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Salt stress is an abiotic stress factor that limits high yields, and thus identifying salt tolerance genes is very important for improving the tolerance of salt in wheat. In this study we identified 274 TaRING-H2 family members and analyzed their gene positions, gene structures, conserved structural domains, promoter cis-acting elements and covariance relationships. And we investigated TaRING-H2-120 (TaSDIR1) in salt stress. Transgenic lines exhibited higher salt tolerance in the germination and seedling stages. Compared with the wild type, overexpression of TaSDIR1 upregulated the expression of genes encoding enzymes related to the control of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby reducing the accumulation of ROS, as well as increased the expression of ion transport-related genes to limit the inward flow of Na+ in vivo and maintain a higher K+/Na+ ratio. The expression levels of these genes were opposite in lines where TaSDIR1 was silenced by BSMV-VIGS, and the silenced wheat exhibited higher salt sensitivity. Arabidopsis mutants and heterologous TaSDIR1 overexpressing lines had similar salt stress tolerance phenotypes. We also demonstrated that TaSDIR1 interacted with TaSDIR1P2 in vivo and in vitro. A sequence of 80–100 amino acids in TaSDIR1P2 encoded a coiled coil domain that was important for the activity of E3 ubiquitin ligase, and it was also the core region for the interaction between TaSDIR1 and TaSDIR1P2. Overall, our results suggest that TaSDIR1 positively regulates salt stress tolerance in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery and identification of gene families by using wide-genome and public databases is an effective way to gain initial insight into gene function, which also is one of the current hot spots of research. Chlorophyll ab-binding proteins (LHC) are important for photosynthesis and widely involved in plant adversity stress. However, the study in wheat has not been reported. In this study, we identified 127 TaLHC members from common wheat which were unevenly distributed on all chromosomes except 3B and 3D. All members divided into three subfamilies, LHC a, LHC b and the LHC t which was only discovered in wheat. All of them had maximum expression in leaves and contained multiple light-responsive cis-acting element, which were evidence of the extensive involvement of LHC families in photosynthesis. In addition, we also analyzed their collinear relationship, targeting relationship with miRNA and their responses under different stresses. Based on these analyses, it was found that TaLHC86 was an excellent candidate gene for stress resistance. The full-length ORF of TaLHC86 was 792 bp and was localized on the chloroplasts. The salt tolerance of wheat was reduced when BSMV-VIGS silenced TaLHC86 , and the photosynthetic rate and electron transport were also seriously affected. This study made a comprehensive analysis of the TaLHC family and found that TaLHC86 was a good gene for salt tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery and identification of gene families by using wide-genome and public databases is an effective way to gain initial insight into gene function, which also is one of the current hot spots of research. Chlorophyll ab-binding proteins (LHC) are important for photosynthesis and widely involved in plant adversity stress. However, the study in wheat has not been reported. In this study, we identified 127 TaLHC members from common wheat which were unevenly distributed on all chromosomes except 3B and 3D. All members divided into three subfamilies, LHC a, LHC b and the LHC t which was only discovered in wheat. All of them had maximum expression in leaves and contained multiple light-responsive cis-acting element, which were evidence of the extensive involvement of LHC families in photosynthesis. In addition, we also analyzed their collinear relationship, targeting relationship with miRNA and their responses under different stresses. Based on these analyses, it was found that TaLHC86 was an excellent candidate gene for stress resistance. The full-length ORF of TaLHC86 was 792 bp and was localized on the chloroplasts. The salt tolerance of wheat was reduced when BSMV-VIGS silenced TaLHC86 , and the photosynthetic rate and electron transport were also seriously affected. This study made a comprehensive analysis of the TaLHC family and found that TaLHC86 was a good gene for salt tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The nanostructured ZnS of cubic nanocorals and open-benzene ring has been synthesized by the biomolecule-assisted method in mixture of supercritical carbon dioxide and water as reaction medium at 150°C and 28MPa. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectrum of sample were characterized. The sodium tripoly phosphate and CO2 as well as high-pressure condition might be the key factors for formation of the particular morphologies and nanostructures of ZnS. This synthesis method could be employed for preparation of other semiconductor nanomaterials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Herein we report a new and simple method that has been developed to prepare smart polymeric microgels consisting of temperature-sensitive cores with pH-sensitive shells. The microgels were obtained directly from one step seed polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide and N,N-methylenebisacrylamide from water-soluble biopolymers containing carboxymethyl groups in supercritical carbon dioxide. The effect of initial concentration of initiator, crosslinker, and carboxymethyl starch (CMS) dose as well as reaction pressures on the yield and morphology of the resulting polymer were investigated. CMS and crosslinker worked effectively as surfactant to some extent. PNIPAM/CMS particles with diameters in 100nm and narrow particle size distribution were produced in supercritical carbon dioxide, in high yield and in short reaction times. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cobalt dicarboxylate bipyridine complexes bearing low redox potential and low permeability were designed and synthesized for high-voltage and cycling-stable neutral AORFBs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of methyl phenyl carbonate and diphenyl carbonate as electrolyte additives either singly or in combination with methylene methyl disulfonate and tris(-trimethyl-silyl)-phosphite has been systematically investigated in LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 /graphite pouch cells. Experiments conducted included ultrahigh precision coulometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, automated storage, gas evolution measurements as well as long-term cycling. The results showed that adding methyl phenyl or diphenyl carbonate increases the coulombic efficiency, reduces charge end-point capacity slippage rate, decreases the self-discharge rate during storage and improves the capacity retention during long-term cycling compared to cells with control electrolyte [1 M LiPF 6 ethylene carbonate:ethyl methyl carbonate 3:7] or control electrolyte with 2% vinylene carbonate. 1% diphenyl carbonate appears to be the best among the systems studied. Based on these experiments, diphenyl carbonate seems to be a very beneficial additive for improving the performance of high voltage LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 /graphite pouch cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought negatively affects plant growth and development to cause major yield losses in crops. Transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in abiotic stress response signaling in plant. However, the biological functions of membrane-bound transcription factors (MTFs) in abiotic stress have rarely been studied in wheat. In this study, we identified a homologue of the maize ZmNTL1 gene in wheat, which was designated as TaNTL1. TaNTL1 is a NAC family MTF (NTM1-like, NTL proteins) encoding 481 amino acid residues with a transmembrane motif at the C-terminal. Quantitative results and expression profile analysis showed that TaNTL1 could respond to drought. We demonstrated the transcriptional activity of TaNTL1 and that it could specifically bind to NAC recognition cis-acting elements (NACBS). The full-length TaNTL1 protein localized in the plasma membrane and TaNTL1 lacking the transmembrane motif (TaNTL1-ΔTM) localized in the nucleus. TaNTL1 was proteolytically activated by PEG6000 and abscisic acid (ABA). Phenotypic and physiological analyses showed that overexpression transgenic Arabidopsis exhibited enhanced drought resistance, which was greater with TaNTL1-ΔTM than TaNTL1. Transient silencing of TaNTL1 significantly reduced the resistance to drought stress in wheat. Germination by the TaNTL1 and TaNTL1-ΔTM transgenic Arabidopsis seeds was also hypersensitive to ABA. Most of the stress-related genes in transgenic plants were upregulated under drought conditions. These results suggest that MTF TaNTL1 is a positive regulator of drought and it may function by entering the nucleus through cleavage. • TaNTL1 identified as a NAC family membrane-bound transcription factor in wheat. • C-terminal transmembrane domain of TaNTL1 determines its subcellular localization. • TaNTL1 has a positive regulatory role under drought stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion behavior and kinetics of the 316 stainless steel (316SS) in the NaCl-KCl-AlCl 3 molten salt and salt vapor were investigated at 400 °C. The corrosion rate of 316 SS in salt vapor is faster than that in molten salt. The corrosion depth of the corroded 316 SS increases with the increase of corrosion time. The corrosion rate of 316 SS did not show a continuous downward trend as usual, but showed a multi-stage trend of stable stage, rapid rise stage and slow growth rate stage due to the formation and evolution of aluminum oxide layer on the alloy surface. • Corrosion kinetics of 316SS in NaCl-KCl-AlCl 3 salt and vapor were investigated. • NaCl-KCl-AlCl 3 salt vapor has stronger corrosion effect on 316SS than molten salt. • Evolution of aluminum oxide on the surface changed the corrosion behavior of 316SS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is an important factor that affects crop yields and quality. E3 ubiquitin ligase has crucial roles in the responses to abiotic stresses. However, few studies have investigated the role of E3 ubiquitin ligase during drought stress in wheat. In this study, we cloned and identified the orthologous gene of Oryza sativa Salt-, ABA- and Drought-Induced RING