Optimal Amount Research Articles

Highly Efficient Water and Nitrogen Application Strategies for Maintaining Summer Maize Yield in the North China Plain During Future Drought Years

ABSTRACTFuture frequent droughts threaten summer maize production in the North China Plain (NCP). A proper combination of irrigation and nitrogen (N) application can improve water and N use efficiency while maintaining summer maize yield. However, the optimal irrigation and N application strategies (OINASs) for summer maize during future drought years in the NCP require further exploration. This study applied the DSSAT‐CERES‐Maize model to investigate OINASs for summer maize for all drought years during 2021–2050 under three shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5, and SSP5‐8.5). The performance of the OINASs was subsequently evaluated against no irrigation and N application (CK) condition and a conventional irrigation and N application strategy (CINAS). The results highlight the following: (1) For all drought years under the three SSP scenarios, the base fertilizer rate should be 60 kg/hm2, after that the irrigation and N application are required during the jointing and heading periods. Under the SSP1‐2.6 scenario, the average values of irrigation and N application during each earlier period are 35.5 mm and 22 kg/hm2. Under the SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios, the average values are (34.5 mm, 23 kg/hm2) and (47.5 mm, 18 kg/hm2). (2) Under all SSP scenarios, the optimal irrigation amounts and N application rates are much lower than those under the CINAS. After applying OINASs for summer maize, an average of 1.16–1.22 billion kg of N and 2.98–5.19 billion m3 of freshwater will be saved per future drought year in the NCP. (3) Under all SSP scenarios, the summer maize yields under the OINASs are slightly and significantly greater than those under the CINAS and CK conditions. Moreover, both water and N use efficiencies improved under the OINASs compared with those under the CINAS, with more significant improvements in N use efficiency. The OINASs provide a practical way to ensure food security and environmental sustainability.

Experimental research on the bubble dynamic characteristics during carbon capture in the novel prepared functionalized porous ionic liquids

Porous ionic liquids have received widespread attention as one of the novel CO2 absorbers to reduce CO2 produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. Based on this, the CO2 capture experiments are conducted in ionic liquids ([TEP][MIm] and [TEP][FA]), and the porous ionic liquid (ZIF-8/[TEP][MIm]). The dynamic characteristics of CO2 bubbles in different concentrations of ZIF-8/[TEP][MIm] liquid are researched. The results show that the CO2 capture capacity of the aqueous solution with a concentration of [TEP][MIm] of 20 wt% reaching 2.06 mol/mol ILs. The optimal addition amount of ZIF-8 in the porous ionic liquid using the ethylene glycol as a cosolvent is 1.0 g/100 g, and the maximum CO2 capture amount is about 2.22 mol/mol. Furthermore, the aspect ratio and cross-sectional ratio of CO2 bubbles generated by the four nozzles decrease with the increase of ZIF-8 and [TEP][MIm] concentrations, and the difference between the extreme values of CO2 equivalent diameter under experimental conditions is about 0.513 cm. In addition, the Eo number decreases with the rise of CO2 bubble, and the maximum different value is about 2.94. This work explores the dynamic characteristics of CO2 bubbles in ZIF-8/[TEP][MIm] within a bubbling tower, aiming to optimize the CO2 capture process and provide a valuable reference for advancements in the carbon capture, utilization, and storage technology.

Insights into the ternary substitution Na2.96+xK0.04 V2-xNix(PO4)2.98F0.06 with superior rate capability and near-zero strain property

Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) is considered the most favorable cathode for sodium-ion batteries due to its solid NASICON skeleton. Nevertheless, poor intrinsic conductivity is insufficient for its further commercialization. In this paper, we present a promising K/Ni/F co-doped and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) encapsulated Na2.96+xK0.04 V2-xNix(PO4)2.98F0.06 (KNF@CNTsx) cathode materials. The synthesis of KNF@CNTsx is achieved using a facile sol-gel method. The replacement of Na+ with K+ broadens the migratory pathway and supports the crystal skeleton, while F− substitution reduces the average grain dimension, thereby increasing the diffusion rate of Na+. Furthermore, the reduction of resistance by Ni2+ doping enables optimization of the transport of electrical charge, while also facilitating the optimization of chemically-defined properties. Concurrently, the optimal quantity of carbon capping and wrapping of CNTs facilitate the formation of efficacious conductive network, which diminishes the size of grains and shortens the pathway for the diffusion of Na+. This network could also serve as a buffer against crystal deformation. In conclusion, the modified KNF@CNTsx samples exhibit notable enhancements in their conductivity, ion diffusion capacity, and structural stability. Among them, the KNF@CNTs0.04 sample exhibits a capacity for reversibility of 93.3 mAh g−1 at 50C, with a remaining capacity of 68.5 mAh g−1 after 4000 successive long charge-discharge cycles. Ex-situ electrochemical XRD demonstrates the V3+/V4+ redox reaction occurs accompanied by the phase transfer reaction, during which Na+ prefers to diffuse along c-axial in the crustal structure. Moreover, volume alteration of this KNF@CNTs0.04 cellular entity is miniscule and reversible during the charge-discharge process, further confirming the stabilized construction and near-zero strain property. The after-cycled XRD/SEM/XPS certify the improved chemical and structural stability of KNF@CNTs0.04, indicating the constructive effects of K/Ni/F ternary substitution.

