Search

CuBi2O4 (CBO) is a promising photocathode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water reduction, whereas the disadvantages of poor stability and severe charge recombination still hinder its application. In response, we designed a stabilized, efficient CBO/ZnSe/P25 (CBO/ZS/P25) photocathode with the CBO film modified by ZS and P25. As a result, this novel photocathode exhibited an outstanding current density of 0.43 mA/cm2, more than twice that of CBO. Systematic studies reveal that the high performance is attributed to heterojunction formation between ZS and P25, high electron mobility of ZS and hole extraction capacity of CBO. Besides, P25 protective layer can effectively blocks contact with the electrolyte and enhance the stability (retained nearly 90 % of the photocurrent after testing 5000s). Therefore, our results can provide an efficient strategy to design high performance CBO‐based photocathode material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was designed to investigate the fracture healing pattern in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rat model. A mid‐shaft femur fracture (RA + F) model and normal fracture (NF) model as control were established. Micro‐CT, H&E staining, TB staining, SO staining, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphates, and immunohistochemistry test were performed. In the micro‐CT images and H&E stains, fracture gaps were evident in the RA + F group 4 and 8 weeks after fracture. In detail, the bone mineral density, the ratio of bone volume to tissue volume, and trabecular thickness of the RA + F group were significantly lower than those of the NF group at all time points. Trabecular number value was significantly lower in the RA + F group 4 weeks after surgery in comparison with that of the NF group. Furthermore, the structure model index test result of the RA + F group was significantly higher than that of the NF group at all time points. TB staining and SO staining test results showed that the NF group had more cartilaginous callus in the earlier stage of bone healing process (4 weeks), and less cartilage callus formation in the later stage (8 weeks) in comparison with that of the RA + F group. Osteoclasts statistics score in the NF group were obviously lower than that of the RA + F group at all time points. MMP‐3 and OPN protein levels of the fracture area in the RA + F group were significantly higher than those in the NF group. This study improves the understanding of the bone healing characteristics in patients with RA. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2876–2885, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Highly efficient and precious metal free catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are of vital importance for renewable energy technologies. Nevertheless, developing simple methods for the synthesis of highly active and super‐durable electrocatalysts at low cost for HER still remains a major challenge. In this work, high temperature pyrolysis of (NH4)6Mo7O24 ⋅ 4H2O, NaH2PO4 and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in Ar atmosphere is carried out to obtain phosphorus dually doped MoO2 nanosheets (MoO2 NSs) and MWCNTs hybrids (MoO2Px NSs/P‐MWCNTs), which can serve as excellent electrocatalyst for HER. In 0.5 M H2SO4, the hybrid material catalyzes HER with an onset potential of −27 mV (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE), Tafel slope of 45 mV dec−1, and an overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 of only 57 mV. Additionally, it displays favorable stability over 50 h in acidic media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) has triggered extensive interest in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, owing to its narrow band gap and sufficiently positive valence band. However, some defects still exist to block the solar utilization efficiency and hydrogen evolution kinetics. Herein, the NiMoO4 semiconductor is combined with a BiVO4 photoanode, for the first time, and excellent PEC performance is achieved on the basis of heterojunction formation and favorable conductivity of NiMoO4. In addition, it has been demonstrated that NiMoO4 promotes the light absorption ability, charge separation efficiency, and surface charge‐transfer efficiency comprehensively. To further improve the photoconversion efficiency, cobalt phosphate, as an oxygen evolution reaction cocatalyst, is deposited on the above electrode and achieves a much enhanced utilization efficiency of 1.18 %, with a photocurrent density of 5.3 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode; this exceeds most results reported to date. This rational and unique photoanode construction provides a new thread for the photoelectrode designation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting performance of hematite-based photoanodes is still far from their theoretical value due to the ultrafast charge recombination in bulk and on the surface. In response, we developed a regrowth strategy to fabricate a photoanode with metallic Mg-doped α-Fe2O3 coating on nonmetallic P-doped α-Fe2O3 nanorods (Mg-Fe2O3/P-Fe2O3 NRs). This homojunction structure fulfils the requirements of both high charge separation efficiency and favorable band alignment, showing a high photocurrent density (4.7-fold higher than pristine Fe2O3) and low onset potential of 0.68 VRHE. Experimental and density functional theory (DFT) results reveal that the origin of such superior PEC performance is P-doping and Mg-Fe2O3 coating, which efficiently eliminate lattice mismatching, improve the conductivity of hematite, and simultaneously promote the photogenic carriers separation by the built-in electric field. This promising design may open an avenue to fabricating various efficient homojunction photoanodes for practical PEC water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The photoelectrochemical (PEC) water‐splitting efficiency of a hematite‐based photoanode is still far from the theoretical value due to its poor surface reaction kinetics and high density of surface trapping states. To solve these drawbacks, a photoanode consisting of NiO nanoparticles anchored on a gradient phosphorus‐doped α‐Fe2O3 nanorod (NR) array (NiO/P‐α‐Fe2O3) was fabricated to achieve optimal light absorption and charge separation, as well as rapid surface reaction kinetics. Specifically, a photoanode with the NR array structure allowed a high mass‐transport rate to be achieved, while phosphorus doping effectively decreased the number of surface trapping sites and improved the electrical conductivity of α‐Fe2O3. Furthermore, the p–n junction that forms between NiO and P‐α‐Fe2O3 can further improve the PEC performance due to efficient hole extraction and the water oxidization catalytic activity of NiO. Consequently, the NiO/P‐α‐Fe2O3 NR photoanode produced a high photocurrent density of 2.08 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode and a 110 mV cathodic shift of the onset potential. This rational design of structure offers a new perspective in exploring high‐performance PEC photoanodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional human hepatocytes xenografted into the liver of mice can be used as a model system to study pharmacokinetics, infection of hepatitis viruses, and the efficacy of hepatitis vaccines. Significant levels of liver xeno-repopulation have been reported in Fah Rag2 Il2rg mice. However, the high mortality and low breeding rate of this model may hinder its application. A new model, termed Fah Nod/Scid mice, which combines the advantages of liver repopulation in Fah mice with the ease of xenotransplantation in Nod/Scid mice was obtained by gradual cross-breeding. Fah Nod/Scid mice were easily maintained in breeding colonies and in adult animal care facilities. FK506 treatment combined with gradual withdrawal of NTBC before cell transplantation ensured that Fah Nod/Scid mice were susceptible to liver xeno-repopulation by human hepatocytes; the proportion of engrafted human hepatocytes reached 33.6%. The function of the expanded human hepatocytes within the chimeric liver was confirmed by weight curve analysis, the expression of characteristic proteins, and the biochemical analysis of liver function. These results show that Fah Nod/Scid mice are an ideal humanized liver mouse model with many useful applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]