Anthraquinones-based photocatalysis: A comprehensive review

In recent years,there has been significant interest in photocatalytic technologies utilizing semiconductors and photosensitizers responsive to solar light,owing to their potential for energy and environmental applications.Current efforts are focused on enhancing existing photocatalysts and developing new ones tailored for environmental uses.Anthraquinones(AQs)serve as redox-active electron transfer mediators and photochemically active organic photosensitizers,effectively addressing common issues such as low light utilization and carrier separation efficiency found in conventional semiconductors.AQs offer advantages such as abundant raw materials,controlled preparation,excellent electron transfer capabilities,and photosensitivity,with applications spanning the energy,medical,and environmental sectors.Despite their utility,comprehensive reviews on AQs-based photocatalytic systems in environmental contexts are lacking.In this review,we thoroughly describe the photochemical properties of AQs and their potential applications in photocatalysis,particularly in addressing key environmental challenges like clean energy production,antibacterial action,and pollutant degradation.However,AQs face limitations in practical photocatalytic applications due to their low electrical conductivity and solubility-related secondary contamination.To mitigate these issues,the design and synthesis of graphene-immobilized AQs are highlighted as a solution to enhance practical photocatalytic applications.Additionally,future research directions are proposed to deepen the understanding of AQs'theoretical mechanisms and to provide practical applications for wastewater treatment.This review aims to facilitate mechanistic studies and practical applications of AQs-based photocatalytic technologies and to improve understanding of these technologies.

基于文化自信的中外合作办学学科基础课“General Chemistry”课程思政建设探索与实践

“General Chemistry”是面向中外合作办学工科专业学生开设的一门学科基础课。为了提升教学质量,课程引入国外经典教材,在教学过程中面临外来文化的冲击和文化自信缺失的风险。因此,必须通过“General Chemistry”课程思政教学提升学生对自身文化的深度认同。本文中,“General Chemistry”课程思政建设坚持文化自信理念,积极挖掘中国思政元素,将中外思政元素合理融入到教学的每一个环节,不断助推课程思政教学内涵式发展,打造课程思政高效课堂,取得了较好的育人成效。

Inhibition of human cytochrome CYP1B1 by anthraquinone compounds,chrysophanol and physcion

The in vitro inhibitory effects of chrysophanol and physcion on CYP1B1 were explored,utilizing ethoxyresorufin as the substrate.The inhibition kinetics of CYP1B1 by these compounds were assessed with escalating doses of ethoxyresorufin.Both chrysophanol(IC_(50)(0.47±0.01)μmol·L^(-1))and physcion(IC_(50)(0.35±0.02)μmol·L^(-1))significantly reduce the catalytic efficiency of CYP1B1.The V_(max)and K_(m)values are determined to be(51.9912±10.0547)pmol·μg^(-1)(protein)·min^(-1) and(0.9663±0.2987)nmol·L^(-1)for chrysophanol,and(45.4227±1.9978)pmol·μg^(-1)(protein)·min^(-1) and(0.4367±0.0386)nmol·L^(-1)for physcion,respectively.Kinetic analysis reveals that chrysophanol and physcion exert mixed inhibitory effects on CYP1B1.This mixed inhibition is primarily characterized by the compounds’ability to competitively bind to the active sites of CYP1B1,as well as potentially through non-competitive mechanisms,thereby reducing the enzyme’s catalytic efficiency.Molecular docking studies are conducted to elucidate the interaction between anthraquinone derivatives and CYP1B1,indicating that these compounds may inhibit CYP1B1 activity by binding to their active sites.The demonstrated capacity of chrysophanol and physcion to inhibit CYP1B1 enzymatic function unveils a potential anticancer mechanism,advancing our comprehension of how the structure of anthraquinone derivatives correlates with CYP1B1 inhibition and paving the way for developing innovative cancer treatments.

