Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Research Articles

A single-atom nanozyme-enabled strategy for rapid, visual, and real-time detection of polystyrene nanoplastics in water

Polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) in water environment have become a critical issue to ecosystems and human health due to their small sizes, easier diffusion and higher hazard. It is an urgent need to develop an efficient, rapid, and on-site detection strategy for PSNPs. A single-atom nanozyme of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-FeSAN) was prepared using hemoglobin as template and Fe-source. ZIF-FeSAN possessed porous structure, a high surface area (994.91 m2/g), and maximumly exposed Fe atoms, resulting in a high peroxidase (POD)-like activity. ZIF-FeSAN exhibited excellent adsorption capability (83.46 mg/g, 10 min) for PSNPs via the electrostatic and π-π interactions. After adsorption of PSNPs, the active centers of Fe atom were shielded with a great decreasing of POD-like activity. Given the ‘on-off’ effect of POD-like activity, a ZIF-FeSAN colorimetric sensor was developed for PSNPs (20, 30, 50, 100, and 150 nm) detection. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.212, 4.544, 7.624, 16.955, and 24.171 mg/L for 20, 30, 50, 100, and 150 nm, respectively. Meanwhile, a smartphone-assisted ZIF-FeSAN platform was designed to rapid, on-site, and visual detection of PSNPs, and the corresponding LODs were 0.851, 17.564, 34.554, 67.254, and 76.124 mg/L, respectively. The ZIF-FeSAN-based strategies have practical application in water samples due to high satisfactory recoveries (91.47–108.12 %) and good selectivity. This proof-of-concept study paves the way toward the on-site, rapid, and visual quantitative detection of PSNPs in water environment with avoiding the use of large and expensive instruments.

ZIF‐67/ZIF‐8 and its Derivatives for Lithium Sulfur Batteries

AbstractLithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs), renowned for their superior energy density and the plentiful availability of sulfur resources, are progressively emerging as the focal point of forthcoming energy storage technology. Nevertheless, they presently confront fundamental challenges including insulation of sulfur and its discharge product, the lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttle phenomenon, and the growth of lithium dendrites. Zeolite imidazole framework materials (ZIFs), particularly ZIF‐8 and ZIF‐67, are significant members of the metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) family. Owing to their high porosity, exceptional adsorption capacity, high structural tunability, and straightforward synthesis process, these materials have demonstrated unique application potential in the field of LSBs. This review initially provides a comprehensive summary of the developmental status and challenges associated with LSBs. Subsequently, it delves into an in‐depth analysis of the distinctive properties and synthesis strategies of ZIFs, with a particular emphasis on ZIF‐8 and ZIF‐67, as well as their composites and derivatives. The review systematically categorizes innovative application examples of these materials in the design of cathode structures and optimization of separators in LSBs. It also presents a forward‐looking perspective and insights on the potential future trajectory of ZIF‐67 materials, informed by the latest research advancements in the field.

Sustainable synthesis of MOF for COVID-19 detection using a 23 factorial design

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgent requirement for rapid and accurate diagnostic methods to detect the virus and control its spread. Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have gained significant interest in biosensing applications because of their exceptional properties. This study investigates the microwave synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and explores its potential as a fluorescent biosensor for detecting COVID-19 RNA sequences. The microwave method enables a rapid, eco-friendly, and efficient synthesis of ZIF-8. Characterization tests including PXRD, FE-SEM, TGA, and FT-IR confirmed the high crystallinity and thermal stability of ZIF-8. To optimize the biosensor’s performance, a 23 factorial design is pursued. The factorial design allows determining the individual and simultaneous effects of the control parameters such as ZIF-8 concentration, buffer pH, and solution temperature on the quenching efficiency. The results demonstrate that the parameters combination of 25 °C, pH 8.0, and 0.7 mg/mL ZIF-8 concentration results in the highest quenching percentage of 72.41 %. The study of the quenching mechanism confirms that the P-DNA can form electrostatic and π-π stacking interactions with ZIF-8, to produce a P-DNA@ZIF-8 complex. It is also found that photoinduced electron transfer is more dominant than fluorescence resonance energy transfer in the quenching mechanism. The biosensor showed a high sensitivity towards the target COVID-19 RNA with a very low detection limit of 12.02 pM, a fast detection time of 40 minutes, and high selectivity to the target RNA. This study shows the potential of ZIF-8 as a feasible and environmentally friendly material for swiftly and accurately detecting COVID-19 RNA sequences.

