Bioactive compounds in Hericium erinaceus and their biological properties:a review

Hericium erinaceus is a nutritious edible and medicinal fungi,rich in a variety of functional active ingredients,with various physiological functions such as antioxidation,anticancer,and enhancing immunity.It is also effective in protecting the digestive system and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.In this review paper,we summarize the sources,structures and efficacies of the main active components in H.erinaceus fruiting body,mycelium,and culture media,and update the latest research progress on their biological activities and the related molecular mechanisms.Based on this information,we provide detailed challenges in current research,industrialization and information on the active ingredients of H.erinaceus.Perspectives for future studies and new applications of H.erinaceus are proposed.

Engineering of oxygen vacancy and bismuth cluster assisted ultrathin Bi_(12)O_(17)Cl_(2)nanosheets with efficient and selective photoreduction of CO_(2)to CO

The photocatalytic conversion of CO_(2)into solar‐powered fuels is viewed as a forward‐looking strategy to address energy scarcity and global warming.This work demonstrated the selective photoreduction of CO_(2)to CO using ultrathin Bi_(12)O_(17)Cl_(2)nanosheets decorated with hydrothermally synthesized bismuth clusters and oxygen vacancies(OVs).The characterizations revealed that the coexistences of OVs and Bi clusters generated in situ contributed to the high efficiency of CO_(2)–CO conversion(64.3μmol g^(−1)h^(−1))and perfect selectivity.The OVs on the facet(001)of the ultrathin Bi_(12)O_(17)Cl_(2)nanosheets serve as sites for CO_(2)adsorption and activation sites,capturing photoexcited electrons and prolonging light absorption due to defect states.In addition,the Bi‐cluster generated in situ offers the ability to trap holes and the surface plasmonic resonance effect.This study offers great potential for the construction of semiconductor hybrids as multiphotocatalysts,capable of being used for the elimination and conversion of CO_(2)in terms of energy and environment.

Catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into chemicals and fuels

In the search of alternative resources to make commodity chemicals and transportation fuels for a low carbon future,lignocellulosic biomass with over 180-billion-ton annual production rate has been identified as a promising feedstock.This review focuses on the state-of-the-art catalytic transformation of lignocellulosic biomass into value-added chemicals and fuels.Following a brief introduction on the structure,major resources and pretreatment methods of lignocellulosic biomass,the catalytic conversion of three main components,i.e.,cellulose,hemicellulose and lignin,into various compounds are comprehensively discussed.Either in separate steps or in one-pot,cellulose and hemicellulose are hydrolyzed into sugars and upgraded into oxygen-containing chemicals such as 5-HMF,furfural,polyols,and organic acids,or even nitrogen-containing chemicals such as amino acids.On the other hand,lignin is first depolymerized into phenols,catechols,guaiacols,aldehydes and ketones,and then further transformed into hydrocarbon fuels,bioplastic precursors and bioactive compounds.The review then introduces the transformations of whole biomass via catalytic gasification,catalytic pyrolysis,as well as emerging strategies.Finally,opportunities,challenges and prospective of woody biomass valorization are highlighted.

Particle agglomeration and inhibition method in the fluidized pyrolysis reaction of waste resin

This work investigated the pyrolysis reaction of waste resin in a fluidized bed reactor.It was found that the pyrolysis-generated ash would adhere to the surface of ceramic particles,causing particle agglomeration and defluidization.Adding kaolin could effectively inhibit the particle agglomeration during the fluidized pyrolysis reaction through physical isolation and chemical reaction.On the one hand,kaolin could form a coating layer on the surface of ceramic particles to prevent the adhesion of organic ash generated by the pyrolysis of resin.On the other hand,when a sufficient amount of kaolin(-0.2%(mass))was added,the activated kaolin could fully contact with the Na+ ions generated by the pyrolysis of resin and react to form a high-melting aluminosilicate mineral(nepheline),which could reduce the formation of low-melting-point sodium sulfate and thereby avoid the agglomeration of ceramic particles.

