Simultaneous Morphologies and Luminescence Control of NaYF_(4)∶Yb/Er Nanophosphors by Surfactants for Cancer Cell Imaging

Hydrophilic rare-earth up-conversion nanophosphors(UCNPs)with small sizes and a strong up-conversion luminescence have attracted much interest.Herein the simultaneous control of morphologies and the up-conversion luminescence intensities was reported for NaYF_(4)∶Yb/Er nanophosphors by a facile hydrothermal procedure with different surfactants.With the change of the surfactants from polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP)to sodium citrate(CIT),edetate disodium(EDTA)or sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate(SDBS),the morphology of NaYF_(4)∶Yb/Er nanophosphors transformed from nanoparticles with a diameter of about 70.0 nm to hexagonal nanoblocks with a thickness of about 125.0 nm and a length of about 240.0 nm,nanorods with a diameter of about 700.0 nm and a length of about 2.6μm,or nanowires with a diameter of 250.0 nm and a length of about 3.2μm.Simultaneously,their up-conversion luminescence intensity went down gradually under laser irradiation at a wavelength of 980 nm due to the increase of photobleaching.PVP-capped NaYF_(4)∶Yb/Er nanoparticles exhibited the smallest size and the strongest up-conversion luminescence intensity.Biological experiment results revealed that NaYF_(4)∶Yb/Er nanophosphors exhibited a high biocompatibility and could be used as biological labels with a perfect signal-to-noise ratio for cancer cell imaging.

Introduction of State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials (SKLFPM)

Fiber materials are essential to national economic growth,people’s livelihoods,and social progress.They have been widely used in clothing,aerospace,energy devices,flexible electronics,tissue engineering,and many other fields.The chemical fiber industry of China was underdeveloped before the early 1980s,and even could not produce enough chemical fiber products for clothing.

Lignin-based carbon fibers: Formation, modification and potential applications

As an aromatic polymer in nature, lignin has recently attracted gross attention because of its advantages of high carbon content, low cost and bio-renewability. However, most lignin is directly burnt for power generation to satisfy the energy demand of the pulp mills. As a result, only a handful of isolated lignin is used as a raw material. Thus, increasing value addition on lignin to expand its scope of applications is currently a challenge demanding immediate attention. Many efforts have been made in the valorization of lignin, including the preparation of precursors for carbon fibers. However, its complex structure and diversity significantly restrict the spinnability of lignin. In this review, we provide elaborate knowledge on the preparation of lignin-based carbon fibers ranging from the relationships among chemical structures, formation conditions and properties of fibers, to their potential applications. Specifically, control procedures for different spinning methods of lignin, including melt spinning, solution spinning and electrospinning, together with stabilization and carbonization are deeply discussed to provide an overall understanding towards the formation of lignin-based carbon fibers. We also offer perspectives on the challenges and new directions for future development of lignin-based carbon fibers.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Biodegradable Copolymer: RGD Peptide Modification of Poly (lactic acid-co-lysine)

The poly （ lactic acid-co-lysine） was synthesized using lR and ^1H NMR to characterize the copolymer. And then the RGD modification copolymer RGD- PIAL was prepared. The contact angles were used to see the RGD modification occurrence. Also high molecular weight polymer was controlled to the reaction of polymerization of copolymer.

The Influence of Porous Features on the Electrochemical Performance of Its Supported Platinum Catalyst in Porous Carbon Nanofibers

Porous carbon nanofibers (PCNFs) were prepared through electrospinning, pre-oxidation and carbonization with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as carbon precursor and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), CaCO3 as pore-forming agents. The structure, morphology, specific surface area and electrochemical performance of the carbon nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption/desorption method and electrochemical tests. Compared with PCNFs without CaCO3, PCNFs(CaCO3 1%) had higher specific surface area, better dispersion of Pt nanoparticles, and the particle size become smaller, which was corresponding with the results of electrochemical performance test. It could be seen in cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) test, ECSA of Pt/PCNFs (CaCO3 1%) attained 82 m2?g?1, while that of JM20 and Pt/PCNFs without CaCO3 were 77 m2?g?1 and 60 m2?g?1, respectively. These results revealed that CaCO3 as the second pore-forming agent can further increase the mesoporous number and specific surface area of nanofibers, and can improve the electrochemical properties of Pt catalyst as the support.