RuCo@C Hollow Nanoprisms Derived from ZIF-67 for Enhanced Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions.

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are commonly used to create complex hollow structures for energy applications. This study presents a simple method to produce a novel hollow nanoprism Co@C hierarchical composite from ZIF-67 through high-temperature treatment at 800 °C. This composite serves as a platform for Ru nanoparticle deposition, forming RuCo@C hollow nanoprism (RuCo@C HNP). As an electrocatalyst in 1 M KOH, RuCo@C HNP exhibits excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance, with a low overpotential of 32 mV to reach 10 mA cm-2, a Tafel slope of 39.67 mV dec-1, a high turnover frequency (TOF) of 3.83 s-1 at ƞ200, and stable performance over 50 h. It also achieves a low ƞ10 of 266 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with a Tafel slope of 45.22 mV dec-1. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that Ru doping in Ni/Co maintains a low water dissociation barrier, reduces the energy barrier for the OER rate-determining step, and creates active sites for H*, enhancing adsorption/desorption abilities. These results are attributed to the synergy between Co and Ru and the hollow prism structure's increased surface area. This method for synthesizing hollow structures using ZIF composites shows promise for applications in the energy sector.

In vivo delivery of PBAE/ZIF-8 enhances the sensitivity of colorectal cancer to doxorubicin through sh-LncRNA ASB16-AS1.

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of sh-LncRNA ASB16-AS1 on doxorubicin (DOX) resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC). First, an in vitro study was conducted to investigate the effects of LncRNA ASB16-AS1, miR-185-5p, and TEAD1 on drug resistance in CRC cells. Subsequently, utilizing nanotechnology, poly(beta amino esters) (PBAE)/zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)@sh-LncRNA ASB16-AS1 nanoparticles (PZSNP) were synthesized and characterized, evaluating their cellular toxicity and hemolytic activity. Finally, a mouse subcutaneous tumor model was established by subcutaneous injection of SW480/DOX cell suspension to investigate the impact of PZSNP on the tumor. Under DOX treatment, downregulation of LncRNA ASB16-AS1, overexpression of miR-185-5p, or downregulation of TEAD1 suppressed the viability and proliferation of drug-resistant CRC cells while promoting apoptosis. Conversely, overexpression of LncRNA ASB16-AS1, inhibition of miR-185-5p, or overexpression of TEAD1 enhanced the viability and proliferation of drug-resistant CRC cells while inhibiting apoptosis. The synthesized PZSNP exhibited a spherical shape with an average particle size of 123.6 nm, possessed positive charge, displayed good stability. It effectively encapsulated shRNA and displayed low cellular toxicity and hemolytic activity. Under DOX treatment, significant tumor necrosis was observed in the PZSNP group, and tumor growth was suppressed without causing weight loss. LncRNA ASB16-AS1, miR-185-5p, and TEAD1 are involved in regulating cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis, contributing to drug resistance in CRC cells. sh-LncRNA ASB16-AS1 enhances the sensitivity of CRC cells to DOX during treatment, and in vivo delivery of PZSNP may serve as an effective strategy to overcome chemotherapy resistance in CRC.

Intercalation of g-C3N4/Ag2S heterostructure on boronized Ni-MOF for enhanced water splitting and energy storage applications

The increasing global demand for energy conversion and storage technologies including water electrolysis, fuel cells, batteries & supercapacitors depend critically on the performance of their electrode components. Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), particularly Nickel Zeolite Imidazole Frameworks (Ni-ZIF) have drawn significant attention due to their greater electrocatalytic performance. Still, their restricted active sites & stability hinder their broader implementation in alkaline/saline water electrolysis & supercapacitor applications. Here, we are reporting the intercalation of heterostructure consisting of silver sulfide (Ag2S)/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) on Boronized Ni-ZIF (B:NZ) for empowered alkaline/saline water splitting and supercapacitor applications. These heterostructure addition over Boronized Ni-ZIF demonstrated minimal overpotentials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) (324 mV at 10.0 mA cm-2) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) (78 mV at 10.0 mA cm-2) in alkaline medium (1 M KOH). The observed improvement in activity is ascribed to the decreased charge transfer resistance (Rct) & the augmented electrochemical active surface area (ECSA). Furthermore, Ag2S/g-C3N4/Boronized Ni-ZIF exhibited high specific capacitances of 1076.6 F/g and areal capacitance of 2584 F/cm2 at 0.50 A g-1 in supercapacitor applications. The incorporation of the g-C3N4 layer has enhanced the surface area and roughness facilitating stronger adhesion between hybrid layers which in turn resulted in prolonged stability exceeding 20 h in water splitting and 86 % retention in supercapacitor application.

