Prolonged Stability Research Articles

Pickering emulsions stabilized by aldehyde-modified cellulose nanofibrils: Stabilization and asphalt recovery application

Pickering emulsions stabilized by nanocelluloses have been utilized within food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries owing to their prolonged stability. However, high hydrophilicity and large dimension of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) obtained through mechanical disintegration limit their adsorption at the oil/water interface. Herein, aldehyde-modified TEMPO-oxidized CNF (ACNF) with different oxidation degrees is prepared to improve Pickering emulsion stability, broadening its application in asphalt recovery. A battery of characterization methods (TEM, turbidity, contact angle, etc.) demonstrate the installation of aldehyde groups on the ACNF and change of the properties. The aldehyde groups improve hydrophobicity of ACNF while maintaining sufficient carboxyl groups to retain electrostatic repulsion. The fiber length of ACNF decreases with increasing aldylation degree, influencing the amount of ACNF absorbed at the droplet surface. Pickering emulsion stabilized by ACNF-0.12 show optimal performances. The obtained ACNF effectively stabilizes high oil content and different oil types with long-term stability. Flowable Pickering emulsions containing asphalt are obtained. This study offers comprehensive investigation on the influence of aldehyde-modified ACNF on Pickering emulsion preparation, aiming at developing new approaches for various applications.

Use of Nanobubbles to Improve Mass Transfer in Bioprocesses

Nanobubble technology has emerged as a transformative approach in bioprocessing, significantly enhancing mass-transfer efficiency for effective microbial activity. Characterized by their nanometric size and high internal pressure, nanobubbles possess distinct properties such as prolonged stability and minimal rise velocities, allowing them to remain suspended in liquid media for extended periods. These features are particularly beneficial in bioprocesses involving aerobic strains, where they help overcome common obstacles, such as increased culture viscosity and diffusion limitations, that traditionally impede efficient mass transfer. For instance, in an experimental setup, nanobubble aeration achieved 10% higher soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) removal compared to traditional aeration methods. Additionally, nanobubble-aerated systems demonstrated a 55.03% increase in caproic acid concentration when supplemented with air nanobubble water, reaching up to 15.10 g/L. These results underscore the potential of nanobubble technology for optimizing bioprocess efficiency and sustainability. This review delineates the important role of the mass-transfer coefficient (kL) in evaluating these interactions and underscores the significance of nanobubbles in improving bioprocess efficiency. The integration of nanobubble technology in bioprocessing not only improves gas exchange and substrate utilization but also bolsters microbial growth and metabolic performance. The potential of nanobubble technology to improve the mass-transfer efficiency in biotechnological applications is supported by emerging research. However, to fully leverage these benefits, it is essential to conduct further empirical studies to specifically assess their impacts on bioprocess efficacy and scalability. Such research will provide the necessary data to validate the practical applications of nanobubbles and identify any limitations that need to be addressed in industrial settings.

Wearable ion-selective sensors with rapid conditioning and extended stability achieved through modulation of water and ion transport

Solid-contact (SC) ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) are often employed in wearables for electrolytes detection owing to their simplicity and ease of miniaturization. However, to mitigate their inherently unstable open circuit potential signal, ISEs require long hours of conditioning and frequent calibration prior to and during operation, limiting their practicality in wearable applications. Inspired by strategies to address water crossover and flooding in polyelectrolyte fuel cells, we demonstrated a SCISE with minimal conditioning time and long-term stability by modulating the rate-limiting step between mass transfer of water and hydrated ions and redox kinetics in the conducting polymer (CP). Our strategy comprised a wearable ISE with a superhydrophobic CP, PEDOT:TFPB, which reduced water and ion fluxes within the ISE, resulting in a stable and less-swollen CP and diminished water layer formation while maintaining CP's high capacitance. Our PEDOT:TFPB based ISEs functioned after a short conditioning time of 30 min and exhibited extended stability with a reduced signal deviation of only 0.16 % per hour (0.02 mV h−1) during 48 h of continuous measurement. Through systematic studies, we showed that ISE performance could be further tuned by tailoring the thickness of the ion-selective membrane as well as the hydrophobicity and polymerization charges of the CP. Without the need for recurrent calibration, our ISEs sustain high accuracy and prolonged stability upon integration into a wearable format for on-body perspiration analysis. Our strategy allows wearable ion-selective sensors with minimal maintenance at the user-end for long-term continuous monitoring, unveiling their potential in sports, healthcare, and diagnosis fields.

