Specific Area Research Articles

Oxidative Desulfurization of Dibenzothiophene Using Catalyst of NiO Impregnated on Magnetic Silica Sand from Parangtritis Beach

Oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (ODS-DBT) using catalyst of NiO impregnated on magnetic silica sand from Parangtritis beach (Ps) had been evaluated. The NiO-Ps catalyst was prepared using wet impregnation method with Ps to Ni (NO3)2·6H2O weight ratio of 1:1. The catalyst was calcined at a temperature of 400 °C for 5 h under flow of 20 mL min-1 of N2 gas. The ODS-DBT process was carried out using NiO-Ps catalyst on solution of n-hexane with a sulfur content of 500 ppm under variations of temperature, time, and H2O2 volume. The results of XRD and FTIR indicated the main minerals of Ps were quartz, alumina, and magnetite. The Ps and NiO-Ps had crystallinities of 59.97 and 70.32% with crystal sizes of 16.32 and 10.95 nm. The SEM-EDX and TEM analysis showed the surface of Ps was flat and NiO-Ps was rough. The BET-nitrogen absorption-desorption indicated the Ps and NiO-Ps were mesoporous materials with average pore diameters of 11.98 and 24.01 nm, total pore volumes of 0.008 and 0.057 cm3 g-1, and specific surface areas of 2.611 and 9.502 m2 g-1. The Ps and NiO-Ps have acidity values of 1.14 and 1.74 mmol g-1. The optimum desulfurization using NiO-Ps catalyst in the ODS-DBT was 79.40% obtained at a temperature, time, and H2O2 volume of 60 °C, 30 min, and 0.42 mL.

Magnetic PDMS@SiO2/Fe3O4 Composite Friction Layer Material for Enhanced Friction Nanogenerator Output Performance

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) have exhibited remarkable potential in harnessing stochastic low-frequency mechanical energy from oceanic surfaces, attributed to their versatile architectures and capability for extensive deployment. Nonetheless, the relatively modest power output per unit area remains a critical limitation impeding the advancement of TENG technology. Consequently, the innovation of novel material systems and devices to augment the output performance and efficiency of TENG is paramount in achieving effective ocean energy exploitation. In our study, a vertical contact PC-TENG was utilized as an energy harvester, with the incorporation of magnetic nano-oxide particles to bolster the output efficiency of TENG. This investigation represents the inaugural application of SiO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles within PDMS negative friction layers. This strategy augments the specific surface area, thereby improving the contact between the friction materials and enhancing charge transfer efficiency. Moreover, the magnetic properties of Fe3O4 facilitate charge separation on the material's surface, culminating in an elevated voltage output. Comprehensive characterizations were conducted using SEM, FTIR, electrometer, and contact angle meter, while simulations were corroborated with COMSOL Multiphysics field simulation software. The output performance witnessed optimization through the incorporation of Fe3O4, culminating in a peak open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 85.1212 V, a maximum short-circuits current (ISC) of 8.4037 μA, and a maximum transferred charge (QSC) of 0.5638 nC, reflecting enhancements of 28%, 32%, and 27%, respectively, compared to conventional PDMS materials. The peak output power, achieved with an impedance match of 55 MΩ, was recorded at 19.03 mW, marking a 70.8% improvement in output performance. The findings revealed that the contact angle of PDMS@SiO2/Fe3O4 composites reached 100.092°, enhancing hydrophobicity by 8% relative to traditional PDMS materials, thereby rendering it more suitable for humid environments. COMSOL Multiphysics field simulation results further substantiated the viability of the PDMS@SiO2/Fe3O4 composite friction layer material for applications in oceanic wave environments. Ultimately, a rectifier bridge was introduced to convert the alternating current generated by the PC-TENG into direct current. This research offers a novel paradigm for the utilization of TENG in the realm of marine energy.