Aminated ZIF‐8 to facilitate CO2 sieving through polyvinyl alcohol/ionic liquid membranes

AbstractCO2 separation technology at low pressure is most desirable in carbon capture projects to mitigate global warming. Facilitated transport membranes offer selective and effective CO2 permeation using a wide range of carbon carriers at low pressure. Porous fillers were recently included as they can carry abundant fixed carriers besides offering open channels for CO2 permeation. This study investigates the effects of amine‐modified zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) with well‐defined micropores and gas sieving ability in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes containing an ionic liquid that worked as mobile carriers. The effects of amine‐modified ZIF‐8 and silica nanoparticles on membrane properties and separation performance were also compared. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the incorporation of ZIF‐8, secondary amine, IL anions, and silica nanoparticles in PVA membranes. Energy dispersive analysis showed the good dispersion of inorganic fillers. The amine‐modified silica nanoparticles resulted in higher thermal stability compared to the amine‐modified ZIF‐8 in PVA membranes containing [bmin][Ac] ionic liquid, as shown in the thermogravimetric analysis. However, the CO2 separation performance of PVA membranes containing [bmim][Ac] ionic liquid was improved more significantly by the amine‐modified ZIF‐8 with microporous structure. A CO2/N2 ideal selectivity of 85.65 and CO2 permeance up to 4,502.91 GPU were attained. Unlike the CO2/N2 ideal selectivity, the CO2 permeance was not significantly affected either using [bmin][Ac] or [bmin][BF4]. The humid gas greatly enhanced the CO2 permeance without much changes in the CO2/N2 ideal selectivity due to the promotion of facilitated transport. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Polyethyleneimine assisted zeolitic imidazolate frameworks foam embed silver to enhance the uranium recovery from seawater

The powder structure, poor surface wettability and biofouling significantly limited the application potential of ZIFs (zeolitic imidazolate frameworks) in uranium extraction from seawater. Herein, a superhydrophilic polyethyleneimine assisted zeolitic imidazolate frameworks foam embed silver (CPEZ8A) was successfully prepared by simple chemical cross-linking and in-situ growth methods to explore the effects of hydrophilic matrix and silver antimicrobial agent on the uranium adsorption properties of ZIFs materials. The mechanical property and water contact angle test of CPEZ8A foam were performed to confirm its higher compression stress (with 1.314 MPa) and surface superhydrophilic. Moreover, CPEZ8A foam displayed an excellent resistance to biological attachment after 7 days in algae solution. Importantly, CPEZ8A showed the maximum U (VI) uptake capacity (775.19 mg/g) with 4.37 times of pure ZIF-8 at nearly seawater pH and retained relative high U-uptake amount during the broad pH range (4.0–9.0). Ion competition experiments were also investigated to verify the CPEZ8A foam excellent selectivity (Kd = 15,072.1 mL/g). Notably, the removal rate of CPEZ8A foam reach 81.31 % in natural seawater and remain nearly 80 % in simulated contaminated seawater. Therefore, this work provides an effective strategy to develop highly efficient ZIFs adsorbents for uranium capture.

Thin film nanocomposite membranes based on renewable polymer Pebax® and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks for CO2/CH4 separation

This study investigates the impact of integrating Pebax® Rnew® 30R51, a sustainable elastomer-type copolymer material, with zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) to develop advanced membranes for CO2/CH4 gas separation. The fabrication process of ZIF/Pebax® Rnew® 30R51 thin films was optimized to achieve uniform and defect-free thin film composite (TFC) membranes. Crucial membrane properties, including permeability, selectivity and separation efficiency, were analyzed with variations in ZIF type, loading levels, film thickness and operating conditions. Additionally, the resulting TFC and ZIF/Pebax® Rnew® 30R51 thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes were subjected to characterization via FTIR, XRD, TGA and SEM to evaluate their physicochemical properties. Nanoparticles of ZIF-8, NH2-ZIF-8 and ZIF-94 were individually added (at 5–15 wt% loadings) to the Pebax® Rnew® 30R51 matrix to develop the CO2 separation efficiency. The pristine TFC membrane showed a 66 GPU CO2 permeance and a 37.5 CO2/CH4 separation selectivity, primarily due to improved CO2 mass transport. Upon inclusion of ZIFs, the CO2 permeance with 5 wt% loadings of ZIF-8, NH2-ZIF-8 and ZIF-94 increased to 148, 99 and 125 GPU, respectively, despite this, the CO2/CH4 separation selectivity maintained at 29.4, 37.0 and 27.0, respectively.