Boosting kinetic separation of ethylene and ethane on microporous materials via crystal size control

The adsorptive separation of C_(2)H_(4)and C_(2)H_(6),as an alternative to distillation units consuming high energy,is a promising yet challenging research.The great similarity in the molecular size of C_(2)H_(4)and C_(2)H_(6)brings challenges to the regulation of adsorbents to realize efficient dynamic separation.Herein,we reported the enhancement of the kinetic separation of C_(2)H_(4)/C_(2)H_(6)by controlling the crystal size of ZnAtzPO_(4)(Atz=3-amino-1,2,4-triazole)to amplify the diffusion difference of C_(2)H_(4)and C_(2)H_(6).Through adjusting the synthesis temperature,reactant concentration,and ligands/metal ions molar ratio,ZnAtzPO4 crystals with different sizes were obtained.Both single-component kinetic adsorption tests and binary-component dynamic breakthrough experiments confirmed the enhancement of the dynamic separation of C_(2)H_(4)/C_(2)H_(6)with the increase in the crystal size of ZnAtzPO_(4).The separation selectivity of C_(2)H_(4)/C_(2)H_(6)increased from 1.3 to 98.5 with the increase in the crystal size of ZnAtzPO_(4).This work demonstrated the role of morphology and size control of adsorbent crystals in the improvement of the C_(2)H_(4)/C_(2)H_(6)kinetic separation performance.

Towards high-performance and robust anion exchange membranes(AEMs)for water electrolysis:Super-acid-catalyzed synthesis of AEMs

The increasing demand for hydrogen energy to address environmental issues and achieve carbon neutrality has elevated interest in green hydrogen production,which does not rely on fossil fuels.Among various hydrogen production technologies,anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer(AEMWE)has emerged as a next-generation technology known for its high hydrogen production efficiency and its ability to use non-metal catalysts.However,this technology faces significant challenges,particularly in terms of the membrane durability and low ionic conductivity.To address these challenges,research efforts have focused on developing membranes with a new backbone structure and anion exchange groups to enhance durability and ionic conductivity.Notably,the super-acid-catalyzed condensation(SACC)synthesis method stands out due to its user convenience,the ability to create high molecular weight(MW)polymers,and the use of oxygen-tolerant organic catalysts.Although the synthesis of anion exchange membranes(AEMs)using the SACC method began in 2015,and despite growing interest in this synthesis approach,there remains a scarcity of review papers focusing on AEMs synthesized using the SACC method.The review covers the basics of SACC synthesis,presents various polymers synthesized using this method,and summarizes the development of these polymers,particularly their building blocks including aryl,ketone,and anion exchange groups.We systematically describe the effects of changes in the molecular structure of each polymer component,conducted by various research groups,on the mechanical properties,conductivity,and operational stability of the membrane.This review will provide insights into the development of AEMs with superior performance and operational stability suitable for water electrolysis applications.

Electronic structure and spin state regulation of vanadium nitride via a sulfur doping strategy toward flexible zinc-air batteries

Owing to the distinctive structural characteristics,vanadium nitride(VN)is highly regarded as a catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)in zinc-air batteries(ZABs).However,VN exhibits limited intrinsic ORR activity due to the weak adsorption ability to O-containing species.Here,the S-doped VN anchored on N,S-doped multi-dimensional carbon(S-VN/Co/NS-MC)was constructed using the solvothermal and in-situ doping methods.Incorporating sulfur atoms into VN species alters the electron spin state of vanadium in the S-VN/Co/NS-MC for regulating the adsorption energy of vanadium sites to oxygen molecules.The introduced sulfur atoms polarize the V 3d_(z)^(2) electrons,shifting spin-down electrons closer to the Fermi level in the S-VN/Co/NS-MC.Consequently,the introduction of sulfur atoms into VN species enhances the adsorption energy of vanadium sites for oxygen molecules.The*OOH dissociation transitions from being unspontaneous on the VN surface to a spontaneous state on the S-doped VN surface.Then,the ORR barrier on the S-VN/Co/NS-MC surface is reduced.The S-VN/Co/NS-MC demonstrates a higher half-wave potential and limiting current density compared to the VN/Co/N-MC.The S-VN/Co/NS-MC-based liquid ZABs display a power density of 195.7 m W cm^(-2),a specific capacity of 815.7 m A h g^(-1),and a cycling stability exceeding 250 h.The S-VN/Co/NS-MC-based flexible ZABs are successfully employed to charge both a smart watch and a mobile phone.This approach holds promise for advancing the commercial utilization of VN-based catalysts in ZABs.

Graphene-calcium carbonate coating to improve the degradation resistance and mechanical integrity of a biodegradable implant

Biodegradable implants are critical for regenerative orthopaedic procedures,but they may suffer from too fast corrosion in human-body environment.This necessitates the synthesis of a suitable coating that may improve the corrosion resistance of these implants without compromising their mechanical integrity.In this study,an AZ91 magnesium alloy,as a representative for a biodegradable Mg implant material,was modified with a thin reduced graphene oxide(RGO)-calcium carbonate(CaCO_(3))composite coating.Detailed analytical and in-vitro electrochemical characterization reveals that this coating significantly improves the corrosion resistance and mechanical integrity,and thus has the potential to greatly extend the related application field.