Finger Protein 1 (OsSADR1) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) called TaSADR1. TaSADR1 encodes a protein containing 486 amino acids with a C3HC4 type RING finger conserved domain at the N-terminal. We confirmed that TaSADR1 has an E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and it is located in the nucleus. High expression of TaSADR1 was induced by treatment with PEG6000 and abscisic acid (ABA). TaSADR1 -overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis plants exhibited decreased drought tolerance. Under drought stress, compared with the wild-type (WT) lines, TaSADR1 -overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis lines had lower proline and chlorophyll contents, and antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase), whereas the water loss rate, malondialdehyde content, and relative electrolyte leakage were higher. In addition, the overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis lines were more sensitive to mannitol and ABA treatment at seed germination and during seedling growth. The expression levels of genes related to stress were downregulated under drought conditions in the transgenic plants. Our results demonstrate that TaSADR1 may negatively regulate drought stress responses by regulating the expression of stress-related genes. • TaSADR1 in wheat identified as a C3HC4 type RING E3 ubiquitin ligase. • TaSADR1 possesses E3 ligase activity. • TaSADR1 has a negative role in drought resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The equilibrium geometries, electronic structures, harmonic vibrational frequencies, and nucleus independent chemical shifts (NICS) of , Bi5M (M=Li, Na, K), and Bi5M+ (M=Be, Mg, Ca) clusters are calculated by the density functional theory (DFT) method. Our calculation show that the ground states of , Bi5M, and Bi5M+ species are predicted to be the D 5h , C 5v , and C 5v structures, respectively. In addition, the unit preserves its structural and electronic integrity in forming the Bi5M and Bi5M+ complexes. Molecular orbital analysis and NICS show that the planar (D 5h ) anion satisfies the Hükcel rule of 4n +2 π electrons and magnetic criteria for aromaticity with six delocalized π electrons and negative NICS values. The dissected NICS suggests that the aromaticity of (D 5h ) arise primarily from the contributions of Bi–Bi σ bonds and Bi–Bi π bonds, while the aromaticity of Bi5M and Bi5M+ mainly owe to the Bi–Bi σ bonds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The equilibrium geometries, energies, harmonic vibrational frequencies, and nucleus-independent chemical shifts (NICS) of the new type sandwich structures [P4MP4] n− (M=Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni; n =0, 1 or 2) are researched at the B3LYP/6-311G∗ and B3PW91/6-311G∗ levels of theory. The calculations reveal that the Ti, V, Cr, and Mn species adopt the eclipsed (D 4h ) conformations, while the Fe, Co, and Ni analogs adopt the staggered (D 4d ) conformations as their stable structures, and once the sandwich complexes are formed, the square properties remain unchanged. The NICS calculations confirm that the ring in the Ti, V, Cr, and Mn species exhibit σ and π antiaromaticity, while it exhibit σ and π aromaticity in the Fe, Co, and Ni analogs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The equilibrium geometries, vibrational frequencies, adiabatic energy separations for the ground and several excited states of XAl3 (X=Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) and their positive and negative ions have been investigated by the DFT level, followed by the CCSD(T) level for further energy refining, and the vertical detachment energies (VDE) for are computed and compared with the experiment and other theoretical calculations by outer valence Green function (OVGF). On the basis of our computed excited states energy separations, we have successfully suggested assignments for the observed X, A, and B states in the anion photoelectron spectra of . The assignments of the excited states are consistent excellently with the experimental excitation energies and the previous OVGF method generally. The canonical MO–NICS analysis suggest that the π and σ MOs of the (C 2v ) clusters both contribute to their aromaticity, and the π MOs contribute mostly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The equilibrium geometries, electronic structures, harmonic vibrational frequencies, and nucleus independent chemical shifts (NICS) of and Sb5M (M=Li, Na, and K) clusters are calculated by the density functional theory (DFT) method. Our calculation show that the species has the aromatic planar cyclic D 5h structure and the Sb5M species have the pyramidal C 5v structures as the ground states, and the unit preserves its structural and electronic integrity in forming the Sb5M complexes. Molecular orbital analysis and NICS show that the planar anion satisfies the Hükcel rule of 4n +2π electrons and magnetic criteria for aromaticity with six delocalized π electrons and negative NICS values. The dissected NICS suggests that the aromaticity of and Sb5M (C 5v ) arise primarily from the contributions of Sb–Sb π bonds, Sb–Sb σ bonds, and the NICS distributions and contributions, and their changing tendencies of the Sb5M (C 5v ) species are