coordination mode to obtain dinuclear [Ni2(CO2)2(H2O)]2+ cluster. (R)‐cma2− anions and Ni(II) ions build single left‐handed (R)‐cma‐Ni‐chain, while 4,4’‐dib ligands are bridged by different Ni(II) centers to form double left‐handed 4,4’‐dib‐Ni‐chain. These helical secondary structures are further connected together to result in an 8‐connected 3D framework. PXRD tests indicated that complex HU20‐R has well hydro‐stability. UV‐vis absorption experiment confirmed that HU20‐R is a semi‐conducting material with strong absorption capacity for ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) light. Additionally, electrochemical experiment revealed that HU20‐R has low impedance and high charge transport capacity. Further test results confirm that HU20‐R has noticeable photo‐catalytic effect in photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and antiferromagnetic property.

Road Junction Throughput Testing in Transport Logistics—Slovak Case Study

The development of motoring and the ever-increasing traffic load on roads results in congestion and the collapse of traffic in weak places, which, due to their existing construction solution and traffic organization, cannot cover the current and forecasted requirements of carriers. The aim of this article is to present a proposal for a procedure of adjusting the organization of transport, based on our own research and scientific methods of traffic forecasting. The authors work with the hypothesis that there are possibilities of rebuilding weak points in the existing network of overland roads into transport hubs with a higher transport capacity that will cover the requirements of transporters. In this article, the authors emphasize that the basis of the search for an optimal solution to the change in traffic remains the development of calculation methods and consideration of the specific traffic conditions occurring in the given country. Using the example of a case study within the Slovak Republic, we present a proposal for calculation methods based on European standards, which can be used practically without changes in every EU member country. This case study deals with the proposal to transform an uncontrolled four-way intersection into a roundabout. The authors carried out extensive transport research, and on the basis of data analysis, proposed construction and traffic-operational modifications of the existing junction in order to fulfil customer requirements in transport logistics. The proposed solution was verified alternatively with regard to the planned construction of a motorway section near the assessed intersection. When designing the calculation methods, we used our own experimental measurements directly in the area and also included in the calculation methods calculations regarding the capacity of turbo intersections, which are not yet addressed by the technical regulations in the SR environment.

Insights into the photoreactivity mechanisms of micro-sized rubber particles with different structure: The crucial role of reactive oxygen species and released dissolved organic matter

Micro-sized rubber particles (MRPs), as a significant component of tire wear particles (TWPs), increasingly garnered attention due to the potential ecological risks. However, the impact of photoaging of MRPs and the characteristics of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from MRPs on the photoreactivity of co-existing pollutants is remain unclear. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study selected MRPs with different structure including butadiene rubber (BR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and took tetracycline (TC) as the target pollutant to firstly study potential effects of structural characteristics and active components of MRPs on TC photodegradation process under simulated sunlight irradiation. The results indicated that BR, NBR and SBR enhanced TC photodegradation to varying extents, with SBR having the most pronounced effect. This effect was attributed mainly to the high electron transport capacity and the generation of more triple excited DOM (3DOM*) of SBR, thereby producing more active species (•OH and 1O2) and significantly promoting TC photodegradation. Additionally, the unsaturated bonds and aromatic groups in MRPs-DOM was identified as another crucial factor influencing their photoreactivity. This study will provide a new perspective for understanding the potential ecological effects between MRPs and co-existing pollutants in the natural environment.

Astrocytes modulate brain phosphate homeostasis via polarized distribution of phosphate uptake transporter PiT2 and exporter XPR1

Aberrant inorganic phosphate (Pi) homeostasis causes brain calcification and aggravates neurodegeneration, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we found that primary familial brain calcification (PFBC)-associated Pi transporter genes Pit2 and Xpr1 were highly expressed in astrocytes, with importer PiT2 distributed over the entire astrocyte processes and exporter XPR1 localized to astrocyte end-feet on blood vessels. This polarized PiT2 and XPR1 distribution endowed astrocyte with Pi transport capacity competent for brain Pi homeostasis, which was disrupted in mice with astrocyte-specific knockout (KO) of either Pit2 or Xpr1. Moreover, we found that Pi uptake by PiT2, and its facilitation by PFBC-associated galactosidase MYORG, were required for the high Pi transport capacity of astrocytes. Finally, brain calcification was suppressed by astrocyte-specific PiT2 re-expression in Pit2-KO mice. Thus, astrocyte-mediated Pi transport is pivotal for brain Pi homeostasis, and elevating astrocytic Pi transporter function represents a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing brain calcification.

