Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xingqiu Li, Nini Ye, Han Liu, Chongzhao Li, Yuanpeng Huang, Xuelong Zhu, Hailong Feng, Jinghang Lin, Li Huang, Jingjie Wu, Yang Liu, Chenglu Liang, Xiangfang Peng
Summary: By modifying the surface electronic states of CuS catalysts through iron doping, the catalytic activity of CuFe0.6S1.6 catalysts for overall water electrolysis in alkaline electrolytes was enhanced, with improved charge transfer efficiency. The catalyst showed satisfactory stability at high current densities, demonstrating great potential for industrial applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yichun Wang, Dongliang Chao, Zhenzhu Wang, Jiangfeng Ni, Liang Li
Summary: In this study, a high-energy aqueous copper ion system based on CuS nanosheet arrays was developed, showing high capacity, robust rate capability, and ultra-stable cycling. The charge-storage mechanism involving the reversible transition from CuS to Cu2S was systematically investigated. Additionally, a hybrid ion battery consisting of CuS positive electrode and Zn negative electrode was demonstrated, providing high energy and power performance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanmin Sun, Rui Tan, Zhouzheng Jin, Yiming Zhang, Xiaoyun Li, Qi Cai, Jun Nan, Dan Liu, Haibin Yu, Jianzhou Gui
Summary: Yolk-shell structures are widely used in catalysis and energy storage. In this study, Mn2+ doped hierarchical CuS yolk-shell microspheres were synthesized and the influence of reaction time on their structure and morphology was investigated. A rational phenomenological approach was proposed to describe the formation mechanism of the yolk-shell structures, and it was found that Mn2+ doping improved the photoreduction performance.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Tahir Iqbal, Maria Ashraf, Arslan Masood
Summary: This research work reports the synthesis and characterization of pure WO3 and its co-doping with AC and CuS for photocatalytic degradation of Aspirin. The results showed that the co-doped sample with 15% CuS exhibited the highest degradation efficiency and proved to be photo-stable and environmentally friendly.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jun-Hyeok Lee, Taeyeon Kim, Eung-Ryong Kim, Eun-Bum Cho, Sang-Chul Jung
Summary: Microwave-assisted Cu2O/Cu/TiO2 and CuxS/TiO2 composite nanoparticles were successfully prepared using different experimental procedures and additives. The morphology and crystal structure of the particles were confirmed with TEM images and XRD patterns, while UV-visible spectra showed the absorbance of copper species in the composite particles.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shima Shahi, Samira Saeednia, Parvaneh Iranmanesh, Mehdi Hatefi Ardakani
Summary: In this study, copper sulfide and zinc sulfide nanostructures were synthesized using a solvo/hydrothermal method and a thio Schiff base ligand. The effects of different synthesis parameters on the morphology of the products were investigated, and the structural aspects and optical properties of the samples were characterized using various analytical techniques. The photocatalytic ability of the synthesized sulfides was explored by studying the color removal of methylene blue under ultraviolet light irradiation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Congmei Yue, Hougui Li, Hongwei Shi, Aifeng Liu, Zengcai Guo, Jingbo Mu, Xiaoliang Zhang, Xiaoyan Liu, Hongwei Che
Summary: Decorating CuS with Ag nanoparticles can enhance its electrical conductivity, promote electrochemical reaction kinetics, and improve the performance of the capacitor. The CuS@Ag electrode shows excellent performance at high current densities and good cycling stability.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sihui Huang, Chuanxiang Qin, Linyan Niu, JianJun Wang, Jun Sun, Lixing Dai
Summary: TiO2/CuS nanocomposites with cauliflower-like protrusions were prepared using a one-step hydrothermal method with the assistance of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA). The nanocomposites showed higher photocatalytic performance compared to TiO2 and CuS controls due to their distinctive morphology and promotion of the heterojunction between TiO2 and CuS.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
K. Vinotha, B. Jayasutha, M. John Abel, K. Vinoth
Summary: Semiconducting Indium-doped copper sulfide thin films were deposited on glass substrate by a simple and economical chemical bath deposition technique. The electrical, structural, optical, and morphological characterization of the films were studied, and their photocatalytic properties were evaluated. The results showed that the In doping affected the structural and optical properties of the CuS thin films, leading to a red-shift in the band edge and decreased bandgap energy, while also enhancing the photocatalytic degradation efficiency.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gabriele Sarapajevaite, Kestutis Baltakys, Micaela Degli Esposti, Davide Morselli, Paola Fabbri