In Situ Deposition of Drug and Gene Nanoparticles on a Patterned Supramolecular Hydrogel to Construct a Directionally Osteochondral Plug

The integrated repair of bone and cartilage boasts advantages for osteochondral restoration such as a long-term repair effect and less deterioration compared to repairing cartilage alone.Constructing multifactorial,spatially oriented scaffolds to stimulate osteochondral regeneration,has immense significance.Herein,targeted drugs,namely kartogenin@polydopamine(KGN@PDA)nanoparticles for cartilage repair and miRNA@calcium phosphate(miRNA@CaP)NPs for bone regeneration,were in situ deposited on a patterned supramolecular-assembled 2-ureido-4[lH]-pyrimidinone(UPy)modified gelation hydrogel film,facilitated by the dynamic and responsive coordination and complexation of metal ions and their ligands.This hydrogel film can be rolled into a cylindrical plug,mimicking the Haversian canal structure of natural bone.The resultant hydrogel demonstrates stable mechanical properties,a self-healing ability,a high capability for reactive oxygen species capture,and controlled release of KGN and miR-26a.In vitro,KGN@PDA and miRNA@CaP promote chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells via the JNK/RUNX1 and GSK-3β/β-catenin pathways,respectively.In vivo,the osteochondral plug exhibits optimal subchondral bone and cartilage regeneration,evidenced by a significant increase in glycosaminoglycan and collagen accumulation in specific zones,along with the successful integration of neocartilage with subchondral bone.This biomaterial delivery approach represents a significant toward improved osteochondral repair.

Integration of morphology and electronic structure modulation on cobalt phosphide nanosheets to boost photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from ammonia borane hydrolysis

The controllable and safe hydrogen storage technologies are widely recognized as the main bottleneck for the accomplishment of sustainable hydrogen energy.Ammonia borane(AB)has regarded as a competitive candidate for chemical hydrogen storage.However,developing efficient yet high-performance catalysts towards hydrogen evolution from AB hydrolysis remains an enormous challenge.Herein,cobalt phosphide nanosheets are synthesized by a facile salt-assisted along with low-temperature phosphidation strategy for simultaneously modulating its morphology and electronic structure,and function as hydrogen evolution photocatalysts.Impressively,the Co_(2)P nanosheets display extraordinary performance with a record high turnover frequency of 44.9 min^(-1),outperforming most of the noble-metal-free catalysts reported to date.This remarkable performance is attributed to its desired nanosheets structure,featuring with high specific surface area,abundant exposed active sites,and short charge diffusion paths.Our findings provide a novel strategy for regulating metal phosphides with desired phase structure and morphology for energy-related applications and beyond.

Non-noble metal single-atom catalysts prepared by wet chemical method and their applications in electrochemical water splitting

Water splitting by electrolysis is an appealing pathway for sustainable hydrogen production. The practical performance of water splitting is highly dependent on the efficiency of electrocatalysts, which can promote the anodic oxygen evolution reaction(OER) or cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction(HER). Downsizing the metal nanostructures to atomic level to construct single-atom catalysts(SACs) has attracted enormous attention due to its distinct advantages in maximizing the efficiency of metal atom utilization and enhancing activity over corresponding metal nanoparticles. Research on SACs towards electrochemical water splitting application is an emerging field and intensive investigations have been focused on their rational syntheses and applications in HER/OER. In this review, we focus on the wet chemical method developed to prepare non-noble metal based SACs with an emphasis on the synthetic strategies and structure-activity relationship between single metal atoms and catalytic activity. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities for application of single-atom catalysts in water splitting are briefly addressed.

Heterogeneous single-cluster catalysts(Mn_(3),Fe_(3),Co_(3),and Mo_(3))supported on nitrogen-doped graphene for robust electrochemical nitrogen reduction

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction(NRR)is one of the most promising alternatives to the traditional Haber-Bosch process.Designing efficient electrocatalysts is still challenging.Inspired by the recent experimental and theoretical advances on single-cluster catalysts(SCCs),we systematically investigated the catalytic performance of various triple-transition-metal-atom clusters anchored on nitrogen-doped graphene for NRR through density functional theory(DFT)calculation.Among them,Mn_(3)-N4,Fe_(3)-N4,Co_(3)-N4,and Mo_(3)-N4 were screened out as electrocatalysis systems composed of non-noble metal with high activity,selectivity,stability,and feasibility.Particularly,the Co_(3)-N4 possesses the highest activity with a limiting potential of-0.41 V through the enzymatic mechanism.The outstanding performance of Co_(3)-N4 can be attributed to the unique electronic structure leading to strong π backdonation,which is crucial in effective N_(2) activation.This work not only predicts four efficient non-noble metal electrocatalysts for NRR,but also suggest the SCCs can serve as potential candidates for other important electrochemical reactions.

