Latest ArticlesQuantum dots (QDs), a type of nanoscale semiconductor material with unique optical and electrical properties like adjustable emission and high photoluminescence quantum yields, are suitable for applications in optoelectronics. However, QDs are typically degraded under humid and high-temperature circumstances, greatly limiting their practical value. Coating the QD surface with an inorganic silica layer is a feasible method for improving stability and endurance in a variety of applications. This paper comprehensively reviews silica coating methodologies on QD surfaces and explores their applications in optoelectronic domains. Firstly, the paper provides mainstream silica coating approaches, which can be divided into two categories: in-situ hydrolysis of silylating reagents on QD surfaces and template techniques for encapsulation QDs. Subsequently, the recent applications of the silica-coated QDs on optoelectronic fields including light-emitting diodes, solar cells, photodetectors were discussed. Finally, it reviews recent advances in silica-coated QD technology and prospects for future applications.
Organic semiconductor materials have demonstrated extensive potential in the field of gas sensors due to the advantages including designable chemical structure, tunable physical and chemical properties. Through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, researchers can investigate gas sensing mechanisms, optimize, and predict the electronic structures and response characteristics of these materials, and thereby identify candidate materials with promising gas sensing applications for targeted design. This review concentrates on three primary applications of DFT technology in the realm of organic semiconductor-based gas sensors: (1) Investigating the sensing mechanisms by analyzing the interactions between gas molecules and sensing materials through DFT, (2) simulating the dynamic responses of gas molecules, which involves the behavior on the sensing interface using DFT combined with other computational methods to explore adsorption and diffusion processes, and (3) exploring and designing sensitive materials by employing DFT for screening and predicting chemical structures, thereby developing new sensing materials with exceptional performance. Furthermore, this review examines current research outcomes and anticipates the extensive application prospects of DFT technology in the domain of organic semiconductor-based gas sensors. These efforts are expected to provide valuable insights for further in-depth exploration of DFT applications in sensor technology, thereby fostering significant advancements and innovations in the field.
Mitochondria are crucial organelles responsible for maintaining cell growth, and their homeostasis is closely linked to pH regulation. Physiologically, mitochondria exhibit a weakly alkaline state (pH~8.0). However, when subjected to stress stimuli that cause damage, cells initiate the process of mitophagy, resulting in mitochondrial acidification. Therefore, monitoring changes in mitochondrial pH to comprehend the physiological processes associated with mitophagy is essential. In this study, we developed an asymmetric pentamethine cyanine dye Cy5.5-H-CyN as a probe for continuous monitoring of mitophagy in living cells. By incorporating an azaindole structure into the dye molecule, a ratiometric fluorescence response was achieved that is specifically responsive to pH variations while preserving its ability to target mitochondria and emit near-infrared fluorescence. Through various methods inducing mitophagy, Cy5.5-H-CyN was employed to determine mitochondrial pH quantitatively, demonstrating its suitability as an ideal probe for continuous monitoring of mitophagy in living cells.
Lithium metal has emerged as a highly promising anode material for enhancing the energy density of secondary batteries, attributed to its high theoretical specific capacity and low electrochemical potential. However, safety concerns related to lithium dendrite-induced short circuits and suboptimal electrochemical performance have impeded the commercial viability of lithium metal batteries. Current research efforts primarily focus on altering the solvated structure of Li+ by modifying the current collector or introducing electrolyte additives to lower the nucleation barrier, expedite the desolvation process, and suppress the growth of lithium dendrites. Nevertheless, an integrated approach that combines the advantages of these two strategies remains elusive. In this study, we successfully employed metal-organic salt additives with lithophilic properties to accelerate the desolvation process, reduce the nucleation barrier of Li+, and modulate its solvated structure. This approach enhanced the inorganic compound content in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on lithium foil surfaces, leading to stable Li+ deposition and stripping. Specifically, LiCu cells demonstrated excellent cycle life and Coulombic efficiency (97.28% and 98.59%, respectively) at 0.5 mA/cm2@0.5 mAh/cm2 and 1 mA/cm2@1 mAh/cm2 for 410 and 240 cycles, respectively. LiLi symmetrical cells showed no short circuit at 1 mA/cm2@1 mAh/cm2 for 1150 h, and LiLFP full cells retained 68.9% of their capacity (104.6 mAh/g) after 250 cycles at N/P (1.1:1.0) with a current density of 1 C.
