Layered Potassium Titanium Niobate/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite as a Potassium‑Ion Battery Anode

With graphite currently leading as the most viable anode for potassium-ion batteries(KIBs),other materials have been left relatively underexamined.Transition metal oxides are among these,with many positive attributes such as synthetic maturity,longterm cycling stability and fast redox kinetics.Therefore,to address this research deficiency we report herein a layered potassium titanium niobate KTiNbO5(KTNO)and its rGO nanocomposite(KTNO/rGO)synthesised via solvothermal methods as a high-performance anode for KIBs.Through effective distribution across the electrically conductive rGO,the electrochemical performance of the KTNO nanoparticles was enhanced.The potassium storage performance of the KTNO/rGO was demonstrated by its first charge capacity of 128.1 mAh g^(−1) and reversible capacity of 97.5 mAh g^(−1) after 500 cycles at 20 mA g^(−1),retaining 76.1%of the initial capacity,with an exceptional rate performance of 54.2 mAh g^(−1)at 1 A g^(−1).Furthermore,to investigate the attributes of KTNO in-situ XRD was performed,indicating a low-strain material.Ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectra further investigated the mechanism of charge storage,with the titanium showing greater redox reversibility than the niobium.This work suggests this lowstrain nature is a highly advantageous property and well worth regarding KTNO as a promising anode for future high-performance KIBs.

Laser‑Induced and MOF‑Derived Metal Oxide/Carbon Composite for Synergistically Improved Ethanol Sensing at Room temperature

Advancements in sensor technology have significantly enhanced atmospheric monitoring.Notably,metal oxide and carbon(MO_(x)/C)hybrids have gained attention for their exceptional sensitivity and room-temperature sensing performance.However,previous methods of synthesizing MO_(x)/C composites suffer from problems,including inhomogeneity,aggregation,and challenges in micropatterning.Herein,we introduce a refined method that employs a metal–organic framework(MOF)as a precursor combined with direct laser writing.The inherent structure of MOFs ensures a uniform distribution of metal ions and organic linkers,yielding homogeneous MO_(x)/C structures.The laser processing facilitates precise micropatterning(<2μm,comparable to typical photolithography)of the MO_(x)/C crystals.The optimized MOF-derived MO_(x)/C sensor rapidly detected ethanol gas even at room temperature(105 and 18 s for response and recovery,respectively),with a broad range of sensing performance from 170 to 3,400 ppm and a high response value of up to 3,500%.Additionally,this sensor exhibited enhanced stability and thermal resilience compared to previous MOF-based counterparts.This research opens up promising avenues for practical applications in MOF-derived sensing devices.

Facile synthesis of Cu-doped manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieve for the efficient degradation of sulfamethoxazole via peroxymonosulfate activation

Advanced processes for peroxymonosulfate(PMS)-based oxidation are efficient in eliminating toxic and refractory organic pol-lutants from sewage.The activation of electron-withdrawing HSO_(5)^(-)releases reactive species,including sulfate radical(·SO_(4)^(-)),hydroxyl radical(·OH),superoxide radical(·O_(2)^(-)),and singlet oxygen(1O_(2)),which can induce the degradation of organic contaminants.In this work,we synthesized a variety of M-OMS-2 nanorods(M=Co,Ni,Cu,Fe)by doping Co^(2+),Ni^(2+),Cu^(2+),or Fe^(3+)into manganese oxide oc-tahedral molecular sieve(OMS-2)to efficiently remove sulfamethoxazole(SMX)via PMS activation.The catalytic performance of M-OMS-2 in SMX elimination via PMS activation was assessed.The nanorods obtained in decreasing order of SMX removal rate were Cu-OMS-2(96.40%),Co-OMS-2(88.00%),Ni-OMS-2(87.20%),Fe-OMS-2(35.00%),and OMS-2(33.50%).Then,the kinetics and struc-ture-activity relationship of the M-OMS-2 nanorods during the elimination of SMX were investigated.The feasible mechanism underly-ing SMX degradation by the Cu-OMS-2/PMS system was further investigated with a quenching experiment,high-resolution mass spec-troscopy,and electron paramagnetic resonance.Results showed that SMX degradation efficiency was enhanced in seawater and tap water,demonstrating the potential application of Cu-OMS-2/PMS system in sewage treatment.

