Search Results (6,163)

In this study, a Z-scheme Ho₂InSbO₇/Ag₃PO₄ (HAO) heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully fabricated for the first time by ultrasound-assisted solvothermal method. The structural features, compositional components and morphological characteristics of the synthesized materials were thoroughly characterized by a series of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A comprehensive array of analytical techniques, including ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance absorption spectra, photoluminescence spectroscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, photocurrent testing, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, was employed to systematically investigate the optical, chemical, and photoelectronic properties of the materials. Using oxytetracycline (OTC), a representative tetracycline antibiotic, as the target substrate, the photocatalytic activity of the HAO composite was assessed under visible light irradiation. Comparative analyses demonstrated that the photocatalytic degradation capability of the HAO composite surpassed those of its individual components. Notably, during the degradation process, the application of the HAO composite resulted in an impressive removal efficiency of 99.89% for OTC within a span of 95 min, along with a total organic carbon mineralization rate of 98.35%. This outstanding photocatalytic performance could be ascribed to the efficient Z-scheme electron-hole separation system occurring between Ho₂InSbO₇ and Ag₃PO₄. Moreover, the adaptability and stability of the HAO heterojunction were thoroughly validated. Through experiments involving the capture of reactive species and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis, the active species generated by HAO were identified as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide anions (•O₂⁻), and holes (h⁺). This identification provides valuable insights into the mechanisms and pathways associated with the photodegradation of OTC. In conclusion, this research not only elucidates the potential of HAO as an efficient Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst but also marks a significant contribution to the advancement of sustainable remediation strategies for OTC contamination. Full article

A series of Cu-MnO_x/GF catalytic electrodes, with graphite felt (GF) pretreated via microwave modification as the catalyst carrier, were prepared under various hydrothermal conditions and characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N₂ adsorption–desorption, and Raman spectroscopy. The catalytic oxidation activity of catalytic Cu-MnO_x/GF electrodes toward toluene was evaluated in an all-solid-state electrocatalytic device under mild operating conditions. The evaluation results demonstrated that the microwave-modified catalytic electrode exhibited high electrocatalytic activity toward toluene oxidation, with Cu-MnO_x/700W-GF exhibiting significantly higher catalytic activity, indicating that an increase in catalyst loading capacity can promote the removal of toluene. Only CO₂ and CO were detected, with no other intermediates observed in the reaction process. Moreover, the catalytic effect was significantly affected by the relative humidity. The catalytic oxidation of toluene can be fully realized under a certain humidity, indicating that the conversion of H₂O to strongly oxidizing ·OH on the catalytic electrode is a key step in this reaction. Full article

Pressure therapy combined with silicone has a significant effect on scar hyperplasia, but limitations such as long-term wearing of compression garments (CGs) can easily cause bacterial infection, cleanliness, and lifespan problems of CGs caused by the tedious operation of applying silicone. In this study, a compression garment fabric (CGF) with both inhibition of scar hyperplasia and antibacterial function was prepared. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-loaded microcapsule (PDMS-M) was prepared with chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (HACC) and sodium alginate (SA) as wall materials and PDMS as core materials by the complex coagulation method. The PDMS-Ms were finished on CGF and modified with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) to obtain PDMS-M CGF, which was further treated with HACC to produce PDMS-M-HACC CGF. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy(XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the formation of covalent bonding between PDMS-M and CGF. The PDMS-M CGF exhibited antibacterial rates of 94.2% against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli, AATCC 6538) and of 83.1% against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, AATCC 25922). The antibacterial rate of PDMS-M-HACC CGF against both E. coli and S. aureus reached 99.9%, with wash durability reaching grade AA for E. coli and approaching grade A for S. aureus. The finished CGF maintained good biocompatibility and showed minimal reduction in moisture permeability compared to unfinished CGF, though with decreased elastic recovery, air permeability and softness. The finished CGF of this study is expected to improve the therapeutic effect of hypertrophic scars and improve the quality of life of patients with hypertrophic scars. Full article

