Strategy For Construction Research Articles

Solar Evaporators for Saline Water: Sustainable Clean Water Harvesting and Critical Mineral Resources Extraction.

Solar-driven interfacial water evaporation (SIWE) can efficiently utilize solar energy to separate or extract various ions from saline water, providing an environmentally friendly, economical, and sustainable approach to clean water and critical mineral resources harvesting. However, for ongoing practical implementation, solid salt accumulation at the interface will inevitably impair the SIWE performance, while direct disposal of residual concentrated brine poses significant environmental risks. As such, advancing solar evaporators for sustainable clean water harvesting and critical mineral resources extraction is pivotal in the resources-energy-environment nexus. Critically, this review spotlights the latest research progress in engineering nonselective salt-rejecting solar evaporators (NS-SRSEs) for sustainable desalination, emphasizing interfacial structural design and surface modification. We then delineate our endeavors aimed at the construction strategies of selective salt-extraction solar evaporators (S-SESEs) for getting access to critical mineral resources such as uranium and lithium. Finally, current challenges and opportunities are outlined in the high-value saline water utilization of NS-SRSE and S-SESE for real-world applications that balance high efficiency, durability, and adaptability with a low environmental impact. Looking ahead, we anticipate ongoing advancements in promoting solar evaporators from laboratory research to practical applications, contributing to global efforts in sustainable water management and critical mineral resources recovery.

Use and Effects of Therapist Memory Support Strategies in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression

Abstract Purpose The use of memory support strategies could help patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) to improve their memory for the content of therapy, leading to better treatment outcomes. Constructive memory support strategies prompt patients to construct new ideas. Non-constructive memory support strategies encourage the passive processing of therapy content. Building on previous work in a university setting, our goal was to investigate the effects of therapists’ natural use of memory support strategies in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for MDD in routine clinical practice. Methods In the context of a multicenter randomized trial, comparing once- versus twice weekly sessions of CBT and IPT for MDD in routine clinical practice, videos of therapy sessions from 75 patients during different phases of treatment (n = 67 between session 1–4, n = 59 between session 5–8, n = 56 between session 9–12) were rated on therapist use of memory support strategies and how the patient responded to the information given by the therapist (patient learning behavior). Hypotheses were investigated with mixed models. Results Memory support strategies were related to more patient learning behavior. Constructive memory support strategies were related to reduced depression in the next session, but not to recall or change in therapy skills or depression at the end of treatment. Conclusions Memory support strategies might be beneficial in routine clinical practice in increasing patient learning behavior and reducing next session depression. Future studies should find out which strategy works for whom and whether a higher dose leads to change in depression over treatment.

Architecture Engineering for Thick Electrodes in High-Energy Batteries: Challenges and Strategies.

With the burgeoning demand for smart portable electronic devices and high-performance electric vehicles, there is tremendous urgency to further dramatically improve the energy density of rechargeable batteries. Although utilizing thick electrodes to improve energy density is a straightforward and productive approach, the slow reaction kinetics and inadequate mechanical strength caused by the thickness increase have hampered their development. Therefore, to break through the bottleneck of thick electrodes, we comprehensively summarize the recent progress of thick electrode architecture engineering in the field of rechargeable batteries. Considering the relationship between electrode structure and electrochemical performance, we focus on the four crucial challenges (high tortuosity, slow electron and ion transport, improper porosity, and visible cracking) and corresponding solutions (constructing vertically aligned hierarchical channels, introducing multidimensional conductive materials, regulating the degree of calendering, and so on) in constructing thick electrodes. Finally, the construction strategy of thick electrodes and the inextricable relationship of these crucial factors are summarized, and an outlook on the development and research directions toward thick electrodes is discussed, providing valuable reference for designing high-performance thick electrodes.

Novel Cyanoethyl Cellulose-based Bilayer Materials for Electrowetting Displays at Low Voltage.