similar to the isolated anion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The creep shrinkage of a salt cavern with constant gas pressures was studied. The gas pressures have constant values, but their positions (i.e. cavern radii) change with time, which is negligible for small deformations rather than for large deformations. Based on whether the displacement of the cavern wall is considered in boundary conditions, small and large deformation solutions for cavern creep shrinkage were developed. To validate the solutions, the analytical results were compared with the numerical results. The results of the large deformation solutions showed good agreement with the numerical results in the case of small and large deformations. However, the small deformation solutions only applied when their results were sufficiently small; otherwise, the cavern shrinkage was overestimated. In addition, the sensitivity of cavern shrinkage to factors, such as time, creep parameters, and the difference between the geostatic pressure and gas pressure (pressure difference), was discussed. In some cases, the results of the large deformation solutions showed that the cavern shrinkage grows over time at a declining rate instead of a constant rate. For caverns of rock salt with great creep parameters, such as D and n in the Norton power law, the cavern shrinkage was fast. The cavern shrinkage rate decreased as the pressure difference decreased. The minimum internal pressure obtained by the large deformation solutions was lower than that obtained by the small deformation solutions, which can help to reduce the cushion gas in salt caverns. The large deformation solutions can provide useful references for gas storage in salt caverns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing flow fields that can lead to uniform distributions of reactants at a minimum pump work is critical to enhancing the performance of redox flow batteries. This paper reports on an improved design of conventional serpentine flow fields, in which the channel depth is linearly reduced from the inlet to the outlet, speeding up the flow speed along the flow path and enhancing the under-rid convection downstream toward the outlet. Three-dimensional numerical simulations reveal that the optimized gradient at 25% (the channel-depth ratio between the outlet and inlet) can lead to the highest pump-based voltage efficiency. Experimental validations demonstrate that the application of the optimized flow field to a vanadium redox flow battery leads to significant improvements in both energy efficiency and electrolyte utilization, which is 5.0% and 27.7%, respectively, higher than that with the conventional serpentine flow field at a relatively high current density and low flow rate (400 mA cm−2, 12 mL min−1 cm−2). The effectiveness of the flow field design in boosting the uniform reactant distribution provides a feasible approach for scaling up high-performance redox flow batteries. [Display omitted] • An improved design strategy of flow field is proposed for VRFB. • Uniform distributions of electrochemical reactants are achieved. • Energy efficiency is improved by 5.0% for optimized design. • Electrolyte utilization is improved by 27.7% compared with SFF. • Operating with optimized current density and flow rate is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solution mining of a salt cavern for energy storage is highly affected by the interface angle, especially in a horizontal cavern, which has drawn much attention recently. Current empirical models assume the dissolution rates at different angles relate to that of a vertical interface. At the same time, the actual salt cavern design practice has found different conclusions. In this paper, a coupled convection-mass transfer model of rock salt dissolution is developed employing COMSOL software, and the dissolution of salt surfaces with 9 different angles is simulated. In the simulation, the quantitative dissolution rates are consistent with the indoor tests in the literature. The interface angle indirectly influences the dissolution rate through the flow pattern and rate. With larger interface angles, the gravity-driven natural convection gets more intense (no flow at 0°, stream at 45°, waterfall at 90°, raindrop mixing with stream above 90°, totally raindrop at 180°), which means the mass transfer near the boundary gets faster. Thus, the concentration near the boundary decreases, the concentration gradient increases, and the dissolution rate increases. Accordingly, we believe that the angle effect on the dissolution rate is not fixed, possibly being affected by other dissolution convection or the injection-discharge flow cycle. Take the ratio of the upward dissolution rate (α = 180°) and the lateral dissolution rate (α = 90°) (R) as an example, in the previous individual simulations, R is 2. While in the cases of simultaneous upward and lateral dissolution simulation & experiments, the lateral dissolution is accelerated by the global convection flow driven by the upward dissolution, and R is 1.5 & 1.6. In the case of simultaneous multi-angle dissolution, R is 1.3. Therefore, we suggest using the proposed simulation method to help determine the actual dissolution rate in different stages during the design for actual