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As promising fresh‐water purification devices, solar steam generation systems have attracted significant attention recently. However, in practice, the approach often suffers from a poor solar energy conversion efficiency and a low water production rate due to poor material selection and inefficient microscopic structure design. Here, we fabricate an efficient solar steam generation system by "building" polyoxometalate "nano‐walls" on rice paper‐derived three‐dimensional porous carbon paper. In this solar steam generation system, the height of the vertically aligned CoP4Mo6 "nano‐walls" range from 100 to 150 nm with thicknesses about 15 to 25 nm. Under 1 sun irradiation (1 sun = 1 kW m−2), the surface temperature increases from 29 to 50 °C in a short time with a solar thermal conversion efficiency achieving 92.8 %. The stability and durability of this solar steam generation system, which withstands fifteen cycle continuous tests, also offer good prospects. Its attractive solar energy conversion performance originates from the intense sunlight absorption and high conversion ability of the CoP4Mo6 "nano‐walls", as well as extremely promising heat localization and water transportation properties of the three‐dimensional porous carbon paper. This solar steam generation system, which has produced some inspiring results, is employed for seawater desalination and for purification of water polluted with organic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulation of fluorescence and self‐assembly of a salicylaldehyde azine‐containing amphiphile by a water‐soluble pillar[5]arene via host–guest recognition in water was realized. The fluorescence and the self‐assembled aggregates of the bola‐type amphiphile G can be tailored by adding different amounts of water‐soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5). In addition, the emission property and self‐assembly behavior of G and WP5 are responsive to pH conditions. Furthermore, the fluorescence emission property of G and the regulation by WP5 or pH conditions was applied as information encryption material, rewritable paper, and erasable ink. We believe that this fluorescence regulation strategy is promising for the construction of advanced fluorescent organic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Security inks based on photoluminescent materials are mostly investigated for security applications, such as information encryption and decryption, anti‐counterfeiting, and data storage. Although they are invisible to the naked eye under ambient light, they can be detected under ultraviolet or near‐infrared light. Herein, a new kind of secret paper made from network‐structured ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires and cellulose fibers has been developed. White vinegar, a common cooking ingredient, is used as an invisible security ink. Covert information on the secret paper written with white vinegar is totally invisible under natural light, but it can be decrypted and clearly read after exposure to fire; the response time to fire is short (<10 s). The ways of writing on the secret paper are diverse by using various pens loaded with white vinegar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical CO2 reduction is a promising method for converting atmospheric CO2 into valuable low‐carbon chemicals. In this study, a crystalline cadmium sulfide/amorphous cadmium hydroxide composite was successfully deposited on the carbon paper substrate surface by in‐situ chemical bath deposition (named as c‐CdS/a‐Cd(OH)2/CP electrodes) for the efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction to produce CO. The c‐CdS/a‐Cd(OH)2/CP electrode exhibited high CO Faradaic efficiencies (>90 %) under a wide potential window of 1.0 V, with the highest value reaching ~100 % at the applied potential ranging from −2.16 V to −2.46 V vs. ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc+), superior to the crystalline counterpart c‐CdS/CP and c‐CdS/c‐Cd(OH)2@CP electrodes. Meanwhile, the CO partial current density reached up to 154.7 mA cm−2 at −2.76 V vs. Fc/Fc+ on the c‐CdS/a‐Cd(OH)2/CP electrode. The excellent performance of this electrode was mainly ascribed to its special three‐dimensional structure and the introduction of a‐Cd(OH)2. These structures could provide more active sites, accelerate the charge transfer, and enhance adsorption of *COOH intermediates, thereby improving the CO selectivity. Moreover, the electrolytes consisting of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and acetonitrile also enhanced the reaction kinetics of electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative method for making a new kind of highly flexible, fireproof, inorganic, nanocomposite paper made from glass fibers (GFs) coated with network-structured hydroxyapatite ultralong nanowires (NS-HANWs) is reported. The NS-HANW/GF paper is fireproof, high-temperature resistant, highly flexible, highly exquisite, and smooth, which is comparable to high-quality advanced coated paper. The most incredible characteristic of the NS-HANW/GF paper is its incombustibility. The as-prepared NS-HANW/GF paper, with the addition of optimized inorganic additives, has high mechanical properties (tensile strength ≈16 MPa) and the tensile strength is nearly 15 times that of GF paper. In addition, the NS-HANW/GF paper exhibits a high biocompatibility, owing to the coating effect of NS-HANWs on GFs. Thermal analysis indicates that the NS-HANW/GF paper has high thermal stability at high temperatures up to 1000 °C. Competitive to conventional insulation materials, the NS-HANW/GF paper exhibits a low thermal conductivity and excellent heat insulation performance. Experiments show that the NS-HANW/GF paper is promising for application in the protection layer of fire-retardant fiber-optic cable. The NS-HANW/GF paper can also be used as printing, copying, or writing paper; nonflammable China paper; fire-retardant wallpaper; specialty fireproof paper; and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemically triggered reversible switching of pH‐responsive hydrazones involves rotary motion‐induced configurational changes, serving as a prototype for constructing an array of molecular machines. Typically, the configurational isomerization of such switches into two distinct forms (E/Z) occurs through the alteration of the pH the medium, achieved by successive additions of acid and base stimuli. However, this process results in intermittent operation due to the concomitant accumulation of salt after each cycle, limiting switching performance to only a few cycles (5–6). In this context, we introduce a novel strategy for the