Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ze Xu, Fen Wang, Li Feng, Yuxuan Chen
Summary: Construction of S-scheme heterojunctions and increasing the specific surface area are effective strategies to enhance photocatalytic performance. In this work, ZnO and ZnO/CeO2 with inverse opal structure were constructed, and a simple UV photoreduction method was used to construct Ag/ZnO/CeO2 photocatalysts. The composite exhibited good photostability and the highest removal efficiency for rhodamine B compared with other structures. The synergetic effect and surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles contributed to the improved photocatalytic activity. This work provides a new strategy for ZnO-based composites in degrading wastewater pollution.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wentao Ma, Bo Li, Lei Jiang, Ya Sun, Yehui Wu, Pengfei Zhao, Guimin Chen
Summary: This study proposes a new methodology for coloration inspired by the feather color change of a hummingbird. By integrating a view-angle dependent photonic diffraction grating pattern and voltage-actuated dielectric elastomers, a structure-colorable flexural artificial muscle (FlexAM) is developed. The FlexAM demonstrates ultrafast coloration and excellent fatigue resistance, and can be used in a photonic display device for displaying numbers and letters.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jin-Quan Wang, Yuan-Yuan Wu, Sai-Sai Yuan, Ming Zhang, Xiao-Bing Chen
Summary: In this study, tin dioxide inverse opal films were prepared using sol-gel method and their surface morphology, internal structure, and optical properties were investigated and discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anthony Maho, Michael Lobet, Nathan Daem, Pierre Piron, Gilles Spronck, Jerome Loicq, Rudi Cloots, Pierre Colson, Catherine Henrist, Jennifer Dewalque
Summary: Photonically structured TiO2 is used in perovskite solar cells to enhance light absorption and charge collection efficiency, with optimum light absorption shown with approximately 400nm diameter TiO2 hollow spheres filled with CH3NH3PbI3. Solar cells composed of approximately 220nm diameter large TiO2 pores filled with CH3NH3PbI3 achieve the highest conversion efficiency.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiashuo Hu, Shuangye Yang, Zihao Chen, Yiping Chen, Jie Wei
Summary: In this study, we developed inverse opal photonic crystals (IOPCs) that can function as real-time identifiable labels by adjusting the structure color and chemical color under UV and NIR light. The IOPCs were prepared by etching a silica photonic crystal template in a thermosensitive hydrogel containing NP. The combination of the green structure color of IOPCs and the red chemical color of the hydrogel resulted in the appearance of yellow color. The structure color of IOPCs changed from green to blue under NIR light, and when simultaneously irradiated by UV and NIR light, the IOPCs appeared purple due to the superimposition of the blue structure color and red chemical color.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shuangye Yang, Jun Li, Jie Wei
Summary: In this study, a temperature-sensitive material with a partial inverse opal structure was successfully fabricated, which can rapidly and reversibly identify small temperature changes at room temperature and display significant color differences. The material shows good temperature response performance and has potential applications in fields such as temperature sensors, anti-counterfeiting, and display devices.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad-Reza Rashidi, Sohrab Ahmadi-Kandjani, Pouria Chaghamirzaei, Maryam Shirforoush Sattari, Farzaneh Fathi
Summary: Silica inverse opal structures were fabricated using a self-assembly method with silica precursors and mono-dispersed colloidal crystal templates. The morphological investigation revealed periodic microporous structures on the surface of the structures. Optical density of the films was introduced as a sensing parameter for ethanol concentration, showing a linear relationship with the absorbance intensity. By scanning the optical density, ethanol concentration can be detected.
