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SnO2 has been extensively used in the detection of various gases. As a gas sensing material, SnO2 has excellent physical-chemical properties, high reliability, and short adsorption-desorption time. The application of the traditional SnO2 gas sensor is limited due to its higher work-temperature, low gas response, and poor selectivity. Nanomaterials can significantly impact gas-sensitive properties due to the quantum size, surface, and small size effects of nanomaterials. By applying nanotechnology to the preparation of SnO2, the SnO2 nanomaterial-based sensors could show better performance, which greatly expands the application of SnO2 gas sensors. In this review, the preparation method of the SnO2 nanostructure, the types of gas detected, and the improvements of SnO2 gas-sensing performances via elemental modification are introduced as well as the future development of SnO2 is discussed.

Methanol, a versatile chemical, fuel additive and potential H2 carrier, has attracted great attention. Despite of the wide industrialization, improvement of Cu-based methanol-synthesis catalysts is highly anticipated. Accordingly, a series of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 with designed precursor structures were prepared, and its structure–function relationship was investigated to make progress on this area. Results showed the catalyst derived from highly zinc-substituted malachite demonstrated the best catalytic performance in this work. It was found that the well-behaved catalyst possessed relatively high Cu specific surface area and exposed Cu concentration, and the well Cu/ZnO synergy. CuZn alloy was found by In-situ XRD tests, and its effect on the catalyst's thermostability was discussed. Fractional precipitation, which facilitated the Cu2+ substitution by Zn2+ in malachite lattice, could be an efficient preparation method of the Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst.

Catalysts contribute significantly to the industrial revolution in terms of reaction rates and reduction in production costs. Extensive research has been documented on various industrial catalysis in the last few decades. The performance of catalysts is influenced by many parameters, including synthesis methods. The current work overviews the most common methods applied for the synthesis of supported catalysts. This review presents the detailed background, principles, and mechanism of each preparation method. The advantages and limitations of each method have also been elaborated in detail. In addition, the applications of each method in terms of catalyst synthesis have been documented in the present review paper.

Although there are many treatment options available for wound and burns dressings, improvements in technology are still required. Bacterial cellulose is a polymer derived from the microbiological world and has shown some promising properties that recommend it as a wound healing therapeutic. Moreover, bacterial cellulose can be nanosized to form Bacterial Nanocellulose (BNC), enhancing its properties. Most importantly, in addition to its inherent antibacterial properties, BNC can be used to deliver drugs. This article presents a birds-eye view of the preparation method and applications of BNC-based wound dressings.

Active aluminum composites are considered to be ideal materials that can be applied to mobile hydrogen sources in light of their high hydrogen generation efficiency, simple preparation, rapidly reaction rate, and non-pollution reaction products. Whereas, the dense alumina shell on the surface of the aluminum powder greatly limits the reaction between aluminum and water. This article reviews the common preparation methods, additives, reaction mechanism, aging and preservation methods of activated aluminum composites, and the latest progress in the application of active aluminum composites are also summarized. In addition, some recommendations are also given for future research work on active aluminum composites.

Exploring highly foldable batteries with no safety hazard is a crucial task for the realization of portable, wearable, and implantable electric devices. Given these concerns, developing solid-state batteries is one of the most promising routes to achieve this aspiration. Because of the excellent flexibility and processability, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) based electrolytes possess great potential to pack high energy density flexible batteries, however, suffers the various intrinsic shortcomings such as inferior ionic conductivity, a high degree of crystallinity, and lack of reactive groups. Clearing the progress of the present state and concluding the specific challenges faced by PVDF based electrolytes will help to develop PVDF based polymer batteries. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of gel polymer electrolytes and all solid polymer electrolytes based on PVDF. The ion transport mechanisms and preparation methods of PVDF based electrolytes are briefly introduced. Meanwhile, the current design principle and properties of electrolytes are highlighted and systematically discussed. Some peculiar modified strategies performed in lithium–sulfur batteries and lithium–oxygen batteries are also included. Finally, this review describes the challenges and prospects of some solid-state electrolytes to provide strategies for manufacturing high-performance PVDF electrolytes aimed at practical application with flexible requirements.