Broth cooking is a traditional pretreatment and ripening strategy for high-commercial-value dehydrated marine food, effectively enhancing its texture and rehydration properties. In this work, we characterized the structural information of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) derived from beef scrap stock and investigated their effects on the texture and rehydration performance of dehydrated abalone. The optical and structural properties of the MRPs were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescence spectroscopy. These MRPs showed osmosis in abalone processing including pretreatment and drying. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) results revealed that MRP pretreatment improved the moisture migration and physicochemical properties of dehydrated abalone. These findings suggest that MRPs, owing to their high osmotic efficiency and nanoscale size, could serve as promising food additives and potential alternatives to traditional penetrating agents in the food industry, enhancing the rehydration performance of dried seafood and reducing quality deterioration. Full article

Titanium–aluminum–vanadium (Ti6Al4V) is a material chosen for spine, orthopedic, and dental implants due to its combination of desirable mechanical and biological properties. Lasers have been used to modify metal surfaces, enabling the generation of a surface on Ti6Al4V with distinct micro- and nano-scale structures. Studies indicate that topography with micro/nano features of osteoclast resorption pits causes bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) and osteoprogenitor cells to favor differentiation into an osteoblastic phenotype. This study examined whether the biological response of human MSCs to Ti6Al4V surfaces is sensitive to laser treatment-controlled micro/nano-topography. First, 15 mm diameter Ti6Al4V discs (Spine Wave Inc., Shelton, CT, USA) were either machined (M) or additively manufactured (AM). Surface treatments included no laser treatment (NT), nanosecond laser (Ns), femtosecond laser (Fs), or nanosecond followed by femtosecond laser (Ns+Fs). Surface wettability, roughness, and surface chemistry were determined using sessile drop contact angle, laser confocal microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Human MSCs were cultured in growth media on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) or test surfaces. On day 7, the levels of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF) in the conditioned media were measured. M NT, Fs, and Ns+Fs surfaces were hydrophilic; Ns was hydrophobic. AM NT and Fs surfaces were hydrophilic; AM Ns and Ns+Fs were hydrophobic. Roughness (Sa and Sz) increased after Ns and Ns+Fs treatment for both M and AM disks. All surfaces primarily consisted of oxygen, titanium, and carbon; Fs had increased levels of aluminum for both M and AM. SEM images showed that M NT discs had a smooth surface, whereas AM surfaces appeared rough at a higher magnification. Fs surfaces had a similar morphology to their respective NT disc at low magnification, but higher magnification revealed nano-scale bumps not seen on NT surfaces. AM Fs surfaces also had regular interval ridges that were not seen on non-femto laser-ablated surfaces. Surface roughness was increased on M and AM Ns and Ns+Fs disks compared to NT and Fs disks. OCN was enhanced, and DNA was reduced on Ns and Ns+Fs, with no difference between them. OPN, OPG, and VEGF levels for laser-treated M surfaces were unchanged compared to NT, apart from an increase in OPG on Fs. MSCs grown on AM Ns and Ns+Fs surfaces had increased levels of OCN per DNA. These results indicate that MSCs cultured on AM Ns and AM Ns+Fs surfaces, which exhibited unique roughness at the microscale and nanoscale, had enhanced differentiation to an osteoblastic phenotype. The laser treatments of the surface mediated this enhancement of MSC differentiation and warrant further clinical investigation. Full article

