Hollow Ni Mo-based nitride heterojunction with super-hydrophilic/aerophobic surface for efficient urea-assisted hydrogen production

Hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and urea oxidation reaction(UOR)are key reactions of the watercycling associated catalytic process/device.The design of catalysts with a super-hydrophilic/aerophobic structure and optimized electron distribution holds great promise.Here,we have designed a threedimensional(3D)hollow Ni/NiMoN hierarchical structure with arrayed-sheet surface based on a onepot hydrothermal route for efficient urea-assisted HER based on a simple hydrothermal process.The Ni/NiMoN catalyst exhibits super-hydrophilic/aerophobic properties with a small droplet contact angle of 6.07°and an underwater bubble contact angle of 155.7°,thus facilitating an escape of bubbles from the electrodes.Density functional theory calculations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate the optimized electronic structure at the interface of Ni and NiMoN,which can promote the adsorption/desorption of reactants and intermediates.The virtues combining with a large specific surface area endow Ni/NiMoN with efficient catalytic activity of low potentials of 25 mV for HER and 1.33 V for UOR at10 mA cm^(-2).The coupled HER and UOR system demonstrates a low cell voltage of 1.42 V at 10 mA cm^(-2),which is approximately 209 mV lower than water electrolysis.

Enhancing Hydrophilicity of Thick Electrodes for High Energy Density Aqueous Batteries

Thick electrodes can substantially enhance the overall energy density of batteries.However,insufficient wettability of aqueous electrolytes toward electrodes with conventional hydrophobic binders severely limits utilization of active materials with increasing the thickness of electrodes for aqueous batteries,resulting in battery performance deterioration with a reduced capacity.Here,we demonstrate that controlling the hydrophilicity of the thicker electrodes is critical to enhancing the overall energy density of batteries.Hydrophilic binders are synthesized via a simple sulfonation process of conventional polyvinylidene fluoride binders,considering physicochemical properties such as mechanical properties and adhesion.The introduction of abundant sulfonate groups of binders(i)allows fast and sufficient electrolyte wetting,and(ii)improves ionic conduction in thick electrodes,enabling a significant increase in reversible capacities under various current densities.Further,the sulfonated binder effectively inhibits the dissolution of cathode materials in reactive aqueous electrolytes.Overall,our findings significantly enhance the energy density and contribute to the development of practical zinc-ion batteries.

Hydrophilic and photocatalytic activities of Nd-doped titanium dioxide thin films

The Nd-doped TiO2 thin films with higher hydrophilic and photocatalytic activities were prepared on glass slides by an acid-catalyzed sol？gel method. The effects of Nd doping on crystalline phase, surface composition and optical property were investigated by means of techniques such as X-ray diffraction （XRD）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FT-IR）, optical contact angle tester and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results show that Nd doping obviously influences the hydrophilic and photocatalytic activities of TiO2thin films. Nd doping could cause the TiO2 lattice distortion, inhibit phase transition from anatase to rutile, cause red shift of the absorption spectrum edge, produce hydroxyl radicals （·OH）, and accelerate surface hydroxylation, which result in a significant improvement in the hydrophilicity and photoreactivity of Nd-doped TiO2 thin films. When the content of Nd is 0.1% （mass fraction）, TiO2 thin films achieve the smallest grain size （about 15 nm）, and the hydrophilic and photocatalytic activities of TiO2 thin film reach the maximum, the contact angle is only 8.1°, and 92% of methylene blue is finally degraded. Moreover, the modification mechanism of Nd doping was also discussed.