Efficient and sustainable approach of heavy metal adsorption from wastewater using algal biomass of Hypnea valentiae (Turner) Montagne, 1841

The biosorption of heavy metals especially, Cd2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+ from wastewater were evaluated using the biomass of macroalgae, Hypnea valentiae found in coastal waters of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, India. The probable functional groups involved in the biosorption process was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The specific surface area, pore volume and pore diameter of prepared biosorbent was determined by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis and it was found to be 59.993 m2 g−1, 0.292 cc g−1 and 1.429 nm, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy images after the biosorption revealed that the heavy metals have been adsorbed on to the surface of biosorbent. The optimization study was performed using Box–Behnken design and the optimum parameters used were initial concentration of metal ions (10–500 mg L−1), biomass dose (5–25 g L−1), contact time (10–120 min), temperature (25–45 °C), agitation speed (60–120 rpm) and pH (2–14). The heavy metal uptake (biosorption) was assessed by isotherm models including Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R), Freundlich and Langmuir models. The maximum sorption of metal ions was observed in Langmuir isotherm model (R L 0.1773 and K F 2.2030 L mg−1) with an R 2 value close to 0.99 clearly indicating the chemical mode of metal ion adsorption. Also, the sorption of Cd2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+ on to the surface of algal biomass followed pseudo-second-order kinetics with a rate constant, k2 being 9.627 × 10−3 g (mg min) −1 and qe being 93.98496 mg g−1, strongly supporting the chemisorption mechanism. The computed thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH, and ΔS) demonstrated an endothermic, spontaneous biosorption that was feasible. The maximum removal efficiency was achieved for Pb (92.86%) followed by Cd (91.48%) and Zn (87.32%). The biosorbent can be reused and regenerated up to four cycles efficiently. There was a significant reduction in the biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, and pH of wastewater after treatment with the biosorbent. From this study, it is assessed that the biomass from red algae can be utilized for the biosorption of heavy metals from polluted water which is cost-effective and eco-friendly.

Eco-friendly, stable, and high-performance biochar prepared by a twice-modification scheme: Saccharification of raw materials & thermal air oxidation of biochar

Organic pollutants, such as phenolic compounds, pose significant risks to both the environment and human health. While biochar is an effective adsorbent for removing these pollutants, its dissolved solid (DS) components can lead to the loss of functional groups, structural disintegration, unstable performance, and environmental issues. This study introduces a twice-modification scheme designed to produce a biochar (BC-M) that combines high stability with superior performance. The process begins with the preparation of a stable biochar from cellulase-treated lignocellulose. This precursor biochar is then subjected to thermal air oxidation to enhance its oxygen-containing functional groups, thereby improving its adsorption capabilities. A mathematical model was developed to explore the relationship between different thermal air oxidation conditions and the properties of BC-M, aiming to optimize both adsorption capacity and DS. The model's multi-objective optimization indicated the optimal modification conditions. Compared to unmodified biochar (BC-O), BC-M showed significant improvements: its specific surface area increased by 63.6%, pore volume by 139%, and functional groups by 50%–1271%. Notably, the DS of BC-M was reduced to just 1.08 mg/L, representing a 97.5% reduction from BC-O, with a minimal mass loss of only 0.78 ± 0.45% during modification. BC-M also demonstrated a remarkable enhancement in the adsorption of phenolic compounds, with a capacity 21%–2408% higher than BC-O. Furthermore, calculations indicated that BC-M could reduce carbon emissions by 0.70 t CO2/yr/t, outperforming activated carbon in this regard. This study offers valuable insights into biochar modification, providing a low-cost, high-stability, and high-efficiency alternative for environmental cleanup.

Compact Carbon-Based Ultra-High-Power Electrodes: A Sodium Alginate-Induced Self-Shrinkage and Densification Approach.

