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[Display omitted] · C@p-Si/ESG composite anode material with "sandwich" structure was obtained. · Electrostatic modification enhances the stability of the loading of nano-silicon. · The "sandwich" structure alleviates the volume expansion effect of silicon. · SEI film reduces the occurrence of side reactions. · C@p-Si/ESG exhibits an excellent long-term cycle stability. Silicon-based materials have a high theoretical specific capacity and a low discharge potential, whereas the significant capacity fading owing to weak conductivity and volume exfoliation effect. The co-utilization of silicon and graphite has become a feasible method for realizing high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, the C@p-Si/ESG composite anode material with "sandwich" structure was obtained by electrostatic assembly of mildly-exfoliated graphite and electrostatic modified nano silicon, and subsequent coated with amorphous carbon on the surface of the material. The carbon coating and the mildly-exfoliated graphite form a buffer space, which alleviates the volume expansion effect of silicon in the process of lithium alloying. In addition, the SEI film is generated outside the carbon layer, reducing the consumption of the electrolyte and the occurrence of side reactions. C@p-Si/ESG exhibits a high charge–discharge rate and an excellent long-term cycle stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China accounts for more than 50% of the global total cement production, the emission of pollutants in the cement industry occupies a large proportion of the industries. Some provinces have first carried out in-depth treatment of the cement industry, and the national level will also introduce an implementation plan for ultra-low emission transformation of the cement industry to promote continuous improvement of China's air quality. In this work, a pollutant emission inventory covering the full life cycle of the cement industry, including organized emission, unorganized emission and transportation, was established based on pollutant discharge permit, Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) database and field investigation. And, the emission reduction potential of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO 2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) after the implementation of ultra-low emission transformation in cement industry was evaluated. The results show that the existing dedusting, desulphurization and denitration technologies can control the concentrations of PM, SO 2 and NOx below 10 mg/m3, 35 mg/m3 and 50 mg/m3, respectively. The emission reduction potential of PM, SO 2 and NOx in cement industry is 259.54 kt, 14.98 kt and 607.04 kt, corresponding emission reduction ratio is 37%, 24% and 64%, respectively. In addition, this work reveals the spatial characteristics of pollutant emission level and emission reduction potential of the cement industry, which is conducive to the rational layout of ultra-low emission transformation, and push forward the transformation task by area and stage. [Display omitted] • The full life cycle emission inventory of China's cement industry was established. • Cleared the accessibility of treatment technology through CEMS data and field research. • The transport distance of raw materials and products was clarified by transport matrix. • The spatial characteristics of pollutant emission levels in cement industry were revealed. • The full life cycle emission reduction potential of pollutants after ULET was calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterborne epoxy (WEP) coatings with enhanced corrosion resistance were prepared using graphene oxide (GO) that was obtained from kish graphite, and amino-functionalized graphene oxide (AGO) was modified by 2-aminomalonamide. The structural characteristics of the GO and AGO were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). And the anti-corrosive performance of waterborne epoxy-cased composite coatings with different addition amounts of AGO was investigated using electrochemical measurements, pull-off adhesion tests, and salt spray tests. The results indicate that AGO15/WEP with 0.15 wt.% of AGO has the best anti-corrosive performance, and the lowest frequency impedance modulus increased from 1.03 × 108 to 1.63 × 1010 ohm·cm−2 compared to that of WEP. Furthermore, AGO15/WEP also demonstrates the minimal corrosion products or bubbles in the salt spray test for 200 h, affirming its exceptional long-term corrosion protection capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the dependency of the evaluation of the Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) rainfall product on the gauge density of a ground-based rain gauge network as well as rainfall intensity over five subregions in mainland China. High-density rain gauges (1.5 gauges per 100 km2) provide exceptional resources for ground validation of satellite rainfall estimates over this region. Eight different gauge networks were derived with contrasting gauge densities ranging from 0.04 to 4 gauges per 100 km2. The evaluation focuses on two warm seasons (April-October) during 2014 and 2015. The results show a strong dependency of the evaluation metrics for the IMERG rainfall product on gauge density and rainfall intensity. A dense rain gauge network tends to provide better evaluation metrics, which implies that previous evaluations of the IMERG rainfall product based on a relatively low-density gauge network might have underestimated its performance. The decreasing trends of probability of detection with gauge density indicate a limited ability to capture light rainfall events in the IMERG rainfall product. However, IMERG tends to overestimate (underestimate) light (heavy) rainfall events, which