DFT Studies on Thermal Stabilities,Electronic Structures,and ^(13)C Chemical Shifts of C_(24)O_2 Based on Fullerene C_(24)(D_6)

Quantum chemical calculations on some possible equilibrium geometries of C24O2 isomers derived from C24 （D6） and C24O have been performed using density functional theory （DFT） method. The geometric and electronic structures as well as the relative energies and thermal stabilities of various C24O2 isomers at the ground state have been calculated at the B3LYP/6-31G（d） level of theory. And the 1,4,2,5-C24O2 isomer was found to be the most stable geometry where two oxygen atoms were added to the longest carbon-carbon bonds in the same pentagon from a thermodynamic point of view. Based on the optimized neutral geometries, the vertical ionization potential and vertical electron affinity have been obtained. Meanwhile, the vibrational frequencies, IR spectrum, and 13C chemical shifts of various C24O2 isomers have been calculated and analyzed.

Effects of Cr doping on structural and electrochemical properties of Li_(4)Ti_(5)O_(12) nanostructure for sodium-ion battery anode

Sodium-ion batteries are considered as promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries,owing to their low cost and abundant raw materials.Among the several candidate materials for the anode,spinel-type Li_(4)Ti_(5)O_(12)has potential owing to its superior safety originating from an appropriate operating voltage and the reversible Na^(+)intercalation properties.However,a low diffusion coefficient for Na^(+)and the insulating nature of LTO remains challenging for practical sodium-ion battery systems.Herein,we present a strategy for integrating physical and chemical approaches to achieve superior electrochemical properties in LTO.We demonstrate that carefully controlling the amount of Cr doping is crucial to enhance the electrochemical properties of nanostructured LTO.Optimized Cr doped LTO shows a superior reversible capacity of 110 m Ah g^(-1) after 400 cycles at 1 C,with a three-fold higher capacity(75 m Ah g^(-1))at 10 C compared with undoped LTO material.This suggests that appropriately Cr doped nanostructured LTO is a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries.

Optical and Electrical Properties of Nanocrystalline SnO₂Thin Films Synthesized by Chemical Bath Deposition Method

The chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique was used for the synthesis of the tin oxide (SnO2) thin films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to find the crystallite size by using Debye Scherrer’s formula. The surface morphology of SnO2 films was analyzed by the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies. The FT-IR spectrum exhibits the strong presence of SnO2. The optical properties of the SnO2 thin films were determined using UV-Visible spectrum. The dielectric studies were carried out at different frequencies and at different temperatures for the prepared SnO2 thin films. Further, electronic properties, such as valence electron plasma energy, average energy gap or Penn gap, Fermi energy and electronic polarizability of the SnO2 thin films, were determined. The ac conductivity of the SnO2 thin films increases with increase in temperature and frequency. The activation energy was determined by using dc electrical conductivity measurement. The Hall properties were also calculated.

Recentadvancesincarbon‐basedmaterials for solar‐driven interfacial photothermal conversion water evaporation:Assemblies,structures,applications,and prospective

The shortage of fresh water in the world has brought upon a serious crisis to human health and economic development.Solar‐driven interfacial photothermal conversion water evaporation including evaporating seawater,lake water,or river water has been recognized as an environmentally friendly process for obtaining clean water in a low‐cost way.However,water transport is restricted by itself by solar energy absorption capacity's limits,especially for finite evaporation rates and insufficient working life.Therefore,it is important to seek photothermal conversion materials that can efficiently absorb solar energy and reasonably design solar‐driven interfacial photothermal conversion water evaporation devices.This paper reviews the research progress of carbon‐based photothermal conversion materials and the mechanism for solar‐driven interfacial photothermal conversion water evaporation,as well as the summary of the design and development of the devices.Based on the research progress and achievements of photothermal conversion materials and devices in the fields of seawater desalination and photothermal electric energy generation in recent years,the challenges and opportunities faced by carbon‐based photothermal conversion materials and devices are discussed.The prospect of the practical application of solar‐driven interfacial photothermal conversion evaporation technology is foreseen,and theoretical guidance is provided for the further development of this technology.

