Search Results (7,017)

This study reports the synthesis of an activated nanoporous carbon material from Phyllanthus emblica (Amala)—a biomass material which is an eco-friendly, economical, and sustainable precursor used to prepare activated carbon using zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) activation at various temperatures (500–700 °C) under a nitrogen gas atmosphere. A sample that was carbonized at 700 °C (AmC_Z700) attained a high specific surface area of 1436 m² g⁻¹ and a total pore volume of 0.962 cm³ g⁻¹, and, when used in an electrode, showed excellent supercapacitance performance, attaining a high specific capacitance of 263 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹, followed by 55% capacitance retention at 50 A g⁻¹. Additionally, the assembled symmetric supercapacitor cell, when operated at 1.2 V, delivered an energy density of 8.9 Wh kg⁻¹ at a power density of 300 W kg⁻¹ and exhibited an excellent cycle life of 95% after 10,000 successive charge/discharge cycles, demonstrating the substantial potential of Phyllanthus emblica seed-derived carbon materials for the creation of high-performance supercapacitors. Full article

Herein, we present the synthesis of N-(3-methoxyphenethyl)-2-propylpentanamide, a derivative of valproic acid. The compound has been thoroughly characterized through melting-point determination, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The comprehensive analytical data obtained from these techniques confirm the successful preparation and structural integrity of the newly synthesized molecule. Full article

FeCoNiCu(Cr, Mn, La, Ce)-Al high-entropy alloys (HEAs) were prepared via a combined centrifugal casting–self-propagating high-temperature synthesis process to serve as multifunctional catalyst precursors. The findings indicated that even with aluminum content reaching 50 wt %, the typical bcc structure inherent to HEAs was preserved. Doping additions (Cr, Mn, La, and Ce) led to pronounced microstructural changes, including alterations in morphology, porosity, and elemental distribution, while the primary phase constituents of the FeCoNiCuAl-based alloys remained consistent. It was found that La and Ce exhibited poor bulk incorporation into the HEAs, evidenced by a low surface content. Aluminum leaching and hydrogen peroxide stabilization converted these precursors into catalysts. These catalysts demonstrated high activity in the deep oxidation of propane and CO. The FeCoNiCu catalyst achieved the best results for CO oxidation, reaching 100% CO conversion at 250 °C. For propane oxidation, the FeCoNiCuCrMn catalyst was the most active, yielding 100% CO conversion at 300 °C and 97% propane conversion at 400 °C. Full article

Engineering education must prepare graduates to transform technological knowledge into sustainable innovation. Technopreneurship represents a combination of technology and entrepreneurship that focuses on creating and growing businesses based on technological innovation. It involves identifying opportunities from technological advances, developing innovative tech-based products or services, and establishing viable business models to commercialize them. However, technopreneurship education in engineering programs often remains fragmented and poorly connected to real innovation ecosystems. This review synthesizes recent research on four pedagogical approaches that can strengthen sustainable technopreneurial competencies: Project-Based Learning, Technology-Enhanced Learning, Jigsaw collaborative learning, and international or interdisciplinary teamwork. A structured narrative synthesis examined how each approach supports four core competency domains: innovation and creativity, sustainability and impact orientation, entrepreneurial and strategic skills, and collaboration and global awareness. Findings indicate that while each pedagogy develops valuable capabilities, none alone provides comprehensive preparation for sustainable venture creation. Persistent gaps include limited integration of sustainability, weak pedagogical synergy, and insufficient ecosystem alignment. The paper therefore establishes the conceptual foundation for a future integrated approach, the Innovation and Technopreneurship Education Model, which will be developed and evaluated in subsequent research stages. Full article

