Dental caries and associated oral infections require biomaterials that promote remineralization while controlling bacterial growth and maintaining cytocompatibility. In this study, a sol–gel-derived silica-based 58S bioactive glass was investigated as a carrier for Andrographis paniculata (AP) extract (AP@58S-2) for antibacterial dental applications. Spherical 58S particles were synthesized via a two-step sol–gel route, yielding an amorphous glass with a high specific surface area of 786.3 m2 g−1 and mesopores distributed in the 1.49–2.14 nm range, as confirmed by SEM, TEM, XRD, and nitrogen adsorption analyses. Compared with glass prepared by a one-step method, the two-step 58S exhibited a more uniform morphology and moderate pH variation during immersion, which is favorable for cellular compatibility. The mesoporous structure enabled efficient AP extract loading (∼65%, corresponding to ∼10.6 µg extract per mg glass) and supported sustained release of andrographolide, reaching approximately 70% cumulative release within 24 h under simulated physiological conditions. In vitro cytocompatibility assays demonstrated that AP@58S-2 maintained hMSC viability above 90% across the tested extract concentrations. Antibacterial evaluation against Streptococcus mutans revealed enhanced efficacy for AP@58S-2 compared with the unloaded bioactive glass, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.5 mg mL−1 and bactericidal behavior indicated by an MBC/MIC ratio of 1.33, together with a time-dependent reduction in biofilm viability. AP@58S-2 demonstrated potent antioxidant activity through effective DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging and significantly reduced nitric oxide generation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. These results indicate that morphology-controlled 58S bioactive glass can function as an effective carrier for plant-derived bioactive compounds, providing combined mineralization-related bioactivity, antibacterial effects, and antioxidant functionality. This integrated approach is relevant for dental applications where infection control and oxidative stress management are required alongside tissue regeneration.

As a critical protection zone in the Yangtze River Basin, the water quality of the Ching River, located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, has long been a research focus in aquatic environmental science. To clarify the quantitative relationship between nitrogen concentrations in overlying water and sediments, and to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of sediments on water column nitrogen levels, sediment samples were collected, and a series of laboratory experiments, including nitrogen adsorption–desorption kinetic tests and adsorption thermodynamic analyses, were carried out. The results indicate that along the flow direction, the equilibrium adsorption capacity of sediments for ammonia nitrogen presents an increasing trend, while the equilibrium release capacity shows a decreasing tendency. Elevated temperature and pH values exert an inhibitory effect on the ammonia nitrogen adsorption capacity of sediments, whereas the increase in sediment organic matter content enhances the adsorption performance. The calculated equilibrium nitrogen concentration (ENC0) of the sediments is higher than the ammonia nitrogen concentration in the overlying water, suggesting that the sediments in the Ching River pose a potential risk of endogenous nitrogen release.

Nitrogen adsorption and dissociation on flat and stepped Fe(110) surfaces

Interconnected porous network of chitosan-gelatin cryogel particles prepared via the inverse Leidenfrost (iLF) effect.

Conventional high-pressure mercury injection (HPMI) alone inadequately characterizes the fractal properties of nanopores in tight sandstone reservoirs, and existing fractal models for HPMI, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption (LTNA), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) lack effective integration. Based on traditional fractal theory, this study develops a unified full-scale pore fractal model that integrates HPMI and LTNA data via a defined conversion coefficient. The model was validated using tight sandstone samples from the Songliao Basin in eastern China and the Turpan–Hami Basin in western China. Results indicate that the proposed model successfully achieves accurate characterization of full-scale pore fractal behavior. Furthermore, it provides a robust fractal-based framework for calibrating NMR T2 relaxation time and constructing enhanced full-scale pore-throat distribution profiles, thereby validating its effectiveness and practical utility as defined in our objectives.

