Enhancing water splitting via weakening H_(2) and O_(2) adsorption on NiCo-LDH@CdS due to interstitial nitrogen doping: A close look at the mechanism of electron transfer

This paper is a report on the development of a convenient approach to fabricating a very efficient hybrid photoelectrocatalyst for water splitting.This photoelectrocatalyst consists of nickel-cobalt layered double hydroxide as the core,cadmium sulfide as the shell,and nitrogen,hence NiCo-LDH@CdS-N.For the electrocatalytic activity to be improved,the H_(2) and O_(2) binding energy needs to be weakened.The interstitial nitrogen doping on NiCo-LDH@CdS can increase electrocatalytic activity to a great extent.NiCoLDH@CdS nanoparticles are obtained by subjecting to nitriding the NiCo-LDH@CdS electrode coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone nanosheets.This electrode has a large specific surface area,allows fast transfer of electrons,and exhibits long-term stability.The experimental results presented in this paper reveal that interstitial nitrogen doping largely reduces H_(2) and O_(2) binding energy and lowers the activation barrier for the formation and splitting of water.

Inoculation and co-inoculation of alfalfa seedlings with root growth promoting microorganisms(Piriformospora indica,Glomus intraradices and Sinorhizobium meliloti) affect molecular structures,nutrient profiles and availability of hay for ruminants

Inoculation of alfalfa seedlings with root growth promoting microorganisms under semi-arid climate condition may improve biomass production and nutritive value.The current study aimed to investigate the effect of inoculation of alfalfa seedlings with Piriformospora indica(Pi) and co-inoculating Pi with Glomus intraradices(Gi+Pi) or Sinorhizobium meliloti(Sm+Pi) on hay yield,chemical composition,molecular structures by Fourier transformed infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy,in situ ruminal degradability and in vitro gas production.Seedlings were grown in experimental pots in a greenhouse until first cut and then transferred outside and cut a further 4 times.Biomass yield was similar across the treatments.Acid detergent fiber(ADF) concentration was higher in Pi than in control hay,and ADF decreased further with co-inoculation(P < 0.05).The ether extract(EE) concentration was lower for Pi and Gi+Pi compared with control hay,and control,Pi and Gi+Pi hays had lower EE concentration compared with Sm+Pi(P < 0.05).The FTIR spectroscopic vibration peak height ratio related to proteins(amide1+amide 2): total carbohydrate ratio was lower for the inoculation treatments compared with control hay(P < 0.05).In situ ruminal degradability of dry matter and organic matter were higher for hay of inoculated and co-inoculated seedlings than for control hay(P < 0.05).In conclusion,hay of alfalfa seedlings inoculated and co-inoculated with root growth promoting microorganisms had improved nutritional value compared with hay from non-treated alfalfa seedlings,and co-inoculation was the most effective,however,changes were relatively minor.