Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xinxin Li, Qian Qiang, Yangming Ding, Yanan Xing, Jianwei Ji, Hua Wang, Xiaoli Pan, Bo Zhang, Changzhi Li
Summary: A recyclable Ni-ReOx/CeO2 catalyst was designed for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into aromatics or liquid fuels by tuning reaction parameters. The results showed that under appropriate conditions, lignin could be efficiently deconstructed into aromatic oil while cellulose and hemicellulose remained intact. Under harsher conditions, complete conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into alkanes was achieved.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shanshuai Chen, Qiqi Lu, Wanying Han, Puxiang Yan, Hongliang Wang, Wanbin Zhu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of key factors on the reductive conversion of oxidized lignin to aromatics, exploring pathways and mechanisms. Under moderate hydrogen pressure with metal-acid catalysts, an advantage in lignin conversion was found. A catalyst with both hydrogenolysis and hydrolysis activity was essential for efficient lignin depolymerization.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qing-Nan Wang, Xianghui Liu, Kai Wang, Yan Liu, Sheng-Mei Lu, Can Li
Summary: A green and direct method for selective synthesis of p-MBA from acetaldehyde using a specific catalyst was reported in this study, achieving a high acetaldehyde conversion rate of up to 99.8% and p-MBA selectivity of over 90%. Experimental results revealed the conversion mechanism and catalytic process involved.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Tairan Pang, Guanhua Wang, Hao Sun, Wenjie Sui, Chuanling Si
Summary: Conventional pulping processes and emerging lignocellulosic biorefineries produce lignin with heterogeneous characteristics, which limit its downstream applications. Fractionation of lignin into homogeneous fractions can overcome this limitation and upgrade lignin valorization. The obtained lignin fractions with improved properties can be used to enhance the valorization of lignin.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhe Zhang, Huan Chen, Helin Pan, Yayun Zhang, Dengle Duan, Donghui Long
Summary: A H2-free melting-catalysis strategy using nano-sized mesoporous ZSM-5 catalyst was proposed to directly convert glucose into aromatics under mild conditions. The melting of glucose increased the accessibility to catalytic sites and enhanced subsequent catalytic processes. The introduction of inter-crystalline mesopores and moderate acidity promoted the diffusion of molecules and deoxygenation of intermediates, respectively, leading to increased aromatics formation. This study provides a new pathway for selective aromatics generation from glucose, contributing to the advancement of next-generation biomass utilization.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yongzhuang Liu, Noemi Deak, Zhiwen Wang, Haipeng Yu, Lisanne Hameleers, Edita Jurak, Peter J. Deuss, Katalin Barta
Summary: Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are intriguing green reaction media for biomass processing, however, the typical drawback of undesired lignin condensation has been addressed by developing a tunable ternary DES system that allows for stabilization of reactive intermediates for efficient lignocellulose fractionation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ying-Hong Xu, Xiao-Yu Li, Ming-Fei Li, Feng Peng, Jian-Feng Ma
Summary: Fractionating tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol lignin with different acetone concentrations can produce homogeneous lignin with high antioxidant capacity. The study demonstrated that the lignin samples had strong antioxidant activity compared to commercial antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jie Yang, Yong Huang, Weisheng Yang, Liang Jiao, Shu Zhang, Hongqi Dai
Summary: Low molecular weight lignin (LMW-Lignin) has high phenolic hydroxyl content and excellent bioactivity, making it highly promising for energy storage and antibacterial materials. However, conventional lignin sources have large molecular weights and inactive functional groups, limiting their potential applications. This study found that methanol inhibits the recondensation of lignin fragments in a hydrothermal alkaline system. Optimized conditions resulted in the production of low molecular weight lignin.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lijuan Zhang, Suchada Sirisomboonchai, Cheolyong Choi, Hiroshi Machida, Koyo Norinaga
Summary: This study discusses the electrochemical hydrogenation and rapid pyrolysis process for converting lignin into liquid oil products. The results show that the hydrogenated lignin samples have higher yields of olefins and aromatics, offering a potential method for producing these valuable chemicals.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao Jiang, Zhongjian Tian, Xingxiang Ji, Hao Ma, Guihua Yang, Ming He, Lin Dai, Ting Xu, Chuanling Si
