Morphological Structure Research Articles

Poly(HEMA-co-MMA) Hydrogel Scaffold for Tissue Engineering with Controllable Morphology and Mechanical Properties Through Self-Assembly

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) has been widely used in medical materials for several decades. However, the poor mechanical properties of this material have limited its application in the field of tissue engineering. The purpose of this study was to fabricate a scaffold with suitable mechanical properties and in vitro cell responses for soft tissue by using poly(HEMA-co-MMA) with various concentration ratios of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). To customize the concentration ratio of HEMA and MMA, the characteristics of the fabricated scaffold with various concentration ratios were investigated through structural morphology, FT-IR, mechanical property, and contact angle analyses. Moreover, in vitro cell responses were observed according to the various concentration ratios of HEMA and MMA. Consequently, various morphologies and pore sizes were observed by changing the HEMA and MMA ratio. The mechanical properties and contact angle of the fabricated scaffolds were measured according to the HEMA and MMA concentration ratio. The results were as follows: compressive maximum stress: 254.24–932.42 KPa; tensile maximum stress: 4.37–30.64 KPa; compressive modulus: 16.14–38.80 KPa; tensile modulus: 0.5–2 KPa; and contact angle: 36.89–74.74°. In terms of the in vitro cell response, the suitable cell adhesion and proliferation of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells were observed in the whole scaffold. Therefore, a synthetic hydrogel scaffold with enhanced mechanical properties and suitable fibroblast cell responses could be easily fabricated for use with soft tissue using a specific HEMA and MMA concentration ratio.

Porous biochar production from microwave pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse biomass with KOH addition

ABSTRACT Biomass-based porous carbons have diverse structures and typically exhibit good multifunctionality. Therefore, compared to direct combustion, using pyrolysis to convert agricultural waste into biochar is an environmentally friendly and effective treatment method. Preparing biomass-derived porous carbon materials (PCMs) through microwave is challenging, as biomass rarely absorbs microwave energy and necessitates the inclusion of additional microwave absorbers. In this study, a silicon carbide crucible was designed to simplify the microwave pyrolysis process, and sugarcane bagasse-based porous carbon (GZKM) was prepared using a microwave pyrolysis coupled with KOH activation method without adding additional microwave absorbers. A detailed study was conducted on the yield, surface morphology, and pore structure of biochar obtained from different temperatures (700, 750, 800, 850, and 900 °C) and different mass ratios of sugarcane bagasse to KOH (0, 4:1, 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2). The results indicated that as the pyrolysis temperature and KOH addition increased, the yield of biochar gradually decreased from a highest value of 31.41 wt% to a lowest value of 11.8 wt%. The specific surface area (SBET) of GZKM initially increased and then decreased with the increase in pyrolysis temperature and KOH mass, reaching a maximum value of 889.41 m2/g. The results of this study can provide guidance for the reuse of sugarcane bagasse and the preparation of porous biochar, and can also be applied in fields such as electrocatalysts, batteries, biomedical materials, and wastewater treatment.

Hollow glass microsphere/polybutadiene composites with low dielectric constant and ultralow dielectric loss in high‐frequency

AbstractHigh‐frequency dielectric materials have been widely and rapidly applied in areas such as automotive radar, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. Currently, the challenge in high‐frequency dielectric materials lies in reducing the dielectric constant (Dk) and dielectric loss (Df) without sacrificing its mechanical properties. This study addresses this challenge by introducing air, as the most common “low dielectric factor,” into the polymer matrix in the form of hollow glass microspheres. Meanwhile, the reactive vinyl groups were also introduced onto the surface of the hollow glass microspheres, enabling an interfacial chemical reaction between the side vinyl groups of polybutadiene and its surface so that the organic–inorganic interface compatibility and interface peel strength are simultaneously improved. Consequently, the minimum Dk of 1.29 and Df of 0.0012 in 3–18 GHz are achieved, and the interface peel strength also reaches 0.65 N/mm. Molecular dynamics simulations, analysis of dielectric properties, and interface peel strength reveal the influence of hollow glass microspheres' morphology and chemical structure on their high‐frequency dielectric performance and adhesive strength. This paper provides effective strategies for the structural design and preparation of high‐frequency, low‐dielectric composites, contributing to the further development of next‐generation microwave communication devices towards higher frequencies and faster information transmission.