Electrowetting displays (EWD) still face the challenge of high driving voltages, provided by specialized driver ICs for electrowetting technologies. However, if the driving voltage is reduced to the threshold of widely used driver ICs of liquid crystal displays, it would significantly accelerate the revolution of driving ICs for EWD devices. Cyanoethyl cellulose (CEC) is utilized as a novel dielectric layer for electrowetting-on-dielectric systems and shows a large contact angle modulation, enabling low-voltage-driven wettability and device operation. Different combinations of bilayer Hyflon/CEC structures are systematically investigated to reduce the driving voltage. Reduction of driving voltage is revealed to be highly dependent on the enhancement of total capacitance Ceq through the link of effective dielectric constant εeff and a theoretical formula for reducing driving voltage is proposed. Furthermore, for the HF/CEC bilayer construction, values of Ceq largely depend on the thickness of the HF layer, while the variation in the thickness of the CEC layer has a smaller impact. Consequently, Vd can be reduced from 17, 14 to 9 V when decreasing the thickness of HF from 400, 300 to 200 nm with a CEC layer of 650 nm. Consequently, a low driving voltage of 9 V is successfully achieved for the CEC/Hyflon bilayer in the fabricated EWD, fulfilling the operating voltage for driving ICs of liquid crystal display. Therefore, capacitance values can be manipulated through tuning the thickness of CEC/Hyflon bilayers and provide a constructive strategy for designing dielectric and hydrophobic functional materials, ushering in a new era of EWD technology.

Reinforced Hole Trapping in S‐Scheme Photoharvesters for Markedly Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution and Nitrogen Fixation

AbstractThe S‐scheme heterojunction exerts a profoundly positive influence on enhancing carrier separation efficiency and redox capability. However, there are few reports on accelerating the reaction rate of photogenerated charge carriers, particularly the consumption rate of photogenerated holes in S‐scheme heterojunction. Herein, an in situ construction strategy is employed to construct ultra‐small nonprecious metal NiO (≈2 nm) on an S‐scheme heterojunction. By incorporating ultra‐small NiO into S‐scheme heterojunctions, photocatalytic hydrogen production performance is significantly improved by 380 times, and nitrogen fixation performance is enhanced by 20 times. Density function theoretical (DFT) calculations, in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (in situ XPS), and in situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) characterization results indicate that the incorporation of ultra‐small NiO into S‐scheme heterojunctions can not only enhance the separation efficiency of photo‐generated carriers and the redox ability of S‐scheme heterojunctions but also further promote the consumption rate of photo‐generated holes by sacrificial agents, thereby achieving a secondary enhancement in carrier separation efficiency. Therefore, the photocatalytic performance of hydrogen (H2) production and nitrogen (N2) fixation is markedly improved. The successful execution of this work provides a novel approach to material structure design, offering valuable insights for the development and performance improvement of high‐performance heterojunction materials.

Design Principles Of Inorganic‐Protein Hybrid Materials for Biomedicine

ABSTRACTInorganic protein hybrid materials (IPHMs) due to editable structure present unrivalled potential at the intersection of synthetic biology and materials science. The synthesis of IPHMs with a high degree of biosafety from bioactive units represents a shift in material design and synthesis. This paper focuses on a review of the structural basis and design principles of proteins for the synthesis of IPHMs with specific physical and chemical functions. It also provides a valuable reference for the design of emerging IPHMs through the conformational relationship of the IPHMs, which extends the potential applications of IPHMs. In addition, the construction strategy of the reaction system for the synthesis of hybrid materials is analyzed from the perspective of synthetic biology. The possibility of engineering and batch synthesis of IPHMs is discussed. Based on the physicochemical properties of different hybrid materials and the applied‐oriented research on biomedical optical imaging and multimodal therapy, the idea of synthesis of in situ hybrid materials is proposed. Ultimately, the trends and challenges of synthetic biology for IPHMs are speculated in detail.

