Search Results (14)

A recyclability perspective is essential in the sustainable development of energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), but the development of LIBs prioritizes battery capacity and energy density over recyclability, and hence, the recycling methods are complex and the recycling rate is low compared to other technologies. To improve this situation, the underlying battery design must be changed and the material choices need to be made with a sustainable mindset. A suitable and effective approach is to utilize bio-materials, such as paper and electrode composites made from graphite and cellulose, and adopt already existing recycling methods connected to the paper industry. To address this, we have developed a concept for fabricating fully disposable and resource-efficient paper-based electrodes with a large-scale roll-to-roll coating operation in which the conductive material is a nanographite and microcrystalline cellulose mixture coated on a paper separator. The overall best result was achieved with coated roll 08 with a coat weight of 12.83(22) g/m² and after calendering, the highest density of 1.117(97) g/cm³, as well as the highest electrical conductivity with a resistivity of 0.1293(17) m$\Omega ·$m. We also verified the use of this concept as an anode in LIB half-cell coin cells, showing a specific capacity of 147 mAh/g, i.e., 40% of graphite’s theoretical performance, and a good long-term stability of battery capacity over extended cycling. This concept highlights the potential of using paper as a separator and strengthens the outlook of a new design concept wherein paper can both act as a separator and a substrate for coating the anode material. Full article

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a highly toxic and corrosive gas commonly found in industrial emissions and natural gas processing, posing serious risks to human health and environmental safety even at low concentrations. The early detection of H₂S is therefore critical for preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This study presents the development of porous ZnO/SnO₂-nanocomposite gas sensors tailored for the ultrasensitive detection of H₂S at sub-ppb levels. Utilizing a screen-printing method, we fabricated five different sensor compositions—ranging from pure SnO₂ to pure ZnO—and characterized their structural and morphological properties through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Among these, the SnO₂/ZnO sensor with a composition-weight ratio of 3:4 demonstrated the highest response at 325 °C, achieving a low detection limit of 0.14 ppb. The sensor was evaluated for detecting H₂S concentrations ranging from 5 ppb to 500 ppb under dry, humid air and N₂ conditions. The relative concentration error was carefully calculated based on analytical sensitivity, confirming the sensor’s precision in measuring gas concentrations. Our findings underscore the significant advantages of mixture nanocomposites in enhancing gas sensitivity, offering promising applications in environmental monitoring and industrial safety. This research paves the way for the advancement of highly effective gas sensors capable of operating under diverse conditions with high accuracy. Full article

In optimization problems, the principle of symmetry provides important guidance. This article introduces an enhanced NSGA-II algorithm, termed NDE-NSGA-II, designed for addressing multi-objective optimization problems. The approach employs Tent mapping for population initialization, thereby augmenting its search capability. During the offspring generation process, a hybrid local search strategy is implemented to augment the population’s exploration capabilities. It is crucial to highlight that in elite selection, norm selection and average distance elimination strategies are adopted to strengthen the selection mechanism of the population. This not only enhances diversity but also ensures convergence, thereby improving overall performance. The effectiveness of the proposed NDE-NSGA-II is comprehensively evaluated across various benchmark functions with distinct true Pareto frontier shapes. The results consistently demonstrate that the NDE-NSGA-II method presented in this paper surpasses the performance metrics of the other five methods. Lastly, the algorithm is integrated with the DSSAT model to optimize maize irrigation and fertilization scheduling, confirming the effectiveness of the improved algorithm. Full article

Engineering polymers stand out as the predominant dielectric materials in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), primarily owing to their robust triboelectric effect and widespread availability. However, growing environmental concerns surrounding these polymers have prompted a notable shift towards exploring alternative eco-friendly materials, with cellulose materials emerging as compelling contenders over the past few years. Cellulose, derived from various sources and presented in diverse forms and structures, has found utility as triboelectric materials. In contrast to many engineering polymers known for their chemical stability, cellulose materials exhibit heightened chemical activities. This characteristic provides a unique opportunity to delve into fundamental questions in TENGs by manipulating the physical and chemical properties of cellulose materials. This concise critical review aims to thoroughly examine the applications of cellulose materials while shedding light on the opportunities presented by these versatile materials. Full article