Summary: An efficient crosslinking reaction using DMF and 1,6-dibromohexane was proposed to adjust the molecular weight and color of industrial kraft lignin. After alkylation modification, the molecular weights of lignin increased by 1643%, and the main types of linkages remained resinol, 13-aryl ether, and phenylcoumaran. The reduction in color was attributed to the low content of chromophores and low packing density of the alkylation lignin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Conghao Ku, Kexin Li, Huiqin Guo, Qiong Wu, Liushui Yan
Summary: In this study, mesoporous cyano and sulfur co-modified carbon nitride (MCSCN) was successfully synthesized for the first time. The mesoporous structure reduced the mass transfer resistance and the modified cyano groups and sulfur atoms improved the photocatalytic valorization of waste lignin. WCOS lignin could be efficiently transformed to functionalized aromatics with MCSCN, achieving a much higher yield compared to traditional g-C3N4 photocatalyst.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ievgen Pylypchuk, Anastasia Riazanova, Mikael E. Lindstrom, Olena Sevastyanova
Summary: The use of forest lignin as a renewable resource is a greener alternative to the petrochemical industry, advancing the development of environmentally friendly industrial processes. Greater understanding of lignin as a raw material is crucial for creating sustainable value chains. In-depth knowledge of the forces and interactions driving the self-assembly of lignin nanoparticles is required for the development of advanced lignin nanomaterials.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
William Lonchay, Giuseppe Bagnato, Aimaro Sanna
Summary: This study evaluates the use of Ce, Na, Pd, and Fe supported on zirconium oxide for the ex-situ hydropyrolysis/hydrodeoxygenation of Etek lignin to selectively produce BTX and cycloalkenes. The Fe/ZrO2 catalyst showed high selectivity and strong deoxygenation ability, resulting in the production of C-5-C-10 hydrocarbons with a carbon distribution of 85.5%.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Abid Farooq, Su Shiung Lam, Gwang Hoon Rhee, Jechan Lee, Moonis Ali Khan, Byong-Hun Jeon, Young-Kwon Park
Summary: The catalytic fast pyrolysis of low sulfonated Kraft lignin was studied under different atmospheric environments. The use of Zn-or Mo-loaded HZSM-5 catalyst resulted in higher pyrolytic oil yield and increased benzene, toluene, and xylenes yields. The enhanced CH4 activation via metal loading and the formation of a hydro-pyrolysis environment through CH4 decomposition were observed. The CH4-D environment showed a higher presence of H-2 in the product gas.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rabia Jalil Khan, Chun Yin Lau, Jianyu Guan, Chun Ho Lam, Jun Zhao, Ying Ji, Huaimin Wang, Jingliang Xu, Duu-Jong Lee, Shao-Yuan Leu
Summary: This article provides an overview of the recent advances and challenges in the utilization of lignin as a substitute for conventional aromatics. It highlights the discovery of unexplored lignin structures and their potential functionalities. The breakthroughs in lignin-first pretreatment, catalytic lignin depolymerization, and the production of high-value products comparable to modern aromatics are reviewed, along with the possibility of retrofitting conventional petroleum refineries for lignin products.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maria de Lourdes Gonzalez-Juarez, Mark A. Isaacs, Darren Bradshaw, Iris Nandhakumar
Summary: In this study, molecular iodine was incorporated into a two-dimensional semiconducting metal-organic framework (MOF) Cu3(2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahy-droxytriphenylene)2 Cu3(HHTP)2 via incipient wetness impregnation to enhance its thermoelectric properties. A power factor of 0.757 mu W m-1 K-2 was obtained for this MOF, demonstrating an effective route for the preparation of moderate-performance thermoelectric MOFs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
P. Rajapaksha, R. Orrell-Trigg, D. Shah, S. Cheeseman, K. B. Vu, S. T. Ngo, B. J. Murdoch, N. R. Choudhury, H. Yin, D. Cozzolino, Y. B. Truong, A. F. Lee, V. K. Truong, J. Chapman