Surface Engineering of Superparamagnetic Graphene Oxide Nanosheet as a Chemically Tunable Platform for Facial Biofuel Production by Lipase.

In this research, we utilized an efficient approach to synthesize superparamagnetic graphene oxide (SPGO) rapidly in a one-pot method using microwave irradiation of graphene oxide (GO), urea, and Fe(III) ion. Tannic acid (TA) was introduced to the surface of SPGO through a straightforward and eco-friendly process. Methods were devised to furnish GO nanosheets and modify their surfaces with TA in an environmentally friendly manner. Two series of nanosheets, namely, SPGO/TA-COOH and SPGO/TA-IM, were engineered on the surface and used for immobilizing lipase enzyme. Through various analytical tools, the unique biocatalysts SPGO/TA-COOH/L and SPGO/TA-IM/L were confirmed. These biocatalysts exhibited enhanced stability at high temperatures and pH levels compared with free lipase. They also demonstrated prolonged storage stability and reusability over four months and seven cycles, respectively. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of immobilized lipase showed minimal impairment based on kinetic behavior analysis. The kinetic constants of SPGO/TA-IM/L were determined as Vmax = 0.24 mM min-1, Km = 0.224 mM, and kcat = 0.8 s-1. Additionally, the efficiency of biocatalysts for biodiesel production from palmitic acid was studied, focusing on various reaction parameters, such as temperature, alcohol to palmitic acid molar ratio, water content, and lipase quantity. The esterification reaction of palmitic acid with methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol was tested in the presence of SPGO/TA-COOH/L and SPGO/TA-IM/L, and the corresponding esters were obtained with a yield of 30.6-91.6%.

Transparent ionogel balancing rigidity and flexibility with prolonged stability for ultra-high sensitivity temperature sensing

In the realm of modern flexible electronics, temperature sensors are pivotal, driving transformative advancements in electronic skins, healthcare monitoring systems, and intelligent firefighting technologies. However, impediments such as diminished temperature sensitivity, the dichotomy of rigidity versus flexibility, and compromised long-term stability hinder their full potential, adversely affecting sensor efficacy and reducing device longevity. In this research, we propose an innovative methodology for synthesizing P(HFA-co-SBMA)/[LI-BMIM] ionogels via a meticulously engineered ionic liquid system. This technique engenders temperature sensors with unparalleled sensitivity and adaptability, boasting tailor-made mechanical properties that achieve a harmonious balance between stiffness and malleability, alongside enhanced environmental tolerance. The fabricated ionogels, distinguished by their intrinsic conductivity, demonstrate superior mechanical performance, evidenced by a Young’s modulus of 44.74 MPa, high strength (7.79 MPa), and elevated toughness of 7.36 MJ/m3, coupled with notable transparency (∼90.7 %). These sensors display remarkable environmental endurance and remarkable temperature sensitivity (−9.81 % °C−1 and a B-value of 3894.6 K), achieving a high linear correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.997) across a broad operating spectrum. Leveraging density functional theory (DFT) analyses, we unravel the enhanced ion transport dynamics, validating the efficacy of our approach. By integrating 3D printing, mold casting, and in-situ polymerization techniques, we streamline the custom fabrication of miniaturized flexible ionogel sensors, enhancing the design, development, and production of sensors endowed with ideal characteristics.

Remarkable improvement in photocatalytic activity of NiO nanoparticles through Ag doping: A kinetics-mechanism & recyclability

Metal oxides are recognized as exemplary materials for photocatalytic dye degradation attributed to their unique characteristics such as tunable electronic structure, prolonged stability, and cost-effectiveness. However, the wide band gap inherent to most of these materials often limits their light absorption to the ultraviolet (UV) region. Consequently, the doping of noble metal nanoparticles into the metal oxide nanostructures has been proposed to significantly improve their light-harvesting ability. This enhancement is primarily ascribed to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect associated with noble metal nanoparticles, which facilitates more effective utilization of light. Thus, in this study, we synthesized silver-doped nickel oxide (Ag:NiO) with varying Ag concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4, 6 wt%) to evaluate their photocatalytic performance. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra revealed that NiO possesses a cubic crystalline structure, and a peak shift to a higher angle was noted for Ag doping, indicative of compressive strain. Further analyses of morphological, vibrational, and absorption properties were conducted through the acquisition of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, Raman spectra and UV–Vis absorption spectra, respectively. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) dyes was assessed, revealing that NiO with 4.wt.% Ag doping exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity, achieving 99% degradation of MB and 90% degradation of RhB. Notably, Ag doping significantly enhances the light absorption capabilities and modifies the electronic structure of the NiO, thereby improving its performance in photocatalytic dye degradation.

