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Artificial intelligence (AI)‐driven learning has become an irreversible trend in foreign language education. Scholars are increasingly focusing on this field, yet few have examined its impact within English literature classes. To fill this gap, we designed an 8‐week intervention study with mixed methods and recruited 90 students, with 42 in the experimental group and 48 in the control group, matched for average age, English proficiency and gender ratio. Critical thinking levels were measured before and after the intervention using a standardised assessment tool. In the experimental group, students used AI tools (ChatGPT‐3.5, Bodoudou, SummarizBot, etc.) to generate and answer text‐related questions, and participate in interactive quizzes and AI‐assisted debates during classes, while the control group followed traditional methods without AI tools. The findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in the critical thinking skills of the experimental group compared to the control group, as measured by pre and postintervention assessments (p < 0.05). This suggests that AI tools can effectively enhance critical thinking abilities in English literature classes. This study not only contributes to the emerging discourse on AI in education but also offers practical implications for integrating AI technologies to support and enrich the learning experiences of EFL students in literature classes. The findings have the potential to guide educators and policymakers in designing AI‐driven educational strategies that are culturally responsive and pedagogically effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fragment‐based drug design is an emerging technology in pharmaceutical research and development. One of the key aspects of this technology is the identification and quantitative characterization of molecular fragments. This study presents a strategy for identifying important molecular fragments based on molecular fingerprints and decision tree algorithms and verifies its feasibility in predicting protein‐ligand binding affinity. Specifically, the three‐dimensional (3D) structures of protein‐ligand complexes are encoded using extended‐connectivity fingerprints (ECFP), and three decision tree models, namely Random Forest, XGBoost, and LightGBM, are used to quantitatively characterize the feature importance, thereby extracting important molecular fragments with high reliability. Few‐shot learning reveals that the extracted molecular fragments contribute significantly and consistently to the binding affinity even with a small sample size. Despite the absence of location and distance information for molecular fragments in ECFP, 3D visualization, in combination with the reverse ECFP process, shows that the majority of the extracted fragments are located at the binding interface of the protein and the ligand. This alignment with the distance constraints critical for binding affinity further supports the reliability of the strategy for identifying important molecular fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly altered teaching methodologies by integrating technology into syllabi, emphasising the crucial role of teacher well‐being influenced by positive psychology. Also, as the foremost issues of education, teachers' individual factors should be considered as their beliefs in their capabilities to persist in the case of difficulties and their emotion regulation (ER) have been underlined in the literature. Therefore, this study examined the correlation between teacher self‐efficacy (TSE), resilience and ER and teacher well‐being among 424 Chinese teachers. The findings through running the structural equation model revealed that those teachers with a heightened degree of TSE, resilience and ER are more likely to have better well‐being. Multiple regression analysis indicated that TSE explained 61% of the variance in teachers' well‐being. Meanwhile, the same analysis found that resilience and ER explained 54% and 51% of the variance in teachers' well‐being, respectively. Succinctly, some educational implications are provided for educational members to attract their attention to the role of these constructs in technology‐enhanced teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the relationship between resilience, engagement, and burnout among Chinese senior high school students learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL), this study delves into relatively lesser-examined aversive emotions in language education. It sheds light on how these learners experience and manage these emotions in the in the Chinese senior high school EFL education context. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study acknowledges the spectrum of emotional experiences in language learning, ranging from positive states like engagement to negative states like burnout and disengagement. The rationale for combining these three variables—burnout, resilience, and engagement—lies in their interconnected nature in the emotional landscape of language learning. Through semi-structured interviews with 25 senior high school students and subsequent analysis using MAXQDA software, this study uncovers how learning environment factors, course content, teacher-student interactions, and individual motivations significantly influence these emotional states. This study not only advances our understanding of the emotional dynamics of senior high school EFL learners, but also offers practical insights for educators and policymakers, which may contribute to a comprehensive exploration of how resilience, engagement, and burnout shape the learning experiences of Chinese senior high school EFL learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engagement and willingness to communicate (WTC) are crucial elements for second language (L2) learning. However, little is written about whether L2 learners demonstrate heterogeneous patterns of engagement and WTC in the classroom. This study aims to identify intraindividual differences in these two constructs and examine the roles of eight achievement emotions in predicting these profiles. To this end, 607 Chinese college L2 learners were recruited to complete three valid scales. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) using Mplus 8.7 revealed a four-profile solution: high engagement-low engagement (C1: 26.85%), moderate engagement-moderate WTC (C2: 48.11%), moderate engagement-low WTC (C3: 14.83%), and low engagement-low WTC (C4: 10.21%). Multinomial logistic regression analyses revealed that negative achievement emotions did not predict these profiles, whereas positive ones did. Particularly, enjoyment was a positive predictor for all profiles, with a decreasing order of impact (C1 > C2 > C3 > C4). Hope did not differentiate between C1 and C2 but showed a decreasing influence on the subsequent profiles (C1 = C2 > C3 > C4). Lastly, pride was a significant predictor only for C4 (C1 = C2 = C3 > C4). This study also discusses the theoretical and pedagogical implications and suggests directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Achieving a high areal capacity is essential for the transfer of outstanding laboratory electrode results to commercial applications and also to ensure there exists a capacity matched cathode and anode for a properly tuned battery. Despite intensive efforts, most electrode materials exhibit areal capacities lower than that of the graphite anodes (4 mA h cm−2). An effective and low‐cost approach is reported to attain a high areal capacity via an intense densification by compacting a porous carbon nanotube sponge grafted with Co3O4 nanoparticles. The hybrid sponge can be compacted to a large degree (up to a tenfold densification) while still keeping its structural integrity and the 3D porous network. This method allows achieving a mass loading of up ‑to 14.3 mg cm−2 and an areal capacity of 12 mA h cm−2 (at a current density of 200 mA g−1) together with a gravimetric capacity of >800 mA h g−1. This densification by compaction approach offers an effective and low‐cost strategy to develop high mass loading and areal capacity electrodes for practical energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nb 2 O 5 is considered as a promising safe anode material for lithium ion batteries due to its high operating voltage (>1 V) that prevents the formation of the solid electrolyte interface; however, the low intrinsic conductivity and pulverization during long-term charge/discharge process limit its practical use. To address these twin adverse issues, we report on the development of a 3-D nanoporous anode that is binder-free by uniformly depositing in-situ orthorhombic Nb 2 O 5 nanocrystals inside the highly conductive carbon nanotube sponge. The end result is a novel 3-D hybrid anode that delivers a maximum reversible capacity of 230 mAh g −1 within a voltage window of 1.0–3.0 V versus Li/Li + . At a current density of 1 A g −1 (5C), the hybrid anode exhibits a specific capacity of ∼150 mAh g −1 with an 82% retention after 1000 charge/discharge cycles, which represents an improved cycling stability and rate capability compared to conventional powder anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aminopropyl-functionalized silicas (APFS) with higher loading of amino groups was synthesized by the co-condensation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) in W/O microemulsion. Thus synthesized APFS was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, element analysis, solid state 13C and 29Si MAS NMR, TEM, and N2 sorption. The results show that the aminopropyl groups were condensed as the part of the silicate framework, and the amino contents could be adjusted by changing the volume ratio of APTES to TEOS in W/O microemulsion. APFS has been firstly used as the support for the immobilization of penicillin G acylase after activation with glutaraldehyde. Effects of the volume ratio of APTES to TEOS on the physico-chemical properties of APFS and the performance of immobilized penicillin G acylase were systematically investigated. Penicillin G acylase immobilized on APFS with the volume ratio of APTES/TEOS=1/9 (1.77mmolg−1 amino groups) behaves higher specific activity of 2759IUg−1 and higher operational stability of 86% of the initial specific activity after recycled for 5 times, and the immobilization yield of 97%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new method to detect misfire in internal combustion engines is presented. It is based on the estimation of the cylinder deviation torque by using sliding mode observer. The input estimation problem is transformed into the control tracking problem. The sliding controller is utilised to continuously track the measured varying crank speed by changing the estimated deviation torque. During the process of tracking, the speed estimation errors decrease and the gradual stability of the dynamics is assured. The mean deviation torque during the power stroke derived from the estimated deviation torque can be employed to detect easily engine misfires. Experimental results for a four-cylinder engine indicate that the method is a suitable tool for real-time misfire detection on board vehicle under various working conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • E1 enzyme UBA1 is up-regulated in both human and mouse AD. • Effect of TAK-243, a specific UBA1 inhibitor, is tested on BAPN-induced AD in mice. • TAK-243 reduces AD formation and BAPN-induced aortic medial degeneration in mice. • TAK-243 alleviates BAPN-induced macrophage infiltration and activation in mice. • In vitro , UBA1 facilitates macrophage activation by promoting NF-κB signaling. Aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening aortopathy with no specific pharmacological therapy. Ubiquitination, a highly orchestrated enzymatic cascade involving sequential E1-E2-E3 interactions, is suggested to contribute to the disease pathogenesis. However, the specific role of E1 enzymes in AD progression remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the aortic transcriptional profiles of a human ascending dissection dataset (GSE52093) and identified ubiquitin-like modifier-activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) as a significantly up-regulated E1 enzyme in human AD. This finding was further corroborated by immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR in a mouse model of AD induced by β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN). Treatment of TAK-243, a specific UBA1 inhibitor, prevented BAPN-induced AD formation in mice and attenuated aortic medial degeneration, as evidenced by decreased elastin fragmentation (evaluated by EVG scoring), reduced vascular smooth muscle cell loss (visualized by α-SMA immunohistochemistry), and less extracellular matrix degradation (indicated by diminished MMP2 and MMP9 expression in immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR). Furthermore, TAK-243 treatment attenuated lesional macrophage accumulation and activation, as demonstrated by CD68 immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR analysis of aortic pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. In vitro , UBA1 activation was observed in macrophages (RAW264.7 cells) treated with angiotensin II (AngII), and TAK-243 significantly reduced AngII-induced macrophage activation, at least partially through the inhibition of IκBα and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation. In conclusion, we demonstrate that UBA1 may facilitate AD progression by promoting macrophage activation via the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings reveal a pathogenic role for the E1 enzyme UBA1 in AD and show a pharmacological potential of UBA1-targeted therapy against this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freestanding composite structures with embedded transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) as the active material are highly attractive in the development of advanced electrodes for energy storage devices. Most 3D electrodes consist of a bilayer design involving a core–shell