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a global health challenge, which requires innovative nanomaterials and antimicrobial strategies. In this study, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial nanomaterial combining light-responsive ZnO nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide was developed for water depollution. The nanocomposite demonstrated strong antimicrobial efficacy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium bacteria, and also showed potential for photocatalytic degradation of dye.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Graziano Di Carmine, Costanza Leonardi, Luke Forster, Min Hu, Daniel Lee, Christopher M. A. Parlett, Olga Bortolini, Mark A. Isaacs, Alessandro Massi, Carmine D'Agostino
Summary: The alcoholysis of furfuryl alcohol in SBA-15-pr-SO3H catalysts with different pore sizes was studied. Results showed that changes in pore size have a significant effect on catalyst activity and durability, with larger-pore-size catalysts deactivating more rapidly. The presence of SO3H groups on the external surface and reduced pore clogging were identified as factors contributing to the increased reusability of smaller-pore-size catalysts.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pablo Jimenez-Calvo, Mario J. Munoz-Batista, Mark Isaacs, Vinavadini Ramnarain, Dris Ihiawakrim, Xiaoyan Li, Miguel Angel Munoz-Marquez, Gilberto Teobaldi, Mathieu Kociak, Erwan Paineau
Summary: The configuration and geometry of chemical reactors significantly impact performance evaluation and the development of thermodynamic and kinetic model reactions for photocatalytic materials. Lack of accurate transport profiles for mass, heat, and photons in photochemical reactors hinders comparison between experiments and standardization. This study proposes a compact stainless-steel photoreactor for hydrogen photoproduction and uses TiO2 Schottky junctions with Pd, Pt, or Au nanoparticles to validate the reactor's operation. Results show improved profiles and increased quantum yields compared to previous studies.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joao Otavio Mendes, Andrea Merenda, Karen Wilson, Adam Fraser Lee, Enrico Della Gaspera, Joel van Embden
Summary: The growth of (001) oriented antimony chalcogenide thin films can be controlled by tuning the substrate nanostructure, which is crucial for enhancing the performance of these films.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Hamidreza Arandiyan, Putla Sudarsanam, Suresh K. Bhargava, Adam F. Lee, Karen Wilson
Summary: Biomass is a renewable energy source that is being increasingly utilized due to concerns about climate change caused by fossil fuel consumption. Waste biomass-derived fuels and chemicals offer a solution to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and achieve "Net Zero 2050 CO2 emissions" with environmental, health, and economic benefits. This review focuses on the use of perovskite oxide catalysts for biomass valorization, discussing their structure-reactivity relationships in various reactions. The study highlights the prospects and challenges for the broader application of perovskite oxide catalysts in biomass valorization.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Motlokoa Khasu, Wijnand Marquart, Patricia J. Kooyman, Charalampos Drivas, Mark A. Isaacs, Alexander J. Mayer, Sandie E. Dann, Simon A. Kondrat, Michael Claeys, Nico Fischer
Summary: The Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, traditionally associated with fossil fuel consumption, has now emerged as a key technology for converting captured CO2 and sustainable hydrogen into energy-dense fuels and chemicals. Iron-based FT catalysts with alkali and transition metal promoters show improved reducibility, activity, and selectivity. The exact speciation and location of these promoters, however, remain poorly understood.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sabina Siles-Quesada, Christopher M. A. Parlett, Alexander C. Lamb, Jinesh C. Manayil, Yang Liu, Jim Mensah, Hamidreza Arandiyan, Karen Wilson, Adam F. Lee
Summary: Researchers successfully synthesized an ordered macroporous KIT-6 material with 370nm macropores, a face-centered cubic Ia3d structure, and 5nm mesopore channels. After functionalization, this material allows rapid diffusion and esterification of fatty acids. Compared with traditional mesoporous PrSO3H/KIT-6, the esterification rate of fatty acids increased by 5 times, and it also showed a 33% enhancement compared with ordered macroporous PrSO3H/SBA-15.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Prince J. J. Sagayaraj, Ashil Augustin, Mariyappan Shanmugam, Brahmari Honnappa, Thillai Sivakumar Natarajan, Karen Wilson, Adam F. Lee, Karthikeyan Sekar