autonomous E/Z isomerization of hydrazones in acetonitrile using pulses of trichloroacetic acid as a chemical fuel. The use of this transient acid enabled reversible switching of hydrazones even after 50 cycles without causing significant fatigue. To test the broad viability of the fuel, a series of ortho/para‐substituted hydrazones were synthesized and their switching performance was investigated. The analysis of kinetic data showed a strong dependency of switching operations including the lifetime of transient state, on the electronic properties of substituents. Finally, a distinct color change from yellow to orange due to reversible switching of the para‐methoxy substituted hydrazone was employed for the creation of rewritable messages on commercially available paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest in developing printable paper sensors to enable rapid testing of analytes for environmental, food safety, and clinical applications. A major challenge is to find suitable bioinks that are amenable to high-speed printing and remain functional after printing. We report on a simple and effective approach wherein an aqueous ink composed of megadalton-sized tandem repeating structure-switching DNA aptamers (concatemeric aptamers) is used to rapidly create patterned paper sensors on filter paper by inkjet printing. These concatemeric aptamer reporters remain immobilized at the point of printing through strong adsorption but retain sufficient segmental mobility to undergo structure switching and fluorescence signaling to provide both qualitative and quantitative detection of small molecules and protein targets. The convenience of inkjet printing allows for the patterning of internally referenced sensors with multiplexed detection, and provides a generic platform for on-demand printing of sensors even in remote locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deposition of redox‐active metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as thin films on conductive substrates is of great importance to improve their electrochemical performance and durability. In this work, a series of metalloporphyrinic MOF crystals was successfully deposited as thin films on carbon fiber paper (CFP) substrates, which is an alternative to rigid glass substrates. The specific dimensions of the obtained films could be adjusted easily by simple cutting. Metalloporphyrinic MOFs on CFP with different active metal species have been employed for electrochemical conversion of the carcinogenic nitrite into the less toxic nitrate. The MOFs on CFP exhibit remarkable improvement in terms of the electrocatalytic performance and reusability compared with the electrodes prepared from MOF powder. The contribution from metal species of the porphyrin units and reaction mechanisms was elucidated based on the findings from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and in situ X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measured during the electrochemical reaction. By integrating the redox‐active property of metalloporphyrinic MOFs and high conductivity of CFP, MOF thin films on CFP provided a significant improvement of electrocatalytic performance to detoxify the carcinogenic nitrite with good stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) with high energy density have recently captured increasing attention for development of next‐generation batteries. However, practical viability of LMAs is hindered by the uncontrolled Li dendrite growth and infinite dimension change. Even though constructing 3D conductive skeleton has been regarded as a reliable strategy to prepare stable and low volume stress LMAs, engineering the renewable and lithiophilic conductive scaffold is still a challenge. Herein, a robust conductive scaffold derived from renewable cellulose paper, which is coated with reduced graphene oxide and decorated with lithiophilic Au nanoparticles, is engineered for LMAs. The graphene cellulose fibres with high surface area can reduce the local current density, while the well‐dispersed Au nanoparticles can serve as lithiophilic nanoseeds to lower the nucleation overpotential of Li plating. The coupled relationship can guarantee uniform Li nucleation and unique spherical Li growth into 3D carbon matrix. Moreover, the natural cellulose paper possesses outstanding mechanical strength to tolerate the volume stress. In virtue of the modulated deposition behaviour and near‐zero volume change, the hybrid LMAs can achieve reversible Li plating/stripping even at an ultrahigh current density of 10 mA cm−2 as evidenced by high Coulombic efficiency (97.2 % after 60 cycles) and ultralong lifespan (1000 cycles) together with ultralow overpotential (25 mV). Therefore, this strategy sheds light on a scalable approach to multiscale design versatile Li host, promising highly stable Li metal batteries to be feasible and practical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this concept, we showcase the upsurge in the studies of dynamic ultralong room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials containing inorganic and/or organic components as versatile photo‐responsive platforms. The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis of photo‐controllable RTP, and meanwhile delve into the underlying RTP properties of various classes of photochromic materials including metal‐organic complexes, organic‐inorganic co‐crystals, purely organic small molecules and organic polymers. In particular, the design principles governing the integration of the photochromic and RTP moieties within a single material system, and the tuning of dynamic RTP in response to light are emphasized. As such, this concept sheds light on the challenges and opportunities of using these tunable RTP materials for potential applications in optoelectronics, particularly highlighting their use of reversible information encryption, erasable light printing and rewritable smart paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single amino acid in a peptide sequence can play an important role to tune the self‐assembly and hydrogelation behaviour. Here, a C‐terminal cysteine‐containing ultrashort peptide hydrogelator forms hydrogel through non‐covalent and covalent interactions. Interestingly, the hydrogel is insoluble in water and buffer solutions at different pH values (1‐13) and is thixotropic and injectable. In recent years, removing dyes from contaminated water has become a significant concern because of the shortage of freshwater resources. Therefore, the adsorption of dyes through a reliable, straightforward, nontoxic, cheap, and environmentally friendly adsorbent has become a popular topic. Hence, the hydrogelator was exploited to remove organic dyes from wastewater, harnessing its applicability in the gel phase and solid supports (filter paper and cotton). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient and reliable methods for the generation of bioactive papers are of growing interest in relation to point‐of‐care testing devices that do not require extensive analytical equipment. Herein, we report the immobilization of functional proteins on paper fibers using a modular chemoenzymatic approach. The synthetic strategy relies on a combination of highly efficient spatially controllable photo‐triggered cycloaddition followed by site‐specific sortase A‐catalyzed transamidation. This site‐directed and regiospecific method has allowed unidirectional and covalent immobilization of several proteins displaying different functional properties, with ramifications for application in paper‐based diagnostics. Protein‐functionalized paper: A modular approach to covalent protein immobilization on paper fibers is reported, which relies on a set of highly efficient pericyclic reactions in combination with site‐specific enzymatic coupling. Following initial derivatization of a cellulosic surface (see figure), light‐triggered covalent anchoring of an enzyme recognition site ensures enzyme‐promoted ligation of desired proteins with preservation of their function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric‐driven conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO) under mild reaction conditions offers a promising approach to mitigate the greenhouse effect and the energy crisis. Surface engineering is believed to be one of the prospective methods for enhancing the electrocatalytic activity of CO2 reduction. Herein, hydroxyl (OH) groups were successfully introduced to cadmium nanosheets to form cadmium and cadmium hydroxide nanocomposites (i. e. Cd/Cd(OH)2 nanosheets) via a facile two‐step method. The as‐prepared Cd/Cd(OH)2/CP (CP indicates carbon paper) electrode displays excellent electrocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction to produce CO. The Faradaic efficiency of CO reaches 98.3 % and the current density achieves 23.8 mA cm−2 at −2.0 V vs. Ag/Ag+ in a CO2‐saturated 30 wt% 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazole hexafluorophosphate ([Bmim]PF6)‐65 wt% acetonitrile (CH3CN)‐5 wt% water (H2O) electrolyte. And the CO partial current density can reach up to 71.6 mA cm−2 with the CO Faradaic efficiency of more than 85 % at −2.3 V vs. Ag/Ag+, which stands out against Cd/CP, Cd(OH)2/CP, and Cd/CdO/CP electrodes. The excellent electrocatalytic performance of the Cd/Cd(OH)2/CP electrode can be attributed to its unique structural properties, suitable OH groups, perfect interaction with electrolyte, abundant active sites and fast electron transfer rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a straightforward and effective hydrophobic modification for metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) under mild conditions is meaningful for MOF applications. Here, a post‐synthetic modification approach assisted with metal hydroxyl groups at room temperature is reported to induce hydrophobicity in the hydrophilic UiO‐66. The bonding between Zr−OH in UiO‐66 and n‐tetradecylphosphonic acid (TDPA) is the vital force for the modifier TDPA. Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic composites were constructed for efficient oil‐water separation by coating TDPA‐modified UiO‐66 (P‐UiO‐66) on commercial melamine sponges (MS) and filter papers (FP) with water contact angles of 153.2° and 155.6°, respectively. The P‐UiO‐66/MS composite could quickly and selectively absorb oily liquids up to 43 times its weight from water. The P‐UiO‐66/MS achieved continuous oil collection with high separation efficiencies (≥99.4 %). In addition, P‐UiO‐66/FP and P‐UiO‐66/MS showed high separation efficiencies for water‐in‐oil emulsions (≥98.5 %) and oil‐in‐water emulsions, respectively, with high resistance to low/high temperatures and acid/base conditions. The metal hydroxyl group‐assisted post‐synthetic modification strategy offers a facile and broad way to prepare hydrophobic MOFs for promising applications in environmental fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Paper‐like electrodes are emerging as a new category of advanced electrodes for flexible supercapacitors (SCs). Graphene, a promising two‐dimensional material with high conductivity, can be easily processed into papers. Here, we report a rational design of flexible architecture with Co9S8 nanotube arrays (NAs) grown onto graphene paper (GP) via a facile two‐step hydrothermal method. When employed as flexible free‐standing electrode for SCs, the proposed architectured Co9S8/GPs exhibits superior electrochemical performance with ultrahigh capacitance and outstanding rate capability (469 F g−1 at 10 A g−1). These results demonstrate that the new nanostructured Co9S8/GPs can be potentially applied in high performance flexible supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber supercapacitors are promising energy storage devices for potential application in wearable and miniaturized portable electronics, which currently suffer from difficulties in achieving high capacitance and energy density synchronously owing to the limited specific surface area of the electrode materials and material incompatibility between the two electrodes. Herein, a strategy is developed for the manufacture of coaxial asymmetric fiber supercapacitors by wrapping a core of PVA‐KOH gel electrolyte‐coated Ni(OH)2@NiCo2O4/CNT fibers with MoS2@Fe2O3/CNT paper. The as‐prepared coaxial fiber asymmetric supercapacitors exhibit a specific capacitance of 373 mF cm−2 (at a current density of 2 mA cm−2) and energy density of 0.13 mW h cm−2 (at a power density of 3.2 mW cm−2), and also show good rate capability, long cycle life, and excellent flexibility. This work provides the possibility for the practical application of fiber supercapacitors in wearable and portable energy storage equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly flexible and nonflammable inorganic hydroxyapatite (HAP) paper made from HAP ultralong nanowires is reported. The paper can be used for printing and writing and is promising for the permanent and safe storage of information, such as archives and important documents. The HAP paper is also an excellent and recyclable adsorbent for organic pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent organic‐inorganic metal halides (OIMHs) are well known as a new materials family in recent years. Novel materials and applications of luminescent OIMHs have been explored by changing either the organic component or the metal halide species. Thereinto, the