Study of the Structure and Properties of Concrete Modified with Nanofibrils and Nanospheres

The application of modifying nanoadditives in the technology of cement composites is currently a relevant and widely researched topic in global materials science. The purpose of this study was to investigate new nanoadditives—nanofibrils made from synthesized wollastonite (NF) and nanospheres from corundum (NS)—produced by LLC NPK Nanosystems (Rostov-on-Don, Russia) as a modifying additive. During the experimental investigations, the mechanical properties of cement pastes and concrete were examined. This included an analysis of the density, compressive and bending strength, as well as water absorption of concrete that had been modified with NF and NS additives. X-ray phase and microstructural analyses of concrete were performed. It was established that modification of cement composites with NF and NS additives had a beneficial effect on their properties, and the optimal amount for both types of additives was 0.3% by binder weight. The highest recorded enhancements in compressive and flexural strength of concrete with 0.3% NF were 7.22% and 7.04%, respectively, accompanied by a decrease in water absorption by 4.70%. When modifying concrete with 0.3% NS, the increases in compressive and flexural strength were 2.71% and 2.48%, and water absorption decreased by 1.96%. Modification of concrete with NF and NS additives did not have a significant effect on the change in concrete density, which was no more than 1%. Based on the results of phase analysis, it was established that concrete with NF and NS additives were characterized by the presence of five main phases: quartz, portlandite, calcite, larnite, and olivine-Ca. It was found that compositions with 0.3% NF and NS differed from the control composition by the presence of such a phase as olivine-Ca. Microstructural analysis confirmed the effectiveness of NF and NS additives. The microstructure of the modified concretes was distinguished by the extensive occurrence of clusters composed of calcium silicate hydrate zones. The conducted studies prove the possibility of using NF and NS as modifying nanoadditives in the technology of cement composites. The addition of nanofibrils from synthesized wollastonite is the most effective and promising and is recommended for use in real construction practice.

Incorporating Si into NiO support to facilitate oxygen activation for CH4 combustion

In this study, high-performance Pd/NiO-Si catalysts for lean methane oxidation were synthesized using the solution combustion and impregnation method. The incorporation of silicon in NiO promoted the generation of Ni2+ and strengthened the metal-support interaction. This enhanced interaction promoted the generation and movement of active oxygen species on surface, which are essential for maintaining Pd species in an active oxidized state, thereby ensuring the effective activation of CH4. The Pd/NiO-Si catalyst with an optimal amount of Si exhibited an excellent catalytic performance, achieving a T90 of 440 °C for methane oxidation under wet conditions. The elemental doping strategy in this study, which significantly enhances the production of highly active oxygen species with strong mobility, plays a crucial role in the effective utilization of precious metals such as Pd.

Data-Driven Optimization Method for Recurrent Neural Network Algorithm: Greenhouse Internal Temperature Prediction Model

We developed an internal environment prediction model for smart greenhouses using machine learning models. Machine learning models were developed by finding certain rules based on the data obtained from the target system and have the advantage of learning various characteristics that are difficult to define theoretically. However, the model accuracy and precision can change according to the model structure (hyperparameters, algorithms, epoch) and data characteristics. In this study, the analysis was performed according to the collected weather data characteristics. The model performance was low when the amount of training data was obtained over less than three days (4320 ea). The model performance improved with an increase in the amount of training data. Model performance stabilized when the training data volume exceeded seven days (10,080 ea). The optimal amount of data was determined to be between three and seven days, with an average model r2 of 0.8811 and an RMSE of 2.056 for the gated recurrent unit algorithm. This study verified the possibility of developing a predictive model for the internal environment of a greenhouse based on weather data from outside. This study is limited to a specific target greenhouse, and further analysis of data from various greenhouses and climates is necessary to achieve global optimization.