Sulfide-Based All-Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries:Challenges and Perspectives

Lithium-sulfur batteries with liquid electrolytes have been obstructed by severe shuttle effects and intrinsic safety concerns.Introducing inorganic solid-state electrolytes into lithium-sulfur systems is believed as an effective approach to eliminate these issues without sacrificing the high-energy density,which determines sulfidebased all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries.However,the lack of design principles for high-performance composite sulfur cathodes limits their further application.The sulfur cathode regulation should take several factors including the intrinsic insulation of sulfur,well-designed conductive networks,integrated sulfur-electrolyte interfaces,and porous structure for volume expansion,and the correlation between these factors into account.Here,we summarize the challenges of regulating composite sulfur cathodes with respect to ionic/electronic diffusions and put forward the corresponding solutions for obtaining stable positive electrodes.In the last section,we also outlook the future research pathways of architecture sulfur cathode to guide the develop high-performance all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries.

Nickel single atom overcoordinated active sites to accelerate the electrochemical reaction kinetics for Li-S cathode

Lithium-sulfur(Li-S)batteries with high theoretical energy density are promising advanced energy storage devices.However,shuttling of dissolute lithium polysulfide(LiPSs)and sluggish conversion kinetics impede their applications.Herein,single nickel(Ni)atoms on two-dimensional(2D)nitrogen(N)-doped carbon with Ni-N_(4)-O overcoordinated structure(SANi-N_(4)-O/NC)are prepared and firstly used as a sulfur host of Li-S batteries.Due to the efficient polysulfides traps and highly LiPSs conversion effect of SANi-N_(4)-O/NC,the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries obviously improved.The batteries can well operate even under high sulfur loading(5.8 mg cm^(-2))and lean electrolyte(6.1μL mg^(-1))condition.Meanwhile,density functional theory(DFT)calculations demonstrate that Ni single atom’s active sites decrease the energy barriers of conversion reactions from Li_(2)S_(8)to Li2S due to the strong interaction between SANi-N_(4)-O/NC and LiPSs.Thus,the kinetic conversion of LiPSs was accelerated and the shuttle effect is suppressed on SANi-N_(4)-O/NC host.This study provides a new design strategy for a 2D structure with single-atom overcoordinated active sites to facilitate the fast kinetic conversion of LiPSs for Li-S cathode.

Proanthocyanidins prevent tau protein aggregation and disintegrate tau filaments

Occurrence of neurofibrillary tangles of the tau protein is a hallmark of tau-related neurodegenerative diseases, i.e. Alzheimer's disease(AD) and frontotemporal dementia. The pathological mechanism underlying AD remains poorly understood, and effective treatments are still unavailable to mitigate the disease.Inhibiting of tau aggregation and disrupting the existing fibrils are key targets in drug discovery towards preventing or curing AD. In this study, grape seed proanthocyanidins(GSPs) was found to effectively inhibit the repeat domain of tau(tau-RD) aggregation and disaggregate tau-RD fibrils in a concentrationdependent manner by inhibiting β-sheet formation of tau-RD. In cells, GSPs relieved cytotoxicity induced by tau-RD aggregates. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that strong hydrogen bonding,hydrophobic interaction and π-π stacking between GSPs and tau-RD protein were major reasons why GSPs had high inhibitory activity on tau-RD fibrillogenesis. These results provide preliminary data to develop GSPs into medicines, foodstuffs or nutritional supplements for AD patients, suggesting that GSPs could be a candidate molecule in the drug design for AD therapeutics.

Lithium nitrate regulated carbonate electrolytes for practical Li-metal batteries: Mechanisms, principles and strategies

Li-metal batteries(LMBs)regain research prominence owing to the ever-increasing high-energy requirements.Commercially available carbonate electrolytes exhibit unfavourable parasitic reactions with Limetal anode(LMA),leading to the formation of unstable solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)and the breed of Li dendrites/dead Li.Significantly,lithium nitrate(LiNO_(3)),an excellent film-forming additive,proves crucial to construct a robust Li_(3)N/Li_(2)O/Li_(x)NO_(y)-rich SEI after combining with ether-based electrolytes.Thus,the given challenge leads to natural ideas which suggest the incorporation of LiNO_(3) into commercial carbonate for practical LMBs.Regrettably,LiNO_(3) demonstrates limited solubility(~800 ppm)in commercial carbonate electrolytes.Thence,developing stable SEI and dendrite-free LMA with the incorporation of LiNO_(3) into carbonate electrolytes is an efficacious strategy to realize robust LMBs via a scalable and cost-effective route.Therefore,this review unravels the grievances between LMA,LiNO_(3)and carbonate electrolytes,and enables a comprehensive analysis of LMA stabilizing mechanism with LiNO_(3),dissolution principle of LiNO_(3) in carbonate electrolytes,and LiNO_(3) introduction strategies.This review converges attention on a point that the LiNO_(3)-introduction into commercial carbonate electrolytes is an imperious choice to realize practical LMBs with commercial 4 V layered cathode.