Synergistic Improvement Research Articles

Fe/Co-modified Enteromorpha bio-hydrochar enhanced anaerobic digestion of chicken manure with sulfadimethazine: focusing on synergistic mechanism and microbial community succession

Abstract Residual antibiotics in chicken manure may interfere with the stability of anaerobic digestion (AD) and inhibit resource utilization efficiency. In this study, we aimed to enhance chicken manure bio-methanation in AD with high-concentration of sulfamethazine (SMZ) by adding metal (Fe, Co)-modified Enteromorpha-based hydrochar (Co-HC, Fe-HC). The results showed that Fe-HC and Co-HC increased the degree of acidogenesis by 1.25 times and 1.58 times, respectively. The maximum protein concentration in EPS was increased by 47.64% and 72.5% after adding Fe-HC and Co-HC. However, only Co-HC demonstrated notable improvements in both methane production and SMZ removal efficiency. Electrochemical analysis showed that Co-HC possessed a richer variety of oxygen and nitrogen functional groups, along with superior electron exchange capabilities compared to Fe-HC. Furthermore, microbiological assessments revealed that Co-HC enriched syntrophic bacteria (such as Syntrophomonas and Mesotoga), facilitating direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) and subsequently enhancing biomethane production. The abundance of genes involved in electron transfer increased significantly with Co-HC, with a maximum increase of 75.86% in Co1.5-HC treatment. Additionally, the elimination of antibiotic resistance genes (sul1, sul2) increased by 65.66% in the Co1.5-HC treatment. This study offers a theoretical foundation and empirical support for the synergistic improvement of livestock and poultry manure containing high antibiotic concentrations, thereby helping to overcome challenges posed by recalcitrant substances. Graphical Abstract

Volatile Additive Assists Binary Layer‐by‐Layer Solution Processing Organic Solar Cells to Achieve 19% Efficiency

Comprehensive SummaryLayer‐by‐layer (LbL) solution processing is an efficient method to realize high performance organic solar cells (OSCs). One of the drawbacks of the LbL‐processed active layer is the large difference in the crystallinity of the donor and acceptor, which will lead to imbalance charge transfer and result in unfavorable charge recombination. Herein, we combined a novel volatile additive 3,5‐dichloro‐2,4,6‐ trifluorobenzotrifluoride (DTBF) with the LbL method to realize high‐efficiency OSCs. DTBF interacts with the non‐fullerene acceptor BTP‐4F by non‐covalent bonding, which enhances the crystallinity and compact stacking of BTP‐4F. DTBF doped OSC has balanced and efficient electron transport properties, longer carrier lifetime, higher exciton dissociation and charge collection efficiencies, lower energetic disorder than the control OSC without any additives. Benefiting from the optimization of charge dynamics and micro‐morphology by DTBF, the binary LbL‐processed OSC achieved synergistic improvements in open‐circuit voltage, short‐circuit current density and fill factor. As a result, a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19% is realized for DTBF‐optimized OSC, which is superior to the control OSC (17.55%). This work demonstrates a promising approach to modulate active layer morphology and fabricate high performance OSCs.

Multi-omics evaluation of clinical-grade human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in synergistic improvement of aging related disorders in a senescence-accelerated mouse model

BackgroundThe prevalence of age-related disorders, particularly in neurological and cardiovascular systems, is an increasing global health concern. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, particularly using human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (HUCMSCs), has shown promise in mitigating these disorders. This study investigates the effects of HUCMSCs on aging-related conditions in a senescence-accelerated mouse model (SAMP8), with a focus on DNA damage, gut microbiota alterations, and metabolic changes.MethodsSAMP8 mice were treated with clinical-grade HUCMSCs via intraperitoneal injections. Behavioral and physical assessments were conducted to evaluate cognitive and motor functions. The Single-Strand Break Mapping at Nucleotide Genome Level (SSiNGLe) method was employed to assess DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) across the genome, with particular attention to exonic regions and transcription start sites. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and carboxyl metabolomic profiling was performed to identify changes in circulating metabolites.ResultsHUCMSC treatment significantly improved motor coordination and reduced anxiety in SAMP8 mice. SSiNGLe analysis revealed a notable reduction in DNA SSBs in MSC-treated mice, especially in critical genomic regions, suggesting that HUCMSCs may mitigate age-related DNA damage. The functional annotation of the DNA breaktome indicated a potential link between reduced DNA damage and altered metabolic pathways. Additionally, beneficial alterations in gut microbiota were observed, including an increase in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, which correlated with improved metabolic profiles.ConclusionThe administration of HUCMSCs in SAMP8 mice not only reduces DNA damage but also induces favorable changes in gut microbiota and metabolism. The observed alterations in DNA break patterns, along with specific changes in microbiota and metabolic profiles, suggest that these could serve as potential biomarkers for evaluating the efficacy of HUCMSCs in treating age-related disorders. This highlights a promising avenue for the development of new therapeutic strategies that leverage these biomarkers, to enhance the effectiveness of HUCMSC-based treatments for aging-associated diseases.