A new oxidative N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed high-order [7 + 3] annulation reaction of γ-indolyl phenols as 1, 7-dinucleophiles and α, β‐alkynals with the aid of Sc(OTf)3 is reported, enabling the highly regioselective access to unprecedented polyarene-fused ten-membered lactams bearing a bridged aryl-aryl-indole scaffold in moderate to good yields. This protocol demonstrates a broad substrate scope, good compatibility with substituents and complete regioselectivity, providing an organocatalytic modular synthetic strategy for creating medium-sized lactams.
Although supramolecular transformations have been emerged as a potent strategy for transitioning between various topologies, post-modification induced topological transformations have never been explored in the context of [2]catenane topologies. In this study, we present a novel supramolecular transformation between a Hopf link and a macrocycle, induced by the Diels–Alder click reaction. By strategically selecting the half-sandwich ruthenium binuclear fragment B as a rigid capping agent, we successfully integrated tetrazine moieties into the metalla[2]catenane structure. We demonstrated that the introduction of 2,5-norbornadiene (NBD) as an external stimulus allows for the transformation of the novel metalla[2]catenane, featuring reactive tetrazine sites, into the corresponding monomeric ring through post-modification for the first time. The synthetic results are corroborated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, ESI-TOF/MS, elemental analysis, and detailed solution-state NMR techniques.
Electrochemical water splitting presents a promising, environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels for hydrogen production. However, the efficiency is constrained by the sluggish kinetics and high overpotentials associated with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). While noble metal catalysts, such as Pt for HER and Ir for OER, currently offer superior performance, their widespread adoption is hindered by high cost and scarcity. This has spurred research into cost-effective alternatives, with a focus on understanding the underlying electrocatalytic mechanisms. MXenes, a class of two-dimensional materials, have emerged as promising candidates for electrocatalytic water splitting due to their unique physical and chemical properties. However, research in this field remains largely experimental, lacking a comprehensive understanding of fundamental mechanisms. This knowledge gap impedes the development of high-efficiency electrocatalysts and necessitates further investigation. This review systematically examines recent advancements in MXene-based nanohybrids for electrocatalytic water splitting, covering synthetic methods, structure-property relationships, and performance enhancement strategies. It encompasses both precious and non-noble metal-based systems for HER, OER, and overall water splitting applications. Additionally, this review addresses current challenges, opportunities, and future research directions for MXene-based nanohybrids. By providing comprehensive insights into the development of high-performance MXene-based electrocatalysts, this review aims to accelerate progress in the field of electrochemical water splitting. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers working towards more efficient and sustainable hydrogen production technologies, potentially contributing to the broader goal of transitioning away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy sources.
A porous lanthanum (La) carbonate-carbon composite (LaCC) was prepared by vacuum-freeze-drying and pyrolysis techniques to remove phosphorus (P) from wastewater. Using polyethylene glycol as a carbon skeleton template, and the organic ligands are removed during pyrolysis, resulting in the creation of many pore structures. The LaCC showed excellent P removal performance and selectivity over a wide pH range (3–10). It exhibited a rapid adsorption rate and could hold up to 119.5 mg P/g. Fixed-bed column experiments showed that under dynamic conditions, just 1 g of LaCC effectively treated 60 L of P-contaminated wastewater with an initial concentration of 2 mg/L, meeting the primary discharge standard of <0.5 mg/L according to the comprehensive sewage guidelines of China. Bacterial experiments showed that the LaCC could inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli, indicating that it has both P removal and bacterial inhibition effects, which can greatly improve the application range of adsorbents.
Chemotherapy is the cornerstone of cancer treatment, and paclitaxel (PTX), as a first-line broad-spectrum chemotherapy drug, is widely used in the treatment of multiple tumors in the clinic. However, unsatisfactory efficacy and drug resistance of single chemotherapy have severely hampered the clinical progress of PTX. Herein, three-in-one naringenin (NAR)-loaded PTX polymer prodrug micelles were constructed for efficient and synergistic antitumor therapy. Firstly, the polymer prodrug micelles could simultaneously act as nanoreservoirs for two hydrophobic drugs, PTX and NAR. Secondly, the polymer prodrug micelles enabled dual-responsive intelligent release of PTX and NAR triggered by reduction and acid. Finally, released PTX and NAR exerted synergistic antitumor effects for reversing tumor resistance, while NAR enhanced the immune and anti-inflammatory functions of polymer prodrug micelles. Due to the cascade-enhanced chemotherapeutic augmentation, the intelligent-responsive nanoreservoir proved to be an excellent antitumor therapeutic platform. This work was of great interest for designing superior chemotherapeutic augmentation regimens.
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