stimuli‐responsive (SR) phenomena in OIMHs have drawn much attention recently, for not only their attractive application potential but also the helpfulness in understanding the stability of OIMHs to the external environment. Herein, the luminescent OIMHs that are sensitive to external stimuli including contact, pressure, mechanical grinding, light, heat, and gas molecules, are reviewed, with an emphasis on analyses of the structural change during the SR process. The applications of SR luminescent OIMHs in widespread fields, including gas sensing, information encryption, and rewritable luminescent paper are summarized. Finally, the challenges that deserve to be further explored in this research field are discussed, which provides certain guidance for the future study of SR luminescent OIMHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been high interest in paper‐based microfluidic sensors or microfluidic paper‐based analytical devices (μPADs) towards low‐cost, portable, and easy‐to‐use sensing for chemical and biological targets. μPAD allows spontaneous liquid flow without any external or internal pumping, as well as an innate filtration capability. Although both optical (colorimetric and fluorescent) and electrochemical detection have been demonstrated on μPADs, several limitations still remain, such as the need for additional equipment, vulnerability to ambient lighting perturbation, and inferior sensitivity. Herein, alternative detection methods on μPADs are reviewed to resolve these issues, including relatively well studied distance‐based measurements and the newer capillary flow dynamics‐based method. Detection principles, assay performance, strengths, and weaknesses are explained for these methods, along with their potential future applications towards point‐of‐care medical diagnostics and other field‐based applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel ultra‐low‐cost biochemical analysis platform to quantify protein dissociation binding constants and kinetics using paper microfluidics is reported. This approach marries video imaging with one of humankind's oldest materials: paper, requiring no large, expensive laboratory equipment, complex microfluidics or external power. Temporal measurements of nanoparticle–antibody conjugates binding on paper is found to follow the Langmuir Adsorption Model. This is exploited to measure a series of antibody–antigen dissociation constants on paper, showing excellent agreement with a gold‐standard benchtop interferometer. The concept is demonstrated with a camera and low‐end smartphone, 500‐fold cheaper than the reference method, and can be multiplexed to measure ten reactions in parallel. These findings will help to widen access to quantitative analytical biochemistry, for diverse applications spanning disease diagnostics, drug discovery, and environmental analysis in resource‐limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Increasing counterfeiting of important data, currency, stamp papers, branded products etc., has become a major security threat which could lead to serious damage to the global economy. Consequences of such damage are compelling for researchers to develop new high‐end security features to address full‐proof solutions. Herein, we report a dual mode flexible highly luminescent white security paper and nanotaggants composed of nanophosphors incorporated in polymer matrix to form a nanofiber‐based mat for anti‐counterfeiting applications. The dual mode nanofibers are fabricated by electrospinning technique by admixing the composite of NaYF4:Eu3+@NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ nanophosphors in the polyvinyl alcohol solution. This flexible polymer mat derived from nanofibers appears white in daylight, while emitting strong red (NaYF4:Eu3+) and green (NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+) colors at excitation wavelengths of 254 nm and 980 nm, respectively. These luminescent nanofibers can also be encrypted as a new class of nanotaggants to protect confidential documents. These obtained results suggest that highly luminescent dual mode polymeric nanofiber‐based flexible white security paper and nanotaggants could offer next‐generation high‐end unique security features against counterfeiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover Feature: Metalloporphyrin-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks on Flexible Carbon Paper for Electrocatalytic Nitrite Oxidation (Chem. Eur. J. 72/2020) Keywords: electrochemistry; metal-organic frameworks; oxidation; X-ray absorption spectroscopy EN electrochemistry metal-organic frameworks oxidation X-ray absorption spectroscopy 17285 17285 1 12/24/20 20201223 NES 201223 B Electrochemical conversion of toxic nitrite using thin film MOF b : A thin film of metalloporphyrin MOF was deposited on Carbon Fiber Paper (CFP) for electrochemical oxidation of nitrite. Electrochemistry, metal-organic frameworks, oxidation, X-ray absorption spectroscopy. [Extracted from the article]

A highly flexible and free-standing paper with high antibacterial activity made from silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-decorated ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires (HAPNWs) is reported. The HAPNWs@AgNPs nanocomposites were obtained from a facile one-step solvothermal process and utilized for the construction of highly flexible and free-standing inorganic paper through a simple vacuum-filtration procedure. The structure and properties of the HAPNWs@AgNPs paper were characterized in detail. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrographs show that AgNPs are highly dispersed and stabilized in the nanocomposite and exhibit a narrow particle size distribution. The effects of the concentration of silver nitrate, solvothermal temperature and time on the product were systematically investigated. This method is simple, convenient and reproducible. The as-prepared HAPNWs@AgNPs paper shows long-time sustained silver-ion release, high antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and good biocompatibility. Overall, this work provides a novel pathway for the preparation of a new type of highly flexible, free-standing and antibacterial inorganic paper made from silver nanoparticle-decorated hydroxyapatite nanowires for various applications, as a promising functional biomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reversible multicolor displays on solid media created from single‐molecule pigments are a long‐awaited goal. Herein, a new and simple molecular dyad, which can undergo switchable cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) color changes in both solution and the solid state upon exposure