Summary: This study focuses on preparing a sustainable organic/inorganic composite material that can degrade organic pollutants in wastewater using visible light. The composites, made of PHBV and CuS, show remarkable photo-degradation capabilities for tetracycline and methylene blue, and can be reused multiple times with minimal loss in efficiency. This approach is not only sustainable and cost-effective, but also solves issues occurring in current photodegradation techniques.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaohui Ji, Xiaohua Guo, Xuegang Luo, Jianqi Ma
Summary: Monodispersed anatase TiO2 microspheres were prepared by modifying the sol-gel method. In2S3 nanoparticles (NPs) were loaded onto the TiO2 to form non-core-shell TiO2/In2S3 and core-shell TiO2@In2S3 composites. The photocatalytic activity of these composites for HCOONH4-mediated photoreduction of Cr(VI) was studied. Results showed that TiO2@In2S3 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than TiO2/In2S3 due to more efficient interfacial electron transfer between In2S3 and TiO2.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Reem A. El-Gendy, Haitham M. El-Bery, Mostafa Farrag, Dina M. Fouad
Summary: In this study, TiO2 nanostructures were modified with two different metal chalcogenides (CuS or MoS2). The effect of preparation scheme and mass ratio of metal chalcogenides was investigated. The photocatalyst nanocomposites were fully characterized and their photoelectrochemical properties were analyzed. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated using two test reactions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Julia M. Mazurkow, Anna Kusior, Andrzej Mikula, Marta Radecka
Summary: Transition metal sulfides have been widely studied as electrocatalysts for electrochemical sensors and water electrolysis. This study presents a facile and rapid chemical conversion route for synthesizing partially and fully converted Ag2S from tube-like CuS. The morphology, phase, elemental composition, and surface composition were characterized by various techniques. The study also investigated the electrochemical behavior of the materials, particularly on Ag2S-modified electrodes in alkaline and neutral media. The results provided insights into the formation, reduction, and recovery processes of Ag2S on the electrodes.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yanyan Cui, Chengcheng Lin, Mengke Li, Nali Zhu, Jiajia Meng, Jiating Zhao
Summary: A copper-based heterojunction photocatalyst was developed through the hydrothermal method, showing enhanced photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of organic dyes. Different ratios of copper-based nanostructures in the composite exhibited better performance, with the 1:1 ratio (CuWS) showing the best photocatalytic efficacy and great potential for environmental governance applications.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Haihong Pu, Pengxin He, Dong Yang, Yunzhi Dang, Jianhua Ma
Summary: Due to the increasing demand for fabrics' comfort, naturalness, and warmth, various functional fibers have emerged. In this study, a cellulose/polydopamine-coated copper sulfide (C/CuS@PDA) composite fiber with photo-thermal property was prepared. The C/CuS@PDA composite fiber showed improved performance compared to cellulose fiber, with a tensile strength 26.2% higher. Furthermore, the addition of CuS@PDA enabled significant photothermal properties, raising the fiber temperature from room temperature to 61.4 degrees C at 120 s irradiation.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weifan Wang, Fiona Hanindita, Richard D. Webster, Shingo Ito
Summary: Buckybowl molecules, with their unique structure and chemical properties, have garnered significant attention across scientific disciplines. The fusion of buckybowl molecules offers a new strategy to expand the pi-surface of polycyclic aromatic compounds, although fusion of heteroatom-embedded buckybowls remains uncommon.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arvin Liangdy, Wen Jie Lee, Panyawut Tonanon, Richard David Webster, Shane Allen Snyder, Teik-Thye Lim