combination. To further enhance the gravimetric and areal capacities, a 3D trilayer design is proposed that has MoSe2 as the TMDC sandwiched in‐between an inner carbon nanotube (CNT) core and an outer carbon layer to form a CNT/MoSe2/C framework. The CNT core creates interconnected pathways for the e−/Na+ conduction, while the conductive inert carbon layer not only protects the corrosive environment between the electrolyte and MoSe2 but also is fully tunable for an optimized Na+ storage. This unique heterostructure is synthesized via a solvothermal‐carbonization approach. Due to annealing under a confined structural configuration, MoSe2 interlayer spaces are expanded to facilitate a faster Na+ diffusion. It is shown that an ≈3 nm thick carbon layer yielded an optimized anode for a sodium‐ion battery. The 3D porosity of the heterostructure remains intact after an intense densification process to produce a high areal capacity of 4.0 mAh cm−2 and a high mass loading of 13.9 mg cm−2 with a gravimetric capacity of 347 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1 after 500 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanowire aerogels (NWAs) are highly versatile and used in many applications. However, most synthesized NWAs are composed of single components that may produce unsatisfactory aggregated performance in mechanical strength, conductivity, and electrochemistry. To address this issue, a reticulate dual‐nanowire aerogel (rDNWA) composed of FeS2 nanowires and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via a simple solvothermal method is synthesized. The rDNWA possesses excellent compressibility (modulus of 1.32 MPa), good conductivity (0.65 S cm−1), and high porosity (>98%). It can be applied as a high‐performance strain sensor with good sensitivity (Gauge Factor = 1.69) and enhanced stability. It can be densified to yield a high areal capacity of 10.0 mAh cm−2 and a high mass loading of 14.4 mg cm−2 after 100 cycles. As a freestanding anode for lithium ion battery (LIB), it exhibits a high specific mass capacity of 1031 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1 and retains it to 729 mAh g−1 at a current density of 500 mA g−1 after 400 cycles. The outstanding overall performance of the hybrid aerogel is derived from the synergistic effect of intertwined CNTs and FeS2 nanowires and can be extended to fabricate NWAs with novel multifunctional capabilities. A densely packed and reticulate dual‐nanowire aerogel is fabricated by harnessing the synergistic effects of intertwined carbon nanotubes and FeS2 nanowires. The 3D hybrid aerogel exhibits high‐porosity, excellent compressibility, and high‐conductivity with multifunctional capabilities that can be used to construct a highly sensitive strain sensor with enhanced stability and a high‐areal capacity, and high‐mass loading electrode for lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct Z scheme g-C 3 N x /Bi 2 WO 6 heterojunctions with enhanced photocatalytic performances were successfully prepared through nitrogen defect mediated method. HRTEM analyses illustrate Bi 2 WO 6 nanoparticles are closely bonded with the g-C 3 N x -0.05 nanosheets to form the g-C 3 N x -0.05/Bi 2 WO 6 heterogeneous structures. An outstanding visible light absorption ability is shown in the g-C 3 N x -0.05/Bi 2 WO 6 hybrid, which combines both the light absorption advantages of g-C 3 N x -0.05 and Bi 2 WO 6 together. In comparison with other photocatalysts the nitrogen defect mediated g-C 3 N x -0.05/Bi 2 WO 6 hybrid shows the best photocatalytic properties, whose degradation efficiency can reach 83%. PL results indicate that an obvious larger amount of ·OH radical is produced on the g-C 3 N x -0.05/Bi 2 WO 6 surface in the photocatalytic process. In the nitrogen defect mediated g-C 3 N x -0.05/Bi 2 WO 6 the binding energies of C and N shift positively to the larger binding energy and the Bi, W and O elements shift negatively compared with that of the pristine g-C 3 N x -0.05 and Bi 2 WO 6. The MS results show the g-C 3 N x -0.05 has a more negative E f than that of Bi 2 WO 6. All the experimental results support the direct Z scheme charge transfer mechanism proposed in the g-C 3 N x -0.05/Bi 2 WO 6 photocatalyst. The developing of direct Z scheme g-C 3 N x -0.05/Bi 2 WO 6 hybrid with excellent photocatalytic performance through defect mediated method shows great potential for more photocatalytic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research on English as a foreign language (EFL) learning has predominantly focused on negative emotions such as anxiety and boredom, neglecting positive emotions. Self-regulation, a cognitive factor, has emerged as a key construct of positive psychology in recent years. However, few studies have examined the mechanisms by which positive emotions influence EFL performance, especially through cognitive factors. Given the high-stakes nature of Chinese college entrance examination and Chinese culture's value on effort, Chinese senior high school students may experience distinct EFL emotions. Therefore, this study, based on the control-value theory (CVT), explored the potential mediating role of self-regulatory capacity (boredom, awareness, goal, and emotion controls) in the relationship between the three focal positive emotions (enjoyment, hope, and pride) and EFL performance among Chinese senior high school students. A paper-and-pencil questionnaire survey was administered to 330 Chinese third-year senior high school students (male: n = 159; female: n = 171). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and mediation analysis with SPSS 26 and PROCESS V3.3. The results indicated that the students reported low levels of enjoyment and pride, moderate levels of hope, low levels of awareness, goal, and emotion controls, and moderate levels of boredom control. The results also revealed significant and large associations among the three positive emotions, the four components of self-regulatory capacity, and EFL performance. Furthermore, the results suggested that self-regulatory capacity partially mediated the effect of positive emotions on EFL performance, supporting the CVT framework. The study concluded with implications for educators and suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With wearable electronics rapidly coming into fashion, research into flexible energy storage devices and in particular, pliable electrodes, is attracting a lot of attention. Pliable electrodes are usually fabricated by intercalating an active material in a flexible matrix with superior mechano-electrical properties, and can be grouped either as substrate-supported or free-standing. Depending on their mode of deformation the electrodes can be labeled as bendable, compressible or stretchable. Recent progress and challenges in the design and fabrication of pliable electrodes for constructing flexible lithium ion batteries and flexible supercapacitors are highlighted. 