Summary: This review discusses the sustainable production of solar fuels through reduction of molecular CO2 using photocatalysts, emphasizing the importance of this approach for controlling global warming. The unique properties of graphene quantum dots (GQD), such as enhanced solar light absorption and high photocatalytic efficiency, are highlighted. Additionally, the challenges and future outlook of GQD-based photocatalytic systems for solar fuels production are presented.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiajia Zhao, Yuan Wang, Hamidreza Arandiyan, Anita M. D'Angelo, Aaron Seeber, Daksh Shah, Rachel A. Caruso, Ivan S. Cole, Yunxia Yang, Karen Wilson, Renata Lippi, Adam F. Lee
Summary: We demonstrate how subtle changes in a mixed phase zirconia support induce large changes in catalyst activity and selectivity. Ru/Sn0.2Zr0.8O2 catalyst exhibited similar structrue and metal ion distribution as Ru/ZrO2, but XRD evidence showed new crystalline phases where Sn substituted for Zr. Operando infrared spectroscopy identified linear surface CO* as a catalytic spectator, and Sn0.2Zr0.8O2 promoted CO2 decomposition, favoring a reverse water gas shift pathway.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Correction
Chemistry, Physical
Vannia C. dos Santos-Durndell, Lee J. Durndell, Mark A. Isaacs, Adam F. Lee, Karen Wilson
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Zhang, Xian Wu, Qingjin Fu, Haotian Qu, Joanna Borowiec, Mark Isaacs, Guangmin Zhou, Ivan P. Parkin, Guanjie He
Summary: This study reports the use of ammonium fluoride as an additive in zinc sulfate electrolyte to enhance zinc anodes. The formation of electrostatic shielding layer and ZnF2-rich solid-state interphase layer can effectively inhibit side reactions and dendrite growth, leading to improved performance in zinc cells.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mark A. Isaacs, Charalampos Drivas, Roxy Lee, Robert Palgrave, Christopher M. A. Parlett, David J. Morgan
Summary: This study focuses on the best practice for experimental construction when approaching the task of understanding chemical environments in cerium-based materials by XPS.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mark A. Isaacs
Summary: XPS analysis of soft materials is challenging due to sample degradation. Using correct protocols during experimental spectral acquisition minimizes errors and improves scientific understanding. XPS spectra of titanium butoxide serve as a valuable reference for studying alkoxide-based metal oxide and mixed-metal oxide functional systems.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexander M. Prophet, Kritanjan Polley, Gary J. Van Berkel, David T. Limmer, Kevin R. Wilson
Summary: The oxidation kinetics of iodide by ozone at the air-water interface is studied in single microdroplets. Molecular simulations and kinetic modeling are used to understand the underlying multiphase mechanism.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rong Zhang, Jiajing Lan, Fei Wang, Shumei Chen, Jian Zhang
Summary: By utilizing 1,1'-ferrocene dicarboxylic acid as a chelating and surface protection ligand, we have synthesized multi-nuclear indium oxide clusters with varying nuclear sizes, including heptanuclear and thirteen-nuclear clusters. These clusters possess labile coordination sites, allowing for structural modification and self-assembly, resulting in the formation of various cluster structures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Wang, Hui Liu, Mingsen Wang, Jiaheng Hou, Yongjun Li, Yuancheng Wang, Yingjie Zhao
Summary: Two supramolecular complexes were prepared using CBs and M1, and their single-crystal structures were analyzed by SCXRD. The unexpected 1:2 self-assembly structure between M1 and CB[8] was discovered for the first time. These complexes exhibit unique photophysical properties and provide valuable information about the structure and photophysical properties of supramolecular complexes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chang-Hee Lee, Sookil Park, Sanggil Kim, Ji Young Hyun, Hyun Soo Lee, Injae Shin
Summary: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a cell-surface glycoprotein involved in cell proliferation and tumor development. This study used a fluorescently labeled EGFR to investigate its time-dependent endocytosis in live cells and found that appended glycans affect EGFR internalization. Additionally, the study detected sialic acid residues attached to EGFR on the live cell surface using FRET-based imaging. This research provides valuable insights into the cellular functions of EGFR.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Subhankar Sahu, Lokesh Kumar, Sumita Das, Dipti Gupta, Ruchi Anand
Summary: This study proposes a strategy that combines organic electronics with biosensor scaffolds to create a compact device for monitoring environmental aromatic pollution. By coupling biosensing protein MopR with an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT), a sensor module capable of efficient detection of phenol was designed. Exclusive phenol detection with minimal loss of sensitivity could be achieved in complex pollutant mixtures and real environmental samples.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Changseok Lee, Hyung-Joon Kang, Sungwoo Hong