This work aims to solve the problem of product quality fluctuations caused by batch-to-batch variations in the adsorption capacity of activated carbon during the production of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injections. In this work, Shenqi Fuzheng injection was selected as an example. Diluted Shenqi Extract (DSE), an intermediate in the production process of Shenqi Fuzheng injection, was adsorbed with different batches of activated carbon. The adsorption capacities of adenine, adenosine, calycosin-7-glucoside, and astragaloside IV in DSE were selected as evaluation indices for activated carbon absorption. Characterization methods such as nitrogen adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were chosen to explore the quantitative relationships between the properties of activated carbon (i.e., specific surface area, pore volume, surface elements, and spectrum) and the adsorption capacities of these four components. It was found that the characteristic wavelengths from FTIR characterization, i.e., 1560 cm⁻¹, 2325 cm⁻¹, 3050 cm⁻¹, and 3442 cm⁻¹, etc., showed the strongest correlation with the adsorption capacities of these four components. Prediction models based on the transmittance at characteristic wavelengths were successfully established via multiple linear regression. In validation experiments of models, the relative errors of predicted adsorption capacities of activated carbon were mostly within 5%, indicating good predictive ability of the models. The results of this work suggest that the prediction method of adsorption capacity based on the mid-infrared spectrum can provide a new way for the quality control of activated carbon. Full article

In this study, we successfully synthesized olivine-type FePO₄ via an in situ oxidation method and further developed two composite cathode materials (o-FePO₄-1/GR-1 and o-FePO₄-1/GR-2) by incorporating graphene. The composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), revealing a three-dimensional porous layered structure with an enhanced surface area and strong interaction between FePO₄ nanoparticles and graphene layers. Electrochemical tests demonstrated that the composite electrodes exhibited significantly improved performance compared to pristine FePO₄, with discharge capacities of 147 mAh g⁻¹ at 1C and 163 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1C for o-FePO₄-1/GR-2, approaching the level of LiFePO₄. The incorporation of graphene effectively enhanced the electrochemical reaction kinetics, highlighting the innovation of our method in developing high-performance cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Full article

In this work, graphite anodes and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes are used to examine the effects of sodium hexafluorophosphate (NaPF₆) and potassium hexafluorophosphate (KPF₆) electrolyte additives on the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase and the performance of lithium-ion batteries in both half-cell and full-cell designs. The objective is to assess whether these additives may increase cycle performance, decrease irreversible capacity loss, and improve interfacial stability. Compared to the control electrolyte (1.22 M Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆)), cells with NaPF₆ and KPF₆ additives produced less SEI products, which decreased irreversible capacity loss and enhanced initial coulombic efficiency. Following the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase, the specific capacity of the control cell was 607 mA·h/g, with 177 mA·h/g irreversible capacity loss. In contrast, irreversible capacity loss was reduced by 38.98% and 37.85% in cells containing KPF₆ and NaPF₆ additives, respectively. In full cell cycling, a considerable improvement in capacity retention was achieved by adding NaPF₆ and KPF₆. The electrolyte, including NaPF₆, maintained 67.39% greater capacity than the LiPF₆ baseline after 20 cycles, whereas the electrolyte with KPF₆ demonstrated a 30.43% improvement, indicating the positive impacts of these additions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy verified that sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) ions were present in the SEI of samples containing NaPF₆ and KPF₆. While K⁺ did not intercalate in LFP, cyclic voltammetry confirmed that Na⁺ intercalated into LFP with negligible impact on the energy storage of full cells. These findings demonstrate that NaPF₆ and KPF₆ are suitable additions for enhancing lithium-ion battery performance in the popular artificial graphite/LFP system. Full article

In this study, the atmospheric corrosion behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy exposed in Sanya and Nansha for one year was investigated. While existing studies have characterized marine corrosion of magnesium alloys, the synergistic corrosion mechanisms under extreme tropical marine conditions (simultaneous high Cl⁻, rainfall, and temperature fluctuations) remain poorly understood—particularly regarding dynamic corrosion–product evolution. The corrosion characteristics and behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy exposed in Sanya and Nansha were evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electrochemical measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and weight loss tests. The results showed that the main components of corrosion products were MgCO₃·xH₂O(x = 3, 5), Mg₅(CO₃)₄(OH)₂·4H₂O, Mg₂Cl(OH)₃·4H₂O, and Mg(OH)₂. The corrosion rate exposed in the Nansha was 26.5 μm·y⁻¹, which was almost two times than that in Sanya. Localized corrosion is the typical corrosion characteristic of AZ31 magnesium alloy in this tropical marine atmosphere. This study exposes the dynamic crack–regeneration mechanism of corrosion products under high-Cl⁻-rainfall synergy. The corrosion types of AZ31 magnesium alloy in this tropical marine atmosphere were mainly represented by pitting corrosion and filamentous corrosion. Full article