Design of C2S-CS low-calcium system for synergistic improvement of CO2 sequestration capacity and mechanical properties

Low-calcium minerals exhibit significant potential as energy-efficient binder clinker materials, characterized by reduced emissions and enhanced carbon sequestration through accelerated carbonation curing. However, traditional low-calcium binders typically utilize one or two minerals in a straightforward compound form as clinker, resulting in elevated costs, excessive resource consumption, and suboptimal performance. This study developed a novel C2S-CS low-calcium system that integrated γ-C2S, β-C2S, and CS in specific proportions based on their characteristics, utilizing Simplex-centroid designs. Contour maps achieved to assess relationship between performance and mineral composition, while interaction mechanisms were investigated through carbonation products and reaction heat analysis. Furthermore, optimum proportion range of C2S-CS system can be synthesized efficiently and environmentally from solid waste wollastonite tailings in a single step. The results demonstrated that the designed system achieved synergistic improvements in CO2 sequestration capacity and mechanical properties. After 24 h of carbonation curing, it attained a compressive strength of 129 MPa, sequestered 217 kg/t CO2, and exhibited satisfactory durability. This study provides valuable insights for the practical production of low-calcium binders and reveals opportunities for developing sustainable building materials for eco-friendly construction.

Attaining the Utmost Stability and Energy of Carbonyl Azides by the Synergistic Improvement of Conjugation and H-bonding.

Carbonyl azides are important precursors to isocyanates and are used as energetic compounds. However, the further development of these compounds is limited by their inherently poor stability. In this study, we present a new family of carbonyl azides, 5-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl-carbamoyl-azide (NTCA), which was synthesized through in situ oxidation cleavage of amino-tetrazole. Compared with its precursor (nitrocarbamoyl azide, HNCA), X-ray data and quantum calculations indicate that NTCA has much stronger conjugation (dihedral angle decreased from 13.39° to 1.35°) and more H-bonds (increase from 2 to 7 pairs). As a result, NTCA exhibits the highest thermal stability (decomposition temperature of 212 °C) and highest density (1.820 g cm-3) among all known carbonyl azides. In addition, a series of Curtius rearrangements were performed to generate substituted ionic derivatives, which also exhibit high stability and energy. This study provides an effective strategy for synthesizing carbonyl azides with high stability and energy, paving the way for future practical applications.

Effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91D magnesium alloy fabricated via GTA wire arc additive manufacturing

This study aims to address elemental segregation and poor mechanical properties in as-deposited AZ91D magnesium alloy fabricated via wire arc additive manufacturing through heat treatment. Three distinct heat treatments are investigated: solution treatment (T4), artificial aging treatment (T5), and a combination of solution and aging treatment (T6). Microstructural analysis reveals equiaxed grains in all samples. In the T4 state, the eutectic phase along grain boundaries dissolvs into the matrix, reducing elemental segregation but increasing grain size. In the T5 state, elemental segregation is further reduced; however, due to the relatively low aging temperature, the microstructural features of the as-deposited state are largely retained. In the T6 state, solution treatment increases grain sizes, and the uneven distribution of the reprecipitated β phase leads variations in mechanical properties between vertical and horizontal directions. Compared to the as-deposited state, the T6 treatment achieves a synergistic improvement in both strength and ductility. The ultimate tensile strength increases to 262.3 MPa, and the elongation rises to 13.8%, representing improvements of 12.5% and 32.7%, respectively, compared to the as-deposited values of 233.2 MPa and 10.4%.

