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Purpose: To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of T1ρ dispersion and Gd-EOB-DTPAenhanced T1mapping in the identification of early liver fibrosis (LF) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rabbit model induced by a high-fat diet using histopathological findings as the standard reference. Methods: A total of sixty rabbits were randomly allocated into the standard control group (n = 12) and the NAFLD model groups (8 rabbits per group) corresponding to different high-fat high cholesterol diet feeding weeks. All rabbits underwent noncontrast transverse T1ρ mapping with varying spin-locking frequencies (FSL = 0 Hz and 500 Hz), native T1 mapping, and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced T1 mapping during the hepatobiliary phase. The histopathological findings were assessed based on the NASH CRN Scoring System. Statistical analyses were conducted using the intraclass correlation coefficient, analysis of variance, multiple linear regression, and receiver operating characteristics. Results: Except for native T1, T1ρ, T1ρ dispersion, HBP T1, and △T1 values significantly differed among different liver fibrosis groups (F = 14.414, 18.736, 10.15, and 9.799, respectively; all P < 0.05). T1ρ, T1ρ dispersion, HBP T1, and △T1 values also exhibited significant differences among different NASH groups (F = 4.138, 4.594, 21.868, and 22.678, respectively; all P < 0.05). In the multiple regression analysis, liver fibrosis was the only factor that independently influenced T1ρ dispersion (R2 = 0.746, P = 0.000). Among all metrics, T1ρ dispersion demonstrated the best area under curve (AUC) for identifying early LF (≥ F1 stage) and significant LF (≥ F2 stage) (AUC, 0.849 and 0.916, respectively). The performance of △T1 and HBP T1 (AUC, 0.948 and 0.936, respectively) were better than that of T1ρ and T1ρ dispersion (AUC, 0.762 and 0.769, respectively) for diagnosing NASH. Conclusion: T1⍴ dispersion may be suitable for detecting liver fibrosis in the complex background of NAFLD, while Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced T1 mapping is superior to nonenhanced T1⍴ mapping (T1⍴ and T1⍴ dispersion) for identifying NASH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the continuous utilization of nuclear energy and efficient control of radioactive pollution, low-cost materials with high efficient U(VI) removal are of great importance. In this study, low temperature plasma method was applied for the successful modification of O-phosphorylethanolamine (O-PEA) on the porous carbon materials. The produced materials (Cafe/O-PEA) could adsorb U(VI) efficiently with the maximum sorption capacity of 648.54 mg/g at 1 hr, T=298 K, and pH=6.0, much higher than those of most carbon-based composites. U(VI) sorption was mainly controlled by strong surface complexation. From FTIR, SEM-EDS and XPS analyses, the sorption of U(VI) was related to the complexation with -NH 2 , phosphate and -OH groups on Cafe/O-PEA. The low temperature plasma method was an efficient, environmentally friendly and low-cost method for surface modification of materials for the effective enrichment of U(VI) from aqueous solutions. [Display omitted]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cationic pyridinium salt-based COF was synthesized and structurally characterized. PS-COF-1 showed the highest experimental BET surface area (2702.7 m2 g−1) reported to date for any cationic COF material. Endowed by unique structural features, PS-COF-1 showed outstanding performance for the selective adsorption of 99TcO 4 − (and ReO 4 −), suggesting great potential for 99TcO 4 − removal from nuclear wastes and in environmental remediation. [Display omitted] Ionic covalent organic framework (COF) materials with high specific surface areas and well-defined pore structures are desired for many applications yet seldom reported. Herein, we report a cationic pyridinium salt-based COF (PS-COF-1) with a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 2703 m2 g−1, state-of-the-art for an ionic COF. Aided by its ordered pore structure, chemical stability, and radiation resistance, PS-COF-1 showed exceptional adsorption properties toward aqueous ReO 4 − (1262 mg g−1) and 99TcO 4 −. Its adsorption performance surpassed its corresponding amorphous analogue. Importantly, PS-COF-1 exhibited fast adsorption kinetics, high adsorption capacities, and selectivity for 99TcO 4 − and ReO 4 − at high ionic strengths, leading to the successful removal of 99TcO 4 − under conditions relevant to low-activity waste streams at US legacy Hanford nuclear sites. In addition, PS-COF-1 can rapidly decontaminate ReO 4 −/99TcO 4 − polluted potable water (∼10 ppb) to drinking water level (0 ppb, part per billion) within 10 min. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed PS-COF-1 has a strong affinity for ReO 4 − and 99TcO 4 −, thereby favoring adsorption of these low charge density anions over other common anions (e.g., Cl−, NO 3 −, SO 4 2−, CO 3 2−). Our work demonstrates a novel cationic COF sorbent for selective radionuclide capture and legacy nuclear waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In human-computer interaction and virtual truth, hand pose estimation is essential. Public dataset experimental analysis Different biometric shows that a particular system creates low manual estimation errors and has a more significant opportunity for new hand pose estimation activity. Due to the fluctuations, self-occlusion, and specific modulations, the structure of hand photographs is quite tricky. Hence, this paper proposes a Hybrid approach based on machine learning (HABoML) to enhance the current competitiveness, performance experience, experimental hand shape, and key point estimation analysis. In terms of strengthening the ability to make better self-occlusion adjustments and special handshake and poses estimations, the machine learning algorithm is combined with a hybrid approach. The experiment results helped define a set of follow-up experiments for the proposed systems in this field, which had a high efficiency and performance level. The HABoML strategy decreased analysis precision by 9.33% and is a better solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the enhancement and method of computer system that handles tasks which requires human like intelligence such as recognition, language translation and visual interpretation. Subjective image quality assessment (IQA) is difficult to be implemented in real-time systems, methodology for enhancing the involvement in producing IQA model is to improve the quality of image by significant evaluation. Intuitively, human eyes are not sensitive to the distortion and damage from the area with lesser visual saliency (VS), VS is closely related to IQA. With this consideration, an effective IQA was proposed, which involved two processes. The local quality map of a distorted image was computed using the structural similarity function of its feature attributes, such as brightness, chrominance and gradient. Second, the local quality map was weighted with visual saliency (VS) to get the objective evaluation of image quality. The VS was modeled by extracting the saliency of low-level features of the image, wiping off the molestation information from these saliency based on an apriori threshold, and combining the effective information to construct the saliency map. Image processing using fuzzy is gathering features and segments as fuzzy set while processing images. The experiments on the two largest database for six classical IQA metrics demonstrate that performance of weighted-VS IQA metrics is superior to the performance of no weighted-VS IQA metrics, and the proposed IQA method has higher computational accuracy than the other IQA metrics under a moderate computational complexity, especially for two types of distortion images, such as local block-wise (Block) and fast-fading (FTF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low velocity filtration combustion of a lean methane/air mixture in the fixed bed reactors is numerically investigated using the system scale method. The effect of porosity on the flame characteristics, such as temperature profile, flame displacement speed and flame shape is examined in this study. For comparison, porosity is considered in two forms, i.e., volumetric average porosity (VAP) and porosity spatial distribution function (PSDF). The simulation results show that, local distribution of porosity primarily affects the flame shape, while having minimal impact on the peak flame temperature and mean