Steel pickling sludge serves as a valuable iron source for synthesizing Fe-based catalysts in heterogeneous advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Here, MoS₂@CoFe₂O₄ catalyst derived from steel pickling sludge was prepared via a facile solvothermal approach and utilized to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation. Comprehensive characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the supported microstructure, composition, and crystalline structure of the catalyst. Key operational parameters—including catalyst dosage, PMS concentration, and initial pH—were systematically optimized, achieving 81% degradation efficiency within 30 min. Quenching tests and EPR analysis revealed ∙SO₄^‒ as the primary oxidative species, while the catalyst maintained high stability and reusability across cycles. TCH degradation primarily occurs through hydroxylation, decarbonylation, ring-opening, and oxidation reactions. This study presents a cost-effective strategy for transforming steel pickling sludge into a high-performance Fe-based catalyst, demonstrating its potential for practical AOP applications. Full article

Platinum has emerged as an optimal catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes owing to its high hydrogenation activity, selectivity, and stability. In this study, we report the fabrication of platinum nanoparticles stabilized on a composite support consisting of gum acacia polymer (GAP) and TiO₂. It was engineered for the targeted reduction of nitroarenes to arylamines via selective hydrogenation in methanol at ambient temperature. The non-toxic and biocompatible properties of GAP enable it to act as a reducing and stabilizing agent during synthesis. The synthesized nanocatalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Morphological and structural analyses revealed that the fabricated catalyst consisted of minuscule Pt nanoparticles integrated within the GAP framework, accompanied by the corresponding TiO₂ nanoparticles. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was employed to ascertain the Pt content. The mild reaction conditions, decent yields, trouble-free workup, and facile separation of the catalyst make this method a clean and practical alternative to nitroreduction. Selective hydrogenation yielded an average arylamine production of 97.6% over five consecutive cycles, demonstrating the stability of the nanocatalyst without detectable leaching. Full article

Photoelectrochemical devices have garnered extensive research attention in the field of smart and multifunctional photoelectronics, owing to their lightweight nature, eco-friendliness, and cost-effective manufacturing processes. In this work, Bi₂S₃/Bi₂O₃/TiO₂ heterojunction film was successfully fabricated and functioned as the photoelectrode of photoelectrochemical devices. The designed Bi₂S₃/Bi₂O₃/TiO₂ photoelectrochemical photodetector possesses a broad light detection spectrum ranging from 400 to 900 nm and impressive self-powered characteristics. At 0 V bias, the device exhibits an on/off current ratio of approximately 1.3 × 10⁶. It achieves a commendable detectivity of 5.7 × 10¹³ Jones as subjected to a 0.8 V bias potential, outperforming both bare TiO₂ and Bi₂O₃/TiO₂ photoelectrochemical devices. Moreover, the Bi₂S₃/Bi₂O₃/TiO₂ photoelectrode film shows great promise in pollutant decomposition, achieving nearly 97.7% degradation efficiency within 60 min. The appropriate band energy alignment and the presence of an internal electric field at the interface of the Bi₂S₃/Bi₂O₃/TiO₂ film serve as a potent driving force for the separation and transport of photogenerated carriers. These findings suggest that the Bi₂S₃/Bi₂O₃/TiO₂ heterojunction film could be a viable candidate as a photoelectrode material for the development of high-performance photoelectrochemical optoelectronic devices. Full article