2 pliable core-shell structure electrodes fabricated from: a) carbon nanotube sponge embedded with MoS2 nanoparticles and b) electrospun polyethylene terephthalate fibers impregnated with graphene nanoplatelets are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an alternative interpretation of propositional inquisitive logic as an epistemic logic of knowing how. In our setting, an inquisitive logic formula α being supported by a state is formalized as knowing how to resolve α (more colloquially, knowing how α is true) holds on the S5 epistemic model corresponding to the state. Based on this epistemic interpretation, we use a dynamic epistemic logic with both know-how and know-that operators to capture the epistemic information behind the innocent-looking connectives in inquisitive logic. We show that the set of valid know-how formulas corresponds precisely to the inquisitive logic. The main result is a complete axiomatization with intuitive axioms using the full dynamic epistemic language. Moreover, we show that the know-how operator and the dynamic operator can both be eliminated without changing the expressivity over models, which is consistent with the modal translation of inquisitive logic existing in the literature. We hope our framework can give an intuitive alternative interpretation to various concepts and technical results in inquisitive logic, and also provide a powerful and flexible tool to handle both the inquisitive reasoning and declarative reasoning in an epistemic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aldehyde-functionalized mesostructured cellular foams (A-MCFs) were successfully prepared by copolymerization of vinyl groups on the surface of vinyl-functionalized mesostructured cellular foams (V-MCFs) with methacrolein, and used for covalent immobilization of penicillin G acylase (PGA). Effects of functionalization with the organo-functional groups on the physicochemical properties of V-MCFs and A-MCFs, and the enzymatic activity and the operational stability of the immobilized PGA were investigated. A-MCFs-15% sample retains the characteristic ultra-large and continuous 3D mesoporous structure of MCFs with high surface area and large pore volume, which is beneficial for immobilization of PGA and diffusion of substrates and products, and thus results in high enzymatic activity of the immobilized PGA. PGA is immobilized covalently on A-MCFs sample via the reaction to produce Schiff’s base between the free amino groups of lysine residues of PGA and the aldehyde groups on the surface of A-MCFs, which greatly increases the operational stability of the immobilized PGA. PGA/A-MCFs-15% sample shows the initial enzymatic activity of 9531 U g −1 and retains 87% of its initial activity after recycled for ten times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Construction of the micro-structural photothermal superhydrophobic (156°) composite coatings. • Narrow forbidden bandwidth (3.62 eV) for ideal photothermal performance (69.4 °C at 200 mW/cm−2 irradiation intensity). • Active-passive anti-icing strategies for photothermal and superhydrophobic. Conventional superhydrophobic surfaces have limitations in the melting and icing process in response to ambient temperature. In this study, we fabricated a composite coating using plasma-etched black ceramic as a low layer on the surface of AZ31 magnesium alloy, and loaded-polydimethylsiloxane nanoparticles (PDMS NPs) as a top layer to achieve a photothermal and superhydrophobic anti-icing. The absorbance and forbidden bandwidth of the ceramic layer exhibit the excellent photothermal properties of solid solution (Mg 1-X Cu X O). The ceramic phase exhibits a bandgap of 3.62 eV and achieves a temperature of up to 69.4 °C, demonstrating desirable light absorption and photothermal properties. The microstructure and polar bonds of Si-O-Si provide excellent superhydrophobic properties, allowing the surface contact angle to reach 156°. The wetting of water droplets on the composite coating's surface is simulated using molecular dynamics, which is consistent with experimental findings and emphasizes the coating's exceptional superhydrophobic. Additionally, the transition process between Cassie-Baxter and Wenzel was analyzed by researching the dynamic icing and ice-melting processes. This composite surface converts light energy into heat, melts snow/ice, and uses hydrophobicity to promptly desorb it from the surface, enabling a photothermal active and superhydrophobic passive anti-icing strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pd–Ag/ceramic composite membrane, prepared by the improved electroless plating, was characterized. It exhibited higher hydrogen permeating flux (0.759 mol s−1 m−2 at 773 K, ΔP=1.936 atm) and the separation factor of hydrogen to nitrogen or argon was close to infinite. Effects of various operating parameters on the catalytic dehydrogenation of isobutane in the membrane reactor, such as reaction temperature and pressure, space velocity of feed gas, flow rate of purge gas, and molar ratio of nitrogen to isobutane in feed gas, on the conversion of isobutane were investigated. The conversion of isobutane (50.5% at 723 K) in the membrane reactor exceeded the equilibrium conversion (18.8%) and that (15.5%) in the fixed-bed reactor. Maintaining a certain partial pressure of hydrogen in the reaction side of the membrane reactor is favorable to reduce the deactivation rate of catalyst and membrane by carbon deposition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

3D electrode design is normally opted for multiple advantages, however, instability/detachment of active material causes the pulverization and degradation of the structure, and ultimately poor cyclic stability. Here, a dually protected, highly compressible, and freestanding anode is presented for sodium‐ion batteries, where 3D carbon nanotube (CNT) sponge is decorated with homogeneously dispersed CoSe2 nanoparticles (NPs) which are protected under carbon overcoat (CNT/CoSe2/C). The 3D CNT sponge delivers enough space for high mass loading while providing high mechanical strength and faster conduction pathway among the NPs. The outer amorphous carbon overcoat controls the formation of solid electrolyte interphase film by avoiding direct contact of CoSe2 with electrolyte, accommodates large volume changes, and ultimately enhances the overall conductivity of cell and assists in transmitting electron to an external circuit. Moreover, the hybrid can be densified up to 11‐fold without affecting its microstructure that results in ultrahigh areal mass loading of 17.4 mg cm−2 and an areal capacity of 7.03 mAh cm−2 along with a high gravimetric capacity of 531 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1. Thus, compact and smart devices can be realized by this new electrode design for heavy‐duty commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient approach for the total synthesis of pyrano[3,2- a ]carbazole alkaloids was reported, resulting in the synthesis of six natural pyrano[3,2- a ]carbazole alkaloids, namely girinimbine (1), mukoenine C (2), koenimbine (3), koenigine (4), koenine (5), and koenidine (6). In the present study, the readily available 2-methyl-5-nitrophenol was employed as a starting material for the synthesis of aminochromenes. The intermediate diphenylamine was produced through the Buchwald-Hartwig coupling reaction, which ultimately facilitated the synthesis of pyrano[3,2- a ]carbazole via the intramolecular palladium(II)-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of diphenylamine. In the palladium-catalyzed oxidative cyclization process, this approach successfully circumvents the Wacker oxidation by restricting the involvement of water, ultimately enabling the selective dehydrogenative oxidative cyclization of the C–C bond of the aryl ring. Consequently, this strategy simplifies the complexity of the reaction and reduces the synthesis steps. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Thermal treatment and HNO 3 etching can tune the surface composition of LaAl 0.9 Pd 0.1 O 3. • Thermal treatment and acid etching promoted the reactivity of perovskite for CH 4 combustion. • LaAl 0.9 Pd 0.1 O 3 catalyst after post-treatment showed excellent reaction stability. Abstract Perovskite oxides containing noble metals have been widely used as heterogeneous catalysts for a broad range of important chemical reactions in recent decades, especially in environmental catalysis. However, it is still a great challenge to develop a facile strategy for tuning the distribution of noble metal on the perovskite oxide to prepare a perovskite catalyst with unexpected catalytic performance. Herein, we proposed a new path to tune the distribution of noble metal on the perovskite oxide by synergistic effect of thermal treatment and acid etching. After calcining at high temperatures (800/900 °C vs 500/700 °C), those Pd species on the LaAl 0.9 Pd 0.1 O 3 catalyst would gradually exsolve from the bulk phase to the surface and subsurface of the catalyst, which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and CO-pulse experiment. These in situ -generated Pd species on the surface and subsurface of the catalyst can significantly improve the redox property of the LaAl 0.9 Pd 0.1 O 3 catalyst. As a result, unexpected low-temperature catalytic activity and remarkable high stability for CH 4 combustion were achieved on the LaAl 0.9 Pd 0.1 O 3 catalyst. On this basis, the surface composition of the LaAl 0.9 Pd 0.1 O 3 catalyst was further modulated by HNO 3 etching. Part of the La element can be selectively etched away from the LaAl 0.9 Pd 0.1 O 3 framework, and more Pd-site terminated perovskite surfaces are created after acid treatment, leading to the further promotion of catalytic activity of the LaAl 0.9 Pd 0.1 O 3 catalyst for CH 4 combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) hybridized with a conductive matrix could potentially serve as a sulfur host for lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) battery electrodes; so far most of the previously studied hybrid structures are in the powder form or thin compact films. This study reports 3D porous MOF@carbon nanotube (CNT) networks by grafting MOFs with tailored particle size uniformly throughout a CNT sponge skeleton. Growing larger‐size MOF particles to entrap the conductive CNT network yields a mutually embedded structure with high stability, and after sulfur encapsulation, it shows an initial discharge capacity of ≈1380 mA h g−1 (at 0.1 C) and excellent cycling stability with a very low fading rate. Furthermore, owing to the 3D porous network that is suitable for enhanced sulfur loading, a remarkable areal capacity of ≈11 mA h cm−2 (at 0.1 C) is obtained, which is much higher than other MOF‐based hybrid electrodes. The mutually embedded MOF@CNTs with simultaneously high specific capacity, areal capacity, and cycling stability represent an advanced candidate for developing high‐performance Li‐S batteries and other energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With wearable electronics becoming increasingly fashionable, flexible energy storage devices are attracting a lot of attention. Their main component, the pliable electrodes can be categorized as substrate‐supported and free‐standing. Depending on their modes of deformation they can be labeled as bendable, compressible or stretchable electrodes. In article number 1600490, Ray P. S. Han and co‐workers summarize recent progress and challenges in the design and fabrication of pliable electrodes for flexible energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag-MCl x /BaCO 3 catalysts with different chloride promoters, prepared by reduction-deposition-impregnation method, were investigated for gas-phase epoxidation of propylene to propylene oxide (PO) by molecular oxygen. Ag-CuCl 2 /BaCO 3 catalyst with 360 ppm of Cu and 400 ppm of Cl exhibits the best initial catalytic performance, in which PO selectivity of 71.2% and propylene conversion of 1.3% are achieved, but only PO selectivity of 13.9% is obtained at propylene conversion of 3.2% after reaction for 500 min. The catalytic reaction mechanism over Ag-CuCl 2 /BaCO 3 catalyst follows Rideal-Eley mechanism, in which propylene in the gas phase reacts with molecular oxygen species adsorbed on the surface of Ag at the interface in close contact with CuCl 2 to produce PO, and with atomic oxygen species adsorbed on the surface of Ag nanoparticles to produce CO 2 and H 2 O. One oxygen atom of molecular oxygen species reacts with propylene to form a PO molecule, and the left insufficient oxygen atoms react with propylene to produce oxygen-containing intermediates and then to form coke deposition which covers the active sites and thus results in the catalyst deactivation. The deactivated Ag-CuCl 2 /BaCO 3 catalyst can be completely regenerated by combustion of coke deposition and then impregnation with appropriate amount of Cl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag/BaCO 3 catalysts with different Ag crystallite sizes, prepared by the reduction-deposition method, were developed for gas-phase epoxidation of propylene to propylene oxide (PO) by molecular oxygen. Effects of preparation conditions, such as pretreatment of organic amines of BaCO 3 support, pretreatment way of ethylene diamine, reduction temperature of HCHO and calcination temperature, on the catalytic performance and Ag crystallite size of Ag/BaCO 3 catalyst were investigated. Ag/BaCO 3 * catalyst, with pretreatment of BaCO 3 support by ethylene diamine and prepared at the reduction temperature of HCHO of 10 °C and the calcination temperature of 250 °C, exhibited better catalytic performance and good durability, in which 12.5% of propylene conversion and 36.9% of PO selectivity were achieved under the reaction conditions of 20%C 3 H 6 –10%O 2 –70%N 2 , 200 °C, 0.1 MPa and GHSV of 3000 h −1 . Both lower reduction temperature of HCHO and lower calcination temperature can get smaller Ag crystallite sizes, which is more effective for epoxidation of propylene over Ag/BaCO 3 * catalyst. The catalytic reaction mechanism of Ag/BaCO 3 * catalyst for epoxidation of propylene is that propylene in the gas phase reacts with molecular oxygen