This study focuses on optimizing the mutagenesis process for Morchella eximia (Mel-7) mycelia through atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutation and explores the resultant thermal adaptability and physiological responses of mutant strains. This research demonstrated a clear relationship between ARTP mutagenesis exposure duration and lethality rate, indicating that an exposure time of 40 s resulted in the optimal balance of inducing mutations without causing excessive mortality. Additionally, this study established 43 °C as the ideal screening temperature for identifying mutant strains with enhanced heat resistance, as this temperature significantly challenges the mycelia while allowing thermotolerant strains to be distinguishable. Among the screened mutants, strains L21, L23, L44, and L47 exhibited superior growth and high-temperature tolerance, with notable resilience at 30 °C, highlighting their enhanced adaptability to above-optimal temperatures. Furthermore, this research delved into biochemical responses, including lipid peroxidation and non-enzymatic antioxidant content, highlighting the diverse mechanisms, such as enhanced lipid peroxidation resistance and increased antioxidant content, employed by mutant strains to adapt to temperature fluctuations. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were shown to be significantly influenced by temperature elevations, illustrating their critical roles in the thermal adaptation of mutant strains. These findings shed light on the importance of considering mutation duration and temperature screening in the development of thermotolerant fungal strains with potential applications in various industries. This study’s breakthrough lies in its comprehensive understanding of the thermal adaptability of Mel-7 mycelia and the identification of promising mutant strains, offering valuable insights for both academic and industrial purposes. Full article

Atmospheric and room-temperature plasma (ARTP) is an efficient microbial mutagenesis method with broad application prospects. Compared to traditional methods, ARTP technology can more effectively induce DNA damage and generate stable mutant strains. It is characterized by its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and avoidance of hazardous chemicals, presenting a vast potential for application. The ARTP technology is widely used in bacterial, fungal, and microalgal mutagenesis for increasing productivity and improving characteristics. In conclusion, ARTP technology holds significant promise in the field of microbial breeding. Through ARTP technology, we can create mutant strains with specific genetic traits and improved performance, thereby increasing yield, improving quality, and meeting market demands. The field of microbial breeding will witness further innovation and progress with continuous refinement and optimization of ARTP technology. Full article

To study the full sound field distribution characteristics of full ceramic ball bearings, reduce the radiation noise of the bearings, and improve their service performance. In this paper, the sound field distribution characteristics of 6206 silicon nitride ceramic deep groove ball bearings are studied under different oil supplies. A mathematical model of the sound field distribution of full ceramic ball bearings under oil lubrication is established, and the validity of the model is verified by experimental data. The bearing cavity simulation model of the full ceramic ball bearing is established, and the influence of oil supply on the operation characteristics of the full ceramic ball bearing is studied. Through theoretical and experimental research, the circular distribution law of the noise signal of ceramic ball bearings under different oil supplies is revealed. It is found that there is an optimal fuel supply when the speed and load are constant. Under optimal oil supply lubrication conditions, the full ceramic ball bearing has the minimum radiation noise, and the bearing exhibits optimal lubrication state, vibration and temperature rise characteristics. The new contribution of this paper: with the increase in oil supply, the sound pressure level of radiation noise of full ceramic ball bearings decreases and then increases. The research results reveal the radiation noise mechanism of full ceramic ball bearings, which is of great significance for enriching its theory and method. Full article