Vegetable Pricing and Replenishment Strategy Based on Multivariate Polynomial Regression and SARIMA Model

Fresh products are one of the important parts of the profitability of superstores, and it is very important for merchants to make effective replenishment and pricing suggestions based on historical data. In order to give a reasonable vegetable pricing and replenishment plan, this paper processes the data and then uses multivariate polynomial regression to regress the sales volume and cost-plus pricing of the category, to obtain the relationship between the sales volume of the category and the cost-plus pricing; and combines with the SARIMA model to further give the recommended replenishment quantity; considering the impact of vegetable freshness on pricing, a freshness-based pricing model is proposed, and the optimal pricing and optimal restocking quantity formula, and proved its correctness in principle. In this study, the pricing and replenishment strategies of reference vegetables are given, and future research can further explore the market forecast of other agricultural products on this basis to broaden the application scope of this model.

A novel hollow flower shaped Cu9S8 antibacterial agent for removing sulfonamide in water environment: effects of composite with magnetic biochar, differential adsorption, and mechanism study.

In this study, hollow nanoflower spherical Cu9S8 and Cu9S8/Fe3O4@BC with adsorption and antibacterial properties was prepared by coprecipitation and solvothermal method, respectively. The adsorption results showed that the Cu9S8 exhibited excellent adsorption performance on sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs), especially for sulfamethoxazole (SMZ). The optimal addition amount of Cu9S8 is 0.2 g, which results in a maximum adsorption capacity of 33.4 mg/g for SMZ within 120 min. The fitting results of adsorption and desorption kinetics and thermodynamics, as well as the conditions such as pH value and ionic strength were compared. It was found that different interactions led to the differential adsorption of SAs by Cu9S8. The desorption experiment further elucidated its adsorption mechanism. The large desorption capacity indicates that SAs on Cu9S8 can be further recovered and treated. The auto-deposition characteristics of Cu9S8 and the hysteresis loop of Cu9S8/Fe3O4@BC were studied to effectively recover Cu9S8 from aquatic environments. Additionally, more than 99% of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were exterminated by Cu9S8 and Cu9S8/Fe3O4@BC within 20 min. The above results suggested that the hollow nanoflower spherical Cu9S8 and Cu9S8/Fe3O4@BC composite materials can provide a new strategy for solving pollution problems and waste treatment.

Effect of Environmental Factors on The Production of Silver Nanoparticles by Yeast Strains

In the presented work, the literature data on the influence of various environmental factors were analyzed on the formation of silver nanoparticles by yeast strains. It was determined that the optimal conditions for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by the yeast strain Saccharomyces ellipsoideus BSU-XR1 were on the 21st day of incubation, on 4-6 days of incubation in different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and between 2-10 days in Candida strains. The optimal amount of wet biomass was between 8 and 10 g for Candida strains and 10 g for Saccharomyces strains. The temperature limit for Saccharomyces was observed at 25-35°C, and for Candida at 25-37°C. For strains, synthesis of silver nanoparticles was optimal in the pH range of 4-10, and pH range of 7 for Candida strains. Depending on the concentration of AgN03 salt, the optimal synthesis of silver nanoparticles occurred at concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mM for Saccharomyces, and 1 mM for Candida. The optimal incubation conditions for both sexes were under dark environment.

Preparation and study of attapulgite reinforced PVA fiber with cross‐linking of boric acid

AbstractPolyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers were manufactured by gel spinning with reinforcing of attapulgite (ATT) and cross‐linking of boric acid (PVA/B/ATT fibers), in order to improve the mechanical properties. Furthermore, the final fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), powder x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and tensile strength tester. In addition, when ATT amount was no more than 2.0 wt%, FTIR analyses suggested that the degrees of cooperation combining of ATT and boric acid with PVA macromolecules were enhanced. SEM images indicated that PVA/B/ATT fibers had smooth surfaces. DSC, TGA and XRD results illustrated that the melting temperatures and maximum thermal decomposition temperatures first increased and then dropped as the content of ATT increased. Moreover, mechanical properties results indicated that the optimal ATT amount was 2.0 wt%, and the tensile strength of PVA/B/ATT‐2 fiber reached the highest of 14.2 ± 0.3 cN/dtex. It was largely because that the cooperation combining of boric acid and ATT with PVA molecules improved the mechanical properties of PVA/B/ATT fibers.