Heterocyclic skeleton (Azoles) and different energetic groups containing high performing explosives are highly emerged in recent years to meet the challenging requirements of energetic materials in both military and civilian applications with improved performance. For this purpose tetrazole (Azole) is identified as an attractive heterocyclic backbone with energetic functional groups nitro (-NO2), nitrato (-ONO2), nitrimino (-NNO2), and nitramino (–NH–NO2) to replace the traditionally used high performing explosives. The tetrazole based compounds having these energetic functional groups demonstrated advanced energetic performance (detonation velocity and pressure), densities, and heat of formation (HOF) and became a potential replacement of traditional energetic compounds such as RDX. This review presents a summary of the recently reported nitro-tetrazole energetic compounds containing poly-nitro, di/mono-nitro, nitrato/nitramino/nitrimino, bridged/bis/di tetrazole and nitro functional groups, describing their preparation methods, advance energetic properties, and further applications as high-performing explosives, especially those reported in the last decade. This review aims to provide a fresh concept for designing nitro-tetrazole based high performing explosives together with major challenges and perspectives.

Two series of zeolite Y were prepared with varying particle size (estimated 100 or 400 nm) by applying different synthesis gel composition ratios as well as different ageing and hydrothermal steps. Copper-containing zeolites Y were obtained through ion exchange, thoroughly characterized and tested for the selective catalytic reduction with NH3 (NH3-SCR-DeNOx). The catalytic activity of the prepared materials varied significantly due to the different nature of copper species. Results show that catalysts CuY 0h-A and CuY-24h-A (approx. particles size 2676 and 475 nm, respectively) facilitate a higher NO conversion both in the presence and absence of water vapor, exhibiting however stronger N2O formation above 250 °C. On the other hand, nearly X-ray amorphous Y-0h-B and Y-24h-B after ion- exchange led to decreased activity of CuY-0h-B and CuY-24h-B (approx. particles size 345 and 128 nm, respectively). Additional insight into the activity of both catalyst were obtained through in situ DR UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Nickel– and cobalt–cerium bimetallic oxides were used as catalysts for the methanation of CO2 under pressure. The catalysts’ activity increases with pressure and an increase of just 10 bar is enough to double the yield of methane and to significantly improve the selectivity. The best results were those obtained over nickel–cerium bimetallic oxides, but the effect of pressure was particularly relevant over cobalt–cerium bimetallic oxides, which yield to methane increases from almost zero at atmospheric pressure to 50–60% at 30 bar. Both catalyst types are remarkably competitive, especially those containing nickel, which were always more active than a commercial rhodium catalyst used as a reference (5wt.% Rh/Al2O3) and tested under the same conditions. For the cobalt–cerium bimetallic oxides, the existence of a synergetic interaction between Co and CoO and the formation of cobalt carbides seems to play an important role in their catalytic behavior. Correlation between experimental reaction rates and simulated data confirms that the catalysts’ behavior follows the Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson kinetic model, but Le Chatelier’s principle is also important to understand the catalysts’ behavior under pressure. A catalyst recycle study was also performed. The results obtained after five cycles using a nickel–cerium catalyst show insignificant variations in activity and selectivity, which are important for any type of practical application.

In this artcile, methane catalytic oxidation was studied over the Ni/MgAl2O4 catalysts with different weight percentages of nickel oxide synthesized by a simple solid-state mechanochemical preparat...

Dioscin in Trigonella foenum-graecum was purified by foam separation combined with preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (Prep-HPLC) and the preparation method of dioscin monomer was established. Then, the structure was confirmed by FI-IR, HRMS, 13C-NMR and 1H-NMR.The results showed that the method had the advantages of simple operation, short separation period and high efficiency and was suitable for the separation and preparation of dioscin from Trigonella foenum-graecum.