From concept to commercialization:A review of tubular solid oxide fuel cell technology

The reduced sealing difficulty of tubular solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs)makes the stacking of tubular cell groups relatively easy,and the thermal stress constraints during stack operation are smaller,which helps the stack to operate stably for a long time.The special design of tubular SOFC structures can completely solve the problem of high-temperature sealing,especially in the design of multiple single-cell series integrated into one tube,where each cell tube is equivalent to a small electric stack,with unique characteristics of high voltage and low current output,which can significantly reduce the ohmic polarization loss of tubular cells.This paper provides an overview of typical tubular SOFC structural designs both domestically and internationally.Based on the geometric structure of tubular SOFCs,they can be divided into bamboo tubes,bamboo flat tubes,single-section tubes,and single-section flat tube structures.Meanwhile,this article provides an overview of commonly used materials and preparation methods for tubular SOFCs,including commonly used materials and preparation methods for support and functional layers,as well as a comparison of commonly used preparation methods for microtubule SOFCs,It introduced the three most important parts of building a fuel cell stack:manifold,current collector,and ceramic adhesive,and also provided a detailed introduction to the power generation systems of different tubular SOFCs,Finally,the development prospects of tubular SOFCs were discussed.

Enhancing the stability of Ni Fe-layered double hydroxide nanosheet array for alkaline seawater oxidation by Ce doping

Electrocatalytic hydrogen production from seawater holds enormous promise for clean energy generation.Nevertheless,the direct electrolysis of seawater encounters significant challenges due to poor anodic stability caused by detrimental chlorine chemistry.Herein,we present our recent discovery that the incorporation of Ce into Ni Fe layered double hydroxide nanosheet array on Ni foam(Ce-Ni Fe LDH/NF)emerges as a robust electrocatalyst for seawater oxidation.During the seawater oxidation process,CeO_(2)is generated,effectively repelling Cl^(-)and inhibiting the formation of Cl O-,resulting in a notable enhancement in the oxidation activity and stability of alkaline seawater.The prepared Ce-Ni Fe LDH/NF requires only overpotential of 390 m V to achieve the current density of 1 A cm^(-2),while maintaining long-term stability for 500 h,outperforming the performance of Ni Fe LDH/NF(430 m V,150 h)by a significant margin.This study highlights the effectiveness of a Ce-doping strategy in augmenting the activity and stability of materials based on Ni Fe LDH in seawater electrolysis for oxygen evolution.

An effective strategy of constructing multi-metallic oxides of ZnO/ CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C microflowers for improved supercapacitive performance

In this work,a new ZnO/CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C metal oxides composite is prepared by cost-effective hydrothermal method coupled with annealing process under N_(2) atmosphere.Notably,the oxidation-defect annealing environment is conducive to both morphology and component of the composite,which flower-like ZnO/CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C is obtained.Benefited from good chemical stability of ZnO,high energy capacity of CoNiO_(2) and CoO and good conductivity of C,the as-prepared sample shows promising electrochemical behavior,including the specific capacity of 1435 C·g^(-1) at 1 A·g^(-1),capacity retention of 87.3%at 20 A·g^(-1),and cycling stability of 90.5%for 3000 cycles at 5 A·g^(-1),respectively.Furthermore,the prepared ZnO/CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C/NF//AC aqueous hybrid supercapacitors device delivers the best specific energy of 55.9 W·h·kg^(-1) at 850 W·kg^(-1).The results reflect that the as-prepared ZnO/CoNiO_(2)/CoO/C microflowers are considered as high performance electrode materials for supercapacitor,and the strategy mentioned in this paper is benefit to prepare mixed metal oxides composite for energy conversion and storage.

