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Abstract: Anatase titania hollow spheres have been successfully prepared using styrene-acrylic acid copolymer (PSA) latex particles as template, which involves the deposition of inorganic coatings on the surface of PSA latex particles and subsequent removal of the latex particles by calcinations in air. Ti(SO4)2 instead of organometallic titanium was firstly used as precursor for the preparation of titania hollow spheres. The formation of anatase titania was confirmed by XRD analysis and the hollow structure of the samples was revealed by electron microscope. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One-dimensional Sb2S3 and Sb2Se3 crystals with straw-tied-like architectures have been successfully prepared in high yield by a one-pot hydrothermal method using water-soluble potassium antimony tartrate as antimony source. X-ray powder diffraction results and electron diffraction (ED) analysis show that the Sb2S3 wires and Sb2Se3 rods have a preferential growth direction along their c-axis. The peculiarities of the one-dimensional (1-D) growth mechanism are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fe2O3 microcages, with uniform size and diameters of about 620 nm, have been successfully prepared by templating against styrene-acrylic acid (PSA) copolymer latex particles, which involves the deposition of Fe(OH)3 coatings on the surface of latex particles and subsequent removal of the latex particles by calcinations. The cage-like structure of the samples was revealed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the formation of Fe2O3 was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. The porous shells were constructed with Fe2O3 nanoparticles, and the shell thickness is of 30–60 nm, matching the diameters of the Fe2O3 nanoparticles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Silver-coated poly(methyl acrylic acid) (PSA) core–shell colloid particles were prepared by an in situ chemical reduction method. Crystalline silver/titania composite hollow spheres were obtained by coating the as-prepared PSA/silver particles with an amorphous titania layer and subsequently calcining in Ar atmosphere. SEM and TEM investigation indicated that the size of the as-prepared PSA/silver and PSA/silver/TiO2 core–shell particles and silver/titania composite hollow particles was fairly uniform and the wall thickness of the hollow spheres was in the range of 40–80 nm. UV–vis absorption spectra were recorded to investigate their optical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes a one-pot surfactant-assisted hydrothermal method for the synthesis of Ag-TiO2 composite hollow structures with high photocatalytic activity. TEM measurement reveals that the sample is composed of hollow spheres and their tube-like aggregates. The surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) plays a key role in the construction of the Ag-TiO2 hollow structures. The Ag-TiO2 hollow structures showed effective photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of methyl orange. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A simple and facile solution route has been developed for phase and morphology controllable synthesis of antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) microcrystals. Orthorhombic phase and cubic phase Sb2O3 microcrystals have been selectively synthesized in high yield. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The as-obtained microcrystals exhibited a variety of morphologies and structures, such as microspindles, nanoplates, and octahedra. Several experimental parameters have been investigated to gain morphology control of Sb2O3 microcrystals. Based on the time-dependent experimental results, an aggregation, and recrystallization mechanism was proposed to describe the formation process of these novel microstructures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is considered as an alternative to industrial Haber-Bosch N 2 fixation process. Herein, an iodide ion assisted one-step hydrothermal method was developed to prepare Bi 2 MoO 6 nanosheets with oxygen vacancies (OVs) and low-valent bismuth at the surface. The introduction of OVs makes Bi 2 MoO 6 nanosheets possess rich unsaturated coordination surface atoms, and enhances the conductivity and N 2 adsorption. Low-valent bismuth with 6p orbits reinforces the interaction with N 2 via π back-donation. The high-efficiency adsorption and protonation of N 2 over OVs-Bi 2 MoO 6 catalyst was confirmed by N 2 in-situ DRFTIR spectra and temperature-programmed-desorption. The obtained OVs-Bi 2 MoO 6 nanosheets accomplished a favorable ammonia yield of ∼24.38 μg·mg−1 h −1 and a high Faradaic efficiency of 14.1% at −0.3 V in 0.1 M HCl solution. A feasible OVs assisted π back-donation mechanism was proposed for the enhanced NRR catalytic activity on OVs-Bi 2 MoO 6 catalyst. