Synergistic Enhancement Effect Research Articles

Single Zinc Atom Aggregates: Synergetic Interaction to Boost Fast Polysulfide Conversion in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) pave new possibilities to improve the utilization efficiency of sulfur electrodes arising from polysulfide shuttle effects and sluggish kinetics due to their excellent applicability in atomic-scale reaction mechanisms and structure-activity relationships. Herein, nitrogen (N)-anchored SACs on the highly ordered N-doped carbon nanotube arrays are reported as the sulfur host for fast redox conversion in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The cube structure of the aligned carbon nanotubes can promote the rapid mass transfer under high sulfur loadings, and abundant single-atom active sites further accelerate the conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). The synergistic enhancement effect induced by adjacent single atoms with interatomic distances <1nm further accelerates the rapid multi-step reaction of sulfur at high sulfur loadings. As a result, the obtained Li-S batteries exhibit outstanding cycle stability with a high areal capacity of 5.6mAhcm-2 after 100 cycles under a high sulfur loading of 7.2mgcm-2 (electrolyte to sulfur ratio is ≈3.7mLg-1 ). Even assembled into a pouch cell, it still delivers a high capacity of 953.4mAhg-1 after 100 cycles at 0.1C, contributing to the development of the practically viable Li-S batteries.

Pilose antler (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus) polysaccharide and polypeptide extract inhibits bone resorption in high turnover type osteoporosis by stimulating the MAKP and MMP-9 signaling pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevancePilose antler is a traditional Chinese medicine used to improve kidney function, strengthen tendons and bones, and prolong life, among other uses. It is widely employed in the treatment of osteoporosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the treatment of high turnover osteoporosis are not fully understood. Aim of the studyThe present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying pilose antler polysaccharide and polypeptide extracts in inhibiting bone resorption in high turnover osteoporosis, and compare the effects of the two components alone and in combination to explore whether they could produce synergistic enhancement effects. Materials and methodsThe quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pilose antler polysaccharide and polypeptide extracts were detected by UV–visible spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. A rat model of retinoic acid-induced osteoporosis was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the extracts on bone resorption. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the activity of factors related to high turnover type osteoporosis in rat serum. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of proteins related to the MAKP and MMP-9 signaling pathways in rat femurs. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the transcription levels of genes related to the MAKP and MMP-9 signaling pathways in rat femur tissues. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the osteoprotective effects of pilose antler polysaccharides and polypeptides. ResultsThe yield of pilose antler polysaccharides was 8.3%, and was mainly composed of mannose, glucosamine hydrochloride, glucuronic acid, Galacturonic acid, Galactose hydrochloride, glucose, and galactose. The yield of the polypeptides was 26.2%, and eighty percent of the molecular weight of the antler polypeptides was 1.6 kDa-7kD, among which, the molecular weight of 7kD peptide accounted for 52% of the total. Both polysaccharides and peptides could reduce the activities of TRACP, OCN, ERK1, JNK, and MMP-9 in rat serum and reduce both the protein expression and gene transcription levels of ERK1, JNK, and MMP-9 in rat femur tissue with significant differences compared with the model group. Both extracts exerted significant protective effects on rat femur tissue. The effect of pilose antler polypeptides alone was better than that of polysaccharides either alone or in combination. ConclusionsPilose antler polysaccharides, polypeptides, and their mixtures could inhibit the occurrence of bone resorption of high turnover osteoporosis by stimulating the MAKP and MMP-9 signaling pathways to reduce the expression of the ERK1, JNK, and MMP-9 genes and proteins, and could help alleviate bone loss caused by retinoic acid. Pilose antler polypeptides had a stronger effect on inhibiting bone resorption. The combination of the two components did not show synergistic enhancement effect, and the polysaccharide tended to moderate the inhibitory enhancement effect of the polypeptide.