Primjena tehničkog tekstila u sportu

Textile materials are used in all kinds of sports as sportswear in the form of shorts, T- shirts, tracksuits, swimwear, compression garments etc. Except for making clothes, textiles are used as an integral part of sports equipment or part of sports footwear. Also, technical textiles are widely used for production of sports accessories to provide additional comfort, support, and functionality. The application of textile composites in sports equipment has proven to be very useful, not only for improving overall performance but also in controlling every possible feature, leading to safer and fairer sports.Sports textile is a growing industry and participates with 7.3 % in the global technical textiles market. Generally, textile materials used in sportswear have high heat and moisture transport capacity, lightweight, fast-drying capacity, and elasticity. These materials also have superior strength and durability. The latest textile materials used to make sportswear have different functional properties in order to meet the specific requirements in various sports activities. Consumption of textile materials in sports has increased significantly in the last few decades. This is due to the growing interest of the world population in sports and fitness activities, coupled with growing awareness of the importance of active lifestyles, drives demand for sportswear and equipment.

Structural and Physiochemical Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Succinoglycan Biodegradable Films.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-bacterial succinoglycan (SG) biodegradable films were developed through a solvent-casting method. Effects of the PVA/SG ratio on the thickness, transmittance, water holding capacity, and structural and mechanical properties were investigated by various analytical methods. All the prepared films were transparent and uniform, and XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed that PVA was successfully incorporated into SG. The films also showed excellent UV-blocking ability: up to close to 80% with increasing SG concentration. The formation of effective intermolecular interactions between these polymers was evidenced by their high tensile strength and moisture transport capacity. By measuring the biodegradation rate, it was confirmed that films with high SG content showed the fastest biodegradation rate over 5 days. These results confirm that PVA/SG films are eco-friendly, with both excellent biodegradability and effective UV-blocking ability, suggesting the possibility of industrial applications as a packaging material in various fields in the future.

Association of the electrical parameters and photosynthetic characteristics of the tea tree manifests its response to simulated karst drought

ABSTRACT Tea plantations in Karst regions suffer from the serious effects of frequent temporary karst droughts, leading to a decline in tea production and quality in the region. The close relationship between growth and electrical parameters of plants, including physiological capacitance, resistance and impedance, can be used to accurately monitor their plant water status online, quickly, accurately, timely and nondestructively. In this study, three tea tree cultivars of Zhonghuang No.2 (ZH), Wuniuzao (WNZ), and Longjing 43 (LJ) with different levels of drought resistance were selected as experimental materials, and experiments were carried out under controlled conditions according to control (soil water content of 40–45%, D0), (keeping D0 no watering to 5 days, D5), (keeping D0 no watering to 10 days, D10), (the first day after D10 is rehydrated to D0 is regarded as R1) and (the fifth day after D10 rehydration to D0 is regarded as R5), to determine intracellular water metabolism and nutrient translocation characteristics based on intrinsic electrical parameters. The photosynthetic characteristics and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were also determined to investigate the response of water metabolism to simulated karst drought in the three tea tree cultivars. The results indicated that the water metabolism patterns responded to environmental water changes with a medium water-holding capacity, medium water transport rate, and low water-use efficiency, and the nutrient patterns in those tea tree varieties demonstrated with a high nutrient flux per unit area, low nutrient transfer rate, and high nutrient transport capacity. After rehydration, only the electrical characteristics of WNZ returned to the D0 levels, but the net photosynthetic rate of all varieties returned to or even exceeded the D0 levels. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters could not be used to characterize the recoverability of metabolism in tea trees. The electrical characteristics quickly reflected the response of the water metabolism in plants to environmental changes, and the fusion of electrical characteristics and photosynthetic characteristics was able to more quickly, accurately, and comprehensively reflect the response of water metabolism to temporary karst drought.