The trade-off between compact energy storage and high-power performance presents a significant challenge in device development. While densifying carbon materials enhances volumetric energy density by optimizing the balance between porosity and packing density, it often disrupts electronic conductivity due to random physical contact between nanomodules, limiting the power performance. This work presents a sodium alginate (SA)-induced self-shrinkage densification strategy that overcomes this limitation by incorporating nanometer-sized "spacers," namely carbon quantum dots (CQDs), into graphene nanosheets and crosslinking them by carbonizing SA accompanying with the shrinkage. These CQDs and SA-derived carbon enhance specific surface area, electronic conductivity, and ion transport rate due to the CQDs' spacer function and the formation of welded junction between the reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/CQDs nanosheets. Subsequently, the rGO/CQDs/SA-derived carbon film exhibits an extraordinary volumetric power density of 12307.7W cm-3 in an aqueous electrolyte under a mass loading of 0.12mg cm-2. Notably, the assembled aqueous supercapacitors achieve a high volumetric power density of 349.5W cm-3 under a higher mass loading of 0.49mg cm-2. This paves the way for developing compact, highly conductive carbon-based electrodes without compromising high porosity, offering a significant advancement in ultra-high-power energy storage devices.

Tuning Thin Film Thickness and Porosity with Layer‐by‐Layer Submicronic Particles Assembly

AbstractPorous NiO films were prepared using Layer‐by‐Layer assembly of submicronic β‐Ni(OH)2 nanoplatelets and size‐controlled poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles. β‐Ni(OH)2/PMMA thin films were elaborated using different PMMA particle sizes and concentrations. The elaborated films were then heated at a temperature of 325 °C in air for one hour to form porous NiO films by calcining β‐Ni(OH)2 nanoplatelets. PMMA polymeric particles were also calcined during this process, leading to film porosity. Thermal treatment experiments clearly showed a relationship between PMMA particle size and film properties i. e., porosity and thickness. NiO films exhibited huge pores, around 1 μm, and matter loss after calcination when PMMA particles with a diameter of 190±43 nm were employed. Partial collapsing of the films was also denoted. Experiments were then carried out by decreasing PMMA particle size (100±19 nm) leading to cohesive NiO films. Finally, the specific surface area (SSA) of the NiO films prepared with PMMA particles of 100 nm was determined by adsorption‐desorption of nitrogen gas using the BET (Brunauer–Emmet–Teller) method. This showed an increase in SSA with PMMA particle concentration.

Enhanced H2S removal efficiency using CuO/Al2O3 catalyst impregnated with Ca(NO3)2: Influence of calcination temperature and mechanistic insights

A series of Ca(NO3)2-CuxO/Al2O3 catalysts with different calcination temperatures were designed to remove H2S effectively. Experimental and characterization results indicate that the calcination temperature can influence the catalyst's specific surface area, basic sites, and oxygen vacancies (VOs) concentration, thereby promoting its desulfurization performance. The Ca(NO3)2-CuxO/Al2O3 catalyst, calcined at 230 °C, exhibits an optimal surface structure. It demonstrates optimal H2S desulfurization performance at a temperature of 60 °C and relative humidity of 60 %, achieving a removal capacity of 486.67 mg/g. The VOs in CuxO (CuO and Cu2O) induce a unique catalytic of H2O, which generates hydroxy radicals (·OH) to oxidize the H2S anion to S. The introduction of Ca2+ provides basic sites to buffer pH, and NO3- with H+ removes H2S through cyclic oxidation, significantly enhancing the desulfurization performance of the Cu-based catalyst. The CaO-CuxO/Al2O3 catalyst, calcined at 700 °C, suffers from a deteriorated catalyst structure, leading to the rapid formation of desulfurization by-products due to the presence of CaO covering the catalyst surface. This diminishes the effectiveness of Cu, significantly impairing the catalyst's desulfurization performance (150.47 mg/g). Consequently, desulfurization mechanisms of Ca(NO3)2-CuxO/Al2O3 and CaO-CuxO/Al2O3 are proposed, offering effective strategies for the design and optimization of subsequent high-efficiency catalysts.

Porous Single-Crystal Nitrides for Enhanced Pseudocapacitance and Stability in Energy Storage Applications.