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Hongming Xiang, Shu Yang, Emon Talukder, Chenyan Huang, Kaikai Chen
Summary: To tackle the issue of low photocatalytic efficiency in photocatalytic products, researchers proposed using inverse opal photonic crystal structure in photocatalytic materials. Due to its large specific surface area and various optical properties, the inverse opal photonic crystal offers significant advantages in photocatalytic performance. This paper introduces the photocatalytic principle and preparation methods of three-dimensional inverse opal photonic crystals, including the preparation of basic inverse opal photonic crystals and the photocatalytic modification. It also highlights the application progresses of inverse opal photonic crystal photocatalyst in sewage purification, clean energy production, and waste gas treatment.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Farzaneh Fathi, Mohammad-Reza Rashidi, Parvin Samadi Pakchin, Sohrab Ahmadi-Kandjani, Arash Nikniazi
Summary: IO materials with advanced three-dimensional microporous structures have attracted attention in optical sensor and biological applications. Their unique optical and structural properties can simplify improvements in non-destructive optical study capabilities for point of care testing.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nathan Daem, Alexandre Mayer, Gilles Spronck, Pierre Colson, Jerome Loicq, Catherine Henrist, Rudi Cloots, Anthony Maho, Michael Lobet, Jennifer Dewalque
Summary: This study investigates the impact of using photonic crystals for light management in perovskite solar cells through numerical simulations and experiments. The results show that the photonic nanostructures have an effect on both optical and electronic properties, but the actual light management benefits are weakened due to other factors.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaotong Li, Bangbang Wang, Qiu-Jun Liu, Ruijun Zhao, Dong-Po Song, Yuesheng Li
Summary: Solvent-free supersoft elastomer is used to create photonic structures with significant color changes. Self-assembled amphiphilic bottlebrush block copolymers at the water/oil interface form porous microspheres with vivid structural colors responsive to salt ions. The reversible volume changes of these microspheres depend on the hydration of PEO in different salt concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xiaoqian Xie, Mingfei Pan, Liping Hong, Kaixin Liu, Jingying Yang, Shan Wang, Yang Song, Shuo Wang
Summary: This study developed a fluorescent molecularly imprinted photonic crystals hydrogel (FMIPH) strip for the detection of rutin in Sophora japonica products. The strip showed stable and sensitive fluorescence response and selective recognition capability to rutin, providing a rapid and quantitative method for quality evaluation of functional foods.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martin Waleczek, Jolien Dendooven, Pavel Dyachenko, Alexander Y. Petrov, Manfred Eich, Robert H. Blick, Christophe Detavernier, Kornelius Nielsch, Kaline P. Furlan, Robert Zierold
Summary: The thermal stability and optical properties of TiO2 thin films and photonic crystals are influenced by the introduction of alumina. The addition of alumina enhances the thermal stability of the titania iPhCs and maintains their photonic bandgap, outperforming pure titania.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Hu, Siyi Yu, Boru Wei, Dongpeng Yang, Dekun Ma, Shaoming Huang
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive review of the fabrication, working mechanisms, and applications of nonclose-packed photonic crystals (NPCs). The responsive behaviors of NPCs to physical, chemical, and biological stimuli are discussed, as well as their applications in various fields. The current challenges and future prospects of NPCs are also presented.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Bin Xu, Xiaoliang Ma, Anqi Dai, Xiaofeng Pan, Xiangqiang Pan, Na Li, Jian Zhu
Summary: A visual responsive photonic crystal that responds to oxidation, light, and pH stimuli was created using the inverse opal photonic crystal method. The color of the photonic crystal varies with the blueshift of the band gap, allowing for simple and direct detection of oxidation and pH in the environment, as well as revealing the irradiation history of materials.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hui Guan, Wenyuan Zhang, Hui Liu, Yang Jiang, Feng Li, Maoyu Wu, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Dongxiao Sun-Waterhouse, Dapeng Li
Summary: This study investigated the anticancer mechanism of quercetin in liver cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. Quercetin inhibited YY1 and promoted p53 expression, leading to increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and induction of cell proliferation and apoptosis. The study also revealed that quercetin directly interacted with YY1 and disrupted YY1-p53 interaction, thereby activating p53. These findings provide insights into the mechanism of quercetin's anticancer action and support its development as a therapeutic agent.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiqi Wu, Ruian Du, Peng Wang, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Jia Li, Yongcai Qiu, Keyou Yan, Yun Zhao, Wei-Wei Zhao, Hsin-Jung Tsai, Meng-Cheng Chen, Sung-Fu Hung, Xue Wang, Guangxu Chen