Rapid Closed Pore Regulation of Biomass‐derived Hard Carbons Based on Flash Joule Heating for Enhanced Sodium Ion Storage

AbstractClosed pores are essential for enhancing the low‐potential (<0.1 V) plateau capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency of hard carbon (HC) anode materials for energy‐dense sodium‐ion batteries. However, the lack of simple and effective closed‐pore construction strategies has severely hindered their future commercialization. Herein, a rapid closed‐pore regulation strategy for biomass‐derived HCs is proposed through pre‐heat treatment followed by flash Joule heating (FJH). The pre‐heat treatment is critical for transforming vulnerable biomass into high‐carbonizability frameworks that are resistant to over‐graphitization. FJH treatment helps to generate enriched closed pores surrounded by the resulting carbon walls with expanded interlayer spacing as accessible Na+ channels. This strategy shows remarkable universality and applicability for biomass feedstocks, enabling rapid conversion of various carbonization‐vulnerable precursors to high‐yield (e.g. HC600‐J‐1500 compared with HC25‐J‐1500, ≈14‐fold yield increase) and closed‐pore enriched HCs. The optimized sample demonstrates an outstanding reversible capacity of 377 mAh g−1 with a superior initial Coulombic efficiency of 93.3%, which stands in a record value prepared with FJH and is even competitive via conventional carbonization. Comprehensive tests reveal that the efficient Na storage originates from the pore‐filling mechanism in the closed nanopores. This work suggests a facile and universal closed‐pore regulation approach for the rational design of high‐performance HCs.

Electrooxidation of Glycerol to Formic Acid: from Catalyst Design Strategies to Key Coupled Systems.

As a major by-product of biodiesel production, glycerol offers significant economic potential when effectively utilized. The electrooxidation of glycerol to formic acid in couped systems has attracted considerable attentions due to its environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, low energy consumption and production of high-value-added chemicals. This concept presents the key strategies for catalyst design and rational construction of representative coupled systems towards the efficient electrooxidation of glycerol to formic acid. Firstly, we overview the key catalyst design strategies from four aspects, including heteroatom doping, vacancy engineering, interface engineering, and component engineering, to construct highly active sites and tune the electronic properties of electrocatalysts. Subsequently, we discuss the representative coupled systems for glycerol oxidation to formic acid, highlight the importance of electrooxidation to high-value added chemicals. Finally, we conclude by outlining current challenges and proposing future perspectives, to arouse further research interest and facilitate further development.

Understanding the Engineering Tactics to Achieve the Stabilized Anode in Next‐Generation Zn‐Air Batteries

ABSTRACTThe modern technical era demands sustainable and green energy production and storage methods that overcome the limitations of conventional fuel resources. Electrochemical energy storage (ECS) technologies are widely anticipated to store and release energy on repeated cycles for domestic and commercial utilization. Several ECS devices were developed over the years to achieve higher energy density and energy sustainability. Zn‐air batteries are developed to deliver higher energy density and their lower maintenance, flexibility, and rechargeability made them the significant sustainable energy device. However, the Zn anodes face several issues due to dendrite formation during several discharge cycles, HER at higher negative potentials, and corrosion behavior. Therefore, Zn‐anode design strategies and significant electrolyte modifications were adopted to limit the critical issues. The review promptly exhibits the significance of Zn‐air battery and their construction strategies. The present review highlights the rational design strategies for the stabilization of the Zn anode, such as coating with a passive layer, heterostructure and alloy‐composite formation, and the major electrolyte modifications, such as using organic electrolytes, additives in aqueous electrolytes, and solid‐state polymer gel electrolytes. The review is expected to attract a wide range of readers, from beginners to industrialists, which serve as a guide for developing Zn‐air batteries.

Strategy for Construction and Improvement of 4R Resilience Evaluation Model for Coastal Cities

Strategy for Construction and Improvement of 4R Resilience Evaluation Model for Coastal Cities

Controllable assembly of three-dimensional SERS substrate for highly sensitive detection of thiram residues in vegetables.

Controllable assembly of three-dimensional SERS substrate for highly sensitive detection of thiram residues in vegetables.