Unravelling the Effect of Crystal Facet of Derived-Copper Catalysts on the Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide under Unified Mass Transport Condition.

Altering the physical structure and chemical property of copper, i.e., particle size, surface morphology, composition or crystal facet, has been demonstrated to be effective in steering the selectivity of products in electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. However, these modifications generally result in the change of active surface area, leading to differences in the geometric current density and local pH, which are also demonstrated to be the key factors for observed selectivity change. In this work, we deconvolute the effect of mass transport and local pH from the effect of crystal facet by investigating five copper-based catalysts with identical roughness factors for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in an H-cell. Interestingly, CuO-derived catalyst stands out as the best catalyst for C-C coupling. At -1.07 V vs. RHE, the faradaic efficiency of C2+ product reaches 44.3%, with a partial current density of -10.8 mA cm-2. Electrochemical adsorption of *OH reveals that the C2+ product selectivity of derived-copper catalysts correlates positively with the ratio of Cu(100)/Cu(110) of five catalysts. Additionally, in situ Raman spectroscopy reveals that the percentage of low-frequency band linear CO (LFB-CO), which is attributed to the adsorbed *CO on Cu(100) facet, increases with the C-C coupling efficiency.

Unravelling the Effect of Crystal Facet of Derived‐Copper Catalysts on the Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide under Unified Mass Transport Condition

Altering the physical structure and chemical property of copper, i.e., particle size, surface morphology, composition or crystal facet, has been demonstrated to be effective in steering the selectivity of products in electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. However, these modifications generally result in the change of active surface area, leading to differences in the geometric current density and local pH, which are also demonstrated to be the key factors for observed selectivity change. In this work, we deconvolute the effect of mass transport and local pH from the effect of crystal facet by investigating five copper‐based catalysts with identical roughness factors for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in an H‐cell. Interestingly, CuO‐derived catalyst stands out as the best catalyst for C‐C coupling. At ‐1.07 V vs. RHE, the faradaic efficiency of C2+ product reaches 44.3%, with a partial current density of ‐10.8 mA cm‐2. Electrochemical adsorption of *OH reveals that the C2+ product selectivity of derived‐copper catalysts correlates positively with the ratio of Cu(100)/Cu(110) of five catalysts. Additionally, in situ Raman spectroscopy reveals that the percentage of low‐frequency band linear CO (LFB‐CO), which is attributed to the adsorbed *CO on Cu(100) facet, increases with the C‐C coupling efficiency.

A Novel’s Evidence of MSG-Induced Craniofacial Defects in Chick Embryo Models

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), commonly used as an additive food enhancer, has been reported to have teratogenic effects on the embryo during development. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of MSG-induced teratogenicity, focusing on craniofacial formation in the chick embryo model. One hundred eighty fertilized eggs were divided into control and MSG groups. The chemicals were administered, and the results were investigated in 3-day-old embryos (ED-3), ED-6, and ED-10. The morphology and histology of craniofacial structures were studied using a stereomicroscope and light microscopy. The neural crest cells (NCCs) were investigated by the immunostaining technique. The results showed that a dose of 3 mg of MSG induced anterior neuropore opening and eye malformation in ED-3, and this was clearly demonstrated in ED-6. MSG also caused craniofacial bone malformation and delayed calcification in ED-10. Moreover, MSG induced apoptosis of NCCs and reduced the proliferation of NCCs in the craniofacial structures. These findings are the 1st report to demonstrate the teratogenicity of high doses of MSG-induced craniofacial defects in chick embryos during organogenesis. HIGHLIGHTS Monosodium glutamate exposure causes craniofacial defects in chick embryos. The functions of the neural crest cells were abrogated due to monosodium glutamate-induced teratogenesis, which led to birth defects. The experimental protocols benefit teratogenicity studies, and the results can be applied to future studies to elucidate the causes of birth defects during organogenesis. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Ce-Doped Iron Oxide Anticorrosive Coatings: Effect of c(Ce4+):c(Fe3+) Ratio on Structure, Morphology, and Coating Anticorrosion Performance