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Co 4 N/NC@CC self-supported electrode was prepared by one-step pyrolysis solution process. • Deep eutectic solvent ensures Co 4 N to in situ couple tightly with NC. • Co 4 N/NC@CC are efficient for biomass conversion and hydrogen fuel production synchronously. • This work contributes to the green production and efficient conversion of renewable energy in industry. Metal nitrides are considered promising catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction integrated with electrooxidation reaction of biomass due to their metal-like properties. However, the synthesis of metal nitrides involves multi-step reactions and requires continuous reactions under a large amount of NH 3 atmosphere. Herein, we exploit deep eutectic solvent (DES) to induce in-situ synthesize N -doped carbon (NC) composite Co 4 N ultrathin nanosheets self-supporting electrode on carbon cloth (Co 4 N/NC@CC) without additional input NH 3 atmosphere. XAFS spectra showed that the strong interaction between Co 4 N and NC accelerated the electron transport at the interface, and the ultrathin nanostructure of Co 4 N/NC is beneficial to increasing the catalytic active sites, thereby effectively improving the catalytic performance of Co 4 N/NC@CC. During the HER process, Co 4 N/NC@CC only needs 62, 98, and 60 mV overpotentials to reach a current density of 10 mA/cm2 in alkaline, neutral, and acidic electrolytes. When Co 4 N/NC@CC is used to produce 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and hydrogen fuel synchronously in alkaline electrolytes, only a low voltage of 1.38 V is required at 10 mA/cm2, and the conversion rate of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is close to 100 % and the selectivity of FDCA is 98.6 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal chalcogenides still suffer from the fast recombination of photoinduced charges and serious photo-corrosion when used as visible-light-responsive photocatalysts. The rationally designed photocatalysts should simultaneously possess high light-harvesting efficiency, fast charge separation, optimum redox ability and lasting stability, and this remains a big challenge. Herein, 0D WO 3 nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by using a deep eutectic solvents (DESs) pyrolysis method. And then 0D WO 3 NPs coupled 1D Mn 0.1 Cd 0.9 S (MCS) nanorods were introduced to construct the S-scheme 1D/0D MCS/W heterojunction cauliflower-shaped assemblies, which were developed by using a simple hydrothermal method. X-ray photoelectron spectra disclosed the formation of the S-W-O bond, indicating strong interfacial interaction between MCS and WO 3 at the heterojunction. The formed S-scheme 1D/0D MCS/W heterojunction cauliflower-shaped assemblies and the construction of internal electric field not only enhance visible light absorption, but also boost charge separation efficiency, and endow higher redox ability and long-term durability. Profiting from morphological and energy band structure synergy, the resultant MCS/W heterojunction assemblies exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic H 2 generation rate of 21.25 mmol h−1 g−1, which was 25 times higher than that of pristine MCS. This work provides new deep insights into the rational construction of S-scheme heterojunction assemblies based on morphology and band structure design to boost the photocatalytic performance. [Display omitted] • S-schemed 1D/0D Mn 0.1 Cd 0.9 S/WO 3 hierarchical heterojunction assemblies were constructed. • The interconnected flower-like skeletons effectively promote charge and mass migration. • The heterojunction displayed a stronger light-harvesting ability and optimum redox ability. • Highly improved separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes. • Visible-light driven photocatalytic H 2 evolution increased by 25.0 time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rational design and development of highly efficient non-precious metal chalcogenide electro-catalysts is key but challenging technology for biomass conversion into high-valued chemicals coupling hydrogen evolution. Herein, the NiS quantum dots (QDs) with good dispersibility embedding into wrinkled N,O,S-tri-doped carbon porous nanosheets (NiS@NOSC) implanted in-situ on carbon cloth were synthesized via a facile one-step pyrolysis method. The as-obtained NiS@NOSC porous nanosheets network displays excellent superhydrophilic/superaerophobic surface, facilitating fast diffusion of ion and release of H 2 bubble. The self-supported NiS@NOSC on carbon cloth could serve as both cathode and anode electrodes for high-efficient electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into high-valued 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) coupling hydrogen evolution requiring only a low potential of 1.51 V to afford 50 mA cm−2. The high electrocatalysis performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of high activity of monodisperse NiS QDs, superhydrophilic/superaerophobic network structure, and the electronic regulation between NOSC and NiS QDs in NiS@NOSC, which has promising foreground to fulfil large-scale commercialize application. [Display omitted] • NiS