MXenes: Versatile 2D materials with tailored surface chemistry and diverse applications

MXenes,the most recent addition to the 2D material family,have attracted significant attention owing to their distinctive characteristics,including high surface area,conductivity,surface characteristics,mechanical strength,etc.This review begins by presenting MXenes,providing insights into their structural characteristics,synthesis methods,and surface functional groups.The review covers a thorough analysis of MXene surface properties,including surface chemistry and termination group impacts.The properties of MXenes are influenced by their synthesis,which can be fluorine-based or fluorinedependent.Fluorine-based synthesis techniques involve etching with fluorine-based reagents,mainly including HF or LiF/HCl,while fluorine-free methods include electrochemical etching,chemical vapor deposition(CVD),alkaline etching,Lewis acid-based etching,etc.These techniques result in the emergence of functional groups such as-F,-O,-OH,-Cl,etc.on the MXenes surface,depending on the synthesis method used.Properties of MXenes,such as electrical conductivity,electronic properties,catalytic activity,magnetic properties,mechanical strength,and chemical and thermal stability,are examined,and the role of functional groups in determining these properties is explored.The review delves into the diverse applications of MXenes,encompassing supercapacitors,battery materials,hydrogen storage,fuel cells,electromagnetic interference(EMI) shielding,pollutant removal,water purification,flexible electronics,sensors,additive manufacturing,catalysis,biomedical and healthcare fields,etc.Finally,this article outlines the challenges and opportunities in the current and future development of MXenes research,addressing various aspects such as synthesis scalability,etching challenges,and multifunctionality,and exploring novel applications.The review concludes with future prospects and conclusions envisioning the impact of MXenes on future technologies and innovation.

Lithium Sulfur Batteries:Insights from Solvation Chemistry to Feasibility Designing Strategies for Practical Applications

Rechargeable lithium-sulfur(Li-S)batteries,featuring high energy density,low cost,and environmental friendliness,have been dubbed as one of the most promising candidates to replace current commercial rechargeable Li-ion batteries.However,their practical deployment has long been plagued by the infamous“shuttle effect”of soluble Li polysulfides(LiPSs)and the rampant growth of Li dendrites.Therefore,it is important to specifically elucidate the solvation structure in the Li-S system and systematically summarize the feasibility strategies that can simultaneously suppress the shuttle effect and the growth of Li dendrites for practical applications.This review attempts to achieve this goal.In this review,we first introduce the importance of developing Li-S batteries and highlight the key challenges.Then,we revisit the working principles of Li-S batteries and underscore the fundamental understanding of LiPSs.Next,we summarize some representative characterization techniques and theoretical calculations applied to characterize the solvation structure of LiPSs.Afterward,we overview feasible designing strategies that can simultaneously suppress the shuttle effect of soluble LiPSs and the growth of Li dendrites.Finally,we conclude and propose personal insights and perspectives on the future development of Li-S batteries.We envisage that this timely review can provide some inspiration to build better Li-S batteries for promoting practical applications.

Discharge plasma for prebiotic chemistry: Pathways to life’s building blocks

Discharge plasmas, recognized as unique platforms for investigating the origins of chemical life, have garnered extensive interest for their potential to simulate prebiotic conditions. This paper embarks on a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the plasma-enabled synthesis of life’s building blocks, charting the complex environmental parameters believed to have surrounded life’s inception. This discussion elaborates on the fundamental mechanisms of discharge plasmas and their likely role in fostering conditions necessary for the origin of life on early Earth. We consider a variety of chemical reactions facilitated by plasma, specifically the synthesis of vital organic molecules - amino acids, nucleobases, sugars, and lipids. Further, we delve into the impact of plasmas on prebiotic chemical evolution. We expect this review to open new horizons for future investigations in plasma-related prebiotic chemistry that could offer valuable insights for unraveling the mysteries of life's origin.

Achieving asymmetric redox chemistry for oxygen evolution reaction through strong metal-support interactions

Water electrolysis poses a significant challenge for balancing catalytic activity and stability of oxygen evolution reaction(OER)electrocatalysts.In this study,we address this challenge by constructing asymmetric redox chemistry through elaborate surface OO–Ru–OH and bulk Ru–O–Ni/Fe coordination moieties within single-atom Ru-decorated defective NiFe LDH nanosheets(Ru@d-NiFe LDH)in conjunction with strong metal-support interactions(SMSI).Rigorous spectroscopic characterization and theoretical calculations indicate that single-atom Ru can delocalize the O 2p electrons on the surface and optimize d-electron configurations of metal atoms in bulk through SMSI.The^(18)O isotope labeling experiment based on operando differential electrochemical mass spectrometry(DEMS),chemical probe experiments,and theoretical calculations confirm the encouraged surface lattice oxygen,stabilized bulk lattice oxygen,and enhanced adsorption of oxygen-containing intermediates for bulk metals in Ru@d-NiFe LDH,leading to asymmetric redox chemistry for OER.The Ru@d-NiFe LDH electrocatalyst exhibits exceptional performance with an overpotential of 230 mV to achieve 10 mA cm^(−2)and maintains high robustness under industrial current density.This approach for achieving asymmetric redox chemistry through SMSI presents a new avenue for developing high-performance electrocatalysts and instills confidence in its industrial applicability.