Immobilization and characterization of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) from Glaciozyma antarctica

HSL-like esterase (GlaEst12) was isolated from the psychrophilic yeast Glaciozyma antarctica, and has a broad substrate specificity hence allowing hydrolysis of a wide range of ester molecules. This characteristic makes it relevant in a variety of industries, including food processing, pharmaceutical, and bioenergy. Immobilization of HSL-like esterase from G. antarctica (GlaEst12) was achieved through physical adsorption onto different types of supports such as Amicogen LKZ118, Amicogen LKZ518, Accurel MP1000, Seplite LXC621, and Seplite LX120. Among these, LKZ518 and LX120 exhibited a high immobilization rate (95 - 100 %), surpassing the other tested supports. Nonetheless, their recorded enzyme activity was notably lower when contrasted with the activity observed on LKZ118. While LKZ118 displayed a 50 % immobilization rate, it demonstrated remarkably high enzyme activity compared to the other supports. The optimal enzyme concentration for immobilization was determined to be 5 mg per gram of LKZ118 support. The immobilized lipase (GlaEst12_LKZ118) showed an optimum temperature et 60 °C similar to free GlaEst12 when tested using pNP-octanoate substrate. However, it showed a shift in pH optimum from pH 8 for free GlaEst12 to pH 9 for GlaEst12_LKZ118. GlaEst12_LKZ118 demonstrated prolonged stability at 60 °C, with a half-life of 180 min. Furthermore, it exhibited stability in the presence of methanol when treated at 50 °C, and increased activity in the presence of DMSO. Operational stability tests revealed that GlaEst12_LKZ118 maintained 65.5 % of its relative activity after 7 cycles, indicating its robust operational stability. In summary, the study demonstrated the successful immobilization of HSL lipase derived from G. antarctica using various supports and the immobilized enzyme showed promising activity levels for potential applications in biodiesel production and flavour ester synthesis.

Injectable hydrogel based on liposome self-assembly for controlled release of small hydrophilic molecules

Controlled release of low molecular weight hydrophilic drugs, administered locally, allows maintenance of high concentrations at the target site, reduces systemic side effects, and improves patient compliance. Injectable hydrogels are commonly used as a vehicle. However, slow release of low molecular weight hydrophilic drugs is very difficult to achieve, mainly due to a rapid diffusion of the drug out of the drug delivery system. Here we present an injectable and self-healing hydrogel based entirely on the self-assembly of liposomes. Gelation of liposomes, without damaging their structural integrity, was induced by modifying the cholesterol content and surface charge. The small hydrophilic molecule, sodium fluorescein, was loaded either within the extra-liposomal space or encapsulated into the aqueous cores of the liposomes. This encapsulation strategy enabled the achievement of controlled and adjustable release profiles, dependent on the mechanical strength of the gel. The hydrogel had a high mechanical strength, minimal swelling, and slow degradation. The liposome-based hydrogel had prolonged mechanical stability in vivo with benign tissue reaction. This work presents a new class of injectable hydrogel that holds promise as a versatile drug delivery system. Statement of significanceThe porous nature of hydrogels poses a challenge for delivering small hydrophilic drug, often resulting in initial burst release and shorten duration of release. This issue is particularly pronounced with physically crosslinked hydrogels, since their matrix can swell and dissipate rapidly, but even in cases where the polymers in the hydrogel are covalently cross-linked, small molecules can be rapidly released through its porous mesh. Here we present an injectable self-healing hydrogel based entirely on the self-assembly of liposomes. Small hydrophilic molecules were entrapped inside the extra-liposomal space or loaded into the aqueous cores of the liposomes, allowing controlled and tunable release profiles.

Phase I trial of chidamide, an oral HDAC inhibitor, in combination with oral etoposide in patients with refractory/recurrent neuroblastoma.