QDs embedded in N,O,S-tri-doped ultra-thin carbon network were fabricated. • NiS@NOSC exhibited admirable catalytic ability for both HER and HMF oxidation. • The superhydrophilic/superaerophobic nature enable the catalyst with superior performance. • The two-electrode device based on NiS@NOSC || NiS@NOSC only needs 1.51 V to offer 50 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • New thermodynamically favorable HER route can be realized on protonated g-C 3 N 4. • S-scheme protonated g-C 3 N 4 QDs/V O -ZnO hybrid was prepared as efficient photocatalyst. • S-scheme fabrication promotes V O generation in ZnO and protonation of g-C 3 N 4 QDs. • V O at hybrid interface significantly facilitates S-scheme electron transfer. • Protonated edge N atom was the main active sites in low energy barrier HER process. Traditional photocatalytic hydrogen evolution path with high energy barrier of proton adsorption limits the reaction efficiency. Specific regulation on active site to realize low energy barrier hydrogen generation provides a new perspective. In this work, an innovative low barrier route is provided on protonated N of g-C 3 N 4 of S-scheme protonated g-C 3 N 4 quantum dots/ZnO hybrid rich in oxygen vacancies (p-CNQDs/V O -ZnO). V O generated by quantum dots doping optimizes the electron structure of S-scheme, whereas the intensive electron directional transmission in S-scheme promotes protonation of p-CNQDs. Profited from the synergies of thermodynamic and dynamic, protons and electrons concentrate at edge-active N accomplish the efficient photocatalytic HER with a 117-fold elevated H 2 evolution. This work provides more possibilities for designing low energy pathway and efficient catalyst in H 2 evolution reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• One-step synthesis of N-doped carbon quantum dots hybridized NiFe-LDH of 1.4 nm thickness. • The BET surface area of the products was 226.7 m2 g−1. • The overpotential is 363 mV at large current density of 500 mA cm−2. • NCD@NiFe-LDH shows excellent durability and stability at 1000 mA cm−2. Herein, we have developed a one-step ionothermal accompanied thermolysis strategy based on metal chloride deep eutectic solvent (DES) precursors to synthesize NiFe layered double-hydroxide ultrathin nanosheets hybridized with N-doped carbon quantum dots (NCD@NiFe-LDH). The NCD@NiFe-LDH hybrid shows hierarchical three-dimensional flower-like morphology assembled with ~1.4 nm ultrathin nanosheets possessing higher surface area values and well conductivity. The as-synthesized NCD@NiFe-LDH hybrid exhibits excellent performance for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and just require 363 mV to achieve a higher current density of 500 mA cm−2 compared to the state-of-the-art IrO 2 in 0.1M KOH. Besides, NCD@NiFe-LDH hybrid shows long-term stability and satisfactory durability even at 1000 mA cm−2. Such an excellent OER performance at high current density can be ascribed to the unique porous ultrathin structure with abundant active edges and sites and the synergistic effect of the NCD and NiFe-LDH. The work offers a new way for the design and synthesis of other carbon-hybridized LDH ultrathin nanosheets with unique electrochemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cu 2 O nanospecies anchored on/within mesoporous TiO 2 forming hybrid photocatalyst. • Oxygen vacancy stimulated Z-scheme mechanism inhibits photo corrosion of Cu 2 O. • High activity and stability for hydrogen production in both water and seawater. • Strong coupling between Cu 2 O and TiO 2 extends visible light absorption and charge separation. [Display omitted] Oxygen vacancy stimulated direct Z-scheme Cu 2 O/TiO 2 hybrid photocatalysts were designed and constructed through a Cu2+ ions adsorption-reduction strategy with Cu 2 O nanospecies decorated on/within mesoporous TiO 2 microspheres. Narrow band gap of Cu 2 O favors visible light absorption. The mesoporous structure stabilizes Cu 2 O nanospecies and benefits the efficient charge carrier mobility and light harvest. The high specific surface area provides more photocatalytic active sites for both Cu 2 O and TiO 2 components. Oxygen vacancy stimulated all-solid direct Z-scheme electron transport mechanism was proposed to explain the high activity and stability of the hybrid catalyst. The catalyst behaves enhanced hydrogen evolution rate of 11 mmol h−1 g−1 in water and 5.1 mmol h−1 g−1 in seawater, respectively. The highest AQY of hydrogen production is 15.1% in water (and 8.4% in seawater) at 365 nm. The work will provide new insight for controllable creation of Z-scheme photocatalysts for practical hydrogen evolution from water and seawater splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PANI/CeO 2 /Ni(OH) 2 hierarchical hybrid spheres were successfully prepared by a simple one-step self-assemble reaction. The structure and morphology characterization revealed the hybrid spheres were constructed with self-assembled nanosheets. The formation mechanism of the hierarchical structure was discussed. N 2 