Sol-gel preparation, corrosion resistance and hydrophilicity of Ta-containing TiO_2 films on Ti6Al4V alloy

Ta-containing TiO2 films with Ta contents of 5%, 20%, 33% （mole fraction） were sol-gel coated on the surface roughened Ti6AI4V alloy by dip coating method for biomedical applications. The Ta-TiO2 films on 1.5 mol/L NaOH-HCI pretreated substrate are adherent, but there are cracks for the sample with 33% Ta. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that Ti and Ta exist as TiP2 and Ta205 in the film, and A1 element is not detectable. X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering analyses reveal that the addition of Ta decreases crystallization of the films. Potentiodynamic polarization test in a Ca-free Hank＇s balanced solution demonstrates that the coating samples markedly improve the corrosion resistance compared with the polished sample. The addition of Ta impedes UV light-induced hydrophilic conversion of the coating samples. The sample with 20% Ta has enough film integrity and hydrophilic conversion rate, and is expected to possess good biological properties.

Study of Sustained Release Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride Hydrophilic Matrix Tablets Containing Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose K100M and Carbopol 971P

选用HPMC K100M和卡波普971P为骨架材料，粉末直接压片法制备骨架片，考察释放度，反相高效液相色谱法检测盐酸苯丙醇胺（PPA·HCl）的浓度。释药曲线均符合Higuchi方程（R＞0．98，P＜0．01）。运用正交设计法，以美国市场的PPA·HCl缓释片Acutrim^R为对照，相似因子f2值为指标，筛选获得了最优处方。其工艺重现性合格。研制片在0．1mol·L^-1 HCl,H2O(pH6.5)，磷酸盐缓冲液（PBS）pH5.0,6.8和7.4的介质中，以及在0.1mol·L^-1HCl中释放2h，转移至PBS6．8中释放10h，相对于对照品的f2值为63－74，表明在各介质中两制剂的释药曲线相似。释药影响因素的考察结果表明：在本实验考察的范围内，骨架片在水中的释药速率与HPMC K100M和卡波普971P的用量呈负相关。HPMC K100M和卡波普971P的比例（保持聚合物总用量相同），硬脂酸镁量和骨架片硬度对释药速率无显著性影响。

Hydrophilic phytosterol derivatives: A short review on structural modifications, cholesterol-lowering activity and safety

Phytosterols have received extensive attention owing to their excellent cholesterol-lowering activity and the role in cardiovascular diseases prevention. However, poor solubility in both oil and water limited the application of free phytosterols in the food industry. Chemical or enzymatic modifications were effective to improve the physicochemical properties as well as the bioavailability and cholesterollowering activity of phytosterols. Higher oil solubility and lower melting point of phytosterols have been achieved by esterification and transesterification with fatty acids and triacylglycerols so as to enhance the bioavailability, reduce formation of precipitates, and improve the sensory quality of products.While the researches on the improvement on its water solubility is a hot topic. Hydrophilic phytosterol derivatives have promising applications in the food industry because most of foods belong to aqueous matrix. Hydrophilic modification is useful and meaningful for phytosterols in both industrial and commercial applications. This review mainly highlights the hydrophilic phytosterol derivatives in the following aspects:(i) hydrophilic modifications of phytosterols by coupling with various polar components;(ii) cholesterol-lowering activity and possible molecular mechanisms of hydrophilic phytosterol derivatives on reducing serum cholesterol level;and(iii) safety evaluation of hydrophilic phytosterol derivatives in cell-culture studies, animal models and clinical trials.

Improvement of hydrophilicity of porous PVDF membranes with LiCl additives

Porous polyvinylidene fluoride（PVDF）membranes blended with LiCl are prepared through the phase inversion method to obtain a good support layer for air dehumidification.The hydrophilicity of the resulting membrane is evaluated by water contact angle measurements and vapor adsorption tests.The moisture permeation performance of the membrane is measured by permeation tests in terms of total mass transfer coefficients and moisture permeability rates.It is found that water contact angles and water vapor adsorption capacities increase with the increasing LiCl content in the casting solution.As the LiCl content increases,the total mass transfer coefficient increases slightly at a low LiCl content（below 2.5%）and then improves greatly at a high LiCl content（above 2.5%）,whereas the moisture permeation rate increases.The results demonstrate that LiCl can remarkably improve the hydrophilicity of PVDF membranes,and then greatly enhance moisture permeation performance.