Utilizing hydrothermal methods, Ce-doped iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized from precursor solutions under different c(Ce4:c(Fe3+) precursor solutions. The effects of the c(Ce4+):c(Fe3+) ratio in the precursor solutions on the nanoparticle morphology and nanoparticle structure of the Ce-doped iron oxide were investigated using X-Ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to examine the bond energy strength of the Ce-doped iron oxide nanoparticles. The electrochemical properties of the Ce-doped iron oxide nanoparticles were tested using an electrochemical workstation and a saltwater immersion resistance test. The corrosion resistance of Ce-doped iron oxide coatings at different c(Ce4+):c(Fe3+) ratios was systematically analyzed, uncovering corrosion resistance mechanisms and self-healing capabilities. The results show that as the c(Ce4+):c(Fe3+) ratio decreases, the lattice constants of the samples increase along with the average grain size. Both smaller and larger c(Ce4+):c(Fe3+) ratios are detrimental to lattice distortion in α-Fe2O3. The reduced number of valence electrons provided by cerium ions in Ce-doped iron oxide hinders the generation of holes and exerts a minor influence on the crystal band structure, leading to weaker electrochemical stability. The Ce-doped iron oxide coating prepared at a c(Ce4+):c(Fe3+) ratio of 1:60 readily generates a higher number of reactive hydroxyl radicals during corrosion, thus exhibiting enhanced self-healing capabilities and corrosion resistance.

Enhancing Sustainable Production of Biodiesel from Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge Oil Using Bio-Based Heterogeneous Catalyst

The swift exhaustion of natural oil reserves and worsening environmental issues have prompted the quest for an economical method to produce biofuels. The superiority of heterogeneous catalysis promotes the development of bio-based catalysts. Carbon materials prepared from agricultural and forestry biomass waste have good application prospects in catalysis. In the present study, Xanthoceras sorbifolia shell waste was used as the raw material, Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge Carbon (XC) was used as the catalyst carrier, and K2CO3 was used as the activator to prepare a heterogeneous catalyst (KXC). The heterogeneous catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis techniques to evaluate its chemical composition, structure, and physical morphology. EDS and XPS revealed the presence of K metal, which provided an alkaline site for the transesterification reaction to produce biodiesel. The biodiesel yield was observed by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GCMS). Under the reaction conditions of a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 12:1, a reaction time of 90 min, a temperature of 65 °C, and a catalyst loading of 4 wt.% using 25KXC-600-4, the yield of biodiesel can reach 95.13 ± 0.82%. After being repeated five times, the yield was still 58.11 ± 3.80%. The catalyst has no waste generation, and has the characteristics of simple preparation and environmental friendliness, which make it a green heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production.

Immunotherapy response induces divergent tertiary lymphoid structure morphologies in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are associated with improved response in solid tumors treated with immune checkpoint blockade, but understanding of the prognostic and predictive value of TLS and the circumstances of their resolution is incomplete. Here we show that in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy, high intratumoral TLS density at the time of surgery is associated with pathologic response and improved relapse-free survival. In areas of tumor regression, we identify a noncanonical involuted morphology of TLS marked by dispersion of the B cell follicle, persistence of a T cell zone enriched for T cell-mature dendritic cell interactions and increased expression of T cell memory markers. Collectively, these data suggest that TLS can serve as both a prognostic and predictive marker of response to immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma and that late-stage TLS may support T cell memory formation after elimination of a viable tumor.