adsorption–desorption isotherms showed that the PANI/CeO 2 /Ni(OH) 2 had improved specific surface area. Under optimized conditions, the PANI/CeO 2 /Ni(OH) 2 hierarchical hybrid spheres showed highly electrochemical activity and supercapacitor performance compared with Ni(OH) 2 and CeO 2 /Ni(OH) 2. The max specific capacitance reached to 2556 F g−1. It was still as high as 2130 F g−1 even at the high current density, showing good rate capability. After 1000 cycles continuous charge–discharge process, the hybrid sphere can retain 95.9% of its initial capacitance, indicating good cycle stability. The asymmetric specific capacitance can be of 348 F g−1 and the capacity retention rate can hold 80.4% after 8000 cycles. Such high performance of PANI/CeO 2 /Ni(OH) 2 hybrids may have potential practical application value used in supercapacitors. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a sustainable process for ammonia synthesis under mild conditions. However, photocatalytic NRR activity and are generally limited by inefficient carrier separation and transfer. Therefore, parallel engineering of bulk phase doping and surface coupling is critical to achieving the goal of efficient NRR. In this study, Cl doped BiOBr nanosheet assemblies (BiOBr/Cl) were constructed in delicately designed deep eutectic solvents (DESs), combined with ionothermal methods at low temperatures and Bi 3+ exsolution reduction strategy at high temperatures. The unique liquid state and reducibility of DESs induce the reduction of Bi 3+ and the in situ coupling of Bi quantum dots at the surface of BiOBr/Cl nanosheets along with the construction of Bi-BiOBr/Cl nanosheet assemblies. The experimental results show that Cl doping could reduce the exciton dissociation energy and promote its dissociation to free carriers. Bi quantum dots could form tightly coupled Schottky junction with BiOBr/Cl enabling the efficient and unidirectional transmission of photogenerated electrons from BiOBr/Cl to metal Bi. The formed electron deficient region at Schottky interface promotes the adsorption and activation of N 2 . The hierarchical structure of Bi-BiOBr/Cl nanosheet assembly benefits to providing more N 2 adsorption active sites. The DFT calculation shows that the accumulation of high concentration of active hydrogen in Bi-BiOBr/Cl leads to a significant decrease of energy barrier of the first step hydrogenation of N 2 . Bi-BiOBr/Clis more inclined to adsorb nitrogen for NRR in comparison with H* for hydrogen production. The synergistic effect of Cl doping and Bi coupling result in a high NRR activity of Bi-BiOBr/Cl photocatalyst of 6.67 mmol·g -1 ·h -1 , which was 11.3 times higher than that of initial BiOBr. This study provides a promising strategy for designing highly active NRR photocatalysts with high efficiency carrier dissociation and transport., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Main group Bi-based materials have gained popularity as N 2 reduction reaction (NRR) photo/electrocatalysts due to their ability to inhibit competitive H 2 evolution reactions (HER) and the unique N 2 adsorption activities. The introduction of defects in Bi-based catalysts represents a highly effective strategy for enhancing light absorption, promoting efficient separation of photogenerated carriers, optimizing the activity of free radicals, regulating electronic structure, and improving catalytic performance. In this review, we outline the various applications of state of the defect engineering in Bi-based catalysts and elucidate the impact of vacancies on NRR performance. In particular, the types of defects, methods of defects tailoring, advanced characterization techniques, as well as the Bi-based catalysts with abundant defects and their corresponding catalytic behavior in NRR were elucidated in detail. Finally, the main challenges and opportunities for future development of defective Bi-based NRR catalysts are discussed, which provides a comprehensive theoretical guidance for this field., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Photothermal conversion has garnered significant attention due to its potential for efficient energy conversion and application in targeted therapies. However, controlling photothermal properties at the atomic level remains a challenge in current materials synthesis. In this study, we report the synthesis and structural determination of a phosphine and mercaptan co-protected Au 5 Ag 12 (SR) 9 (dppf) 4 (Au5Ag12) nanocluster with an extremely low quantum yield (∼0%). For comparative purposes, we synthesized three alloy nanoclusters of similar size. Notably, Au5Ag12 demonstrates a remarkably superior photothermal conversion performance, significantly outperforming the other clusters. We investigated this variance from both absorption and emission perspectives. This research not only opens new avenues for the application of clusters with extremely low quantum yields, but also provides experimental evidence for understanding the photothermal conversion properties of cluster materials at the atomic level.