10034 Background: Chidamide, an oral subtype-selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, has been shown to be effective in adult patients with hematological tumors. However, there is no data on its safety and efficacy in pediatric cancer patients. Combination of HDAC inhibitors and etoposide have shown synergistic anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies of neuroblastoma. We conducted a phase I trial in pediatric patients with recurrent or refractory neuroblastoma to determine the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) of chidamide combined with oral etoposide treatment. Methods: Daily oral etoposide 35 mg/m2/dose was administered on days 1–21 in combination with escalating doses of chidamide (14 and 17 mg/m2/d) twice weekly in each 28-day cycle using the standard 3 + 3 design. Patients with response or stable disease after two cycles would maintain treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurred. Chidamide pharmacokinetic testing was performed. Results: 31 patients were enrolled in this study. The median age was 7 years (range 3 – 18). 14 patients were included in the dose escalation phase (Ia), 17 patients in the expansion cohort (Ib). The MTD of chidamide was 14 mg/m2/d, with dose limiting neutropenia and thrombocytopenia observed at 17 mg/m2/d. Median number of cycles completed was 2.5 (range 1–11). A total of 19 patients (61.3%) experienced treatment-related grade 3/4 hematologic toxicity, and no grade 3/4 non-hematological toxicity was observed. No objective responses were seen. Conclusions: In children with refractory/recurrent neuroblastoma, chidamide is well-tolerated at 14 mg/m2/d twice weekly when combining with oral etoposide 35 mg/m2/d daily. Prolonged disease stability achieved in patients with minimal residual diseases deserves further investigation. Clinical trial information: NCT05338541 .

Boosting lithium-ion conductivity of polymer electrolyte by selective introduction of covalent organic frameworks for safe lithium metal batteries

The demand for high-energy-density batteries has prompted exploration into advanced materials for enhancing the safety and performance of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). This study introduces a novel approach, incorporating two-dimensional (2D) pyrazine and imine-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs) into a polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based solid electrolyte matrix. The synthesized COFs act as multifunctional additives, improving mechanical strength, ionic conductivity (reaching 1.86 ×10−3 S/cm at room temperature), electrochemical window (oxidation resistance up to 5 V vs. Li/Li+), and thermal stability (up to 400 °C). The unique electron-rich and polar functionalities of pyrazine and imine linkages facilitate strong interactions with lithium ions (Li+), resulting in a flexible composite solid electrolyte that mitigates dendrite formation and interface instability. Electrochemical performance of LMBs with LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) cathode further confirm the enhanced Li+ conductivity, prolonged cycling stability, and a stable solid electrolyte interface, showcasing the potential of COFs in improving LMB performance. Overall, this study highlights the promising role of pyrazine and imine-linked COFs as effective additives for polymer-based solid electrolytes and their potential for developing safer and more efficient LMBs in the future.

Passivation mechanism and long-term stability: Insights from SEM-EDS analysis of passivated CdZnTeSe crystal

This study investigates the efficient passivation of CdTe-based semiconductor crystals, focusing on the long-term stability and underlying mechanisms of NaOCl passivation. CdZnTeSe crystals were grown, processed, and passivated with NaOCl, and their surface characteristics were studied using SEM-EDS and XPS. The passivation was found to significantly enhance the surface resistance, with a sustained effect for more than 90 s, attributed to the formation of a tellurium oxide layer. The passivation process was further elucidated through detailed morphological and compositional analyses. The NaOCl-passivated crystals exhibited improved electrical and spectroscopic properties in radiation detection, with a prolonged stability of 60–90 days, which are longer compared to other passivants. Additionally, the feasibility of NaOCl passivation on a CdZnTeSe detector was explored, showcasing enhanced material resistance and spectroscopic performance. The study concludes with insights into the potential industrial application of NaOCl passivation for CdTe-based radiation detectors.

Facile fabrication of SnO2/MnTe nanocomposite as an efficient electrocatalyst for OER in basic media

There is a strong demand for developing an extremely effective and robust electrocatalyst to facilitate oxygen evolution reaction in water electrolysis applications. Herein, we successfully produced SnO2/MnTe using an efficient ultrasonication technique that is cost-effective and readily accessible along with improved catalytic behavior. The physical properties of fabricated catalysts are examined to analyze textural, structural and morphological characteristics. The SnO2/MnTe nanocomposite exhibited the low overpotential (181 mV) at 10 mA cm−2 and smaller Tafel slope of 33 mV dec−1 in alkaline (1.0 M KOH) medium. Moreover, the material also showed prolonged and excellent stability over 50 h following 5000 stability cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies demonstrated that charge transfer kinetics at the catalyst-electrolyte interface could be achievable, with lower Rct values (0.8Ω) directing it to increase electrochemical behavior. The acquired outcomes obtained from electrochemical activity demonstrate the potential of SnO2/MnTe as a highly promising electrocatalyst for future electrochemical energy generation.