Ultra-fine-grained bainitic (UFGB) steels offer excellent mechanical properties, which can be further improved by applying diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings. However, poor adhesion between the coating and substrate remains a key limitation. Since the steel’s microstructure degrades at high temperatures, enhancing adhesion without heating the substrate is essential. This study investigates surface hardening combined with simultaneous nitrogen and hydrogen doping during the Radio Frequency Chemical Vapor Deposition (RFCVD) process to improve coating performance. Varying gas compositions were tested to assess their effects on coating properties. Nitrogen incorporation decreased hardness from 12 GPa to 9 GPa but improved adhesion, while hydrogen limited damage after coating failure. Optimizing the gas mixture led to enhanced adhesion and wear resistance. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses confirmed that the optimized coatings had the highest sp³ bond content and elevated nitrogen levels. While both hardness and adhesion contributed to wear resistance, no direct link to coating thickness was found. Overall, co-doping with nitrogen and hydrogen is an effective approach to improve adhesion and wear resistance without requiring high processing temperatures or complex equipment. Full article

The influence of the copper (Cu) content on the corrosion resistance of 3.5%Ni low-carbon weathering steel was investigated using periodic dry–wet cycle accelerated corrosion tests. The mechanical properties of the steels were assessed via tensile and low-temperature impact tests, while corrosion resistance was evaluated based on weight loss measurements. Surface oxide layers were characterized using three-dimensional laser confocal microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical methods. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) was employed to examine the cross-sectional morphology of the oxide layer after 72 h of accelerated corrosion tests. The results indicate that the solution state of Cu increased the strength of 3.5%Ni steels but significantly damaged the low-temperature toughness. As the Cu content increased from 0.75% to 1.25%, the corrosion rate decreased from 4.65 to 3.74 g/m² h. However, when there was a further increase in the Cu content to 2.15%, there was little decrease in the corrosion rate. With the increase in the Cu content from 0.75% to 2.15%, the surface roughness of 3.5%Ni weathering steel after corrosion decreased from 5.543 to 5.019 μm, and the corrosion behavior was more uniform. Additionally, the α/γ protective factor of the oxide layer of the surface layer increased from 2.58 to 2.84 with an increase in the Cu content from 0.75% to 1.25%, resulting in the oxide layer of the surface layer being more protective. For 1.25%Cu steel, the corrosion current density of rusted samples is lower (ranging from 1.2609 × 10⁻⁴ A/cm² to 3.7376 × 10⁻⁴ A/cm²), and the corrosion potential is higher (ranging from −0.85544 V to −0.40243 V). Therefore, the rusted samples are more corrosion resistant. The Cu in the oxide layer of the surface layer forms CuO and CuFeO₂, which are helpful for increasing corrosion resistance, which inhibits the penetration of Cl⁻. Full article

Co_0.95R_0.05Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles with R = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, and Eu were synthesized via an environmentally friendly sol–gel method. The prepared samples were studied using X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS), and magnetic measurements. All compounds were found to be single phases adopting a cubic Fd-3m structure. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of Co, Fe, R, and oxygen in all cases. The XPS measurements reveal that the Co 2p core-level spectra are characteristic for Co³⁺ ions, as indicated by the 2p_3/2 and 2p_1/2 binding energies and spin–orbit splitting values. The analysis of the Fe 2p core-level spectra reveals the presence of both Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions in the investigated samples. The doped samples exhibit lower saturation magnetizations than the pristine sample. Very good agreement with the saturation magnetization values was obtained if we assumed that the light rare-earth ions occupy octahedral sites and their magnetic moments align parallel to those of the 3d transition metal ions. The ZFC-FC curves indicate that some nanoparticles remain superparamagnetic, while others exhibit ferrimagnetic ordering at room temperature, suggesting the presence of interparticle interactions. The M_r/M_s ratio at room temperature reflects the dominance of magnetostatic interactions. Full article