Enhancing piezoelectric coefficient and thermal stability in lead-free piezoceramics: insights at the atomic-scale

Given the highly temperature-sensitive nature of the polymorphic phase boundaries, attaining excellent piezoelectric coefficient with superior temperature stability in lead-free piezoceramics via direct compositional design remains a formidable challenge. We demonstrate the synergistic improvement of piezoelectric coefficient and thermal stability in lead-free piezoceramics via atomic-scale local ferroelectric structure design. Via modulation of the local Landau energy barrier at doping sites, we effectively mitigate fluctuations in piezoelectric d33. Our approach achieves an impressive d33 of ~430 pC/N with a minimal temperature fluctuation range (△d33 ~ 7%) across the room temperature to 100 °C in potassium sodium niobate ceramics. Further optimization through annealing extends this temperature up to 150 °C (△d33 ~ 8%) while maintaining a high d33 of ~380 pC/N, rivaling the performance of classic temperature stable lead zirconate titanate. This work establishes a framework for addressing the dilemma between high piezoelectric coefficient and inadequate temperature stability in lead-free piezoceramics.

Stabilizing In/InN intermediates by electron-deficient carbon for improved CO2 electroreduction to CO

Monitoring and stabilizing the reconstructed active material under operational conditions is crucial for the rational design of electrocatalysts. Herein, we developed a novel hinged structure composited by the electron-deficient carbon and InN nanorods (InN@C) for preserving the high-active In/InN interfaces under electrochemical CO2 reduction process. The electron-deficient carbon, caused by the interfacial rectifying effect, prevents active site annihilation and deep self-reduction of In/InN, leading to synergistic improvements in catalytic activity and long-term stability. Mechanistic studies show that an interfacial dipole between the electron-deficient carbon layer and In/InN promotes CO2 activation and strengthens In−N bonds, inhibiting the deep self-reduction of In/InN. As a result, we achieved remarkable long-term stability of 150 hours, with a Faradaic efficiency of 92 % and a current density of ∼ 40 mA cm−2 at − 0.8 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. This study offers a practical approach to preserve the high-active intermediates for synergistically improving the catalytic activity and long-term stability of transition metal compound electrocatalysts.

Energy storage performance of sandwich structure dielectric composite by BNNS/TiO2 Co-doping for the high electric field capacitor

Dielectric capacitors are crucial for power systems and hybrid vehicles. However, the polymer dielectric owns low energy density and cannot meet the demands of high-power and energy storage systems. The synergistic improvement of balance between dielectric constant (εr) and breakdowon field strength (Eb), along with better energy storage performance, is a primary focus of this study. This research employs a high εr of P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) blended with linear PMMA to create a sandwich-structured composite via high-speed electrostatic spinning. Boron Nitride Nanosheets (BNNSs) for insulation and TiO2 for polarization are used as fillers, aiming to achieve polymer-based composite with large energy storage density and minimal energy loss. Results show that the sandwich-structured composite with 0.5 vol.% BNNSs in outer layer and 3 wt.% TiO2 in middle layer achieves the largest Ue of 21.8 J/cm3 at the η of 74 %. This study broadens the application of novel dielectric materials in the fields of energy.

Hierarchical porous MXene film with diffusion path optimization for supercapacitor

MXenes have immense potential in electrochemical energy storage owing to their outstanding physicochemical properties such as their oxygen-containing groups that impart additional pseudocapacitance to acidic electrolytes. However, during electrode assembly, MXene nanosheets undergo restacking because of hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces, which causes electrolyte ions to traverse long diffusion pathways between the long and narrow nanosheets. Exploiting the oxidative properties of Ti3C2Tx, a hierarchical porous MXene film with micro-, meso- and macroporous structures was successfully prepared using a simple hydrothermal oxidation and etching process to create micro- and mesoporous structures, followed by ice templating to prepare three-dimensional (3D) linked macroporous structures. Because these hierarchical pores have synergistic effects on electrochemical activity and electrolyte ion diffusion, the film attained a specific capacitance of 539F/g at a current density of 2 A/g when it was used as a supercapacitor electrode, which corresponds to one of the highest values reported for MXene-based electrodes. The film retained 83% of its specific capacitance when the current density was increased to 40 A/g, and exhibited excellent cycling stability. By using this multi-porous MXene design, synergistic improvement in ion diffusion was successfully realized and thus a new strategy to prepare high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials was developed.