The preparation process needs to be carried out in the treatment of hatchery waste. The objective of the study was to determine the mineral content and characterization of the eggshell waste after preparation. An experiment was arranged on a completely randomized design (CRD). Preparation treatment consisted of; T1: shell waste watered with distilled water; T2: shell waste soaked in distilled water for 12 h; T3: shell waste soaked in 0.5% NaOH for 720 min; and T4: shell waste boiled at 80°C for 15 min and soaked in 5% H3PO4 for 15 min. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and if any differences, a Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) post hoc tests were carried out. Composition of proximate and mineral were detected by using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). Results indicated that proximate analysis of the dry matter content were T4: 98.98±0.01; T3: 98.58±0.04; T2: 98.75±0.08; and T1: 98.72±0.03. The calcium content of the treatment from the highest was T3: 24.22±0.31; T1: 22.80±0.57; T2: 22.77±0.71; and T4: 21.55±0.46. It may be inferred that the treatment technique had no major impact on the eggshells physical characteristics. However, boiling treatment at 80°C for 15 min and soaking in 5% H3PO4 reduced the eggshell waste's Mg, Si, and Ca content. The addition of 0.5% NaOH immersion did not degrade Mg, Ca, and Si of eggshell waste.

Supramolecular polymorphism in dye aggregates and examples of N,O-bidentate boron difluoride complexes are very uncommon in chemistry. Both rarities have been addressed by synthesising a new N,O-bidentate boron difluoride complex PNIBF2, which shows polymorphic aggregation. Depending upon the nature of the solvent and preparation methods, PNIBF2 produced three different aggregates. In a non-polar environment, the dye produced emissive linear nanoaggregates Agg1. In contrast, in a polar solvent (76 : 24 v/v water-THF mixture), the dye produced two different types of cyclic aggregates, nanoellipsoids Agg2 and nanospheres Agg3. Kinetically controlled Agg2 were produced at room temperature, while Agg3 were generated at elevated temperatures. Supramolecular assemblies Agg2 could be readily converted into Agg3 by heating and subsequent slow cooling. Our results highlight the relevance of peri-naphthoindigo as a new molecular building block for the creation of functional supramolecular systems.

MgO–CeO2 support was prepared by three different methods and impregnated by 1% Ru. These mixed oxides supported Ru catalysts were applied to ammonia (NH3) synthesis. NH3 synthesis activity was highly dependent on the H2/N2 ratio, temperature, pressure conditions, and physical characteristics of the catalysts. NH3 synthesis increased using a higher H2 concentration in reactant stream at a relatively higher temperature and pressure conditions, while lower H2 concentration was suitable at lower temperatures. Likewise, the effect of increasing pressure was more dominant at a higher temperature for higher H2 concentration. Physical characteristics of the catalysts strongly influenced NH3 synthesis activity, which varied for different methods. Increased surface area, high dispersion of Ru and CeO2, and preferential deposition of Ru on CeO2 were responsible for higher NH3 synthesis activity of the catalyst prepared from the co-precipitation method.

In order to use sulfide all-solid-state batteries as power sources of electric devices, sulfide solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and high air-stability must be developed. Li3PS4 electrolytes have been used in all-solid-state batteries because of their relatively high ionic conductivity (4 × 10 −4 S cm−1 at 25 °C) and higher air-stability than those of other Li2S–P2S5 type solid electrolytes. Herein, the Li4SnS4–Li3PS4 system was investigated to (1) increase the ionic conductivity of Li3PS4 using excess Li carriers and (2) improve the air-stability of Li3PS4 by introducing air-stable Sn–S bonds. The structure, ionic conductivity, and air-stability of xLi4SnS4·(1−x)Li3PS4 were systematically investigated; the results showed that adding small amounts of Li4SnS4 to Li3PS4 glass and glass-ceramic enhanced their ionic conductivity and air-stability without degrading their electrochemical stability. In particular, the 0.3Li4SnS4·0.7Li3PS4 glass-ceramic showed an ionic conductivity of 8.1 × 10 −4 S cm−1 at 25 °C and generated only a small amount of H2S gas (3 ppm [0.3 cm3 g−1]) when it was dissolved in water. Hence, xLi4SnS4·(1−x)Li3PS4 solid electrolytes can be used as alternatives to the conventional Li3PS4 electrolyte because of their various advantages and a simple preparation method that involves adding only SnS2 to conventional starting materials.

