Sabatier principle guiding the design of cathode catalysts for Li-CO_(2) batteries

The Sabatier principle has been widely used for designing electrocatalysts for energy conversion applications,but it is rarely mentioned in the research of cathode catalyst of Li-CO_(2) batteries.In our work,the"volcanic"relationship between the catalytic activity and the adsorption energy of the catalyst to the intermediates is first demonstrated based on the first-principles calculation,which meets the Sabatier principle and can be used to design the cathode catalysts.The increases in the number of nitrogenvacancy in WN shift the d-band center and increase the interaction with the reactants.The catalytic activity increases first and then decreases with the increase of adsorption energy,which was proved in the experiment.The optimal catalyst for moderate adsorption of intermediate makes the thin LiaCO_(3) distribute evenly.It exhibits a median voltage difference of 0.68 V and an energy efficiency of 84.33%at20μA cm^(-2)with a limited capacity of 200μA h cm^(-2).

Effect of Ni,Fe and Fe-Ni alloy catalysts on the synthesis of metal contained carbon nano-onions and studies of their electrochemical hydrogen storage properties

Three types of carbon nano-onions（CNOs） including Ni@CNOs.Fe3C@CNOs and Fe0.64Ni0.36@CNOs nanoparticles have been synthesized by catalytic decomposition of methane at 850 ℃ using nickel,iron and iron-nickel alloy catalysts.Comparative and systematic studies have been carried out on the morphology,structural characteristics and graphitic crystallinity of these CNOs products.Furthermore,the electrochemical hydrogen storage properties of three types of CNOs have been investigated.Measurements show that the Ni@CNOs have the highest discharge capacity of 387.2 mAh/g,coiTesponding to a hydrogen storage of 1.42%.This comparison study shows the advantages of each catalyst in the growth of CNOs.enabling the controllable synthesis and tuning the properties of CNOs by mediating different metals and their alloy for using in the fuel cell system.

川赤芍总苷及其主成分芍药苷对痤疮相关炎症的抑制作用研究

研究了川赤芍总苷及其主成分芍药苷对痤疮相关炎症的抑制作用。通过制备并基于高效液相色谱分析川赤芍总苷主活性成分含量;建立痤疮丙酸杆菌(Cropionibacterium acnes,C.acnes)诱导THP-1细胞炎症模型;采用CCK8法检测细胞相对活力,ELISA法快速检测细胞IL-1β、IL-8的分泌量,并用Western blot法验证。结果表明:在100μg/mL质量浓度下川赤芍根提取物能显著抑制C.acnes刺激引起的炎症因子IL-1β、IL-8(p<0.01)。从川赤芍根提取物中提取的川赤芍总苷,在相同浓度下对炎症因子IL-1β抑制率提高了20%。川赤芍总苷中芍药内酯苷、芍药苷、苯甲酰芍药苷含量分别为0.64%,26.3%,1.17%。其中芍药苷的含量最高,且对C.acnes刺激引起的炎症因子IL-1β抑制效果显著(p<0.01)。此外,芍药苷还能降低C.acnes刺激引起的活性氧和乳酸脱氢酶。综上所述,川赤芍总苷及其主成分芍药苷对改善C.acnes引起的皮肤炎症具有潜在的治疗价值。

Recent Developments of Antimony-Based Anodes for Sodiumand Potassium-Ion Batteries

The development of sodium-ion(SIBs)and potassium-ion batteries(PIBs)has increased rapidly because of the abundant resources and cost-effectiveness of Na and K.Antimony(Sb)plays an important role in SIBs and PIBs because of its high theoretical capacity,proper working voltage,and low cost.However,Sb-based anodes have the drawbacks of large volume changes and weak charge transfer during the charge and discharge processes,thus leading to poor cycling and rapid capacity decay.To address such drawbacks,many strategies and a variety of Sb-based materials have been developed in recent years.This review systematically introduces the recent research progress of a variety of Sb-based anodes for SIBs and PIBs from the perspective of composition selection,preparation technologies,structural characteristics,and energy storage behaviors.Moreover,corresponding examples are presented to illustrate the advantages or disadvantages of these anodes.Finally,we summarize the challenges of the development of Sb-based materials for Na/K-ion batteries and propose potential research directions for their further development.