Fundamental approach to superior trade-off between strength and ductility of TiB/Ti64 composites via additive manufacturing: From phase diagram to microstructural design

Reinforcement distribution tailoring has been proven effective in strengthening and toughening titanium matrix composites (TMCs). In this work, the analysis of the Ti64 (Ti-6Al-4V)-B phase diagram indicated that B content dominates the TiB distribution. With this philosophy, B content regulation was applied to tailor homogeneous and network structures in Ti64-B composites fabricated via laser-directed energy deposition additive manufacturing (AM). The unique plate-like TiB attends inhomogeneous composites (Ti64-0.05B). However, in network composite (Ti64-0.25B), the TiB whisker (TiBw) arranges along prior β-Ti grains with the same orientation. Moreover, the synergistic improvement of strength (988 MPa → 1202 MPa), stiffness (106 GPa → 116 GPa), hardness (325 HV → 362 HV), and uniform elongation (5 % → 7.8 %) were achieved. This work exhibited a balanced strength/ductility trade-off, which provides a good guide on microstructure tailoring.

Gradient structured Al alloy with a synergistic improvement of strength-ductility obtained by friction stir processing

One Al 6061 with gradient microstructure is prepared by friction stir processing (FSP). Microscopic characterization indicates that the regulation of grain size gradient could be achieved by adjusting the process parameters of FSP. The mechanical property test indicates that one gradient Al 6061 combines an ultimate tensile strength of 266 MPa with a uniform elongation of 27 %, and the other comes 258 MPa with 29 %, which provides an excellent combination of strength and ductility. Moreover, the molecular dynamics (MD) method is employed to reconstruct and simulate the mechanical behavior of the gradient region and the dynamic evolution of the microstructure. When the stacking faults (SFs) with antisymbolic Burgers vector meet and detwinning occurs, grain refinement will induce localized strengthening. When the Shockley partials occur cross-slip, numerous sessile dislocations obstruct the dislocation motion more facilitate strain hardening. Meanwhile, a unique interaction mechanism between shear bands (SBs) and intergranular cracks in Al 6061 is discovered in plastic deformation. The coarse net-like SBs in the small-grain region are highly susceptible to catastrophic fracture of the material, and the large cracks formed within the severely band-like SBs in the large-grain region weaken the strength substantially. However, the formation of sessile dislocations in the gradient region effectively mitigates strain localization and inhibits the nucleation of large cracks. The results interpret the dynamic evolution process of gradient microstructure prepared by FSP and the mechanism of strengthening and toughening and provide process and theoretical references for the research and development of new engineering materials.

Synergistic enhancement of electrical characteristics in Sr2+ and Zr4+ Co-doped BaTiO3 ceramics through multiphase coexistence regulation at room temperature

BaTiO3 (BT)-based ceramics have recently become one of the most promising lead-free piezoelectric ceramics. However, its overall performance still falls short of meeting the demands for multifunctional applications. Although phase boundary regulation can enhance the piezoelectric properties, BT ceramics have very separate phase transition temperatures for different phases. This leads to the difficulty of achieving multiphase coexistence at room temperature (RT). In this work, based on doping 0.08 mol Zr4+, the lead-free Ba1-xSrxTi0.92Zr0.08O3 [x = 0, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16, 0.20 (mol), B1-xSxTZ] piezoelectric ceramics were prepared using the solid-state reaction method, and the effect of the Sr2+ doping level on the multiphase structural evolution and piezoelectric properties was systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that with the increase in the Sr2+ doping content, multiphase coexistence within the B1-xSxTZ ceramics was successfully achieved at RT. Moreover, it showed significant synergistic improvements in piezoelectric, dielectric, and electric-field-induced strain properties. At the doping level of about x = 0.16 mol, the key performance metrics of the piezoelectric ceramics were optimal. The d33 at room temperature reached ∼447 pC/N, kp ∼0.49, and εr ∼4649. Under an applied electric field of 10 kV/cm, Spos was ∼0.092 %, and d33∗ was ∼895 p.m./V. Therefore, this study provides new insights into the progress of advanced lead-free piezoelectric materials for multifunctional applications.

Cracking resistance behavior of HVAF-sprayed monolayer and hierarchical Fe-based amorphous coatings under bending stress

The bending strength and fracture toughness are two key indicators that determine the service performance of thermally sprayed Fe-based amorphous coatings (AMCs) in harsh environments. Unfortunately, due to the inherent heterogeneous porosity and limited thickness (typically <1 mm) of the coatings, obtaining these properties is constrained by traditional fracture analysis methods. To address this, a three-point bending combined with the digital image correlation (DIC) method, without prefabricating notch or removing substrate, was proposed in the current work, and the effect of hierarchical structures on the fracture performance of the coatings was successfully revealed. Excitingly, the results show that compared to monolayer coating, hierarchical structures comprising two layers with different porosities can realize the synergistic improvement in the fracture strength and fracture strain of the coatings by alleviating local stress concentration and inducing crack deflection. Further, a finite element method (FEM) was employed to gain insight into the intrinsic relationship between the coating microstructures and the crack evolution behavior. This work not only proposes a simple method for evaluating the fracture performance of Fe-based AMCs sprayed with high velocity air fuel (HVAF), but also presents an innovative idea for optimizing the coating's properties.