to light, water/acid, and nucleophiles, has been designed and synthesized. The stimuli used herein can be applied independent of each other, which is beneficial for color changes without mutual interference. For comparison, mixtures of the two molecular switching motifs that form the basis of the dyad were also studied. The dyad greatly outperforms the corresponding mixed system with respect to reversible color switching on the paper substrate. Its potential for full‐color rewritable paper with excellent reversibility has been demonstrated. Legible multicolor prints, that is, high color contrast and resolution, good dispersion, and excellent reversibility, were achieved by using common water‐jet and light‐based printers. This work provides a very promising approach for the further development of full‐color switchable molecules, materials, and displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation of high concentrations of Al(III) in body has a direct impact on health and therefore, the trace detection of Al(III) has been a matter for substantial concern. An anionic metal organic framework ({[Me2NH2]0.5[Co(DATRz)0.5(NH2BDC)] ⋅ xG}n; 1; HDATRz=3,5‐diamino‐1,2,4‐triazole, H2NH2‐BDC=2‐amino‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid, G=guest molecule) composed of two types of secondary building units (SBU) and channels of varying sizes was synthesized by employing a rational design mixed ligand synthesis approach. Free −NH2 groups on both the ligands are immobilized onto the pore surface of the MOF which acts as a superior luminescent sensor for turn‐on Al(III) detection. Furthermore, the large channels could allow the counter‐ions to pass through and get exchanged to selectively detect Al(III) in presence of other seventeen metal ions with magnificent luminescence enhancement. The observed limit of detection is as low as 17.5 ppb, which is the lowest among the MOF‐based sensors achieved so far. To make this detection approach simple, portable and economic, we demonstrate MOF filter paper test for real time naked eye observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel electrochemically assisted cycloaddition process is proposed, in which highly efficient coupling of CO2 with styrene oxide (SO) can be achieved to form styrene carbonate (SC) as a high‐value‐added product. A series of Cu catalysts with different morphologies and chemical states were fabricated on carbon paper (CP) by using in‐situ electrodeposition, and the sample with nano‐dendrimer structure was found to exhibit a relatively high activity of 74.8 % SC yield with 92.7 % SO conversion under gentle reaction conditions, thus showing its potential for practical applications. The relatively high electrochemically active surface area and charge transfer ability of dendrimer‐like Cu benefited the electrochemical reaction. In particular, the Cu2+ species that were formed in situ during the reaction played a vital role in enhancing the activity and selectivity of the proposed Cu/CP hybrid catalyst. Cu2+ atoms served as active sites that can not only electrochemically activate CO2 but also facilitate the ring opening of SO. Mechanistic analysis suggested that the reaction followed electrochemical and liquid‐phase heterogeneous paths, which provide a new green and sustainable route for efficient utilization of CO2 resources for fine chemical electrosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an ongoing need for explosive detection strategies to uncover threats to human security including illegal transport and terrorist activities. The widespread military use of the explosive trinitrotoluene (TNT) for landmines poses another particular threat to human health in the form of contamination of the surrounding environment and groundwater. The detection of explosives, particularly at low picogram levels, by using a molecular sensor is seen as an important challenge. Herein, we report on the use of a fluorescent metal-organic framework hydrogel that exhibits a higher detection capability for TNT in the gel state compared with that in the solution state. A portable sensor prepared from filter paper coated by the hydrogel was able to detect TNT at the picogram level with a detection limit of 1.82 ppt (parts per trillon). Our results present a simple and new means to provide selective detection of TNT on a surface or in aqueous solution, as afforded by the unique molecular packing through the metal-organic framework structure in the gel formation and the associated photophysical properties. Furthermore, the rheological properties of the MOF-based gel were similar to those of a typical hydrogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The templated synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanowires@metal-organic framework (MOF) core/shell nanofibers (named HAP@MIL-100(Fe) nanofibers) is demonstrated. The ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires are adopted as a hard template for the nucleation and growth of MIL-100(Fe) (a typical MOF) through the layer-by-layer method. The Coulombic and chelation interactions between Ca2+ ions on the surface of the HAP nanowires and the COO− organic linkers of MIL-100(Fe) play key roles in the formation process. The as-prepared, water-stable HAP@MIL-100(Fe) nanofibers exhibit peroxidase-like activity toward the oxidation of different peroxidase substrates in the presence of H2O2, accompanied by a clear color change of the solution. Furthermore, a flexible, recyclable HAP@MIL-100(Fe) test paper is prepared successfully by using HAP@MIL-100(Fe) nanofibers as building blocks. A simple, low-cost, and sensitive colorimetric method for the detection of H2O2 and glucose is established based on the as-prepared, flexible, recyclable HAP@MIL-100(Fe) test paper. More importantly, the HAP@MIL-100(Fe) test paper can be recovered easily for reuse by simply dipping in absolute ethanol for just 30 min, thus showing excellent recyclability. With its combination of advantages such as easy transportation, easy storage and use, rapid recyclability, light weight, and high flexibility, this HAP@MIL-100(Fe) test paper is promising for wide applications in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present a wide-range spectrochemical analysis of the degradation products from naturally aged paper. The samples obtained from wash waters used during the de-acidification treatment of leaves from a 16th-century-printed book were analysed through NMR, IR, Raman UV/Vis, EPR and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy and HPLC-MS and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. By these methods we also studied some of the previous samples treated by acidification (sample