Recent advances in graphene-based phase change composites for thermal energy storage and management

Energy storage and conservation are receiving increased attention due to rising global energy demands.Therefore,the development of energy storage materials is crucial.Thermal energy storage(TES)systems based on phase change materials(PCMs)have increased in prominence over the past two decades,not only because of their outstanding heat storage capacities but also their superior thermal energy regulation capability.However,issues such as leakage and low thermal conductivity limit their applicability in a variety of settings.Carbon-based materials such as graphene and its derivatives can be utilized to surmount these obstacles.This study examines the recent advancements in graphene-based phase change composites(PCCs),where graphene-based nanostructures such as graphene,graphene oxide(GO),functionalized graphene/GO,and graphene aerogel(GA)are incorporated into PCMs to substantially enhance their shape stability and thermal conductivity that could be translated to better storage capacity,durability,and temperature response,thus boosting their attractiveness for TES systems.In addition,the applications of these graphene-based PCCs in various TES disciplines,such as energy conservation in buildings,solar utilization,and battery thermal management,are discussed and summarized.

Defined hydrogels for spinal cord organoids:challenges and potential applications

Organoids of the central nervous system,primarily derived from pluripotent stem cells or neural stem cells,are three-dimensional tissue cultures with self-organizing properties.When exposed to the right combinations of signals,they differentiate into a 3D tissue consisting of complex cytoarchitecture and native cell types,including various neuron subtypes and glial cells.These features closely mimic native tissues,making them invaluable for developmental studies and disease modeling.In recent years,spinal cord organoids(SCOs)have been developed to investigate spinal cord development,injuries,and various neurological disorders.As an integral part of the central nervous system,SCOs play a vital role and serve as a site for studying both neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases.

Nanoengineering Metal–Organic Frameworks and Derivatives for Electrosynthesis of Ammonia

Electrocatalytic synthesis under mild conditions has become increasingly important as one of the practical alternatives for industrial applications,especially for the green ammonia(NH_(3))industry.A properly engineered electrocatalyst plays a vital role in the realization of superior catalytic performance.Among various types of promising nanomaterials,metal–organic frameworks(MOFs)are competitive candidates for developing efficient electrocatalytic NH_(3) synthesis from simple nitrogen-containing molecules or ions,such as N_(2) and NO_(3)^(−).In this review,recent advances in the development of electrocatalysts derived from MOFs for the electrosynthesis of NH_(3) are collected,categorized,and discussed,including their application in the N_(2) reduction reaction(NRR)and the NO_(3)^(−)reduction reaction(NO3RR).Firstly,the fundamental principles are illustrated,such as plausible mechanisms of NH_(3) generation from N_(2) and NO_(3)^(−),the apparatus of corresponding electrocatalysis,parameters for evaluation of reaction efficiency,and detection methods of yielding NH_(3).Then,the electrocatalysts for NRR processes are discussed in detail,including pristine MOFs,MOF-hybrids,MOF-derived N-doped porous carbons,single atomic catalysts from pyrolysis of MOFs,and other MOF-related materials.Subsequently,MOF-related NO3RR processes are also listed and discussed.Finally,the existing challenges and prospects for the rational design and fabrication of electrocatalysts from MOFs for electrochemical NH_(3) synthesis are presented,such as the evolution of investigation methods with artificial intelligence,innovation in synthetic methods of MOF-related catalysts,advancement of characterization techniques,and extended electrocatalytic reactions.

Recent Advances in In-Memory Computing:Exploring Memristor and Memtransistor Arrays with 2D Materials

The conventional computing architecture faces substantial chal-lenges,including high latency and energy consumption between memory and processing units.In response,in-memory computing has emerged as a promising alternative architecture,enabling computing operations within memory arrays to overcome these limitations.Memristive devices have gained significant attention as key components for in-memory computing due to their high-density arrays,rapid response times,and ability to emulate biological synapses.Among these devices,two-dimensional(2D)material-based memristor and memtransistor arrays have emerged as particularly promising candidates for next-generation in-memory computing,thanks to their exceptional performance driven by the unique properties of 2D materials,such as layered structures,mechanical flexibility,and the capability to form heterojunctions.This review delves into the state-of-the-art research on 2D material-based memristive arrays,encompassing critical aspects such as material selection,device perfor-mance metrics,array structures,and potential applications.Furthermore,it provides a comprehensive overview of the current challenges and limitations associated with these arrays,along with potential solutions.The primary objective of this review is to serve as a significant milestone in realizing next-generation in-memory computing utilizing 2D materials and bridge the gap from single-device characterization to array-level and system-level implementations of neuromorphic computing,leveraging the potential of 2D material-based memristive devices.