Every "entity" or compound has physical and chemical properties as references for the synthesis and determination of the entity's structure. Thermodynamically, solid-state is the most stable matter in the universe and to be the ideal form in structure elucidation of pharmaceutical. The dry treatments, such as mechanochemistry, microwave heating, and the using of deep eutectic agent are becoming popular. These techniques are viewed as futuristic methods for reducing environmental damage, in line with "green pharmacy" concept. On the other hand, solid-state analysis methods from the simplest to the most sophisticated one have been used in the long decades, but most are for qualitative purposes. Recently many reports have proven that solid-state analysis instruments are reliable and prospective for implementing in the quantitative measurement. Infrared spectroscopy, powder x-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry have been employed in various kinetics and content determination studies. A revolutionary method developed for structural elucidation is single-crystal diffraction, which is capable of rapidly and accurately determining a three-dimensional chemical structure. Hereby it is shown that the accurate, precise, economic, ease, rapid-speed, and reliability of solidstate analysis methods are eco-benefits by reducing the reagent, catalyst, and organic solvent.

Purpose This paper aims to propose a suitable atomizing solidification chitosan (CS) gel liquid extrusion molding technology for the three dimensional (3D) printing method, and experiments verify the feasibility of this method. Design/methodology/approach This paper mainly uses experimental means, combined with theoretical research. The preparation method, solidification forming method and 3D printing method of CS gel solution were studied. The CS gel printing mechanism and printing error sources are analyzed on the basis of the CS gel ink printing results, printing performance with different ratios of components by constructing a gel print prototype, experiments evaluating the CS gel printing technology and the effects of the process parameters on the scaffold formation. Findings CS printing ink was prepared; the optimal formula was found; the 3 D printing experiment of CS was completed; the optimal printing parameters were obtained; and the reliability of the forming prototype, printing ink and gel printing process was verified, which allowed for the possibility to apply the 3 D printing technology to the manufacturing of a CS gel structure. Originality/value This study can provide theoretical and technical support for the potential application of CS 3 D printed gels in tissue engineering.

Allicin, a chemical found in functional foods, has a variety of beneficial bioactivities but the unpleasent odor and unstability hinder its applications. Isolating products from cyclodextrin (CD) complexation, using β-CD and its derivatives, is usually a time and energy-consuming process. Herein, a high-efficiency and eco-friendly preparation method of an inclusion (allicin@α-CD) formed by allicin and α-CD was designed, which turned liquid allicin into crystal particles with high-speed stirring (10,000 r/min) at 25°C for 10 min in water. In vivo and in vitro masking evaluations showed that the inclusion particles could decrease the unpleasant odor of allicin. Molecular docking and experimental characterization results illustrated that the main reason of odor masking was due to the disulfide and thiocarbonyl groups of allicin being partially encapsulated by the cavity of α-CD. Compared with the physical mixture, the stability of allicin in allicin@α-CD at 60°C for 10 days was 33-fold improved. Overall, this efficient strategy of inclusion provided a promising approach for the industrialization of allicin-related formulations. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, an environmentally friendly method of α-CD inclusion without the use of organic reagents was designed to solidify and stabilize allicin, which effectively masked the unpleasant odor and taste of allicin. It has contributed greatly to improving the compliance of consumers and provided a new and effective approach to broaden the application of allicin.