Effect of hydrophilic silica nanoparticles on hydrate formation: Insight from the experimental study

Invasion of drilling fluid into natural gas hydrate deposits during drilling might damage the reservoir,induce hydrate dissociation and then cause wellbore instability and distortion of the data from well logging. Adding nanoparticles into drilling fluid is an effective method in reducing the invasion of drilling fluid and enhancing borehole stability. However, the addition of nanoparticles might also introduce hydrate formation risk in borehole because they can act as the "seeds" for hydrate nucleation. This paper presents an experimental study of the effect of hydrophilic silica nanoparticle on gas hydrate formation in a dynamic methane/liquid-water system. In the experiment, the ultrapure water with and without1.0 wt%–6.0 wt% concentrations of silica nanoparticles, grain sizes of 20 and 50 nm, were pressurized by methane gas under varied conditions of temperature and pressure. The induction time, the gas consumption, and the average rate of gas consumption in the system were measured and compared to those in ultrapure water. The results show that a concentration of 4.0 wt% hydrophilic SiO_2 particles with a grain size of 50 nm has a relatively strong inhibition effect on hydrate formation when the initial experimental condition is 5.0 °C and 5.0 MPa. Compared to ultrapure water, the hydrophilic nano-SiO_2 fluid increases the induction time for hydrate formation by 194% and decreases the amount and average rate of hydrate formation by 10% and 17%, respectively. This inhibition effect may be attributed to the hydrophilicity,amount and aggregation of silica nanoparticle according to the results of water activity and zeta potential measurements. Our work also elucidates hydrophilic, instead of hydrophobic, nanoparticles can be added to the drilling fluid to maintain wellbore stability and to protect the hydrate reservoir from drilling mud damage, because they exhibit certain degree of hydrate inhibition which can reduce the risk of hydrate reformation and aggregation during gas hydrate or deep water drilling if their concentration can be controlled properly.

Long-term rotational stability and visual outcomes of a single-piece hydrophilic acrylic toric IOL:a 1.5-year follow-up

AIM：To evaluate the rotational stability and visual outcomes of a single-piece hydrophilic acrylic toric intraocular lenses（IOL） over a 1.5-year follow-up period.Data from the 6-month follow-up study have been previously reported.METHODS：Forty eyes of 26 cataract patients（mean age：72.8±7.9y） with pre-existing corneal astigmatism of 1.0 to 2.6 D were enrolled in the study.Mean axial length was 23.17±0.88 mm.Main outcome measures after implantation of the Torica-a A IOL（Human Optics） were IOL rotational stability,subjective refraction,astigmatism correction,uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity（UDVA,CDVA）.RESULTS：There was no significant change in the parameters evaluated between the 6-month and 1.5-year follow-ups.At last visit,mean absolute IOL rotation（objective method） was 1.81°±1.87°（range 0.00° to 7.20°） with 78.6% of eyes having IOL rotation 〈3°,92.9% of eyes 〈5° and 100% of eyes 〈8°.No patient required secondary IOL repositioning during the course of the study.Mean residual refractive cylinder was-0.60±0.40 D.There was a significant reduction in the magnitude of the J0 vector postoperatively（P〈0.0001） with a mean absolute change of 0.76±0.40 D.The mean J45 vector was close to zero preoperatively and postoperatively and didn＇t change significantly（P=0.28）.Mean monocular UDVA and CDVA was 0.09±0.12 log MAR and-0.01±0.12 log MAR,respectively.No treatment with Nd：YAG laser was required.CONCLUSION：The Torica-a A IOL shows good and stable visual performance and rotational stability over a 1.5-year follow-up period.