Direct capture and separation of CO_(2) from air

Direct air capture(DAC)has attracted increasing interest and investment over the past few years.There are a fast-growing number of companies that entered the field and demonstrated DAC carbon removal setups and potential.However,current DAC methods are still based on solid absorbents or alkali solutions approaches which have low capture efficiency and low energy efficiency.This highlight proposed a promising CO_(2) capture technology,an electric energy driven closed-loop system for the direct removal of CO_(2) from ambient air which are based on two individual technologies:Polyam-N-Cu hybrid system promoted CO_(2) capture with ocean as anthropogenic CO_(2) sink and a chloride-mediated electrochemical pH swing system to remove CO_(2) from oceanwater.

Regulation of aging by NELF-A and RNA polymerase Ⅱ elongation

Epigenetic regulation of aging:Aging is defined as the gradual decline of physiological function and cellular integrity,causing o rganismal vulnerability to age-onset diseases and morbidity.Studies in different animal models have led to the identification of twelve aging hallmarks that shared several features:its age-associated manifestation.

Enabling an Inorganic-Rich Interface via Cationic Surfactant for High-Performance Lithium Metal Batteries

An anion-rich electric double layer(EDL)region is favorable for fabricating an inorganic-rich solid-electrolyte interphase(SEI)towards stable lithium metal anode in ester electrolyte.Herein,cetyltrimethylammonium bromide(CTAB),a cationic surfactant,is adopted to draw more anions into EDL by ionic interactions that shield the repelling force on anions during lithium plating.In situ electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy results combined with molecular dynamics simulations validate the enrichment of NO_(3)^(−)/FSI−anions in the EDL region due to the positively charged CTA^(+).In-depth analysis of SEI structure by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry results confirmed the formation of the inorganic-rich SEI,which helps improve the kinetics of Li^(+)transfer,lower the charge transfer activation energy,and homogenize Li deposition.As a result,the Li||Li symmetric cell in the designed electrolyte displays a prolongated cycling time from 500 to 1300 h compared to that in the blank electrolyte at 0.5 mA cm^(-2) with a capacity of 1 mAh cm^(-2).Moreover,Li||LiFePO_(4) and Li||LiCoO_(2) with a high cathode mass loading of>10 mg cm^(-2) can be stably cycled over 180 cycles.

A Review on Swarm Intelligence and Evolutionary Algorithms for Solving Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problems

Flexible job shop scheduling problems(FJSP)have received much attention from academia and industry for many years.Due to their exponential complexity,swarm intelligence(SI)and evolutionary algorithms(EA)are developed,employed and improved for solving them.More than 60%of the publications are related to SI and EA.This paper intents to give a comprehensive literature review of SI and EA for solving FJSP.First,the mathematical model of FJSP is presented and the constraints in applications are summarized.Then,the encoding and decoding strategies for connecting the problem and algorithms are reviewed.The strategies for initializing algorithms?population and local search operators for improving convergence performance are summarized.Next,one classical hybrid genetic algorithm(GA)and one newest imperialist competitive algorithm(ICA)with variables neighborhood search(VNS)for solving FJSP are presented.Finally,we summarize,discus and analyze the status of SI and EA for solving FJSP and give insight into future research directions.

Design of hierarchical, three-dimensional free-standing single-atom electrode for H2O2 production in acidic media

Electrochemical reduction of molecular O2 to hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)offers a promising solution for water purification and environmental remediation.Here,we design a hierarchical free-standing single-Co-atom(with Co-N4 coordination)electrode for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)via a two-electron pathway to make H2O2 in acidic media.The current density of the single-Co-atom electrode reached 51 mA/cm2 at 0.1 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode,lasting for more than 10 hours of continuous operation with H2O2 selectivity greater than 80%.Toward practical application,the single-Co-atom electrode was directly used to assemble an electrochemical cell to produce H2O2 at a rate of 676 mol/kgcat/h with a cell voltage of about 1.6 V.