Regulating the redox cycle of nickel species for efficient seawater electrolysis

Promoting the self-reconstruction of NiFe-based catalysts represents a promising approach to facilitate seawater splitting, albeit with significant challenges. Herein, the redox cycle of Ni species is subtly regulated by decorating NiFe hydroxides with vanadium. Both experimental and theoretical studies demonstrate that the incorporation of V boosts the self-reconstruction of NiFe hydroxides and allows a superior OER performance on account of diminished propensity for chlorine adsorption and optimized binding energy of oxygen-containing intermediates. Consequently, the NiFeV/NF catalyst delivers 2.0 A cm−2 at an ultralow overpotential of 369 mV in 1.0 M KOH and exhibits exceptional stability for 720 h at 20 A in an alkaline membrane electrode assembly (MEA) electrolyzer. In alkaline seawater, it achieves prolonged stability, surpassing 240 h at 500 mA cm−2 with OER selectivity of 99 %. This work significantly advances the field of seawater electrolysis powered by marine renewables, paving the way for on-site hydrogen production.

Advancing photocatalytic activity through a green route: Bismuth ferrite@molybdenum trioxide heterostructure for sustainable water treatment

Photocatalysis has become increasingly pervasive in the chemical industry, profoundly impacting operational costs. However, an ideal photocatalyst must possess characteristics such as excellent reactivity, high selectivity, prolonged stability, low toxicity, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, it should facilitate the efficient separation of photo-generated charge carriers, thereby minimizing recombination rates. In pursuit of advancing photocatalytic activity for sustainable water treatment, this investigation focused on synthesizing a groundbreaking photocatalyst, the Bismuth Ferrite@Molybdenum trioxide heterostructure, using an eco-friendly green chemistry technique with pomegranate extract. This approach aligns with the goal of environmental sustainability and represents a novel contribution to the field. Employing a comprehensive approach, advanced characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, FT-IR, and UV–Vis were applied to analyze the material's structural, morphological, and optical properties. According to the characterization results, the heterostructure demonstrates superior photocatalytic efficiency, heightened crystallinity, and reduced recombination rates during dye degradation for water treatment compared to both individual photocatalysts. Notably, the composite catalyst exhibits a synergistic impact, outperforming individual BiFeO3 and MoO3 photocatalysts. SEM observations confirm the successful integration of rod-like MoO3 and cylindrical BiFeO3 morphologies, highlighting the strategic combination achieved through the green chemistry route. Furthermore, UV–Vis spectroscopy reveals key optical parameters, emphasizing a narrow bandgap energy of 2.74 eV with a high refractive index of 2.43 eV. The exceptional efficacy of the heterostructure in degrading dyes within the visible spectrum, surpassing expectations within a 4-hour timeframe, highlights its efficiency and precision. Remarkably, achieved degradation rates for Rhodamine B dye (98 %), Methyl Blue (96 %), and Methyl Orange dye (95 %) highlights the promising role of proposed photocatalytic system in effectively addressing water pollutant challenges.

Highly Durable Antibacterial Textiles: Cross-Linked Protonated Polyaniline-Polyacrylic Acid with Prolonged Electrical Stability

Highly Durable Antibacterial Textiles: Cross-Linked Protonated Polyaniline-Polyacrylic Acid with Prolonged Electrical Stability

Supported Ionic Liquid-Phase Materials (SILP) as a Multifunctional Group of Highly Stable Modifiers and Hardeners for Carbon and Flax Epoxy Composites.

This paper introduces a novel approach to enhance epoxy resin formulations by using SILP materials as multifunctional hardeners and fillers in composite structures reinforced with carbon and flax fibers. This study explores the integration of ionic liquids (ILs) onto a silica support structure, presenting various permutations involving silica selection, ionic liquid choice, and concentration. The focus of this study was to elucidate the influence of SILP on resin curing ability and the mechanical properties of the resulting composites. Detailed research was conducted, including Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis (BET) for SILP materials and curing characterization for epoxy resin formulations with different SILP materials. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the obtained composites were determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis (SEM) (the force at break, the maximum elongation at break, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity). Through SILP incorporation, the mechanical properties of composites, including the modulus of elasticity and tensile strength, are substantially improved, a phenomenon akin to traditional filler effects. The findings highlight SILP materials as prospective candidates for concurrent hardening and filling roles within composites (through a single-step procedure, with prolonged storage stability and controlled processing conditions), particularly pertinent as the composite industry veers toward epoxy bioresins necessitating liquefaction via temperature application.

In Situ Symbiosis of Cerium Oxide Nanophase for Enhancing the Oxygen Electrocatalysis Performance of Single-Atom Fe─N─C Catalyst with Prolonged Stability for Zinc-Air Batteries.