Metal–support interaction (MSI) is considered a key effect of electronic and geometric structures of catalysts on tuning catalytic performance. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a crucial process during energy conversion and storage. However, the OER process requires the help of noble metal catalysts to reduce the reaction overpotential, enhance reactivity with intermediates, and maintain good operating stability. Carbon–supported metal catalysts have been considered candidates for noble metal catalysts for OER. MSI occurs at the interface of carbon supports and metals, affecting the catalytic performance through electronic and geometric modulation. MSI can influence the catalytic performance and change reaction pathways from charge redistribution, electron transfer, chemical coordination and bonding, and steric effect. Connecting MSI effects with the OER mechanism can provide theoretical guidance and a practical approach to the design of efficient catalysts, including the modulation of particle size, morphology, heteroatom doping, defect engineering, and coordination atom and number. Advantage can be taken of MSI modulation between metal compounds and carbon supports to provide guidance for catalyst design. Full article

Lentinula edodes (L. edodes), one of the most popular edible mushrooms in China, is adversely affected by high temperature. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a crucial role in regulating the defense responses against the abiotic stresses in L. edodes. Some HSPs in L. edodes have been described previously, but a genome-wide analysis of these proteins is still lacking. Here, the HSP genes across the entire genome of the L. edodes mushroom were identified. The 34 LeHSP genes were subsequently classified into six subfamilies according to their molecular weights and the phylogenetic analysis. Sequence analysis showed that LeHSP proteins from the same subfamily have conserved domains and one to five similar motifs. Except for Chr 5 and 9, 34 LeHSPs genes were distributed on the other eight chromosomes. Three pairs of paralogs were identified because of sequence alignment and were confirmed as arising from segmental duplication. In LeHSPs’ promoters, different numbers of heat shock elements (HSEs) were predicted. The expression profiles of LeHSPs in 18N44 and 18 suggested that the thermo-tolerance of strain 18N44 might be related to high levels of LeHSPs transcript in response to heat stress. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of the 16 LeHSP genes in strains Le015 and Le027 verified their stress-inducible expression patterns under heat stress. Therefore, these comprehensive findings provide useful in-depth information on the evolution and function of LeHSPs and lay a theoretical foundation in breeding thermotolerant L. edodes varieties. Full article

13a-(S)-3-pivaloyloxyl-6,7-dimethoxyphenanthro(9,10-b)-indolizidine (CAT3) is a novel oral anti-glioma pro-drug with a potent anti-tumor effect against temozolomide-resistant glioma. 13a(S)-3-hydroxyl-6,7-dimethoxyphenanthro(9,10-b)-indolizidine (PF403) is the active in vivo lipase degradation metabolite of CAT3. Both CAT3 and PF403 can penetrate the blood–brain barrier to cause an anti-glioma effect. However, PF403, which is produced in the gastrointestinal tract and plasma, causes significant gastrointestinal side effects, limiting the clinical application of CAT3. The objective of this paper was to propose a metabolism modification for CAT3 using a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), in order to reduce the generation of PF403 in the gastrointestinal tract and plasma, as well as increase the bioavailability of CAT3 in vivo and the amount of anti-tumor substances in the brain. Thus, a CAT3-loaded self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (CAT3-SMEDDS) was prepared, and its physicochemical characterization was systematically carried out. Next, the pharmacokinetic parameters of CAT3 and its metabolite in the rats’ plasma and brain were measured. Furthermore, the in vivo anti-glioma effects and safety of CAT3-SMEDDS were evaluated. Finally, Caco-2 cell uptake, MDCK monolayer cellular transfer, and the intestinal lymphatic transport mechanisms of SMEDDS were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Results show that CAT3-SMEDDS was able to form nanoemulsion droplets in artificial gastrointestinal fluid within 1 min, displaying an ideal particle size (15–30 nm), positive charge (5–9 mV), and controlled release behavior. CAT3-SMEDDS increased the membrane permeability of CAT3 by 3.9-fold and promoted intestinal lymphatic transport. Hence, the bioavailability of CAT3 was increased 79% and the level of its metabolite, PF403, was decreased to 49%. Moreover, the concentrations of CAT3 and PF403 were increased 2–6-fold and 1.3–7.2-fold, respectively, in the brain. Therefore, the anti-glioma effect in the orthotopic models was improved with CAT3-SMEDDS compared with CAT3 in 21 days. Additionally, CAT3-SMEDDS reduced the gastrointestinal side effects of CAT3, such as severe diarrhea, necrosis, and edema, and observed less inflammatory cell infiltration in the gastrointestinal tract, compared with the bare CAT3. Our work reveals that, through the metabolism modification effect, SMEDDS can improve the bioavailability of CAT3 and reduce the generation of PF403 in the gastrointestinal tract and plasma. Therefore, it has the potential to increase the anti-glioma effect and reduce the gastrointestinal side effects of CAT3 simultaneously. Full article

