Latest ArticlesThe efficient production of high-quality scintillators with long radioluminescence afterglow is crucial for high-performance X-ray luminescence extension imaging. However, scaling-up the synthesis of ligand-free scintillators to fabricate large-area X-ray imaging screens for industrial applications remains a challenge. In this study, we report an efficient method to synthesize ligand-free, lanthanide-doped microscintillators by a one-pot reaction via the concentrated hydrothermal method. The as-synthesized microscintillators exhibit prolonged persistent radioluminescence for up to 30 days after X-ray exposure and remain high stability in air or water for more than 18 months without deterioration. Monte Carlo simulations indicate that the size effect is responsible for the excellent afterglow performance of the microscintillators. We employ these high-quality lanthanide-doped microscintillators to fabricate a large-area X-ray imaging detector using a blade-coating method, a spatial resolution of 24.9 lp/mm for X-ray imaging. Our study offers a solution for scaling-up the synthesis of low-cost microscintillators for practical applications.
Luminescent materials that can be reversibly switched by electric field stimulation are attractive since the potential application for optoelectronic devices. Here we report a triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) system with electrophoretic response which is developed as the electrophoretic ink. The TTA-UC system consists of an ionic derivative of 9, 10-diphenyl anthracene (DPA) as the annihilator and Pt(Ⅱ) octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) as the sensitizer. Upon applying an electric field, migration and enrichment of positively charged DPA derivatives towards the cathode results in a 20% enhancement of TTA-UC. A quasi-solid film for electrically writing is made using the electrophoretic TTA system as the ink and a platinum electrode as a pen. The prototype of TTA-UC ink demonstrates unique luminescence functions upon electrically writing and erasing, providing a promising strategy to develop electronic devices for display, information storage and encryption.
Thrombosis remains a major global health concern mainly characterized by high rates of morbidity and mortality. Animal models serve as an indispensable tool to understand the underlying pathogenesis of thrombosis and assess the efficacy of novel antithrombotic drugs. Currently, zebrafish has emerged as a valuable model organism for thrombosis research. However, the traditional method of studying zebrafish thrombosis requires a laborious and time-consuming procedure, including anesthesia and manual immobilization of zebrafish. In this study, based on hydrodynamic force, a lateral-immobilization zebrafish microfluidic chip (LIZMC) was designed to evaluate the cardiovascular system of multiple larvae within a single microscope field of view. Specifically, coupling with microscope imaging, real-time monitoring of the peripheral blood circulation in the tail of phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced zebrafish thrombosis was enabled. Furthermore, the reliability of LIZMC for in vivo evaluation of antithrombotic agents in zebrafish was verified using aspirin. Collectively, this novel LIZMC-based system can be used for in vivo zebrafish thrombosis studies and rapid screening of antithrombotic agents.
Small-molecule drugs are widely used in daily life. There are still issues with the current industrial synthesis techniques for small-molecule drugs, such as the use of expensive metal catalysts, convoluted reaction processes, and non-recyclable catalysts. The benefits of photocatalytic organic synthesis over conventional techniques are mild conditions, environmental friendliness, and great selectivity. Porous framework materials can precisely modulate catalytic sites’ electronic state and ligand structure to improve photocatalytic performance. In particular, MOFs, COFs and PCCs based photocatalysts have received extensive research interest due to their unique morphology, structural adjustability, high photocatalytic performance, unique recyclability, excellent chemical stability, easy synthesis and low cost. Therefore, a key area for future research is the development of porous framework materials as photocatalysts for the synthesis of small-molecule drugs or drug precursors.