Supercapacitors have emerged as a prominent area of research in energy storage technology, primarily because of their high power density and notable stability compared to batteries. However, their practical implementation is hindered by their low energy densities and insufficient long-term stability. In this study, bulk porous Nb4N5 and Ta3N5 single crystals with excellent pseudocapacitance and electrical conductivity are successfully prepared by solid-phase transformation method. These monolithic porous single crystals (PSC) exhibit a long-range ordered crystalline architecture and substantial specific surface area, which facilitate rapid charge transport and ion diffusion within the electrolyte-permeated crystal lattice. Notably, the areal capacitance of the porous Nb4N5 single crystals is 12.9 F cm-2 at a current density of 6mA cm-2 and 35.08 F cm-2 at a scan rate of 1mV s-1. Furthermore, the energy density reached 1.79 mWh cm-2 at a power density of 20mW cm-2, demonstrating their high energy storage capability. Moreover, these porous Nb4N5 single crystals exhibited robust capacitance retention and exceptional cycling stability, making them promising candidates for use as electrodes in energy storage applications. These results underscore the significant potential of porous metal nitride single crystals in advancing the field of capacitive energy storage.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Potential Toxicity of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Medical Applications: Cellular Mechanisms and Systemic Effects

Owing to recent advancements in nanotechnology, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs), particularly magnetite (Fe3O4) and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), are currently widely employed in the field of medicine. These MNPs, characterized by their large specific surface area, potential for diverse functionalization, and magnetic properties, have found application in various medical domains, including tumor imaging (MRI), radiolabelling, internal radiotherapy, hyperthermia, gene therapy, drug delivery, and theranostics. However, ensuring the non-toxicity of MNPs when employed in medical practices is paramount. Thus, ongoing research endeavors are essential to comprehensively understand and address potential toxicological implications associated with their usage. This review aims to present the latest research and findings on assessing the potential toxicity of magnetic nanoparticles. It meticulously delineates the primary mechanisms of MNP toxicity at the cellular level, encompassing oxidative stress, genotoxic effects, disruption of the cytoskeleton, cell membrane perturbation, alterations in the cell cycle, dysregulation of gene expression, inflammatory response, disturbance in ion homeostasis, and interference with cell migration and mobility. Furthermore, the review expounds upon the potential impact of MNPs on various organs and systems, including the brain and nervous system, heart and circulatory system, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, skin, urinary, and reproductive systems.

The application of semiconductor nanomaterials in renewable energy

Abstract. In the development of renewable energy, the usage of solar cells, fuel cells, hydrogen energy, thermoelectric energy, and thermal energy has become a significant focus of research and development. Semiconductor nanomaterials play important roles in these fields. This paper focuses on the usage of TiO2 and In2O3 in renewable energy and finds out the trends and outlook of semiconductor nanomaterials in this field. TiO2 nanomaterials have attracted widespread attention due to their unique structure and excellent properties, such as their large specific surface area, high surface activity, and sensitivity. TiO2 nanomaterials are highly active in photovoltaic applications and play an important role in the search for renewable, clean energy technologies. In2O3 is an excellent n-type transparent semiconductor functional material, characterized by high sensitivity, low resistivity, good conductivity, high catalytic activity, and wide bandgap width. It has shown good competitiveness in gas sensors, solar cells, and photocatalysis fields. Although these semiconductor nanomaterials have many advantages, there are still some drawbacks that hinder their development. There is still much work to be done for the wider application of semiconductor nanomaterials in the field of renewable energy.

Structural Design on Porous Aromatic Frameworks for Photocatalysis

Photocatalytic technology has shown great potential in various fields such as environmental purification, energy conversion, and chemical transformations due to its green, sustainable, and low‐cost characteristics. Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) with high specific surface areas, designable local structures, and abundant active sites could potentially serve as efficient photocatalysts for various catalytic reactions. This makes PAFs have a wide range of application prospects and significant advantages in the field of photocatalysis. This concept discusses the recent progress of photocatalysis over PAFs. Various strategies are used to solve the general problems of photocatalyst, such as poor light absorption, low carrier separation efficiency and poor stability, which further reveal the relationship between their structure and performance.