Metal-semiconductor junctions and interfaces have been studied for many years due to their importance in applications such as semiconductor electronics and solar cells. However, semiconductor-metal networks are less studied because there is a lack of effective methods to fabricate such structures. Here, we report a novel Au–ZnO-based metal-semiconductor (M-S)_n network in which ZnO nanowires were grown horizontally on gold particles and extended to reach the neighboring particles, forming an (M-S)_n network. The (M-S)_n network was further used as a gas sensor for sensing ethanol and acetone gases. The results show that the (M-S)_n network is sensitive to ethanol (28.1 ppm) and acetone (22.3 ppm) gases and has the capacity to recognize the two gases based on differences in the saturation time. This study provides a method for producing a new type of metal-semiconductor network structure and demonstrates its application in gas sensing. Full article

Flexible electronics is a field gathering a growing interest among researchers and companies with widely varying applications, such as organic light emitting diodes, transistors as well as many different sensors. If the circuit should be portable or off-grid, the power sources available are batteries, supercapacitors or some type of power generator. Thermoelectric generators produce electrical energy by the diffusion of charge carriers in response to heat flux caused by a temperature gradient between junctions of dissimilar materials. As wearables, flexible electronics and intelligent packaging applications increase, there is a need for low-cost, recyclable and printable power sources. For such applications, printed thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are an interesting power source, which can also be combined with printable energy storage, such as supercapacitors. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate), or PEDOT:PSS, is a conductive polymer that has gathered interest as a thermoelectric material. Plastic substrates are commonly used for printed electronics, but an interesting and emerging alternative is to use paper. In this article, a printed thermoelectric generator consisting of PEDOT:PSS and silver inks was printed on two common types of paper substrates, which could be used to power electronic circuits on paper. Full article

Transparent electrodes (TEs) made of metallic nanowires, such as Ag, Au, Cu, and Ni, are attracting increasing attention for several reasons: (1) they can act as a substitute for tin oxide-based TEs such as indium-tin oxide (ITO) and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO); (2) various methods exist for fabricating such TEs such as filtration, spraying, and Meyer bar coating; (3) greater compatibility with different substrates can be achieved due to the variety of fabrication methods; and (4) extra functions in addition to serving as electrodes, such as catalytic abilities, can be obtained due to the metals of which the TEs are composed. There are a large number of applications for TEs, ranging from electronics and sensors to biomedical devices. This short review is a summary of recent progress, mainly over the past five years, on silver nanowire-based TEs. The focus of the review is on theory development, mechanical, chemical, and thermal stability as well as optical properties. The many applications of TEs are outside the scope of this review. Full article

Porous gold films have attracted increasing interest over the last ten years due to the unique properties of high specific surface area and electrical conductivity combined with chemical stability and ability to alter the surface chemistry. Several methods have been developed to synthesize porous gold films such as de-alloying, templating, electrochemical, and self-assembling. These porous gold films are used in diverse fields, for example, as electrochemical and Raman sensors or for chemical catalysis. Here, we provide a short review on the progress of porous gold films over the past ten years, including the synthesis and applications of such films. Full article