Superior Yield Research Articles

Effects of Halogenation on Cyclopentadithiophenevinylene-Based Acceptors with Excellent Responses in Binary Organic Solar Cells.

In recent years, non-fused non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) have attracted increasing consideration due to several advantages, which include simple preparation, superior yield, and low cost. In the work reported here, we designed and synthesized three new NFAs with the same cyclopentadithiophenevinylene (CPDTV) trimer as the electron-donating unit and different terminal units (IC for FG10, IC-4F for FG8, and IC-4Cl for FG6). Both halogenated NFAs, i.e., FG6 and FG8, show red-shifted absorption spectra and higher electron mobilities (more pronounced for FG6) in comparison with FG10. Moreover, the dielectric constants of these materials also increased upon halogenation of the IC terminal units, thus leading to a reduction in the exciton binding energy, which is favorable for dissociation of excitons and subsequent charge transfer despite the driving force (highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital offsets) being very small. The organic solar cells (OSCs) constructed using these acceptors and PBDB-T, as the donor, showed PCE values of 15.08, 12.56, and 9.04% for FG6, FG8, and FG10, respectively. The energy loss for the FG6-based device was the lowest (0.45 eV) of all the devices, and this may be attributed to it having the highest dielectric constant, which leads to a reduction in the binding energy of exciton and a small driving force for hole transfer from FG6 to PBDB-T. The results indicate that the NFA containing the CPDTV oligomer core and halogenated terminal units can efficiently spread the absorption spectrum to the NIR zone. Non-fused NFAs have a bright future in the quest to obtain efficient OSCs with low cost for marketable purposes.

Selective cyclohexane oxidation enhancement by electronic structures regulation of metal-poly(ionic liquid)s

Poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) combined with the macromolecular structure and unique properties of ionic liquids show unlimited potential in catalysis. In this work, a series of metal-based PIL with different ionic ratios were prepared for the selective oxidation of cyclohexane. Characterization analysis reveals that different degrees of ionization could adjust the Co–N sites of the catalysts efficiently, leading to significant changes in their electronic structure, which strongly relate to catalytic performance in oxidation. 20.07% cyclohexane conversion and 13.06% cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol (KA oil) yield can be achieved by metal-based PILs that are better than other commercial catalysts. Compared with CoCl2, metal-based PILs perform well, with superior conversion and KA oil yield. More interestingly, the catalyst created in this study features a malleable Co–N site, which may potentially have an impact on how oxygen species adsorb and desorb from the catalyst. Therefore, the catalyst studied in this work is used as molecular oxygen for the selective oxidation of cyclohexane to produce KA oil, and its application prospect is promising.

Evaluation of agronomic and grain yield of elite hybrids maize in south-western Nigeria

The poor grain yield of maize obtained among Nigeria small holder farmers has been an issue leading to the continuous development of maize genotypes with the aim of improving yield in the farmers’ in order to improve the household income. Evaluation of the agronomic and grain yield of some of th4 elite hybrids maize was conducted with the aim to determine their performance in order to ascertain their suitability for the south-western agro-ecology of Nigeria. Three elites hybrid maize genotypes groups made up of 30 entries of early white and yellow maize (Elite 1), 36 entries of early white maize, 36 entries of late/intermediate maturing (Elite 3) and 24 entries of open pollinated (OPV) were evaluated at the teaching and research farm of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria in two late cropping seasons of 2019 to 2020. The treatments were laid out in a randomized incomplete block design (lattice design) with three replications in each season. Data were obtained on agronomic (plant height, ear height, stem lodge, root lodge plant aspect, ear aspect and husk cover), grain yield and yield components (ear length, ear girth, number of kernel rows per ear and number of kernels per row). It was noted that 6 entries from early maturing white and yellow elites (Elite 1), two from early maturing white elites (Elite 2), one from late/ intermediate elites (Elite 3) and one from the open pollinated varieties (OPV) genotypes showed superior agronomic character while one of Elite 1 and 9 of Elite 2 genotypes showed most superior yield character across seasons. Genotypes EWH114(E1), EWH110(E1), EYTWH-9(E2) were observed to be stable and showed superior performance in agronomic character and grain yield. These genotypes are to be advocated for growth and grain yield.

Bioaccumulation of CdSe Quantum Dots Show Biochemical and Oxidative Damage in Wistar Rats.