The Fenton reaction, induced by the H2O2 formed during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) process leads to significant dissolution of Fe, resulting in unsatisfactory stability of the iron-nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts (Fe-NC). In this study, a strategy is proposed to improve the ORR catalytic activity while eliminating theeffectof H2O2 by introducing CeO2 nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy and subsequent characterizations reveal that CeO2 nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the carbon substrate, with atomically dispersed Fe single-atom catalysts (SACs) adjacent to them. CeO2@Fe-NC achieves a half-wave potential of 0.89V and a limiting current density of 6.2mAcm-2, which significantly outperforms Fe-NC and commercial Pt/C. CeO2@Fe-NC also shows a half-wave potential loss of only 1% after 10000 CV cycles, which is better than that of Fe-NC (7%). Further, H2O2 elimination experiments show that the introduction of CeO2 significantly accelerate the decomposition of H2O2. In situ Raman spectroscopy results suggest that CeO2@Fe-NC significantly facilitates the formation of ORR intermediates compared with Fe-NC. The Zn-air batteries utilizing CeO2@Fe-NC cathodes exhibit satisfactory peak power density and open-circuit voltage. Furthermore, theoretical calculations show that the introduction of CeO2 enhances the ORR activity of Fe-NC SAC. This study provides insights for optimizing SAC-based electrocatalysts with high activity and stability.

Efficacy of a prolonged stability melphalan formulation for intra-arterial treatment of retinoblastoma

BackgroundMelphalan, which is poorly soluble at room temperature, is widely used for the treatment of retinoblastoma by selective ophthalmic artery infusion. Evomela, a propylene glycol-free formulation of melphalan with improved...

Enhanced visible-light induced photocatalytic activity in core-shell structured graphene/titanium dioxide nanofiber mats

Semiconductor photocatalysts suffer from low photocatalytic quantum efficiency, diminished solar energy utilization, and inadequate photostability, thereby impeding their widespread adoption. Meanwhile, graphene emerges as an ideal substrate material for fabricating high-performance composite photocatalysts owing to its distinctive single-layer sp2-hybridized carbon atom arrangement, substantial specific surface area, exceptional electron conductivity, and pronounced transparency. In this study, a graphene-anatase-rutile core-shell structured nanofiber mat architecture is successfully synthesized by sol-gel-assisted coaxial electrospinning with high-temperature thermal treatment. This innovative architecture effectively narrows the bandgap of TiO2 and synergizes adsorption and catalysis processes to achieve heightened catalytic efficiency and prolonged stability. Photocatalytic assays conducted under visible light irradiation demonstrate the excellent photocatalytic activity and stability of the graphene-titanium dioxide hybrid material during the degradation of phenol. The kinetics and mechanism of the phenol degradation of the nanofiber mat have been explored. Furthermore, the unique mesh-like configuration intrinsic to the nanofiber assembly confers sedimentation and recyclability upon the composite material.

Integrated Fibrous Iontronic Pressure Sensors with High Sensitivity and Reliability for Human Plantar Pressure and Gait Analysis.

Flexible sensing systems (FSSs) designed to measure plantar pressure can deliver instantaneous feedback on human movement and posture. This feedback is crucial not only for preventing and controlling diseases associated with abnormal plantar pressures but also for optimizing athletes' postures to minimize injuries. The development of an optimal plantar pressure sensor hinges on key metrics such as a wide sensing range, high sensitivity, and long-term stability. However, the effectiveness of current flexible sensors is impeded by numerous challenges, including limitations in structural deformability, mechanical incompatibility between multifunctional layers, and instability under complex stress conditions. Addressing these limitations, we have engineered an integrated pressure sensing system with high sensitivity and reliability for human plantar pressure and gait analysis. It features a high-modulus, porous laminated ionic fiber structure with robust self-bonded interfaces, utilizing a unified polyimide material system. This system showcases a high sensitivity (156.6 kPa-1), an extensive sensing range (up to 4000 kPa), and augmented interfacial toughness and durability (over 150,000 cycles). Additionally, our FSS is capable of real-time monitoring of plantar pressure distribution across various sports activities. Leveraging deep learning, the flexible sensing system achieves a high-precision, intelligent recognition of different plantar types with a 99.8% accuracy rate. This approach provides a strategic advancement in the field of flexible pressure sensors, ensuring prolonged stability and accuracy even amidst complex pressure dynamics and providing a feasible solution for long-term gait monitoring and analysis.