The thermodynamics analysis and experimental validation for complicated systems in CO_2 hydrogenation process

Catalytic conversion of COinto chemicals and fuels is an alternative to alleviate climate change and ocean acidification.The catalytic reduction of COby Hcan lead to the formation of various products:carbon monoxide,carboxylic acids,aldehydes,alcohols and hydrocarbons.In this paper,a comprehensive thermodynamics analysis of COhydrogenation is conducted using the Gibbs free energy minimization method.The results show that COreduction to CO needs a high temperature and H/COratio to achieve a high COconversion.However,synthesis of methanol from COneeds a relatively high pressure and low temperature to minimize the reverse water-gas shift reaction.Direct COhydrogenation to formic acid or formaldehyde is thermodynamically limited.On the contrary,production of CHfrom COhydrogenation is the thermodynamically easiest reaction with nearly 100%CH4 yield at moderate conditions.In addition,complex reactions with more than one product are also calculated in this work.Among the considered carboxylic acids（HCOOH,CHCOOH and CHCOOH）,propionic acid dominates in the product stream（selectivity above 90%）.The same trend can also be found in the hydrogenation of COto aldehydes and alcohols with the major product of propionaldehyde and butanol,respectively.In the process of COhydrogenation to alkenes,low temperature,high pressure,and high Hpartial pressure favor the COconversion.CHis the most thermodynamically favorable among all considered alkynes under different temperatures and pressures.The thermodynamic calculations are validated with experimental results,suggesting that the Gibbs free energy minimization method is effective for thermodynamically understanding the reaction network involved in the COhydrogenation process,which is helpful for the development of high-performance catalysts.

MXene-Based Photocatalysts and Electrocatalysts for CO_(2) Conversion to Chemicals

The interest in CO_(2)conversion to value-added chemicals and fuels has increased in recent years as part of strategic eff orts to mitigate and use the excessive CO_(2)concentration in the atmosphere.Much attention has been given to developing two-dimensional catalytic materials with high-effi ciency CO_(2)adsorption capability and conversion yield.While several candidates are being investigated,MXenes stand out as one of the most promising catalysts and co-catalysts for CO_(2)reduction,given their excellent surface functionalities,unique layered structures,high surface areas,rich active sites,and high chemical sta-bility.This review aims to highlight research progress and recent developments in the application of MXene-based catalysts for CO_(2)conversion to value-added chemicals,paying special attention to photoreduction and electroreduction.Furthermore,the underlying photocatalytic and electrocatalytic CO_(2)conversion mechanisms are discussed.Finally,we provide an outlook for future research in this fi eld,including photoelectrocatalysis and photothermal CO_(2)reduction.

Online Optimization in Power Systems With High Penetration of Renewable Generation:Advances and Prospects

Traditionally,offline optimization of power systems is acceptable due to the largely predictable loads and reliable generation.The increasing penetration of fluctuating renewable generation and internet-of-things devices allowing for fine-grained controllability of loads have led to the diminishing applicability of offline optimization in the power systems domain,and have redirected attention to online optimization methods.However,online optimization is a broad topic that can be applied in and motivated by different settings,operated on different time scales,and built on different theoretical foundations.This paper reviews the various types of online optimization techniques used in the power systems domain and aims to make clear the distinction between the most common techniques used.In particular,we introduce and compare four distinct techniques used covering the breadth of online optimization techniques used in the power systems domain,i.e.,optimization-guided dynamic control,feedback optimization for single-period problems,Lyapunov-based optimization,and online convex optimization techniques for multi-period problems.Lastly,we recommend some potential future directions for online optimization in the power systems domain.