Cadmium selenium quantum dots (CdSe QDs) with modified surfaces exhibit superior dispersion stability and high fluorescence yield, making them desirable biological probes. The knowledge of cellular and biochemical toxicity has been lacking, and there is little information on the correlation between in vitro and in vivo data. The current study was carried out to assess the toxicity of CdSe QDs after intravenous injection in Wistar male rats (230 g). The rats were given a single dose of QDs of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg and were kept for 30 days. Following that, various biochemical assays, hematological parameters, and bioaccumulation studies were carried out. Functional as well as clinically significant changes were observed. There was a significant increase in WBC while the RBC decreased. This suggested that CdSe quantum dots had inflammatory effects on the treated rats. The various biochemical assays clearly showed that high dose induced hepatic injury. At a dose of 80 mg/kg, bioaccumulation studies revealed that the spleen (120 g/g), liver (78 g/g), and lungs (38 g/g) accumulated the most. In treated Wistar rats, the bioretention profile of QDs was in the following order: the spleen, liver, kidney, lungs, heart, brain, and testis. The accumulation of these QDs induced the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, resulting in an alteration in antioxidant activity. It is concluded that these QDs caused oxidative stress, which harmed cellular functions and, under certain conditions, caused partial brain, kidney, spleen, and liver dysfunction. This is one of the most comprehensive in vivo studies on the nanotoxicity of CdSe quantum dots.

Mechanistic studies of lower temperature isomerization of n-heptane over fibrous silica molybdenum catalyst

Platinum (Pt) inclusion on fibrous silica molybdenum (FSMO) and MoO3/KCC-1 catalysts has been prepared and utilized for the lower temperature (200–350 °C) catalytic isomerization of n-heptane. The impact of Pt inclusion towards the structure, morphology, and acid distribution of catalysts was characterized by XRD, FTIR, N2-physisorption, Py-IR, and H2-IR. Compared with MoO3/KCC-1, FSMO demonstrated superior MoO3 dispersion and amount of Lewis acid site associated with the in-situ synthesis technique. Although Pt inclusion slightly lessened acid sites due to inevitable partial coverage by the Pt cluster, the considerably higher amount of Lewis acid sites compared to Brønsted and conjugated sufficiently for generating protonic acid sites for enriching the isomerization activity. In contrast to Pt/MoO3/KCC-1 and undoped catalysts, Pt/FSMO achieved a superior conversion of 70.9% with 63.6% isomer yield at a low temperature of 250 °C. The 28-h stability tests demonstrated that Pt/FSMO recorded stable isomerization activity, with a superior isomer yield (∼48–52%) and inferior cracking yield (<3.0%) than Pt/MoO3/KCC-1.

Design and development of low density, high strength ZrNbAlVTi high entropy alloy for high temperature applications

Superior high temperature strength, better thermodynamic stability and good workability are some of the desirable attributes of structural materials for next generation nuclear reactors. In this regard, the present study involves the development of a low density, equiatomic ZrNbVTiAl High Entropy Alloy (HEA) for nuclear applications. The alloy was designed using a combination of thermodynamic simulations and first principle techniques and later synthesized using levitation melting to ensure better purity and compositional homogeneity. The melted alloy possessed lower density (5.76 g/cm3) and higher hardness (5.7 GPa) in comparison to conventional structural materials like austenitic steel. Detailed characterization of the alloy showed the presence of bcc type phase along with small fractions of Al- Zr type intermetallics in as-solidified condition. The mechanical properties of the equiatomic ZrNbVTiAl alloy were studied using compression testing at room temperature and up to 1000 °C. The alloy exhibited superior specific yield strength as well as dynamic recrystallization at high temperatures resulting in the breaking of cast structure, thereby reflecting its appreciable workability. The alloy also showed a satisfactory elastic modulus (128 GPa) when measured using ultrasonic technique. The experimentally measured values of elastic moduli of alloy were compared with the values obtained through Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations and the results matched within acceptable range. Results from the present study indicates that the equiatomic ZrNbVTiAl alloy could be a suitable candidate for light weight, high temperature and high strength structural applications.