Rhizosphere microbial markers (micro-markers): A new physical examination indicator for traditional Chinese medicines

Rhizosphere microorganisms,as one of the most important components of the soil microbiota and plant holobiont,play a key role in the medicinal plant-soil ecosystem,which are closely related to the growth,adaptability,nutrient absorption,stress tolerance and pathogen resistance of host plants.In recent years,with the wide application of molecular biology and omics technologies,the outcomes of rhizosphere microorganisms on the health,biomass production and secondary metabolite biosynthesis of medicinal plants have received extensive attention.However,whether or to what extent rhizosphere microorganisms can contribute to the construction of the quality evaluation system of Chinese medicinal materials is still elusive.Based on the significant role of rhizosphere microbes in the survival and quality formation of medicinal plants,this paper proposed a new concept of rhizosphere microbial markers(micro-markers),expounded the relevant research methods and ideas of applying the new concept,highlighted the importance of micro-markers in the quality evaluation and control system of traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs),and introduced the potential value in soil environmental assessment,plant pest control and quality assessment of TCMs.It provides reference for developing ecological planting of TCMs and ensuring the production of high quality TCMs by regulating rhizosphere microbial communities.

A comprehensive review of Huangqin(Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi)tea:chemical composition,functional properties and safety aspects

Huangqin tea(HQT),derived from the aerial parts of various Scutellaria species,in particular S.baicalensis Georgi,has a long history of traditional use in China.Its significance has grown in recent years due to its potential anti-aging,colon cancer chemopreventive,and cardiovascular protective properties.Huangqin tea source plants have identified over 295 chemical constituents,including flavonoids,essential oils,phenolic acids,sterols,diterpenes,polysaccharides,and amino acids.Pharmacological research has underscored the diverse beneficial effects of Huangqin tea and flavonoid extracts.These effects encompass anti-inflammatory,antiviral,anti-bacterial,antipyretic,and analgesic properties,along with neuroprotective effects and protection against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.Safety studies indicate that HQT is generally safe within recommended dosages and historical use.HQT presents multifaceted potential health benefits,though comprehensive research is necessary to ensure its effectiveness and safety in human applications.

Investigation of free amino acid, total phenolics,antioxidant activity and purine alkaloids to assess the health properties of non-Camellia tea

To find novel functional beverages from folk teas, 33 species of frequently used non-Camellia tea(plants other than Camellia) were collected and compared with Camellia tea(green tea, pu-erh tea and black tea) for the first time. Data are reported here on the quantities of 20 free amino acids(FAAs) and three purine alkaloids(measured by UHPLC), total polyphenols(measured by Folin-Ciocalteu assay), and antioxidant activity(DPPH). The total amounts of FAAs in non-Camellia tea(0.62–18.99 mg/g) are generally less than that of Camellia tea(16.55–24.99 mg/g). However, for certain FAAs, the quantities were much higher in some non-Camellia teas, such as γ-aminobutyric acid in teas from Ampelopsis grossedentata, Isodon serra and Hibiscus sabdariffa. Interestingly, theanine was detected in tea from Potentilla fruticosa(1.16±0.81 mg/g). Furthermore, the content of polyphenols in teas from A. grossedentata, Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala are significantly higher than those from Camellia tea;teas from I. serra, Pistacia chinensis and A. tataricum subsp. ginnala have remarkable antioxidant activities similar to the activities from green tea(44.23 μg/m L). Purine alkaloids(caffeine, theobromine and theophylline) were not detected in non-Camellia teas. The investigation suggest some non-Camellia teas may be great functional natural products with potential for prevention of chronic diseases and aging,by providing with abundant polyphenols, antioxidants and specific FAAs.

Comparative Genome Analysis of Scutellaria baicalensis and Scutellaria barbata Reveals the Evolution of Active Flavonoid Biosynthesis

Scutellaria baicalensis(S.baicalensis)and Scutellaria barbata(S.barbata)are common medicinal plants of the Lamiaceae family.Both produce specific flavonoid compounds,including baicalein,scutellarein,norwogonin,and wogonin,as well as their glycosides,which exhibit antioxidant and antitumor activities.Here,we report chromosome-level genome assemblies of S.baicalensis and S.barbata with quantitative chromosomal variation(2 n=18 and 2 n=26,respectively).The divergence of S.baicalensis and S.barbata occurred far earlier than previously reported,and a whole-genome duplication(WGD)event was identified.The insertion of long terminal repeat elements after speciation might be responsible for the observed chromosomal expansion and rearrangement.Comparative genome analysis of the congeneric species revealed the species-specific evolution of chrysin and apigenin biosynthetic genes,such as the S.baicalensis-specific tandem duplication of genes encoding phenylalanine ammonia lyase and chalcone synthase,and the S.barbata-specific duplication of genes encoding 4-Co A ligase.In addition,the paralogous duplication,colinearity,and expression diversity of CYP82 D subfamily members revealed the functional divergence of genes encoding flavone hydroxylase between S.baicalensis and S.barbata.Analyzing these Scutellaria genomes reveals the common and species-specific evolution of flavone biosynthetic genes.Thus,these findings would facilitate the development of molecular breeding and studies of biosynthesis and regulation of bioactive compounds.