Mussel-inspired Methacrylic Gelatin-dopamine/Ag Nanoparticles/Graphene Oxide Hydrogels with Improved Adhesive and Antibacterial Properties for Applications as Wound Dressings

A novel strategy was developed to prepare the methacrylic gelatin-dopamine(GelMA-DA)/Ag nanoparticles(NPs)/graphene oxide(GO) composite hydrogels with good biocompatibility,mechanical properties,and antibacterial activity.Mussel-inspired DA was utilized to modify the GelMA molecules,which imparts good adhesive performance to the hydrogels.GO,interfacial enhancer,not only improves mechanical properties of the hydrogels,but also provides anchor sites for loading Ag NPs through numerous oxygencontaining functional groups on the surface.The experimental results show that the GelMA/Ag NPs/GO hydrogels have good biocompatibility,and exhibit a swelling rate of 202±16%,the lap shear strength of 147±17 kPa,and compressive modulus of 136±53 kPa,in the case of the Ag NPs/GO content of 2 mg/mL.Antibacterial activity of the hydrogels against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria is dependent on the Ag NPs/GO content derived from the release of Ag^(+).Furthermore,the GelMA/Ag NPs/GO hydrogels possess good adhesive ability,which is resistant to highly twisted state when stuck on the surface of pigskin.These results demonstrate promising potential of the GelMA-DA/Ag NPs/GO hydrogels as wound dressings for biomedical applications in clinical and emergent treatment.

Nanoparticle Exsolution on Perovskite Oxides:Insights into Mechanism,Characteristics and Novel Strategies

Supported nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention as a promising catalyst for achieving unique properties in numerous applications,including fuel cells,chemical conversion,and batteries.Nanocatalysts demonstrate high activity by expanding the number of active sites,but they also intensify deactivation issues,such as agglomeration and poisoning,simultaneously.Exsolution for bottomup synthesis of supported nanoparticles has emerged as a breakthrough technique to overcome limitations associated with conventional nanomaterials.Nanoparticles are uniformly exsolved from perovskite oxide supports and socketed into the oxide support by a one-step reduction process.Their uniformity and stability,resulting from the socketed structure,play a crucial role in the development of novel nanocatalysts.Recently,tremendous research efforts have been dedicated to further controlling exsolution particles.To effectively address exsolution at a more precise level,understanding the underlying mechanism is essential.This review presents a comprehensive overview of the exsolution mechanism,with a focus on its driving force,processes,properties,and synergetic strategies,as well as new pathways for optimizing nanocatalysts in diverse applications.

Lithium cation-doped tungsten oxide as a bidirectional nanocatalyst for lithium-sulfur batteries with high areal capacity

Lithium-sulfur(Li-S) batteries are promising for high energy-storage applications but suffer from sluggish conversion reaction kinetics and substantial lithium sulfide(Li_(2)S) oxidation barrier,especially under high sulfur loadings.Here,we report a Li cation-doped tungsten oxide(Li_(x)WO_(x)) electrocatalyst that efficiently accelerates the S■HLi_(2)S interconversion kinetics.The incorporation of Li dopants into WO_(x) cationic vacancies enables bidirectional electrocatalytic activity for both polysulfide reduction and Li_(2)S oxidation,along with enhanced Li^(+) diffusion.In conjunction with theoretical calculations,it is discovered that the improved electrocatalytic activity originates from the Li dopant-induced geometric and electronic structural optimization of the Li_(x)WO_(x),which promotes the anchoring of sulfur species at favourable adsorption sites while facilitating the charge transfer kinetics.Consequently,Li-S cells with the Li_(x)WO_(x) bidirectional electrocatalyst show stable cycling performance and high sulfur utilization under high sulfur loadings.Our approach provides insights into cation engineering as an effective electrocatalyst design strategy for advancing high-performance Li-S batteries.