Summary: By thermally reducing Cu2O nanocubes under a CO atmosphere, a Cu2O-Cu nanocube hybrid catalyst (Cu2O(CO)) with a high density of Cu0/Cu+ interfaces, abundant nanograin boundaries with Cu(100) facets, and Cu[n(100)x(110)] step sites is successfully prepared. The Cu2O(CO) electrocatalyst exhibits a high C2+ Faradaic efficiency of 77.4% (56.6% for ethylene) during CO2 reduction under industrial current density of 500 mA/cm2, indicating the enhanced selectivity and productivity of C2+ products through surface and interface engineering.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pu Wang, Run Shi, Yunxuan Zhao, Zhenhua Li, Jiaqing Zhao, Jiaqi Zhao, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Li-Zhu Wu, Tierui Zhang
Summary: In this study, the photocatalytic oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) over transition-metal-loaded ZnO photocatalysts was systematically investigated. A 1 wt% Au/ZnO catalyst exhibited remarkable C-2-C-4 hydrocarbon production rate and selectivity under light irradiation. The selectivity towards C-C coupling products strongly depends on the metal type and its interaction with ZnO. The findings suggest that the d-sigma center can be a suitable descriptor for predicting product selectivity during OCM over metal/ZnO photocatalysts.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuanang Bian, Yunxuan Zhao, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Yingxuan Miao, Chao Zhou, Li-Zhu Wu, Tierui Zhang
Summary: This study measured the actual reaction temperature of photothermal ammonia synthesis over carbon-supported Ru catalyst using Le Chatelier's principle, and found that the activation energy for photothermal catalysis was much lower than thermocatalysis. This was attributed to hot-electron injection reducing the energy barriers for N2 dissociation and intermediates hydrogenation, while also suppressing carbon support methanation. The catalyst exhibited outstanding operational stability over 1000 hours. This work provides new insights into the effects of hot electrons in ammonia synthesis and guides the design of high-performance photothermal catalysts.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Yongfeng Chen, Yufeng Sun, Ruiqiang Wang, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Zhixiang Xu
Summary: A self-crosslinked conductive molecularly imprinted gel (CMIG) was prepared using cationic guar gum (CGG), chitosan (CS), beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), amaranth (AM) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The CMIG exhibited excellent gelation properties facilitated by imine bonds, hydrogen-bonding interactions, and electrostatic attractions. Additionally, beta-CD and MWCNTs improved the adsorption capacity and conductivity of CMIG, respectively. The CMIG-based electrochemical sensor showed high sensitivity and selectivity for AM determination in foods, with good durability and a linear response range of 0.02-150 mu M.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yanhua Liu, Xianghua Zeng, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Xiaohui Jiang, Zhiming Zhang, Liangmin Yu
Summary: This work presents a sensitive and stable solid contact ion selective electrode (SC-ISE) for the detection of lead ions using a polyaniline intercalated hydrophobic montmorillonite composite (PANI-DMT) as the solid transduction layer. The GC/PANI-DMT/Pb2+-ISM demonstrated a detection limit of 1.0 x 10-7 M and fast potential response (<5 s). The ISE also exhibited high stability and reproducibility, with low potential drift under constant current and open circuit potential. The outstanding performance of the GC/PANI-DMT/Pb2+-ISM is attributed to the effective ion diffusion channel provided by DMT, larger specific capacitance, and improved hydrophobicity compared to PANI.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenbo Xiong, Jikang Wang, Xianggui Kong, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Huijie Liu, Ye Wang, Shihua Liu, Yawen Wang, Shaoquan Li, Yufei Zhao, Haohong Duan
Summary: Water and soil pollution caused by toxic cadmium ions (Cd2+) pose a serious threat to living organisms. Finding low-cost mineralizers that can effectively immobilize Cd2+ ions is crucial for wastewater treatment and soil remediation. In this study, a novel mineralizer, magnesium-aluminum layered double hydroxide (MgAl-LDH), was developed and demonstrated high capacity and selectivity for Cd2+ removal. The mineralizer reduced the Cd2+ concentration in aqueous solution from 100 ppm to less than 50 ppb within 15 minutes, meeting the discharge standard of industrial wastewater. This work highlights the potential of defect-engineered LDH materials for the selective removal of heavy metals from polluted water.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dafeng Zhang, Mengnan Li, Xue Yong, Haoqiang Song, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Yunfei Yi, Bingjie Xue, Dongliang Zhang, Baozhong Liu, Siyu Lu