Green,Sustainable Architectural Bamboo with High Light Transmission and Excellent Electromagnetic Shielding as a Candidate for Energy-Saving Buildings

Currently,light-transmitting,energy-saving,and electromagnetic shielding materials are essential for reducing indoor energy consumption and improving the electromagnetic environment.Here,we developed a cellulose composite with excellent optical transmittance that retained the natural shape and fiber structure of bamboo.The modified whole bamboo possessed an impressive optical transmittance of approximately 60%at 6.23 mm,illuminance of 1000 luminance(lux),water absorption stability(mass change rate less than 4%),longitudinal tensile strength(46.40 MPa),and surface properties(80.2 HD).These were attributed to not only the retention of the natural circular hollow structure of the bamboo rod on the macro,but also the complete bamboo fiber skeleton template impregnated with UV resin on the micro.Moreover,a multilayered device consisting of translucent whole bamboo,transparent bamboo sheets,and electromagnetic shielding film exhibited remarkable heat insulation and heat preservation performance as well as an electromagnetic shielding performance of 46.3 dB.The impressive optical transmittance,mechanical properties,thermal performance,and electromagnetic shielding abilities combined with the renewable and sustainable nature,as well as the fast and efficient manufacturing process,make this bamboo composite material suitable for effective application in transparent,energy-saving,and electromagnetic shielding buildings.

Elastic Bio-based Polyurethane Nanofibrous Membrane with Robust Waterproof and Breathable Properties

Elastic bio-based waterproof and breathable membranes(EBWBMs) allow the passage of water vapor effectively and resist the penetration of liquid water,making it ideal for use under extreme conditions.In this study,we used a facile strategy to design the bio-based polyurethane(PU) nanofibrous membranes with the nanoscale porous structure to provide the membranes with high waterproof and breathable performances.The optimization of nanofibrous membrane formation was accomplished by controlling the relative ambient humidity to modulate the cooperating effects of charge dissipation and non-solvent-induced phase separation.The obtained EBWBMs showed multiple functional properties,with a hydrostatic pressure of 86.41 kPa and a water vapor transmission(WVT) rate of 10.1 kg·m^(-2)·d^(-1).After 1 000 cycles of stretching at 40% strain,the EBWBMs retained over 59% of the original maximum stress and exhibited an ideal elasticity recovery ratio of 85%.Besides,even after 80% deformation,the EBWBMs still maintained a hydrostatic pressure of 30.65 kPa and a WVT rate of 13.6 kg·m^(-2)·d^(-1),suggesting that bio-based PU nanofibrous membranes could be used for protection under extreme conditions.

One-step floating conversion of biomass into highly graphitized and continuous carbon nanotube yarns

The rapid growth of the demand for carbon nanotubes(CNTs) has greatly promoted their large-scale synthesis and development. However,the continuous production of CNT fibers by floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition(FCCVD) requires a large amount of non-renewable carbon sources. Here, the continuous production of highly graphitized CNT yarns from biomass tannic acid(TA) is reported. The chelation of TA and catalyst promotes the rapid cracking of biomass into carbon source gas, and the pyrolysis cracking produces the reducing gas, which solves the problems of the continuous production of CNT yarns using biomass. Through simple twisting, the mechanical strength of CNT yarn can reach 886 ± 46 MPa, and the electrical conductivity and graphitization(IG/ID) can reach 2 × 10^(5)S m^(-1)and 6.3, respectively. This work presents a promising solution for the continuous preparation of CNT yarns based on green raw material.