Summary: A catalytic ceramic membrane (CCM) impregnated with Co-Mn-oxide via citrate sol-gel method was used to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and degrade sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The Co-Mn bimetallic oxides exhibited higher catalytic activity compared to their single oxides due to the synergistic effect between the two cations. Optimal performance of the CCM/PMS process was achieved by controlling catalyst loading, oxidant dosage, and pollutant concentration.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gabor Bati, Daniel Csokas, Gavril-Ionel Giurgi, Jingsong Zhou, Lorant A. A. Szolga, Richard D. D. Webster, Mihaiela C. C. Stuparu
Summary: Herein we demonstrate that combining buckybowl corannulene with thiophene-S,S-dioxide motifs is an effective method for synthesizing molecular materials with high electron affinity. The synthesis process is modular and involves thienannulation of corannulene-based phenylacetylene scaffolds. The resulting compounds are highly soluble in organic solvents and exhibit interesting optical properties in the blue/green regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Importantly, a bis-S,S-dioxide derivative shows three reversible reductions similar to the widely used fullerene-based electron acceptor PC61BM.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yihao Jiang, Zekun Tong, Xiaoning Li, Jincheng Liu, Jiaxing Wang, Ruomeng Duan, Chen Li, Shaoqiang Dong
Summary: Organic tetraazacoronene and diazaolympicene dyes TAC-dodp, DAO-dp, and DAO-do were synthesized. X-ray crystallographic analysis showed that TAC-dodp lacked pi-pi interactions, while unsymmetric DAO-dp and DAO-do formed pi-pi dimers due to their significant intramolecular dipole moments. Electrochemical experiments revealed that diazaolympicene compounds had lower LUMO energy levels compared to tetraazacoronene compounds. In solution, TAC-dodp exhibited a pink color and red-shifted absorption spectra compared to DAO-dp and DAO-do, which had a light yellow color.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reshmi Das, Xianfeng Wang, Bahareh Khezri, Richard D. Webster, Masatuki Itoh, Satomi Shiodera, Ahmad Taufiq Bin Mohamed Mohtar, Mikinori Kuwata
Summary: Southeast Asia experiences recurring wildfires, which release aerosol particles containing metal species that have significant environmental and climate influences. However, the mechanisms for emission of these elements from the wildfires in the region are still unclear. By analyzing samples collected during the wildfire haze period in Singapore in June 2013, we found that the suspension of crustal material is the dominant source of suspended particulate matter. We suggest including the suspension of crustal soil material in future wildfire emission inventories.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Panyawut Tonanon, Richard D. Webster
Summary: Boron-doped diamond and titanium suboxides are proposed as electrode materials for anodes in future electrochemical devices for water purification and disinfection. Electrochemical purification strategies without added chemicals are compared to those with added chemicals, specifically focusing on Magneli electrode-based disinfection and iodine-based disinfection systems. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages. The review concludes with an outlook on these emerging processes.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Liang Zhang, Xiuping Wang, Yun Chen, Baorui Zhang, Hui Xu, Chenchen Li, Yan Zhou
Summary: In this study, the production of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) from mixed sludge without additional electron donors (EDs) was investigated. The anaerobic fermentation of mixed sludge without thermal hydrolysis process (THP) pretreatment generated 0.5 g COD/L of MCFAs with the in situ generated ethanol serving as the EDs. The addition of ethanol improved MCFA yield and caproiciproducens was the dominant chain-elongating bacteria.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun Fan, An-Ping Koh, Jingsong Zhou, Zheng-Feng Zhang, Chi-Shiun Wu, Richard D. Webster, Ming-Der Su, Cheuk-Wai So
Summary: The coordination of 1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene (IMe) with diatomic B-2 species results in the formation of a tetrakis-(N-heterocyclic carbene)-diboron(0) compound. It possesses an unprecedented electronic structure and exhibits double single-electron-transfer reactivity in small-molecule activation. This compound also undergoes a transition-metal-free SET reduction of CO2 without the need for UV/vis light conditions.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pengfei Zhang, Yan Zhou, Xinlei Pan, Junguo He, Xiang Zou, Yijie Zhong, Jie Zhang, Qiupeng Cai