Research progress of alkaline earth metal iron-based oxides as anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Anode materials are an essential part of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),which determine the performance and safety of LIBs.Currently,graphite,as the anode material of commercial LIBs,is limited by its low theoretical capacity of 372 mA·h·g^(−1),thus hindering further development toward high-capacity and large-scale applications.Alkaline earth metal iron-based oxides are considered a promising candidate to replace graphite because of their low preparation cost,good thermal stability,superior stability,and high electrochemical performance.Nonetheless,many issues and challenges remain to be addressed.Herein,we systematically summarize the research progress of alkaline earth metal iron-based oxides as LIB anodes.Meanwhile,the material and structural properties,synthesis methods,electrochemical reaction mechanisms,and improvement strategies are introduced.Finally,existing challenges and future research directions are discussed to accelerate their practical application in commercial LIBs.

Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets from sugarcane dry leaves by two-stage pyrolysis for antibacterial activity

Oxidative-exfoliation methods were in vogue in the production of rGO from graphite.Processing of such synthetic graphite needs high temperatures(2500℃).Thus,such process is not cost-effective.The present study is made on the dry leaves of sugarcane(Saccharum officinarum)as an alternative raw material so as to be economical and environmentally benign.The dry leaves are subjected to two-step pyrolysis without any catalyst or reducing agent in far divergent temperatures to produce as prepared and acid treated rGOs.They were evaluated by UV–Vis.,FTIR,XRD,Raman spectroscopy,TGA/DTG,BET,FESEM-EDS and TEM.The as prepared rGO has few layers with irregular and folded architecture whereas acid-treated rGO has thinly stacked crumpled sheets with many wrinkles on its surface.The prepared rGOs have multilayered graphitic structure due to the unique ratio between G and D bands.Acid treated rGO has poor thermal stability as compared to that of as-prepared rGO at high temperatures due to the variation in the oxygen-containing functional groups.Acid treated rGO has low antibacterial activity as compared to that of the as-prepared rGO due to the paucity of the functional groups.

Carbon Monoxide Modulates Auxin Transport and Nitric Oxide Signaling in Plants under Iron Deficiency Stress

Carbon monoxide(CO)and nitric oxide(NO)are signal molecules that enhance plant adaptation to environmental stimuli.Auxin is an essential phytohormone for plant growth and development.CO and NO play crucial roles in modulating the plant’s response to iron deficiency.Iron deficiency leads to an increase in the activity of heme oxygenase(HO)and the subsequent generation of CO.Additionally,it alters the polar subcellular distribution of Pin-Formed 1(PIN1)proteins,resulting in enhanced auxin transport.This alteration,in turn,leads to an increase in NO accumulation.Furthermore,iron deficiency enhances the activity of ferric chelate reductase(FCR),as well as the expression of the Fer-like iron deficiency-induced transcription factor 1(FIT)and the ferric reduction oxidase 2(FRO2)genes in plant roots.Overexpression of the long hypocotyl 1(HY1)gene,which encodes heme oxygenase,or the CO donor treatment resulted in enhanced basipetal auxin transport,higher FCR activity,and the expression of FIT and FRO2 genes under Fe deficiency.Here,a potential mechanism is proposed:CO and NO interact with auxin to address iron deficiency stress.CO alters auxin transport,enhancing its accumulation in roots and up-regulating key iron-related genes like FRO2 and IRT1.Elevated auxin levels affect NO signaling,leading to greater sensitivity in root development.This interplay promotes FCR activity,which is crucial for iron absorption.Together,these molecules enhance iron uptake and root growth,revealing a novel aspect of plant physiology in adapting to environmental stress.