Most drugs' poor aqueous solubility has emerged as a significant challenge in achieving proper therapeutic response following oral administration. Herbal drugs are being used from time immemorial to prevent, mitigate, and cure multiple diseases. However, most of the bioactives phytoconstituents possess limited aqueous solubility & poor oral bioavailability. Solid dispersion (SD) has been realised as an efficient formulation to overcome hydrophobic candidates' solubility issues and improve their oral bioavailability. The current review mainly explores the potential of SD for improving solubility, dissolution & bioavailability of herbal extracts, enriched fractions, and isolated bioactives. Hence, basics of SD, selection of excipients, need for SD of plant products, SD of plant products, selection of preparation method, the chemistry of phytoconstituent-excipient interaction, and hurdles associated with SD of herbal extract/enriched fraction were explored in this review. The SD has the potential to overcome solubility, dissolution, and oral bioavailability issues of poorly soluble phytoconstituents.

Targeted delivery self-healing microcapsules have higher self-healing effect and lower cost, but there are few preparation methods. Here, we have shown a novel method to synthesize targeted deliver...

Background Pea protein has trickled into the protein demand aisles, owing to its exceptional nutritional benefits and functional attributes. The Achilles' heel of pea protein is its inferior solubility and beany flavor. Structure-based design of food proteins with specific techno-functional characteristics exhibits high potency. Glycation via Maillard-driven chemistry is a valuable in-depth toolkit for fabricating protein-based conjugates with superior functions and flavor profile. Scope and approach Herein, we comprehensively review the potential of applying glycation via Maillard-driven chemistry to tailor protein architectures for amending protein functional attributes and flavor profile. We start by summarizing the principles and kinetics of Maillard-driven chemistry. We then highlight the structural characteristics and site-specificity of protein-based conjugates deciphered from various techniques. Moreover, specific highlights are focused on the impact of elements of interest on protein-based conjugates functions and flavors. In combination with our recent research findings, it would bring forth an enlightenment in probing the fundamental relationship between the structure and the functionality of pea protein. Key findings and conclusions The preparation methods and native of saccharides play a vital role in pea protein modification. Although exciting progress has been made in protein chemistry, the site-specificity of glycating pea protein with various saccharides still remains previously unexplored especially when polysaccharides are employed. This is because of the difficulty in mass analysis. A relevant study is urgently essential to probe specific glycation sites of pea protein, which would be helpful to precisely design the molecular function by incorporating the functional groups at the targeted sites.

In order to compare the effect of preparation method on the catalytic performance over Ni/3D-SBA-15 catalyst for CO2 methanation, one-pot and two-pot synthesis strategies were used in this work. 3D-SBA-15-derived Ni-phyllosilicate catalyst could be obtained via a two-pot hydrothermal synthesis using 3D-SBA-15 and nickel nitrate as precursors at 180 °C. This Ni-phyllosilicate catalyst with a monolithic macromorphology and a microcosmic appearance of 3D-networked framework covered by nanosheets, was also achieved via a one-pot hydrothermal method with elimination of the preparation and pretreatment of 3D-SBA-15. The one-pot-synthesized Ni/S–O catalyst not only showed high catalytic activity due to the small-sized Ni particles, but also exhibited excellent anti-sintering property owing to the strong metal-support interaction derived from Ni-phyllosilicate. Compared with the two-pot synthesis, many advantages were observed for one-pot synthesis including monolithic appearance, high convenience, large Ni-phyllosilicate amount and low cost.

Due to serious global warming and environmental issues, the demand for clean and sustainable energy storage devices is significantly increased. Often accompanied by rapid growth of portable electronic vehicles and devices, massive electromagnetic wave pollution becomes unavoidable. To mitigate the above two issues, this mini-review summaries preparation methods and recent developments of MXene/polyaniline-based composites for their applications in electrochemical devices and electromagnetic interference shielding. Based on excellent synergistic effects between single compounds and designed hierarchical structures, MXene/polyaniline-based composites usually exhibit enhanced physical and chemical properties, showing great potentials in sustainable electrochemical properties and electromagnetic wave protections for human health as well as normal operation of precise electronic devices.