AP) and catalytic hydrogenation (sample HP). Crossing all the data, we obtained precise indications about the main functional groups occurring on the degraded, water-soluble cellulose oligomers. These results point out that the chromophores responsible for browning are conjugated carbonyl and carboxyl compounds. As a whole, we show that the analysis of wash waters, used in the usual conservation treatments of paper de-acidification, gives much valuable information about both the conservation state of the book and the degradation reactions occurring on the leaves, due to the huge amount of cellulose by-products contained in the samples. We propose therefore this procedure as a new very convenient general method to obtain precious and normally unavailable information on the cellulose degradation by-products from naturally aged paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To circumvent the bottlenecks of non-flexibility, low sensitivity, and narrow workable detection range of conventional biosensors for biological molecule detection (e.g., dopamine (DA) secreted by living cells), a new hybrid flexible electrochemical biosensor has been created by decorating closely packed dendritic Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on freestanding graphene paper. This innovative structural integration of ultrathin graphene paper and uniform 2D arrays of dendritic NPs by tailored wet chemical synthesis has been achieved by a modular strategy through a facile and delicately controlled oil-water interfacial assembly method, whereby the uniform distribution of catalytic dendritic NPs on the graphene paper is maximized. In this way, the performance is improved by several orders of magnitude. The developed hybrid electrode shows a high sensitivity of 2 μA cm−2 μ m−1, up to about 33 times higher than those of conventional sensors, a low detection limit of 5 n m, and a wide linear range of 87 n m to 100 μ m. These combined features enable the ultrasensitive detection of DA released from pheochromocytoma (PC 12) cells. The unique features of this flexible sensor can be attributed to the well-tailored uniform 2D array of dendritic Pt NPs and the modular electrode assembly at the oil-water interface. Its excellent performance holds much promise for the future development of optimized flexible electrochemical sensors for a diverse range of electroactive molecules to better serve society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paper-based colorimetric sensor system (PBCSS) was developed to detect the amount of bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2Pin2) and applied as a high-throughput screening protocol in Ir-catalyzed C−H borylation. First, 96 ligands were screened for the borylation of benzene, and then 12 of them were selected and tested for five substrates. These reaction mixtures were spotted in the PBCSS, showing a blue-violet color. The value of the gray scale of each reaction was obtained from these colored spots and converted to the extent of conversion of B2Pin2. The extents of conversion of B2Pin2 obtained from the PBCSS showed good correlation with those obtained from gas chromatography analysis. In addition, the modified conversion using blank data showed good correlation with the yield of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing bone formation on the surfaces of implants such as screws, plates, or shims holds great significance for clinical medicine. However, osteogenesis implant coatings that mimic natural bone in terms of both their components and structural features are still lacking. Here we report the biomimetic interface of calcium phosphate (CaP) in a collagen matrix fabricated by controlled mineralization that presents biomimetic porous features. The porous CaP/collagen interface, with a thickness of about 1 μm, significantly enhances osteogenesis, as verified at both the gene and protein levels as well as by in vivo experiments. Taking advantage of the generality of the method, the biomimetic interface was prepared on a variety of substrates, including conductive substrates, 3D metal meshes, plastic or elastic substrates, and even on filter papers. The adjustability and generality of the method have enabled new characterization tests to be developed during experiments on cells and thus should greatly facilitate clinical medicine and tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, cost‐effective strategy was developed to effectively improve the electron transfer efficiency as well as the power output of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) by decorating the commercial carbon paper (CP) anode with an advanced Mo2C/reduced graphene oxide (Mo2C/RGO) composite. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of the superior electrocatalytic activity of Mo2C, the high surface area, and prominent conductivity of RGO, the MFC equipped with this Mo2C/RGO composite yielded a remarkable output power density of 1747±37.6 mW m−2, which was considerably higher than that of CP‐MFC (926.8±6.3 mW m−2). Importantly, the composite also facilitated the formation of 3D hybrid biofilm and could effectively improve the bacteria–electrode interaction. These features resulted in an enhanced coulombic efficiency up 13.2 %, nearly one order of magnitude higher than that of the CP (1.2 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a mediator-less and compartment-less glucose/air enzymatic biofuel cell (BFC) was introduced into microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μ-PADs) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs)-modified paper electrode as the anodic and cathodic substrate, respectively, to implement self-powered, sensitive, low-cost and simple DNA detection. As a further development of the analytical equipment, an all-solid-state paper supercapacitor (PS) was designed and integrated into the BFC for current amplification, and a terminal digital multi-meter detector (DMM) was introduced for the current detection. A highly sensitive DNA sensor was fabricated by covalently immobilizing the capture DNA in the AuNPs-modified anode. The nanoporous gold conjugated with bienzymes, glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase, which were used as electrochemical labels. The electrons generated at the anode flow through an external circuit to the PtNPs-modified cathode that catalyzed the reduction of oxygen with the participation of protons. In addition, the generated current could be collected and stored by the PS. After that, the PS was automatically shorted under the control of a switch to output an instantaneously amplified current, which could be sensitively detected by the terminal DMM. At the optimal conditions, the