N/S co-doped microporous zeolite-templated carbon for efficient CO2 adsorption and separation

Heteroatomic doping of porous carbon materials can give rise to variations in the electronic structure and properties, and has been used to enhance the adsorption and separation of CO2. Herein, N and S doped zeolite-templated carbon (ZTC) are synthesized to study their CO2 adsorption and selective from CO2/N2. ZTC-N, ZTC-S and ZTC-NS exhibit comparatively high CO2 adsorption of 6.12, 7.73 and 9.32 mmol g−1 at 0 °C, which are more than three times than that of ZTC (1.98 mmol g−1). The CO2 adsorption capacity for ZTC-NS at 25 °C and 1 bar can reach as high as 6.03 mmol g−1, which can still occupy approximately 96% after 5 cycles. The obtained carbon materials ZTC-NS with the smallest BET surface area show the highest CO2 adsorption capacity, which indicate an obvious synergistic enhancement effect between sulfur and nitrogen doping. The detailed theoretical calculations indicate N and S co-doping into porous carbon materials assists the change of electrostatic surface potential and local electronic density, thus enhanced the CO2 adsorption.

Synergistic Enhancement Effect of Compound Additive of Organic Alcohols and Biosurfactant on Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Lignocellulose

The insufficient of lignocellulose degradation enzymes, such as cellulase and hemicellulase, is the major obstacle that hinders the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to monosaccharides, especially during the woody biomass hydrolysis process. The addition of additives has received significant attention due to their enhancement of the enzymatic degradation efficiency of lignocellulose. In the present study, a combination of organic alcohols and a biosurfactant could synergistically enhance the saccharification of the cellulose substrate of Avicel, as well as that of pretreated poplar. Results showed that compound additives can greatly improve the conversion rate of enzymatic hydrolysis. The combination of 0.1% (v/v) n-decanol and 1% (v/v) sophorolipid dramatically increased the poplar enzymatic conversion rate from 17.9% to 85%, improving it by 67.1%. Enzyme-rich Hypocrea sp. W63 was fermented to obtain beta-glucosidase (BGL) and xylanase (XYL), which were used as auxiliary enzymes during enzymatic hydrolysis. It was found that the effects of such a combination of additives improved the filter paper activity, stability, and longevity, helping in the recovery of the cellulase cocktail. The compound additives associated with the commercial cellulase and Hypocrea sp. W63 enzyme solution formed an excellent formula for improving the stability of BGL and XYL. The results provide insight into compound additives and the use of a cellulase and auxiliary enzyme cocktail to improve enzymatic hydrolysis for lignocellulose conversion into biofuels.

Natural-wood-fiber-assisted synthesis of Ni2P embedded in P-doped porous carbon as highly active catalyst for urea electro-oxidation

Defect and interface engineering has been established as efficient methods for altering the electrical structure and improving the activity of electrocatalysts. Here, a rational design architecture consisting of Ni2P nanoparticles embedded in P-doped carbonized wood fibers (Ni2P/PCWF) is synthesized by simultaneous carbonization and phosphorization. A synergistic enhancement effect between electronic structure manipulation and interface regulation is observed in Ni2P/PCWF during the urea oxidation reaction (UOR). First, the P doping of carbon can optimize the electronic structure of Ni2P/PCWF. Second, the charge transport process is aided by the Ni2P nanoparticles embedded in the PCWF. Lastly, electron transfer can be accelerated by the in-situ formed heterogeneous interface between metal phosphides and metal hydroxides (hydroxyl oxides). Due to the synergy of the structural and electrical modulation, Ni2P/PCWF exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic properties toward the UOR under alkaline conditions. It only requires 1.34 V (vs. RHE) to achieve a current density of 50 mA cm−2, and the increase in potential at 10 mA cm−2 for 70 h is insignificant (≈2.9%). This work supports the development of new strategies using sustainable, renewable wood fibers to develop excellent UOR catalysts for energy-saving H2 generation.