Photodegradation of Polyethersulfone (PES), Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) and Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Microplastics via a Metal Organic Framework Namely ZIF-8/ZnO/C

The aim of this study was to photodegrade the Polyethersulfone (PES), Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microplastics using Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8/Zinc oxide/Carbon (ZIF-8/ZnO/C) nanocomposite generated under laboratory conditions. The produced nanocomposite was analysed using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Photo Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectra (DRS) and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) analyses. The maximum PES, PVDF and PPMA photodegradation yields were 99%, 98%, and 96%, respectively, at 1 mg/l ZIF-8/ZnO/C nanocomposites (NCs) concentration, 1000 mg/l microplastics concentration, at pH = 10.0, at a temperature and photodegradation time of 40°C and 20 min, under oxic conditions at a sunlight intensity of 80 W/m<sup>2</sup> and a photon yield of 16. The XRD analysis showed the generation of ZIF-8/ZnO/C, while the FTIR analysis indicated the ZnO, C, and ZIF-8.

Construction of Methotrexate-Loaded Bi2S3 Coated with Fe/Mn-Bimetallic Doped ZIF-8 Nanocomposites for Cancer Treatment Through the Synergistic Effects of Photothermal/Chemodynamic/Chemotherapy.

A combination of therapeutic modalities in a single nanostructure is crucial for a successful cancer treatment. Synergistic photothermal therapy (PTT) can enhance the effects of chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and chemotherapy, which could intensify the therapeutic efficacy to induce cancer cell apoptosis. In this study, Fe and Mn on a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) (Fe/Mn-ZIF-8; FMZ) were synthesized through ion deposition. Furthermore, bismuth sulfide nanorods (Bi2S3 NRs; BS NRs) were synthesized via a hydrothermal process and coated onto FMZ to generate the core-shell structure of the Bi2S3@FMZ nanoparticles (B@FMZ). Next, methotrexate (MTX) was loaded effectively onto the porous surface of ZIF-8 to form the B@FMZ/MTX nanoparticles. The Fenton-like reaction catalyzes Fe2+/Mn2+ ions by decomposing H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in the formation of toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which promotes the CDT effect of killing cancer cells. Furthermore, under 808 nm laser irradiation, these B@FMZ nanoparticles showed a strong PTT effect, owing to the presence of intense BS NRs as a photothermal agent. The B@FMZ nanoparticles exhibited a prominent drug release efficiency of 87.25% at pH 5.5 under near-infrared laser irradiation due to the PTT effect can promote the drug delivery performance. The B@FMZ nanoparticles were subjected to dual-modal imaging, guided magnetic resonance imaging, and X-ray computed tomography imaging. Both in vitro and in vivo results suggested that the B@FMZ/MTX nanoparticles exhibited enhanced antitumor effects through the combined therapeutic effects of PTT, CDT, and chemotherapy. Therefore, these nanoparticles exhibit good biocompatibility and are promising candidates for cancer treatment.

CRISPR/Cas12a-Sheared ZIF-Based Heterojunction to Allow Polarity-Switchable Photoelectrochemical and Nanozyme-Enabled Colorimetric Dual-Modal Biosensing.

Modulating the migration of interfacial carriers in heterojunctions is critical for driving the signal response of high-performance optical biosensors. In this study, a polarity-switchable photoelectrochemical (PEC) and nanozyme-enabled colorimetric dual-modal biosensor is designed to modulate the interfacial carrier migration of the zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-based heterojunction by exploiting stem-loop DNA and the CRISPR/Cas12a system. Specifically, ZIF-hemin (ZIF-Hemin) is assembled at the CdSe/NH2-rGO interface via stem-loop DNA to form a ZIF-based heterojunction. Stem-loop DNA with a reinforcing rib effect enhances binding and accelerates the interfacial carrier migration of the heterojunction. In the presence of the target Cry1Ab, the CRISPR/Cas12a system is activated to shear the ZIF-based heterojunction, resulting in the disintegration of the heterojunction and the disappearance of interfacial carrier migration. At this point, ZIF-Hemin is released from the CdSe/NH2-rGO interface, with the photocurrent switching from the anode to the cathode. Meanwhile, due to its rich accessible active sites, the released ZIF-Hemin nanosheet shows high peroxidase-like catalytic activity and generates colorimetric signals. The dual-modal biosensor demonstrates excellent performance in selectivity and sensitivity, with low detection limits of 0.05 pg mL-1 (PEC) and 0.4 pg mL-1 (colorimetric). This work provides a general strategy to improve the performance of optical biosensors by modulating the migration of interfacial carriers in heterojunctions.