is a consistent feature that does not show strong dependency on gauge densities. The results provide valuable insights for the improvement of a rainfall retrieval algorithm adopted in the IMERG rainfall product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heat desorption of styrene from adsorbents is impracticable owing to its spontaneous polymerization under heating conditions. However, the feature also brings a potential promoting effect on styrene adsorption. Therefore, it is expected to develop the non-regenerative adsorbents with large adsorption capacity by strengthening the polymerization effect. In this work, C–Cl grafted silica gel adsorbents were prepared by introducing (Chloromethyl)dimethylchlorosilane (CMDMCS) and FeCl 2 into silica gel. The C–Cl grafted silica gel exhibited excellent styrene adsorption performance, its adsorption amounts for styrene were 4.67 times and 9 times of unmodified silica gel under dry air condition and high humidity condition (RH = 80%), respectively. In addition, the adsorption of styrene on C–Cl grafted silica gel was almost unaffected by the presence of toluene. The characterization of adsorbents after styrene adsorption indicated that the improvement of adsorption capacity of C–Cl grafted silica gel for styrene can be attributed to atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene molecules on modified silica gel during adsorption process. [Display omitted] • C–Cl grafted SiO 2 adsorbents were prepared by introducing CMDMCS and FeCl 2. • The adsorption capacity of SiO 2 -1.5 for styrene was 4.7 times of SiO 2. • The adsorption of styrene on C–Cl grafted SiO 2 was almost unaffected by toluene. • C–Cl grafted SiO 2 showed excellent moisture resistance for styrene adsorption. • ATRP occurred during the adsorption process of styrene on C–Cl grafted SiO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sediment is of great importance for the Lancang-Mekong River (LMR) ecosystem, providing essential ecological services for local communities. • A new index was proposed to quantify the regional sediment composition by considering riverbed deposition. • The contribution ratio of the upstream area could be overestimated without considering sediment deposition onto the riverbed. Sediment is of great importance for the Lancang-Mekong River (LMR) ecosystem, providing essential ecological services for local communities. Understanding sediment change and its driving factors are critical to the sustainable management of this large transboundary river system. Insufficient background knowledge of sediment dynamics driven by climate change and land cover change hinders our understanding of sediment change in the long term. In this study, a distributed hydrological model coupled with a sediment module was developed to address the sediment dynamics and its driving factors of the LMR basin from 1968 to 2002, i.e., the pre-dam period. A new index was also proposed to quantify the regional sediment composition by considering riverbed deposition. The major results are: 1) the leading factor influencing the suspended sediment concentration has changed over the study period, i.e., from rainfall before the 1980s to land cover change after the 1980s; 2) from 1968 to 2002, the land cover change had the greatest impact on the suspended sediment load followed by rainfall; 3) the contribution ratio of the upstream area could be overestimated without considering sediment deposition onto riverbed. The approach presented here provides additional insights into quantifying the regional sediment composition for the dynamic Lancang-Mekong River basin experiencing rapid anthropogenic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorptive removal of gas phase low concentration macromolecular organic component, represented by naphthalene, from the enclosed space using ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) has been studied by molecular simulation and experimental investigation. The simulation results indicated that both adsorption capacity and adsorption stability of the OMCs for naphthalene decreased with the increase of pore sizes from 2 nm to 8 nm. Characterizations showed that the prepared OMCs had the pore structure similar to the simulated OMCs except for the rough surface. In particular, the adsorption performance of the prepared OMCs was significantly lower than that of the simulated OMCs when pore size was 2 nm and 3 nm, which was attributed to the rough inner surface of these adsorbents, blocking the narrow pore channels and significantly reducing the pore volume. OMC with pore size of 4 nm had the highest adsorption amount for naphthalene. The co-adsorption experiments in the presence of both naphthalene and toluene, acetone or water showed the adsorption performance of OMCs for naphthalene were almost unaffected by the presence of low concentration toluene and acetone, as well as high relative humidity. [Display omitted] • Adsorption of naphthalene by OMCs were investigated by simulation and experiment. • Realistic molecular models for OMCs were constructed by "delete atom" method. • The impact of pore structure on the adsorption of naphthalene was revealed. • OMC with pore size of 4 nm has the highest adsorption capacity for naphthalene. • OMCs show excellent adsorption selectivity and good moisture resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Adsorption of toluene and naphthalene by OMS were investigated by simulation. • The adsorption selectivity of toluene and naphthalene was predicted by IAST. • The mechanism of selective adsorption was elucidated at molecular level. • Adsorbents with the desired pore size were prepared by template synthesis method. • The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation results. In order to ensure regeneration property