Advantages and drawbacks associated with the use of endosonography in sarcoidosis

Introduction Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a real-time, minimally invasive procedure for sampling intrathoracic lymph nodes. Herein, we discuss EBUS-guided procedures, their benefits, and drawbacks in diagnosing sarcoidosis. Areas covered We first describe the utility of various endosonographic imaging techniques like B-mode, elastography, and doppler imaging. We then review the diagnostic yield and safety of EBUS-TBNA and compare it with the other available diagnostic modalities. Subsequently, we discuss the technical aspects of EBUS-TBNA influencing the diagnostic yield. Recent advances in EBUS-guided diagnostics like EBUS-guided intranodal forceps biopsy (EBUS-IFB) and EBUS-guided transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy (EBMC) are reviewed. Finally, we summarize the advantages and disadvantages associated with EBUS-TBNA in sarcoidosis and provide an expert opinion on the optimal use of this procedure in patients with suspected sarcoidosis. Expert opinion EBUS-TBNA is a minimally invasive, safe procedure with a good diagnostic yield, and should be the preferred diagnostic modality for sampling intrathoracic lymph nodes in patients with suspected sarcoidosis. For optimal diagnostic yield, EBUS-TBNA should be combined with endobronchial biopsy (EBB) and transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB). Newer endosonographic techniques like EBUS-IFB and EBMC might obviate the need for EBB and TBLB due to their superior diagnostic yield.

Performance of improved versions of Swarna introgressed with yield enhancing genes in multi-location trials

Swarna (MTU7029), an Indian mega-variety of rice, is cultivated on an estimated 8Mha of land. There is a pressing need to address yield stagnation and wider adaptability to irrigated lowland and rainfed ecologies as a result of the negative consequences of climate change and population growth. The present study was aimed at improving Swarna for two yield-related traits through marker-assisted backcross breeding strategy by introgression of OsSPL14 (panicle branching) and SCM2 (stronger culm). Foreground and background selection was carried out at each generation. Homozygous BC2F2 plants harbouring both yield-enhancing genes were identified and advanced through pedigree selection till BC2F5 and evaluated in station trials. Three promising lines possessing higher yield over recurrent parent were identified, and a single line, IET 27661 exhibited superior yield in multi-location trials of the All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Programme (AICRIP) and was found to be promising.

Achieving excellent strength-ductility combination in an Inconel 625 superalloy via short-term stress-aging treatment

In this work, nanoscale δ phases and multiple deformation mechanisms were introduced into an Inconel 625 superalloy via short-term stress-aging treatment (SAT). The efficiency of SAT is about 10 times that of the conventional aging method. The SAT alloy, with superior yield strength (YS) (about 779.6 MPa) and elongation (EL) (about 53.8%), is better than all Inconel 625 superalloys reported in the past 10 years, including additive manufacturing and forging alloys. The high YS is caused by the blocking effect of nanoscale δ phases and Lomer-Cottrell (L-C) locks. Transmission electron microscopy observations at different strains indicate that the synergetic effect of l-C locks, dislocation slip, and twinning is responsible for the improvement of work hardening ability in the latter half of tensile deformation. The results can provide new insights for improving the mechanical properties of Ni-based superalloys.

A novel coherent particles-reinforced FCC-based high-entropy superalloy with superior high-temperature compressive properties

A novel κʹ-strengthened FCC-based Al0.5CoFeNiC0.1 high entropy superalloy (HESA) with minor B2 phase was prepared by arc melting. The FCC/κʹ dual-phase microstructure with thermal stability is similar to γ/γʹ microstructure of Ni-based superalloys. Surprisedly, the large volume fraction (nearly 50%), high density and nano-scale coherent κʹ particles with uniform distribution are easily accessible only by direct solidification, which gives rise to superior compressive yield strengths at both room and elevated temperatures, reaching 1130 MPa at 25 °C and 830 MPa at 700 °C, respectively. The sustained high-temperature yield strength is contributed to both the antiphase boundaries (APBs) and stacking faults (SFs) shearing κʹ particles. Further, optics and electron microscopy analyses revealed the changes (transition point about at 0.6 Tm, where Tm is melting temperature) of the dominant deformation and failure mechanisms, dependent on the temperature. The dominant deformation mode is planar slip and SFs at relatively low temperatures, while the cross slip and dislocation dissociation above 800 °C (0.6 Tm), coupled with the diffusion-controlled recovery mechanisms. The failure mechanism shows failure mode from shearing fracture to thermal softening. Our κʹ-strengthened FCC-based superalloy provides a route for elevated-temperature applications.