Study on the morphological characteristics of coal particle flocs under fractal theory

Based on fractal theory, the geometric size, surface morphology, and spatial structure of flocs in the hydrophobic flocculation process of coal particles were examined via particle size distribution detection, image analysis technology, and numerical simulation. The floc size distribution curve was classified and discussed via the dual-domain fractal rule, and the variation law of the composition and distribution of the coarse- and fine-grained coal particle flocs with the flocculation process was clarified. The various levels and characteristics of the floc growth geometry were explained by the analysis of the fractal dimension of the individual floc surface and the multiple spectra of the floc groups in the metallographic microscopy image. The hydrophobic flocculation process of coal particles was simulated via the diffusion-limited cluster aggregation model. The gyration fractal dimension was used to examine floc fragmentation and reconstruction and clarify the growth law of the floc spatial structure during the hydrophobic flocculation process.

NEK4 modulates circadian fluctuations of emotional behaviors and synaptogenesis in male mice

GWASs have linked the 3p21.1 locus, which is associated with the expression levels of NEK4, to bipolar disorder. Here, we use integrative analyses of GWAS statistics and eQTL annotations to establish that elevated NEK4 expression in the hippocampus is associated with an increased risk of bipolar disorder. To further study this association, we generate transgenic male mice that conditionally overexpress NEK4 in the pyramidal neurons of the adult forebrain, or use AAV to overexpress NEK4 in the dorsal hippocampus. Compared to the control mice, male mice of both strains exhibit a shift from a diurnal anxiety state to a nocturnal normal or anxiolytic-like state. Overexpression of NEK4 also affects the circadian fluctuations in dendritic spine morphology and synaptic structure. Furthermore, we show that treatment with lithium ameliorates the effects of NEK4 overexpression in male mice. We then perform phosphoproteomic analyses to demonstrate that the diurnal and nocturnal phosphoproteomic profiles of male control and NEK4 overexpressing mice are different. These results suggest that male mice with different NEK4 expression levels may recapitulate some of the core features observed in patients with bipolar disorder, indicating that interruption of the homeostatic dynamics of synapses may underlie the emotional swings in bipolar disorder.

Comparative efficiency of Geotrichum candidum microcapsules prepared with alginate and in combination with other polymers: In vitro evaluation

Microencapsulation is utilized to protect probiotics, such as Geotrichum candidum, ensuring their survival, stability, and targeted release. The encapsulation efficiency depends on factors such as the type and concentration of the polymers and the encapsulation method. In this study, G. candidum was encapsulated using alginate (Alg) combined with starch (AlgS) or xanthan (Alg-X) and coated with chitosan aand chitosan nanoparticles (AlgC, Alg-S-C, Alg-X-C, Alg-CN, Alg-S-CN, and Alg-X-CN) using a simple extrusion technique. The structural characteristics and surface morphology of the microcapsules were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Encapsulation efficiency (EE) and pH and temperature tolerances were assessed using in vitro assays. SEM results showed that the Alg-CN microcapsules were notably spherical and smooth, in contrast to the irregular and rough textures of the uncoated forms. Notably, Alg-CN exhibited the highest EE (99.3 %), followed by Alg-C (96.6 %) and Alg-X-CN (96.03 %). Moreover, chitosan-coated microcapsules, particularly Alg-CN, demonstrated superior viability at various pH levels and after exposure to 60 °C, along with extended shelf life at room temperature and 4 °C. These findings suggest that a 2 % alginate and 0.4 % chitosan combination is optimal for preserving G. candidum's viability in various applications.

A long-term follow-up study of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) in a large cohort of patients with postsurgical gastroparesis.

Postoperative gastroparesis occurs after surgeries which affect the upper digestive tract. Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) is a treatment for postoperative gastroparesis. The present study boasts the long-term efficacy and safety of G-POEM in a large cohort of patients. Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERDQ) were utilized for the assessment of postsurgical gastroparesis symptoms. Gastroscope was used to observe the anastomotic site. Three-dimensional ultrasound was used to measure the morphological structure of the gastric antrum and pylorus tube. Gastric emptying time was calculated by analyzing the volume change of gastric antrum. Significant clinical effectiveness of G-POEM was observed. The GCSI score, including each subscale score, showed significant decrease after G-POEM. Before G-POEM, there was a negative correlation between GCSI score and the inner diameter of pylorus, as well as a positive correlation with the length of pyloric tube. The similar results were found in the scores of nausea/vomiting and postprandial fullness/early satiety subscales. No correlation was observed between GCSI score and the emptying time, nor between the emptying time and the parameters of antrum morphology. After G-POEM, no correlation was found between GCSI (including subscales) score, the emptying time, and the parameters of antrum morphology. Patients who exhibited as clinical non-responders often accompanied with GERD symptoms. After G-POEM, the score of GERDQ decreased significantly. Either before or after G-POEM, no correlation was noticed between GERDQ scores, the emptying time and the parameters of antrum morphology. The technique of G-POEM was demonstrated as a minimally invasive approach with the long-term efficacy and safety in therapying postoperative gastroparesis.