of adsorption materials in the air pollution purification system of the airtight cabin, such as submarine and space station, it is necessary to selectively separate semi-volatile organic compounds whose desorption is difficult. For this reason, the effects of pore size on the adsorption capacity and adsorption selectivity of toluene and naphthalene were investigated by both molecular simulation and experimental investigation. The ordered porous silica-based adsorbents with pore sizes ranging from 1.0 nm to 2.8 nm were constructed by simulation and were prepared by template synthesis method in this study. Both simulation and experiment show that the adsorption capacity of toluene and naphthalene firstly increased and then decreased with the increase of the pore size of adsorbents from 1.0 nm to 2.8 nm, and the pore diameter (1.3 nm) corresponding to the maximum adsorption amount of toluene was smaller than that (2.3 nm) of naphthalene. Simulation results show that the adsorption energy and adsorption stability of naphthalene are higher than those of toluene, and binary-component co-adsorption experiments also testified that toluene molecules could be replaced by naphthalene molecules. The optimum pore size for selective adsorption of naphthalene is 2.3 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exfoliated graphite (EG) blocks are prepared from the ultra-large flakes of graphite by intercalation of H 2 SO 4 using a large amount of H 2 O 2 at 5 °C and following exfoliation at 30 °C. By the exfoliation in a closed container, EG blocks with the bulk densities of 0.008–0.024 g/cm3 are successfully prepared. The resultant EG blocks have high sorption capacities for a diesel oil, up to 45 g/g. The EG blocks after oil sorption can get certain resilience for compressive stress with high reproducibility by compression-release cycles, which allows us to apply the compression-releasing for the oil sorption-desorption of the EG blocks. The performance of cyclic oil sorption-desorption by compression-releasing of EG block is compared with those of filtration and distillation. Since the resultant EG blocks had sufficient mechanical strength, the continuous removal of oil floating on the water surface is possible, exporting oil through a catheter inserted into the block and connected to a peristaltic pump. By warming up by Joule heating, even a crude oil having high viscosity can be continuously removed from the water with sufficient rate. The high hydrophobicity and lipophilicity of EG make selective removal of oil from water possible. [Display omitted] • Self-molded EG blocks with controllable density were prepared at room temperature. • EG block possesses appropriate macropores and high oil sorption capacity. • EG block possesses well compressibility, resilience and regeneration performance. • Crude oil can be removed by Joule heating owing to electrothermal property of EG block. • EG block is expected to be used in continuous oil-water separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultralight ceramic foam materials with high porosity play an important role in increasingly hi‐tech areas due to the combinative merit of ceramic material and highly porous structure. So far, it remains challenging to fabricate alumina ceramic foams with extremely high porosity and high specific surface area that are comparable to aerogel materials by employing a low cost, eco‐friendly and convenient approach. For the first time, we propose the preparation of aerogel‐like ceramic foams with nanoscale cell wall and unprecedentedly high porosity using boehmite sol as both ceramic source and bubble interface stabilizer, based on sol nanoparticles stabilized foams using sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) as modifier. The obtained ultra‐stable sol foams allow for the achievement of bulk foams with ultrathin cell wall with thickness in the range of 30‐90 nm, super‐high porosity up to 99%, and large specific surface area of 280 m2/g, which is attributed to the well‐organized assembly of nanoparticles at the liquid/air interfaces. This novel foam material demonstrates excellent adsorption ability for polar volatile organic gases (VOCs) due to its extremely high porosity and large specific surface area. Ultralgiht cellular ceramic foams composed of uniformly assembled nanoparticles with nanoscale cell wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hierarchical porous carbon materials coupled with graphene nanosheets were prepared by simple carbonizing hybrid of auricularia and graphene oxide with the following KOH activation. It is found that the porous carbon materials prepared via hydrothermal carbonization process possess a preferable pore structure compared with that prepared via calcining carbonization process. As such, the resultant porous carbon exhibits a high surface area of 1401 m 2  g −1 with a high proportion of mesoporosity (20.6%). More importantly, when used as electrode materials for capacitive deionization (CDI), such kind of porous carbon material shows a high electrosorption capacity of 7.74 mg g −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnO 2 -based materials have been widely studied because of their high theoretical specific capacity, whereas the significant capacity fading is caused by the low reversibility conversion reaction and volume expansion. In this work, we proposed a precipitation-polymerization-thermal treatment method to construct SnO 2 -based composites by precipitation reaction of SnCl 2 with moderately exfoliated graphite (MEG), subsequent dopamine (DA) polymerization and thermal treatment to fulfill nitrogen-doped-carbon (NC) coating and part transformation of SnO 2 to Sn. Finally, we can obtain the SnO 2 /Sn/MEG@NC composites for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The