A sustainable pathway for converting low-value solid waste (Coal gangue, CG) into high-performance thermal insulation materials through a green synthesis strategy has been demonstrated. The SiO₂ was successfully and efficiently extracted from CG in the form of sodium silicate. The subsequent sol–gel process of sodium silicate solution utilized an innovative CO₂ carbonation method, which replaced the conventional use of strong acids, thereby reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing process safety. Hydrophobic SiO₂ aerogel was subsequently prepared via ambient pressure drying, exhibiting a high specific surface area of 750.4 m²/g, a narrow pore size distribution ranging from 2 to 15 nm and a low thermal conductivity of 0.022 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹. Furthermore, the powdered aerogel was shaped into a monolithic form using a simple molding technique, which conferred appreciable compressibility and resilience, maintaining the low thermal conductivity and hydrophobicity of the original aerogels, ensuring its functional integrity for practical applications. Practical thermal management tests including low and high temperature, conclusively demonstrated the superior performance of the prepared aerogel material. This work presents a viable and efficient waste-to-resource pathway for producing high-performance thermal insulation materials. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by Fusarium oxysporum play an important role in the process of its infestation of the host, but the in vitro research system for EVs of F. oxysporum (Fo-EVs) has not yet been improved, and the mechanism of its action remains unclear. In this study, particle size distribution, particle concentration, number of particles per unit of protein, number of particles per unit of mycelial biomass, and concentration of contaminated proteins were used as indicators to evaluate the yield and purity of Fo-EVs. The optimal method for Fo-EV preparation and extraction was screened by comparing liquid culture, solid culture, and solid culture with enzymatic cell wall hydrolysis. The optimal system for Fo-EVs separation and purification was screened by a pairwise combination of three primary methods (Ultracentrifugation (UC), Ultrafiltration (UF), and Polyethylene glycol precipitation method (PEG)) and two secondary methods (Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and Aqueous two-phase system (ATPS)), respectively. The protein composition was identified via mass spectrometry technology, followed by GO annotation and GO enrichment analysis using whole-genome proteins as the background. Based on these steps, a Fo-EV protein library was constructed to reveal Fo-EV’s most active biological functions. The results showed that solid culture combined with the UC-SEC method could effectively enrich Fo-EVs with a typical cup-shaped membrane structure. The obtained Fo-EVs had an average particle size of 253.50 nm, a main peak value of 200.60 nm, a particle concentration of 2.04 × 10¹⁰ particles/mL, and a particle number per unit protein of 1.09 × 10⁸ particles/μg, which were significantly superior to those of other combined methods. Through proteomic analysis, 1931 proteins enriched in Fo-EVs were identified, among which 350 contained signal peptides and 375 had transmembrane domains. GO enrichment analysis revealed that these proteins were mainly involved in cell wall synthesis, vesicle transport, and pathogenicity-related metabolic pathways. Additionally, 9 potential fungal EV markers, including Hsp70, Rho GTPase family, and SNARE proteins, were screened. This study constructed an isolation system and a marker database for Fo-EVs, providing a methodological and theoretical basis for in-depth analysis of the biological functions of Fo-EVs. Full article

This paper demonstrates the successful synthesis of novel hybrid heterogeneous catalysts for the sustainable conversion of CO₂ into cyclic organic carbonates (COCs). The nanocat-alysts have been fabricated by encapsulating pre-formed ultra-small gold nanostructures into a nascent zinc-coordination polymer (ZnCP) framework formed from two organic building blocks, 2,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (1,4-NDC) and 5-amino-1H-tetrazole (5-Atz), which serves as a nitrogen-rich ligand. Applying the fabricated catalysts in the synthesis of COCs yields high yields (up to 97%) and high selectivity (up to 100%), with exceptionally high turnover frequencies (TOFs) (up to 408 h⁻¹). The catalytic process can be carried out under mild conditions (80 °C, 1.5 MPa CO₂) and without the use of solvents. Nitrogen-rich ligand molecules in the structure of ZnCPs enhance catalytic performance thanks to additional nucleophilic centres, which are effective in the epoxides’ ring-opening process. The hybrid catalysts with encapsulated gold nanostructures, which modify the liquid–gas interface between epoxide and CO₂, give significantly higher yields and TOFs for less active epoxides. The designed hybrid nanocatalysts exhibit superior stability under the studied reaction conditions and can be reused without loss of activity. The developed coordination polymers are constructed from green components, and green chemistry principles are applied to prepare these catalytic materials. Full article