A bottom-up strategy toward metal nano-particles modified graphene nanoplates for fabricating aluminum matrix composites and interface study

To synthesize graphene economically and efficiently,as well as to improve the interface bonding between graphene and metal and to recede the aggregation issue of graphene,in this work,an easy and scalable bottom-up strategy for the mass production of metal nanoparticles modified graphene nanoplates(GNPs)was proposed.Cu nanoparticles modified GNPs(Cu-GNPs)and Ni nanoparticles modified GNPs(Ni-GNPs)were fabricated through this method,and then compounded with Al via ball milling technique.The asobtained Ni-GNPs/Al composite showed simultaneously improved strength and toughness compared with unreinforced Al,while the Cu-GNPs/Al composite presented a greater strengthening effect.The microstructure and interface of the two composites were carefully characterized and investigated to reveal the difference.First principle study was also adopted to explore the binding energy of different interface structures.This study could provide new insights into the fabrication of GNPs and the control of interface in GNPs/Al composites.

‘Food and medicine continuum’ in the East and West: Old tradition and current regulation

Food-medicine products are important materials for daily health management and are increasingly popular in the global healthy food market.However,because of the biocultural difference,food-medicine knowledge may differ among regions,which hinders the global sharing of such health strategies.Aim at bridging the food-medicine knowledge in the East and West,this study traced the historical roots of food and medicine continuum of the East and West,which was followed by a cross-cultural assessment on the importance of food-medicine products of China,thereafter,the current legislative terms for foodmedicine products were studied using an international survey.The results show that the food and medicine continuum in the East and West have their historical roots in the traditional medicines since antiquity,and the food-medicine knowledge in the East and West differs substantially;although the foodmedicine products have common properties,their legislative terms are diverse globally;with proofs of traditional uses and scientific evidence,food-medicine products are possible for cross-cultural communication.Finally,we recommend facilitating the cross-cultural communication of the food-medicine knowledge in the East and West,thus to make the best use of the traditional health wisdom in the globe.

Simultaneously optimizing pore morphology and enhancing mechanical properties of Al-Si alloy composite foams by graphene nanosheets

The integrity and regularity of pore morphology play an important role in determining the mechanical properties of the metallic foam materials.The conventional methods on refining pore morphology are mainly focused on the optimization of fabrication techniques,however,they are usually inconvenient and complicated.Recently,incorporating nano reinforcement is considered to be a suitable way to fabricate metallic composite foams accompanied by optimized pore morphology and enhanced mechanical properties.In this work,through a facile and rapid powder metallurgy foaming method,the aluminum-silicon(Al-Si)alloy composite foams reinforced by graphene nanosheets(GNSs)are successfully fabricated.The microstructure analyses reveal that,for the Al-Si alloy foams incorporating the GNSs(GNSs/Al-Si composite foams),the pore size is transformed to be smaller,the pore size distributions become more homogeneous and the pore shape is also refined to a regular and roundish state.Meanwhile,the shape of Si precipitates is found transforming from an irregular long strip(length of~20μm,width of~5μm)to a fine particle state(diameter of~5μm).Moreover,the compressive testing results show that,the 0.4wt%GNSs/Al-Si composite foams own the optimal compression stress of 11.7±0.5 MPa,plateau stress of 10.0±1.0 MPa and energy absorption capacity of 6.8±0.7 MJ/m^(3),which have improvement of 58.1%,53.8%and 51.1%in comparison with the Al-Si alloy foams counterpart,respectively.The present findings may pave a new way for developing new generation of metallic composite foams that with stable microstructure and excellent mechanical performance.

Fabrication of Graphene Nanoplates Modified with Nickel Nanoparticles for Reinforcing Copper Matrix Composites

In order to improve the interface wettability as well as the interfacial bonding between graphene and copper matrix,in this work,graphene nanoplates modified with nickel nanoparticles(Ni-GNPs)were synthesized using a one-step method based on spray-drying and chemical vapor deposition.Thereafter,0.33 wt%Ni-GNPs were introduced into copper matrix composite by the molecular-level mixing method,leading to further enhancement of 90%in yield strength.This is attributed to the presence of Ni-GNPs,which provided high resistance to matrix against deformation.In addition,with the modification of nickel at the interface,the wettability and interfacial bonding between graphene nanoplates and copper matrix were improved,which enhanced the load transfer then.Furthermore,the microstructures and strengthening mechanisms were investigated and discus sed meanwhile.

