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The detection of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is of great significance to reduce the loss of pig industry. A LAMP-visualization/PFC self-powered dual-mode output sensor platform was constructed to detect TGEV by combining a simple and intuitive photoelectrochromic material with a highly sensitive PFC self-powered sensing platform without external power supply. The PFC sensing substrate was constructed using CdS nanoparticles modified ZnO NRs (CdS/ZnO NRs) as the photoanode, which exhibited high photoactivity, and Prussian blue (PB) as the cathode. After LAMP reaction on the optical anode, visual signals caused by PB discolorimetry can be detected semi-quantitatively, or PFC power density electrical signals collected by electrochemical workstation can be used. The output power density value is logarithm of TGEV concentration. The linear relationship was good within the detection range of 0.075 fg/μL-7.5 ng/μL, with a detection limit of 0.025 fg/μL (S/N = 3). This multi-signal output sensing platform provides more choices for quantifying TGEV detection results, and the two methods can be mutually verified, which meets the needs of different scenarios and improves the reliability of detection. It has a good effect in the actual sample detection, without the use of expensive and complex instruments, and has a broad application prospect. [Display omitted] • Dual-mode output sensor platform for TGEV detection was constructed. • Combination of visualization/PFC self-powered sensors and nucleic acid amplification. • Simple and intuitive visual color change without external power supply. • The chip with detection limit of 0.025 fg/μL, good selectivity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outbreak of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) will cause huge economic losses to the whole pig industry. Hence, there is urgent need to develop a rapid and ultrasensitive method for detection of TGEV. As a nucleic acid detection technique, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) can achieve quantitative detection of targeted nucleic acids with high sensitivity and selectivity. Nevertheless, the signal outputs of LAMP method must be acquired by complicated instruments. In this work, we firstly developed a LAMP photochromic sensing chip for porcine TGEV detection by combination of the photochromic sensing chip and nucleic acid amplification. The detection signal was based on color change of electrochromic material rather than electrical signal, and thus the detection signal can be obtained by visualization without relying on complicated instrument. The entire test was performed with small fluorinated indium tin oxide electrodes modified with zinc oxide (ZnO) (a photocatalytic material) and Prussian blue (PB) (an electrochromic material). When photoinduced electrons produced by ZnO were injected into PB under light, the PB was reduced to Prussian white. The higher the concentration of TGEV, the more double-stranded DNA was produced after amplification. The amplified product produced greater impedance, and fewer electron was transferred, which affect the corresponding color change of PB. The sensing chip also showed highly sensitive response to TGEV, with the minimum limit of detection was determined to be 2.5 fg/μL. The sensing chip developed herein will provide a new avenue for DNA amplification detection by visualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Lattice-based kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations of a generic reaction network. • Systematic evaluation of reaction rate dependence on binding energy and lateral interaction strength. • Turnover frequencies, apparent rate orders and activation energies adjust non-linearly with interactions. • Sabatier plot is flattened and optimum catalyst location shifts with increasing binding energy. • Lattice-based rate evaluations and rate derivatives can be amenable to adsorbate ordering and finite-size effects. Lateral adsorbate interactions at catalyst surfaces are known to influence adsorption energies and reaction rates. Lattice-based kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations are able to capture these influences, but such models are typically parameterized for a specific reaction network and catalyst surface. Here we report kMC simulations to probe the influence of lateral interactions on simulated rates, rate orders, apparent activation energies, and Sabatier plots. We construct a simple, two-step reaction network involving a single adsorbate and rate-limiting diatomic dissociation, employ a generic repulsive lateral interaction model consistent with known adsorbate–adsorbate interactions on metal surfaces, and a rate model consistent with known Brønsted-Evans-Polyani relationships for diatomic dissocations. We juxtapose reaction kinetics over a wide range of reaction conditions and catalyst binding energies, as a function of interaction strength. We find that at a given zero-coverage binding energy and external conditions, adsorbate coverage decreases monotonically with increasing interaction strength, but absolute rates can vary linearly or nonlinearly. Interactions flatten the Sabatier volcano and shift the maximum towards stronger binding. Influences on apparent rate orders and activation energies