Decision support model for evaluating circular economy strategies in private residential construction

Decision support model for evaluating circular economy strategies in private residential construction

Commercial Buildings Decarbonization: Benchmarks and Strategies for the United States Sustainable Commercial Construction

Commercial Buildings Decarbonization: Benchmarks and Strategies for the United States Sustainable Commercial Construction

Assessment of promotional strategies for construction and demolition waste recycled products based on hybrid simulation system

Assessment of promotional strategies for construction and demolition waste recycled products based on hybrid simulation system

Screen printing of ionic diode arrays for large-area uniform moist-electric generators.

Developing moist-electric array device using screen printing technology that meets mass customization, high power output, and wearable capabilities is very attractive for sustainable mobile power. However, the design of sandwich stacked moist-electric array devices and their screen printing patterning manufacturing process are still challenging. Here, we developed a large-scale fine construction strategy for ion diode nano-channels compatible with screen printing process. A single moist-electric device can generate an open circuit voltage of 0.7V and a short circuit current density of 56.69μA/cm2. After large-area integrated manufacturing, the array can generate an open circuit voltage of 126V and a short circuit current of 5.47 mA. In addition, compared with the spraying process, the performance deviation between different array units is greatly reduced using the screen printing process, which is the key to ensuring the application of moist-electric technology from a single prototype device to a functional integrated device.

Construction strategy of green alliance for energy mining supply chain from the perspective of policy combination

Construction strategy of green alliance for energy mining supply chain from the perspective of policy combination

Ultrafast cell-free DNA extraction from body fluids using UiO-66-NH2 hydrogel packed syringe.

Ultrafast cell-free DNA extraction from body fluids using UiO-66-NH2 hydrogel packed syringe.

Mechanical characteristics and construction strategy optimization for foundation design in complex geological conditions

In order to improve the reliability and efficiency of foundation design in complex geological environments, this paper proposes a computer-assisted mechanical characterization model based on biomechanical principles, which is combined with bionic design methods to optimize the construction strategy. By integrating the stress distribution and deformation mechanism of biomaterials, this paper designs a foundation structure that is more adaptable to the geological uncertainty, and uses optimization algorithms and dynamic feedback mechanisms to analyze the foundation bearing capacity, settlement control and structural response. The results show that the optimized model significantly improves the foundation safety, reduces the overall construction cost, and provides valuable guidance for engineering practice.

Direct stereoselective C(sp3)-H alkylation of saturated heterocycles using olefins.

Despite cross-coupling strategies that enable the functionalization of aromatic heterocycles, the enantioselective C(sp3)-H alkylation of readily available saturated hydrocarbons to construct C(sp3)-C(sp3) bonds remains a formidable challenge. Here we describe a nickel-catalysed enantioselective C(sp3)-H alkylation of saturated heterocycles using olefins, providing an efficient strategy for the stereoselective construction of C(sp3)-C(sp3) bonds. Using readily available and stable olefins and simple saturated nitrogen and oxygen heterocycles as prochiral nucleophiles, the coupling reactions proceed under mild conditions and exhibit broad scope and high functional group tolerance. Furthermore, the enantio- and diastereoselective C(sp3)-H alkylation of saturated hydrocarbons with alkenyl boronates has been achieved, enabling the synthesis of versatile alkyl boronates containing 1,2-adjacent C(sp3) stereocentres. Application of this approach to the late-stage modification of natural products and drugs, as well as to the enantioselective synthesis of a range of chiral building blocks and natural products, is demonstrated.

Palladium-Catalyzed Insertion of Allenes into Dithioacetals To Access 1,3-Dithioethers.

Great efforts have been devoted to synthesizing dithioethers due to their unique pharmaceutical properties. While significant success has been achieved in the synthesis of 1,1-dithioethers and 1,2-dithioethers, a concise and efficient strategy for the direct construction of 1,3-dithioethers has not yet been established. Herein, we developed a palladium-catalyzed thiomethylthiolation of allenes with dithioacetals to access a wide range of 1,3-dithioethers through the simultaneous construction of one carbon-carbon bond and one carbon-sulfur bond. A dithioacetal-coordinated cationic palladium complex was isolated and characterized, which was considered the crucial intermediate for this palladium-catalyzed transformation.