Efficient downstream valorization of lignocellulose after organosolv fractionation: Synergistic enhancement of waterborne coatings by co-assembled lignin@cellulose nanocrystals

The simultaneous downstream valorization of cellulose and lignin is an important aspect of efficiently extracting value from lignocellulose. The present work, we demonstrated the preparation of a novel bio-based filler by the co-assembly of cellulose and lignin obtained from a one-pot ethanosolv lignocellulose fractionation process. The cellulose was valorized by forming cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) through simple bleaching and ultrasonication processes. The lignin fractions demonstrated greater solubility (19.2 mg/mL) and lower molecular weight (6980 g/mol) than conventional industrial lignins. Various lignin@CNCs specimens were prepared via a facile co-assembly of the lignin and CNCs. These entirely bio-based materials could be used as a multifunctional filler to enhance the properties of a waterborne coating (WBC). Specifically, the mechanical properties, coating performance and ultraviolet resistance of a WBC were all significantly improved, demonstrating a synergistic enhancement effect obtained from the CNCs and lignin. In this manner, both cellulose and lignin components were efficiently transformed to value-added fillers for WBC, demonstrating a highly efficient pathway for lignocellulose utilization and downstream value-added applications.

Cooperation or competition between piezocatalysis and photocatalysis of Bi4Ti3O12 nanoflakes

Co-utilization of solar and mechanical vibration energy via the piezo-photo bicatalysis is a new-emerging strategy for the management of environmental pollution. The combined bicatalysis is always expected to have a higher degradation rate than the sole catalysis. In this work, piezocatalysis coupled with photocatalysis has been applied to Bi4Ti3O12 nanoflakes to check their synergistic effect. It was found that the dual catalysis including sonication exhibits an inferior degradation rate to the only piezocatalysis, which is contrary to the results reported in many references. However, if the piezoelectric stress is only afforded by a mechanical stirrer, the combined piezo-photo bicatalysis has a remarkable synergistic enhancement effect than the individual one. The radical trapping experiments were performed to identify the reactive active species involved in the decomposition of Rhodamine B (Rh B). The competition or cooperation of main active species in dual catalysis is suggested to clarify the underlying mechanism dominating the hybrid bicatalysis degradation efficiency. Additionally, the universality of the mechanism is also confirmed for treating Methyl Blue (MB) and Methyl Orange (MO).

The Synergistic Toughening and Strengthening Effects of Cork Particles and Nanocellulose on Rosin-Based Epoxy Resin.

In order to develop a bio-based epoxy resin with high mechanical and thermal performance, cork particles and nanocellulose were introduced into the rosin-based epoxy resin to improve the toughness, stiffness and thermal stability. The flexural properties of the epoxy composites indicated that the strength and modulus were reduced when the content of cork particles was relatively high (>3%) due to the low stiffness and modulus of cork itself. However, the flexural performance was significantly improved after the addition of 1% nanocellulose. In contrast to the flexural properties, the impact toughness results showed the synergistic toughening effects of nanocellulose and cork particles on the rosin-based epoxy resin. The highest impact toughness of 13.35 KJ/m2 was found in the epoxy composite with 1% cellulose nanofibers and 3% cork particles, an increase of 149.07% compared to the neat epoxy. Cork particle size also had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the composites. Both the flexural and impact results showed first a rise and then a fall with a decrease in the cork size. TGA results indicated cork particles and nanocellulose could have a synergistic enhancing effect on the thermal stability of the rosin-based epoxy resin. This work can add value to rosin and cork waste and widen the industrial applications of the epoxy resin.

Spontaneous synthesis of Ag nanoparticles decorated ZnAl layered double hydroxides for synergistically improved SERS activity

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a rapid and ultrasensitive analytical technique. For practical applications, it is highly desirable to explore metal/semiconductor hybrid substrates, which utilize the synergistic enhancement effects of plasmons and charge transfer (CT). Herein, we successfully fabricated Ag nanoparticles decorated ZnAl LDHs nanosheets (Ag-ZnAl) by a facile one-pot solvothermal growth method and investigated the SERS performance. When 4-nitrobenzenethiol (4-NBT) was used as the probe molecule, the detection limit reaches as low as 1 × 10−10 M and the enhancement factor is 1.7 × 105. A systematic experimental study revealed that the unique structure of LDH facilitates formation of densely distributed Ag NPs with good dispersibility, providing abundant “hot spots” for electromagnetic enhancement. Moreover, Ag-ZnAl hybrid has a higher concentration of oxygen vacancies, which can promote photo-induced CT for chemical enhancement. Furthermore, first principles calculations demonstrated that Ag-ZnAl hybrid has improved adsorption ability of 4-NBT through the formation of Ag-S and NOH bonds, which can facilitate charge transfer process and increase Raman intensity of 4-NBT. This work provides an effective strategy to design easy-to-fabricated metal/semiconductor hybrids as SERS sensing platform.