Why the abnormal phenomena of D-band center theory exist?A new BASED theory for surface catalysis and chemistry

Since the D-band center theory was proposed,it has been widely used in the fields of surface chemistry by almost all researchers,due to its easy understanding,convenient operation and relative accuracy.However,with the continuous development of material systems and modification strategies,researchers have gradually found that D-band center theory is usually effective for large metal particle systems,but for small metal particle systems or semiconductors,such as single atom systems,the opposite conclusion to the D-band center theory is often obtained.To solve the issue above,here we propose a bonding and anti-bonding orbitals stable electron intensity difference(BASED)theory for surface chemistry.The newly-proposed BASED theory can not only successfully explain the abnormal phenomena of D-band center theory,but also exhibits a higher accuracy for prediction of adsorption energy and bond length of intermediates on active sites.Importantly,a new phenomenon of the spin transition state in the adsorption process is observed based on the BASED theory,where the active center atom usually yields an unstable high spin transition state to enhance its adsorption capability in the adsorption process of intermediates when their distance is about 2.5Å.In short,the BASED theory can be considered as a general principle to understand catalytic mechanism of intermediates on surfaces.

Aggregation-based analytical chemistry in point-of-care nanosensors

It is crucial to realize the point-of-care(POC)testing of harmful analytes,capa-ble of saving limited agricultural resources,assisting environmental remediation,ensuring food safety,and enabling early disease diagnosis.Compared with other conventional POC sensing strategies,aggregation-based analytical chemistry facil-itates the practical-oriented development of POC nanosensors by altering the aggregation status of nanoprobes through the action of multiple aggregation-induced“forces”originating from the targets.Herein,we have proceeded with a comprehensive review focusing on the aggregation-based analytical chemistry in POC nanosensors,covering aggregation-induced“forces”,aggregation-induced signal transductions,aggregation-induced POC nanosensing strategies,and their applications in biomolecular monitoring,food safety analysis,and environmental monitoring.Finally,challenges existing in practical applications have been fur-ther proposed to improve their sensing applications,and we expect our review can speed up the development of cost-effective,readily deployable,and time-efficient nanosensors through aggregation-based analytical chemistry.

Dependence of Initial Capacity Irreversibility on Oxygen Framework Chemistry in Li-Rich Layered Cathode Oxides

The undesirable capacity loss after first cycle is universal among layered cathode materials,which results in the capacity and energy decay.The key to resolving this obstacle lies in understanding the effect and origin of specific active Li sites during discharge process.In this study,focusing on Ah-level pouch cells for reliability,an ultrahigh initial Coulombic efficiency(96.1%)is achieved in an archetypical Li-rich layered oxide material.Combining the structure and electrochemistry analysis,we demonstrate that the achievement of high-capacity reversibility is a kinetic effect,primarily related to the sluggish Li mobility during oxygen reduction.Activating oxygen reduction through small density would induce the oxygen framework contraction,which,according to Pauli repulsion,imposes a great repulsive force to hinder the transport of tetrahedral Li.The tetrahedral Li storage upon deep oxygen reduction is experimentally visualized and,more importantly,contributes to 6%Coulombic efficiency enhancement as well as 10%energy density improvement for pouch cells,which shows great potentials breaking through the capacity and energy limitation imposed by intercalation chemistry.

Teaching Status and Teaching Reform Ideas of Physical Chemistry Experiments for Food Quality and Safety Major

Physical chemistry experiments are an important branch of chemical experiments.In view of problems and shortcomings in physical chemistry experiment teaching of food quality and safety major in Chengdu University,the teaching methods of physical chemistry experiment course of food quality and safety major were explored and practiced,aiming to arouse students enthusiasm for experiments and cultivate their ability of independent learning,comprehensive thinking and independent problem solving.