Role of Surfactants on Electrocatalytic Activity of Co/Al Layered Double Hydroxides For Hydrogen and Oxygen Generation

AbstractLayered double hydroxides (LDHs) have recently attracted much attention in the scientific community as a prominent catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) because they are economical, extremely stable, and highly active. Literature on LDH alone and their hybrids for catalyzing water oxidation are readily available, but LDH catalyzing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is meager. Here, we synthesized Co/Al‐based LDH systems that efficiently perform as bifunctional electrocatalysts for both HER and OER. Exfoliation of this layered material via anion intercalation into a few layers further enhanced its activity. In this work, we reported the synthesis of Co/Al LDHs via coprecipitation followed by hydrothermal method and different surfactant‐functionalized LDHs (with anionic surfactant: SDS, cationic surfactant: CTAB, and nonionic surfactant: PEG 4000). SDS‐modified LDH (s LDH) showed notable stability and competent results in hydrogen evolution in addition to oxygen evolution. The exfoliation of s LDH caused enhancement in the high specific surface area about 6.8 times compared to pristine LDH, as evident from BET data. The onset potential for HER as obtained from the polarization curve for s LDH is −0.41 V versus RHE, with Tafel slope of 67.4 mV/dec. Similarly, OER onset potential and corresponding Tafel slope are 1.53 V versus RHE at 10 mA/cm2 and 90.2 mV/dec, respectively.

Ultrasensitive Room Temperature Formaldehyde Sensors Based on F Doped ZnO Nanostructures Activated by UV Light.

It is urgent to develop an ultrasensitive formaldehyde (HCHO) sensor that can operate at room temperature and has a low detection limit. Metal oxide semiconductors are excellent gas sensitive materials. Therefore, in this paper, we present the synthesis of fluorine (F) doped zinc oxide (ZnO) porous nanomaterials through a straightforward one-pot method with the optimization of F doping levels to achieve the detection of low concentrations of HCHO under UV light at room temperature. Under 375 nm UV light, the sensor exhibits a response value of 386% to 10 ppm of HCHO, which is 2.6 times higher than that of pure ZnO, and its detection limit is as low as 75 ppb. It has excellent selectivity, stability, and moisture resistance, which can meet the requirements of HCHO detection in daily life. Analysis reveals that doping ZnO with F not only increases the material's specific surface area but also introduces active sites. Furthermore, it alters the state of HCHO on the material's surface from physical adsorption to chemical adsorption. The above reasons together enhance the adsorption of HCHO on the gas sensitive material, thereby improving its gas sensitivity performance. Overall, this work demonstrates that F-doped ZnO is a potential material for ultrasensitive HCHO sensors and provides insights into the interpretation of the effect of doping on the gas sensitivity properties of materials.

The influence mechanism of mechanical modification on fly ash carbonation to solidify heavy metals

Dry and wet milling, were selected to carry out modification experiments. The influence of mechanical modification pretreatment on fly ash carbonation to solidify heavy metals was explored, and its influence mechanism was revealed. Mechanical modification can improve the physical properties, and the continuous application of mechanical energy can activate the active sites which strengthen fly ash carbonation. The carbonation efficiency was obtained by 500–800 °C thermogravimetric analysis before and after carbonation. The average carbonation efficiency improved by dry milling is 2.28 %, and that improved by wet milling is 8.11 %. Carbonation has a good curing effect on Cr, Cd, Pb and As, especially when the CO2 is raised to supercritical. At 8 MPa pressure, the leaching concentrations of Cr, Cd, Pb and As decrease by 34.94 %, 7.00 %, 15.28 % and 35.85 %. The stabilization effect of fly ash carbonation on heavy metals is significantly improved after mechanical modification pretreatment. Comparison experiments on characterization of fly ash before and after mechanical modification shows that ball milling significantly increases the specific surface area. The crushing effect of wet milling is better, because the presence of water weakens the agglomeration of fine particles caused by van der Waal force. Mechanical modification can effectively improve the pore structure of fly ash and activate active sites which promote carbonation to form a larger physical wrapping area and strengthen stable carbonate formation. so mechanical modification effectively improves the solidification of heavy metals by carbonation.