Carbon fibers decorated with TiO2 nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye

This report demonstrates the development of carbon fibers (CFs) decorated with TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) as an efficient photocatalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) as a model dye. Carbon fibers were produced by carbonization of polyacrylonitrile fibers, previously produced by centrifugal spinning. Subsequently, the CFs were decorated with TiO2 NPs (CFs@TiO2) by tailored soaking protocol using aqueous TiCl4 solution with different concentrations (0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 M). SEM analyses revealed that soaking in TiCl4 produced a smooth, conformal, continuous TiO2 nanoparticulate coating with thickness increasing from 40.4 ± 21.2 to 257.9 ± 63.9 nm with increasing TiCl4 concentration. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the anatase nature of TiO2. Photocatalytic decomposition rates of MB were assessed under UV light illumination for all CFs@TiO2 samples, and it was revealed that the lowest amount of TiO2 NP on C yielded the highest rates. The synergistic interaction between CFs and TiO2 NPs with a uniform morphology and a well-crystalline anatase structure, present in an optimal amount of fiber bodies, is the key reason for the remarkable photocatalytic performance. This work shows that C fibers decorated with an optimal amount of TiO2 NPs have a great potential as an effective photocatalytic material.

Deodorising Garlic Body Odour by Ingesting Natural Food Additives Containing Phenolic Compounds and Polyphenol Oxidase

Garlic consumption is a well-known cause of unpleasant breath and body odour, with volatile organosulfur compounds, such as diallyl disulfide (DADS) and allyl methyl sulfide (AMS) responsible for the characteristic odour. Certain foods that are rich in polyphenols (PPs) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) are known to deodorise garlic breath. However, no study into garlic body odour has been reported owing to the very low amounts of emitted volatile organosulfur compounds. Herein, we aimed to demonstrate the effects of ingesting natural food additives rich in both PPs and PPO on the emissions of skin-derived DADS and AMS using a passive flux sampler in conjunction with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Three healthy male subjects were subjected to garlic-consumption testing, with all subjects commonly observed to exhibit remarkably higher dermal DADS- and AMS-emission fluxes after consuming 45 g of cooked garlic, which then gradually decreased toward their initial baseline levels. In comparison, remarkably lower emission fluxes of both organosulfur compounds were observed after consuming a natural food additive following garlic consumption in a dose-dependent manner. The optimal amount of ingested natural food additive required to reduce garlic body odour was found to be 1–2 g. Considering the metabolic pathway associated with garlic-derived sulfur compounds and elimination reactions involving PPs and PPO, allyl mercaptan is likely to be a key substance involved in reducing garlic body odour through the ingestion of natural food additives.

Microbial depolymerization of Kraft lignin for production of Vanillic acid by indigenous ligninolytic strains

Lignin is a potential renewable source for the production of many value-added bio-products through bacterial depolymerization. In this study, Kraft lignin (KL) was depolymerized by indigenous potential ligninolytic strains to obtain the optimum amount of Vanillic acid. Initially, fifteen bacterial strains were isolated from decaying wood mixed soil to assess their lignin degradation efficiency. Five potential lignin-degrading microbes (RW-B2, RW-B4, RW-B9, RW-B11 and RW-B15) were identified by nutrient enrichment technique. RW-B15 was observed as a dominant strain sharing a 99 % resemblance to Bacillus megaterium sp. Optimum temperature and bacterial inoculum concentration were noted as 35 °C and 1 %, respectively. Mixed microbial culture of five potential ligninolytic strains showed better KL degradation than pure culture due to different metabolic capacities, enzymatic mechanisms and synergetic impact among the association members. The KL degradation study was conducted with different KL concentrations (500–2000 mg/l) at optimum temperature using 1 % inoculums. The production of Vanillic acid increased from 60.1 to 199.9 mg/l with increasing concentration of KL from 500 to 2000 mg/l. The maximum production of Vanillic acid was obtained on 3rd day of degradation and it decreased thereafter which is probably due to an increase in microbial toxicity and enzymatic activity. However, the COD level continuously decreased for all KL concentrations with degradation time till the last day. The pH of the KL solution slightly decreased on 3rd day due to the acidic nature of Vanillic acid. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of Vanillic acid and showed the presence of other monomeric compounds formed after KL degradation.