Effects of Dapagliflozin in Combination with Hydrochlorothiazide on Cardiac Remodeling in Rats with Heart Failure After Myocardial Infarction.

In addition to its antihypertensive and diuretic effects, hydrochlorothiazide also demonstrates additional cardioprotective properties; however, the existence of a synergistic interaction between dapagliflozin and hydrochlorothiazide remains unclear.To establish a rat model of heart failure for investigating the effects and mechanisms of dapagliflozin in combination with hydrochlorothiazide during early intervention, H9c2 cells were cultured to validate their in vitro efficacy. The combination group exhibits a synergistic improvement in hemodynamics, ejection fraction, and a reduction in plasma B-type natriuretic peptide concentration. This combination effectively decreases collagen volume fraction and the expression of collagen I and III, p47phox, p67phox, NF-κB p65, Bax, and caspase-3. The combination group demonstrates a synergistic effect in enhancing cardiac function, attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation. The in vitro effects of the combination were demonstrated in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. In addition, the combination exhibits a more pronounced inhibitory effect on NHE1 expression. The expression of NHE1 in H9c2 cells is inhibited by hydrochlorothiazide, thereby alleviating the consequences of NHE1 overexpression. The results of molecular docking and kinetic simulations indicate a strong binding affinity (-6.1 kcal/mol) between hydrochlorothiazide and NHE1, resulting in the formation of a stable conformation. This may elucidate the underlying mechanism responsible for the synergistic effects of drugs.The combination of dapagliflozin and hydrochlorothiazide has synergistic effects on improving cardiac function, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rats with heart failure. Hydrochlorothiazide binds to and inhibits the expression of NHE1, thereby enhancing dapagliflozin's inhibitory effect on NHE activity. This mechanism potentially elucidates its enhanced cardioprotective effects.

Synergistic Improvement in Ductility and Hot Nitric Acid Corrosion Resistance of LPBF Ti-6Al-4V Alloy via Hot Isostatic Pressing

Synergistic Improvement in Ductility and Hot Nitric Acid Corrosion Resistance of LPBF Ti-6Al-4V Alloy via Hot Isostatic Pressing

Covalent organic framework-derived C@COF core-shell microspheres for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Although hydrogen represents a vital source of clean energy, the development of cost-effective, durable materials for use as catalysts in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) remains a challenge. In this work, covalent organic framework (COF) - derived core-shell microspheres were prepared as novel electrocatalysts. The previously prepared COF microspheres were pyrolyzed into nitrogen-doped porous carbon (N–C) as the core for enhanced electrocatalytic conductivity. With the assistance of a dual-ligand, the COF shell grew on the surface of N–C to form a core-shell microsphere, which was named N–C@COF. The surface morphology and core-shell structure of N–C@COF were characterized by SEM and TEM. FT-IR, TGA, and XPS were utilized to ascertain the synthesis of COF and the composition of the core-shell microspheres. The N–C@COF core-shell microspheres exhibited excellent HER performance in 1 M KOH electrolyte, demonstrating a low overpotential of 104 mV @ 10 mA cm−2, significantly outperforming pure COF and N–C. Furthermore, the N–C@COF demonstrated excellent HER stability over a 24 h period and retained its HER activity following 2000 consecutive cycles of electrolysis. The presence of the N–C core in the N–C@COF enhanced the electrical conductivity of the catalyst, while the COF shell provided abundant active sites for the HER, resulting in a synergistic improvement in the catalytic efficiency. This work presents a straightforward strategy for synthesizing COF-based multicomponent core-shell microspheres, which provides a promising pathway for the development of available and cost-effective electrocatalysts.