Feasibility analysis of SO_2 absorption using a hydrophilic ceramic membrane contactor

Hydrophilic ceramic membranes would be potential candidates for membrane gas absorption if they could be applied to appropriate separation processes.This study highlights a novel concept for the practical implementation of SO_2 absorption in hydrophilic ceramic membrane that exhibits outstanding thermal and mechanical stabilities.With this aim,we investigated experimentally the performance of SO_2 absorption into aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution in a hydrophilic alumina (Al_2O_3) membrane contactor in terms of SO_2 removal efficiency and SO_2 mass transfer flux,and compared the performance with that in a hydrophobic one.A series of experiments were performed at various conditions over a NaOH concentration range of 0–1.0 mol·L^(-1),a liquid flow rate range of 30–180 ml·min^(-1),a gas flow rate range of 120–1000 ml·min^(-1),an inlet SO_2 concentration range of 400–2000μl·L^(-1),and a temperature range of 10–35°C.It was found that the hydrophilic membrane was more competitive when using a NaOH concentration higher than 0.2 mol·L^(-1).Furthermore,it can be inferred that the hydrophilicα-Al_2O_3 membrane exhibited exceptional long-term stability under 480 h continuous operation.

Effects of Soft Monomers on the Water Resistance and Moisture Permeability of Hydrophilic Polyurethane

Six groups of segmented polyurethanes with amorphous soft segment domains based on mixed hydrophobic polyester and hydrophilic polyether soft monomers were prepared from 4, 4′ diphenylmethane diisocyanate （MDI）, polybutylene adipate glycol 2000 （PBA2000）, polytetramethylene glycol 1000 （PTMG1000） and polyethylene glycol 1000 （PEG1000） with 1,4-butanediol （BDO） as the chain extender. Furthermore, the representative properties of the hydrophilic polyurethanes, moisture permeability and water resistance, were investigated. The results show that the chemical structure, molecular weight and concentration of soft monomers have remarkable effects on the main application properties of hydrophilic polyurethane. The important factors in diffusion are the content of hydrophilic ether bond and the mobility of hydrophilic chain in the soft phase, which is represented with a good approximation by the average mean molecular weight of soft segment. On the contrary, the functional properties of the hydrophilic polyurethane are almost not affected by its hard segment.

Preparation of felt-metal supported modified polyvinyl alcohol composite hydrophilic ultrafiltration membrane

A novel technology of preparation of felt-metal supported modified polyvinyl alcohol（PVA） ultrafiltration（UF） membrane was invented, which could avoid the blockage of the holes of support layer and the leakage of the casting solution through the holes of support layer. Felt-metal supported ferric sulfate modified PVA composite UF membranes were prepared by the innovative technology. The results show that the composite membranes are used to treat 1 000 mg/L oil/water emulsion at trans-membrane pressure from 0.25 to 0.45 MPa, the permeate flux is from 36 to 52 L/（m2·h）, and the retention of chemical oxygen demand（COD） is over 92%. The composite membrane resistance increases with the increase of trans-naembrane pressure.

Comparison of posterior capsule opacification at 360-degree square edge hydrophilic and sharp edge hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens in diabetic patients

·AIM: To compare posterior capsule opacification(PCO)degree and visual functions after phacoemulsification in eyes implanted with 360-degree square edge hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens(IOL)(570C C-flex, Rayner) and sharp edge hydrophobic acrylic IOL(Sensar AR40 e,AMO) in diabetic patients.· METHODS: Sixty diabetic patients underwent uneventful phacoemulsification and randomly implanted one of the two IOLs. The PCO value was measured by retroillumination photographs and Evaluation of Posterior Capsule Opacification(EPCO) 2000 image-analysis software at 1, 6, 12, and 24 mo after surgery. Visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity in photopic and mesopic conditions were also examined at each follow up time point. The incidence of eye that required Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy were also compared.·RESULTS: There was not any statistically significant difference in PCO scores between Rayner C-flex 570 C group and Sensar AR40 e group at each follow up time point. Visual acuity, Nd:YAG capsulotomy incidence and contrast sensitivity also had no significant difference during the 24 mo follow-up.·CONCLUSION: For diabetic patients, Rayner 570 C Cflex and Sensar AR40 e IOLs are same effective for prevent PCO. The 360-degree square edge design maybe is a good alternative technique to improve PCO prevention.