Development of an in vitro cell model for LPS-and TNFα-induced airway inflammation

OBJECTIVE To develop an in vitro airway epithelial cell model suitable for the large-scale studies of compounds that can suppress lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNFα)-induced airway inflammation.METHODS We have optimized the protocols to culture BEAS-2B,a normal human bronchial epithelial cell line,in glass-bottom 384-well microtiter plates.The cells were stimulated with TNFαand LPS from Pseudomonas aeruginosa,a common lunginfection pathogen in cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.We used ELISA to measure the secretion levels of two pro-inflammatory cytokines,interleukin(IL)-6and-8,after 0,4,8,16,24 hof stimulation;and immunofluorescence microscopy to measure the nuclear translocation of RelA,a subunit of the NF-κB complex,after 0,15,30,60,120 min of stimulation.To suppress the inflammatory response,we pre-treated the cells with a specific IκB kinase-2inhibitor,TPCA-1;the main bioactive component of Andrographis paniculata,andrographolide;and DMSO control for 1h.RESULTS We found that individual stimulant(either TNFα10ng·mL-1 or LPS 10μg·mL-1)increased the IL-6and IL-8 secretion levels by^12-17 foldsas compared to DMSO controls after 8h of stimulation.The combined stimulation(10ng·mL-1 TNFαand 10μg·mL-1 LPS)induced even higher IL-6 and -8 levels(~18-21 folds)at the same time points.Importantly,our imaging study shows that the NF-κB activation is early but transient under TNFαstimulation,late but sustained under LPS stimulation,and early and sustained under the combined stimulation.Finally,we also found that TPCA-1 10μmol·L-1 or andrographolide 30μmol·L-1 drastically reduced the IL-6 and -8 levels down to 4.5-9 folds as compared to the controls.CONCLUSIONThe combined TNFαand LPS stimulations induce faster and more sustained inflammatory responses,which can still be suppressed by anti-inflammatory compounds in our cell model.These more comprehensive activations of inflammatory signaling pathways will enable us to study and distinguish the mechanisms of different anti-inflammatory compounds or natural products.

Light Irradiation through Small Particles and Its Applications for Surface Nanostructuring in Near Field

We investigate the light scattering through small particles and its applications in nanostructuring, such as nanobumping, nanopatterning and dry laser cleaning. The theoretical calculation based on Mie theory provides an exact solution for sphere cavity resonance and plasmon resonance, which are two mechanisms for dielectric and metallic particles assisted surface nanostructuring in near field. The experimental results indicate that nanobumps on glass surface and subwavelength holes array on silicon surface can be formed without cracks with the self-assembly of 1 μm silica particle mask under laser irradiation. It is also found that the scattering wave by 40 nm gold particles can propagate 200 times away in terms of particle radius as recorded by photoresist under the UV light irradiation. Meanwhile, dry laser cleaning of 40nm gold particle on silicon wafer is demonstrated at plasmonic resonance frequency. The total cleaning efficiency is estimated to be 80%.

Role of formyl peptide receptor 2(FPR2) in the normal brain and in neurological conditions

There is much recent interest in the role of the anti-inflammatory molecules and their receptors in the normal brain and in neurological disorders. The formyl peptide receptor (FPR) subfamily of G protein-coupled receptors play important roles in these processes. Binding to specific peptides triggers activation of FPRs, leading to signalling events that regulate inflammatory responses. One member of this subfamily of receptors is FPR2, also known as ALX (the lipoxin A4 (LXA4) receptor). FPR2 is specifically activated by LXA4 and resolvin D1 (RvD1)(Pirault and B.ck, 2018).

Thermal and Electrical Properties of Liquid Metal Gallium During Phase Transition

Liquid metal gallium has been widely used in numerous fields, from nuclear engineering, catalysts, and energy storage to electronics owing to its remarkable thermal and electrical properties along with low viscosity and nontoxicity. Compared with high-temperature liquid metals, room-temperature liquid metals, such as gallium(Ga), are emerging as promising alternatives for fabricating advanced energy storage devices, such as phase change materials, by harvesting the advantageous properties of their liquid state maintained without external energy input. However, the thermal and electrical properties of liquid metals at the phase transition are rather poorly studied, limiting their practical applications. In this study, we reported on the physical properties of the solid–liquid phase transition of Ga using a custom-designed, solid–liquid electrical and thermal measurement system. We observed that the electrical conductivity of Ga progressively decreases with an increase in temperature. However, the Seebeck coefficient of Ga increases from 0.2 to 2.1 μV/K, and thermal conductivity from 7.6 to 33 W/(K·m). These electrical and thermal properties of Ga at solid–liquid phase transition would be useful for practical applications.