are modest and are sensitive to interaction-induced adsorbate ordering. Model predictions are sensitive to lattice size effects at high coverages. The results, modelled for a simple reaction system, highlight the generic consequences of lateral interactions and guidance for identifying their signatures in observed kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Consistent DFT calculations and microkinetic modeling of ammonia oxidation on Pt, Pd and Rh. • Predicted kinetic trends on stepped surface correspond well with experiments. • Reaction flux analysis reveals that NH 3 is activated by O and OH. • Relative product formation barriers and relative coverages influence selectivities. Ammonia oxidation is the heart of the Ostwald process and is important in emissions control. Catalytic behaviors are a function of conditions and are observed to vary across the platinum group metals (PGMs) Pt, Pd, Rh. Here, we combine density functional theory computations and microkinetic modeling to rationalize these dependencies. We compute reactions over model (2 1 1) and (1 1 1) surfaces of PGMs. Binding energies are similar on Pd and Pt and generally greater on Rh, while activation energies vary across all metals. Rates on (2 1 1) surfaces are greater than (1 1 1) surfaces. The stepped Pt is most active and stepped Rh most selective to N 2 at ammonia slip conditions, while at Ostwald process conditions, stepped Pd is most active and stepped Pt most selective to NO. Degree of rate and selectivity control analysis provides insights into the reactions limiting performance of PGMs. Both activation barriers and surface coverages influence rates and selectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignant tumor in women worldwide. The persistent infection of high-risk Human Papillomavirus (hrHPV) is considered to be the primary cause of this disease. As an innate immune receptor, the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain protein-1 (NOD1) recognizes the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), subsequently initiating immune responses. NOD1 is also involved in the apoptotic signaling pathway and mutates in many cancer cells. In the study, we revealed that NOD1 expression decreased during the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia to cervical cancer and that HPV16 E6/E7 oncoproteins induced down-regulation of NOD1. Moreover, the activation of NOD1 promoted the apoptosis of HPV16-positive cervical cancer cells. The data indicated that the dysregulation of NOD1-mediated inflammation and apoptosis may contribute to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia progression and cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene-supported uranium dioxide (UO 2 ) nanocrystals are potentially important fuel materials. Here, we investigate the possibility of synthesizing graphene-supported UO 2 nanocrystals in polar ethylene glycol compounds by the polyol reduction of uranyl acetylacetone under boiling reflux, thereby enabling the use of an inexpensive graphene precursor graphene oxide into a one-pot process. We show that triethylene glycol is the most suitable solvent with an appropriate reduction potential for producing nanometer-sized UO 2 crystals compared to monoethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol. Graphene-supported UO 2 nanocrystals synthesized with triethylene glycol show evidence of heteroepitaxy, which can be beneficial for facilitating heat transfer in nuclear fuel particles. Furthermore, we show that graphene-supported UO 2 nanocrystals synthesized by polyol reduction can be readily stored in alcohols, impeding oxidation from the prevalent oxygen in air. Together, these methods provide a facile approach for preparing and storing graphene-supported UO 2 nanocrystals for further investigation and development under ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacing precious noble-metal catalysts with non-precious metal ones is a well-recognized strategy for reducing the cost of catalytic water treatment. The implementation of this strategy is, however, challenging. To reduce the cost by using non-precious metal catalysts, the reactivity ratio between non-precious and precious metal catalysts must exceed their price ratio. Here, we report for the first time that the parity condition has been surpassed for cobalt (Co), in comparison to the most active precious metal catalyst made of palladium, in the catalytic reduction of p -nitrophenol with borohydride. This is achieved by affixing Co nanoparticles on two-dimensional layered double oxide (LDO) nano disks through thermal phase transformation of cobalt-magnesium–aluminum layered double hydroxide precursors. We show that the catalytic activity of LDO–Co is a function of Co molar fraction among metal cations. The highest reactivity is achieved at a molar fraction of 28%, giving a pseudo first order rate constant of 86(±3) min −1 at 25 °C for a catalyst dose of 1 g L −1 (as Co) and an initial p -nitrophenol concentration of 0.2 mM. Compared to other Co nano-catalysts described in the literature, the LDO–Co design has improved the reactivity of cobalt by at least 49 times. We further show that the high reactivity of LDO–Co remains after repeated reuse as well as after borohydride is replaced by formate, a moderate reductant and hydrogen donor. We propose that the high