Nanomaterials in Solid-State Batteries: Enhancing Safety and Performance

Solid-state batteries (SSBs), utilizing solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, represent a promising advancement in energy storage technology due to their higher energy density and enhanced safety. Despite their potential, SSBs face significant challenges such as high interfacial resistance, low ionic conductivity, and high production costs. Recent advancements in nanomaterial technology have offered innovative solutions to these issues. Nanomaterials with high specific surface areas and controllable morphologies optimize interfacial contact, reduce resistance, and enhance ionic conductivity through efficient ion transport channels. Additionally, surface modifications and doping improve the chemical and thermal stability of SSB components, extending battery life and preventing adverse reactions. Although initial preparation costs are high, advancements in production technology and large-scale manufacturing are expected to lower these costs, facilitating commercialization. Future research should focus on new nanostructure designs, nanocomposites, and interfacial engineering to further enhance battery performance and safety. Understanding the influence of nanomaterials on safety performance and improving thermal and mechanical shock resistance are crucial for the reliable implementation of solid-state batteries in practical applications.

Review and prospect on Metal-organic framework-based Separators for Lithium–Sulfur Battery

With the continuous advancement of technology, wearable smart devices and electric vehicles (EVs) have become an integral part of our daily lives. The increasing demand for energy from these devices and vehicles has driven the pursuit of high-performance rechargeable battery technology. In particular, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles has set higher standards for the energy density and cycle life of batteries. However, the energy density of the widely used lithium-ion batteries is currently limited by the theoretical capacity of commercial cathode materials, and there are certain challenges in terms of safety and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, the development of a new generation of rechargeable batteries with higher energy density, better safety, and more economical cost is particularly urgent. Lithium-sulfur batteries, due to their high energy density, high economic benefits, and high environmental friendliness, are considered to be one of the most promising successors to the widely used lithium-ion batteries. However, in practical applications, the electrochemical performance of lithium-sulfur batteries still needs to be improved. In particular, the poor conductivity of sulfur/lithium and the shuttle effect of polysulfides make the cycle life of the battery less than ideal, and lithium-sulfur batteries (LSB) are still far from achieving large-scale commercialization. The separator used in lithium-sulfur batteries plays a crucial role in its cycle performance and safety. The current commercial separator lacks the ability to effectively regulate the shuttle of polysulfides and is prone to thermal runaway at high temperatures. Therefore, to improve these issues, various functional materials have been used to modify the separator. Among them, as a new type of porous coordination polymer, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have become a promising material for modifying separators due to their large specific surface area and highly ordered tunable nano-holes.At the same time, their rich inorganic nodes and designable organic ligands allow for the customization of pore chemistry at the molecular level, which can interact with the electroactive components in lithium-sulfur batteries in a tunable manner. This article reviews the reaction mechanism of lithium-sulfur batteries and the structural advantages of MOFs in terms of pore chemistry and morphology and briefly introduces the research progress of MOF-based interfacial layers for the functionalization of LSB separators in recent years. It elaborates on the mechanisms by which various modified separators improve electrochemical performance and provides a prospect for the development prospects of the field.

Enhancing SO2 Sensing Performance of a Fuel Cell-Type Sensor with N-Doped Cu/CNT Aerogel Electrode and COF/Nafion Electrolyte.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a common environmental pollutant with significant hazards. However, sensors for SO2 real-time monitoring at room temperature often face problems such as a poor response and sluggish recovery. In this work, a fuel cell-type gas sensor based on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube (CNT) aerogels loaded with Cu particle electrode material and COF/Nafion composite electrolyte was developed, which exhibited excellent SO2 sensitivity and fast response/recovery. The aerogel scaffold provided a high specific surface area and high electrical conductivity, and Cu particles provided good catalytic activity to SO2. In addition, N doping further enhanced the SO2 capture capability and conductivity of the electrode material. For electrolyte construction, covalent organic framework (COF) nanosheets were synthesized by a bottom-up approach and blended with Nafion to prepare the COF/Nafion membrane; the composite membrane showed higher proton conductivity. Owing to these advantages, the fuel cell-type sensor exhibited an outstanding response of -3008.5 nA to 50 ppm of SO2 with a rapid response time (35 s) and recovery time (77 s). Moreover, the rigid nanochannels of COF nanosheets improved the water retention properties of the electrolyte; this will help to simplify the structure of fuel cell-type sensors and provide a significant stimulus for their miniaturization. Based on the great sensing performance, a fuel cell-type SO2 sensor is integrated into a portable detector and evaluated in the context of dynamic environmental monitoring. The results show that the fuel cell-type sensor with the carefully designed electrode and electrolyte will have great potential in environmental monitoring and safety assurance.