One of the highlights of green chemistry is the development of techniques and procedures with low environmental impact. In the last years, deep eutectic solvents (DES) have become an important alternative to conventional organic solvents. For a period ionic liquids have provoked remarkable interest, but they have been displaced by DES because they show easier preparation methods, lower prices, many of them are biodegradable and compatible with biological systems. In addition, they show adjustable physicochemical properties, high thermal stability, low volatility and are compatible with water. In this paper is reviewed the state of the art of the use of DES paying special attention to the role of reaction media in organic synthesis., Deep eutectic solvents are an interesting alternative to conventional solvents, both as a reaction medium and for many processes and technologies used in chemistry and related sciences. They are easily prepared, versatile, many of them can be obtained from renewable sources and can be designed and adapted for specific processes. For all these reasons, they have been studied intensively in recent years and their interest is constantly growing. This paper reviews some of the most prominent applications and which are the fields of interest that may be a focus of applications in the near future.

Pharmaceutical cocrystals are multicomponent systems in which at least one component is an active pharmaceutical ingredient and the others are pharmaceutically acceptable ingredients. Cocrystallization of a drug substance with a coformer is a promising and emerging approach to improve the performance of pharmaceuticals, such as solubility, dissolution profile, pharmacokinetics and stability. This review article presents a comprehensive overview of pharmaceutical cocrystals, including preparation methods, physicochemical properties, and applications. Furthermore, some examples of drug cocrystals are highlighted to illustrate the effect of crystal structures on the various aspects of active pharmaceutical ingredients, such as physical stability, chemical stability, mechanical properties, optical properties, bioavailability, sustained release and therapeutic effect. This review will provide guidance for more efficient design and manufacture of pharmaceutical cocrystals with desired physicochemical properties and applications., Graphical abstract Pharmaceutical cocrystals is a promising and emerging approach to modulate the performance of pharmaceuticals, including physical stability, chemical stability, mechanical properties, optical properties, release profiles, bioavailability and therapeutic effect.Image 1

Background The use of micelle structures to achieve the encapsulation and delivery of hydrophobic functional ingredients has attracted widespread attention. Among them, biopolymer micelles have various applications in the food industry due to their superior functional qualities and wide sources. Scope and approach This review summarizes the general preparation methods for self-assembled micelles, the major types of natural molecular-based polymers, the factors that affect the stability of micelles, and the application of micelles in food science. The current challenges and future research prospects are also discussed. Key findings and conclusions Self-assembled micelles are usually prepared by methods such as direct dissolution, dialysis, solvent evaporation, and film hydration. The stability of biopolymer-based micelles is affected by the polymer structure, temperature, pH, and other conditions. Amphiphilic bio-based polymer micelles have great potential in delivering hydrophobic ingredients with excellent loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency. Biopolymer micelles can significantly improve the bioavailability of hydrophobic components.

Background Synthetic plastics are extremely versatile and convenient materials that can be used to create a diversity of useful products, but their widespread use is causing increasing damage to the planet. As a result, there has been considerable efforts towards the development of more biodegradable and environmentally-friendly materials. Among various alternatives, starch is considered as a good substitute for synthetic polymers due to its abundant supply, low cost, complete biodegradation, high biocompatibility, and good film-forming properties. However, a number of technical challenges need to be overcome to increase the practical of starch-based materials for manner applications. Scope and approach An up-to-date review of starch-based materials is given, with emphasis on methods to improve their properties and widen their application in food packaging. The preparation methods, common additives, characterization techniques, and applications of starch-based biodegradable materials are summarized. Additionally, advanced technological approaches to prepare innovative starch-based biodegradable materials are also introduced to stimulate new areas for future research. Key findings and conclusions Starch-based materials have great potential as biodegradable food packaging materials that will reduce environmental pollution. The functional performance of starch-based biodegradable materials can be extended or improved by adding other biopolymers or additives, as well as by using novel preparation techniques. Nevertheless, the large-scale economic production of high-performance starch-based biodegradable materials is still a challenge and more research is still required in this area.