Polyaniline/graphitic carbon nitride/reduced graphene oxide ternary nanocomposite film for flexible thermoelectric application

The present study outlines the preparation of a ternary nanocomposite film comprising of polyaniline doped with camphor sulfonic acid (PANI), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), and delves into its thermoelectric performance. PANI is known to possess high electrical conductivity (σ) and poor thermal conductivity (κ). However, its potential for thermoelectric applications is constrained by the low value of the Seebeck coefficient (S). The incorporation of g-C3N4in PANI has been demonstrated to result in an improvement of the Seebeck coefficient. Furthermore, the addition of rGO to the PANI/g-C3N4sample counteracts the decrease in electrical conductivity. The PANI/g-C3N4/rGO ternary nanocomposite film exhibits an enhanced Seebeck coefficient of ∼2.2 times when compared to the PANI sample. The Seebeck coefficient of the PANI/g-C3N4/rGO nanocomposite is enhanced by the energy filtering effect that occurs at the interfaces between g-C3N4/PANI and PANI/rGO. Theπ-πinteraction between the PANI chains and rGO is responsible for the increased electrical conductivity resulting from the well-ordered polymer chain arrangement on the g-C3N4and rGO surfaces. The ternary nanocomposite sample demonstrated a synergistic improvement in both electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, resulting in a remarkable ∼4.6-fold increment in power factor and an ∼4.3-fold enhancement in the figure of merit (zT), as compared to the pristine PANI film.

Atomistic investigation on the anisotropic elastic and plastic responses of nanotwinned metals

Introducing nanotwins into materials is one of the important strengthening methods to achieve the synergistic improvement of strength and ductility. The anisotropic mechanical behaviors of nanotwinned materials have been widely studied by experimental and computational methods. The dominant deformation mechanisms about dislocation slippages can be effectively switched among three modes, and controlled by twin spacing and the angle between twin boundaries (TBs) orientation and loading direction. Particularly, most of previous researches mainly focused on the deformation mechanisms during the plastic flow stage and researchers paid little attention on the anisotropic characteristics of TBs at the elastic stage which are also essential to manufacture the high-performance materials. Therefore, this study is aiming to systematically investigate the anisotropic effect of TBs both at the elastic and plastic stages within the single crystalline or polycrystalline systems by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. It is revealed that, when the loading direction is parallel to twin planes, the introduction of TBs in single crystalline models will significantly affect the characteristics of atomic bond rotation and elongation dominated elastic deformation, which can alter the Poisson’s ratio of materials, generate elastic-softening behavior and inhomogeneous elastic deformation. At the plastic flow stage, the deformation mechanism transforms from trans-twin dislocation slippage into the coexistence of Hard Mode I and threading dislocation slippage (Hard Mode II) when the loading direction changes from parallel to perpendicular direction with respect to TBs. Moreover, the dislocation segments at the conjunction of trans-twin dislocation play a momentous role in enhancing material strength. The results for polycrystalline models are consistent with that of single crystalline ones. These findings are expected to be beneficial for the development of high-performance nanostructured materials for structural and functional applications by strain engineering and defect regulation.

Unraveling the complex interconnections between food-energy-water nexus sustainability and the supply-demand of related ecosystem services

Matching the supply and demand of related ecosystem services can be an effective way to realize long-term sustainable management of the food-energy-water nexus (FEW Nexus) in drylands. However, few studies have focused on the matching of supply and demand for ecosystem services associated with advancing the sustainability of FEW-Nexus, there is limited research in this domain, which lacks systematic and quantitative analysis of the relationship between them and FEW Nexus sustainability. Here, this research takes the West Liaohe River Basin in the arid region of China as a case study. Based on a localized FEW Nexus sustainability evaluation index system, the FEW Nexus sustainability and the supply-demand matching characteristics of the corresponding ecosystem services in the West Liaohe River Basin from 2005 to 2015 were assessed. The relationship between them was analyzed quantitatively through the methods of coupling coordination degree and geographical detector. The results showed a synergistic improvement in both FEW Nexus sustainability and the supply-demand situation of combined ecosystem services. The supply of food production and water yield were able to meet their demands adequately from 2005 to 2015, with a strengthening surplus, leading to an overall surplus and gradual improvement in the integrated ecosystem services. This surplus synergistically promoted the process of FEW Nexus sustainability. The results of the geographical detector indicate that the supply-demand ratio of carbon sequestration was the main factor influencing FEW Nexus sustainability. Areas with higher FEW Nexus sustainability tended to have larger deficits in carbon sequestration, which was more evident in areas with high levels of urbanization. Therefore, the key to enhancing FEW Nexus sustainability in the basin is to balance the supply of and demand for carbon sequestration services. Overall, the present study not only provides a basis for strengthening the management of the supply-demand of ecosystem services associated with FEW to achieve regional sustainable development, but also offers insights into how the growing demand for the FEW Nexus is exerting pressure on the balance between supply and demand of related ecosystem services.