species adsorbed on the catalyst surface to produce PO and follows Rideal–Eley mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn-Co mixed oxide (Mn a Co b O x ) catalysts were prepared by the precipitation method, and the effect of Mn/Co (atom) on their structural and catalytic performance for the solvent-free selective oxidation of cyclohexane with oxygen was investigated. The results showed that the atomic ratio of Mn/Co would affect the phase constitution, surface area, surface Mn valence states and the reducibility of the Mn a Co b O x catalysts. When the atomic ratio of Mn/Co in the catalyst is 0.6, the Mn 2 Co 3 O x catalyst behaved with excellent catalytic activity and stability, which should be attributed to its high specific surface area and the high atomic ratios of (Mn 4+ + Mn 3+ )/Mn and Co 3+ /Co on its surface. The effects of the preparation conditions for the Mn 2 Co 3 O x catalyst and the reaction conditions on the selective oxidation of cyclohexane over the Mn 2 Co 3 O x catalyst was tested. Under the reaction conditions of 0.5 MPa O 2 and 140 °C for 4 h, 10.4% conversion of cyclohexane and 62.0% selectivity to a mixture of cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol (KA oil) were achieved. After this Mn 2 Co 3 O x catalyst was repeatedly used 10 times, the cyclohexane conversion and the selectivity to KA oil had hardly changed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For low temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with ammonia, the highly effective Sm-Mn mixed oxide (Sm-Mn-O, the molar ratio Sm/Mn is 0.1) catalysts was developed. The effect of the calcination temperature on the structure, physicochemical and catalytic properties of the Sm-Mn-O catalysts was investigated in detail. The results showed that the Sm-Mn-O catalyst calcined at 450 °C exhibited the highest activity, and after been calcined at >550 °C its catalytic activity markedly decreased. With an increase in the calcination temperature, its surface area firstly increased and then decreased, and the poorly crystallized MnO 2 in Sm-Mn-O was transformed to highly crystalized Mn 2 O 3 phase. These changes influenced the adsorption ability of the Sm-Mn-O catalyst for NH 3 or NO + O 2 . After calcination at >550 °C, the contents of Mn 4+ and adsorbed oxygen (O S ) on the surface of Sm-Mn-O decreased obviously, resulting in the decrease in its catalytic properties for the NO oxidation and transformation of bridged nitrite to active intermediate of bidentate nitrate. Conversely, its catalytic activity for NH 3 oxidation was enhanced after being calcined at high temperature. These adverse factors cause the decrease in the SCR activities of Sm-Mn-O calcined at >550 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is not clear how invading autoreactive T cells initiate the pathogenic process inside the diseased organ in T cell-mediated organ-specific autoimmune disease. In experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) induced by adoptive transfer of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP)-specific T cells in mice, we have previously reported that intraocular inflammation was initiated by infiltrating IRBP-specific T cells that directly interacted with retinal cells and resulted in the active release of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), an important member of damage associate molecular patterns (DAMPs). Furthermore, blockade of HMGB1 in our murine model reduced intraocular inflammation via suppression of IRBP-specific T cell functions. These results have demonstrated that HMGB1 is an early and critical mediator of induction of intraocular inflammation. The present study identified the cell surface molecule that triggers HMGB1 secretion.Methods: Retinal explants from Fas-deficient (Fas(lpr)) and wild-type (Wt) C57BL/6 (B6) mice were cultured with activated IRBP 1-20 peptide-specific T cells or with a Fas-activating antibody (Jo2), and then the level of HMGB1 in culture supernatants were detected by ELISA. In addition, released HMGB1 was examined in the eye of Fas(lpr) and Wt mice after IRBP-specific T cell transfer. Uveitis was evaluated in the IRBP-specific T cell transferred Fas(lpr) mice after recombinant HMGB1 was restored within the eye and in the IRBP-specific T cell transferred Wt mice after they were treated with a Fas antagonist (Met12).Results: In contrast to retinal explants from Wt mice, those from Fas(lpr) mice did not release HMGB1 after exposure to IRBP-specific T cells or to Jo2. The release of HMGB1 by Wt retinal explants was suppressed by Met 12. Moreover, after IRBP-specific T cell injection, Fas(lpr) mice did not release HMGB1 in the eye or develop EAU, but intravitreous injection of HMGB1 resulted in intraocular inflammation. Finally, tEAU in Wt mice was attenuated by local treatment with Met 12. Unlike HMGB1, Fas-induced IL-1 and IL-18 were not essential for tEAU induction.Conclusion: Our results show that interaction of retinal cells with infiltrating uveitogenic T cells leads to rapid release of HMGB1 via the Fas/FasL inflammatory signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ce-doped MCM-48 (Ce-MCM-48) mesoporous molecular sieve was prepared hydrothermally and its surface was modified with organic groups or fluorine, and their physicochemical properties were characterized by XRD, low-temperature N 2 adsorption, TEM, UV–visible and FT-IR spectroscopies, XPS and contact angle measurement. The results indicated that Ce species were highly dispersed on the MCM-48 materials as Ce 3+ and Ce 4+ . After post-functionalization of Ce-MCM-48, the organic groups or fluorine species have been immobilized on the surface of Ce-MCM-48, but the chemical status of Ce species were hardly changed, and the post-functionalization improved the surface hydrophobicity of the Ce-MCM-48 sample. The catalytic activity testing for the oxidation of cyclohexane with molecular oxygen showed that, Ce-MCM-48 after post-functionalization exhibited the higher cyclohexane conversion and selectivity to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone, 8.9% cyclohexane conversion with 91.2% selectivity to cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol could be achieved over the Ce-MCM-48 with F-modified catalyst, which was attributed to the proper modification of their surface properties including hydrophobicity and polarity. The F-modified catalyst also showed excellent reusability, and its catalytic performance has no obvious deterioration after being repeatedly used five times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] CHO-MCFs were prepared by post-synthetical functionalization of MCFs. [•] The aldehydepropyl groups were grafted successfully on the surface of CHO-MCFs. [•] The ultra-large 3D mesostructure of CHO-MCFs is beneficial for immobilization of PGA. [•] PGA immobilized covalently on CHO-MCFs increased the operational stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] NH2-Fe3O4 nanoparticles were successfully grafted on the outer surface of AMCFs. [•] PGA molecules were mainly immobilized covalently on the inner surface of PAMCFs. [•] PGA/PAMCFs show higher initial activity and operational stability. [•] PGA/PAMCFs are easily recycled by the magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] PEMCFs with an open pore system were synthesized by a simple method. [•] PGA/PEMCFs shows the highest initial activity and operational stability. [•] PGA/PEMCFs is easily recycled by the aid of magnet. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Supported Ag-based bimetallic catalysts with low Ag loading of 3.0wt%, prepared by the surfactant-protected colloidal method, were investigated for the epoxidation of propylene by molecular oxygen and characterized by UV–vis, XRD, TEM, XPS, and H2-TPR. Ag–Cu/BaCO3 bimetallic catalyst exhibits better catalytic performance, governed by the molar ratio of Ag/Cu, than other supported Ag-based bimetallic catalysts and monometallic catalysts for the epoxidation of propylene by molecular oxygen. The highest propylene oxide selectivity of 55.1% and the propylene conversion of 3.6% were achieved over Ag95–Cu5/BaCO3 bimetallic catalyst. XRD and TEM results show that a small quantity of Cu can effectively regulate the size of Ag crystallites to restrain their agglomeration. XPS results indicate that the presence of Cu can withdraw electrons from nearby Ag and thus make Ag electropositive, which is beneficial to produce more active sites where electrophilic oxygen species can be absorbed to increase the propylene oxide selectivity. H2-TPR results show that the reactivity and the amount of the oxygen species adsorbed on Ag surface can be regulated by the synergistic effect between Ag and Cu, which plays an important role in increasing the propylene oxide selectivity and the propylene conversion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cu–CeO2–Al2O3 catalyst, prepared by co-precipitation method, was investigated for the gas-phase hydrogenation of maleic anhydride (MA) to γ-butyrolactone (GBL) at atmospheric pressure and the catalyst deactivation was also studied. Effects of catalyst composition, reaction temperature, and liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) of raw material on the catalytic performance of Cu–CeO2–Al2O3 catalyst were investigated. The catalyst (molar ratio of Cu:Ce:Al=1:1:2) showed better catalytic performance, in which both the conversion of MA and the selectivity of GBL kept 100% within two hours under the reaction conditions of 6mL catalyst, 0.1MPa, 220–280°C, 30mLmin−1 H2, 0.6h−1 LHSV of 20wt.% MA/GBL. As for Cu–CeO2–Al2O3 catalyst, smaller crystallite size of Cu and higher Cu surface area are favorable to increase its catalytic performance. The deactivation of Cu–CeO2–Al2O3 catalyst is due to formation of the compact wax-like deposition on the catalyst surface, which is probably ascribed to the strong adsorption of succinic anhydride and then polymerization on the catalyst surface. The catalytic performance of the regenerated catalyst can be recovered completely by the regeneration method of N2–air–H2 stage treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Penicillin G acylase (PGA) was immobilized on KIT-6 and SBA-15 with different pore sizes to study the influence of pore size, pore volume and mesophases on the immobilized enzyme (IME) activity. The results show that the pore size, pore volume, mesophase and surface area have an obvious influence on the IME activity, of which the pore size is the most important factor. The activity of PGA immobilized on KIT-6/130 reaches to 3522IU/g by dry support, which is higher than that ever reported for carrier-bound penicillin G acylase [A.I. Kallenberg, F. van Rantwijk, R.A. Sheldon, Adv. Synth. Catal. 347 (2005) 905–926]. Because of the covalent immobilization, the operational stability of IME increases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel solid superbase catalyst of Eu2O3/Al2O3 was prepared and its basic strength reached 26.5 measured by indicators according to Hammett scale. The catalytic activity of Eu2O3/Al2O3 was evaluated for the transesterification of soybean oil with methanol to biodiesel in the fixed bed reactor and under atmospheric pressure. The results show that Eu2O3/Al2O3 is an excellent catalyst for the transesterification of soybean oil, and the conversion of soybean oil can reach 63.2% at 70°C for 8h. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, different organic group-functionalized mesoporous ethanesilicas have been synthesized by the co-condensation of 1,2-bis-(triethoxysilyl) ethane (BTEE) and organosilanes under basic conditions, using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a template. High quality mesoporous materials were obtained with MCM-41-type structure. But the employing of different organic groups, such as vinyl, aminopropyl, glycidoxypropyl, mercaptopropyl, leads to different morphologies. The ratio of organosilane to BTEE also affects the mesostructures and morphologies of the final materials. Using the similar method, Ce-doped mesoporous ethanesilica was also obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Transfer hydrogenolysis of 2-phenyl-2-propanol to isopropylene using formic acid as hydrogen donor was performed over the supported palladium, platinum and ruthenium catalysts. The hydrogen-donating abilities of various hydrogen donors and the effect of the pH value in a reaction medium were studied. It was found that Pd/C is an effective catalyst and formic acid is much better than formate salts and other agents of donating-hydrogen for the catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis of 2-phenyl-2-propanol. The protons in a reaction medium have a promotive effect on the catalytic hydrogenolysis of 2-phenyl-2-propanol. At the reaction condition of using formic acid as hydrogen donor and the Pd/C catalyst at 80°C for 4h, the conversion of 2-phenyl-2-propanol and selectivity to isopropylbenzene reaches 95.2 and 98.4%, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As a useful approach the reverse microemulsion method was used to prepare the high thermal-stabile alumina-substrate materials with high surface area at high temperature. After calcined at 1100°C for 10h, alumina, barium-doped alumina, and silicon-doped alumina synthesized by the reverse microemulsion method exist, still as the transition alumina phase including γ-phase, δ-phase and θ-phase; their particles are nanometer-size and rod shape, the size distribution of its particle is very uniform, and their BET surface areas remain 52, 90 and 175m2g-1, respectively. This method claims its superiority at two points: the raw materials are inorganic salts which are cheap and obtained easy, and the synthesis procedure is simple and easy to perform. As the comparative examples, three samples above prepared by the sol–gel method exist mainly as α alumina phase and their BET surface areas are 20, 24 and 117m2g-1, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Cu/SiO2/ceramic composite membrane was prepared on the SiO2/ceramic mesoporous membrane by an ion exchange