Understanding how nanocomposite gels regulate pore–throat structures and flow behavior is essential for improving profile control and flow diversion in deep-water tight reservoirs. In this study, a dual-structure-regulated nanocomposite gel (DSRC-NCG) was designed, and its structure–flow coupling behavior during gel injection, curing, and degradation was systematically investigated using multiscale flow configurations, including microfluidic models, artificial cores, and sandpack systems. Microstructural evolution and pore–throat connectivity were characterized using μCT imaging, mercury intrusion porosimetry, nitrogen adsorption, and image-based flow simulations, while macroscopic flow responses were evaluated through permeability variation, dominant-channel evolution, injectivity behavior, and quantitative indices including the structure regulation index (SRI) and pore–flow matching index (HCI). The results show that increasing SiO2 content induces a progressive optimization of pore–flow matching by refining critical throats and suppressing preferential flow channels, whereas excessive nanoparticle loading leads to aggregation and attenuation of these effects. This study proposes a multiscale structure–flow coupling framework that quantitatively connects pore–throat regulation with macroscopic flow responses during nanocomposite gel injection and degradation. These findings offer mechanistic insights and practical guidance for the design of nanocomposite gels with improved flow-regulation efficiency and reversibility in deep-water tight reservoir applications.

ABSTRACT This study investigates a sustainable approach to producing nylon‐6 composites by incorporating biochar as an eco‐friendly reinforcing filler to reduce the overall carbon footprint while enhancing material performance. Biochar was derived from waste peanut shells through pyrolysis at 1000°C under ~88 bar autogenic pressure, followed by 1 h of ball milling to obtain particles < 2 μm. X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD) confirmed the nanocrystalline structure of the biochar with identified (002), (100), and (101) carbon planes, and Raman spectroscopy revealed a highly disordered carbon arrangement with a graphitization ratio of 1.45. Nitrogen adsorption analysis showed a microporous texture with a BET surface area of 267 m 2 g −1 . Nylon‐6/biochar composites were fabricated at varying loadings using an APSX‐PIM V2 injection molding system. Mechanical and thermal characterization demonstrated notable enhancements in strength, elasticity, thermal stability, and crystallinity. An optimal composition of 0.5 wt% biochar exhibited the highest improvements, achieving a 14% increase in tensile strength and elasticity and a 50% increase in crystallinity, while also retaining the maximum strain‐to‐fracture among all tested formulations.

Abstract Understanding the complex pore architecture of shale reservoirs remains a key challenge for accurate assessment of gas storage and transport behavior. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to quantify the nanopore architecture and fractal characteristics in shale formations from both the marine and continental depositional environments. A combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), low-pressure nitrogen and carbon-dioxide adsorption (LP-N 2 A/-CO 2 A), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were employed to investigate mineral composition, pore geometry, specific surface area, pore volume, and heterogeneity across micro- to macro-scales. SEM imaging revealed pronounced variability in pore morphology and heterogeneity, with fractal dimensions highly dependent on magnification and imaging location. These results highlight the importance of multi-scale imaging for representative quantification of shale pore networks. Gas adsorption results showed that microporous specific surface area (SSA) and pore volume (PV) are positively correlated with total organic carbon (TOC), whereas meso-/macro- porous development is primarily influenced by clay mineral content. Pore size distribution (PSD) trends differ notably by depositional environment: marine shale samples exhibit unimodal PSDs, while the continental sample displays a bimodal pattern. Fractal dimensions derived from Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) analysis of LP-N₂A isotherms ( D ₂ = 2.61–2.89) indicate varying degrees of surface roughness and pore complexity. The combined application of adsorption analysis, imaging, and fractal theory offers a robust framework for characterizing pore systems and assessing storage capacity and transport potential in shale reservoirs.

The growing global demand for clean energy underscores the importance of developing sustainable energy storage technologies. In response to this urgent demand, quantum dots (QDs) of sulphur-doped zirconia were synthesized through microwave-assisted solution combustion route as a step towards clean energy storage solution. The prepared QDs were characterized to confirm the structural, microstructural, compositional and textural properties. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies revealed cubic structure and the low crystallinity of QDs. The nanocrystalline nature of the synthesized QDs was investigated from TEM analysis and the mean crystallite is estimated be 4 nm. The elemental composition was confirmed from Energy dispersive and CHNS analyses. The textural properties of the QDs were investigated using nitrogen adsorption isotherm, which revealed a high surface area. The electrochemical characteristics of the fabricated electrode from the QDs confirmed the pseudocapacitance behaviour of the prepared QDs reaching a specific capacitance of 154.8 F g−1 at a current density of 1.5 A g−1. The electrode demonstrates excellent capacitance retention throughout 2000 charge-discharge cycles.