Drug-eluting fully covered self-expanding metal stent for dissolution of bile duct stones in vitro

BACKGROUND The treatment of difficult common bile duct stones(CBDS)remains a big challenge around the world.Biliary stenting is a widely accepted rescue method in patients with failed stone extraction under endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.Fully covered self-expanding metal stent(FCSEMS)has gained increasing attention in the management of difficult CBDS.AIM To manufacture a drug-eluting FCSEMS,which can achieve controlled release of stone-dissolving agents and speed up the dissolution of CBDS.METHODS Customized covered nitinol stents were adopted.Sodium cholate(SC)and disodium ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid(EDTA disodium,EDTA for short)were used as stone-dissolving agents.Three different types of drug-eluting stents were manufactured by dip coating(Stent I),coaxial electrospinning(Stent II),and dip coating combined with electrospinning(Stent III),respectively.The drugrelease behavior and stone-dissolving efficacy of these stents were evaluated in vitro to sort out the best manufacturing method.And the selected stonedissolving stents were further put into porcine CBD to evaluate their biosecurity.RESULTS Stent I and Stent II had obvious burst release of drugs in the first 5 d while Stent III presented controlled and sustainable drug release for 30 d.In still buffer,the final stone mass-loss rate of each group was 5.19%±0.69%for naked FCSEMS,20.37%±2.13%for Stent I,24.57%±1.45%for Stent II,and 33.72%±0.67%for Stent III.In flowing bile,the final stone mass-loss rate of each group was 5.87%±0.25%for naked FCSEMS,6.36%±0.48%for Stent I,6.38%±0.37%for Stent II,and 8.15%±0.27%for Stent III.Stent III caused the most stone mass-loss no matter in still buffer or in flowing bile,which was significantly higher than those of other groups(P<0.05).In vivo,Stent III made no difference from naked FCSEMS in serological analysis(P>0.05)and histopathological examination(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The novel SC and EDTA-eluting FCSEMS is efficient in diminishing CBDS in vitro.When conventional endoscopic techniques fail to remove difficult CBDS,SC and EDTA-eluting FCSEMS implantation may be considered a promising alternative.

A Study on the Surface Structures of Viscose-based Activated Carbon Fiber by FT-IR Spectroscopy and XPS

Using viscose fiber (VF) as starting material and common steam as activating agent, formation of oxygen structures in activated carbon fiber is investigated. In the preparation of samples, VF was first heated at temperatures between 450℃ and 900℃ in N2 artmosphere. Then, in a successive activation stage, the product carbonized at 600℃ was activated in steam at 450 - 900℃ for 30 min, and at 600℃for 5- 30 min. The other carbonization products were activated at 600 and 900℃ for 30 min respectively. The products activated at 900℃ were then activated at 450℃ for 30 min again. The starting material, carbonized products and all activation products were examined by FT-IR spectroscopy and some products were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS). And the yields of the carbonized and activated products were calculated. By analysing these spectra, the amount of oxygen-containing functional groups of the activated products attained under various activation time, various activation temperature and various previous carbonization temperature was determined.

A General Strategy to Electrospin Nanofibers with Ultrahigh Molecular Chain Orientation

The degree of polymer chain orientation is a key structural parameter that determines the mechanical and physical properties of fibers.However,understanding and significantly tuning the orientation of fiber macromolecular chains remain elusive.Herein,we propose a novel electrospinning technique that can efficiently modulate molecular chain orientation by controlling the electric field.In contrast to the typical electrospinning method,this technique can piecewise control the electric field by applying high voltage to the metal ring instead of the needle.Benefiting from this change,a new electric field distribution can be realized,leading to a non-monotonic change in the drafting force.As a result,the macromolecular chain orientation of polyethylene oxide(PEO)nanofibers was significantly improved with a recordhigh infrared dichroic ratio.This was further confirmed by the sharp decrease in the PEO jet fineness of approximately 80%and the nanofiber diameter from 298 to 114 nm.Interestingly,the crystallinity can also be adjusted,with an obvious drop from 74.9%to 31.7%,which is different from the high crystallinity caused by oriented chains in common materials.This work guides a new perspective for the preparation of advanced electrospun nanofibers with optimal orientation–crystallinity properties,a merited feature for various applications.