Four new methionine sulfoxide-containing diketopiperazines, (+)-dysidmetsulfoxide A [(+)-1], (+)-dysidmetsulfoxide B [(+)-2], (+)-dysidmetsulfoxide C [(+)-3] and (−)-dysidmetsulfoxide C [(−)-3], were isolated from the South China Sea sponge Dysidea sp. These compounds represented the first example of diketopiperazines possessing the unit of methionine sulfoxide (MetO) isolated from marine sponges. As it was difficult to determine the configuration of chiral sulfur atom in the thionyl group, the structures with absolute configurations of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and total synthesis. It was noteworthy that the purchased synthetic precursors, Fmoc-L- and Fmoc-D-MetO, were mixtures of epimers, respectively, due to the stereogenic sulfur atom in MetO, which were separated to prepare the optically pure isomers via the method of supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). In addition, the other four optical isomers [(−)-1, (−)-2, (+)-4 and (−)-4] were also synthesized. Furthermore, (+)-1, (−)-1, (+)-3, (+)-4 and (−)-4 showed potential anti-Parkinson’s disease activities in an in vivo zebrafish model. Full article

The optimization of BiVO₄-based structures significantly contributes to the development of a global system towards clean, renewable, and sustainable energies. Enhanced photocatalytic performance has been reported for numerous doped BiVO₄ materials. Bi³⁺-based compounds can be easily doped with rare earth (RE³⁺) ions due to their equal valence and similar ionic radius. This means that RE³⁺ ions could be regarded as active co-catalysts and dopants to enhance the photocatalytic activity of BiVO₄. In this study, a simple microwave-assisted approach was used for preparing nanostructured Bi_1−xEu_xVO₄ (x = 0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.09, and 0.12) samples. Microwave heating at 170 °C yields a bright yellow powder after 10 min of radiation. The materials are characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis-NIR DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and micro-Raman techniques. The effects of the different Eu³⁺ ion concentrations incorporated into the BiVO₄ matrix on the formation of the monoclinic scheelite (ms-) or tetragonal zircon-type (tz-) BiVO₄ structure, on the photoluminescent intensity, on the decay dynamics of europium emission, and on photocatalytic efficiency in the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) were studied in detail. Additionally, microwave chemistry proved to be beneficial in the synthesis of the tz-BiVO₄ nanostructure and Eu³⁺ ion doping, leading to an enhanced luminescent and photocatalytic performance. Full article

This work overviews recent (last 3–4 years) advances in sensing based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of plasmonic metal nanoparticles (PMNPs). Starting with a brief background, recent reviews in the field and relevant related areas are summarized. Next, recent progress in PMNP synthesis and post-synthetic transformations is discussed in the context of PMNP sensing performance. Subsequently, preparation of sensing substrates based on PMNPs is examined. Recent developments in colorimetric and LSPR sensing constitute the core of the review material with the focus on implementation of PMNPs and their sensing modalities. Advances in other sensing methods with direct relevance to PMNP implementations are also highlighted in the context. Perspectives on directions of further advances in LSPR sensing with PMNPs and overcoming existing limitations conclude this review. Full article

At present, various carbon materials are available as supports for metal-containing catalytic species. Carbon-based materials find application in many industrial heterogeneous catalytic processes, such as selective hydrogenation, oxidation, cross-coupling, etc. The simplicity of preparation, low cost, high stability, and the possibility of tuning surface composition and porosity cause the widespread use of metal catalysts supported on carbon materials. The surface chemistry of carbon supports plays a crucial role in catalysis, since it allows for control over the sizes of metal particles and their electronic properties. Moreover, metal-free functionalized carbonaceous materials themselves can act as catalysts. In this review, we discuss the recent progress in the field of the application of carbon supports in catalysis by metals, with a focus on the role of carbon surface functionalities and metal-support interactions in catalytic processes used in fine organic synthesis. Among carbon materials, functionalized/doped (O, N, S, P, B) activated carbons, graphenes, carbon nanotubes, graphitic carbon nitride, and carbonizates of polymers are considered supports for mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles. Full article