Preparation and Hydrophilicity of Copolymerization of Chitosan Selectively Grafted by Polyethylene Glycol

Copolymerization of chitosan selectively grafted by polyethylene glycol was prepared. Chitosan was selectively grafted by monomethoxy polyethylene glycol（mPEG-OH）, which contained a hydroxyl group combining with hexamethylene diisocyanate（HDI） to form a novel macromonomer namely monomethoxy polyethylene glycol isocyanate（mPEG-NCO） containing a isocyanate group with higher chemical activity in ethyl glyoxalate solution absolutely without water. The selective grafted copolymerization of Chitosan with mPEG-NCO was conducted under heterogeneous conditions as suspension in dimethylformamide. The hydrophilic copolymers of chitosan were prepared by condensation reaction of isocyanate group on mPEG- NCO with hydroxy groups on chitosan chains because amino groups on chitosan chains were protected by complexion formation with copper ions. The effect of reaction condition on the grafting extents was discussed. Swelling properties of mPEG-g-CS were researched. The graft copolymer mPEG-g-CS was characterized by the infrared spectra. The experimental result showed that the copper ions were very effective to protect amino groups from condensation reaction. The swelling degree in water increases with adding of grafting ratio. The maximum swelling degree was up to above 132% when the grafting ratio was about 270%. The graft copolymer can be soluble partially in pure water.

Hydrophilic bi-functional B-doped g-C_(3)N_(4) hierarchical architecture for excellent photocatalytic H_(2)O_(2) production and photoelectrochemical water splitting

Graphitic carbon nitride(g-C_(3)N_(4))has attracted great interest in photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis.However,their poor hydrophilicity poses a great challenge for their applications in aqueous environment.Here,we demonstrate synthesis of a hydrophilic bi-functional hierarchical architecture by the assembly of B-doped g-C_(3)N_(4)nanoplatelets.Such hierarchical B-doped g-C_(3)N_(4)material enables full utilization of their highly enhanced visible light absorption and photogenerated carrier separation in aqueous medium,leading to an excellent photocatalytic H_(2)O_(2)production rate of 4240.3μM g^(-1)h^(-1),2.84,2.64 and 2.13 times higher than that of the bulk g-C_(3)N_(4),g-C_(3)N_(4)nanoplatelets and bulk B doped g-C_(3)N_(4),respectively.Photoanodes based on these hierarchical architectures can generate an unprecedented photocurrent density of 1.72 m A cm^(-2)at 1.23 V under AM 1.5 G illumination for photoelectrochemical water splitting.This work makes a fundamental improvement towards large-scale exploitation of highly active,hydrophilic and stable metal-free g-C_(3)N_(4)photocatalysts for various practical applications.

An unusual network of α-MnO_(2) nanowires with structure-induced hydrophilicity and conductivity for improved electrocatalysis

Nanowires with anisotropic morphologies have been applied in various scientific and technological areas.It is also widely employed to fabricate nanowires into high-dimensional superstructures(arrays,networks etc.)to overcome the shortcomings of low-dimensional nanowires.However,typical strategies for constructing these superstructures are restricted to complicated and harsh synthetic conditions,not to mention unique 3D structures with advanced properties beyond common superstructures.Herein,we report an unusual network ofα-MnO_(2)nanowires with structure-induced hydrophilicity and conductivity.In the network,the nanowires are interconnected from all directions by nodes,and the 3D network structure is formed from the endless connection of nodes in a node-by-node way.The unique network structure brings about high hydrophilicity and conductivity,both of which are positive factors for an efficient electrocatalyst.Accordingly,the α-MnO_(2) network was tested for electrocatalytic water oxidation and showed significantly enhanced activity compared with isolatedα-MnO_(2)nanowires and 3Dα-MnO_(2)microspheres.This study not only provides a synthetic route toward an advanced network structure but also a new idea for the design of materials for electrochemistry with both efficient mass diffusion and charge transfer.