reactivity and superior longevity of LDO–Co are results of the heteroepitaxial fixation of cobalt on LDO through cobalt–oxygen bonds that are similar to those in spinel cobalt oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyperus rotundus (CR) is the dry rhizome of the Cyperaceae plant Cyperus, which is widely used in food processing, such as curry, pickling spices, and baking goods, as well as medicinally after stir-frying. The level of stir-frying (slightly stir-frying, stir-frying yellow, and stir-frying black) has a direct impact on the flavor, aroma, and pharmacological effects of the food. However, the distinctions between various levels of stir-frying have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to develop a method that combines electronic tongue, electronic nose, and HS-GC-MS to elucidate the flavor and aroma differences between three types of stir-fried CR and to identify aroma difference components. As the degree of stir-frying increased, the sweet, bitter, astringent, and umami flavors of the sf-CR diminished while the aroma intensified. Among the 33 differential compounds, pyrazines, D-limonene, camphene, trans-verbenol, and ponocarvone were the most significant aroma-causing components. This method effectively differentiates the three levels of sf-CR and provides a foundation for the use of sf-CR in food processing and pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blending noble metal catalysts with inexpensive transition metals can reduce material cost in catalytic water treatment by improving the catalytic reactivity. An important challenge is, however, to synthesize a series of alloy nanoparticles with varied compositions so that the screening of catalytic reactivity can be performed rapidly for a contaminant of interest. Here, we report a facile approach for the rapid synthesis of bimetallic nanoalloys using cycle-controlled microwave-assisted polyol reduction, with an option of fixing the nanoalloys directly on graphene supports in a one-pot operation. Using Pt and Ni as the model noble and promoter metals, we show that Pt/Ni nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 2.8 to 4 nm can be readily synthesized within minutes. The surface Ni percentage of the nanoparticles are varied from 0 to 100%, which serves as a model system for nanoalloy screening. Using the model contaminant p -nitrophenol, we further show that the reactivity-composition relationship has a classic volcano shape as the Sabatier principle predicts. The highest reactivity is found with a surface Ni percentage of approximately 50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A simple dehydration-rehydration was employed to harness the nanoconfinement effect. • CFF exhibited excellent As(III) adsorption capacity, achieving an impressive 169.25 mg/g. • Column study revealed that a remarkable high bed volume over 4000 for CCF beads in removing As(III) from water. The concept of nanoconfinement holds immense promise in greatly enhancing the adsorption capacities of adsorbents. However, the translation of this potential into practical adsorbents has posed significant challenges. This study aims to explore a straightforward method for creating adsorbents with a nanoconfinement effect. Ferrihydrite nanoparticles were synthesized within a cellulose hydrogel matrix, resulting in ferrihydrite-loaded cellulose beads (FCB). Subsequently, a structural transformation of FCB was achieved through a dehydration-rehydration process, leading to a substantial size reduction and inducing irreversible alterations within the internal pore structure. This intricate metamorphosis culminates in the formation of cellulose-confined ferrihydrite (CCF) beads. The resulting CCF beads exhibit a striking increase in As(III) adsorption capacity, achieving an impressive 169.25 mg/g in comparison to the 117.26 mg/g exhibited by FCB. Rigorous column experiments confirm the real-world efficacy of CCF beads in removing As(III) from water, with a bed volume over 4000. Remarkably, the CCF beads demonstrate both good reusability and compliance with landfill disposal, as evidenced by toxicity characteristic leaching procedure testing. This study marks a significant breakthrough in adsorbent technology, offering a pragmatic route to crafting adsorbents with the coveted nanoconfinement effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Circ_0005576 remarkedly increases in cervical cancer and most cell lines. • Circ_0005576 expression significantly correlates with the clinical parameters and poor prognosis in cervical cancer. • Circ_0005576 knockdown inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation and mobility. • Circ_0005576 promotes cell mobility and proliferation through mir-153-3p/KIF20A axis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel group of noncoding RNAs characterized by a covalently closed loop. An increasing evidence suggests that deregulated circRNAs exert their essential regulatory roles in oncogenesis. However, little is explored on the biological role of novel circRNAs in cervical cancer (CC) progression. In the present study, we analyzed two GSE microarrays to screen for CC-specific circRNAs and found two circRNAs both expressed in CC cells and tissues. Among them, circ_0005576 was significantly overexpressed in both CC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, upregulated