Studies on the Synergistic Effect of Tandem Semi-Stable Complementary Domains on Sequence-Defined DNA Block Copolymers.

Tandem semi-stable complementary domains play an important role in life, while the role of these domains in the folding process of nucleic acid molecules has not been systematically studied. Here, we designed a clean model system by synthesizing sequence-defined DNA-OEG copolymers composed of ssDNA fragments with palindromic sequences and orthogonal oligo(tetraethylene glycol) (OEG) linkers. By altering the lengths of DNA units (6-12 nt) and OEG linkers (Xn = 0-4) separately, we systematically studied how stabilities of tandem complementary domains and connecting flexibilities affect the assembly topology. Combining experimental methods and coarse-grained molecular simulation analysis, distributions of multiple assembled conformations (mainly monomers, dimers, and clusters) were characterized. Both results indicated that tandem semi-stable complementary domains tend to form homogeneous closed circular dimers instead of larger clusters due to the synergistic enhancement effect, and the distributions of each conformation highly depend on flexibilities.

Enhanced electrochemical performance via synergistic effects between graphene oxide and conjugated polyquinoline prepared by Dobner polymerization

In this study, we developed a strategy about synergistic enhancement and in-situ composite between polymer and carbon to prepare an electrode material for the high-performance supercapacitor. Specifically, Dobner polymerization was selected to synthesize a conjugated polyquinoline derivative (PQLD), and along with the simultaneous introduction of graphene oxide (GO) in the reaction system for a new in-situ electrode material (PQLD-GO). The strengthened intermolecular interactions among pyridine/carboxyl groups from PQLD and carboxyl/hydroxyl groups from GO, including π-π stacking, synergistically enhance the electron/ion transport and Faraday reactions of PQLD-GOs composites. The experimental results showed that the electrochemical performance for PQLD-GOs composites is reasonably optimized as the optimal amount of 10% GO. Far different from the specific capacitance of 20 F g−1 for pure PQLD and 21 F g−1 for pure GO, the specific capacitance of PQLD-GO-10% composite is as high as 320 F g−1 in the three-electrode test, indicating a significant synergistic enhancing effect. In the two-electrode measurement system, the energy density of PQLD-GO-10% is 7.4 Wh kg−1, and the power density is 125 W kg−1. Even after 10,000 cycles at 10 mV s−1, the specific capacitance of PQLD-GO-10% remained 87.9%. Furthermore, the synergistic effect between PQLD and GO was also revealed through several comparative experiments such as simple mixing, replacement of non-conjugated polyquinoline or carbon nanotube and so on.

Enhanced CO2 Photoreduction over Bi2Te3/TiO2 Nanocomposite via a Seebeck Effect

The activation of carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules and separation/transfer of photoinduced charge carriers are two crucial factors influencing the efficiency of CO2 photoreduction. Herein, we report a p-type Bi2Te3/commercial TiO2 (pBT/P25) nanocomposite for enhanced CO2 photoreduction. Upon light irradiation, a temperature gradient formed in pBT induces the Seebeck effect to build a thermoelectric field, which promotes the charge carriers’ separation/transfer. Additionally, pBT with a strong light absorption capacity generates the photothermal effect favoring the activation of CO2 molecules. In addition, the excellent electric conductivity and large work function render pBT an efficient cocatalyst for further improving the charge carriers’ separation/transfer. Owing to the synergistic enhancement effect of pBT on the activation of CO2 molecules and promotion of charge separation/transfer, we achieved the highest CO evolution rate over pBT(2)/P25 of 19.2 μmol·gcat−1·h−1, which was approximately 5.5 times that of bare P25. This work suggests that a thermoelectric material/semiconductor nanocomposite could be developed as an efficient photo-thermo-electro-chemical conversion system for enhanced CO2 reduction via promoting the charge carriers’ separation/transfer.