paper-based analytical platform can detect DNA at the femtomole level. This approach also shows excellent specificity toward single nucleotide mismatches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular catalysts have been shown to have high selectivity for CO2 electrochemical reduction to CO, but with current densities significantly below those obtained with solid‐state materials. By depositing a simple Fe porphyrin mixed with carbon black onto a carbon paper support, it was possible to obtain a catalytic material that could be used in a flow cell for fast and selective conversion of CO2 to CO. At neutral pH (7.3) a current density as high as 83.7 mA cm−2 was obtained with a CO selectivity close to 98 %. In basic solution (pH 14), a current density of 27 mA cm−2 was maintained for 24 h with 99.7 % selectivity for CO at only 50 mV overpotential, leading to a record energy efficiency of 71 %. In addition, a current density for CO production as high as 152 mA cm−2 (>98 % selectivity) was obtained at a low overpotential of 470 mV, outperforming state‐of‐the‐art noble metal based catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To fulfil the potential of Li–S batteries (LSBs) with high energy density and low cost, multiple challenges need to be addressed simultaneously. Most research in LSBs has been focused on the sulfur cathode design, although the performance is also known to be sensitive to other parameters such as binder, current collector, separator, lithium anode, and electrolyte. Here, an integrated LSB system based on the understanding of the different roles of binder, current collector, and separator is developed. By using the cross‐linked carboxymethyl cellulose–citric acid (CMC‐CA) binder, Toray carbon paper current collector, and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) coated separator, LSBs achieve a high capacity of 960 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles (2.5 mg cm−2) and 930 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles (5 mg cm−2) at 0.1 C. Moreover, the failure mechanism at a high sulfur loading with characteristics of fast capacity decay and infinite charging is discussed. This work highlights the synergistic effect of different components and the challenges towards more reliable LSBs with high sulfur loading. Lithium–sulfur batteries: The practical application of lithium–sulfur batteries depends on systematic optimization of the complicated system. A facile integrated approach based on the synergy between the current collector, binder, and separator is developed to improve the performance of batteries. The synergistic effect of different components and the failure mechanism of batteries with high sulfur loading are discussed (see scheme). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: amides; carbodications; carbocations; cations; Lewis acids EN amides carbodications carbocations cations Lewis acids 1 1 1 10/24/23 20231018 NES 231018 B Dicationic diiminium pyridine adducts b distinctively concentrate their positive charges at the diiminium carbon atom, a characteristic vividly portrayed in their molecular electrostatic potential. Amides, carbodications, carbocations, cations, Lewis acids. [Extracted from the article]

A highly flexible, fire ‐ resistant inorganic nanocomposite paper made from glass fibers (GFs) coated with network ‐ structured hydroxyapatite ultralong nanowires (NS ‐ HANWs) is shown on the cover picture. The NS ‐ HANWs/GFs paper has superior mechanical properties, low thermal conductivity and excellent heat insulation performance. This new material could be promising for many applications such as in the protection layer of fire ‐ retardant optical fiber cables, printing/copying/writing paper, nonflammable China paper, fire ‐ retardant wallpaper, and fireproof specialty paper. More information can be found in the Full Paper by Y. ‐ J. Zhu and L. ‐ Y. Dong on page 4597 ff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly flexible, free ‐ standing and antibacterial inorganic paper made from silver nanoparticle ‐ decorated ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires has beEN developed. The as ‐ prepared paper exhibits advantages, such as high biocompatibility, high flexibility, long ‐ term sustained silver ‐ ion release, and high antibacterial activity. It is expected that this antibacterial paper can be applied in various fields such as in prevENting bacterial infections in daily life and medical use. More information can be found in the Full Paper by Y. J. Zhu et al. on page 11224. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frontispiece: Distance versus Capillary Flow Dynamics-Based Detection Methods on a Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Device ( PAD) Keywords: analytical methods; capillary flow dynamics; machine learning; microfluidics; point-of-care diagnostics Analytical methods, capillary flow dynamics, machine learning, microfluidics, point-of-care diagnostics. [Extracted from the article]

The templated synthesis of ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires@metal–organic framework core/shell (HAP@MIL‐100(Fe)) nanofibers has been demonstrated herein. The HAP@MIL‐100(Fe) nanofibers exhibited peroxidase‐like activity towards the oxidation of different peroxidase substrates in the presence of H2O2 accompanying with the clear color change of the solution. A new kind of flexible test paper was prepared by using HAP@MIL‐100(Fe) nanofibers as building blocks, which can be used for the detection of H2O2 and glucose, and it can be easily recovered, exhibiting excellent recyclability and promising applications in various fields. More information can be found in the Full Paper by Y.‐J. Zhu and Z.