engineering. • A coupled convection-mass transfer model of salt cavern dissolution is developed. • The model is verified by comparison with indoor experiments and field caverns. • Interface angle indirectly affects the dissolution rate through convection state. • The influencing law changes when the convection state is affected by other factors. • We suggest using the proposed method for better salt cavern design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infinite dilute diffusion coefficients ( D 12 ) of normal alkanes (C1 to C14) in 1-octanol (C8-OH), as well as primary alkanols (C1-OH to C14-OH) in n-octane (C8) have been studied using molecular dynamics simulation in the temperature range from 298 to 374 K and at atmosphere pressure. Simulated D 12 values for short-chain solute molecules show a good agreement with the experimental ones taken from literature, while for the long-chain solute molecules the overestimation is large. Besides, the structures of solute molecules in above fluid mixtures are investigated by calculating radial distribution functions, radius of gyration, end-to-end distance, and root mean square fluctuation of atomic positions. These results confirm long-chain n -alkanes and n -alkanols molecules are curved and curled up, which we call it flexibility. Moreover, flexibilities for solute molecules (5 ≤ n ≤ 9) are symmetric but for much long-chain solute molecules like n-tetradecane (C14) and 1-tetradecanol (C14-OH) are asymmetric. We believe that strong chain-chain interactions are existed between different long-chain molecules, and it will result in the solute and solvent molecules are intertwisted. The serious overestimation of simulated D 12 for long-chain solute molecules can be reasonably explained by the intertwist effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-based aqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs) have emerged as a promising technology for large-scale energy storage. The development of novel polymeric electrode materials with high aqueous solubility to enhance the capacity and stability of batteries is the foremost concern of this area, yet remains challenging. Here we describe a stable polymer-based aqueous RFB assembled in air atmosphere, which uses a low-cost anionic terpolymer (P4) as the active cathode material, N , N ′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium dichloride (MV) as the anode material, and environmentally benign aqueous NaCl solution (NaCl aq) as the electrolyte. P4 exhibits high solubility (28.8 Ah L−1) and low viscosity in 1.5 M NaCl aq. The theoretical storage capacity of such stable RFB is as high as 12 Ah L−1. At the current density of 10 mA cm−2 and over 170 consecutive cycles in air atmosphere at room temperature, the P4/MV RFB exhibits the actual energy density of 6.43 Wh L−1, the material utilization of 71.3%, Coulombic efficiency over 95%, and the average attenuation per cycle of 0.12%. [Display omitted] • An anionic terpolymer P4 is synthesized and used as cathode material for aqueous redox flow battery (RFB). • P4 exhibits the excellent solubility and low viscosity in 1.5 M aqueous NaCl solution. • P4 -based aqueous RFB assembled in air exhibits stable manner with excellent capacity and low attenuation per cycle. • The theoretical storage capacity of stable P4-based aqueous RFB is as high as 12 Ah L−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutral aqueous organic redox flow battery (NAORFB) stands out as one of the most prospective mass energy storage options. The main limitations of large-scale storage regarding the NAORFB lie in the low Na+/Cl− conductivity of membrane in pH7 systems, which leads to a lower voltage efficiency. Herein, quaternary ammonium functionalized fluorinated poly (arylene ether) (QAFPAE-x) anion exchange membrane with hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks was designed successfully. The results demonstrated that the grafting of quaternary ammonium and fluorine-containing block enables QAFPAE-x membrane low swelling, high Cl− conductivity, and promising chemical stability characteristics. The voltage efficiency of QAFPAE-100 membrane (93.8%–60.7%) is much higher than the AMVN membrane (88.4%–37.8%) at 20–160 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the NAORFB with the QAFPAE-100 membrane steadily runs at 60 mA cm−2 over 1500 cycles. Therefore, the ionic highway induced excellent performance of QAFPAE-100 membrane to render this material a promising candidate for practical NAORFB applications. [Display omitted] • A membrane with hydrophilic groups and hydrophobic block was designed. • The membrane has low swelling, high conductivity and chemical stability. • The membrane support over 1500 cycles of cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TaGW2 has been identified as a key determinant of the grain weight in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In our previous study, we found that the grain size differs in Chinese Spring (CS) and its TaGW2-6A allelic variant (NIL31). In addition, the expression of the key starch biosynthesis enzyme gene TaAGPS differs significantly in the two materials. However, the underlying molecular mechanism associated with the action of TaGW2-6A has not been reported. In the present study, we found