A multifunctional nanocatalyst based on ultra-fluorescent carbon quantum dots for cascade enzymatic activity and stimuli-responsive chemotherapy of cancer

Clinical studies have switched from monotherapy to multimodal therapy due to the intricacy, multiplicity, and unpredictability of malignant tumors. In this work, we report one-pot microwave synthesis of highly fluorescent copper, nitrogen, and sulfur-doped carbon quantum dots (Cu,N,S-CQDs) with superior quantum yield (84%) and enhanced peroxidase-like activity. Then, Cu,N,S-CQDs was further biofunctionalized with glucose oxidase (GOx) and camptothecin (CPT) to form a multifunctional Cu,N,S-CQDs@GOx/CPT (CuCGC) nanocatalysts. The release of Cu2+ and S2− ions from CuCGC were promoted under acidic condition and catalyze the productions of hydroxyl (•OH) radical and H2S gas for chemodynamic (CDT) and gas (GT) therapy of cancer. Besides the CDT and GT effects, CuCGC also stimulates the breakdown of glucose into gluconic acid and peroxide solution for starvation therapy (ST) and ST-guided self-supplied CDT. CuCGC produce large quantities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of H2O2 and glucose for enhanced cancer therapy via CDT and ST-guided CDT mechanisms. Interestingly, CuCGC nanocatalysts demonstrates ROS-responsive CPT release upon activation with H2O2 and glucose by CDT and ST-guided CDT, with about 66% of drug release was achieved in this study. In vitro analysis confirmed that our material reveals better biocompatibility towards cancer cells and caused substantial cell damage upon activation with H2O2and glucose through GT, CDT, ST, and chemotherapeutic mechanisms. Therefore, the designing of CuCGC nanocatalysts by coupling ROS-generator with stimuli-responsive drug was potential candidates in clinical studies.

Genetic Improvement for Grain Yield under Heat Stress Conditions in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Extreme temperature is one of the abiotic stresses that causes significant yield reductions in wheat. Therefore, the current study aims to create heat-tolerant wheat plants with superior grain yield productivity by using traditional breeding. Two cycles of phenotypic directional selection for grain yield per plant were applied in two F2 populations. These populations were derived from crosses among four local wheat varieties. In the first cycle, a directional selection for grain yield per plant was performed under both the favorable environment (optimal sowing date) and heat stress environments (late sowing date). Under the favorable conditions, the responses of F3 plants to selection for grain yield per plant were positive and significantly higher (averaged 7.71%) than under heat stress conditions (averaged 8.20%). Moreover, the average of the concurrent response to selection for grain yield per plant in grain yield per spike had a positive and high percentage under the favorable (7.00%) and the heat stress environment (8.84%). Highly significant and positive responses were observed within the F3 plants of the two populations. The value of the average was greater under favorable (6.85%) than under the heat stress conditions (7.20%). Additionally, the 1000 kernel weight was highly significant and positive responses (5.35% and 6.11%) in both favorable and heat stress environments, respectively. Generally, the observed results indicating the F4 plants could be a promising source to introduce yield related traits to develop high-yielding wheat cultivars for heat-stressed environments.

Amorphous Solid Dispersions Layered onto Pellets—An Alternative to Spray Drying?

Spray drying is one of the most frequently used solvent-based processes for manufacturing amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs). However, the resulting fine powders usually require further downstream processing when intended for solid oral dosage forms. In this study, we compare properties and performance of spray-dried ASDs with ASDs coated onto neutral starter pellets in mini-scale. We successfully prepared binary ASDs with a drug load of 20% Ketoconazole (KCZ) or Loratadine (LRD) as weakly basic model drugs and hydroxypropyl-methyl-cellulose acetate succinate or methacrylic acid ethacrylate copolymer as pH-dependent soluble polymers. All KCZ/ and LRD/polymer mixtures formed single-phased ASDs, as indicated by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. All ASDs showed physical stability for 6 months at 25 °C/65% rH and 40 °C/0% rH. Normalized to their initial surface area available to the dissolution medium, all ASDs showed a linear relationship of surface area and solubility enhancement, both in terms of supersaturation of solubility and initial dissolution rate, regardless of the manufacturing process. With similar performance and stability, processing of ASD pellets showed the advantages of a superior yield (>98%), ready to use for subsequent processing into multiple unit pellet systems. Therefore, ASD-layered pellets are an attractive alternative in ASD-formulation, especially in early formulation development at limited availability of drug substance.