‐C. Xiong et al. on page 3328 ff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrochromic materials, which change color in response to moisture, are highly sought‐after due to some unique applications such as moisture detection, humidity monitoring, anti‐counterfeiting, and sweat‐pore mapping. We herein report a new thioxanthene‐9‐ols/thioxanthylium cations hydrochromic system. The hydrochromic thioxanthylium cations can be generated/regenerated by exposing a chemically stable thioxanthene‐9‐ol to trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The intensely colored thioxanthylium cations can be chemically reverted to the colorless thioxanthene‐9‐ol. Interestingly, the conversion between thioxanthene‐9‐ol and its cation species was found to be highly reversible in most cases (up to 50 activation‐deactivation cycles). The color and moisture‐sensitivity of thioxanthylium cations were also validated to be tunable via functionalization of the thioxanthene core with different aliphatic and aromatic groups at its 9 or 2,7‐positions. Finally, paper probes were prepared using solution‐immersion and inkjet‐printing techniques to demonstrate the system's potential applications in humidity sensing and anti‐counterfeiting [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of biocatalysis has become essential in both academic and industrial domains for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral amines, and it serves as an alternative tool to transition‐metal catalysis and complements traditional chemical methods. It relies on the swift expansion of available processes, primarily as a result of advanced tools for enzyme discovery, combined with high‐throughput laboratory evolution techniques for optimizing biocatalysts. This concept paper explores the utilization of non‐conventional media such as ether‐type solvents, deep eutectic solvents, and micellar catalysis to enhance biocatalytic reactions for chiral amine synthesis. Each section focuses on the unique properties of these media, including their ability to stabilize enzymes, alter substrate solubility, and modulate enzyme selectivity. The paper aims to provide insights into how these innovative media can overcome traditional limitations, offering new avenues for sustainable and efficient chiral amine production through biocatalytic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not really for I Chemistry - A European Journal i as the 2018 citations to papers other than Reviews and Articles account for a mere 0.1 % of all citations (still, think of the accuracy once more). In addition to the aforementioned issues, there is a problem that is less often discussed: The overrated accuracy notwithstanding, it is not at all clear what citation counts are actually measuring.[6] Since usually a journal is regarded better than another one with a lower Impact Factor, one would have to assume that the Impact Factor is a direct measure of quality. In the group of ChemPubSoc Europe journals we have observed several times that after rejection and resubmission to a different journal, strangely enough, a lot of references to the rejecting journal were replaced by references to the new journal. So this is my plea: Since the Impact Factor, and similar citation-based metrics, are likely to prevail and will continue to be used for evaluating not only journals but also researchers who publish in them, could you as an author please pay more attention to the citations, bearing in mind their implications. [Extracted from the article]

Supramolecular chemistry has become an interdisciplinary discipline of chemistry, physics, and biology. As a huge subunit of supramolecular compounds, the functional metal–organic supramolecular systems with well‐defined cavities which are able to accommodate size‐suitable guests via benign host‐guest behavior, have been known as "metal–organic molecular containers" (MOMCs) and attracted much attentions for their rich chemical properties and wide potential applications in molecular recognition, catalysis, bio‐medical and other fields. In particular, the MOMCs with flexible backbones exhibit a unique feature both in the aspect of structural construction and applications, due to the free rotation and self‐adaptively of the specific functional groups in the skeletons. In this paper, we review several selected examples of the coordination‐driven metal–organic supramolecular systems from the aspects of self‐assembly construction to the various applications. The self‐assembly strategies, especially the different choice of organic ligands with flexible backbones during the construction, leading to quite diverse configurations compared to the rigid ligands, have been also discussed to show a different perspective of metal–organic system construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flexible and freestanding supercapacitor electrode with a N,P-co-doped carbon nanofiber network (N,P-CNFs)/graphene (GN) composite loaded on bacterial cellulose (BC) is first designed and fabricated in a simple, low-cost, and effective approach. The porous structure and excellent mechanical properties make the BC paper an ideal substrate that shows a large areal mass of 8 mg cm−2. As a result, the flexible N,P-CNFs/GN/BC paper electrode shows appreciable areal capacitance (1990 mF cm−2 in KOH and 2588 mF cm−2 in H2SO4 electrolytes) without sacrificing gravimetric capacitance (248.8 F g−1 and 323.5 F g−1), exhibits excellent cycling ability (without capacity loss after 20 000 cycles), and remarkable tensile strength (42.8 MPa). By direct coupling of two membrane electrodes, the symmetric supercapacitor delivers a prominent areal capacitance of 690 mF cm−2 in KOH and 898 mF cm−2 in H2SO4, and remarkable power/energy density (19.98 mW cm−2/0.096 mW h cm−2 in KOH and 35.01 mW cm−2/0.244 mW h cm−2 in H2SO4). Additionally, it shows stable behavior in both bent and flat states. These results promote new opportunities for N,P-CNFs/GN/BC paper electrodes as high areal performance, freestanding electrodes for flexible supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paper ‐ based self ‐ powered DNA sensor capable of generating signal output without external power sources was developed by using a biofuel cell. Enzymes catalyzed the oxidation of glucose at the anode, and PtNPs grown on cellulose fibers reduced O2 at the cathode. The all ‐ solid ‐ state paper supercapacitor was also integrated for signal amplification. For more information, see the Full Paper by J. Yu et al. on page 12453 ff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar‐driven interfacial vaporization by localizing solar‐thermal energy conversion to the air−water interface has attracted tremendous attention. In the process of converting solar energy into heat energy, photothermal materials play an essential role. Herein, a flexible solar‐thermal material di‐cyan substituted 5,12‐dibutylquinacridone (DCN−4CQA)@Paper was developed by coating photothermal quinacridone derivatives on the cellulose paper. The DCN−4CQA@Paper combines desired chemical and physical properties, broadband light‐absorbing, and shape‐conforming abilities that render efficient photothermic vaporization. Notably, synergetic coupling of solar‐steam and solar‐electricity technologies by integrating DCN−4CQA@Paper and the thermoelectric devices is realized without trade‐offs, highlighting the practical consideration toward more impactful solar heat exploitation. Such solar distillation and low‐grade heat‐to‐electricity generation functions can provide potential opportunities for fresh water and electricity supply in off‐grid or remote areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]