Oxygen-Doped Porous Ultrathin Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution and Rhodamine B Degradation.

Graphite phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a highly promising metal-free photocatalyst, but its low activity, due to limited quantum efficiency and small specific surface area, restricts its practical application. While exfoliating bulk crystals into porous thin-layer nanosheets and incorporating dopants have been shown to improve photocatalytic efficiency, these methods are typically complex, time-consuming, and costly processes. In this study, we developed a simple approach to synthesize oxygen-doped porous g-C3N4 (OCN) nanosheets. The resulting OCN exhibited significantly enhanced light absorption and visible-light photocatalytic activity compared to bulk g-C3N4 (BCN) and g-C3N4 (CN). The OCN achieved an impressive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) rate of 8.02 mmol g-1 h-1, eight times greater than BCN, and demonstrated a high Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation rate of 97.3 % owing to the generation of abundant singlet oxygen. These improvements in photocatalytic performance are attributed to the narrow band gap and enhanced electron transfer properties, suggesting a promising route for the efficient design of g-C3N4-based photocatalysts.

Smart Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Loading Curcumin Inhibit Liver Cancer.

Curcumin (CUR) as one of the natural edible pigments is approved by the World Health Organization due to its nontoxic and anticancer effect. However, the utility of CUR is restricted due to its low oral bioavailability. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems like mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been extensively used due to their high specific surface area, high loading rate, and ease of modification. This study developed lactobionic acid (LA)-modified carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)-coated MSNs to deliver CUR specifically targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. Among these nanoparticles, LA targets liver cancer cells. CMCS utilizes pH-responsive release of CUR. The LA-CMCS-MSN@CUR (MSN@CUR) were evaluated using several methods, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and zeta potential measurements. Liver cellular uptake of MSN@CUR depends on a specific LA receptor-mediated endocytosis mechanism. Additionally, MSN@CUR performed with a better antitumor effect than Cur in H22 orthotopic transplantation of liver cancer and H22 solid tumor mouse models. Treatment with MSN@CUR significantly reduced the protein of VEGF, p-PI3K, and AKT, increased the protein of caspases 3 and 8, ultimately inhibited tumor migration, and promoted apoptosis. This study provides a new path for delivery of natural active ingredients with excellent bioavailability in the antitumor field.

Improved snow property retrievals by solving for topography in the inversion of at-sensor radiance measurements

Abstract. Accurately modelling optical snow properties like snow albedo and specific surface area (SSA) are essential for monitoring the cryosphere in a changing climate and are parameters that inform hydrologic and climate models. These snow surface properties can be modelled from spaceborne imaging spectroscopy measurements but rely on digital elevation models (DEMs) of relatively coarse spatial scales (e.g. Copernicus at 30 m), which degrade accuracy due to errors in derived products such as slope and aspect. In addition, snow deposition and redistribution can change the apparent topography, and thereby static DEMs may not be considered coincident with the imaging spectroscopy dataset. Testing in three different snow climates (tundra, maritime, alpine), we established a new method that simultaneously solves snow, atmospheric, and terrain parameters, enabling a solution that is more unified across sensors and introduces fewer sources of uncertainty. We leveraged imaging spectroscopy data from Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer-Next Generation (AVIRIS-NG) and PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa (PRISMA) (collected within 1 h) to validate this method and showed a 25 % increase in performance for the radiance-based method over the static method when estimating SSA. This concept can be implemented in missions such as Surface Biology and Geology (SBG), the Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMap), and the Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mission for the Environment (CHIME).