In situ co-growth LiF-Li3N rich dual-protective layers enable high interface stability for solid-state lithium-metal batteries

Lithium metal anodes hold promise for next-generation high-energy-density batteries. However, serious dendrite formation and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) impede their practical implementation. Herein, a novel gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) integrated design is exploited to in situ co-growth Li3N and LiF rich SEI by improving electron transfer kinetics and enhancing mechanical properties. Specifically, a polyethylene glycol diacrylate is used as GPE matrix to form a robust crosslinked network. Meanwhile, the high electron transport capacity of acrylonitrile promotes the generation of Li3N. The polyfluorinated polymer introduction boosts electron transfer kinetics, facilitating C-F bond cleavage to form LiF. Finally, the in situ co-growth Li3N and LiF rich dual-protective SEI is constructed, which regulates the ion flux and achieves dendrite-free lithium deposition. Impressively, the SEI treated symmetrical cell demonstrates excellent plating/stripping cycling for 1000 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 with notably reduced overpotentials (50 mV). Moreover, the obtained GEL@F matched with LiFePO4 displays good cycling stability over 400 cycles with 91.8 % capacity retention at 1 C. Concurrently, paired with LiCoO2 drives a good capacity retention of over 82.8 % after 200 cycles. This study introduces a rational SEI design from the structural composition of GPE to optimize the chemical activity/physical properties of lithium metal interfaces.

Ontogenesis and variation of wood ‘parenchymatization’ in Cochlospermum vitifolium (Bixaceae)

Summary Axial parenchyma proliferation (non-lignified parenchyma) in wood has been characterized for only a few species. In the present study, we characterized the proliferation, ontogeny, and seasonal variation of wood axial parenchyma in Cochlospermum vitifolium (Bixaceae). This study included material from natural populations from different sites in Mexico. We analyzed the wood anatomy and development in stems of different ages, and monthly sampling of the main stem during the growing season. The results show that the wood anatomy of C. vitifolium is characterized by features associated with efficient water transport, such as wide vessels and low vessel frequency. The wood has a high storage and radial transport capacity. Axial parenchyma is abundant and constitutes the main cell type of the wood. Rays are wide and tall with a high starch content. Ontogenetic development of the wood showed that non-lignified axial parenchyma differentiates after secondary growth has been established. Parenchyma proliferation does not occur in an axially orderly fashion and the results suggest that there is a relationship between maximum proliferation and precipitation. We found high variation in wood parenchymatization between trees. The maximum parenchymatization and succulence was found in trees with larger stem diameter. The ecological and ontogenetic implications of wood parenchymatization are discussed.