Copper-Coated Graphene Nanoplatelets-Reinforced Al–Si Alloy Matrix Composites Fabricated by Stir Casting Method

In this study,Cu nanoparticles-coated graphene nanoplatelets(Cu-NPs@GNPs)were synthesized by a simple in situ method with the assistance of Na Cl templates and used for reinforcing Al–10 Si composites through stir casting process.The experimental results showed that the coating of Cu-NPs on the GNPs could compromise the density mismatch between GNPs and metal matrix and eff ectively hinder the float of GNPs during stirring.The reaction of Cu-NPs and Al matrix could protect the structural integrity of GNPs as well as improve the interfacial wettability between GNPs and the matrix,thus promoting the uniform dispersion of GNPs in the composites.As a result,the as-prepared 0.5 wt%Cu-NPs@GNPs/Al–10 Si composite exhibited a tensile strength of 251 MPa(45%higher than the Al–10 Si)with a total elongation of 15%.The strengthening eff ects were mainly attributed to the following three reasons:Firstly,the Cu-NPs coating improved the interfacial bonding between GNPs and Al matrix which promoted the load transfer from the matrix to the GNPs.Secondly,the nanoscale Al 2 Cu formed by the reaction of Cu-NPs and Al matrix played a role in precipitation strengthening.Thirdly,GNPs refined the silicon phases and improved the monolithic performances of the composites.

Self-anchored catalysts for substrate-free synthesis of metal-encapsulated carbon nano-onions and study of their magnetic properties

We demonstrate the synthesis of a novel self-anchored catalyst structure containing a Fe-Ni alloy nanosheet generated by phase separation for the substrate-free synthesis of carbon nanostructures. Fast Fourier transform analysis was carried out in order to investigate both the phase and structural evolution of the alloy nanosheet during reduction and chemical vapor deposition （CVD） growth. y-Fe-Ni （Feo.64Nio.36） and a-Fe-Ni （kamacite） phases were formed and separated on the NiFe204 nanosheet catalyst precursor during H2 reduction, forming selfanchored mono-dispersed y-Fe-Ni nanocrystals on a a-Fe-Ni matrix. The Fe-Ni alloy nanosheet serves both as a catalyst for growing metal-encapsulated carbon nano-onions （CNOs）, and as a support for anchoring these preformed nano- particles, yielding mono-dispersed catalyst nanoparticles with no requirement of additional substrates for the CVD growth. This synthesis is capable of mitigating the coalescence and Ostwald ripening without the assistance of an additional substrate. This structure allows for the growth of uniform-sized CNOs despite the aggregation, crumbling, and stacking of the alloy sheet. This study provides a promising design for novel catalyst structures by phase separation towards the substrate-free synthesis of carbon nanostructures in large scale. Finally, the ferromagnetic Feo.64Ni0.36@#CNOs particles demonstrate their application in both magnetic storage and water purification, as a non-toxic water treatment material.

Constructing the coherent transition interface structure for enhancing strength and ductility of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets/Al composites

The deformation incompatibility of components is a bottleneck restricting the exaltation of the strength and ductility of composites.Herein,the coherent transition interface was designed and produced in hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets(BNNSs)/Al composites by reaction sintering route,expecting to re-lieve the deformation incompatibility between BNNSs and Al.It is demonstrated that with the sintering temperature for composites raising from 600℃ to 650℃,700℃ and 750℃,different interface bonding characteristics,which involve nucleation and growth of AlN continuous nanolayer,were confirmed.Fur-thermore,first-principles calculations show that the generation of the coherent transition interface im-proved the interfacial bonding strength of BNNSs/Al composites through covalent bonds.The composites with coherent transition interface exhibit excellent strength-toughness combination in tensile and impact tests.The finite element simulation and in-situ approach under tensile tests were applied to investigate the influence of transition interface structure on deformation behavior of BNNSs/Al composite.It is found that the generation of the transition interface can not only weaken the stress partitioning behavior in the elastic stage,but also constrain the crack initiation and propagation behavior in the elastic-plastic stage and plastic stage,thereby improving the deformation compatibility between BNNSs and Al.The present work provides a novel view into the breakthrough for the trade-offrelationship of strength and ductility by coherent transition interface design in nanocomposites.