Atomically Dispersed High-Active Site Density Copper Electrocatalyst for the Reduction of Oxygen

Enlarging the M-Nx active-site density is an effective route to enhance the ORR performance of M-N-C catalysts. In this work, a single-atom catalyst Cu–N@Cu–N–C with enlarged Cu–N4 active site density was prepared by the second doping and pyrolysis (SDP) of Cu–N–C derived from Cu-doped zeolite imidazole frameworks. The half-wave potentials of Cu–N@Cu–N–C were measured as 0.85 V in alkaline electrolyte and 0.75 V in acidic media, which was 50 mV and 60 mV higher than that of Cu–N–C, respectively. N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm curves and corresponding pore distribution analysis were used to verify the successful filling of additional Cu and N in micropores of Cu–N–C after SDP. The obvious increase in Cu contents for Cu–N@Cu–N–C (1.92 wt%) compared with Cu–N–C (0.88 wt%) tested by ICP demonstrated the successful doping of Cu into Cu–N–C. XAFS analysis confirmed the presence of Cu–N4 single-atom active centers in Cu–N@Cu–N–C. The N 1 s high-resolution XPS results proved a great increase in Cu–N4 contents from 13.15% for Cu–N–C to 18.36% for Cu–N@Cu–N–C. The enhanced ORR performance of Cu–N@Cu–N–C was attributed to the enlargement of Cu–N4 active site density, providing an effective route for the preparation of efficient and low-cost ORR catalysts.

Highly Dispersed Pd@ZIF‐8 for Photo‐Assisted Cross‐Couplings and CO2 to Methanol: Activity and Selectivity Insights

AbstractOur study unveils a pioneering methodology that effectively distributes Pd species within a zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8). We demonstrate that Pd can be encapsulated within ZIF‐8 as atomically dispersed Pd species that function as an excited‐state transition metal catalyst for promoting carbon–carbon (C−C) cross‐couplings at room temperature using visible light as the driving force. Furthermore, the same material can be reduced at 250 °C, forming Pd metal nanoparticles encapsulated in ZIF‐8. This catalyst shows high rates and selectivity for carbon dioxide hydrogenation to methanol under industrially relevant conditions (250 °C, 50 bar): 7.46 molmethanol molmetal−1 h−1 and >99 %. Our results demonstrate the correlations of the catalyst structure with the performances at experimental and theoretical levels.

Chemical enhanced oil recovery using carbonized ZIF-67 MOFs and sulfonated copolymers at high reservoir temperatures

Traditional nanoparticle and polymer-based enhanced oil recovery methods face challenges such as nanoparticle agglomeration and polymer adsorption, particularly at elevated reservoir temperatures. This study introduces hybrid polymeric nanofluids, combining carbonized Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67) with sulfonated copolymers to address these issues. Viscosity tests were conducted at 25 °C, 50 °C, 75 °C, and 90 °C, revealing a 39.67 % increase in viscosity at 90 °C, attributed to electrostatic and hydrogen bond interactions. For subsequent analyses—stability, adsorption, and core flooding—75 °C was selected as the representative high reservoir temperature. Stability assessments, confirmed via UV–Vis spectroscopy, demonstrated nanofluid durability over at least seven days. Carbonized ZIF-67 reduced polymer adsorption on rock surfaces, enhancing oil recovery and reducing environmental impact. Dynamic core flooding experiments showed a 45.8 % improvement in oil recovery by the hybrid nanofluid on carbonate rock samples. The hybrid nanofluid increased RF and RRF, improving the mobility ratio and redirecting flow to lower-permeability zones, reducing unswept oil and enhancing macroscopic sweep efficiency. Winsor Type III emulsification during the post-flooding phase of polymer-nanoparticle injection significantly improved trapped oil mobilization. Reduced contact angles from 170° to 100° altered the wettability, enhancing oil recovery. Carbonized ZIF-67 nanoparticles increased viscous forces, reduced capillary forces, and minimized polymer adsorption. The polymeric nanofluid achieved a capillary number of 1.0 × 10−3, two orders higher than that of polymer alone, resulting in superior performance. Injectivity optimization showed shear rates of 15.9 s−1 in 1700 mD cores and 79.8 s−1 in 80 mD cores, causing pressure drops of 15 psi and 1200 psi, respectively. This highlights injectivity challenges in 80 mD cores, while cores ≥ 290 mD are ideal for our polymer-nanoparticle hybrid applications.