Summary: The formation of C-N bonds through hydroamination reactions catalyzed by nickel hydrides has been a topic of recent interest. This approach offers a way to efficiently transform a variety of alkene and alkyne substrates into compounds enriched with C-N bonds. The review provides a concise overview of the underlying reaction mechanisms and aims to stimulate further progress in NiH-catalytic techniques and catalyst design.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yueci Wu, Lu-Lu Sun, Hai-Hao Han, Xiao-Peng He, Weiguo Cao, Tony D. James
Summary: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a common cause of acute liver failure in the USA and Europe, but most cases can be recovered or prevented by discontinuing the offending drug. Recent research has found that peroxynitrite (ONOO-) can be used as a potential indicator for early diagnosis of DILI, and there is an urgent need to establish a method to detect and track peroxynitrite in DILI cases. In this study, a FRET-based nano fluorescent probe CD-N-I was developed, which showed high selectivity and sensitivity in detecting peroxynitrite. The probe successfully detected exogenous peroxynitrite in live cells and endogenous peroxynitrite in APAP-induced liver injury of HepG2 cells.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dmitry L. Lipilin, Mikhail O. Zubkov, Mikhail D. Kosobokov, Alexander D. Dilman
Summary: This article describes a direct photocatalytic method for the thiolation of unprotected acids, which was previously challenging. By using a thionocarbonate reagent with an N-O bond, the efficient conversion of carboxylic acids to thiols is achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jason Malenfant, Lucille Kuster, Yohann Gagne, Kouassi Signo, Maxime Denis, Sylvain Canesi, Mathieu Frenette
Summary: Raman microscopy can reveal compound-specific vibrational fingerprints without sample preparation. The combination of efficient theoretical calculations and a user-friendly software can accurately predict peak positions and provide match scores to assist with structure determination.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jayoh A. Hernandez, Paul S. Micus, Sean Alec Lois Sunga, Luca Mazzei, Stefano Ciurli, Gabriele Meloni
Summary: Essential trace metals play crucial roles in the survival and virulence of bacterial pathogens. Helicobacter pylori requires nickel for colonization and persistence in the stomach, and NixA is an essential nickel transporter in this process. This study characterizes the selectivity and electrogenic nature of NixA-mediated nickel transport.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tarali Devi, Kuheli Dutta, Jennifer Deutscher, Stefan Mebs, Uwe Kuhlmann, Michael Haumann, Beatrice Cula, Holger Dau, Peter Hildebrandt, Kallol Ray
Summary: This study emphasizes the importance of subtle electronic changes and secondary interactions in the stability of biologically relevant metal-dioxygen intermediates. It also shows that the role of the chloride ligand in stabilizing the Fe-III-(OOBu)-Bu-t moiety can extend to other anions, including the thiolate ligand.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jacqueline R. Santhouse, Jeremy M. G. Leung, Lillian T. Chong, W. Seth Horne
Summary: By studying the folding kinetics and mechanism of the BdpA sequence, researchers found that altering the backbone connectivity can affect protein folding. This suggests that protein mimetic chains have a significant degree of plasticity in transitioning between unfolded and folded states.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Divanshu Gupta, Ralf Einholz, Holger F. Bettinger
Summary: This study presents the first direct spectroscopic evidence of a cyclic seven-membered iminoborane. Compared to linear amino-iminoboranes, this cyclic iminoborane exhibits weakened bond strength and lower Lewis acidity value. The study suggests that the reduced ring strain of cyclic iminoborane prevents nitrogen fixation but allows facile (2 + 2) cycloaddition reaction with C2H4.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Renny Mathew, Aniruddha Mazumder, Praveen Kumar, Julie Matula, Sharmarke Mohamed, Petr Brazda, Mahesh Hariharan, Brijith Thomas
Summary: This study reveals the packing arrangement of partially disordered nitro-perylenediimide (NO2-PDI) using a synergistic approach that combines 3D ED, ssNMR, and DFT techniques. By overcoming these challenges, this methodology opens up new avenues for material characterization, driving exciting advancements in the field.