method, and vapor phase dehydrogenation of methanol to methyl formate in the catalytic membrane reactor was investigated. It showed much better performance in the catalytic membrane reactor than that in the fixed-bed reactor under the same reaction conditions. At 240 °C, 57.3% conversion of methanol and 50.0% yield of methyl formate were achieved in the catalytic membrane reactor and only 43.1% conversion of methanol and 36.9% yield of methyl formate were achieved in the fixed-bed reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a novel support of immobilizing penicillin G acylase (PGA), MCM-48 and Co-MCM-48 molecular sieves were synthesized and characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption, NH3-TPD, FT-IR and so on. The studies show that MCM-48 and Co-MCM-48 has well ordered long-range structure, narrow pore size distribution, larger surface area and higher concentration of the weakly acidic silanol groups on their surface. Penicillin G acylase was immobilized on MCM-48 or Co-MCM-48 by interacting silanol groups on the surface. The presence of cobalt in the framework of MCM-48 increases the amount of the weak acid sites. For the hydrolysis of penicillin G catalyzed by PGA/Co-MCM-48 (Co/Si=0.01), its specific activity reaches 1682 U/g. After used for six cycles, PGA/MCM-48(0.01) can keep 1375 U/g of the specific activity. If MCM-41 was used as the support, the activity of immobilized PGA is only 402 U/g. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The promoter effect of palladium on the Cu/TiO2/γ-Al2O3 catalyst was investigated for the gas-phase selective hydrogenation of maleic anhydride to butyric acid at atmospheric pressure. The results show that Pd is added rarely into the Cu/TiO2/γ-Al2O3 catalyst for the hydrogenation of maleic anhydride, the higher selectivity to butyric acid can be obtained. In the absence of Pd (or Cu) in the Cu–Pd/TiO2/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, the selectivity to butyric acid (BA) is nearly zero. Using the Cu–Pd/TiO2/γ-Al2O3 (Pd/Cu=3/100 (atom)) catalyst, 56.2% selectivity to BA and 100% conversion of maleic anhydride were obtained at 280 °C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Pd state transfers from Pd4+ to PdO with increasing CeO 2 calcination temperature. • C 3 H 8 and CO oxidation show reversed activity trend with Pd state transformation. • NO conversion in low temperature correlates to CO oxidation and NO adsorption. • PdO promotes C 3 H 8 activation and reaction with NO 3 –/ NO 2 – in high temperature. To investigate the correlation of activity and chemical state of Pd species in the three-way catalytic reaction, the supported Pd catalysts were prepared by using CeO 2 calcined at different temperatures as supports. It turned out that the chemical state of Pd could severely affect the catalytic activity of Pd/CeO 2 , which depended on the CeO 2 properties and the interaction between Pd and CeO 2. With increasing CeO 2 calcination temperature from 500 to 1200 °C, the state of Pd gradually transferred from Pd4+ as Pd x Ce 1-x O 2-σ to Pd2+ as PdO due to the decreased interaction between Pd and CeO 2. Meanwhile, the TOFs of C 3 H 8 oxidation linearly increased and the TOFs of CO oxidation showed a reversed trend, demonstrating the active states of Pd in C 3 H 8 and CO oxidation were different. NO conversion was correlated to the activity of CO oxidation in low-temperature zone and C 3 H 8 oxidation in high-temperature zone during the three-way catalytic reaction. Among them, Pd/CeO 2 (500) showed the highest CO oxidation activity and low-temperature NO conversion due to the enhanced adsorption ability of CO and NO. The existence of PdO on the surface of high-temperature calcined CeO 2 facilitated C 3 H 8 activation and reaction with surface nitrate/nitrite, which promoted NO conversion in high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CeZrO 4 support with κappa phase and large surface area was prepared successfully. • The Pd/κ-CZ catalyst exhibited an excellent activity for CH 4 combustion. • Smaller particle size and higher amount of active Pd sites are present on κ-CZ. • κ-CZ can prompt the redox cycle of active Pd sites during combustion reaction. Methane, one of the greenhouse gases, is controlled by the catalytic combustion that is the most efficient method. Herein, ceria-zirconia solid solutions (CeZrO 4) with high specific surface areas and different phases (κappa and tetragonal) were synthesized and then used to construct the supported Pd catalyst for methane combustion. Compared to the tetragonal CeZrO 4 support (t-CZ), the smaller particle sizes of PdO x and the higher amount of active PdO species are present on the κappa CeZrO 4 support (κ-CZ), leading to a higher ability of the Pd/κ-CZ catalyst for methane activation. More critically, the oxygen mobility of the Pd/κ-CZ catalyst is much higher than that of the Pd/t-CZ catalyst. Consequently, an excellent and stable redox cycle of PdO species is achieved on the Pd/κ-CZ catalyst compared to the Pd/t-CZ catalyst, prompting the oxidation of hydrocarbon fragments. These two factors result into a superior catalytic activity of the Pd/κ-CZ catalyst for methane combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sn y Mn 1- y O x composite oxide catalysts were prepared by a co-precipitation method. • Addition of Sn enhances the specific surface area and improves surface properties. • Presence of Sn-Mn-O solid solution increases the redox property and surface acidity. • Sn 0.6 Mn 0.4 O x catalyst shows the best catalytic performance for VC abatement. • Sn 0.6 Mn 0.4 O x catalyst exhibits excellent resistance ability to Cl poisoning and water. A series of Sn y Mn 1- y O x composite oxide catalysts with different Sn/Mn molar ratios (y = 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, 0.3 and 0) were prepared by a co-precipitation method. The catalysts were investigated for the catalytic combustion of vinyl chloride (VC), which is a typical chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC). It is found that the existence of Sn-Mn-O solid solution structure over Sn y Mn 1- y O x catalysts can increase the specific surface area and tune the valence state of Mn and the surface properties. As a result, the redox property and the ability of adsorbing oxygen species of Sn y Mn 1- y O x catalysts are enhanced. Meanwhile, more weak and medium acid sites are present on the catalyst surface. Under the synergetic effects of these above-mentioned factors, the catalytic activity of Sn y Mn 1- y O x catalyst for VC oxidation is significantly improved compared with pure SnO x and MnO x catalysts. Moreover, the Sn/Mn molar ratio significantly affects the catalytic activity of Sn y Mn 1- y O x catalysts, among which Sn 0.6 Mn 0.4 O x catalyst possesses the best catalytic activity and excellent resistance to Cl poisoning and water-resisting ability. It can retain VC conversion of 100% without any chlorinated byproducts for 100 h at the reaction temperature of 340 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]