Interfacial chemistry of anode/electrolyte interface for rechargeable magnesium batteries

Rechargeable magnesium batteries(RMBs),as a low-cost,high-safety and high-energy storage technology,have attracted tremendous attention in large-scale energy storage applications.However,the key anode/electrolyte interfacial issues,including surface passivation,uneven Mg plating/stripping,and pulverization after cycling still result in a large overpotential,short cycling life,poor power density,and possible safety hazards of cells,severely impeding the commercial development of RMBs.In this review,a concise overview of recently advanced strategies to address these anode/electroyte interfacial issues is systematically classified and summarized.The design of magnesiophilic substrates,construction of artificial SEI layers,and modification of electrolyte are important and effective strategies to improve the uniformity/kinetics of Mg plating/stripping and achieve the stable anode/electrolyte interface.The key opportunities and challenges in this field are advisedly put forward,and the insights into future directions for stabilizing Mg metal anodes and the anode/electrolyte interface are highlighted.This review provides important references fordeveloping the high-performance and high-safety RMBs.

Exploration of Ideological and Political Materials for the Course of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry for Environmental and Ecological Engineering Major

Integrating ideological and political theories teaching into the whole process of classroom teaching construction is a new requirement for implementing the fundamental task of cultivating people by virtue and playing the role of collaborative education.In order to realize the seamless integration of inorganic and analytical chemistry courses and ideological and political education,this paper summarizes the current situation of ideological and political research on inorganic and analytical chemistry courses in three major databases in China(VIP,CNKI and Wanfang),and sorts out the knowledge points,ideological and political elements and educational goals according to the content of the course chapters,to provide a basic guarantee for the ideological and political education construction of the course.

Designing ultrastable P2/O3-type layered oxides for sodium ion batteries by regulating Na distribution and oxygen redox chemistry

P2/O3-type Ni/Mn-based layered oxides are promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)owing to their high energy density.However,exploring effective ways to enhance the synergy between the P2 and 03 phases remains a necessity.Herein,we design a P2/O3-type Na_(0.76)Ni_(0.31)Zn_(0.07)Mn_(0.50)Ti_(0.12)0_(2)(NNZMT)with high chemical/electrochemical stability by enhancing the coupling between the two phases.For the first time,a unique Na*extraction is observed from a Na-rich O3 phase by a Na-poor P2 phase and systematically investigated.This process is facilitated by Zn^(2+)/Ti^(4+)dual doping and calcination condition regulation,allowing a higher Na*content in the P2 phase with larger Na^(+)transport channels and enhancing Na transport kinetics.Because of reduced Na^(+)in the O3 phase,which increases the difficulty of H^(+)/Na^(+) exchange,the hydrostability of the O3 phase in NNZMT is considerably improved.Furthermore,Zn^(2+)/Ti^(4+)presence in NNZMT synergistically regulates oxygen redox chemistry,which effectively suppresses O_(2)/CO_(2) gas release and electrolyte decomposition,and completely inhibits phase transitions above 4.0 V.As a result,NNZMT achieves a high discharge capacity of 144.8 mA h g^(-1) with a median voltage of 3.42 V at 20 mA g^(-1) and exhibits excellent cycling performance with a capacity retention of 77.3% for 1000 cycles at 2000 mA g^(-1).This study provides an effective strategy and new insights into the design of high-performance layered-oxide cathode materials with enhanced structure/interface stability forSIBs.

Identified the hydrochemical and the sulfur cycle process in subsidence area of Pingyu mining area using multi-isotopes combined with hydrochemistry methods

Groundwater serves as an important water source for residents in and around mining areas.To achieve scientific planning and efficient utilization of water resources in mining areas,it is essential to figure out the chemical formation process and the ground water sulfur cycle that transpire after the coal mining activities.Based on studies of hydrochemistry and D,^(18)O-H_(2)O,^(34)S-SO_(4)isotopes,this study applied principal component analysis,ion ratio and other methods in its attempts to reveal the hydrogeochemical action and sulfur cycle in the subsidence area of Pingyu mining area.The study discovered that,in the studied area,precipitation provides the major supply of groundwater and the main water chemistry effects are dominated by oxidation dissolution of sulfide minerals as well as the dissolution of carbonate and silicate rocks.The sulfate in groundwater primarily originates from oxidation and dissolution of sulfide minerals in coal-bearing strata and human activities.The mixed sulfate formed by the oxidation of sulfide minerals and by human activities continuously recharges the groundwater,promoting the dissolution of carbonate rock and silicate rock in the process.