The market for bioactive compounds of natural origin has expanded greatly over the past few years. These compounds can be found as individual supplements or food additives. Due to the importance of this market, incorrect data on their composition can often be found. Therefore, monitoring their concentration is of great importance. Although there are various methods for their selective and sensitive determination, electrochemical sensors represent an important tool in this field. With the development of nanotechnology, additional importance has been given to these sensors. Strictly controlled synthesis procedures can yield nanomaterials with unique morphological properties and significantly improved electrocatalytic capabilities. The integration of two or more nanomaterials in the form of a nanocomposite and/or nanohybrids allows for the synergistic effect of each of the components. Thus, excellent final characteristics are obtained in the field of electrochemical sensors, such as improved sensor stability, selectivity, and lower detection limits. In recent years, various forms of carbon nanomaterials, polymer films, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (or simply metal/metal oxide nanoparticles), MOFs, porous nanomaterials, MXenes, and others with clearly defined characteristics represent an important step forward in this field. Carefully prepared, these materials achieve strong interactions with selected analytes, which results in significant progress in analytical methods for monitoring biologically active compounds. Therefore, this review summarizes the latest trends in this field, focusing on the method of material preparation, final morphology and electrocatalytic properties, selectivity, and sensitivity. Conclusions and expected future directions in this field are also given in order to improve current analytical performance. Full article

We report the first synthesis of 3,5-diamino-substituted dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophene derivatives, bearing alkoxycarbonyl or acetyl groups at C-2 and C-6 positions. The target compounds were prepared via the reaction of 3,4-dibromothiophene-2,5-dicarbonitrile with alkyl thioglycolates or mercaptoacetone in the presence of DBU and isolated in 67–87% yield. The key dinitrile was synthesized in 76% yield from 3,4-dibromothiophene-2,5-dicarbaldehyde. In turn, this dialdehyde was prepared on a multigram scale from commercially available 2,5-dimethylthiophene in three steps. The resulting dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophenes serve as valuable building blocks for materials chemistry, offering multiple reactive sites for further structural elaboration and property tuning. Full article

Objective: To explore the association between uric acid and the prevalence of hyperlipidemia via the NHANES database, a combined hyperuricemia–hyperlipidemia (HUA-HLP) quail model was subsequently established to investigate the pathological characteristics of the model. Methods: In the NHANES database, information on patients with hyperuricemia is collected, and the association between serum uric acid levels and the prevalence of hyperlipidemia is analyzed by adjusting for confounding variables. A high-purine and high-fat diet was prepared with a ratio of regular feed–yeast extract powder–lard = 15:2:3. By measuring uric acid and blood lipid levels, and observing the activities of uric acid-producing enzymes and enzymes related to lipid metabolism synthesis and decomposition, the metabolic disorder and pathological characteristics of the model were evaluated. Results: By adjusting for confounding variables, it is found that as serum uric acid levels increase, the prevalence of hyperlipidemia rises significantly. The high-purine and high-fat diet successfully induced a quail model of hyperuricemia combined with hyperlipidemia. During the first week, serum uric acid, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly elevated and remained high until the end of the experiment. Serum free fatty acid levels were significantly increased from the second week and remained at a high level. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly reduced from the third week and remained stable thereafter. In addition, the enzymes involved in uric acid synthesis as well as those related to lipid metabolism (including synthesis and decomposition) also exhibited significant abnormalities. Conclusions: In the human body, uric acid and lipid metabolism interact with each other and exacerbate one another’s abnormalities. A high-purine and high-fat diet can induce a quail model of hyperuricemia combined with hyperlipidemia. Uric acid and lipid metabolism are simultaneously disturbed, and the activities of uric acid-producing enzymes as well as enzymes related to lipid metabolism synthesis and decomposition are also altered. Full article

The multicomponent synthesis of a novel and highly symmetric polyheterocycle based on the pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-one core incorporating the privileged tetrahydroisoquinoline moiety is described. The target compound was synthesized as an inseparable mixture of stereoisomers through a pseudo-repetitive Ugi–Zhu five-component reaction (PR-UZ-5CR) coupled to a double post-transformation sequence involving an intermolecular aza Diels–Alder cycloaddition, an intramolecular N-acylation, and a final tandem aromatization step. The product was prepared in 63% overall yield, and with an excellent atom economy of 85%, within a total reaction time of 85 min, and a temperature range from 25 to 65 °C. Structural elucidation and molecular mass confirmation were successfully achieved through NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), respectively. Full article