conductive NC coating and MEG matrix have the function in facilitating electron transportation, restraining aggregation, and adapting to volume change of SnO 2 /Sn particles. Micron-sized Sn is broken during the cycles and forms nano-sized distribution with ultrafine SnO 2 , the hybrid SnO 2 /Sn allows highly effective reversibility conversion and alloying/de-alloying reactions upon cycles. As a result, the SnO 2 /Sn/MEG@NC electrode exhibits outstanding cycling stability (837.2 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 800 cycles), displaying outstanding performance for being LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine particular matter (PM 2.5) pollution still occurs frequently in China. Despite recognizing the importance of regional joint prevention and control (RJPC) for mitigating haze pollution, there is still a limited understanding of scheme design and effectiveness. In this study, with the Fenhe Plain in China serving as the case, the Integrated Source Apportionment Method (ISAM), incorporated into the Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System (CMAQ), was used to quantitively identify PM 2.5 sources during a typical heavy pollution episode from Jan. 20th to 25th, 2021. Informed by source apportionment, we designed and assessed multiple RJPC scenarios for eliminating heavy pollution, yielding recommended RJPC schemes. Source apportionment results revealed a substantial increase in the contribution percentage of regions within a 350-km radius during the pollution episode compared to the non-polluted period. Sulfate was predominantly contributed from long-distance transport, whereas nitrate was chiefly contributed from closer regions. Ammonium exhibited higher local contributions than nitrate from the Fenhe Plain. Moreover, Taiyuan and Linfen were identified as PM 2.5 exporters, whereas Sanmenxia, Jinzhong, and Luliang served as PM 2.5 importers, and Yuncheng acted as a comprehensive city. The proposed specific RJPC schemes aimed at eliminating heavy pollution for the Fenhe Plain emphasized the importance of controlling emissions of particulate matter, ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds in areas within an approximate 350-km radius outside the Fenhe Plain, in addition to strengthening the local emission control. Nevertheless, only through the comprehensive and in-depth implementation of emission control measures across a larger area can PM 2.5 compliance be achieved. [Display omitted] • A framework for developing regional joint prevention and control (RJPC) schemes was presented. • Typical cities of PM 2.5 export and import in the Fenhe Plain were identified. • Areas within an approximate 350-km radius notably contributed to PM 2.5 and its components. • Specific RJPC schemes were proposed to eliminate heavy haze pollution episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the ultra-low pollutant emission retrofit of the cement industry, as the third largest industry in terms of air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions in China, has become an important part of achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. In this work, the current status of pollutant emission in cement industry and the pollutant emission limit value of ultra-low emission retrofit in typical provinces were analyzed. And, the collaborative air pollutants and CO 2 emission reduction potential and cost-benefit were assessed in six types of ultra-low pollution emission retrofit scenarios. The results indicate that the emission reduction of particulate matter (PM)，sulfur dioxide (SO 2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in six scenarios are 10%–15%, 1%–5% and 26%–64%, respectively. The construction investment of 43.8 billion Yuan is needed to complete the retrofit of production lines when the pollutant emission limit value is set as 10 mg/m3, 35 mg/m3 and 50 mg/m3 for PM, SO 2 and NOx, which is 6 times of that when the pollutant emission limit value is set as 10 mg/m3, 50 mg/m3 and 100 mg/m3. However, the cost per unit equivalent of pollutant abatement of the former is only 36% of the latter. The emission reduction potential of CO 2 in six scenarios is 0.4%–0.6%, indicating that the ultra-low pollutant emission retrofit in cement kiln has limited effect on CO 2 emission reduction potential. Comprehensive analysis of emission reduction potential and cost-benefit, it is more economical and reasonable for China cement kilns to choose the path of ultra-low emission retrofit in scenario 4. • The production capacity and pollution status of cement kiln were analyzed. • Six ultra-low pollutant emission retrofit scenarios were designed. • Identified the best path of ultra-low emission retrofit in cement industry. • The ultra-low pollutant emission retrofit can reduce pollutants and CO 2 emission. • The retrofit of pollutants and CO 2 emission should be carried out simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NaVO sample has been successfully fabricated via a simple sol-gel method adding NaCO and VO powders into distilled water with citric acid to act as a chelating reagent. X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement result shows that single-phase NaVO can be obtained by our method. The differences caused by different sintering temperature exist in X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM), showing that sintering temperature has an important influence on crystal growth and grain size stabilization. When evaluated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the nanosize NaVO electrode displays a discharge and recharge capacity of 623.8 and 355.6 mAh g in the first cycle, while a reversible discharge-charge capacity of ∼250 mAh g can be retained after 30 cycles. For comparison, the electrochemical properties of microsize NaVO prepared at a higher temperature are also displayed. Furthermore, the structure change of NaVO and its Li storage mechanism upon lithiation and delithiation process are studied by ex situ XRD and TEM in below. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixing transition-metal phosphates Li 3 V 2− x Fe x (PO 4 ) 3 (0≤ x ≤2) were first designed to be a type of intercalated and deintercalated cathodes to obtain high specific capacity for safe Li-ion batteries. Since the residual oxygen in the quartz tube furnace and pellet would oxidize the V 3+ to V 4+ in the Ar ambience during the sintering process, trace amounts of acetylene black inside and outside the pellet could play a role of deoxidizer to protect V 3+ meanwhile ensure Fe 3+ not reducing to Fe 2+ . With the concerted effort of inside and outside acetylene black, monoclinic structure Li 3 V 2− x Fe x (PO 4 ) 3 (0≤ x ≤2) solid solutions had been successfully fabricated via a two-step synthesis method. X-ray diffractions with Rietveld refinement revealed that V1-sites were the preferred position when Fe 3+ ions doped into Li 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 , which means, every V1-site was occupied with the same probability by V 3+ and Fe 3+ when 0< x <1, and then for V2-site when 1< x <2. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy result showed the presence of trace amounts of acetylene black had realized the coexist of V 3+ and Fe 3+ in the Li 3 M 2 (PO 4 ) 3 framework. When evaluated as cathodes for Li-ion batteries, the pure Li 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 electrode displayed the highest charge (137.2 mAh g −1 ) and discharge (121.5 mAh g −1 ) capacities in the first cycle, with the increase of Fe 3+ content, all the charge and discharge capacities reduced drastically. Furthermore, the EIS results showed that the incorporation of the sluggish Fe 3+ ions reduced the electronic conductivity and lithium conductivity, which in turn contributed to the poor electrochemical performance. Although our results did not show Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ electrochemical activity contrary to our expectation, this preliminary study on Li 3 V 2− x Fe x (PO 4 ) 3 (0≤ x ≤2) have provided a prerequisite for further improving the electrochemical properties by nanosizing and carbon-coating to better use these mixing transition-metal phosphate cathodes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reliable assessment of the natural interactions in large river–lake systems is vital. • Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River experience reverse flow. • The lake's ecosystem and people's livelihood heavily depend on reverse flow. • Continuous observations and event-driven measurement remain a challenge. Reliable assessment of the natural interactions in large river–lake systems is vital for water supply planning, flood regulation, and ecosystem services. The existing interaction between the Mekong River (MR), Tonle Sap River (TSR), and Tonle Sap Lake (TSL) has been further complicated due to the reverse flow phenomenon (RF) beyond ongoing anthropogenic activities and climate change. While continuous observations, insufficient data, and event-driven measurement have remained a challenge for such a large basin, accurate prediction of the RF period and water level influenced would pave the way in providing effective remedies for side effects in this area for future scenarios. In this study, the RF periods were investigated employing the K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) and Ensemble Bagged Tree (EBT) classification algorithms that showed comparable results with observed periods. The predicted periods were then used to predict the daily water level at the confluence where the MR and TSR join using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) methods. Although both models yielded highly accurate water level predictions, a slightly better performance was attributed to the LSTM model. Regarding the TSR's role in the RF period, results highlighted its significant role in extending the RF period in some years, despite its much lower streamflow than the MR. The developed model could be used as a reliable machine learning (ML) framework where there is a need for highly accurate data regarding RF and water levels for TSL and its environs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arachnomelia syndrome (AS), mainly found in Brown Swiss and Simmental cattle, is a congenital lethal genetic malformation of the skeletal system. In this study, a network-based disease gene prioritization approach was implemented to rank genes in the previously reported ∼7 Mb region on chromosome 23 associated with AS in Simmental cattle. The top 6 ranked candidate genes were sequenced in four German Simmental bulls, one known AS-carrier ROMEL and a pooled sample of three known non-carriers (BOSSAG, RIFURT and HIRMER). Two suspicious mutations located in coding regions, a mis-sense mutation c.1303G>A in the bystin-like (BYSL) gene and a 2-bp deletion mutation c.1224_1225delCA in the molybdenum cofactor synthesis step 1 (MOCS1) gene were detected. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the mutation in MOCS1 was more likely to be the causative mutation. Screening the c.1224_1225delCA site in 383 individuals from 12 cattle breeds/lines, we found that only the bull ROMEL and his 12 confirmed progeny carried the mutation. Thus, our results confirm the conclusion of Buitkamp et al. that the 2-bp deletion mutation c.1224_1225delCA in exon 11 of the MOCS1 gene is causative for AS in Simmental cattle. Furthermore, a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was developed to detect the causative mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]