Hydration process and fluoride solidification mechanism of multi-source solid waste-based phosphogypsum cemented paste backfill under CaO modification

The large-scale, environmentally friendly utilization of phosphogypsum (PG) remains a global challenge. PG cemented paste backfill (PCPB) is a promising method to manage PG, but using ordinary Portland cement as the binder has drawbacks such as high cost, low mechanical strength, and high fluoride leaching risk. This paper presents a multi-source solid waste-based PCPB (MPCPB) material that enhances mechanical properties and reduces fluoride leaching risks. In MPCPB, industrial waste residues like steel slag (SS) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) are used as precursors (SS: GBFS = 1:2). Additionally, 4–8 wt% CaO (relative to the dry weight of PG) is used as a neutralizing modifier and alkaline activator. The results indicate that an optimal amount of CaO can neutralize the residual acidity of PG, provide sufficient Ca(OH)2 for MPCPB hydration, and react with PG to produce significant amounts of AFt. Furthermore, CaO promotes the geopolymerization reaction between SS and GBFS, generating more calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and calcium aluminate silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) gels. Fluoride stabilization in MPCPB results from synergistic effects involving hydration reactions, complexation, ionic mobility, rearrangement, and physical adsorption. Notably, CaO enhances the conversion of free fluoride ions into stable compounds like fluorapatite, fluorite (CaF2), [AlF6]3-, and [FeF6]3- complexes. This approach offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient solution to the PG stockpiling challenge.

A Genetic algorithm approach for improving the probabilistic inventory model with the continuous review: A practical application in the department of pharmacy

This study investigates to shed light on artificial intelligence techniques, specifically the genetic algorithm, to improving traditional solutions, as well as finding the best policy for the problem of probabilistic inventory with continuous review by finding the optimal reorder point and the optimal economic quantity to avoid the risk of stock out (shortage), reduce total costs, and reach the optimal solution with little time and effort. The research was conducted in the stores of the department of pharmacy of the Ninawa health department for the period from January 1, 2021, to January 1, 2023, on a sample of three drugs (most demanded drugs). An analysis of the demand data for the study sample was conducted using the statistical program (SPSS Statistics Version 22) to determine the type of inventory. it was found that the type of inventory is probabilistic and the demand data follows a normal distribution. Based on this foundation, the mathematical model for the study problem was built. Given the complexity of the steps and iterations of the traditional solution, the solution steps were applied using the R programming language to reach the model's solution. Additionally, the solution steps were programmed for the genetic algorithm and applied using the R programming language. The results of the genetic algorithm showed an improvement in the traditional solution results by reducing total costs. Based on the results of the genetic algorithm, the economic order quantity, safety stock, reorder period, and safety period were found. Paper type: Research Paper

Fermented buttermilk drinks fortified by plant raw materials

The research featured fortified fermented drinks from pasteurized buttermilk with such natural additives as Jerusalem artichoke syrup and beetroot dietary fiber. The optimal symbiotic culture included Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus: it provided rapid fermentation and a creamy, homogeneous structure with delta pH time = 3.5 h. Jerusalem artichoke syrup was added in amounts of 3, 6, and 9%. Its optimal share proved to be 6% by the weight of the finished product. Beet dietary fiber was added in amounts of 2, 4, and 6%, where the optimal amount was 4%. A higher percentage affected the consistency of the finished product but not its clotting or taste. The experimental drinks were produced by the tank method and fermented at 42 ± 2°C until dense clotting and titratable acidity = 72 ± 2°T. The finished product was stored at 4 ± 2°C. The shelf-life was 12 days for the sample with Jerusalem artichoke syrup and 14 days for the drink fortified with beetroot fiber. The physical and chemical indicators showed that the energy value of the fortified fermented buttermilk drinks was on average 45.3% lower compared to conventional fermented dairy drinks. As a result of research, it has been established that the use of plant components, namely Jerusalem artichoke syrup and beet dietary fiber in the production technology of fermented milk drink from buttermilk makes it possible to obtain a finished product with improved consumer properties.