Defect chemistry engineering of Ga-doped garnet electrolyte with high stability for solid-state lithium metal batteries

Ga-doped Li_(7)La_(3)Zr_(2)O_(12)(Ga-LLZO)has long been considered as a promising garnet-type electrolyte candidate for all-solid-state lithium metal batteries(ASSLBs)due to its high room temperature ionic conductivity.However,the typical synthesis of Ga-LLZO is usually accompanied by the formation of undesired LiGaO_(2) impurity phase that causes severe instability of the electrolyte in contact with molten Li metal during half/full cell assembly.In this study,we show that by simply engineering the defect chemistry of Ga-LLZO,namely,the lithium deficiency level,LiGaO_(2) impurity phase is effectively inhibited in the final synthetic product.Consequently,defect chemistry engineered Ga-LLZO exhibits excellent electrochemical stability against lithium metal,while its high room temperature ionic conductivity(~1.9×10^(-3)S·cm^(-1))is well reserved.The assembled Li/Ga-LLZO/Li symmetric cell has a superior critical current density of 0.9 mA·cm^(-2),and cycles stably for 500 hours at a current density of 0.3 mA·cm^(-2).This research facilitates the potential commercial applications of high performance Ga-LLZO solid electrolytes in ASSLBs.

Three Anthraquinones Isolated from Aster tataricus L.f

The roots and rhizomes of Aster tataricus L. f (Zi-wan) is a traditionalChinese medicine, which has been used for relieving cough and resolving phlegm. Previousinvestigation of the species resulted in the isolation and identification of triterpenes,triterpenoid saponins, cyclic pentapeptides, and oligopeptides. We have also reported thepolyphenols and a dipeptide isolated from the species. In this paper, the isolation and structureelucidation of three anthraquinones, chrysophanol (1), physciori (2), and emodin (3), are described.Chrysophanol and physcion were isolated from family Composi-tae for the first time.

The Action of Aloe Anthraquinones in Protecting the Growth of Soybean from Ultraviolet Radiation Stress

In order to investigate the protective effect of aloe anthraquinones on growth and development of soybean against ultraviolet B radiation stress from the morphological structure and physio-chemical indices. The results showed that, stressed by the enhanced ultraviolet b radiation, the soybean gave a dwarfed plant, shrunken leaf area and decreased photosynthetic pigment, while an ascended MDA content. Spraying aloe anthraquinones effectively relieved the reductions of chloro- phyll content and biomass and decreased the production of MDA under the radia- tion of UV-B. Moreover, under the UV-B radiation, waxy substances on epidermal cells increased remarkably and the stomas showed obvious subsidence, while spraying aloe anthraquinones could maintain the structure and shape of cells similar to that under natural light, and the stomas subsidence as well.

国外无机化学教材的研究——以Housecroft&Sharpe的Inorganic Chemistry(5th edition)为例

Catherine Housecroft和Alan G.Sharpe合著的Inorganic Chemistry是一本经历了时间检验的经典教材,其内容涵盖了无机化学的基础原理、元素化学、生物无机化学以及这些知识在催化、工业生产和材料等领域的应用。本文希望通过对该教材的介绍及其与国内教材的编写内容和排版等的对照分析,为国内无机化学的教材编写提供一些有价值的参考,同时为从事无机化学教学的教师提供一个选择参考教材的选项。

国外化学原理教材介绍——以Zumdahl的Chemistry(10th edition)为例

Zumdahl夫妇和DeCoste合著的Chemistry是一本在国内外广受赞誉的化学原理类教材。本文以此教材为例,介绍了国外化学原理类的教材。Chemistry这本教材内容既有广度同时也具有深度,具有可读性强、适用面广和拓展性强的特点。教材编写紧扣其培养学生化学思维和知识应用能力的基本理念,在内容和形式设计上运用了多种策略培养学生分析解决问题的能力和批判性思维能力。