Effects of long term hydrophilic bile acid therapy on in vitro contraction of gallbladder muscle strips in patients with cholesterol gallstones

AIM:To evaluate ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy on the in vitro contraction of gallbladder smooth muscle strips from cholesterol gallstone patients. METHODS:The contraction forces of gallbladder smooth muscle strips from 28 patients with cholesterol gallstones treated with UDCA were compared with contraction forces from 14 untreated patients. The strips were stimulated with increasing concentrations of cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8). RESULTS:Although the contraction forces that developed in response to CCK-8 were higher in strips from specimens of UDCA treated patients compared to untreated patients,longer treatment periods (6-wk) caused more contraction responses than the short treatment period of 3-wk (F = 19.297,1.85 ± 0.22 g vs 1.70 ± 0.10 g,P < 0.01). Contraction forces developed with maximal stimulation with KCl in the 6-wk treatment group were also higher than contraction forces in the untreated group (F = 4.274,3.77 ± 0.45 g vs 3.30 ± 0.30 g,P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Six-week UDCA treatment caused an increase in contractions of muscle strips from patients with cholesterol gallstones when compared to shorter treatment administration or controls. We suggest that extending UDCA treatment periods may cause more effective contractions in the gallbladder,and thereby increase the rate of response to treatment.

Composite hydrophilic coating for conditioner aluminum fins

To solve the so called “white rust” and ’water bridge" problems of the aluminum fins for heat exchanger of automobile air conditioner, aimed at nationalizing the art of hydrophilic coating technology, the choice of coating forming and curing materials was investigated. By measuring the water contact angle, SEM surface scanning and ingredients analysis of the coating, optimal parameters and composition are acquired. The coating forming mechanisms of the composition was also expatiated. The coating obtained has good hydrophilic and other properties.

Experimental research on hydrophilic characteristics of natural soft rock at high stress state

In order to study features of rock–water interaction, a self-developed experimental system called Intelligent Testing System for Water Absorption in Deep Soft Rocks(ITSWADSR) was utilized to analyze the hydrophilic behaviors of natural soft rock at high stress state. Combining X-ray diffraction and mercury injection test, main influencing factors on hydrophilic characteristics were studied. According to the results, it could be concluded as the following:(1) the effective porosity, and the content of illite, illite/smectite formation(S = 5%) and kaolinite have positive correlation with the water absorption capacity of rock; meanwhile, the initial moisture content, fractal dimension of effective pores, illite/smectite formation(S = 30%) and chlorite present negative correlation;(2) among the positive factors, the ascending order is kaolinite, illite/smectite formation(S = 5%) and illite;(3) the descending order among the negative factors are chlorite, illite/smectite formation(S = 30%) and fractal dimension of the effective pores;(4) influence of effective porosity on the pressurized water absorbing capacity of rock is minimal, while it is maximal in the process of no pressurized water absorption.

Hydrophobic versus hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens on posterior capsule opacification: a Meta-analysis

AIM: To conduct a Meta-analysis pooling randomized controlled trials(RCTs) to compare hydrophobic with hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses in terms of posterior capsule opacification(PCO) development.METHODS: Electronic databases including PubMed,Embase, and the Cochrane Library were queried from their starting till January 2020. RCTs investigating the impact of hydrophobic versus hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses on PCO were considered eligible in this study. The pooled effect estimates were calculated using the random-effects model.RESULTS: Thirteen RCTs comprising of 939 patients(1263 eyes) were covered in this study. Patients with hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses had a lower PCO score than those with a hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses [standard mean difference:-1.80;95% confidence interval(CI):-2.62 to-0.98;P<0.001]. Moreover, the frequency of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet(Nd:YAG)capsulotomy in patients with hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses was significantly lower than patients with hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses(relative risk: 0.38;95%CI: 0.20-0.71;P=0.003).CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses are superior to hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses in patients after cataract surgery due to lower PCO score and reduced Nd:YAG capsulotomy. While similar studies are conducted by other researchers, the present study conducted subgroup analyses that show superior results with hydrophobic lenses in trials conducted in western countries.