flame displacement velocity. Quantitative analysis indicates that the flame displacement velocity obtained using VAP is closer to the experimental data compared to the PSDF. However, the simulation with PSDF explicitly captures the flame front bending caused by local porosity variation. Velocity and temperature fields suggests that flame front bending predominantly depends on the local flame displacement speed (LFDS), which is the vector sum of local interstitial airflow speed and the laminar flame speed of the combustible gas. The radial difference in LFDS, which is associated with uniformity in velocity and temperature fields, serves as the main driving force for flame front instability. The inclusion of PSDF enables a more accurate prediction of flame front development by capturing the preferential flow near the wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, polyaniline rafted to the surface of AlOOH (PANI/AlOOH) composites were successfully synthesized and applied for chromium (Cr(VI)) adsorption from aqueous solutions. Cr(VI) adsorption isotherms were described by Langmuir model well and the maximum adsorption capacity was 66.77 mg/g at pH=5 and T=298 K. Cr(VI) adsorption was attributed to chemisorption and outer‐sphere surface complexation. The interaction mechanism was further investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques, and the results suggested the partially reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). Cr(VI) removal was mainly related with the electrostatic attraction and chelation of different Cr(VI)/Cr(III) species with protonated nitrogen‐containing functional groups (‐NH+, ‐NH‐) on PANI/AlOOH. PANI/AlOOH composites were synthesized and applied as adsorbent for Cr(VI) adsorption from aqueous solutions. Surface adsorbed Cr(VI) could be reduced to Cr(III). Cr(VI) removal was mainly related with the electrostatic attraction and chelation of different Cr(VI)/Cr(III) with protonated nitrogen‐containing functional groups (‐NH+, ‐NH‐) on PANI/AlOOH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) derived from Streptomyces mobaraensis has been widely used in the food, biotechnology and medicine fields. The lot-to-lot consistency and product stability of MTGase must be ensured. The structure and charge variants of MTGase can influence its bioactivity. In this study, MTGase isomers (MTG I1 and MTG I2) were found during the separation of MTGase by pH-mediated cation-exchange chromatography. MTG I1 and MTG I2 had the same molecular weight and N-terminal amino acid sequences, but they showed charge heterogeneity. The affinity of MTG I2 for substrates was higher than that of MTG I1, and the thermal stability and the acid-base tolerance of MTG I1 were significantly higher than that of MTG I2. Therefore, the ratio of MTG I1/MTG I2 was positively correlated with the stability of MTGase. The buffer pH and the ionic strength of the eluent had significant effects on the separation of MTG I1 and MTG I2, and the elution gradient steepness and column load showed little effect on the separation of the MTG I1 and MTG I2 peaks. We built a stable and repeatable separation method for MTG I1 and MTG I2. MTG I1 could transform into MTG I2, but MTG I2 was unable to transform into MTG I1, making the transformation of MTG I1 to MTG I2 was irreversible. When MTG I2 was removed from the MTGase, a portion of the MTG I1 could transform into MTG I2. Therefore, one way to increase the stability of MTGase was to reduce the transformation of MTG I1 to MTG I2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanoscale zero valent iron (NZVI) modified coal fly ash (CFA) magnetic composites (NZVI/CFA) were synthesized from the waste CFA and applied for the high-efficiency sequestration of U(VI) ions from water solution. The sequestration capacity of U(VI) ions on NZVI/CFA (0.62 mmol·g −1 ) was larger than that on bare CFA (0.25 mmol·g −1 ) or NZVI (0.38 mmol·g −1 ). The sequestration of U(VI) on NZVI and NZVI/CFA was primary controlled by outer-sphere surface complexation at low pH, and by inner-sphere surface complexation at high pH. According to the thermodynamic data and the adsorption isotherms' analysis, the U(VI) sorption process to the NZVI/CFA was spontaneous and endothermic. The main reaction mechanism was that, most of the soluble U(VI) ions were firstly adsorbed to NZVI/CFA and then the surface adsorbed U(VI) was partly reduced to U(VI) on the porous NZVI/CFA composites, and this synergistically affected U(VI) removal from solution to NZVI/CFA. The results of DFT calculation indicated that the NZVI/CFA had a strong sequestration capacity towards U(VI) and U(IV) ions, and the binding energy of U(IV) species was larger than that of U(VI) species, which evidenced the higher sorption of U(IV) than U(VI) on NZVI/CFA. The results showed that NZVI/CFA was an appropriate material for U(VI) sequestration from large volumes of actual effluent in wastewater cleanup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peanut shell, a widely available agricultural waste, was successfully grafted with quaternary ammine groups on its surface by using amination modification. The sorption mechanism of U(VI) on the amine cross-linked peanut shell (PNN) was examined by batch experiments and spectroscopy analysis. The physical adsorption was dominated by the liquid film diffusion and the intra-particle diffusion, whereas the chemical adsorption was dominated by surface complexation with quaternary amine groups and carboxyl groups. The maximum adsorption capacity of U(VI) on PNN was calculated to be 574.81 mg g −1 at pH = 6.0 and T = 298 K, which was much higher than that of U(VI) on pristine pure peanut shell and many other materials. Consideration of the high sorption efficiency and eco-friendliness of peanut shell, PNN presented promising potential in the preconcentration of radionuclides in radioactive pollution management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanoscaled zero-valent iron (nZVI) supported zeolite MCM-41 composites (nZVI/MCM) were synthesized, and applied for the immobilization of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The precise role of MCM-41 and nZVI in the immobilization and reduction of Cr(VI) was characterized using SEM, TEM, HRTEM, HRTEM-EDS, XPS and EXAFS techniques. Comparing to the bare nZVI nanoparticles, the as-synthesized nZVI/MCM composites showed higher efficiency on Cr(VI) immobilization due to the high synergistic effect of Cr(VI) reduction by nZVI and sorption by MCM-41. The morphology and visualizing analysis indicated that nZVI was uniformly distributed on the surfaces of MCM-41, which reduced the aggregation of nZVI apparently and thereby increased the reduction activity. XPS and EXAFS analysis showed that nZVI could promote Cr(VI) reduction into Cr(III), and the sorption and reduction reactions were occurred on bare nZVI. MCM-41 acted as a scavenger for the insoluble products, which could improve the reduction activity of nZVI. The high performance of nZVI/MCM composites showed the promising strategy for the efficient decontamination of Cr(VI) pollution in environmental pollution cleanup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of thermal power plant waste (coal fly-ash, CFA) for the potential retention of U(VI) from wastewater was crucial in radionuclide contaminant management. In this work, magnetic Fe 3 O 4 /CFA composites were synthesized and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and energy dispersive (EDS) spectroscopy techniques. The as-synthesized Fe 3 O 4 /CFA composites were applied to remove U(VI) from aqueous solutions and the results showed that U(VI) sorption was mainly dominated by inner-sphere surface complexation at low pH values, and by outer-sphere surface complexation at high pH values. According to the results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and FTIR analysis, the high sorption of U(VI) on Fe 3 O 4 /CFA composites was mainly attributed to Fe O bond. Compared with CFA ( Q max = 0.254 mmol/g), Fe 3 O 4 /CFA composites exhibited excellent U(VI) sorption capacity ( Q max = 1.380 mmol/g), relative high and stable U(VI) sorption ability under high pH values (pH 6∼10) in 0.1 M NaCl. The investigation was meaningful for the “treating wastewater with wastes” strategy implementation, especially in the aspect of reducing the environmental pollution caused by thermal power plant waste and their application in nuclear pollution management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sorption strategy for the removal of environmental contaminants by carbon-based materials are