Sglt2-independent effects of gliflozins on proximal tubule function

Background: Beyond glycemic control, Sglt2 inhibitors (Sglt2i) have protective effects on renal function. Sglt2i-mediated reductions in Na+ reabsorption have been suggested to protect PT cells from damage. The mechanisms responsible for renoprotection are unknown and have been suggested to involve inhibition of NHE3 leading to reduced ATP-dependent tubular workload and mitochondrial oxygen consumption. NHE3 activity is also important for regulation of endosomal pH, and the effects of Sglt2i on endocytic function are unknown. Aim of this study: to dissect the direct and immediate effects of SGLT2i on PT cell functions using opossum kidney (OK) PT cells, which represents a powerful physiologically-relevant system model. Methods: We tested the direct effects of Sglt2i on Na+-dependent fluid transport and endocytic uptake in a highly differentiated cell culture model that recapitulates the morphology, metabolism, and high endocytic and transport capacity of PT cells in vivo. The effect of gliflozins on albumin uptake and on fluid transport was quantified in OK PT cells. The effect of canagliflozin vs the NHE3 inhibitor S3226 on early endosome pH in OK cells was measured using fluorescence ratio imaging. Effects of gliflozins, NHE3 inhibitors, and AMPK pathway perturbants were determined by immunoblotting. 10 week-old male C57BL/6 mice were given canagliflozin or empagliflozin by oral gavage daily following vehicle gavage. Urine was collected via metabolic cages at baseline and after 24 h and 48h. Creatinine and albumin were measured by ELISA. Results: Canagliflozin but not empagliflozin reduced fluid transport across cell monolayers and inhibited endocytic uptake of albumin. These effects were independent of glucose and occurred at clinically relevant concentrations of drug. Canagliflozin did not affect endosomal pH, and albumin uptake was further reduced when added together with the selective NHE3 inhibitor S3226. Additionally, canagliflozin did not alter NHE3 phosphorylation when added alone, but prevented the reduction in phosphorylation caused by the selective NHE3 inhibitor S3226. Mice given a single dose of canagliflozin excreted twice as much urine over 24 h compared with empagliflozin-treated animals, suggesting that off-target effects of canagliflozin contribute significantly to reduced Na+-dependent fluid transport in vivo. Conclusions: Canagliflozin reduces fluid transport and albumin uptake in PT cells via effects on mitochondrial function upstream of the AMPK/mTOR axis. Sglt2i-mediated reductions in Na+-dependent fluid transport in the PT are secondary to reduced mitochondrial function and are not NHE3-specific. ASN Pre-doctoral fellowship Award, National Institutes of Health: R01 DK118726, R01 DK125049, S10 OD021627, Dialysis Clinic Inc. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Interface-Targeting Carrier-Catalytic Integrated Design Contributing to Lithium Dihalide-Rich SEI toward High Interface Stability for Long-Life Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries.

The generation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) largely determines the comprehensive performance of all-solid-state batteries. Herein, a novel "carrier-catalytic" integrated design is strategically exploited to in situ construct a stable LiF-LiBr rich SEI by improving the electron transfer kinetics to accelerate the bond-breaking dynamics. Specifically, the high electron transport capacity of Br-TPOM skeleton increases the polarity of C-Br, thus promoting the generation of LiBr. Then, the enhancement of electron transfer kinetics further promotes the fracture of C-F from TFSI- to form LiF. Finally, the stable and homogeneous artificial-SEI with enriched lithium dihalide is constructed through the in situ co-growth mechanism of LiF and LiBr, which facilitatse the Li-ion transport kinetics and regulates the lithium deposition behavior. Impressively, the PEO-Br-TPOM paired with LiFePO4 delivers ultra-long cycling stability over 1000 cycles with 81 % capacity retention at 1 C while the pouch cells possess 88 % superior capacity retention after 550 cycles with initial discharge capacity of 145 mAh g-1at 0.2 C in the absence of external pressure. Even under stringent conditions, the practical pouch cells possess the practical capacity with stable electric quantities plateau in 30 cycles demonstrates its application potential in energy storage field.

Interface‐Targeting Carrier‐Catalytic Integrated Design Contributing to Lithium Dihalide‐Rich SEI toward High Interface Stability for Long‐Life Solid‐State Lithium‐Metal Batteries

AbstractThe generation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) largely determines the comprehensive performance of all‐solid‐state batteries. Herein, a novel “carrier‐catalytic” integrated design is strategically exploited to in situ construct a stable LiF‐LiBr rich SEI by improving the electron transfer kinetics to accelerate the bond‐breaking dynamics. Specifically, the high electron transport capacity of Br‐TPOM skeleton increases the polarity of C−Br, thus promoting the generation of LiBr. Then, the enhancement of electron transfer kinetics further promotes the fracture of C−F from TFSI− to form LiF. Finally, the stable and homogeneous artificial‐SEI with enriched lithium dihalide is constructed through the in situ co‐growth mechanism of LiF and LiBr, which facilitatse the Li‐ion transport kinetics and regulates the lithium deposition behavior. Impressively, the PEO‐Br‐TPOM paired with LiFePO4 delivers ultra‐long cycling stability over 1000 cycles with 81 % capacity retention at 1 C while the pouch cells possess 88 % superior capacity retention after 550 cycles with initial discharge capacity of 145 mAh g−1at 0.2 C in the absence of external pressure. Even under stringent conditions, the practical pouch cells possess the practical capacity with stable electric quantities plateau in 30 cycles demonstrates its application potential in energy storage field.