Regulation of interlayer channels of graphene oxide nanosheets in ultra-thin Pebax mixed-matrix membranes for CO_(2) capture

For the application of carbon capture by membrane process,it is crucial to develop a highly permeable CO_(2)-selective membrane.In this work,we reported an ultra-thin polyether-block-amide(Pebax)mixedmatrix membranes(MMMs)incorporated by graphene oxide(GO),in which the interlayer channels were regulated to optimize the CO_(2)/N_(2) separation performance.Various membrane preparation conditions were systematically investigated on the influence of the membrane structure and separation performance,including the lateral size of GO nanosheets,GO loading,thermal reduction temperature,and time.The results demonstrated that the precisely regulated interlayer channel of GO nanosheets can rapidly provide CO_(2)-selective transport channels due to the synergetic effects of size sieving and preferential adsorption.The GO/Pebax ultra-thin MMMs exhibited CO_(2)/N_(2) selectivity of 72 and CO_(2) permeance of 400 GPU(1 GPU=106 cm^(3)(STP)·cm^(2)·s^(-1)·cmHg^(-1)),providing a promising candidate for CO_(2) capture.

Elimination of methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on titanium implants via photothermally‑triggered nitric oxide and immunotherapy for enhanced osseointegration

Background:Treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)biofilm infections in implant placement surgery is limited by the lack of antimicrobial activity of titanium(Ti)implants.There is a need to explore more effective approaches for the treatment of MRSA biofilm infections.Methods:Herein,an interfacial functionalization strategy is proposed by the integration of mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles(PDA),nitric oxide(NO)release donor sodium nitroprusside(SNP)and osteogenic growth peptide(OGP)onto Ti implants,denoted as Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP.The physical and chemical properties of Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP were assessed by scanning electron microscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscope,water contact angle,photothermal property and NO release behavior.The synergistic antibacterial effect and elimination of the MRSA biofilms were evaluated by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate probe,1-N-phenylnaphthylamine assay,adenosine triphosphate intensity,O-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside hydrolysis activity,bicinchoninic acid leakage.Fluorescence staining,assays for alkaline phosphatase activity,collagen secretion and extracellular matrix mineralization,quantitative real‑time reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)were used to evaluate the inflammatory response and osteogenic ability in bone marrow stromal cells(MSCs),RAW264.7 cells and their co-culture system.Giemsa staining,ELISA,micro-CT,hematoxylin and eosin,Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemistry staining were used to evaluate the eradication of MRSA biofilms,inhibition of inflammatory response,and promotion of osseointegration of Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP in vivo.Results:Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP displayed a synergistic photothermal and NO-dependent antibacterial effect against MRSA following near-infrared light(NIR)irradiation,and effectively eliminated the formed MRSA biofilms by inducing reactive oxygen species(ROS)-mediated oxidative stress,destroying bacterial membrane integrity and causing leakage of intracellular components(P<0.01).In vitro experiments revealed that Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP not only facilitated osteogenic differentiation of MSCs,but also promoted the polarization of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages to the anti-inflammatory M2-phenotype(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The favorable osteo-immune microenvironment further facilitated osteogenesis of MSCs and the anti-inflammation of RAW264.7 cells via multiple paracrine signaling pathways(P<0.01).In vivo evaluation confirmed the aforementioned results and revealed that Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP induced ameliorative osseointegration in an MRSA-infected femoral defect implantation model(P<0.01).Conclusions:Ti-PDA@SNP-OGP is a promising multi-functional material for the high-efficient treatment of MRSA infections in implant replacement surgeries.

Ultrahydrophobic melamine sponge via interfacial modification with reduced graphene oxide/titanium dioxide nanocomposite and polydimethylsiloxane for oily wastewater treatment