TS-1 zeolite and a series of Zr-modified samples (TS-1/xZr) were synthesized and systematically characterized to investigate the influence of zirconium incorporation on structural, textural, and photocatalytic properties. The structural and textural properties of the samples were examined by XRD and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. Elemental analysis (EDXRF, SEM/EDS) and FTIR confirmed successful incorporation of Zr into the TS-1 framework. Photocatalytic tests under white light irradiation using crystal violet (CV), methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes revealed enhanced degradation efficiency for the Zr-containing samples, particularly TS-1/10Zr. Kinetic modeling using pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) approaches indicated that dye degradation followed mainly PSO kinetics. Reusability studies demonstrated sustained stability and recyclability of the catalysts. The improved photocatalytic performance is attributed to synergistic electronic effects between Ti and Zr species, which enhance charge separation and light absorption.

In response to the challenges of complex pore structuresand lowrecovery rates in shale oil reservoirs of an offshore oilfield, thisstudy investigates the evaluation technology for the lower limit ofpore mobilization based on multiscale information fusion. Dynamicimbibition physical simulation experiments were conducted on coresamples, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology was employedto obtain T2 spectra at various imbibition stages, enablingthe analysis of fluid distribution within the pores. Pore throat structureswere characterized using high-pressure mercury intrusion (HPMI) andlow-temperature nitrogen adsorption (LTNA) experiments. A conversionrelationship between the NMR relaxation time (T2) and poreradius was established, achieving quantitative translation of electromagneticsignals into fluid mobilization behavior. The results indicate thatthe reservoir is dominated by micropores, small pores, and mediumpores, with large pores and microfractures comprising a smaller proportion,reflecting significant heterogeneity. Initially, oil production primarilyoriginates from large pores. As imbibition progresses, the contributionof small and medium pores gradually increases, and in later stages,mobilization across all pore scales tends to balance, with small poresplaying a crucial role in overall productivity. The lower limit ofpore mobilization in the cores ranges between 18.85 and 25.19 nm,indicating that a considerable portion of oil in small pores remainsdifficult to extract effectively. The findings provide a theoreticalbasis and technical support for the efficient development of offshoreshale oil resources.

Simultaneous and ultrasensitive detection of three dihydroxybenzene isomers based on 3D chain structure-modified MOF electrochemical sensors.

From rock waste to reactive surfaces: Natural gabbro rocks for solar remediation of gaseous and aqueous contaminants.

Investigating the effect of impregnating metal catalysts with varying nitrogen adsorption energies into Ni-cermet electrodes for ammonia electrosynthesis using protonic ceramic cells

Abstract Sediment adsorption in rivers is a crucial pathway influencing the migration and transformation of biogenic substances at the water–sediment interface, thereby playing a significant role in the eutrophication process of aquatic systems. This study quantitatively investigates the individual contributions of initial nutrient concentration, sediment concentration, and sediment particle size on nitrogen and phosphorus adsorption through generalized laboratory experiments. Comparative analyses were conducted on the adsorption characteristics and mechanisms of phosphate (PO₄ 3 ⁻) and ammonium (NH₄⁺), and the adsorption response to varying sediment concentrations was further examined. Results indicate that the contribution rates of initial concentration, sediment concentration, and particle size to PO₄ 3 ⁻ adsorption were approximately 0.71, 0.23, and 0.06, respectively; while for NH₄⁺ adsorption, these were 0.67, 0.27, and 0.06, respectively. The Sediment Concentration Adsorption Model (SCAM) was subsequently developed to elucidate the adsorption mechanism modulated by sediment concentration. The concept of The Adsorption Critical Sediment Concentration (ACSC) was introduced, identifying it as the threshold at which the adsorption mechanism transitions, along with a description of its calculation method. This study provides quantitative guidance and practical reference for optimizing adsorption systems, contributing to pollutant regulation and removal engineering in riverine and lacustrine environments.