Nowadays, scalable manufacturing of superamphiphobic surfaces by a simple and efficient method remains challenging. Herein, we developed a facile and efficient strategy for constructing superamphiphobic surfaces on Cu substrates, including press molding, oxidation, and fluorination modification. The prepared superamphiphobic surface not only has repellency and low viscosity to water, ethylene glycol, and 30% ethanol (surface tension: 33.53 mN·m-1) but can also achieve excellent self-cleaning properties through these liquids. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that this superamphiphobic surface had multiple hybrid structures, including microflowers, nanoneedles, and micropillar arrays. Owing to the high chemical stability of the C-F group, the obtained surface also exhibited excellent corrosion resistance. The preparation method of superamphiphobic surfaces with all these advantages does not require complicated equipment and has great advantages in terms of low cost and high efficiency, which not only endows this method with broad application prospects but is also makes it suitable for industrial scalable production.

A hydrophobic/oleophilic cotton fabric was prepared based on thiol–ene click reaction. The preparation method was simple, which consists of only two steps. Firstly, self-assembly of 3-mercaptopropy...

Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi, popularly known in Brazil as pink pepper or aroeira, has become a new source of agricultural exploitation for some farmers, notably located in the north of the state of Espírito Santo, the largest producing region in the world. Once it was a species that has been historically exploited in an extractive manner, where only what nature offers is explored, the need for the generation of scientific knowledge to understand its genetic potential in all agronomic areas is evident, starting with the large spread in scale of this species. Therefore, the objective of the work was to study the effects of indolebutyric acid (IBA) on the physiology and quality of seedlings produced by cuttings of the species Schinus terebentifolia Raddi under different concentrations of this hormone and different ways of application. The experiment design was a factorial in randomized blocks, in the 2x7 arrangement, the first being composed of two forms of preparation of the hormone (dilution in acetone or in water) and the second composed by 7 concentrations of IBA (0 mg/L; 625 mg/L; 1250 mg/L; 2500 mg/L; 3000 mg/L; 3750 mg/L and 5000 mg/L) with 5 blocks and 5 plants in each treatment. The addition of IBA favored the development and physiological aspects of the seedlings, produced from the hormone prepared with both, water and acetone. The quality of seedlings induced with IBA diluted in water was compromised with the addition of the hormone, whereas in seedlings treated with IBA diluted in acetone, the estimated dose of 1750 mg/L of IBA, promoted the better quality index (IQD) of the seedlings.

The conversion of biobased furfural (FF) into furfuryl alcohol (FA) has immense industrial significance; however, the catalyst preparation methods for the conversion of FF to FA are demanding. We d...

Solar energy is an ideal energy source for solving energy shortages and serious environmental problems. In the past few decades, photocatalytic technology which uses solar energy to deal with the above problems has caused great interest. ZnIn2S4, as a layered ternary metal chalcogenide compound, has a series of advantages such as the wide light absorption range and adjustable bandgap. It has been applied in the different fields of photocatalysis in recent years. This review introduced the crystal structures and growth mechanism of ZnIn2S4 and summarized the preparation methods of ZnIn2S4. Also, the promoted strategies of ZnIn2S4 based photocatalytic system and their applications in the pollutant removal, hydrogen evolution, reduction of CO2, nitrogen fixation, and chemical synthesis was summarized. Furthermore, the challenges and development directions of the current ZnIn2S4 based photocatalytic system were proposed. It is hoped that this review will help researchers design a better ZnIn2S4 based photocatalytic system.