summarized. • Photo-catalytic elimination of (in)organic contaminants are discussed. • Electro-catalysis for metal ions/radionuclides reduction-extraction are reviewed. • Piezo-catalytic degradation of organic molecules and reduction of radionuclides/metal ions are described. • Challenges and perspectives of carbon materials in real applications are provided. Fast development of global industrial and agriculture results in the production of large amounts of different kinds of toxic organic compounds, radioactive or non-radioactive nuclides, which are inevitably discharged/released into the natural systems. These contaminants are difficult to be eliminated and present in the environment for long time, and can be accumulated in crops or animals easily by the food chain processes, which thereby causes the high concentrations in living organisms and human body in the end. The carbon-based nanomaterials such as covalent organic frameworks (COFs), porous carbon nanomaterials, g-C 3 N 4 , have attracted multidisciplinary interests because they have outstanding properties, i.e., high stability, surface functional groups and abundant active sites. In this minor review, the carbon-based nanomaterials used for the sorption of pollutants, photo-catalytic elimination of radioactive nuclides and metal ions by sorption-reduction, organic contaminants by sorption-reduction, electro-catalytic removal of pollutants by sorption-reduction and heavy metal ions/radionuclides by sorption-extraction are reviewed and compared. The interactions and possible mechanism are discussed based on advanced spectroscopic analysis and computational calculations. In the end, the challenges in future, especially in real applications, are described. This review highlights the research works for carbon-based nanomaterials and their applications as adsorbents and catalysts in environmental pollution management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced porous nanomaterials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) with high specific surface areas, abundant functional groups, accessible pore structures, tunable pore sizes, and easy modification are attractive as adsorbents for the capture of toxic heavy metal ions, organic pollutants, and radionuclides from aqueous solutions. This review first comprehensively introduces the attractive properties of MOFs, COFs, and PAFs to highlight their advantages as adsorbents. Subsequently, the recent progress of MOFs, COFs, and PAFs as superior adsorbents for the efficient removal of environmental pollutants is summarized. Furthermore, the influences of environmental conditions and information about the interaction mechanisms between pollutants and advanced porous nanomaterials are discussed. Finally, the applications and promising prospects of advanced porous nanomaterials in environmental pollution management are summarized. This review is beneficial to designing and fabricating advanced porous materials, which also provides some meaningful guidance for studying the adsorption mechanisms between porous materials and environmental pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorption of Th(IV) from aqueous solution to NKF-6 zeolite as a function of experimental conditions were investigated using batch experiments. The sorption of Th(IV) on NKF-6 zeolite was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength at pH < 6.0, and independent of ionic strength at pH > 6.0. The sorption of Th(IV) on NKF-6 zeolite was mainly dominated by ion exchange or outer-sphere surface complexation at low pH, while by inner-sphere surface complexation at high pH values. The thermodynamic data suggested that the sorption of Th(IV) on NKF-6 zeolite was an spontaneous and endothermic process. The results show that NKF-6 zeolite is a suitable adsorbent for Th(IV) enrichment from large amount of actual effluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sorption of Eu(III) on NKF-6 zeolite is investigated by batch technique under ambient conditions. The results indicate that the sorption of Eu(III) is affected by ionic strength at pH <8.0 and independent of ionic strength at pH >8.0. The sorption is dominated by ion exchange or outer-sphere surface complexation at low pH and by inner-sphere surface complexation at high pH. The thermodynamic parameters suggest that the sorption is an endothermic and spontaneous process. The results show that the NKF-6 zeolite is a suitable adsorbent for the preconcentration of Eu(III) from large volumes of nature aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Things (IoT) has been used in many fields, such as medical treatment, video monitoring, and transport. In these regions, the rapid adoption and development of IoT produce a large amount of evidence. For instance, IoT devices such as cameras capture the different facial emotions of drivers in Autonomous driving systems. In completely autonomous vehicles, drivers have trouble in takeover transfers as they become disconnected from the actual aspect of driving. Factors affecting takeover effectiveness, such as lead time and the participation of non-driving-related tasks, have been concentrated. Nevertheless, considering the vital role of emotions, human communication and manual driving affect drivers' takeover efficiency. Face identity is essential for emotional sensitivity detection for drivers in autonomous vehicles. Automated and intelligent face recognition (FR) devices are highly accurate in a comfortable condition and unregulated, with poor reliability in autonomous vehicles. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can significantly perceive and express feelings in well-being and similar fields. This study suggests an optimized IoT architecture that facilitates the physiological signal with wireless transmission to the database management center. Face Recognition and Emotion Detection based on IoT (FRED-IoT) has been proposed to track drivers' emotional and face recognition in autonomous vehicles. A low delay of 2 milliseconds is achieved in the proposed IoT Protocols. In contrast with cutting-edge technology, FRED-IoT improves reliability and achieves a high rating (F-score) of 96%. • Facial recognition may increase safety, prevent crimes, and reduce human contact • FRED-IoT to track emotion and face recognition of drivers in autonomous vehicles • This study an optimized IoT architecture that facilitates the physiological signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorption of Ni(II) from aqueous solution to montmorillonite as a function of experimental conditions was studied, and the results indicated that the sorption of Ni(II) was mainly dominated by ion exchange or outer-sphere surface complexation at low pH, and by inner-sphere surface complexation or surface (co)precipitation at high pH. The presence of different cations had different influences on Ni(II) sorption, whereas the presence of different anions had no drastic influences on Ni(II) sorption. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the sorption of Ni(II) on the montmorillonite was an endothermic and spontaneous process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To contribute to the comprehension of Eu(III) sorption properties in oxide-organic material systems, the influence of humic acid (HA) on Eu(III) sorption on bare and HA-bounded γ-Al 2 O 3 is studied using batch experiments and time resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS). The effect of pH and addition sequences of Eu(III)/HA/Al 2 O 3 on Eu(III) sorption is carried out at different experimental conditions, and the results show that the sorption of Eu(III) is strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength. The sorption of Eu(III) is mainly dominated by ion exchange or outer-sphere surface complexation at low pH, and by inner-sphere surface complexation at high pH values. The presence of HA enhances Eu(III) sorption at low pH, but reduces Eu(III) sorption at high pH values. The addition sequences of Eu(III)/HA to alumina suspensions do not affect Eu(III) sorption, which is also evidenced by the TRLFS measurements. The surface complexes are characterized by their emission spectra [the ratio of emission intensities of 5 D 0 → 7 F 1 ( λ = 594 nm) and 5 D 0 → 7 F 2 ( λ = 619 nm) transitions] and their fluorescence lifetime. The TRLFS results show clearly that no effect of addition sequences on the sorption and speciation of Eu(III) in HA–Al 2 O 3 hybrids after equilibration. These findings on the effect of humic substances in the complexation properties of Eu(III) indicate that the clarification of the