Monodisperse mesoporous hollow silica microcapsules present unique opportunities for advanced optical characterization due to their tunable nanostructure, high porosity and easy functionalization. A critical and challenging parameter in the optimization of these applications is the accurate determination of the effective refractive index, which governs light propagation and confinement within the nanostructured matrix of such mesoporous materials. In this study, individual mesoporous hollow silica microcapsules doped with Rhodamine B dye were analysed optically by exploiting whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonances, enabling non-destructive, single-particle refractometry with nanostructural sensitivity. Fourier Transform analysis of the fluorescence emission spectra revealed sharply defined, periodically spaced WGM peaks. For microcapsules with an 88 m diameter, the measured intermodal spacing ( nm) yielded an effective refractive index of 1.164. The measured value of the effective refractive index was cross-validated using Lorenz–Lorentz and Bruggeman effective medium models, both predicting porosity values (~63%) that closely match independent Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) nitrogen adsorption measurements. The excellent agreement between optical and adsorption-based porosity demonstrates that WGM spectroscopy combined with Fourier analysis is a powerful, label-free, and non-invasive technique for correlating nanoscale porosity with macroscopic optical properties. This approach is widely applicable to single-particle analyses of nanostructured dielectric materials and opens new possibilities for in situ optical metrology in the development of advanced photonic, catalytic, and biomedical platforms.

In this work, Ru/D-type catalysts (Ru = 0.5–1.5%) were investigated using benzene hydrogenation as a model reaction. Structural and morphological characterization was carried out by SEM/EDX, TEM (with particle size distribution in the 1–10 nm range), X-ray diffraction, and nitrogen adsorption. It was found that the porous framework of the support is preserved; upon Ru introduction, the active phase is uniformly dispersed with high dispersion (mainly 3–5 nm particles, with 7–10 nm aggregates appearing at higher loadings). Textural parameters slightly decrease with increasing Ru content (from 60 to 45 m²/g), which is associated with partial pore filling; meanwhile, XRD patterns do not reveal distinct Ru reflections, confirming the high dispersion of the metal. Kinetic measurements (rate–hydrogen uptake) showed a pronounced dependence on both temperature and Ru loading: at 130 °C, the maximum rate for 1.0% Ru/D was ~40·10-1 mol·s-6, and the activation energy was estimated at 40 kJ·mol-1; the activity of 1.5% Ru/D was about twice as high compared to 0.5% Ru/D. These results confirm the efficiency of Ru/D systems in the hydrogenation of aromatic compounds and indicate that a Ru loading of 1.0–1.5% provides an optimal balance between dispersion and catalytic activity.

The presented work aimed to synthesize anatase-brookite TiO2 co-doped with Gd/Sm, Gd/Tm or Gd/Tb by simple template-free one-step and two-step hydrothermal procedures in aqueous media and to compare the structural, textural and photocatalytic properties of co-doped TiO2 obtained by different techniques to find an effective synthesis approach and to study the impact of co-doping. The materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Raman spectroscopy, scanning (SEM-EDS) and high-resolution transmission (HRTEM) electron microscopies, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and volumetric nitrogen adsorption method. The XRD, Raman and TEM analyses detected the anatase and brookite phases in the undoped and co-doped TiO2 with crystallite sizes of around 9 and 10-13 nm, respectively. All powders are highly crystallized materials; the crystallinity index of one- and two-step synthesized materials is similar. The mesoporous structure with wide pore size distribution of the powders was confirmed by presence of H1 type hysteresis loops. The two-step co-doped samples have a wider pore size distribution compared with one-step samples and undoped TiO2. It was found that the use of the one-step synthesis procedure contributed to the formation of materials with larger surface area. Besides, these materials show stronger absorption in the visible region, compared with two-step synthesized powders. Co-doped powders showed higher photocatalytic activity in the reactions of hydrogen evolution and Rhodamine B degradation than undoped TiO2 under UV light and in Rhodamine B degradation under visible light, which can be explained by the capability of the rare earth elements to form defects that capture excited electrons, improving charge separation, extending their lifetime, and preventing electron-hole recombination. It is observed that between the one-step and two-step synthesized groups, the powders of the former group were more photocatalytically active, which is related with their larger surface area, and stronger absorption in the visible region. Summarizing the results of the preparation and application of photocatalysts, it can be stated that the use of the more economical one-step synthesis procedure contributes to the formation of more effective photocatalysts.

Developing sustainable, biobased membranes for pervaporation is essential to advancing environmentally friendly separation technologies aligned with industrial needs. This study reports the development and comprehensive characterization of pervaporation mixed matrix membranes (MMM) based on chitosan (CS) first modified with a synthesized Ti-based metal-organic framework (MOF)-MIL-125. Key focus was placed on evaluating how MIL-125 concentration and chemical cross-linking with trimesoyl chloride influence membrane structure, physicochemical properties, and performance for isopropanoldehydration. Additionally, supported membranes with a thin, selective CS/MIL-125(15%) layer deposited onto porous substrate were fabricated to assess their potential for applications. Characterization techniques-including FTIR, NMR, SEM, AFM, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption isotherms, thermogravimetric analysis, and contact angle measurements-were employed to analyze membranes and MIL-125. Quantum chemical calculations provided insights into the molecular interactions between membrane components and feed molecules. The optimized cross-linked supported membrane demonstrated notable improvements in dehydration of isopropanol (up to 90 wt.% water), with increased permeation flux and water content in permeate compared to the pristine CS membrane. These findings highlight the potential of the developed membranes for practical pervaporation applications, emphasizing the effective integration of MIL-125 into biobased materials for pervaporation.

The tight sandstone reservoir exhibits a complex pore structure and strong heterogeneity. Accurate characterization of its pore structure is crucial for improving the efficiency of tight oil development. This study investigates tight sandstone samples exhibiting different oil-bearing levels from the Fuyu oil reservoir of the fourth member of the Quantou Formation in the Xinmiao area, located in the southern Songliao Basin. The influence of pore structure on oil-bearing capacity was investigated through a series of systematic experiments, including low-pressure nitrogen adsorption (LPN2A), high-pressure mercury intrusion (HPMI), constant-rate mercury intrusion (CRMI), nano-computed tomography (nano-CT), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The results show that: (1) The microscopic pore structure influences the macroscopic oil-bearing capacity. As the oil-bearing level of the sample increases, the corresponding pore structure gradually improves, and the oil saturation increases to 32.93%, 40.36%, 42.61%, and 50.80%, respectively. (2) The oil saturation of fluorescent samples was primarily contributed by small pores (T2 < 10 ms), with a contribution rate of 78.17%. The oil saturation of oil trace and oil flecked samples was mainly contributed by small pores and medium pores (10 < T2 < 100 ms), with combined contribution rates of 93.75% and 84.35%, respectively. The oil saturation of oil immersion samples was primarily contributed by medium pores and large pores (T2 > 100 ms), with a contribution rate of 54.45%. (3) Pore-throat connectivity and its heterogeneity are the key factors influencing the oil-bearing capacity of tight sandstone in the study area. The pore-throat radius, connected pore throat volume percentage and NMR fractal dimension are the best parameters to characterize oil-bearing capacity. (4) The lower limit for oil-bearing capacity in the tight sandstone reservoir of the study area is oil trace, and the corresponding threshold values of a pore-throat radius of 1.19μm, a connected pore-throat volume percentage of 47.5%, and an NMR fractal dimension of 2.8169. This research establishes a quantitative linkage between pore-throat structure and oil-bearing capacity, providing diagnostic parameters for tight oil evaluation.