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of graphene@MXene hybrid: A novel and promising material for electrochemical sensing

To date, multiple graphene@MXene hybrids have been reported via various synthesis approaches, but almost all the graphene@MXene hybrids inevitably used the reduced graphene oxide that prepared by chemical oxidation/reduction method, which generally involved the complex and dangerous operation procedure, and the highly toxic chemical reagent. How to prepare graphene@MXene hybrid through a simple, safe and eco-friendly synthetic route is highly desired. Compared with traditional synthesis technology, ultrasound synthesis strategy displays the merits of simplicity, low cost and environment protection. Herein, MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanoflakes coupled with graphene nanosheets (graphene@MXene) were prepared in N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) by simple ultrasound-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation method for the first time. Besides, the effect of types of solvent with different viscocity, sonication temperature and sonication duration time on the property of graphene@MXene hybrids were systematacially investigated. It is found the liquid-phase exfoliated graphene owned excellent electron transfer ability and the MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanoflakes possessed outstanding adsorption property, the as-synthesized graphene@MXene hybrid exhibited significant signal synergistic enhancement effect toward the oxidation of hazardous veterinary drug residue compound (chlorpromazine) and food additives (rhodamine B). Based on this, a novel and sensitive electrochemical sensor was fabricated, the linear detection ranges were 5 nM to 0.5 μM for chlorpromazine with sensitivity of 1090 µA μM−1 cm−2, and 10 nM to 2.5 μM for rhodamine B with sensitivity of 440 and 102.14 µA μM−1 cm−2. Besides, the detection limits were evaluated to be as low as 1.25 nM and 2.45 nM for chlorpromazine and rhodamine B, respectively.

Machine Learning-Driven 3D Plasmonic Cavity-in-Cavity Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Platform with Triple Synergistic Enhancement Toward Label-Free Detection of Antibiotics in Milk.

The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique with ultrahigh sensitivity has gained attention to meet the increasing demands for food safety analysis. The integration of machine learning and SERS facilitates the practical applicability of sensing devices. In this study, a machine learning-driven 3D plasmonic cavity-in-cavity (CIC) SERS platform is proposed for sensitive and quantitative detection of antibiotics. The platform is prepared by transferring truncated concave nanocubes (NCs) to an obconical-shaped template surface. Owing to the triple synergistic enhancement effect, the highly ordered 3D CIC arrays improve the simulated electromagnetic field intensity and experimental SERS activity, demonstrating a 33.1-fold enhancement compared to a typical system consisting of Au NCs deposited on a flat substrate. The integration of machine learning and Raman spectroscopy eliminates subjective judgments on the concentration of detectors using a single feature peak and achieves accurate identification. The machine learning-driven CIC SERS platform is capable of detecting ampicillin traces in milk with a detection limit of 0.1ppm, facilitating quantitative analysis of different concentrations of ampicillin. Therefore, the proposed platform has potential applications in food safety monitoring, health care, and environmental sampling.

An Efficient Voltammetric Sensor Based on Graphene Oxide-Decorated Binary Transition Metal Oxides Bi2O3/MnO2 for Trace Determination of Lead Ions

Herein we present a facile synthesis of the graphene oxide-decorated binary transition metal oxides of Bi2O3 and MnO2 nanocomposites (Bi2O3/MnO2/GO) and their applications in the voltammetric detection of lead ions (Pb2+) in water samples. The surface morphologies, crystal structures, electroactive surface area, and charge transferred resistance of the Bi2O3/MnO2/GO nanocomposites were investigated through the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), power X-ray diffraction (XRD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques, respectively. The Bi2O3/MnO2/GO nanocomposites were further decorated onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and Pb2+ was quantitatively analyzed by using square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). We explored the effect of the analytical parameters, including deposition potential, deposition time, and solution pH, on the stripping peak current of Pb2+. The Bi2O3/MnO2/GO nanocomposites enlarged the electroactive surface area and reduced the charge transferred resistance by significant amounts. Moreover, the synergistic enhancement effect of MnO2, Bi2O3 and GO endowed Bi2O3/MnO2/GO/GCE with extraordinary electrocatalytic activity toward Pb2+ stripping. Under optimal conditions, the Bi2O3/MnO2/GO/GCE showed a broad linear detection range (0.01–10 μM) toward Pb2+ detection, with a low limit of detection (LOD, 2.0 nM). The proposed Bi2O3/MnO2/GO/GCE electrode achieved an accurate detection of Pb2+ in water with good recoveries (95.5–105%).