The emerging S-scheme heterojunction shows a particular superiority in enhancing the efficiency of charge separation in photocatalyst. Herein, a Ni 11 (HPO 3 ) 8 (OH) 6 /CdS heterojunctions (NiPO/CdS) are constructed for the first time by loading open framework structure NiPO on the surface of CdS nanoparticles (CdS NPs). The built-in electric field generated at the interface promotes the directional migration of photogenerated electrons from NiPO to CdS. This S-scheme pathway achieves a strong redox capacity and efficient carrier separation. More importantly, the unique triangular and hexagonal channels of NiPO facilitate the exposure of CdS active sites for proton adsorption, H 2 production and escape. The hydrogen evolution rate of NiPO/CdS is 39 mmol g -1  h -1 under visible light irradiation, which is 6.5 times higher than that of pure CdS. The NiPO/CdS heterojunction also exhibits remarkable long-term stability. This study provides a new strategy for the ingenious design of S-scheme photocatalysts with excellent photocatalytic performance., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Nanostructured electrocatalysts with unique surfaces and interfaces for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are crucial for achieving high performance in universal pH water and natural seawater. Herein, a supramolecular liquid precursor was designed and applied to grow Ni x Co 4-x N/N-doped carbon (NC) ultrathin nanosheet arrays (Ni x Co 4-x N/NC) on carbon cloth through one-step pyrolysis. According to the X-ray absorption spectra, Ni was successfully alloyed into Co 4 N to form Ni x Co 4-x N/NC, which regulates the intrinsic electronic structure and optimizes the adsorption/desorption energy of the catalyst. The unique structure of Ni x Co 4-x N anchored on NC can increase the electron transport efficiency and protect the catalyst from corrosion in the extreme corrosive electrolytes. As a result, the Ni x Co 4-x N/NC catalyst exhibits excellent electrocatalytic HER activity over a wide pH range requiring only 46, 75, and 55 mV at 10 mA/cm 2 in the acidic, neutral, and alkaline electrolytes, respectively. Interestingly, the catalyst also shows outstanding HER performance in the natural seawater. This work provides an alternative option for the rational design of efficient electrocatalysts for universal pH water/seawater splitting., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Multiple surface/interface engineering is an effective approach to develop efficient electrocatalysts for promoting the practical application of electrocatalysis and achieving carbon neutrality. Herein, a deep eutectic liquid precursor containing phosphorus was designed. The self-supported three-dimensional (3D) cobalt-doped Ni 12 P 5 /Ni 3 P nanowire networks coated with a thin layer of carbon (Co-Ni x P@C) were prepared by using an in-situ one-step pyrolysis method. The as-obtained Co-Ni x P@C hybrid possesses a superaerophobic/superhydrophilic surface, which could promote electrolyte diffusion and enhance bubble release. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that Co-doping in Ni x P@C can promote the adsorption and activation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) molecules, and optimize the energy barrier of H* absorption. The self-supported Co-Ni x P@C was used as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for HMF oxidation coupled with hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in a 1.0 M KOH solution. A nearly 100 % yield of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) was achieved. The self-supported Co-Ni x P@C displayed high activity and stability for both HER and HMF conversion. The HMF oxidation coupled with HER can be efficiently driven by a 1.5 V commercial photovoltaic panel under sunlight. This study lays the foundation for large-scale industrialization in sustainable fine-chemical and energy engineering., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Atomically precise nanoclusters (NCs) provide opportunities for correlating the structure and electrocatalytic properties at atomic level. Herein, we report the single-atom doping effect and ligand effect on CO 2 electroreduction (eCO 2 RR) by comparing monogold-doped Au 1 Cu 24 and homocopper Cu 25 NCs protected by triphenylphosphine or/and tris(4-fluorophenyl)phosphine. Catalytic results revealed that the electronic distribution of Cu 25 NCs is enormously contracted by doping Au atoms, entitling it to exhibit the unique inhibition of hydrogen evolution reaction. And the inductive effect of ligand strongly favors the formation of formate in eCO 2 RR. Overall, this work will provide guidance for the rational design of the