Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tingting Lu, Wenfu Yan, Guodong Feng, Xiaolin Luo, Yueqiao Hu, Jiale Guo, Zhan Yu, Zhen Zhao, Shujiang Ding
Summary: In this study, an acid-free green synthesis strategy was proposed for the one-pot synthesis of highly ordered mesoporous materials via the radical route with singlet oxygen promotion. The synthesis approach overcomes the challenge in the direct one-pot acid-free synthesis of highly ordered materials and provides a facile and environmentally friendly route for the future large-scale production of ordered mesoporous materials.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guo-Feng Luo, Wei-Hai Chen, Xuan Zeng, Xian-Zheng Zhang
Summary: Cell primitive-based functional materials combining natural substances and nanotechnology have emerged as attractive therapeutic agents for cancer therapy. The review summarizes the recent advances in the development of these materials for precise cancer therapy, including different types of cell primitives and strategies for combining them with synthetic materials. Future challenges and perspectives in this field are also discussed.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chang Soo Lee, Hoseok Jang, Jeonghwan Kim, Jong Hak Kim
Summary: In this study, a comb copolymer was synthesized and used as a template to fabricate hierarchically porous TiO2 nanoisland membranes with superior interconnectivity and high water permeability. The resulting membranes exhibited excellent photocatalytic ability and significantly reduced organic fouling. The self-assembled microphase-separated structure and high molecular weight of the comb copolymer contributed to the improved performance compared to traditional Pluronic block copolymers.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anna Puiggali-Jou, Brenda G. Molina, Maximilien Lopes-Rodrigues, Catherine Michaux, Eric A. Perpete, David Zanuy, Carlos Aleman
Summary: The hybrid free-standing biomimetic materials integrate VDAC36 beta-barrel protein into polymer nanomembranes, reducing material resistance significantly. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies show that the hybrid films can act as electrochemical supercapacitors and selectively respond to molecular ions based on their charge.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Rui Yang, Pei Dai, Shu Zhang, Ri-Wei Xu, Song Hong, Wen-Feng Lin, Yi-Xian Wu
Summary: The study focuses on preparing a cross-linked imidazolium functionalized anion-exchange membrane with high ionic conductivity and chemical stability, making it a potential material for fuel cell applications.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Liang Peng, Huarong Peng, Wei Li, Dongyuan Zhao
Summary: Functional mesoporous carbonaceous nanomaterials with large pores have wide accessibility and can transport chemicals efficiently in various fields including biomedical applications, gas separation, catalysis, sensing, and energy storage and conversion. The assembly of monomicelles, composed of block copolymers/surfactants and precursor species, has been used to control the nanostructure and mesoporosity of carbonaceous nanomaterials. This method allows for a high degree of control over the final product's structure, making it possible to shape the nanomaterial into unique nanostructures that are otherwise difficult to synthesize using conventional templating methods.
Article
Polymer Science
Anna P. Constantinou, Nikitas Provatakis, Qian Li, Theoni K. Georgiou
Summary: The addition of OEGMA300(x) homopolymers of varying molar mass does not disrupt the gelation characteristics of the best performing ABC triblock terpolymer, and stronger gels are formed when higher molar mass OEGMA300(x) homopolymers are added.
Article
Polymer Science
Shaoshan Chen, Yu Li, Yong Wang, Zeyu Li, Cong Peng, Yiyu Feng, Wei Feng
Summary: Solid polymer electrolytes with improved energy densities and operational safety have replaced liquid electrolytes in next-generation Li metal batteries. The introduced single-ion SPE showed enhanced ionic conductivity and mechanical strength, making it a potential candidate for safe LMB applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhongyang Wang, Shrihari Sankarasubramanian, Jason Willey, Hongbo Feng, Hui Xu, Vijay Ramani
Summary: The study focuses on chemically stable triblock copolymer anion exchange membranes, where the introduction of a hydrophobic reinforcement matrix increases the tensile strength of the separator and decreases the ionic domain sizes. These reinforced membranes show promising application prospects in redox flow batteries.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2021)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Ziqiang Wang, Jun Zhang, Xiaofeng Yang
Summary: In this paper, a hydrodynamically coupled phase-field model for triblock copolymer melts is formulated, and a time-marching scheme for it is developed based on the combination of the projection method and the IEQ method. A new nonlocal variable and its time evolution equation are introduced to simplify the implementation, resulting in a fully decoupled scheme. The scheme only needs to solve several completely independent elliptic equations with constant coefficients at each time step, while maintaining strict unconditional energy stability. Numerical simulations of triblock polymer materials under applied shear flow in 2D and 3D are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed numerical scheme.