Tree species differ in plant economic spectrum traits in the tropical dry forest of Mexico.

In tropical dry forests, studies on wood anatomical traits have concentrated mainly on variations in vessel diameter and frequency. Recent research suggests that parenchyma and fibers also play an important role in water conduction and in xylem hydraulic safety. However, these relationships are not fully understood, and wood trait variation among different functional profiles as well as their variation under different water availability scenarios have been little studied. In this work, we aim to (1) characterize a set of wood anatomical traits among six selected tree species that represent the economic spectrum of tropical dry forests, (2) assess the variation in these traits under three different rainfall regimes, and (3) determine the relationships between wood anatomical traits and possible functional trade-offs. Differences among species and sites in wood traits were explored. Linear mixed models were fitted, and model comparison was performed. Most variation occurred among species along the economic spectrum. Obligate deciduous, low wood density species were characterized by wood with wide vessels and low frequency, suggesting high water transport capacity but sensitivity to drought. Moreover, high cell fractions of carbon and water storage were also found in these tree species related to the occurrence of abundant parenchyma or septate fibers. Contrary to what most studies show, Cochlospermum vitifolium, a succulent tree species, presented the greatest variation in wood traits. Facultative deciduous, high wood density species were characterized by a sturdy vascular system that may favor resistance to cavitation and low reserve storage. Contrary to our expectations, variation among the rainfall regimes was generally low in all species and was mostly related to vessel traits, while fiber and parenchyma traits presented little variation among species. Strong functional associations between wood anatomical traits and functional trade-offs were found for the six tree species studied along the economic spectrum of tropical dry forests.

Copper sulfides (Cu7S4) nanowires with Ag anchored in N-doped carbon layers optimize interfacial charge transfer for rapid water sterilization

There are many methods of water disinfection, and how to realize low energy consumption, high efficiency and safety sterilization has always been a research hotspot. In this work, Cu7S4 nanowires were grown on copper foam, and coated with N-doped carbon layer and Ag particles, which not only improved the conductivity and local field enhancement regions of the material, but also improved the durability and mechanical stability of Cu7S4. DFT (Density functional theory) calculation shows that different kinds of N doping make the electron difference density and work function of the surrounding C different, which leads to high carrier transport capacity at the interface, and Ag anchored in N-doped carbon films can adsorb O2. The band gap of the material is 2.12 eV, and the material has the potential to generate superoxide anion under energy excitation. Under the condition of 6 V voltage and 1000 mL min−1 water flow rate, the long-term water filtration sterilization of high-concentration bacteria can be realized, and the removal efficiency can still reach 99% after 8 h continuous treatment. This work has great application prospects for the purification of highly polluted water in the future.

Dye-sensitized solar cells with efficiencies exceeding 10% engineered based on La2MnTiO6 double perovskite and MOF-derived Cr2O3/C nanocomposites in bi-layered photoanodes