Conversion of Catalytically Inert 2D Bismuth Oxide Nanosheets for Effective Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Catalysis via Oxygen Vacancy Concentration Modulation

Oxygen vacancies(Vo)in electrocatalysts are closely correlated with the hydrogen evo-lution reaction(HER)activity.The role of vacancy defects and the effect of their concentration,how-ever,yet remains unclear.Herein,Bi2O3,an unfavorable electrocata-lyst for the HER due to a less than ideal hydrogen adsorption Gibbs free energy(ΔGH*),is utilized as a perfect model to explore the func-tion of Vo on HER performance.Through a facile plasma irradia-tion strategy,Bi2O3 nanosheets with different Vo concentrations are fabricated to evaluate the influence of defects on the HER process.Unexpectedly,while the generated oxygen vacancies contribute to the enhanced HER performance,higher Vo concentrations beyond a saturation value result in a significant drop in HER activity.By tunning the Vo concentration in the Bi_(2)O_(3)nanosheets via adjusting the treatment time,the Bi2O3 catalyst with an optimized oxygen vacancy concentration and detectable charge carrier concentration of 1.52×10^(24)cm^(−3)demonstrates enhanced HER performance with an overpotential of 174.2 mV to reach 10 mA cm^(−2),a Tafel slope of 80 mV dec−1,and an exchange current density of 316 mA cm−2 in an alkaline solution,which approaches the top-tier activity among Bi-based HER electrocatalysts.Density-functional theory calculations confirm the preferred adsorption of H*onto Bi2O3 as a function of oxygen chemical potential(ΔμO)and oxygen partial potential(PO2)and reveal that high Vo concentrations result in excessive stability of adsorbed hydrogen and hence the inferior HER activity.This study reveals the oxygen vacancy concentration-HER catalytic activity relationship and provides insights into activating catalytically inert materials into highly efficient electrocatalysts.

Controllable Fabrication of Spider-Web-Like Structured Anaphe Panda Regenerated Silk Nanofibers / Nets via Electrospinning / Netting

An Anaphe panda silk nanofibers / nets( NFN) membrane with attractive structures consisting of common electrospun nanofibers and two-dimensional( 2D) spider-web-like structured nano-nets were successfully fabricated via electrospinning / netting technology. The unique structures of NFN membranes such as extremely small diameter( < 20 nm),high porosity,large specific surface area. and biocompatibility make this Anaphe panda silk NFN membrane a promising candidate for biomedical applications. In the present study, field emission scanning electron microscopy( FESEM) was used to investigate the influence of polymer solution and humidity on nano-nets coverage and morphology. The FE-SEM images revealed that nano-net coverage area increased with increase in concentration of solution while lowering the humidity increased the nano-nets formation. Moreover,the mechanical properties of the membrane were also tested and the result showed that the silk NFN membrane displayed a breaking stress of 3. 7 MPa and breaking strain of 13. 8%. For further structural elucidation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy( FT-IR) was used to analyze the structural conformation changes from random coil to β-sheet in the NFN membrane which was an important factor effecting the usability of membrane. Thus,the results above confirmed the feasibility of Anaphe panda NFN structures applicability in cell tissue culture and other biomedical applications.

Synthesis,Characterization and Water Absorption Analysis of Highly Hygroscopic Bio-based Co-polyamides 56/66

This study aims to develop highly hygroscopic bio-based co-polyamides(CPs)by melt co-polycondensation of polyamide(PA)56 salt and PA66 salt with varying molar fractions.The functional groups and the chemical structure of the prepared samples were determined by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance(^(1)H-NMR)spectroscopy.The relative viscosity was determined with an Ubbelohde viscometer.The melting behavior and the thermal stability of CPs were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)and thermogravimetric analysis(TGA).Furthermore,the water absorption behavior of CP hot-pressed film was studied.The results reveal that the melting point,the crystallization temperature and the crystallinity of CPs firstly decrease and then increase with the molar fraction of PA66 in CPs.The copolymerization of PA56 with PA66 leads to an obvious increase in water absorption.The CPs with PA66 molar fraction of 50%possess a high saturated water absorption rate of 17.6%,compared to 11.6%for pure PA56 and 7.8%for pure PA66.

