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A high-performance low-humidity sensor and moisture-enabled electric generator are prepared through a mesoporous silica-mediated polymerizable deep eutectic solvent platform. The strong hydrophilicity and high ionic conductivity of ionogels are the main reasons for realizing dual-function devices. This work provides a novel approach for the combination of humidity detection and utilization. [Display omitted] • Mesoporous silica/polymerizable deep eutectic solvent functionalized ionogels were prepared by UV light stimulation. • Mesoporous silica containing abundant hydroxyl groups can regulate the intermolecular forces in polymer networks. • Low-humidity sensing and moisture-enabled electric generation can be realized simultaneously through functionalized ionogels. Although technologies related to humidity detection and utilization, such as humidity sensors, atmospheric water harvesting, energy collection, and moisture-enabled electrical generation technologies, have been widely reported, there is still an urgent need for effective monitoring and utilization of humidity in low-humidity places. An ideal low-humidity sensor requires a high response, fast response time and low humidity hysteresis. Soft ion power supplies inspired by electric eels convert the chemical potential energy of ion gradients into electrical energy by utilizing humidity, but their production is challenging. This paper reports a new strategy for developing functionalized ionogels based on mesoporous silica and a polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (SiO 2 @PDES). Due to their strong hydrophilicity, high ionic conductivity, excellent adhesion, flexibility and mechanical strength, SiO 2 @PDES ionogels can not only detect low humidity but also generate electric power through a reasonably designed device structure. In the 5–30% RH range, the response of the SiO 2 @PDES humidity sensor reaches 1600%, with negligible humidity hysteresis (0.8% RH). As a biomimetic soft ion power supply, SiO 2 @PDES ionogels generate a high open-circuit voltage of ∼600 mV at 33% RH, which expands the environmental adaptability of moisture-enabled electrical generation equipment. In addition, the excellent moisture-enabled electrical generation performance endows portable wearable power supplies with high potential for applications such as charging capacitors and lighting LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrasulphide bridged mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (MONs) with a high sulphur content of ∼11% and a large pore size of ∼14 nm have been synthesized using tetrabutyl orthosilicate (TBOS) as a modulator in the synthetic system. It is shown that the incorporation of TBOS modulates the hydrolysis and co-condensation of inorganic silica and organosilica precursors during the formation of MONs, leading to a higher organosilica content and larger mesopores compared with the conventional synthesis using only tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the inorganic silica precursor. Moreover, MONs with a high tetrasulphide content exhibit enhanced GSH oxidation capability, showing their potential in applications where GSH depletion is important. [Display omitted] • A new strategy to prepare MONs with high sulphur content and large pore. • TBOS modulated hydrolysis and condensation of inorganic and organic silanes. • Sulphur content dependent GSH depletion activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Au-loaded mesoporous silica/gelatin hydrogel was used the excellent humidity sensing film. • The prepared sensor could detect NH 3 by utilizing the outstanding ability to adsorb water molecules. • An egg storage scenario was simulated, and the water loss in eggs was monitored by the humidity sensor. • The sensing mechanism and contribution of each component in the sensing process were analyzed. In this paper, a composite hydrogel film (Au/Me-SiO 2 /G) based on Au nanoparticles, mesoporous silica and gelatin was prepared, which can be used for low relative humidity (RH) detection. Au-1%/Me-SiO 2 /G exhibits a response of 423% in the range of 0.4–30% RH, a short response time of 28 s, a linearity of R2 = 0.997, and good long-term stability. With the outstanding ability to adsorb water molecules, the sensor can detect NH 3 at room temperature and low humidity environment. The response of the sensor to NH 3 significantly increases with the humidity. At 30% RH, the initial impedance value of the sensor is as low as ∼6.6 MΩ, and the response to 50 ppm NH 3 is 78%. In addition, an egg storage scenario was simulated, and the water loss in eggs was monitored simultaneously by the prepared humidity sensor and a commercial sensor. The results demonstrate the practical application detection ability of the prepared humidity sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • In-situ assembly of antibacterial drug into nanoparticles with tailored morphology. • Rough structured drug-containing nanoparticles boost bactericidal activity. • Nanoparticle-based antibacterial coating strategy with durable performance. Biomimetic rough silica nanoparticles (RNPs) have emerged as a promising drug delivery platform for antimicrobial applications, featuring unique adhesive property towards pathogens and enabling efficient bacterial killing. However, bare silica has an inert nature, thus requiring post-loading of antimicrobial agents. The in-situ synthesis of bioactive RNPs containing antibacterial agents is highly desired but remains challenging. Herein, we report the designed synthesis of bactericidal RNPs templated by an antibacterial drug of benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Compared to the counterpart with a smooth surface, RNPs-BAC exhibit enhanced antibacterial performance. Moreover, the RNPs-BAC nanocomposites allow ease of functionalization of substrates and fabric masks, providing an antibacterial coating strategy with durable pathogen-killing performance that cannot be achieved by the antibacterial drug itself. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of the innovative RNPs-based nanocomposites in antibacterial applications such as medical and wearable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image 1 • Using co-solvents (ethanol and chlorobenzene) with opposite roles in the structural regulation of MSNs has been reported. • Ethanol could increase the filling process of silicate species and silica-coated micelles into preformed DMSNs with large pores. • Chlorobenzene could slow down the filling process, leading to the formation of large-pore MSNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]