that TaGW2-6A-CS interacted with TaAGPS, whereas TaGW2-6A-NIL31 did not interact with it in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that the C-terminal LXLX domain (376–424 aa) of TaGW2-6A recognized TaAGPS. However, the TaGW2-6A allelic variant lacked this key interaction region due to premature translation termination. We also found that TaGW2-6A-CS can ubiquitinate TaAGPS and degrade it via the 26 S proteasome pathway. In addition, our analysis of the activity of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) indicated that the AGPase level in the endosperm cells was lower in CS than NIL31. Cytological observations demonstrated that the average number of starch granules and the average area of starch granules in endosperm cells were lower in CS than NIL31. The overexpression of TaAGPS positively regulated the seed size in transgenic Arabidopsis. Our findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism that allows TaGW2-6A - TaAGPS to regulate seed size via the starch synthesis pathway. • Wheat TaGW2-6A interacted with TaAGPS in vitro and in vivo. • TaGW2-6A ubiquitinated and degraded TaAGPS via the 26S proteasome pathway. • ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase activity and cytological observations differed in endosperm cells of CS and NIL31. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasmonic Ag nanoparticles match with vertically aligned N-doped TiO 2 nanotube arrays, which display improving photoelectrochemical performance. N-doped anatase nanotube arrays are fabricated firstly, and then cubic Ag nanoparticles of diameter 5 nm are deposited on TiO 2 nanotubes without organic additives at room temperature. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the oxygen vacancies and N impurity are revealed in N-doped TiO 2 . The electrical properties of samples are investigated by systematic photoelectrochemical measurement. The charge transfer ability of TiO 2 , N-doped TiO 2 and Ag/N-doped TiO 2 is presented directly by Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Mott–Schottky measurement, respectively. The carrier density of Ag/N-doped TiO 2 is higher 2 orders of magnitude enhancement of TiO 2 . Furthermore, its photocurrent responds rapidly with illumination owing to fast photoelectron transport. And photocurrent density is 0.14 mA cm −2 at 1.23 V RHE , which is the highest among samples. Finally, the mechanism of improving photoelectrochemical activity is schematically displayed. The plasmonic Ag/N-doped TiO 2 composties are favorable for the separation for photoelectron-hole pairs and increasing electron transfer, leading to a considerably photoelectrochemical performance under sunlight. The modified nanotube arrays provide potential application in photoelectrochemical cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of biomimetic approach to converting sunlight was applied for design of composite materials. Here, hierarchical tree-like heterostructure Ag/ZnO (Ag wt%: 8.9%) arrays were fabricated by two-step electrodeposition, and it exhibited improved activity during photoelectrochemical water oxidation. The wurtzite-structured ZnO arrays prepared are the "trunk". Ag nanoclusters were selectively deposited on the top of arrays as the "leaf", which can strongly interact with visible light due to surface plasmon resonance. The inducted electromagnetic fields around Ag would efficiently propagate energy to composites by hot electrons injection. Based on morphology and crystal structure analysis, the linear sweep voltammagrams display that photocurrent increase to 0.17mA/cm2 at 1.23 VRHE, and the photo-to-hydrogen generation is 0.23%. Additionally, the amperometric I-t curves collected without voltage displayed better photocurrent response under sunlight. The kinetics of PEC process at the electrode surface was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The mechanism was deduced based on the energy level of ZnO and Ag. The designed plasmonic crystal system exhibited that tree-like heterostructure is favorable for improving sunlight absorption and photoeletrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Organic–inorganic hybrid aerogels with high micro- and mesoporosity were prepared from Al(acac)3/Cr(acac)3 subunits. [•] Heterometallic aerogels were prepared. [•] The aerogels have relatively hydrophobic pore surface. [•] The aerogels show ability to absorb various guest molecules. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Hollow MoS2 MACCs have been successfully synthesized. [•] Initial discharge capacity of 1545mAhg−1 is obtained at 100mAg−1. [•] Hollow MoS2 MACCs show enhanced cycling stability and rate capability. [•] Amorphous carbon can improve electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study reports the growth of CIS nanosheets and nanoworms on FTO glass through a surfactant-assisted solvothermal process. The as-prepared products are single crystalline in tetragonal structure with the crystal lattice spacing of about 0.32 nm which agrees with the (112) plane of CIS. The formation process is investigated and a possible growth model is proposed. Both oxalic acid and CTAB are found to play important roles during the formation process of the CIS thin films. Raman analysis reveals that the film quality can be