Single-atomic tungsten-doped Co_(3)O_(4) nanosheets for enhanced electrochemical kinetics in lithium–sulfur batteries

The practical application of lithium–sulfur batteries(LSBs)is severely hindered by the undesirable shuttling of lithium polysulfides(LiPSs)and sluggish redox kinetics of sulfur species.Herein,a series of ultrathin singleatomic tungsten-doped Co_(3)O_(4)(Wx-Co_(3)O_(4))nanosheets as catalytic additives in the sulfur cathode for LSBs are rationally designed and synthesized.Benefiting from the enhanced catalytic activity and optimized electronic structure by W doping,the Wx-Co_(3)O_(4) not only reduces the shuttling of LiPSs but also decreases the energy barrier of sulfur redox reactions of sulfur species,leading to accelerated electrode kinetic.As a result,LSB cathodes with the use of 5.0 wt%W0.02-Co_(3)O_(4) as the electrocatalyst show the high reversible capacities of 1217.0 and 558.6 mAh g^(-1) at 0.2 and 5.0 C,respectively,and maintain a high reversible capacity of 644.6 mAh g^(-1) at 1.0 C(1.0 C=1675 mA g^(-1))after 500 cycles.With a high sulfur loading of 5.5 mg cm^(-2) and electrolyte–electrode ratio of 8μL_(electrolyte) mg_(sulfur)^(-1),the 5.0 wt%W_(0.02)-Co_(3)O_(4)-based sulfur cathode also retains a high reversible areal capacity of 3.86 mAh cm^(-2) at 0.1 C after 50 cycles with an initial capacity retention of 84.7%.

Carbon‐based metal‐free catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction: Activity, selectivity, and stability

Zero or negative emissions of carbon dioxide(CO2)is the need of the times,as inexorable rising and alarming levels of CO2 in the atmosphere lead to global warming and severe climate change.The electrochemical CO2 reduction(eCO2R)to value‐added fuels and chemicals by using renewable electricity provides a cleaner and more sustainable route with economic benefits,in which the key is to develop clean and economical electrocatalysts.Carbon‐based catalyst materials possess desirable properties such as high offset potential for H2 evolution and chemical stability at the negative applied potential.Although it is still challenging to achieve highly efficient carbon‐based catalysts,considerable efforts have been devoted to overcoming the low selectivity,activity,and stability.Here,we summarize and discuss the recent progress in carbon‐based metal‐free catalysts including carbon nanotubes,carbon nanofibers,carbon nanoribbons,graphene,carbon nitride,and diamonds with an emphasis on their activity,product selectivity,and stability.In addition,the key challenges and future potential approaches for efficient eCO2R to low carbon‐based fuels are highlighted.For a good understanding of the whole history of the development of eCO2R,the CO2 reduction reactions,principles,and techniques including the role of electrolytes,electrochemical cell design and evaluation,product selectivity,and structural composition are also discussed.The metal/metal oxides decorated with carbon‐based electrocatalysts are also summarized.We aim to provide insights for further development of carbon‐based metal‐free electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction from the perspective of both fundamental understanding and technological applications in the future.

Flexible heteroatom-doped porous carbon nanofiber cages for electrode scaffolds

Porous carbon nanofibers(PCNFs)with rich functionalities and high surface areas are important electrode scaffolds to load active materials,but increasing their pore volumes and strength simultaneously is a challenge.Here,we report a scalable method to fabricate B-F-N triply doped PCNF cages with high porosity of greater than 92.8%and small bending stiffness of 10 mN by electrospinning the mixed sol of poly(tetrafluoroethylene),poly(vinyl alcohol),boric acid,and carbon nanotubes(CNTs)followed by pyrolysis.The macromicro dual-phase separation creates well-controlled macropores(>60 nm)and meso-micropores with large pore volumes(0.55 cm3/g)on carbon nanofibers,while the interior CNTs can cushion the applied stress and render the PCNF films with superior flexibility.Fabricated symmetrical supercapacitors with the PCNF cages exhibit high gravimetric capacitance of 164 F/g at 20 mV/s and 92.5%capacity retention after 20000 cycles at 2 A/g.The reported approach allows the green synthesis of a new PCNF scaffold material with properties appealing for applications.

