Latest ArticlesCore-shell colloidal particles with a polymer layer have broad applications in different areas. Herein, we developed a two-step method combining aqueous surface-initiated photoinduced polymerization-induced self-assembly and photoinduced seeded reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to prepare a diverse set of core-shell colloidal particles with a well-defined polymer layer. Chemical compositions, structures, and thicknesses of polymer layers could be conveniently regulated by using different types of monomers and feed [monomer]/[chain transfer agent] ratios during seeded RAFT polymerization.
Solar-induced water oxidation reaction (WOR) for oxygen evolution is a critical step in the transformation of Earth’s atmosphere from a reducing to an oxidation one during its primordial stages. WOR is also associated with important reduction reactions, such as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which leads to the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). These transitions are instrumental in the emergence and evolution of life. In this study, transition metals were loaded onto nitrogen-doped carbon (NDC) prepared under the primitive Earth’s atmospheric conditions. These metal-loaded NDC samples were found to catalyze both WOR and ORR under light illumination. The chemical pathways initiated by the pristine and metal-loaded NDC were investigated. This study provides valuable insights into potential mechanisms relevant to the early evolution of our planet.
Propane dehydrogenation (PDH) is a vital industrial process for producing propene, utilizing primarily Cr-based or Pt-based catalysts. These catalysts often suffer from challenges such as the toxicity of Cr, the high costs of noble metals like Pt, and deactivation issues due to sintering or coke formation at elevated temperatures. We introduce an exceptional Ru-based catalyst, Ru nanoparticles anchored on a nitrogen-doped carbon matrix (Ru@NC), which achieves a propane conversion rate of 32.2% and a propene selectivity of 93.1% at 550 ℃, with minimal coke deposition and a low deactivation rate of 0.0065 h−1. Characterizations using techniques like TEM and XPS, along with carefully-designed controlled experiments, reveal that the notable performance of Ru@NC stems from the modified electronic state of Ru by nitrogen dopant and the microporous nature of the matrix, positioning it as a top contender among state-of-the-art PDH catalysts.
With the impact of energy crisis and environmental problems, it is urgent to develop green sustainable energy. Osmotic energy stored in the salinity difference between seawater and river water is one of the sustainable, abundant, and renewable energy. However, the membranes used to capture osmotic energy by reverse electrodialysis (RED) always suffer from low ion selectivity, low stability and low power. Hydrogels with three-dimensional (3D) networks have shown great potential for ion transportation and energy conversion. In this work, based on the homogeneity and porosity characteristics of acrylamide (AM) hydrogel, as well as the remarkable stability and abundant negative charge of 3-sulfopropyl acrylate potassium salt (SPAK), a high-performance AM/SPAK cation-selective hydrogel membrane was successfully developed for harvesting osmotic energy. Compared to AM hydrogels, utilizing AM/SPAK as a monomer mixture greatly facilitated the preparation of homogeneous polymers, exhibiting a porous structure, exceptional ion selectivity, and remarkable stability. A maximum output power density of 13.73 W/m2 was achieved at a 50-fold NaCl concentration gradient, exceeding the commercial requirement of 5 W/m2. This work broadens the idea for the construction and application of composite hydrogel in high efficiency osmotic energy conversion.
Improving the surface atoms utilization efficiency of catalysts is extremely important for large-scale H2 production by electrochemical water splitting, but it remains a great challenge. Herein, we reported two kinds of MoO3-polyoxometalate hybrid nanobelt superstructures (MoO3-POM HNSs, POM= PW12O40 and SiW12O40) using a simple hydrothermal method. Such superstructure with highly uniform nanoparticles as building blocks can expose more surface atoms and emanate increased specific surface area. The incorporated POMs generated abundant oxygen vacancies, improved the electronic mobility, and modulated the surface electronic structure of MoO3, allowing to optimize the H* adsorption/desorption and dehydrogenation kinetics of catalyst. Notably, the as-prepared MoO3-PW12O40 HNSs electrodes not only displayed the low overpotentials of 108 mV at 10 mA/cm2 current density in 0.5 mol/L H2SO4 electrolyte but also displayed excellent long-term stability. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of MoO3-POM superstructures is significantly better than that of corresponding bulk materials MoO3@PW12O40 and MoO3@SiW12O40, and the overpotentials are about 8.3 and 4.9 times lower than that of single MoO3. This work opens an avenue for designing highly surface-exposed catalysts for electrocatalytic H2 production and other electrochemical applications.