Effect of GNPs on microstructures and mechanical properties of GNPs/Al-Cu composites with different heat treatment status

Microstructural and mechanical behavior of heat treatable Al-4.6Cu binary alloy reinforced with graphene nanoplates(GNPs) in different heat treatment status were investigated in this paper.The addition of GNPs significantly enhanced the yield strength and tensile strength of Al-Cu alloy regardless of the heattreatment conditions.It was also found that GNPs accelerated the formation of precipitates,leading to a greatly shortened aging time for GNPs/Al-4.6Cu composite to reach the peak hardness.However,aging treatment enhanced the strength of GNPs/Al-Cu composite very little,which could be explained by the interaction between GNPs,precipitates and dislocations.This work inspires us that the heat treatment process of aluminum alloy matrix composites should be designed independently with the matrix in quest of an optimum performance.

Manipulating mechanical properties of graphene/Al composites by an in-situ synthesized hybrid reinforcement strategy

The structural deterioration caused by the relatively weak out-of-plane bending stiffness and the chemically-active edge area of graphene limits its outperformance in strengthening for Al matrix composites(AMCs).Introducing one-dimensional(1D)carbon nanotubes(CNTs)to graphene/metal system is one of the promised strategies to complement the weakness of 2D graphene and make full use of the outstanding intrinsic properties of the both reinforcements.To date,such synergistic strengthening and toughening mechanisms are largely unknown.In this study,AMCs reinforced by a novel hybrid reinforcement,i.e.,graphene nanosheets decorated with Cu nanoparticles and CNTs(Cu@GNS-CNTs),are fabricated by an in-situ synthesis method.The combined contrast experiments validated that the organically integrated reinforcing structure promotes the intrinsic load bearing capacity of GNS and the strain hardening capability of the Al matrix simultaneously.As a result,the composites achieved excellent tensile strength and uniform elongation with almost no loss.The strengthening mechanism originated primarily from the hybrid reinforcement exhibits superior load-transfer,fracture inhibition and dislocation storage capability by controlling the interface reaction to construct an effective interface structure without damaging the reinforcement.Our work identifies a promising structural modification strategy for 2D materials and provides mechanistic insights into the synergistic strengthening effect of graphene/CNTs hybrid reinforcement.

Corrigendum to "Dark tea: A popular beverage with possible medicinal application" [Chinese Herbal Medicines 15 (2023) 33-36]

When this paper was first published,the authors'name Miamoiao Lea was incomplete.The corrected author name has been shown above.The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Si-Assisted Solidification Path and Microstructure Control of 7075 Aluminum Alloy with Improved Mechanical Properties by Selective Laser Melting

The construction and application of traditional high-strength 7075 aluminum alloy(Al7075) through selective laser melting(SLM) are currently restricted by the serious hot cracking phenomenon. To address this critical issue, in this study, Si is employed to assist the SLM printing of high-strength Al7075. The laser energy density during SLM is optimized, and the eff ects of Si element on solidification path, relative density, microstructure and mechanical properties of Al7075 alloy are studied systematically. With the modified solidification path, laser energy density, and the dense microstructure with refined grain size and semi-continuous precipitates network at grain boundaries, which consists of fine Si, β-MgSi, Q-phase and θ-AlCu, the hot cracking phenomenon and mechanical properties are eff ectively improved. As a result, the tensile strength of the SLM-processed Si-modified Al7075 can reach 486 ± 3 MPa, with a high relative density of ~ 99.4%, a yield strength of 291 ± 8 MPa, fracture elongation of(6.4 ± 0.4)% and hardness of 162 ± 2(HV) at the laser energy density of 112.5 J/mm~3. The main strengthening mechanism with Si modification is demonstrated to be the synergetic enhancement of grain refinement, solution strengthening, load transfer, and dislocation strengthening. This work will inspire more new design of high-strength alloys through SLM.

“界面素化”策略改善铝基复合材料腐蚀性能

添加增强相可以提高铝基复合材料的力学性能,但同时也会促进界面上原电池网络的形成,从而提升铝基复合材料的腐蚀敏感性.因此,优化界面结构是改善复合材料耐腐蚀性能的重要途径.对此,我们提出固相铝热反应结合热处理的策略,在Al-CuO复合材料中构建包括晶界和增强体-基体界面在内的“素化界面”.本文通过浸渍/电化学腐蚀试验和微观结构表征系统研究了复合材料的晶间腐蚀行为和应力腐蚀开裂敏感性,强调了晶内分布纳米第二相(Al_(2)O_(3)增强相和Al-Cu沉淀相)对消除沿晶界连续原电池网络和阻断腐蚀路径的贡献.此外,研究发现具有低应变能且紧密结合的Al_(2)O_(3)-Al界面显著降低了局部腐蚀敏感性.这项工作阐明了复合材料界面特性与腐蚀机制之间的相关性,为发展耐腐蚀复合材料提供了新思路.