One-Pot Synthesis and Characterization of Dapsone-Loaded Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8

One-Pot Synthesis and Characterization of Dapsone-Loaded Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8

Enhancing electrochemical reductive defluorination of PFASs using ZIF-67 modified cathode: Mechanistic insights and performance optimization

The effectiveness of electrochemical reductive defluorination is impeded by the low environmental concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and the robust nature of C − F bonds. In this work, we investigate the zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) as a promising catalyst for PFASs remediation. We show that ZIF-67 hold promise for simultaneous adsorption and reductive defluorination of 2-(trifluoromethyl) acrylic acid (TFMAA). Following a 48-hour treatment, the ZIF-67 modification significantly improves the adsorption of TFMAA onto the cathode surface, achieving removal and defluorination efficiencies of 99.66 % and 97.16 %, respectively (C0 = 5 mg L−1, applied voltage of −1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl). Furthermore, the atomic H*, catalyzed by the Co−N4 structure, boosts the reductive defluorination of TFMAA through indirect mechanisms, while the nitrogen loss due to carbonization further enhances the catalytic defluorination efficiency. This research presents a novel electrode material for PFASs defluorination and offers mechanistic insights into the defluorination process.

Characterization of CYP303A1 and its potential application based on ZIF-8 nanoparticle-wrapped dsRNA in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål).

RNA interference (RNAi) technology has been put forward as a promising method for pest control and resistance management. Mining highly efficient lethal genes and constructing stable double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery systems are of great significance to improve the application potential of RNAi technology. In this study, we characterized a molting-related gene, NlCYP303A1, in Nilaparvata lugens that was highly expressed in the cuticle and at the end stages of each instar in nymphs. Silencing the expression of NlCYP303A1 in N. lugens resulted in a deformed phenotype and a significant increase in mortality. Furthermore, interfering with NlCYP303A1 changed the relative expression of key genes in the chitin synthesis and degradation pathway. Finally, we used the nanocarrier zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) to load dsNlCYP303A1, forming a complex denoted as dsNlCYP303A1@ZIF-8. The results of both feeding and rice-seedling dip experiments indicated that the expression of NlCYP303A1 was dramatically and persistently suppressed by the dsNlCYP303A1@ZIF-8 treatment, compared with treatment with dsNlCYP303A1, suggesting that ZIF-8 can enhance the interference efficiency as well as the stability of dsNlCYP303A1. Our results demonstrate that the lethal gene NlCYP303A1 can be employed as an excellent target for RNAi technology by loading onto a nano-delivery system, and provide new insights into the creation of innovative pest control approaches. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biomimetic super-wetting membranes via in-situ growth and synchronous integration of ZIF nanoleaves (ZIF-Ls) for emulsified oily wastewater purification and catalytic Knoevenagel condensation

To address the increasingly severe oil spill accidents and water contamination, the development of super-wetting membranes with high oil/water separation efficiency is in great demand but remains challenging. The critical challenge lies in the rational design and fabrication of robust rough surface with hierarchical micro/nano-structure. In this study, biomimetic super-wetting polyacrylonitrile composite membrane was developed through in-situ synthesis and synchronous integration of zeolitic imidazolate framework nanoleaves (ZIF-Ls). Thorough investigation was conducted to assess the effect of the ZIF-Ls growth time on membrane morphology and surface wetting property. Incorporating the nanoleaf-like ZIF-Ls onto the surface of the membrane provided the surface with micro/nano rough structure and superamphiphilic/superlyophobic features. The prepared membrane showed great separation capability toward various O/W and W/O emulsions, and could be easily regenerated by employing a simple rinsing and drying procedure with high separation efficiency sustained even after multiple separation cycles. Moreover, the membrane with ZIF-Ls demonstrated outstanding catalytic performance in the Knoevenagel condensation. This study achieves advancements in the development of super-wettable membranes with outstanding performance in separating emulsions and the as-prepared membranes have the potential to serve as promising candidates for practical oily mixture treatment.

Citral Encapsulated into a Zeolite Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67) Cage via Biomimetic Mineralization as an Efficient Preservative for Long-Term Antimildew Efficacy of Bamboo

Citral Encapsulated into a Zeolite Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67) Cage via Biomimetic Mineralization as an Efficient Preservative for Long-Term Antimildew Efficacy of Bamboo