To improve the photoanode performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), developing double-layered photoanodes have been proposed consisting of La2MnTiO6 + Cr2O3/C nanocomposites in diverse ratios to find the optimal amount. The (x%) La2MnTiO6 + (y%) Cr2O3/C nanocomposites were coated as the overlayer and TiO2 nanoparticles as the underlayer in photoelectrodes. La2MnTiO6, Cr2O3/C, and La2MnTiO6 + Cr2O3/C nanocomposites have been synthesized using sol-gel method, MIL-101(Cr), and hydrothermal method, respectively, and applied as effective light-absorbing photoelectrode layers on the top of TiO2 photoanode in DSSC and compared to TiO2 monolayer film. Numerous analyses and photocurrent density-voltage (J-V) plots were taken to evaluate nanocomposites characteristics. Because of superior light absorbing as well as light-scattering abilities, high amount of dye loading, porous surfaces with high electron transport capacity, and less electron-hole recombination at the 70%La2MnTiO6 + 30%Cr2O3/C film/TiO2/electrolyte interface, the champion cell based on TiO2/20% (70%La2MnTiO6 + 30%Cr2O3/C) photoanode showed a 2.19-fold higher power conversion efficiency (PCE = 9.00%) than the traditional TiO2 monolayer based photoanode (PCE = 4.11%). The amount of the 70%La2MnTiO6 + 30%Cr2O3/C composite loading in the second layer film on the TiO2 layer was also varied in photoanodes. By optimizing the percentage of composite loaded in the second layer, champion device with optimal TiO2/15% (70%La2MnTiO6 + 30%Cr2O3/C) nanocomposite unveiled the largest PCE = 10.07%, enhancing the PCE by about 11.8% and 145% in comparison with TiO2/20% (70%La2MnTiO6 + 30%Cr2O3/C) and monolayer TiO2 photoanodes, respectively.

N-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots Confined within Silica Nanochannels for Enhanced Electrochemical Detection of Doxorubicin.

Herein, we describe a fast and highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for doxorubicin (DOX) detection based on the indium tin oxide (ITO) modified with a binary material consisting of vertically-ordered mesoporous silica films (VMSFs) and N-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs). VMSFs, with high permeability and efficient molecular transport capacity, is attached to the ITO electrode via a rapid and controllable electrochemical method, which can serve as a solid template for the confinement of numerous NGQDs through facile electrophoresis. By virtue of the excellent charge transfer capacity, π-π and electrostatic preconcentration effects of NGQDs, as well as the electrostatic enrichment ability of VMSF, the presented NGQDs@VMSF/ITO shows amplified electrochemical signal towards DOX with a positive charge, resulting in good analytical performance in terms of a wide linear range (5 nM~0.1 μM and 0.1~1 μM), high sensitivity (30.4 μA μM-1), and a low limit of detection (0.5 nM). Moreover, due to the molecular sieving property of VMSF, the developed NGQDs@VMSF/ITO sensor has good selectivity and works well in human serum and urine samples, with recoveries of 97.0~109%, thus providing a simple and reliable method for the direct electrochemical analysis of DOX without complex sample pretreatment procedures.

Rational design and synthesis of bifunctional Dibenzo[g,p]chrysene-based conjugated microporous polymers for energy storage and visible light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The importance of conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) as active components in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is growing due to its intense ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption, potent fluorescence, and high carrier transport capacity, dibenzo[g,p]chrysene shows notable photophysical and electrical features. This is because CMPs have stiff molecular structures with large π-conjugation. In this section, we describe our approach and syntheses of three types of polymers for the first time to determine the reactivity of dibenzo[g,p]chrysene (TBN)-based CMPs for photocatalytic H2 evolution and energy storage applications. Three TBN-based CMPs, TBN-TBN (D-D), TBN-TBN-TPA (A-D), and TBN-TBN-BT (D-A), were synthesized via Sonogashira–Hagihara coupling. TBN-CMP materials were used as working electrodes for energy storage applications. The TBN-TBN-BT CMP demonstrated excellent capacity retention (98.2%) over 2000 cycles and high capacitor (130 F g−1) at 0.5 A g−1, in accordance with electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the hydrogen evolution rate (HER) results are in the following order 8452, 9800, and 3060 μmol g−1h−1 for TBN-TBN, TBN-TBN-TPA, and TBN-TBN-BT CMPs, respectively. These findings suggest that using TBN as an acceptor increases the number of active sites for proton reduction, thereby boosting the rate of H2 evolution.