Summary: In this study, the combination of lysozyme and sodium citrate pretreatment was used to stabilize aluminum and enhance the production of VFAs in anaerobic fermentation of aluminum-rich waste activated sludge (WAS). The results showed that citrate efficiently complexed and stabilized aluminum, alleviating its inhibition on lysozymes and other extracellular hydro lases. The lysozyme, protease, and alpha-glucosidase activities increased by 1.86, 1.72, and 1.15 times, respectively, after the pretreatment. The total VFAs produced from the Al-rich WAS after six-day anaerobic fermentation following the lysozyme and sodium citrate pretreatment were 7.3 times higher than the control group. This study presents a novel approach to enhance VFA production in anaerobic fermentation and mitigate the risk of aluminum pollution from aluminum-rich WAS.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hui Xu, Liang Zhang, Chunhong Yao, Bo Yang, Yan Zhou
Summary: This study developed a core-shell structured Fe@C composite to demonstrate its long-term feasibility for enhancing azo dye biodegradation, compared to a mixture of NZVI and carbon powder (Fe+C). The results showed that Fe@C had better performance, durability, and stability than Fe+C, possibly due to the carbon layer's ability to form a stable buffer to regulate NZVI dissolution. The microbial community analysis revealed that Fe@C promoted the growth of azo dye degraders, and metatranscriptomic analysis further revealed the substantial stimulation of genes involved in the extracellular degradation of azo dye by Fe@C. This study provides novel insights into the bioaugmentation of Fe@C for refractory wastewater treatment.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qi Li, Yifeng Xu, Chuanzhou Liang, Lai Peng, Yan Zhou
Summary: This study investigated the nitrogen transformation pathways and nitrous oxide (N2O) reduction potential of an algal-bacterial consortium in different types of reactors. The results showed that the algal-bacterial consortium had superior efficiency in removing ammonium, achieving a removal rate of 7.34 mg N g MLSS-1 h-1 in the open reactor with glucose. The consortium achieved enhanced total nitrogen removal through mixotrophic algal assimilation and bacterial denitrification. Additionally, the consortium significantly reduced N2O production through autotrophic and mixotrophic pathways, thanks to the synergistic effects between algae and bacteria.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jovana Stanojkovic, Ronny William, Zhongbo Zhang, Israel Fernandez, Jingsong Zhou, Richard D. Webster, Mihaiela C. Stuparu
Summary: The authors demonstrate that mechanochemical Scholl reaction provides a direct route to chlorinated curved nanographenes from graphitization precursors. The chlorination is regioselective, high-yielding, and general. The resulting nanographenes can be chemically modified with precision through Suzuki or nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions, leading to modulation of material properties via edge modification.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rui Wang, Zijing An, Lu Fan, Yan Zhou, Xiaomei Su, Junjie Zhu, Qian Zhang, Chongjun Chen, Hongjun Lin, Faqian Sun
Summary: Quorum quenching (QQ) is a novel technique for controlling biofouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) by disrupting quorum sensing (QS) and inhibiting biofilm formation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the QQ strain Brucella sp. ZJ1, encapsulated in alginate beads, in mitigating biofouling. The results showed that MBR with QQ beads extended operation time by 2-3 times without affecting pollutant degradation, and these beads maintained approximately 50% QQ activity even after 50 days of operation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wangwang Yan, Mengsha Song, Yan Zhou
Summary: This study developed a hierarchical scheme to identify the key factors contributing to the elevation of free PFOA during the thermal hydrolysis pretreatment (THP) process. The relative abundance of PFOA in the liquid phase increased during THP, while changes in pH, zeta potential, ionic condition, and specific surface area had negligible impact on PFOA redistribution. The study provides valuable insights into how sludge transformations regulate the distribution of PFCs and guide the selection of treatment processes.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Richard D. Webster
Summary: This review summarizes recent reports on the use of electrochemistry combined with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate various oxidation reactions in water purification, as well as electrocatalytic reactions in energy storage systems. The studies include the use of persulphates, metal-based co-catalysts, biochar systems, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy in redox flow batteries, organic radical batteries, lithium-based batteries, sodium-sulphur batteries, and supercapacitors.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