Three-dimensional(3D)porous absorbents have attracted significant attention in the oily wastewater treatment technology due to their high porosity and elasticity.Given their amphiphilic surface,they have a propensity to simultaneously absorb water and oil,which restricts their range of applications.In this study,a reduced graphene oxide and titanium dioxide nanocomposite(rGO/TiO_(2))was used to fabricate an ultra-hydrophobic melamine sponge(MS)through interfacial modification using a solution immersion technique.To further modify it,poly-dimethylsiloxane(PDMS)was grafted onto its surface to establish stronger covalent bonds with the composite.The water contact angle of the sponge(rGO/TiO_(2)/PDMS/MS)was 164.2°,which satisfies the condition for ultrahydrophobicity.The evidence of its water repellency was demonstrated by the Cassie-Baxter theory and the lotus leaf effect.As a result of the increased density of rGO/TiO_(2)/PDMS/MS,it recorded an initial capacity that was 2 g/g lower than the raw MS for crude oil absorption.The raw MS retained 53% of its initial absorption capacity after 20 cycles of absorption,while rGO/TiO_(2)/PDMS/MS retained 97%,suggesting good recyclability.Excellent oil and organic solvent recovery(90%-96%)was demonstrated by rGO/TiO_(2)/PDMS/MS in oil-water combinations.In a continuous separation system,it achieved a remarkable separation efficiency of 2.4×10^(6)L/(m^(3)·h),and in turbulent emulsion separation,it achieved a demulsification efficiency of 90%-91%.This study provides a practical substitute for massive oil spill cleaning.

3D printing of poly(ethyleneimine)-functionalized Mg-Al mixed metal oxide monoliths for direct air capture of CO_(2)

Direct air capture(DAC)of CO_(2)plays an indispensable role in achieving carbon-neutral goals as one of the key negative emission technologies.Since large air flows are required to capture the ultradilute CO_(2)from the air,lab-synthesized adsorbents in powder form may cause unacceptable gas pressure drops and poor heat and mass transfer efficiencies.A structured adsorbent is essential for the implementation of gas-solid contactors for cost-and energy-efficient DAC systems.In this study,efficient adsorbent poly(ethyleneimine)(PEI)-functionalized Mg-Al-CO_(3)layered double hydroxide(LDH)-derived mixed metal oxides(MMOs)are three-dimensional(3D)printed into monoliths for the first time with more than 90%adsorbent loadings.The printing process has been optimized by initially printing the LDH powder into monoliths followed by calcination into MMO monoliths.This structure exhibits a 32.7%higher specific surface area and a 46.1%higher pore volume,as compared to the direct printing of the MMO powder into a monolith.After impregnation of PEI,the monolith demonstrates a large adsorption capacity(1.82 mmol/g)and fast kinetics(0.7 mmol/g/h)using a CO_(2)feed gas at 400 ppm at 25℃,one of the highest values among the shaped DAC adsorbents.Smearing of the amino-polymers during the post-printing process affects the diffusion of CO_(2),resulting in slower adsorption kinetics of pre-impregnation monoliths compared to post-impregnation monoliths.The optimal PEI/MeOH ratio for the post-impregnation solution prevents pores clogging that would affect both adsorption capacity and kinetics.

Novel Perovskite Oxide Hybrid Nanofibers Embedded with Nanocatalysts for Highly Efficient and Durable Electrodes in Direct CO_(2) Electrolysis

The unique characteristics of nanofibers in rational electrode design enable effec-tive utilization and maximizing material properties for achieving highly efficient and sustainable CO_(2) reduction reactions( CO_(2)RRs)in solid oxide elec-trolysis cells(SOECs).However,practical appli-cation of nanofiber-based electrodes faces chal-lenges in establishing sufficient interfacial contact and adhesion with the dense electrolyte.To tackle this challenge,a novel hybrid nanofiber electrode,La_(0.6)Sr_(0.4)Co_(0.15)Fe_(0.8)Pd_(0.05)O_(3-δ)(H-LSCFP),is developed by strategically incorporating low aspect ratio crushed LSCFP nanofibers into the excess porous interspace of a high aspect ratio LSCFP nanofiber framework synthesized via electrospinning technique.After consecutive treatment in 100% H_(2) and CO_(2) at 700°C,LSCFP nanofibers form a perovskite phase with in situ exsolved Co metal nanocatalysts and a high concentration of oxygen species on the surface,enhancing CO_(2) adsorption.The SOEC with the H-LSCFP electrode yielded an outstanding current density of 2.2 A cm^(-2) in CO_(2) at 800°C and 1.5 V,setting a new benchmark among reported nanofiber-based electrodes.Digital twinning of the H-LSCFP reveals improved contact adhesion and increased reaction sites for CO_(2)RR.The present work demonstrates a highly catalytically active and robust nanofiber-based fuel electrode with a hybrid structure,paving the way for further advancements and nanofiber applications in CO_(2)-SOECs.