Molecular Modulation of Structure and Ferroelectric Performance of Poly(vinylidene fluoride)Free Standing Films from Aspects of Molecular Weight and Crystallization Temperature

Ferroelectric polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF)has received great research interest because of its special electroactive properties which are strongly dependent on the crystalline structures and in turn processing conditions.The effect of molecular weight and crystallization temperature on the micro-structure and macro-properties of PVDF films casted from dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO)solvent is investigated.The results demonstrated that a low molecular weight(180 kg/mol)and a low evaporation temperature(50℃)favored the formation of polarγ-phase,while a high molecular weight(1000 kg/mol)and a high evaporation temperature(125℃)made PVDF crystallize intoα-phase.Compared with films casted at 50℃,films casted at 125℃exhibited higher dielectric loss at a low electric field and less loss conductivity at a high electric field,which was due to their low degrees of crystallinity and fine evaporation of the solvent,respectively.PVDF with a molecular weight of 180 kg/mol casted at 125℃exhibited the highest remnant polarization(0.062 C/m^(2))among all of the solution-processed films,being a result of high chain mobility resulted from the low molecular weight.

Anion-regulation engineering toward Cu/In/MOF bimetallic electrocatalysts for selective electrochemical reduction of CO_(2) to CO/formate

The conversion of carbon dioxide(CO_(2))into high-value added energy fuels and chemicals(CO,formate,C_(2)H_(4),etc.)through electrochemical reduction(eCO_(2)R)is a promising avenue to sustainable development.However,low selectivity,barren activity and poor stability of the electrodes hinder the large-scale application of eCO_(2)R.Herein,we reported a copper-indium-organic-framework(CuIn-MOF)based high-performance catalyst for eCO_(2)R.Elec-trochemical measurement results reveal that CuIn-MOF exhibits high Faradaic efficiency(FE)of CO and formate(300 mV,FE_(CO)=78.6%at-0.86 V vs.RHE,FE_(HCOO^(-))=48.4%at-1.16 V vs.RHE,respectively)in a broad range of current density(20.1–88.4 mA cm^(-2))with long-term stability(6 h)for eCO_(2)R in 0.5 M KHCO_(3)electrolyte solution.Specifically,through anion-regulation engineering,SO_(4)^(2-)anion precursor is more beneficial for the formic acid generation than NO_(3)^(-)anion precursor;while for SO_(4)^(2-)anion precursor,Cu plays a positive regulating role in eCO_(2)R to CO compared to In.Additionally,the high performance in a home-made eCO_(2)R reactor derives benefit from enhanced intrinsic activity and charge re-distribution can be attributed to the formation of In-doped Cu layer.

A Skin-Inspired Self-Adaptive System for Temperature Control During Dynamic Wound Healing

The thermoregulating function of skin that is capable of maintaining body temperature within a thermostatic state is critical.However,patients suffering from skin damage are struggling with the surrounding scene and situational awareness.Here,we report an interactive self-regulation electronic system by mimicking the human thermos-reception system.The skin-inspired self-adaptive system is composed of two highly sensitive thermistors(thermal-response composite materials),and a low-power temperature control unit(Laserinduced graphene array).The biomimetic skin can realize self-adjusting in the range of 35–42℃,which is around physiological temperature.This thermoregulation system also contributed to skin barrier formation and wound healing.Across wound models,the treatment group healed~10%more rapidly compared with the control group,and showed reduced inflammation,thus enhancing skin tissue regeneration.The skin-inspired self-adaptive system holds substantial promise for nextgeneration robotic and medical devices.