Objective Tea polyphenols are natural extracts used widely throughout the world. However, the severe astringency of tea polyphenols has reduced patient compliance. Based on the analysis of the formation mechanism of astringency, this paper hopes to propose a new method to control the astringency of tea polyphenols and improve patient compliance without changing its effect. Methods Artificial saliva was used to prepare the tea polyphenols solution with different pH, using β-casein to imitate salivary protein, and preparing 1.2 mg/mL β-casein solution. A fluorescence quenching test was used to study the interaction between tea polyphenols and β-casein, combined with the stability test results of the compound, we can choose the pH with weak binding but good stability as the best pH for masking astringency. The taste-masking tablets were prepared under the best pH conditions, and the Xinnaojian Original Tablets were prepared according to the conventional preparation method. The disintegration time limit and solubility were tested respectively. The astringency of Xinnaojian original tablets and taste-masking tablets was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS). Results The result of the fluorescence quenching test prompted that the combination force was the weakest when the pH was 4.9. Further synchronous fluorescence analysis showed that an increase in pH resulted in a decrease of the binding sites between tea polyphenols and β-casein, and this decrease was closely related to changes in tryptophan residues in β-casein. Both original and taste-masking Xinnaojian Tablets were prepared. Volunteers’ VAS scores illustrated that the astringency improved significantly with the masking tablets (P Conclusion This pH-adjusting masking treatment had little effect on the recovery of polyphenols from the tablets or the dissolution of the tablets. This study provides a novel and feasible astringency masking technology for tea polyphenols and its preparation.

Hybrid systems of nanoparticles and polymers have emerged as a new material in the biomedical field. To date, various kinds of hybrid systems have been introduced and applied to drug delivery, regenerative medicine, therapeutics, disease diagnosis, and medical implantation. Among them, the hybridization of nanostructured porous silicon nanoparticles (pSiNPs) and biocompatible polymers has been highlighted due to its unique biological and physicochemical properties. This review focuses on the recent advances in the hybrid systems of pSiNPs and biocompatible polymers from an engineering aspect and its biomedical applications. Representative hybrid formulations, (i) Polymer-coated pSiNPs, (ii) pSiNPs-embedded polymeric nanofibers, are outlined along with their preparation methods, biomedical applications, and future perspectives. We believe this review provides insight into a new hybrid system of pSiNPs and biocompatible polymers as a promising nano-platform for further biomedical applications. Recently developed and representative hybrid systems of porous silicon nanoparticles and biocompatible polymers and their biomedical applications are introduced.

With the development of the preparation methods of low dimensional materials, one-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials present enormous benefits in hydrogen sensing area. This work reviews the up-to-date research progress of 1D nanomaterials in the field of hydrogen gas sensing and its three routes via material, morphology and post-treatment to enhanced sensing performances. Besides, the mechanism of hydrogen gas sensing, the differences of enhancement effect between material synthesis, morphology control and post-treatment schemes are analyzed. Finally, the prospects and challenges of 1D nanomaterials in hydrogen gas sensing are discussed and outlooked.

Many instruments and sensors have been invented to measure pressure, with different advantages and disadvantages. Many factors like pressure range, accuracy, sensitivity, reproducibility, dynamic response, and cost are involved in developing a pressure measuring device. This research paper describes the study of variation in the dielectric constant of lead iron tungstate relaxor specimens with pressure and temperature. In this study, the investigator optimized the specimen's preparation method by changing calcination temperature, adding excess lead oxide, using conventional mixed oxides and columbite routes to improve the specimen's pressure-sensing properties. This study adds another pressure-sensing application of relaxor materials among many other applications.

Supercapacitors, Li-ion batteries, gas sensors, and electrochromic devices are expected to play a major role in the development of sustainable technologies. Recent progress has demonstrated that nanostructured nickel oxides are very promising candidates for efficient energy conversion and storage systems. Recently, there is a growing interest in nickel oxide nanoparticles due to their unique physical and chemical properties. In this work, the synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles is primarily categorized with the preparation method. This review also provides a comparative overview of the influence of technological conditions on the properties of nickel oxide nanoparticles.