COMPUTERS & MATHEMATICS WITH APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
George M. Neville, Kerrie A. Morrison, Ella R. Shilliday, James Doutch, Robert Dalgliesh, Gareth J. Price, Karen J. Edler
Summary: This study investigates the effect of end group variations on the solution behavior of SMA copolymers synthesized using RAFT polymerization. It is found that the hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of the end group influence the self-assembly and nanodisc formation of the copolymers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qun Yu, De-chang Li, Zhengbin Tian, Chongzhi Zhu, Chengli Jiao, Qian Zhang, Yanping Chen, Yihan Zhu, Heqing Jiang, Jian Liu, Guang-Hui Wang
Summary: In this study, a facile and scalable method for synthesizing single-hole hollow carbon nanospheres (HCH) using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-assisted emulsion templating is developed. The HCH exhibits higher adsorption capacities and faster adsorption rates, indicating the enhancement of liquid-phase adsorption induced by the single-hole hollow structure.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annie Frelet-Barrand
Summary: Membrane proteins play crucial roles in cellular processes, but expressing sufficient amounts of them remains a challenge. Lactococcus lactis has emerged as an alternative expression system for membrane proteins from both prokaryotic and eukaryotic origins.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yucheng Ding, Gongze Liu, Zhenghao Long, Yu Zhou, Xiao Qiu, Beitao Ren, Qianpeng Zhang, Cheng Chi, Zhu'an Wan, Baoling Huang, Zhiyong Fan
Summary: This article presents a biomimetic infrared imaging device inspired by the design of pit organs in snakes. The device uses ionic thermoelectric polymer nanowires as sensing nerve cells, and successfully demonstrates an infrared sensor array with an ultrawide field of view on a hemispherical substrate.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jianghui Zhao, Zhi Liu, Siew Chun Low, Zhenzhen Xu, Soon Huat Tan
Summary: A CuO-nanocluster/PVDF-HFP nanofibrous thin-film skeleton/CuO-nanocluster (CPC) architecture membrane, mimicking a leaf structure, was developed and showed excellent performance in solar water evaporation and mechanical strength.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sigurd Friis Truelsen, Julie Winkel Missel, Kamil Gotfryd, Per Amstrup Pedersen, Pontus Gourdon, Kresten Lindorff-Larsen, Claus Helix-Nielsen
Summary: The study reveals a unique gating mechanism of hAQP10 by simulating three protonation states of H80, showing a specific water coordination pattern at neutral pH and the influence of H80 protonation on the loop conformation and water coordination. The residue F85 plays a stabilizing role in the loop by flipping into the channel during loop movements.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yibo Dou, Yuechao Yao, Gege Wu, Guohua Gao, Martin Zatloukal, Claus Helix-Nielsen, Wenjing Zhang
Summary: A defect-rich LDH filter with solar-driven regeneration function was fabricated to efficiently remove CECs. Introducing unsaturated Cu delta+ sites and creating oxygen vacancies improved the adsorbing activity of the LDH host layer. The friction coefficient of the nanofiber-particle in the hierarchical LDH filter affects filtration efficiency as revealed by 3D modeling.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jibo Qin, Yibo Dou, Feiyan Wu, Yuechao Yao, Henrik Rasmus Andersen, Claus Helix-Nielsen, Sung Yul Lim, Wenjing Zhang
Summary: This study proposes the use of heterojunction photocatalysts for light-driven upcycling of microplastics (MPs). A novel synthesis method was developed to create semiconductor nanoparticles within metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to prevent agglomeration. The synthesized Ag2O/Fe-MOF photocatalyst can convert MPs into value-added chemicals, accompanied by hydrogen production. This research provides insights into the design of advanced photocatalysts and the conversion of MPs into valuable chemicals while generating clean energy.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dan Zhao, Maria Louise Leth, Maher Abou Hachem, Iram Aziz, Natalija Jancic, Thomas Luxbacher, Claus Helix-Nielsen, Wenjing Zhang
Summary: Biocatalytic nanofibrous membranes have efficient catalytic performance and operational catalytic stability in wastewater treatment. The fabrication of flexible SiO2 biocatalytic nanofiber membranes and their application in emerging pollutant bioremediation have been reported. The membranes showed high enzyme immobilization yield and maintained residual activity after multiple cycles.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mattia Giagnorio, Matteo Morciano, Wenjing Zhang, Claus Helix-Nielsen, Matteo Fasano, Alberto Tiraferri
Summary: The coupling of forward osmosis (FO) with reverse osmosis (RO) or membrane distillation (MD) was investigated in the water-energy nexus, evaluating and discussing the most effective hybrid schemes for different conditions. FO-MD is more competitive for handling hypersaline solutions, while FO-RO is more effective for treating low saline wastewater.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Danfei Zeng, Yufeng Jiang, Carina Schneider, Yanyan Su, Claus Helix-Nielsen, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: A hybrid electrochemical-membrane fermentation process was developed to recover nutrients from synthetic digestate and produce yeast SCP. Nutrients were recovered and concentrated using electrodialysis and forward osmosis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae achieved similar SCP productions from recovered and concentrated nutrients.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Irena Ban, Mihael Drofenik, Hermina Buksek, Irena Petrinic, Claus Helix-Nielsen, Sabina Vohl, Saso Gyergyek, Janja Stergar