Enhancing lutein extraction from marigolds through ultrasound-assisted optimization using response surface methodology

This research aimed to enhance and optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of lutein from marigold flowers. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was the primary optimization technique. Three key independent variables were considered to determine the best conditions for the highest lutein yield: ultrasonic amplitude, extraction temperature, and extraction time. These variables were systematically varied following the Central Composite Design (CCD). Lutein quantitation was achieved using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry analysis. Using both the RSM and CCD frameworks, the study established specific ranges for the operational conditions: 21.6–38.4% for ultrasonic amplitude, 23.18–56.82 °C for extraction temperature and 3.18–36.82 minutes for extraction duration. The study determined the optimal extraction conditions to be 32.76% ultrasonic amplitude, 40.08 °C extraction temperature, and 25.82 minutes of extraction time. Under these optimized conditions, the experimental lutein yield closely matched the yield predicted by the RSM model, thus confirming the model's accuracy. The UAE demonstrated a notably superior lutein yield compared to traditional extraction techniques. The RSM is a robust tool for refining and determining optimal UAE conditions for lutein extraction from marigold flowers. With its efficiency, speed, and eco- friendliness, the optimized UAE technique presents significant potential for widespread industrial use.

Green and Efficient Acquirement of Unsaturated Ether from Direct and Selective Hydrogenation Coupling Unsaturated Aldehyde with Alcohol by Bi-Functional Al-Ni-P Heterogeneous Catalysts

In view of the industrial importance of high-grade unsaturated ether (UE) and the inconvenience of acquiring the compound, herein, a series of low-cost Al-Ni-P catalysts in robust AlPO4/Ni2P structure possessing novel bi-functional catalytic features (hydrogenation activation and acid catalysis) were innovated, and testified to be efficient for directly synthesizing UE with a superior yield up to 97% from the selective hydrogenation coupling carbonyl of unsaturated aldehyde (cinnamaldehyde or citral) with C1–C5 primary or secondary alcohol under 0.1 MPa H2 and 393 K. The integrated advantages of high efficiency, green manner and convenient operation of the present heterogeneous catalytic system gave the system potential for feasibly harvesting high-grade unsaturated ether in related fine chemical synthesis networks.

Cu-Doping Induced Phase Transformation in CsPbI3 Nanocrystals with Enhanced Structural Stability and Photoluminescence Quantum Yield

The synthesis of air-stable and cubic phases of all-inorganic halide perovskite nanocrystals (HPNCs) by a hot-injection approach is still challenging due to their rapid in situ phase transformations. Therefore, understanding and preventing this phase conversion by doping of cations is the key to improve the structural stability, environmental durability, and photoluminescence quantum yield. Here, the doping of divalent Cu ions at the Pb-site of cesium lead iodide (CsPbI3) is reported to achieve cubic-phase (α-phase) HPNCs with superior quantum yield and enhanced stability compared to undoped CsPbI3. Rietveld refined X-ray diffraction patterns and atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses reveal structural transformation from a mixed (γ-orthorhombic and α-cubic) phase to a cubic (α-CsPbI3) one with a smaller lattice constant at an optimal (5.6%) Cu concentration. Computational density functional theory (DFT) analysis credits the resultant structural and environmental stability for the Cu-doped sample to the charge accumulation at the dopant site that leads to increased bond strength with consequent minimization of the energy of the system to give rise to the maximum stability of the HPNCs at this dopant ratio. With the increase of Cu-doping, a red shift is observed in the absorbance and photoluminescence spectra up to a critical doping level, making the system optically tuneable. The optimally doped (5.6% Cu) CsPbI3 HPNCs exhibit stronger light emission with higher carrier lifetime and higher quantum yield (>80%), which are absolutely essential requirements in air-stable optoelectronic devices.

A TfOH‐Catalyzed Multicomponent Reaction of Propargylic Alcohols, Sulfonamides and Aldehydes for the Synthesis of Acyclic α‐Arylidene β‐Aminoketones

AbstractThis work demonstrates a TfOH‐catalyzed multicomponent reaction. Using propargylic alcohols, aldehydes and sulfonamides as the substrates, a wide variety of acyclic α‐arylidene β‐aminoketones were prepared in high yields. The reaction mechanism likely involved a sulfonyl imide intercepted Meyer‐Schuster rearrangement combined with 1,3‐aryl migration. The present transformations proceeded with a low catalyst loading and permitted a large number of substituents on all reactants. The superior atom economy, high yield and convenient operation of this reaction suggest that it may be a practical alternative for the construction of acyclic α‐arylidene β‐aminoketones.

Identification of photosynthetic parameters for superior yield of two super hybrid rice varieties: A cross-scale study from leaf to canopy.

