Search

Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are widespread environmental pollutants that cause high health risks. However, high heterogeneity in particle sizes and chemical compositions of MNPs make their accurate characterization extremely challenging. Herein, we established a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-FTICR MS) strategy for the unambiguous characterization of different types of MNPs with high performance, including polystyrene, polyethylene glycol terephthalate, polyamide, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer, and polycarbonate. The MNP sample preparation and detection conditions were systematically optimized by using response surface methodology, and the MS detection signal-to-noise ratios were improved 1.5 times on average. The ultrahigh mass resolution of FTICR MS is crucial to the unambiguous elucidation of MNP structures. We demonstrate that this MS strategy is highly efficient in the characterization of polymer constitutions of environmental MNPs derived from foam, bottles, cable ties, and compact discs, providing a promising tool for MNP detection and safety evaluation. [Display omitted] • PS, PET, PA, PMMA, ABS, and PC MNPs were unambiguously characterized by MALDI-FTICR MS. • The MS SNRs were improved by an average of 1.5 times after detection condition optimization. • MNPs derived from foam, bottles, cable ties, and compact discs were successfully identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational design of all-solid-state Z-scheme heterojunction with advanced structure is essential for boosting photocatalytic efficiency. Herein, we design and fabricate a novel Z-scheme photocatalyst with leaf architecture (named artificial leaf) via a simple dipping-calcination (DC) process followed by a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) strategy. The prepared artificial leaf, composing of CdS, InVO 4 , and BiVO 4 , holds advanced leaf-like structure and Z-scheme electron transfer pathway. As a result, this novel artificial leaf exhibits outstanding capability for the harvesting of visible light and superior efficiency for the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, as well as remarkably enhanced photocatalytic performance and stability for H 2 evolution (with the rate of 5033 μm g−1∙h−1) and pollution degradation (46% pollution can be degraded within 3 h). [Display omitted] • Artificial leaf CdS–BiVO 4 –InVO 4 Z-scheme heterojunction system was synthesized. • Artificial leaf CdS–BiVO 4 –InVO 4 holds advanced leaf-like structure and Z-scheme electron transfer pathway. • Artificial leaf CdS–BiVO 4 –InVO 4 shows outstanding capability for visible light harvesting and carrier separation. • Artificial leaf CdS–BiVO 4 –InVO 4 exhibits an excellent photocatalytic activity for H 2 production and degradation of pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]