It is well-established that high carbonization temperature will trigger the enzyme-like activity of carbon-based materials. However, the catalytic mechanism is still ambiguous, which hinders the further rational design of nanomaterials as enzyme mimics. Hereby, N, S-rich carbonized wool nanosheets (CWs) were synthesized at different pyrolysis temperatures. As expected, only CWs treated with high-temperature possess intrinsic oxidase- and peroxidase-like activities. Meanwhile, density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that graphitic nitrogen and the co-existence of nitrogen and sulfur in the carbon matrix serve as the active sites for the enzyme-like process. More importantly, combining theoretical calculations and experimental observations, the high-temperature triggered catalytic mechanism can be ascribed to the fact that an appropriate high-temperature maximizes the graphitization degree to a certain extent, at which most of the catalytic active sites are well retained rather than evaporating. Moreover, coupling with excellent photothermal conversion efficiency and catalytic performance, CWs can be applied to photothermal-catalytic cancer therapy under near-infrared region (NIR) light irradiation. We believe this work will contribute to understanding the catalytic mechanism of carbon-based nanozymes and promote the development of new biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.
Accurate detection of uric acid (UA) is crucial for diagnosing gout, yet traditional sweat-based UA sensors continue to face challenges posed by complex and costly electrode fabrication methods, as well as weakly hydrophilic substrates. Here, we designed and developed simple, low-cost, and hydrophilic sweat UA detection sensors constructed by carbon electrodes and cellulose paper substrates. The carbon electrodes were made by carbonized polyimide films through a simple, one-step laser engraving method. Our electrodes are porous, possess a large specific surface area, and are flexible and conductive. The substrates were composed of highly hydrophilic cellulose paper that can effectively collect, store, and transport sweat. The constructed electrodes demonstrate high sensitivity of 0.4 µA L µmol−1 cm−2, wide linear range of 2–100 µmol/L. In addition, our electrodes demonstrate high selectivity, excellent reproducibility, high flexibility, and outstanding stability against mechanical bending, temperature variations, and extended storage periods. Furthermore, our sensors have been proven to provide reliable results when detecting UA levels in real sweat and on real human skin. We envision that these sensors hold enormous potential for use in the prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of gout.
A new strategy for the metal-free coordination–insertion ring-opening polymerization of tetrahydrofuran by the central metalloid Boron has been first identified. Bis(pentafluorophenyl)(phenoxy)borane was used as a catalyst for the polymerization reaction system. And polytetrahydrofuran with high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution could be obtained. The proposed mechanism was studied by MALDI-TOF, ESI-MS and O-18 isotope labeling analyses as a metal-free coordination insertion mechanism.
Vanadium flow batteries (VFBs) have drawn considerable attention as an emerging technology for large-scale energy storage systems (ESSs). One of the pivotal challenges is the availability of eligible ion exchange membranes (ICMs) that provide high ion selectivity, proton conductivity, and stability under rigorous condition. Herein, a 'side-chain-type' strategy has been employed to fabricate highly stable phenolphthalein-based cardo poly(arylene ether ketone)s (PAEKs) membrane with low area resistance (0.058 Ω cm2), in which flexible alkyl spacers effectively alleviated inductive withdrawing effect from terminal ion exchange groups thus enabling a stable backbone. The assembled VFBs based on PAEKs bearing pendent alkyl chain terminated with quaternary ammonium (Q-PPhEK) demonstrated an energy efficiency above 80% over 700 cycles at 160 mA/cm2. Such a remarkable results revealed that the side-chain-type strategy contributed to enhancing the ICMs stability in strong oxidizing environment, meanwhile, more interesting backbones would be woken with this design engaging in stable ICMs for VFBs.
Manganese oxides (MnOx), as low-toxicity and high-abundance catalysts, have been demonstrated to hold great promise for application in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). However, further application of this material is restricted due to its unsatisfactory oxidant activation efficiency. Fortunately, recently remarkable research on deep activation mechanisms and modification of MnOx have been undertaken to improve its reactivity. Herein, modification enhancement mechanisms of MnOx to efficiently degrade various organic contaminants were discussed and highlighted, including metal doping, coupling with other metal oxides, composite with carbonaceous material, and compounding with other support. The activation mechanisms of different MnOx and derivative-modified material (such as doped MnOx, metal oxide-MnOx hybrids, and MnOx-carbonaceous material hybrids) were summarized in great details, which was specifically categorized into both radical and non-radical pathways. The effects of pH, inorganic ions, and natural organic matter on degradation reactions are also discussed. Finally, future research directions and perspectives are presented to provide a clear interpretation on the MnOx initiated AOPs.
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