copper-based catalysts in the eCO 2 RR., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Constructing photocatalysts with high activity and anti-photocorrosion is a key to harvesting hydrogen energy from seawater efficiently. Herein, graphene oxide closely coupled high-index facets CdZnS with rich sulfur vacancies (Vs-CZS@GO) has been successfully synthesized via one-pot sulfidation accompanied pyrolysis. DFT calculation confirmed the delicate surface/interface/defect engineering endowed high-index facets Vs-CZS@GO with a lower ΔG H* value and significant charge transfer behavior for efficient H 2 -generation. The synergistic effect of sulfur vacancy, high-index facets, and tightly coupling interface not only enhanced intrinsic active sites and carrier separation efficiencies, but also greatly promoted H 2 evolution rate and stability. Consequently, Vs-CZS@GO displayed a significantly high H 2 -generation rate of 23.2 mmol∙g -1 ∙h -1 in natural seawater under visible-light irradiation, which is up to 82% of that in pure water. This work provides deeply insight into the synergistic regulation of electronic structure for exposed high-index facets photocatalysts via defect engineering and interface engineering for synergistic boosting visible-light-to-H 2 evolution., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Oxygen vacancy (V o ) creation and morphology controlling make significant contributions to the electronic and structural regulation of metal oxide semiconductors, yet an investigation about convenient approaches for fabricating hierarchical catalyst with abundant oxygen vacancies still has significant challenges. Here, we report a unique method to create abundant oxygen vacancies in hierarchical Ag/TiO 2 nanoflowers during photocatalytic reaction, which is accompanied by light absorption variation and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) enhancement. Its high efficiency of photocatalytic H 2 evolution (the highest apparent quantum yield reaches 3.2% at 365 nm) and rhodamine B degradation can be considered as benefits from the synergistic effects of the well-arranged hierarchical structure, the photogenerated oxygen vacancies, and the SPR of cocatalyst Ag. This work proposes an effective strategy to optimize the synthesis of regular hierarchical structures and enriches the research on the vital function of oxygen vacancies in photocatalytic reactions., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2020 American Chemical Society.)

Coronary stents made of zinc (Zn)-0.8 copper (Cu) (in wt%) alloy were developed as biodegradable metal stents (Zn-Cu stents) in this study. The mechanical properties of the Zn-Cu stents and the possible gain effects were characterized by in vitro and in vivo experiments compared with 316L stainless steel stents (316L stents). Young's modulus of the as-extruded Zn-0.8Cu alloy and properties of the stents, including their intrinsic elastic recoil, stent trackability were evaluated compared with 316L stents. In vivo study was also conducted to evaluate restoration of pulsatility of vessel segment implanted stents. Both Zn-Cu stents and 316L stents have good acute lumen gain. By comparison, the advantages of Zn-Cu stents are as follows: (I) Zn-Cu stents have less intrinsic elastic recoil than 316L stents; (II) stent trackability indicates that Zn-Cu stents have a smaller push force when passing through curved blood vessels, which may cause less mechanical stimulation to blood vessels; (III) in vivo study suggests that Zn-Cu stents implantation better facilitates the recovery of vascular pulsatility.

A facile and effective method for preparing bifunctional electrocatalysts with enhanced activity and stability is desired for hydrogen and oxygen production. In this paper, ion-liquid-like (ILL) nickel-urea (Ni-U) was designed and applied to prepare 2D N-doped carbon/NiS 2 (N-C/NiS 2 ) nanohybrids by a one-step in situ pyrolysis synthesis strategy. The fluidity of ILL Ni-U benefits the interface coupling of the 2D N-C/NiS 2 nanohybrid. Due to the synergistic effect between NiS 2 and N-carbon with high conductivity, the H 2 O splitting performance of 2D N-C/NiS 2 nanohybrids was significantly enhanced in alkaline media. The corresponding two-electrode cell only needed 1.53 V to undertake 10 mA cm -2 for H 2 O splitting. Moreover, the resultant 2D N-C/NiS 2 nanohybrids exhibited lasting electrochemical endurance with the maintenance of its stability for more than 48 h. The synthetic strategy not only provides a simple and scalable route for constructing 2D hybrid electrocatalysts, but also paves a way to improve the HER/OER activity of sulphides via the surface/interface engineering strategy.