Summary: In this study, a zinc-doped RuO2 nanowire array electrocatalyst with outstanding catalytic performance for oxygen evolution reaction under acidic conditions was reported. Experimental and theoretical investigations revealed a synergistic effect of Zn dopants and oxygen vacancies on regulating the binding configurations of oxygenated adsorbates, resulting in an alternative Ru-Zn dual-site oxide path of the reaction. This led to significantly enhanced catalytic activity and stability.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhongshan Chen, Jingyi Wang, Mengjie Hao, Yinghui Xie, Xiaolu Liu, Hui Yang, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Xiangke Wang, Shengqian Ma
Summary: In this study, a family of isoreticular crystalline hydrazide-based COF photocatalysts was constructed using reticular chemistry, with their optoelectronic properties and local pore characteristics modulated by different linkers. The excited state electronic distribution and transport pathways in the COFs were investigated at a molecular level using experimental methods and theoretical calculations. One of the developed COFs, COF-4, exhibited remarkable excited state electron utilization efficiency and charge transfer properties, achieving a record-high photocatalytic uranium extraction performance of approximately 6.84 mg/g/day in natural seawater among all techniques reported so far. This study provides a new understanding of COF-based photocatalyst operation and guides the design of improved COF photocatalysts for various applications.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiaqi Zhao, Jinjia Liu, Zhenhua Li, Kaiwen Wang, Run Shi, Pu Wang, Qing Wang, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Xiaodong Wen, Tierui Zhang
Summary: The authors present a Ru1Co single atom alloy catalyst for CO photo-hydrogenation to C5+ liquid fuels. The catalyst demonstrates effective CO activation and C-C coupling reactions, while suppressing over-hydrogenation. The findings provide new opportunities for the production of C5+ liquid fuels under sunlight at mild pressures.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Robert Deas, Taniela Lolohea, Andrew Chan, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Geoff Henshaw, Duncan J. McGillivray, David E. Williams
Summary: This study successfully combined colloidal sol chemistry with jet control technology to prepare organic-inorganic hybrid microspheres with high surface area and porosity. By injecting colloidal tungstic acid aerosols into a plasma jet system, spherical structures were formed with the colloid trapped within a plasma-polymerized organic shell. Subsequent low-temperature sintering produced hierarchical spherical shell-like structures composed of tungsten oxide nanosheets. Alteration of gas flow rate allowed for control of the deposited material's composition. This method shows promise for preparing porous materials with controlled morphology and composition, as well as hierarchical microstructures required for applications in electrochemical devices and sensors.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Canhui Liu, Xiangxiong Chen, Xinxin Zhang, Jie Li, Bowen Wang, Ziyu Luo, Junhua Li, Dong Qian, Jinlong Liu, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse
Summary: In this study, a simple two-step synthetic method was developed for the synthesis of NiFe2O4 nano-microrods supported on Ketjenblack carbon (NiFe2O4/KB). The NiFe-MOF/KB precursor was synthesized using a sodium tartrate-assisted hydrothermal method, which was then pyrolyzed under N-2 at 500 °C to yield NiFe2O4/KB. The NiFe2O4/KB catalyst showed outstanding OER electrocatalytic performance under alkaline conditions, with low overpotential, small Tafel slope, and excellent durability.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hui Zou, Tingting Ben, Ping Wu, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Yilun Chen
Summary: This study utilized various methods to identify the effective anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds in dandelion and investigate their interactions with receptor proteins. It was found that a 50% aqueous methanol extract had a stronger anti-inflammatory effect and higher chicoric acid content compared to other extracts. Chicoric acid was shown to compete with other compounds for binding to MD-2 and hinder the formation of the TLR4-MD-2 complex.
FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Changchun Ye, Zhenghui Pan, Qinghua Zhang, Fang Yin, Yanan Wang, Yifei Li, Guangxu Chen, Jia Li, Yongcai Qiu, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Lin Gu, Zhang Lin, Lin Guo
Summary: A facile synthesis route for heterostructured metal oxides via quenching-induced structural transformation was developed. Multiple quenching triggered the transformation from NiMoO4 to NiFe2O4, creating a novel heterostructure, and the pre-quenching generated disordered defect structure can promote subsequent quenching regulation.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yuyi Du, Shikai Zhang, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Tao Zhou, Fangzhou Xu, Ranran Wang, Dongxiao Sun-Waterhouse, Peng Wu
Summary: Sustainable innovation aims to find more energy-efficient processes for producing highly demanded products from industrial by-products. This study compares two processes for extracting pectins from citrus peel and finds that using high-intensity pulsed electric field (HIPEF) pretreatment can increase pectin yield and production efficiency while reducing energy consumption.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