Enhancing photosynthetic capacity is widely accepted as critical to advancing crop yield. Therefore, identifying photosynthetic parameters positively related to biomass accumulation in elite cultivars is the major focus of current rice research. In this work, we assessed leaf photosynthetic performance, canopy photosynthesis, and yield attributes of super hybrid rice cultivars Y-liangyou 3218 (YLY3218) and Y-liangyou 5867 (YLY5867) at tillering stage and flowering stage, using inbred super rice cultivars Zhendao11(ZD11) and Nanjing 9108 (NJ9108) as control. A diurnal canopy photosynthesis model was applied to estimate the influence of key environmental factors, canopy attributes, and canopy nitrogen status on daily aboveground biomass increment (AMDAY). Results showed that primarily the light-saturated photosynthetic rate at tillering stage contributed to the advancing yield and biomass of super hybrid rice in comparison to inbred super rice, and the light-saturated photosynthetic rate between them was similar at flowering stage. At tillering stage, the higher CO2 diffusion capacity, together with higher biochemical capacity (i.e., maximum carboxylation rate of Rubisco, maximum electron transport rate (J max), and triose phosphate utilization rate) favored leaf photosynthesis of super hybrid rice. Similarly, AMDAY in super hybrid rice was higher than inbred super rice at tillering stage, and comparable at flowering stage partially due to increased canopy nitrogen concentration (SLNave) of inbred super rice. At tillering stage, model simulation revealed that replacement of J max and g m in inbred super rice by super hybrid rice always had a positive effect on AMDAY, and the averaged AMDAY increment was 5.7% and 3.4%, respectively. Simultaneously, the 20% enhancement of total canopy nitrogen concentration through the improvement of SLNave (TNC-SLNave) resulted in the highest AMDAY across cultivars, with an average increase of 11.2%. In conclusion, the advancing yield performance of YLY3218 and YLY5867 was due to the higher J max and g m at tillering stage, and TCN-SLNave is a promising target for future super rice breeding programs.

Flame-Retardant and Form-Stable Phase-Change Composites Based on Phytic Acid/ZnO-Decorated Surface-Carbonized Delignified Wood with Superior Solar-Thermal Conversion Efficiency and Improved Thermal Conductivity.

In order to efficiently exploit solar-thermal energy, it is essential to develop form-stable phase-change material (PCM) composites simultaneously with superior solar-thermal storage efficiency, excellent flame retardancy, and improved thermal conductivity. Herein, phytic acid (PA)-modified, zinc oxide-deposited, and surface-carbonized delignified woods (PZCDWs) were constructed by alkaline boiling, PA modification, ZnO deposition, and surface carbonization. Then, novel form-stable PCMs (PZPCMs) with superior solar-thermal storage efficiency, excellent flame retardancy, and improved thermal conductivity were fabricated by impregnating n-docosane into PZCDWs under vacuum. The PZCDW aerogels can well support the n-docosane and overcome liquid leakage owing to their superior surface tension and strong capillary force. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed that PZPCMs possessed superior n-docosane encapsulation yield and high phase-change enthalpy (185.2-213.1 J/g). Decorating delignified wood by surface carbonization and ZnO deposition significantly improved the solar-thermal conversion efficiency (up to 86.2%) and thermal conductivity (193.3% increased) of PCM composites. Furthermore, with the introduction of PA into PZPCMs, the peak heat release rate and total heat release of the PCM composites decreased considerably, indicating the enhanced flame retardancy of PZPCMs. In conclusion, the novel renewable wood-based PCM composites demonstrate promising potential in solar energy harnessing and thermal modulation technologies.

Effect of valence state on electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia in molybdenum catalysts

Intended to investigate the alternative to the traditional Haber−Bosch process for generating ammonia, electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NRA) ensures a lower energy path and decentralized manner. Inspired by the nitrate reductase, we propose two Mo-based electrocatalysts with different Mo valences: MoO2-C nanoball-flower (MoO2-C NBF) with Mo (IV) sites and MoO3-C nanoball-flower (MoO3-C NBF) with Mo (Ⅵ) sites. The theoretical prediction reveals that the Mo (IV) sites have an enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity to ammonia rather the Mo (Ⅵ) sites. Similarly, the experimental results show that the MoO2-C NBF exhibits a superior NH3 yield (109.28 µmol h−1 cm−2) and Faraday Efficiency (99.05 %). This work sheds light on the structure–activity relationship between valence state with NRA activity and paves the way for design and mechanism study of the Mo-based NRA electrocatalyst for the further development of sustainable NH3 synthesis.