environmental behavior of humic substances is necessary to understand the physicochemical properties of Eu(III), or its analog trivalent lanthanide and actinide ions in the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sorption-desorption of Eu(III) on attapulgite was studied using batch technique. The sorption of Eu(III) on attapulgite was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength at low pH, and independent of ionic strength at high pH. The interaction was dominated by outer-sphere surface complexation/ion exchange at low pH, and by inner-sphere surface complexation at high pH. The irreversible sorption-desorption curves also suggested the formation of strong surface complexes. The high sorption capacity of attapulgite suggested that the attapulgite is a suitable material for the efficient elimination of Eu(III) from aqueous solutions in nuclear wastewater management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxides (GOs) have attracted intense multidisciplinary study because of their special physicochemical properties and their possible applications. The large amount of oxygen-containing functional groups on GO surfaces makes it possible to form strong surface complexes with metal ions. Herein, the GOs are synthesized by modified Hummers method and characterized by SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS and Raman spectroscopy techniques in detail. The results show that large amount of oxygen-containing functional groups is generated on GO surfaces during the synthesis process. The GOs are applied as adsorbents to remove Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions and the sorption of Pb(II) is strongly dependent on pH and the sorption of Pb(II) is mainly attributed to the formation of strong surface complexes. Comparing the sorption capacities of Pb(II) on different materials, the GOs have the highest sorption capacity among todays' materials. The results of far infrared spectroscopy analysis and the DFT calculation also indicate that the binding of Pb(II) on GOs is mainly attributed to the COOH groups rather than other functional groups. The GOs may be suitable materials for the preconcentration of heavy metal ions from large volume of aqueous solutions in the near future if GOs could be synthesized in large scale at low price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green and clean photocatalytic technology has been extensively applied to degrade environmental pollutants and produce renewable energy, which is an important mean to solve environmental and energy problems. However, limited to the cost and efficiency of photocatalysts, it is difficult to realize large-scale application. In recent years, the single-atom photocatalysts (SAPCs) have added new vitality into this field. SAPCs have the active homogeneous centers, heterogeneous structures, stability, high catalytic activity and selectivity properties. The related researches on its synthesis, characterization and application have become a hot spot in many fields. In this review, the photocatalytic H2 production, CO2 reduction, nitrogen fixation, NOx removal, volatile organic compounds removal, pollutant degradation, reduction of radionuclides and heavy metal ions using SAPCs are reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of the six kinds of SAPCs substrates are analyzed, and design strategies are carefully summarized. The mechanisms of photocatalysis, isolated-site reactions, photogenerated e−-h+ transfer and the construction of efficient photoactivation cycles are discussed. Finally, the future development trend of SAPCs is prospected. This review will provide a reference for the design of high efficiency SAPCs. The structures, characteristics and synthesis of SAPCs with different substrates are reviewed. The applications of SAPCs and their photocatalytic removal for different pollutants are introduced. The photocatalytic reaction processes and mechanisms for different pollutants are discussed. The development direction and challenges of SAPCs in the field of environmental energy are prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the fast development of industrial and human activity, large amounts of persistent organic pollutants, heavy metal ions and radionuclides are released into the natural environment, which results in environmental pollution. The efficient elimination of the natural environment is crucial for the protection of environment to against the pollutants' toxicity to human beings and living organisms. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) has drawn multidisciplinary attention especially in environmental pollutants' cleanup due to its special physicochemical properties. In this review, we summarized the recent works about the synthesis of g-C 3 N 4 , element-doping, structure modification of g-C 3 N 4 and g-C 3 N 4 -based materials, and their application in the sorption, photocatalytic degradation and reduction-solidification of persistent organic pollutants and heavy metal ions. The interaction mechanisms were discussed from advanced spectroscopic analysis and computational approaches at molecular level. The challenges and future perspectives of g-C 3 N 4 -based materials' application in environmental pollution management are presented in the end. This review highlights the real applications of g-C 3 N 4 -based materials as adsorbents or photocatalysts in the adsorption-reduction-solidification of metal ions or photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. The contents are helpful for the undergraduate students to understand the recent works in the elimination of organic/inorganic pollutants in their pollution management. Unlabelled Image • Synthesis and modification of g-C 3 N 4 and g-C 3 N 4 -based materials are reviewed. • Sorption-reduction-solidification strategy of metal ions are discussed in detail. • Sorption-photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants were described. • Interaction mechanism were discussed by spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. • Challenges of g-C 3 N 4 -based materials in pollution management are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Different fabrication methods and their advantages and disadvantages of COF membranes are reviewed. • The application potential COF membrane in different liquid separations is introduced. • The mechanisms of COF membrane during liquid separation processes are summarized. • The challenges and prospects of the application of COF membrane are presented. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a new kind of crystalline porous materials composed of organic molecules connected by covalent bonds, processes the characteristics of low density, large specific surface area, adjustable pore size and structure, and easy to functionalize, which have been widely used in the field of membrane separation technology. Recently, there are more and more researches focusing on the preparation methods, separation application, and mechanism of COF membranes, which need to be further summarized and compared. In this review, we primarily summarized several conventional preparation methods, such as two-phase interfacial polymerization, in-situ growth on substrate, unidirectional diffusion method, layer-by-layer assembly method, mixed matrix membranes, and so on. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are briefly summarized. The application potential of COF membrane in liquid separation are introduced from four aspects: dyeing wastewater treatment, heavy metal removal, seawater desalination and oil-water separation. Then, the mechanisms including pore structure, hydrophilic/hydrophobic, electrostatic repulsion/attraction and Donnan effect are introduced. For the efficient removal of different kind of pollutions, researchers can select different ligands to construct membranes with specific pore size, hydrophily, salt or organic rejection ability and functional group. The ideas for the design and preparation of COF membranes are introduced. Finally, the future direction and challenges of the next generation of COF membranes in the field of separation are prospected. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selective removal of the β‐emitting pertechnetate ion (99TcO4−) from nuclear waste streams is technically challenging. Herein, a practical approach is proposed for the selective removal of 99TcO4− (or its surrogate ReO4−) under extreme conditions of high acidity, alkalinity, ionic strength, and radiation field. Hollow porous N‐doped carbon capsules loaded with ruthenium clusters (Ru@HNCC) are first prepared, then modified with a cationic polymeric network (R) containing imidazolium‐N+ units (Ru@HNCC‐R) for selective 99TcO4− and ReO4− binding. The Ru@HNCC‐R capsules offer high binding affinities for 99TcO4−/ReO4− under wide‐ranging conditions. An electrochemical redox process then transforms adsorbed ReO4− to bulk ReO3, delivering record‐high removal capacities, fast kinetics, and excellent long‐term durability for removing ReO4− (as a proxy for 99TcO4−) in a 3 m HNO3, simulated nuclear waste‐Hanford melter recycle stream and an alkaline high‐level waste stream (HLW) at the U.S. Savannah River Site (SRS). In situ Raman and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analyses showed that adsorbed Re(VII) is electrocatalytically reduced on Ru sites to a Re(IV)O2 intermediate, which can then be re‐oxidized to insoluble Re(VI)O3 for facile collection. This approach overcomes many of the challenges associated with the selective separation and removal of 99TcO4−/ReO4− under extreme conditions, offering new vistas for nuclear waste management and environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing the electronic structure of covalent organic framework (COF) photocatalysts is essential for maximizing photocatalytic activity. Herein, we report an isoreticular family of multivariate COFs containing chromenoquinoline rings in the COF structure and electron‐donating or withdrawing groups in the pores. Intramolecular donor‐acceptor (D‐A) interactions in the COFs allowed tuning of local charge distributions and charge carrier separation under visible light irradiation, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic performance. By optimizing the optoelectronic properties of the COFs, a photocatalytic uranium extraction efficiency of 8.02 mg/g/day was achieved using a nitro‐functionalized multicomponent COF in natural seawater, exceeding the performance of all COFs reported to date. Results demonstrate an effective design strategy towards high‐activity COF photocatalysts with intramolecular D‐A structures not easily accessible using traditional synthetic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing the electronic structure of covalent organic framework (COF) photocatalysts is essential for maximizing photocatalytic activity. Herein, we report an isoreticular family of multivariate COFs containing chromenoquinoline rings in the COF structure and electron‐donating or withdrawing groups in the pores. Intramolecular donor‐acceptor (D‐A) interactions in the COFs allowed tuning of local charge distributions and charge carrier separation under visible light irradiation, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic performance. By optimizing the optoelectronic properties of the COFs, a photocatalytic uranium extraction efficiency of 8.02 mg/g/day was achieved using a nitro‐functionalized multicomponent COF in natural seawater, exceeding the performance of all COFs reported to date. Results demonstrate an effective design strategy towards high‐activity COF photocatalysts with intramolecular D‐A structures not easily accessible using traditional synthetic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar and biochar-based materials have been studied extensively in multidisciplinary areas because of their outstanding physicochemical properties. In this review article, biochar and biochar-based materials in the removal of environmental pollutants, hydrogen generation and carbon dioxide capture were summarized and compared. The interaction mechanisms were discussed from the experimental results and characterization analysis. The high porous structures, active surface sites, (co)doping of single metals/nonmetals, and incorporation of metal oxides or other materials improved the high activity of biochar-based materials in their applications. However, there are still some challenges such as: (1) the fact that H2 generation with high selectivity or the produced syngas to meet the real application requirement in industrial is the main challenge in H2 production; (2) the fact that the selective capture of CO2 with high stability, high adsorption capacity and recyclability at low-cost should be considered and focused on; (3) the sorption-(photo)degradation of the organic chemicals; and (4) the fact that the sorption-reduction-extraction/solidification of metals/radionuclides are efficient methods for the elimination of environmental pollutants. In the end, the perspectives, challenges and possible techniques for biochar-based materials' real application in future were described. Highlights: Biochar-based composites exhibited high degradation abilities for organic pollutants. Biochar-based materials showed high removal/immobilization efficiency of metals through sorption-reduction. Biochar and biochar-based materials could generate H2 with high efficiency. Biochar-based materials can capture and separate CO2 from complex systems with high selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Polyacrylamide modified molybdenum disulfide (CPAM/MoS 2) were simply prepared. • The CPAM/MoS 2 composites showed high surface areas, abundant amino groups and high adsorption capacity for graphene oxides. • The adsorption of graphene oxides on CPAM/MoS 2 was strongly pH and ionic strength dependent. • The adsorption of graphene oxides was dominated by electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bond. Abstract With the fast development of graphene oxide (GO) and its related products, GO may be discharged into the natural environment and causes various environmental problems. Herein, the polyacrylamide modified molybdenum disulfide (CPAM/MoS 2) was synthesized to remove GO. The results demonstrated that the sorption of GO on CPAM/MoS 2 relied on solution pH and higher NaCl concentration was helpful to GO removal. The sorption of GO on the composites reached 81.8 mg/g at 298 K. On the basis of the characterization analysis and together with the sorption experimental results, it is believed that the sorption of GO onto CPAM/MoS 2 was controlled by electrostatic attraction. Furthermore, the amide groups of CPAM/MoS 2 greatly promoted the capture of GO by hydrogen bond. This study contributed significantly to the elimination of GO from the aquatic environment and provided more message for GO elimination in its pollution management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient and safety elimination of radioactive nuclides from complicated systems is crucial to both the healthy and fast development of nuclear energy, and the protection of environment and human health. Covalent organic framework (COF) materials have studied extensively in multidisciplinary research areas attributed to their outstanding physicochemical properties. This review summarized the recent works for the removal of radionuclides by COFs through the strategies of sorption, reduction, chemical precipitations, and discussed the reaction mechanisms from batch/column results, theoretical calculation and spectroscopy analysis. The challenge was given in the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the longitudinal association of quantitative infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) signal intensity alteration with OA-related biomarkers. Methods Eighteen OA-related biochemical biomarkers of 600 knee OA participants in the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health OA Biomarkers Consortium (FNIH) study were extracted. The quantitative IPFP signal intensity measures were acquired based on magnetic resonance imaging, including mean value [Mean (IPFP)] and standard deviation [sDev (IPFP)] of the whole IPFP signal intensity, median value [Median (H)] and upper quartile value [UQ (H)] of high signal intensity, the ratio of volume of high signal intensity to volume of whole IPFP signal intensity [Percentage (H)] and Clustering factor (H). The linear mixed-effect model was applied to determine the longitudinal associations between IPFP signal intensity alteration and biochemical biomarkers over 2 years. Results All IPFP measures except for Clustering factor (H) were positively associated with urine collagenase-cleaved type II collagen neoepitope (uC2C), urine C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type II collagen (uCTX-II), urine C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen-α (uCTX-Iα) and urine N-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (uNTX-I). Mean (IPFP), Median (H) and Percentage (H) were positively associated with the nitrated form of an epitope located in the triple helix of type II collagen (Coll2-1 NO2). Mean (IPFP), Median (H) and UQ (H) were positively associated with sCTX-I and uCTX-Iβ. Positive associations between sDev (IPFP), Percentage (H) and serum hyaluronic acid (sHA) were found. Conclusion Our results suggest a role of IPFP signal intensity alteration in joint tissue remodelling on a molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aniline is toxic and hard to be degraded, and thereby causes the environmental pollution seriously. Herein, a practical and green hydrothermal method was applied to fabricate terephthalic acid and pyromellitic acid intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDH) (named as TAL and PAL) for aniline efficient removal. The sorption of aniline on LDH-based materials were investigated at different experimental conditions, and the results indicated that aniline sorption on LDH, TAL and PAL were strongly dependent on pH and independent of ionic strength. The maximum sorption capacities of aniline on TAL and PAL at pH 5.0 and 293 K were 90.4 and 130.0 mg/g, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of aniline on LDH (52.6 mg/g). Based on the BET, FTIR and XPS analysis, the higher sorption capacities of TAL and PAL were mainly due to high surface area and basal spacing as well as the abundant functional groups (e.g. –COO − ). The interactions of aniline with TAL and PAL were mainly dominated by hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. Such a facile synthesis method, efficient removal performance and superior reusability indicated that the aromatic acid modified LDH materials had potential application for efficient treatment of organic pollutants in environmental pollution cleanup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the rate and extent of 63 Ni(II) sorption and desorption on/from mineral surfaces are important to predict its mobility performance in the natural environment. We herein systematically investigated the effects of pH, electrolyte cations, humic acid (HA) and temperature on 63 Ni(II) sorption/desorption on/from Na-montmorillonite. The results indicated that the sorption/desorption of 63 Ni(II) on/from Na-montmorillonite were strongly dependent on pH and electrolyte cations. Desorption abilities of 63 Ni(II) were Na + ≈ K + > Ca 2+ ≈ Mg 2+ at the cationic concentration of 0.2 mol/L, which was associated with the clay tactoid size. The kinetic results suggested that 63 Ni(II) sorption/desorption initially increased rapidly and remained constant as time increasing. The presence of HA influenced 63 Ni(II) sorption clearly and promoted 63 Ni(II) desorption as a result of the dissolution of ternary surface complexes. Increasing temperature was favorable for the sorption reaction owing to the formation of strong inner-sphere complexes, however, hampered the desorption reaction because of the increased stability of inner-sphere complexes or the aggregation of montmorillonite. The results are crucial to understand the physicochemical behavior of radionickel in the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seawater contains uranium at a concentration of ≈3.3 ppb, thus representing a rich and sustainable nuclear fuel source. Herein, an adsorption–electrocatalytic platform is developed for uranium extraction from seawater, comprising atomically dispersed indium anchored on hollow nitrogen‐doped carbon capsules functionalized with flexible amidoxime moieties (In–Nx–C–R, where R denotes amidoxime groups). In–Nx–C–R exhibits excellent uranyl capture properties, enabling a uranium removal rate of 6.35 mg g−1 in 24 h, representing one of the best uranium extractants reported to date. Importantly, In–Nx–C–R demonstrates exceptional selectivity for uranium extraction relative to vanadium in seawater (8.75 times more selective for the former). X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) reveals that the amidoxime groups serve as uranyl chelating sites, thus allowing selective adsorption over other ions. XAS and in situ Raman results directly indicate that the absorbed uranyl can be electrocatalytically reduced to an unstable U(V) intermediate, then re‐oxidizes to U(VI) in the form of insoluble Na2O(UO3·H2O)x for collection, through reversible single electron transfer processes involving InNx sites. These results provide detailed mechanistic understanding of the uranium extraction process at a molecular level. This work provides a roadmap for the adsorption–electrocatalytic extraction of uranium from seawater, adding to the growing suite of technologies for harvesting valuable metals from the earth's oceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxides (GOs) have come under intense multidisciplinary study because of their unique physicochemical properties and possible applications. The large amount of oxygen-containing functional groups on GOs leads to a high sorption capacity for the removal of various kinds of organic and inorganic pollutants from aqueous solutions in environmental pollution cleanup. However, the lack of selectivity results in difficulty in the selective removal of target pollutants from aqueous solutions in the presence of other coexisting pollutants. Herein, the surface grafting of GOs with special oxygen-containing functional groups using low-temperature plasma techniques and the application of the surface-modified GOs for the efficient removal of organic and inorganic pollutants in environmental pollution are reviewed. This paper gives an account of our research on the application of GO-based nanomaterials in environmental pollution cleanup, including: (1) the synthesis and surface grafting of functional groups on GOs, summarizing various types of low-temperature plasma techniques for the synthesis of graphene/GOs; and (2) the application of graphene/GOs and their composites for the efficient removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from aqueous solutions, including the interaction mechanism according to recently published results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the fast development of industry and nuclear energy, large amounts of different radionuclides are inevitably released into the environment. The efficient solidification or elimination of radionuclides is thereby crucial to environmental pollution and human health because of the radioactive hazardous of long-lived radionuclides. The properties of negatively or positively charged radionuclides are quite different, which informs the difficulty of simultaneous elimination of the radionuclides. Herein, we summarized recent works about the selective sorption or catalytic reduction of target radionuclides using different kinds of nanomaterials, such as carbon-based nanomaterials, metal–organic frameworks, and covalent organic frameworks, and their interaction mechanisms are discussed in detail on the basis of batch sorption results, spectroscopy analysis and computational calculations. The sorption-photocatalytic/electrocatalytic reduction of radionuclides from high valent to low valent is an efficient strategy for in situ solidification/immobilization of radionuclides. The special functional groups for the high complexation of target radionuclides and the controlled structures of nanomaterials can selectively bind radionuclides from complicated systems. The challenges and future perspective are finally described, summarized, and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa protein is an isomerase encoded by the RPE65 gene (MIM 180069) that is responsible for an essential enzymatic step required for the function of the visual cycle. Mutations in the RPE65 gene cause not only subtype II of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) but also early-onset severe retinal dystrophy (EOSRD). This study aims to investigate a Chinese case diagnosed as EOSRD and to characterize the polymorphisms of the RPE65 gene. A seven-year-old girl with clinical symptoms of EOSRD and her parents were recruited into this study. Ophthalmologic examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp, Optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fundus examination with dilated pupils, were performed to determine the clinical characteristics of the whole family. We amplified and sequenced the entire coding region and adjacent intronic sequences of the coding regions of the RPE65 gene for the whole family to explore the possible mutation. Our results demonstrate that the patient exhibited the typical clinically features of EOSRD. Her bilateral decimal visual acuity was 0.3 and 0.4 in the left and right eyes, respectively. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to assess the retinal stratification for the whole family. All together, we identified four mutations within the RPE65 gene (c.1056G>A, c.1243+2T>A, c.1338+20A>C and c.1590C>A) in the patient. Among the four mutations, c.1056G>A and c.1338+20A>C had been reported previously and another two were found for the first time in this study. Her mother also carried the novel mutation (c.1243+2T>A). Either a single or a compound heterozygous or a homozygous one mutation is expected to cause EOSRD because mutations of RPE65 gene usually cause an autosomal recessive disease. Therefore, we speculate that the c.1590C>A mutation together with the c.1243+2T>A mutation may cause the patient’s phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• NZVI nano particles are coated on the surface of NZVI/MCM. • Both iron oxide layer and Fe0 core play important role for U(VI) removal. • U(VI) removal by NZVI/MCM was attributed to both adsorption and reduction. • U(VI) removal was enhanced due to the synergistic effect of MCM and NZVI. Nanoscale zero valent iron (NZVI) modified MCM zeolite composites (NZVI/MCM) were obtained by reduction and in-situ growth process, and were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, HRTEM, TEM-EDS, and XPS techniques. Investigation results showed that the surface of NZVI/MCM were coated with NZVI particles mainly in the range of 10–100 nm, and only part of NZVI particles > 100 nm or <10 nm. The synthesized composites were applied as adsorbents for U(VI) removal from aqueous solutions. The maximum U(VI) removal capacity on NZVI/MCM was calculated to be 216 mg/g at pH = 5.6 and T = 298 K. Further advanced spectroscopy analysis showed that U(VI) adsorption and reduction could be enhanced by NZVI/MCM due to the synergistic effect between NZVI and MCM. Meanwhile, the adsorption of U(VI) was related with the surface functional groups (e.g., –OH, Fe-O and Si-O functional groups) and the reduction of U(VI) to U(IV) was ascribed to the oxidation of Fe0 and Fe(II) on the core–shell of NZVI. The results were helpful for the simultaneous adsorption-reduction of U(VI) on the composites. This work highlights the adsorption-reduction-solidification strategy for the elimination of U(VI) in wastewater cleanup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of MOF membranes synthesis strategies are reviewed. • The application of MOF membranes in the separation of different gases and liquids is presented. • The properties and related mechanisms of gas and liquid separations are discussed in detail. • The challenges and prospects of the real application of MOF membrane are perspective. Membrane-based separation techniques have attracted multidisciplinary attention due to their low energy consumption, low pollution and high efficiency properties. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered to be promising membrane candidates due to their tunable porous structure, large specific surface area, adjustable pore size, uniformly distributed metal centers and abundant functional groups. In this review, recent researches on controlled strategies for MOF membranes synthesis and their applications in gas and liquid separations are summarized. The synthesis strategies of MOF membranes involved layer-by-layer growth method, electrochemical synthesis, in-situ growth and other novelty methods. The advantages and disadvantages are carefully reviewed and compared. The applications and related separation mechanisms of MOF membranes in gas separation (i.e., C 3 H 6 /C 3 H 8 , H 2 /CO 2 , H 2 /CH 4 , N 2 /CH 4) and liquid separation (i.e., ion separation, seawater desalination, organic solvent purification) are discussed individually. Finally, challenges and future perspective are pointed out. This review is expected to provide an insight view for the production and applications of highly efficient MOF membranes in gas and liquid separations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The photopigment melanopsin and melanopsin-containing RGCs (mRGCs or ipRGCs) represent a brand-new and exciting direction in the field of visual field. Although the melanopsin is much less sensitive to light and has far less spatial resolution, mRGCs have the unique ability to project to brain areas by the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT) and communicate directly with the brain. Unfortunately, melanopsin presents lower expression levels in many acute and chronic retinal diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying melanopsin expression are not yet really understood. MicroRNAs play important roles in the control of development. Most importantly, the link of microRNA biology to a diverse set of cellular processes, ranging from proliferation, apoptosis and malignant transformation to neuronal development and fate specification is emerging. We employed Royal College of Surgeon (RCS) rats as animal model to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism regulating melanopsin expression using a panel of miRNA by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We identified a microRNA, mir133b, that is specifically expressed in retinal dopaminergic amacrine cells as well as markedly increased expression at early stage during retinal degeneration in RCS rats. The overexpression of mir133b downregulates the important transcription factor Pitx3 expression in dopaminergic amacrine cells in RCS rats retinas and makes amacrine cells stratification deficit in IPL. Furthermore, deficient dopaminergic amacrine cells presented decreased TH expression and dopamine production, which lead to a failure to direct mRGCs dendrite to stratify and enter INL and lead to the reduced correct connections between amacrine cells and mRGCs. Our study suggested that overexpression of mir133b and downregulated Pitx3 suppress maturation and function of dopaminergic amacrine cells, and overexpression of mir133b decreased TH and D2 receptor expression as well as dopamine production, which finally resulted in reduced melanopsin expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Various kind of organics are toxic and detrimental, resulting in eutrophication, black, odorous water and so on. Photocatalysis has been deemed to be a promising technology which can decompose different kinds of organic pollutants under visible light irradiation, finally achieving non-poisonous, harmless CO 2 , water and other inorganic materials. Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) is considered as a promising photocatalyst for the efficient degradation of organic pollutants due to its high chemical stability, unique layered structure, resistance to corrosion and favorable photocatalytic property. However, BiOCl can only absorb UV irradiation because of its wide band gap of 3.2 eV–3.5 eV that limits its photocatalytic performance. Herein, a lot of methods have been reviewed to improve its photocatalytic activity. We introduced the unique and special layered structure of BiOCl, the typical and common synthesis methods that can control the morphology, and the most important part is varies of modification routes of BiOCl and the application of BiOCl-based materials for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Besides, we summarized the crucial issues and perspectives about the application of BiOCl in pollution management. [Display omitted] • The synthesis methods of BiOCl-based composites are reviewed. • Metal-doping, nonmetal-doping and OVs introduction functions are summarized. • Recent catalytic applications of BiOCl-based photocatalysts are discussed. • The mechanisms of BiOCl-based photocatalysts are analyzed in catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kind of magnetic covalent organic frameworks (Fe 3 O 4 @TpND) is successful synthesized by the solvothermal method. The synthesis process involves two steps, where the first step corresponding to the synthesis and amino- modification of magnetic particles (Fe 3 O 4 -NH 2) and the second step launched with COF polymerization outside Fe 3 O 4 -NH 2. This kind of novel materials (Fe 3 O 4 @TpND) could inherit the physicochemical superiority of COF plane and the easy recoverability of Fe 3 O 4. The experimental results confirm that Fe 3 O 4 @TpND possessed a favorable adsorption capacity (114.97 mg L−1, at 298 K and pH 6.0), rapidly uptake rate, a broad pH range, and superior renewability on the removal of bisphenol-A (BPA). To shed more light on the sorption mechanism, both of static density functional theory (DFT) calculation and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation are introduced to portray the molecular-scale interaction between TpND and BPA. By exploring the