Synergy of hyperbranched polysiloxane and MoS2/rGO heterostructured particles for enhancing polyimide bonded solid lubricating coatings

The weak adhesion and tribological properties of polyimide (PI) restrict its practical application as bonded solid lubricating coatings in high-tech fields. Herein, a novel PI bonded solid lubricating coating was prepared using hyperbranched polysiloxane containing Si-O-C chain segments (HBPSi) and MoS2/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) heterostructured particles. Surprisingly, the adhesion, average coefficient of friction, wear life and load carrying capacity of the PI bonded solid lubricating coating can achieve level 1, 0.03, 550 s and 3400 N, respectively. In particular, the average coefficient of friction in the stabilization stage is reduced by 91.4 % compared to the pure PI coating, which is superior to that of most reported polyimide coatings. This is attributed to the synergistic enhancement effect of “soft-hard” particles between HBPSi and MoS2/rGO heterostructured particles. Furthermore, this work provides an important direction for the design and preparation of high-performance bonded solid lubricating coatings.

Ordered heterogeneity in dual-ligand MOF to enable high electrochemiluminescence efficiency for bioassay with DNA triangular prism as signal switch

Herein, the microRNA-141 electrochemiluminescence (ECL) bioassay was developed using the dual-ligand metal-organic framework (d-MOF) with ordered heterogeneity, which simultaneously contained the luminophore ligands (1,1,2,2-tetra(4-carboxylbiphenyl)ethylene, denoted as TCBPE) and the coreactant ligands (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, denoted as DN2H2). The resultant d-MOF revealed significantly enhanced ECL intensity without any exogenous coreactants, which was 3.53 times higher in comparison with that of single-ligand MOF (only TCBPE as ligands) even with the addition of exogenous DN2H2. Thanks to the ordered heterogeneity in d-MOF, the intramolecular rotation of TCBPE was restricted via oriented coordination and the spatial location of DN2H2 was reasonably arranged due to the framework structure, which could not only enhance the excitation efficiency but also improve the electron-transfer efficiency based on the synergistic enhancement effect between structures and compositions in micro/nano confined space. Based on this, the proposed biosensor employed a novel DNA triangular prism (DNA TP) as signal switch to detect microRNA-141, achieving the low detection limit at the level of 22.9 aM and a broad linear ranging from 100 aM to 100 pM. The precise design of the ordered d-MOFs by co-assembling the luminophore and coreactant ligands holds a promise strategy to achieve ECL MOFs and construct the ECL biosensors in diagnostic analysis.

Synergistic enhancing effect of tungsten-copper coated graphite flakes and aluminum nitride nanoparticles on microstructure, mechanical and thermal properties of copper matrix composites

Thermal management materials with high thermal conductivity (TC), adjustable coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and excellent mechanical properties have promising applications in the electronic packaging and high-power density equipment fields. In this work, we have developed a novel strategy for tungsten-copper coated graphite flakes and aluminum nitride nanoparticles reinforced copper matrix composites (GFs(W–Cu)/AlN/Cu composites) fabricated by vacuum hot-pressing sintering. Herein, tungsten-copper coated graphite flakes (GFs(W–Cu)) were prepared by impregnation reduction and ultrasonic-assisted electroless plating, in which W–Cu coating improved interfacial bonding and realized metallurgical-physical synergy. Meanwhile, the AlN nanoparticles reinforced Cu flakes (AlN/Cu) were prepared by high energy ball milling, where AlN nanoparticles were evenly dispersed in the Cu matrix and played the role of pinning boundary and refining grain. Effects of nano-AlN with different volume fractions on the mechanical and thermal properties of GFs(W–Cu)/AlN/Cu composites were studied as well. As for the mechanical properties, the in-plane, through-plane flexural strength and tensile strength of GFs(W–Cu)/1.5AlN/Cu composite reached 276.7 ± 4.5, 390.6 ± 4.5 and 136.1 ± 3.0 MPa respectively, which increased by 96.8%, 283.7% and 120.7% than those of the GFs(W–Cu)/Cu composites. In terms of the thermal properties, the in-plane TC of GFs(W–Cu)/1.5AlN/Cu composite is 617.8 ± 12 Wm−1K−1, while the through-plane CTE ranging 25–200 °C is 4.9 ± 0.2 ppmK-1. In conclusion, the GFs(W–Cu)/AlN/Cu composites provide a huge potential for design and application in the thermal management materials.