Immature stages of Pleuronota rufosquamosa (Fairmaire, 1893) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae), with notes on its biology

Pleuronota rufosquamosa (Fairmaire, 1893) is a little-known flower beetle from southern China and northern Vietnam, and due to taxonomic changes, the genus Pleuronota Kraatz, 1892 and the species became new records of China. Morphological characteristics of adults are redescribed. Descriptions of the 3rd instar larvae and pupae are also provided, and the morphological differences of the larvae are compared with four genera of the subtribe Taenioderina. All morphological structures are supplemented by photographs. The life history of P. rufosquamosa is briefly summarized based on field observation and artificial breeding.

Synthesis, structure characterization, and corrosion properties of duplex electroless Ni-P/Ni-B and Ni-P/Ni-B-W coatings on mild steel

This study investigates the formation of duplex electroless Ni-P/Ni-B and Ni-P/Ni-B-W alloys through electroless plating process coatings on mild steel using hypophosphite and sodium borohydride as a reducing agent, employing heat-treated. Electroless plating is affordable and suitable for coating convoluted structures. Duplex electroless on mild steel was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to examine the surface and cross-sectional morphologies of the duplex coating, and finally study electrochemical corrosion properties. The analysis reveals that duplex coating yields a thicker, more homogeneous coating with a characteristic cauliflower morphology and spherical nodular structures. The coating was initially amorphous, but finally crystallized when heated to 400 °C. More corrosion resistance was found in the Ni-P/Ni-B and Ni-P/Ni-B-W layers when Ni-B served as the outer covering. This study focuses on the important effects of varying tungsten concentrations and heat treatment on the corrosion resistance, surface quality, and microstructural characteristics of duplex coatings. Showed improved corrosion resistance when exposed to 0.5 g/L of Na2WO4.

Effect of ultrasonic shot peening on microstructure and properties of Cu-Ti alloy

Abstract Modified surface layers with refined grain size and high hardness characteristics were prepared on a Cu-Ti alloy using ultrasonic shot peening (USP) by controlling the shot diameter. The phase structure and organization morphology of the modified layer were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the modified layer were systematically characterized. The results showed that the comprehensive surface properties of the sample was optimized at a shot diameter of 3.0 mm. The average grain size was refined to 12.4 nm under the high-frequency impact of steel balls. Owing to the grain refinement and work hardening, the surface hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the sample was significantly improved. Among these, the surface hardness of the sample was enhanced from 257.68 HV0.1 to 313.51 HV0.1, the volume wear rate was decreased from 0.3305 um2/N to 0.1707 um2/N, and the self-corrosion current density was also decreased from 1.658×e-5 mA/μm2 to 4.053×e-6 mA/μm2. It was shown that USP is one of the effective methods for preparing Cu-Ti alloys with excellent surface properties.

Annealing Temperature Effect on TeO2 Thin Films for Optical Detection Devices

Physical vapor deposition method was used for the preparation of nanostructured TeO2. Different morphologies of TeO2 are synthesized using a physical evaporation method with Te powder as the source material and quartz SiO2 as the growth substrates. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) analyses are used to characterize the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the TeO2 products obtained. By varying the annealing temperature, different morphology of TeO2 structures is investigated. TeO2 nanostructure progress is initiated by the crystallization of particles. Different temperatures have different effects on structures, which are discussed. The films as deposited nature was amorphous; crystallization occurred at a higher annealing temperature (175 oC). With an increase in annealing temperature, the TeO2 films grain size increased. The research also points to the impact of post-deposition thermal annealing temperatures in excess of 100 °C in enhancing TeO2 film characteristics.