geometric structures, as well as the energetic and electronic properties of the complex, the phenolic aldehyde groups in TpND were found to exert significant contribution to capture BPA molecules via the hydrogen bonding effects. From the perspective of dynamic MD simulation, the size of BPA cluster and physical pore structure of the adsorbent also possess a remarkable aggregating effect on the sorption process. Accordingly, this study provides crucial fundamental and valuable knowledge of COF materials applied in the field of water purification. Unlabelled Image • Magnetic covalent organic frameworks (Fe 3 O 4 @TpND) were successfully synthesized. • Fe 3 O 4 @TpND possessed good sorption capacity and renewability on the removal of BPA. • The adsorption mechanism was depended on the phenolic aldehyde groups. • The aggregation behavior of the BPA clusters was highlighted by MD simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• N 2 -g-C 3 N 4 is fabricated by heating urea under nitrogen atmosphere. • N 2 -g-C 3 N 4 shows excellent activity and stability for BPA and Cr(VI) removal. • O 2 − radicals play a dominant role on BPA degradation. • Cr(VI) can be reduced to Cr(III) by generated H 2 O 2 and CB electrons. • O 2 − radicals are significantly promoted by Cr(VI) interacting with H 2 O 2. Proper design and preparation of photocatalyst with higher stability, higher activity and lower cost is still a significant objective. It is critical to know how it works. In this work, N 2 -g-C 3 N 4 was fabricated via a facile approach for the oxidation of bisphenol A (BPA) and reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) synchronically in BPA/Cr(VI) binary systems under visible light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm). The resulting N 2 -g-C 3 N 4 performed much higher removal efficiency in binary systems than in single system owing to the synergistic effect between BPA oxidation and Cr(VI) reduction. Moreover, the free-radical quenching experiments and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) generation in different dispersions were performed to research the mechanism, and the results suggested that Cr(VI) can be reduced to Cr(III) by the generated H 2 O 2 and conduction band (CB) electrons. O 2 − radicals dominated BPA degradation and derived mainly from the reaction between CB electrons and adsorbed oxygen as well as interaction of Cr(VI) and H 2 O 2 , which was verified by electron spin resonance (ESR) active species trapping experiments. These results of BPA oxidation and Cr(VI) reduction in binary systems and the corresponding reaction mechanism analysis might consolidate the fundamental theories of photocatalytic reactions for real environmental pollution cleanup applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Charge Distribution; Covalent Organic Frameworks; Donor-Acceptor; Photocatalysis; Post-Synthesis EN Charge Distribution Covalent Organic Frameworks Donor-Acceptor Photocatalysis Post-Synthesis 1 1 1 07/21/23 20230724 NES 230724 B Covalent Organic Frameworks b . In their Research Article (e202303129), Hui Yang, Xiangke Wang, Shengqian Ma et al. report a strategy to regulate local charge distributions and intramolecular donor-acceptor interactions in multivariate covalent organic frameworks. Charge Distribution, Covalent Organic Frameworks, Donor-Acceptor, Photocatalysis, Post-Synthesis. [Extracted from the article]

In their Research Article (e202303129), Hui Yang, Xiangke Wang, Shengqian Ma et al. report a strategy to regulate local charge distributions and intramolecular donor-acceptor interactions in multivariate covalent organic frameworks. Keywords: Charge Distribution; Covalent Organic Frameworks; Donor-Acceptor; Photocatalysis; Post-Synthesis EN Charge Distribution Covalent Organic Frameworks Donor-Acceptor Photocatalysis Post-Synthesis 1 1 1 07/21/23 20230724 NES 230724 B Covalent Organic Frameworks b . [Extracted from the article]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Dictyophora indusiate -derived biochar supported sulfide NZVI was successfully synthesized. • Sulfidation and supporting technologies could expand a new track for NZVI-based materials. • U(VI) uptake was due to the synergistic effect between adsorptive and reductive reactions. • DI-SNZVI could be a promising scavenger for U(VI) uptake form wastewater. Abstract Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) has been considered as a potential scavenger for U(VI) elimination from aqueous environment. To decrease the aggregation and to improve antioxidation, sulfidation technology and biochar were applied to modify NZVI. In this work, Dictyophora indusiate -derived biochar supported sulfide NZVI (DI-SNZVI) was synthesized and applied for U(VI) elimination. The excellent behaviors of kinetics (3 h for equilibrium), thermodynamic research and maximum removal amounts (427.9 mg·g−1 at pH = 5.0 and 298 K) revealed the outstanding performances of DI-SNZVI in U(VI) removal. The cycle experiments and different water system investigations further illustrated its potential ability for real applications. Moreover, the abundant functional groups and FeS x shell of DI-SNZVI were proved to be responsible for the enhanced removal of U(VI). In the end, the macroscopic and XPS study revealed that U(VI) elimination mechanisms were synergistic attributed to the adsorptive and reductive processes. This paper highlighted the biochar-based sulfide NZVI for efficient U(VI) elimination in environmental pollution management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlight • LDH@nZVI composite was prepared via a facile and green method. • Synergistic effects improved the capture ability for U(VI) on LDH@nZVI than single-guest. • O and Fe functional groups play an important role in the immobilization process of U(VI). • Interaction mechanism between U(VI) and LDH@nZVI was adsorption and reduction. Abstract In this study, nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) supported on layered double hydroxide (LDH) composite (LDH@nZVI) was prepared, characterized and applied to U(VI) scavenging in water. Removal of U(VI) as a function of pH, ionic strength, reaction time, initial concentrations of U(VI), and temperature were studied and compared with pure LDH and nZVI, the LDH@nZVI had best U(VI) removal efficiency owning to the excellent synergistic combination of LDH adsorption and nZVI reduction. XPS analysis found that surface oxygen functional groups and surface-bound Fe(II) played a critical role in U(VI) remediation. The large surface areas (334.0 m2/g), abundant functional groups (i.e., M O, C O and OH), rapid kinetics (adsorption equilibrium within 1 h) and excellent adsorption capacities (176 mg/g) indicating that LDH@nZVI can be considered as a potential material for preconcentration of U(VI) from sewage water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Design and fabrication of materials with abundant functional groups represent an important and promising direction in the remediation of aqueous contaminants. In recent years, carbon-based materials have drawn widespread concern on account of their low cost, large specific surface area, good chemical stability as well as controllable porosity. The U(VI) binding onto raw carbon-based materials is still confronted with the problem of limited adsorption capacity, which severely hinders the practical applications of materials. Herein, amino- and carboxyl-functionalized carbonaceous spheres (denoted as ACSs and CCSs) were fabricated by in-situ polymerization and simply annealing methods, respectively. The highest adsorption amounts of ACSs and CCSs towards U(VI) were calculated to be 73.83 and 401.61 mg·g−1 from Langmuir model at pH = 4.0 and 298 K, which were higher to that of raw carbonaceous material (19.31 mg·g−1). Interestingly, the Freundlich model could well simulate U(VI) sorption isotherms on ACSs at these temperatures (T = 298, 313 and 328 K), while U(VI) sorption isotherms on CCSs were able to significantly conform to the Langmuir model. According to FT-IR and XPS analysis, U(VI) was enriched on both materials on account of the ample functional groups on ACSs (e.g. C NOH/C NH 2) and CCSs (e.g. OH/COOH). In addition, effect of ionic strength manifested that U(VI) elimination on ACSs and CCSs were greatly caused by the formation of outer-sphere and inner-sphere surface complexes, respectively. This work promises to provide two facile approaches for engineering diverse functionalized materials towards a highly rapid and efficient sequestering U(VI) from contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]