Root acid phosphatases and rhizobacteria synergistically enhance white lupin and rice phosphorus acquisition.

The rhizosheath is a belowground area that acts as a communication hub at the root-soil interface to promote water and nutrient acquisition. Certain crops, such as white lupin (Lupinus albus), acquire large amounts of phosphorus (P), owing partially to exudation of acid phosphatases (APases). Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria also increase soil P availability. However, potential synergistic effects of root APases and rhizosheath-associated microbiota on P acquisition require further research. In this study, we investigated the roles of root purple APases (PAPs) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in rhizosheath formation and P acquisition under conditions of soil drying (SD) and P treatment (+P: soil with P fertilizer; -P: soil without fertilizer). We expressed purple acid phosphatase12 (LaPAP12) in white lupin and rice (Oryza sativa) plants and analyzed the rhizosheath-associated microbiome. Increased or heterologous LaPAP12 expression promoted APase activity and rhizosheath formation, resulting in increased P acquisition mainly under SD-P conditions. It also increased the abundance of members of the genus Bacillus in the rhizosheath-associated microbial communities of white lupin and rice. We isolated a phosphate-solubilizing, auxin-producing Bacillus megaterium strain from the rhizosheath of white lupin and used this to inoculate white lupin and rice plants. Inoculation promoted rhizosheath formation and P acquisition, especially in plants with increased LaPAP12 expression and under SD-P conditions, suggesting a functional role of the bacteria in alleviating P deficit stress via rhizosheath formation. Together, our results suggest a synergistic enhancing effect of LaPAP12 and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on rhizosheath formation and P acquisition under SD-P conditions.

Mismatched Relationship between Urban Industrial Land Consumption and Growth of Manufacturing: Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta

Background: The precise allocation and efficient use of industrial land are necessary for the development and optimization of urban production space; however, the mismatches between urban industrial land consumption and the growth of manufacturing are becoming more serious and has become the primary obstacle to sustainable urban development. Methods: Based on a combination of the Boston Consulting Group matrix, spatial mismatch model, decoupling index, GIS, and Geodetector tools, this paper conducts an empirical study on the Yangtze River Delta region in an attempt to reveal the spatio-temporal evolution of the mismatch between urban industrial land changes and the growth of manufacturing and provide a basis for spatial planning and land management in the new era. Results: The distribution of urban industrial land is characterized by high heterogeneity and agglomeration, the coexistence of expansion and contraction, and increasingly complex and diversified changes. Gross domestic product, government revenue, the added value of tertiary industry, and government investment in science and technology indicate that the goal orientation and scale effect of economic growth play a decisive role in the allocation of urban industrial land and that the influence of industrial structures and technological innovation is rapidly increasing. The interaction between the different factors is a bifactor enhancement, for example, land used for logistics and storage, utilities, commercial and other services, and the import and export trade, which have a strong synergistic enhancement effect. The mismatches between urban industrial land changes and the growth of manufacturing are still within a reasonable degree but there is an increasing number of cities with negative mismatches, making it necessary to implement a differentiated spatial adjustment and management policy. Conclusions: Compared with the mismatches of mobile resources such as labor, finance, and capital, the mismatches of immovable land resources have an increasing impact with more serious consequences and it is harder to make optimizations and corrections. However, the academic community has limited knowledge about land resource mismatches. By quantitatively assessing the mismatches between industrial land consumption and the growth of manufacturing in YRD cities, this paper argues that the mismatches can be rectified through spatial and land use planning and suggests the establishment of a zoning management and governance system to achieve the optimal allocation of urban industrial land resources through the implementation of a “standard land + commitment system” and industrial land protection lines.