simply adjusted by changing the ratio of the reactants and that higher content of TU will lead to better crystallinity. The direct band gap values of the CIS nanosheets and nanoworms are calculated to be 1.50 and 1.55 eV, respectively. Both values are very close to that of bulk CIS (1.53 eV). The PEC properties of the CIS nanosheets and nanoworms are studied as well. Compared with the nanosheet electrode, these nanoworms synthesized in sulfide-rich environment exhibit better photoelectric performance due to their better visible-light absorption and improved film conductivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sn4+-doped FeS2 cubes with high yield thin films have been successfully synthesized on FTO glass through a simple hydrothermal process. The Sn4+-doped FeS2 cubes are single crystalline in cubic structure with (200) facet as the main exposed surface. The formation process was investigated. Sn2+ was found to play an important role during the formation process of FeS2 growing on FTO glass. The direct optical band gap value can be estimated to be 1.71eV which is much larger than that of bulk FeS2 due to the Sn4+ doping. The photoelectrochemical properties of the Sn4+-doped FeS2 films were studied as well. There is a significant increase in photocurrent of Sn4+-doped FeS2 electrode compared to that of undoped sample. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A metal–organic gel (MOG) route to immobilised catalysts has been developed based on the reversibility of coordination bond formation in a Fe3+–carboxylate MOG. The ferric gel was rationally designed based on a bifunctional ligand, 5-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (L1), in which the imidazole N atom may further bind to a soft ion like Pd2+ more strongly due to the HSAB matching. Palladium(II) was successfully loaded in the gel to yield a supported coordination catalyst. Compared with its homogeneous counterparts, the immobilised gel catalyst exhibited significantly improved catalytic activity under mild conditions as shown in Suzuki–Miyaura C–C coupling, and could be reused for several times. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Compared to conventional methods, a simple route is offered for synthesis of BaCO3 with CO2 and least energy consumption. And the morphology of BaCO3 was tuned by controlling reaction conditions. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) were employed to characterize the products, the results showed that the products with various morphologies had the same crystal phase and growth direction. However, the distinct difference of the prepared products were determined by Raman and UV–vis spectra, showing shape-dependent optical properties. The results provide a useful model system for investigating the shape-dependent optical properties of carbonate nanocrystals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The cubic PbS nanoflowers were successfully synthesized by the biomolecule-assisted method in the presence of supercritical carbon dioxide. This is an effective, simple and green synthetic method for the preparation of nanomaterials. It is noteworthy that the dosage of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and chitosan as well as appropriate reaction time and pressure of system are crucial to form the unusual nanoflower structured PbS. The unique nanoflowers have numerous petals, which grow along the 〈100〉 direction as a single crystal. Especially, the nanoflower PbS indicates better sensitivity to the laser power via Raman spectra. Although the product size of PbS obtained is larger than the Bohr radius, its UV–vis absorption spectrum shows a remarkable blue-shift from that of bulk PbS due to quantum-confinement effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Salt cavern with a volume of hundreds of thousands of cubic meters for storing electrolyte has been considered as a promising large-scale storage technology. However, the solubility and electrochemical stability of active organic species are significantly limited in saturated brine solution. Here, an unsymmetrical two-electron viologens with high solubility in aqueous system is synthesized via a simple two-step reaction route. As a novel two-electron storage anolyte, its electrochemical properties are investigated in detail by cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk electrode voltammetry. Paired with (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO) derivatives, the battery delivers an exceptionally high cell voltage of 1.63 V, an energy efficiency of ~80%, and an average 99.95% capacity retention per cycle at 30 mA/cm2. To extend in saturated brine solution, the battery also exhibits a high cell efficiency and stable cycle performance, providing a promising strategy for developing the large scale salt-cavern redox flow batteries. • An unsymmetrical two-electron storage anolyte viologens was fabricated via two successive steps. • The molecule presented a high solubility and delivered a reversible two electron reduction reaction. • An average capacity retention rate of 99.95% per cycle was retained for 200 cycles. • The battery exhibited a high coulombic efficiency (~99%) and energy efficiency (~78%) in saturated brine solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]