Lattice Boltzmann simulation study of anode degradation in solid oxide fuel cells during the initial aging process

For present solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs),rapid performance degradation is observed in the initial aging process,and the dis-cussion of the degradation mechanism necessitates quantitative analysis.Herein,focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy was em-ployed to characterize and reconstruct the ceramic microstructures of SOFC anodes.The lattice Boltzmann method(LBM)simulation of multiphysical and electrochemical processes in the reconstructed models was performed.Two samples collected from industrial-size cells were characterized,including a reduced reference cell and a cell with an initial aging process.Statistical parameters of the reconstructed microstructures revealed a significant decrease in the active triple-phase boundary and Ni connectivity in the aged cell compared with the reference cell.The LBM simulation revealed that activity degradation is dominant compared with microstructural degradation during the initial aging process,and the electrochemical reactions spread to the support layer in the aged cell.The microstructural and activity de-gradations are attributed to Ni migration and coarsening.

Laser-optimized Pt-Y alloy nanoparticles embedded in Pt-Y oxide matrix for high stability and ORR electrocatalytic activity

The development of active yet stable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)is still a major issue for the extensive permeation of fuel cells into everyday technology.While nanostructured Pt catalysts are to date the best available systems in terms of activity,the same is not true for stability,particularly under operating conditions.In this work,Pt_(Х)Y alloy nanoparticles are proposed as active and durable electrocatalysts for ORR.Pt_(Х)Y nanoalloys are synthesized and further optimized by laser ablation in liquid followed by laser fragmentation in liquid.The novel integrated laser-assisted methodology succeeded in producing Pt_(Х)Y nanoparticles with the ideal size(<10 nm)of commercial Pt catalysts,yet resulting remarkably more active with E_(1/2)=0.943 V vs.RHE,specific activity=1095μA cm^(-2) and mass activity>1000 A g^(-1).At the same time,the nanoalloys are embedded in a fine Pt oxide matrix,which allows a greater stability of the catalyst than the commercial Pt reference,as directly verified on a gas diffusion electrode.

Synergism of Zinc Oxide/Organoclay-Loaded Poly(lactic acid) Hybrid Nanocomposite Plasticized by Triacetin for Sustainable Active Food Packaging

The synergistic effect of organoclay(OC)and zinc oxide(ZnO)nanoparticles on the crucial properties of poly(lactic acid)(PLA)nanocompositefilms was systematically investigated herein.After their incorporation into PLA via the solvent casting technique,the water vapor barrier property of the PLA/OC/ZnOfilm improved by a maximum of 86%compared to the neat PLAfilm without the deterioration of Young’s modulus or the tensile strength.Moreover,thefilm’s self-antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens,including gram-negative(Escherichia coli,E.coli)and gram-positive(Staphylococcus aureus,S.aureus)bacteria,was enhanced by a max-imum of approximately 98–99%compared to the neat PLAfilm.Furthermore,SEM images revealed the homo-geneous dispersion of both nano-fillers in the PLA matrix.However,the thermal stability of thefilm decreased slightly after the addition of the OC and ZnO.Thefilm exhibited notable light barrier properties in the UV-Vis range.Moreover,the incorporation of a suitable biodegradable plasticizer significantly decreased the Tg and notably enhanced theflexibility of the nanocompositefilm by increasing the elongation at break approxi-mately 1.5-fold compared to that of the neat PLAfilm.This contributes to its feasibility as an active food packa-ging material.