Specialty optical fibers for advanced sensing applications

Optical fiber technology has changed the world by enabling extraordinary growth in world-wide communications and sensing.The rapid development and wide deployment of optical fiber sensors are driven by their excellent sensing performance with outstanding flexibility,functionality,and versatility.Notably,the research on specialty optical fibers is playing a critical role in enabling and proliferating the optical fiber sensing applications.This paper overviews recent developments in specialty optical fibers and their sensing applications.The specialty optical fibers are reviewed based on their innovations in special structures,special materials,and technologies to realize lab in/on a fiber.An overview of sensing applications in various fields is presented.The prospects and emerging research areas of specialty optical fibers are also discussed.

A novel method for designing crosstalk-free achromatic full Stokes imaging polarimeter

Metasurface-based polarimetry techniques have attracted lots of interests and been extensively studied in the past years,but are still hampered by narrow operating bandwidth and large crosstalk.Recently,Xian-Gang Luo's group proposed a new method of polarization-dependent phase optimization for the design of crosstalk-free,broadband achromatic,and full Stokes imaging polarimeter,which offers a promising platform for a wide range of applications including bio-photonics and integrated optics.

Wax from Pyrolysis of Waste Plastics as a Potential Source of Phase Change Material for Thermal Energy Storage

Over the past half-century, plastic consumption has grown rapidly due to its versatility, low cost, and unrivaled functional properties. Among the diff erent implemented strategies for recycling waste plastics, pyrolysis is deemed the most economical option. Currently, the wax obtained from the pyrolysis of waste plastics is mainly used as a feedstock to manufacture chemicals and fuels or added to asphalt for pavement construction, with no other applications of wax being reported. Herein, the thermal pyrolysis of three common waste polyolefin plastics: high-density polyethylene(HDPE), low-density polyethylene(LDPE), and polypropylene(PP), was conducted at 450 ℃. The waste plastics-derived waxes were characterized and studied for a potential new application: phase change materials(PCMs) for thermal energy storage(TES). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed that paraffin makes up most of the composition of HDPE and LDPE waxes, whereas PP wax contains a mixture of naphthene, isoparaffin, olefin, and paraffin. Diff erential scanning calorimetry(DSC) analysis indicated that HDPE and LDPE waxes have a peak melting temperature of 33.8 ℃ and 40.3 ℃, with a relatively high latent heat of 103.2 J/g and 88.3 J/g, respectively, whereas the PP wax was found to have almost negligible latent heat. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and DSC results revealed good chemical and thermal stability of HDPE and LDPE waxes after 100 cycles of thermal cycling. Performance evaluation of the waxes was also conducted using a thermal storage pad to understand their thermoregulation characteristics for TES applications.

Additive‑Driven Interfacial Engineering of Aluminum Metal Anode for Ultralong Cycling Life

Rechargeable Al batteries(RAB)are promising candidates for safe and environmentally sustainable battery systems with low-cost investments.However,the currently used aluminum chloridebased electrolytes present a significant challenge to commercialization due to their corrosive nature.Here,we report for the first time,a novel electrolyte combination for RAB based on aluminum trifluoromethanesulfonate(Al(OTf)_(3))with tetrabutylammonium chloride(TBAC)additive in diglyme.The presence of a mere 0.1 M of TBAC in the Al(OTf)_(3) electrolyte generates the charge carrying electrochemical species,which forms the basis of reaction at the electrodes.TBAC reduces the charge transfer resistance and the surface activation energy at the anode surface and also augments the dissociation of Al(OTf)_(3) to generate the solid electrolyte interphase components.Our electrolyte’s superiority directly translates into reduced anodic overpotential for cells that ran for 1300 cycles in Al plating/stripping tests,the longest cycling life reported to date.This unique combination of salt and additive is non-corrosive,exhibits a high flash point and is cheaper than traditionally reported RAB electrolyte combinations,which makes it commercially promising.Through this report,we address a major roadblock in the commercialization of RAB and inspire equivalent electrolyte fabrication approaches for other metal anode batteries.