The considerable hazard posed by periprosthetic joint infections underlines the urgent need for the rapid advancement of in-situ drug delivery systems within joint materials. However, the pursuit of sustained antibacterial efficacy remains a formidable challenge. In this context, we proposed a novel strategy that leverages swelling and erosion mechanisms to facilitate drug release of drug-loaded ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), thereby ensuring its long-lasting antibacterial performance. Polyethylene oxide (PEO), a hydrophilic polymer with fast hydrating ability and high swelling capacity, was incorporated in UHMWPE alongside the antibacterial tea polyphenol (epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG as representative). The swelling of PEO enhanced water infiltration into the matrix, while the erosion of PEO balanced the release of the encapsulated EGCG, resulting in a steady release. The behavior was supported by the EGCG release profiles and the corresponding fitted release kinetic models. As demonstrated by segmented antibacterial assessments, the antibacterial efficiency was enhanced 2 to 3 times in the PEO/EGCG/UHMWPE composite compared to that of EGCG/UHMWPE. Additionally, the PEO/EGCG/UHMWPE composite exhibited favorable biocompatibility and mechanical performance, making it a potential candidate for the development of drug-releasing joint implants to combat prosthetic bacterial infections.
Semi-heterogeneous photocatalysis has emerged as a powerful and productive platform in organic chemistry, which provides mild and eco-friendly conditions for a diverse range of bond-forming reactions. The synergy of homogeneous catalysts and heterogeneous catalysts inherits their main advantages, such as higher activities, easy separation and superior recyclability. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in recyclable semi-heterogenous protocols for the light promoted bond-forming reactions and identify directions for future research according to the different photocatalysts/metal/redox catalysts involved. Notably, this review is not a comprehensive description of reported literature but aim to highlight and illustrate key concepts, strategies, reaction model, reaction conditions and mechanisms.
White light illumination is essential in daily life, however, the substantial amount of blue light it contains can damage human eyes. Therefore, it is important to block this high-energy blue light to protect visual health. In this study, yellow-emitting carbon dots (CDs) with a quantum yield exceeding 94% were synthesized using citric acid and urea. These CDs effectively absorb blue light. By incorporating them into polystyrene, multiple films termed CDs-based blue light blocking films (CBFs) were developed, each offering different levels of blue light absorption. These CBFs exhibited excellent transparency and efficient blue light filtering capabilities. This study highlights the potential of high quantum yield CDs, which specifically absorb blue light, as foundational materials for developing light-blocking solutions against high-energy short-wavelength light.
Up to now, numerous emerging methods of cancer treatment including chemodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy have rapidly entered a new stage of development. However, the single treatment mode is often constrained by the complex tumor microenvironment. Recently, the nanomaterials and nanomedicine have emerged as promising avenues to overcome the limitation in cancer theranostics. Especially, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained considerable interests in cancer therapy because of their customizable morphologies, easy functionalization, large specific surface area, and good biocompatibility. Among these MOFs, iron-based MOFs (Fe-MOFs) are particularly promising for cancer treatment due to their properties as nano-photosensitizers, peroxidase-like activity, bioimaging contrast capabilities, and biodegradability. Utilizing their structural regularity and synthetic tunability, Fe-MOFs can be engineered to incorporate organic molecules or other inorganic nanoparticles, thereby creating multifunctional nanoplatforms for single or combined theranostic modes. Herein, the minireview focuses on the recent advancements of the Fe-MOFs-based nanoplatforms for self-enhanced imaging and treatment at tumor sites. Furthermore, the clinical research development of Fe-MOFs-based nanoplatforms is discussed, addressing key challenges and innovations for the future. Our review aims to provide novice researchers with a foundational understanding of advanced cancer theranostic modes and promote their clinical applications through the modification of Fe-MOFs.
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