Revealing Anion Exchange in Two-Dimensional Nanocrystals.

Ion exchange is a powerful postsynthesis tool for the design of functional nanomaterials. However, achieving anion exchange while maintaining the original morphology and crystal structure, as well as elucidating the mechanism, remains challenging. Here, we developed an anion-exchange strategy under mild conditions and revealed an unusual ion-exchange mechanism in the semiconductor nanoplatelets. Kinetic studies have demonstrated that the transformation follows first-order kinetics, with the ligand restricting the guest anion from diffusing only in one-dimensional directions. By monitoring the reaction process, we demonstrated that the anion exchange reaction occurs selectively on the polar surface of the NPLs and exhibits asymmetry at the two polar end faces. Theoretical simulations further confirmed that anion exchange began from the chalcogenide-dominated facet. The thermodynamic data suggest that guest ions diffuse into the crystal interior via a direct exchange mechanism. This study provides a pathway for anion exchange and the construction of functional nanocrystals and a platform for studying the optoelectronic behavior of single-sheet heterojunctions.

Anodic Synthesis of Highly Ordered TiO2 Nanotube Arrays: Role of Electrolyte Composition on the Structural, Morphological, Optical, and Photo-electrochemical Properties

The fluoride species present in two different anodizing electrolytes were used to produce TiO2 nanotube arrays (TiO2 NTAs) by simultaneous anodic reaction and chemical dissolution. In this investigation, two different electrolytes were used for the preparation; [Eth-TiO2 NAs: 95 ml ethylene glycol+0.5% NH4F+5 ml DI water] and [Gly-TiO2 NAs: 75 ml glycerine+0.5% NH4F+25 ml DI water]. The effects of the prepared electrolytes used in the synthesis of TiO2 nanotube arrays on structural element composition, morphology, and optical properties are the focus of this study and are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy field emission (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and UV-vis diffusion reflection spectroscopy (DRS), respectively. The photoelectrochemical properties of TiO2 NTAs prepared in different electrolytes were investigated. The photoelectrochemical performance of TiO2 NTAs in Na2SO3 (0.1 M) and Na2S (0.1) was examined under the light of 100 mW/cm2 from a xenon lamp. Comparing the photoelectrochemical (PEC) results of both electrolytes, we find that Eth-TiO2 NTAs contribute a wide surface area resulting in an enhanced PEC response. TiO2 NTs, which were prepared with Eth-TiO2 NTAs, exhibited the highest photocurrent density, 0.326 mA cm–2, and photoconversion efficiency (0.22%).

Conversion of waste polystyrene into porous adsorbents for efficient removal of hazardous pollutants: Adsorption properties and adsorption mechanism

Herein, the porous adsorbent material (PS-SAS) was prepared by introducing a large number of carboxyl groups on the benzene ring of waste polystyrene (WPS) by Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction using succinic anhydride as the modifying group, followed by further alkaline modification, and was used for the removal of hazardous dye and heavy metal ion. The chemical structure and surface morphology of the prepared adsorbent were assessed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscope (OM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The prepared adsorbent gave highly efficient separation performance towards malachite green (MG) and Cu2+ with corresponding maximum sorption capacities of 2231 mg/g and 156 mg/g at 298 K. The experimental data indicated that the sorption process followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Moreover, thermodynamic studies also demonstrated that the sorption process occurred spontaneously. The adsorption mechanisms of the adsorbent for MG include hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction, n-π interactions, and π-π interactions, while for Cu2+ via electrostatic attraction, ion exchange, and complexation. Furthermore, the selective adsorption, regeneration, dynamic sorption, and simulated wastewater experiment demonstrated that the adsorbent is a promising adsorbent. And phytotoxicity test proved that the prepared adsorbent can effectively reduce the toxicity of dye and metal ions. In summary, the transformation of waste polystyrene into an adsorbent represents a promising solution for water purification.