Summary: This study synthesized multicoated magnetite magnetic nanoparticles and tested their potential as a draw solution agent in forward osmosis. The newly synthesized nanoparticles exhibited high concentration-normalized osmotic pressure, surpassing previous studies. The nanoparticles solution showed good colloidal stability and high water recovery in forward osmosis filtration.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jibo Qin, Yibo Dou, Jianchi Zhou, Victor M. Candelario, Henrik Rasmus Andersen, Claus Helix-Nielsen, Wenjing Zhang
Summary: The conversion of waste plastic into high-value-added chemicals is considered a promising approach to address global plastic pollution and promote the circular economy. This study developed a partial calcination strategy to create a zinc oxide/UiO66-NH2 heterojunction for photocatalytic valorization of plastic. The obtained heterojunction exhibited high activity for converting polylactic acid and polyvinyl chloride into acetic acid, along with hydrogen production. This work provides insights into the process of photocatalytic valorization of plastic and offers a feasible strategy for designing heterojunction photocatalysts.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
J. L. Perez-Llorens, A. T. Critchley, M. L. Cornish, O. G. Mouritsen
Summary: The benefits of various seaweeds have long been recognized by humans, especially by coastal dwellers and those who use seaweeds as food and medicine. Their positive effects are likely due to the presence of hydrocolloids and bioactive compounds. This compilation of excerpts from major medical publications and esteemed writers provides a rich background supporting the positive applications of seaweeds for various human ailments.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sabina Vohl, Irena Ban, Miha Drofenik, Hermina Buksek, Saso Gyergyek, Irena Petrinic, Claus Helix-Nielsen, Janja Stergar
Summary: Polyacrylic acid-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNP@PAA) were synthesized and evaluated as draw solutes in forward osmosis (FO). The synthesized MNP@PAA particles demonstrated spherical shapes of maghemite Fe2O3 and superparamagnetic properties, allowing for draw solution (DS) recovery using an external magnetic field. The MNP@PAA particles exhibited an osmotic pressure of approximately 12.8 bar and an initial water flux of 8.1 LMH. After being captured by an external magnetic field, rinsed in ethanol, and re-concentrated as DS in repetitive FO experiments, the re-concentrated DS showed an osmotic pressure of 4.1 bar and an initial water flux of 2.1 LMH. These results verify the feasibility of using MNP@PAA particles as draw solutes.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ole G. Mouritsen
Summary: Roe refers to the eggs or whole gonads of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms. It is not only a source of nutrients for animals in the sea, but also a popular food among humans. From cod roe to caviar, roe is consumed in various forms and holds a rich gastronomic history. With its high omega-3 fatty acid content and unique taste, roe is valued for its nutrition and culinary uses. This article explores the diverse types of roe beyond sturgeon, such as flat fish, codfish, mullet, smelt, trout, herring, crab, shrimp, and octopus, as well as caviar substitutes made from fish meat and seaweeds. It argues for the sustainable and creative use of roe, including enhancing the umami flavor of vegetable and green dishes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GASTRONOMY AND FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Letter
Food Science & Technology
Ole G. Mouritsen
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Feiyan Wu, Yibo Dou, Jianchi Zhou, Jibo Qin, Tao Jiang, Yuechao Yao, Claus Helix-Nielsen, Wenjing Zhang
Summary: This study reports a feasible strategy for synthesizing high-entropy photocatalysts-based fibrous membranes with a dual function of capturing and upcycling plastic. The researchers found that polyacrylonitrile nanofiber templates enable the growth of highly arranged high-entropy metal tungstates (FeCoNiCuZn)WO4, and the lattice distortion in XWO4 modulates the band gap structure, leading to enhanced upgradability of captured polylactic acid. This research provides important insights into tailoring the structure and composition of high-entropy photocatalysts for plastic upcycling.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Feiyan Wu, Changming Li, Yibo Dou, Jianchi Zhou, Tao Jiang, Yuechao Yao, Na Yeon Lee, Sung Yul Lim, Claus Helix-Nielsen, Wenjing Zhang
Summary: This study uses subnano-sized platinum-based photocatalysts to effectively convert plastic waste into high-value chemicals, such as acetic acid and formic acid. The research provides insight into the rational design of efficient photocatalysts for plastic upcycling and offers a useful solution to waste management and environmental sustainability challenges.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jibo Qin, Yibo Dou, Jianchi Zhou, Dan Zhao, Tobias Orlander, Henrik Rasmus Andersen, Claus Helix-Nielsen, Wenjing Zhang
Summary: This study presents a method of combining carbon nanodots with metal-organic frameworks for the photocatalytic upcycling of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste. The fabricated CDs/Zr-MOF catalyst exhibits high activity and yield in PVC conversion, while providing insights into the key roles in the reaction mechanism. This work offers a new approach for fabricating nanoparticle-embedded MOF-based photocatalysts and is of great significance for the chemical upcycling of plastics.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
(2024)