Development of Arthrospira platensis fortified spiced buttermilk

An incredible surge in demand for fermented dairy products has been experienced recently due to its nutraceutical benefits and lifestyle preferences. As a traditional fermented dairy beverage, cultured buttermilk is an ideal product choice in this context. This study introduces a novel cultured buttermilk fortified with the high protein microalgae Arthrospira platensis, making it beneficial and appealing due to its preferable mouthfeel and antioxidant characteristics. The goal of this study was to extensively evaluate and determine the optimum amount of Spirulina powder to be mixed into buttermilk, while also analyzing the alterations in the physicochemical and sensory properties of the resulting product. The pH, titratable acidity, DPPH inhibition activity, Phenolic content, and sensory properties of newly developed cultured buttermilk with varying concentrations of Spirulina 0.25, 0.45, 0.65, 0.85 and 1.5% were compared with that of the control buttermilk sample with no added Spirulina. Based on the findings derived from the conducted study, it has been concluded that the incorporation of 0.25% Spirulina, can potentially enhance the nutritional composition and functional health attributes of cultured buttermilk without affecting sensory score Keywords: Butter milk, fortification, Arthospira platensis, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, sensory evaluation

Materials design and strength development of a novel cold recycled mixture with asphalt emulsion and geopolymer

ABSTRACT Cold recycling of asphalt pavement with asphalt emulsion is an important approach for achieving low-carbon and sustainable development in road engineering. Enhancing the performance of cold recycled mixtures has become a key research focus. The objective of this paper is to develop a novel cold-recycled asphalt mixture stabilised with asphalt emulsion and geopolymer (CRM-GE). Firstly, the effects of mixing sequence, geopolymer content, asphalt emulsion content and curing conditions on the strength of the mixture and its time-dependent law are studied. Then, the microstructure and composition of the mixture are analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that the optimum amount of asphalt emulsion is different under different geopolymer contents. The indirect tensile strength of the mixture specimen increases with the increase in the curing time and curing temperature. The microstructure analysis indicates that geopolymer reaction and asphalt emulsion demulsification in CRM-GE with 7-day curing are relatively limited, while asphalt film and the geopolymer reaction products are intertwined to achieve a denser microstructure in CRM-GE with 28-day curing. In addition, the element analysis further verifies the result of materials design and micromorphology analysis.

The design of long afterglow pavement mixture by optimizing optical properties and basic road performance

This study designed two types of long-afterglow pavement mixtures with high transparency bright asphalt and polyurethane as cementing materials. The photoluminescence properties of long-afterglow luminescent gravel were designed to achieve self-luminescence effect for pavement use. The optimal amount of cementitious material was determined to be 6.2% by the Marshall method, and four kinds of pavement mixtures with luminous gravel content were designed, and the optical properties and basic road properties of each mixture were evaluated. In this study, the mix ratio design of long afterglow pavement mixture was studied from the perspective of optical properties and basic road performance, which provided a new reference and idea for the development of self-luminous pavement mixture. And the conclusion of the road optical properties and basic road performance suggests the possibility of the application of the long afterglow pavement mixtures.

Unveiling the Influence of Lower‐Valence Ni in Hydroxide Co‐Catalyst and Attaining Efficient Photoanodes with FeOOH Holes Transfer Layer for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

AbstractElectronic structure regulation is a prevailing approach to modifying the electrocatalysts in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), yet its impact on the co‐catalysts modified photoanodes remains uncertain. Herein, B‐modified NiFe‐LDH (NiFeB‐hydx) co‐catalyst in situ is immobilized onto Ti‐Fe2O3 and emphasizes the effect of lower‐valence Ni (Ni2‐δ) in the photoelectrochemical (PEC) process. A flexible adjustment in the oxidation state of Ni from +2 to 0 by manipulating the Ni content and the corresponding B quantity is achieved. Interestingly, the Ni0 significantly reduces the onset potential low to 0.53 VRHE, albeit leading to wasted holes due to incomplete redox transition. An optimal amount of Ni2‐δ effectively facilitates the redox transition of Ni and achieves a delicate balance between hole extraction and consumption, substantially enhancing the PEC performance. Density functional theory calculations verifies the electron enrichment of Ni and the corresponding benefits for enhancing OER. Furthermore, introducing FeOOH as a hole transfer layer on Ti‐Fe2O3 induces a pronounced band bending effect, remarkably promoting the meticulously engineered NiFeB‐hydx/FeOOH/Ti‐Fe2O3 photoanode to a photocurrent density of 3.29 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE. NiFeB‐hydx/FeOOH can be universally applied to the BiVO4 photoanode, resulting in doubled photocurrent density (4.8 mA cm−2 at 1.23 VRHE).