Synergetic bimetallic catalysts:A remarkable platform for efficient conversion of CO_(2) to high value-added chemicals

Carbon dioxide reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR) represents an efficient approach to achieving carbon neutrality and simultaneously generating clean energy.However,the strong stability of CO_(2) molecules and the diversity of products pose significant challenges.As an emerging material,bimetallic catalysts have been widely reported for their unique advantages,such as tunable electronic structures,suitable adsorption/desorption of CO_(2) and intermediates,and optimizable d-band centers of active sites through bimetallic synergy.These catalysts provide a remarkable platform for converting CO_(2) into high value-added chemicals.This review comprehensively summarizes recent research advances in bimetallic catalysts for CO_(2)RR.Firstly,the challenges associated with CO_(2)RR,including activity and selectivity are analyzed,followed by a discussion on the unique advantages of bimetallic catalysts.Next,their synthesis strategies are categorized into dual-atom site catalysts(DACs),bimetallic nanoparticles and nanoclusters,binary metal semiconductors,and layered double hydroxides(LDHs).Additionally,advanced characterization techniques of bimetallic catalysts and their applications in CO_(2)RR are thoroughly introduced.Finally,the prospects and challenges for the application of bimetallic materials are highlighted.This review aims to provide inspiration for CO_(2)RR into high-value chemicals and shed light on the research of bimetallic materials.

Editorial for the special issue“Artificial Photosynthesis Catalysts for Clean Energy”

Artificial photosynthesis catalysts play a crucial role in the production of clean energy by mimicking the natural process of photosynthesis.These catalysts facilitate the conversion of sunlight,water,and carbon dioxide(CO_(2))into valuable energy carriers such as hydrogen and hydrocarbons.By harnessing renewable energy sources,artificial photosynthesis offers a sustainable solution for reducing carbon emissions and meeting the growing energy demands.The development of efficient and stable catalysts is essential for enhancing the overall efficiency of this process.Researchers are actively exploring new materials and strategies to optimize the performance of artificial photosynthesis catalysts,aiming to revolutionize the field of clean energy production.

Thermo-controlled,self-released smart wood tailored by nanotechnology for fast clean-up of highly viscous liquids

Designing highly porous materials is of great importance for liquid separation,water purification,and disinfection,such as spill oil cleaning and recycling,seawater desalting,and oil/water separation.However,a remaining challenge is to produce porous materials with the characteristics of fast absorption,continuous directional transport,and self-release of viscous liquid.Herein,a functional cellulosic composite is reported by the chemical treatment and functionalization of wood resulting in a smart wood that can thermally selfrelease and separate high viscosity oil.The smart wood has a high absorption speed of 1398 mL/(m_(2)·s)(ethylene glycol)and a maximum absorption capacity of 47.2 g/g(chloroform)due to its intrinsic vertical micro/nanoscale channel structure,low tortuosity,and high porosity.Moreover,the switchable wettability is achieved by the surface coating of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)on the porous wood,which enables the collection and removal of oil from the oil/water mixture.The high viscosity oil can be automatically released due to the passive oil release at room temperature.The release capacity of the smart wood remains above 91%after 15 cyclic tests.We envision that this functional smart wood could be extended to a wide range of applications in smart hydrogels,microfluidics,artificial drug release,and environmental restoration.

Flexible,durable,and anti-fouling nanocellulose-based membrane functionalized by block copolymer with ultra-high flux and efficiency for oil-in-water emulsions separation

The clearwater obtained from stabilized oily wastewater has become a worldwide challenge.Nowdays,the area of oil/water emulsion separation materials have accomplished great progress,but still faces the enormous problems of low flux,poor stability,and pollution resistance.Nanocelluloses(cellulose nanocrystals(CNC))with the advantages of hydrophilicity,ecofriendliness,and regeneration are ideal materials for the construction of separation membranes.In this paper,a flexible,antifouling,and durable nanocellulose-based membrane functionalized by block copolymer(poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-b-poly(N,Ndimethylaminoethyl methacrylate))is prepared via chemical modification and self-assembly,showing high separation efficiency(above 99.6%)for stabilized oil-in-water emulsions,excellent anti-fouling and cycling stability,high-temperature resistance,and acid and alkali resistance.More importantly,the composite membrane has ultra-high flux in separating oil-in-water emulsions(29,003 L·m^(−2)·h^(−1)·bar^(−1))and oil/water mixture(51,444 L·m^(−2)·h^(−1)·bar^(−1)),which ensures high separation efficiency.With its durability,easy scale-up,and green regeneration,we envision this biomass-derived membrane will be an alternative to the existing commercial filter membrane in environmental remediation.