circ_0005576 was positively associated with advanced FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis, but was negatively related with overall survival of CC patients. Additionally, circ_0005576 knockdown induced a suppressed cell growth, colony formation and metastasis of HeLa and SiHa cells. Mechanistically, circ 0005576 was mainly located in the cytoplasm and served as a sponge of miR-153-3p to increase kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) expression. Rescue assays further validated the effects of circ_0005576/miR-153-3p/KIF20A axis on CC proliferation, migration and invasion. In conclusion, our research reveals a novel circ_0005576/miR-153-3p/KIF20A axis promoting CC progression, which may suggest a new insight into the pathogenesis of CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CdS hollow spheres as photoanode and Cu 2 O/CuO as photocathode materials. • Dual-photoelectrode photocatalytic fuel cell based self-powered biosensor. • In-situ loop-mediated isothermal amplification of TGEV. • No complex thermal cycles, no need for expensive instruments. • LAMP PFC-SPBs with a lower detection limit of 0.025 fg μL−1. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as a nucleic acid detection technology has many advantages than conventional polymerase chain reaction in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and equipment requirements. And combining photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) power density readout with high sensitivity, we developed a LAMP-based dual-photoelectrode photocatalytic fuel cell based self-powered biosensors (LAMP PFC-SPBs) for the ultra-sensitive detection of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). In this sensor, the specially designed primers were immobilized on the photosensitive material CdS-modified sensing substrate with a distinct electrochemical signal and amplified TGEV within 1 h. A wide detection range of the LAMP PFC-SPBs was demonstrated, ranging from 0.075 fg μL−1 to 7.5 ng μL−1, with a lower detection limit of 0.025 fg μL−1. In-situ LAMP PFC-SPBS had great merits in simplicity (no complex thermal cycles, no need for expensive instruments), sensitivity, specificity, and provides a new perspective on the combination of nucleic acid amplification and electrochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is a serious disease requiring a simple and accurate detection method. Accordingly, this study developed a novel, ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing platform using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique (LAMP-PEC). An amino (−NH 2)-modified LAMP product is obtained by amplification of the PED virus gene with specially designed primers. The generated NH 2 -modified LAMP product is assembled on the surface of an electrode by forming imine linkages between aldehyde and amino groups based on the Schiff base reaction. A stable photocurrent is provided by a CdIn 2 S 4 photoactive material, which possesses high photoelectric conversion efficiency. Amplified DNA assembled on the electrode surface increases steric hindrance and hinders electrons from moving from the electrode to electron acceptors, which decreases the photocurrent. This strategy can detect PEDV with a low detection limit of 0.3 fg μL−1 and a wide linear range of 1 × 10−3-1 × 102 pg/μL. The sensing platform has excellent specificity and sensitivity and can be used for the quantitative detection of many other pathogens with the assistance of LAMP. [Display omitted] • LAMP-PEC sensing platform was combined the LAMP technique with PEC sensing. • The photochemical performance provided a wide detection range for PEDV detection. • LAMP-PEC sensing platform possessed high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Antiplatelet therapy is widely used for the primary or secondary prevention of stroke. Drugs like clopidogrel have emerged as alternatives for traditional antiplatelet therapy, and dual therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin is of particular interest. We conducted this meta-analysis to systematically review studies about dual therapy comparing monotherapy with aspirin alone. Methods: Randomized controlled trials were searched in PubMed (1966-May, 2015), EMBASE (1947-May, 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (1948-May, 2015), WHO International Clinical Trial (ICTRP) (2004-May, 2015), China Biology Medicine disc (CBM disc) (1978-May, 2015) and were included into the final analysis according to the definite inclusion criteria mentioned in the study selection section. Risk ratio (RR) was pooled with 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous data. The heterogeneity was considered significant if the χ2 test was significant (P value < 0.10) or the I2 > 50.00%. Subgroup analyses were carried out on the long and short time periods, the race and region. Results: We included 5 studies involving 24,084 patients. A pooled analysis showed that dual therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin had a lower stroke incidence than monotherapy in both the short term and long term (RR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.59–0.82, P <0.05; RR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72–0.98, P = 0.03, respectively). With regard to safety, dual therapy had a higher risk of bleeding than monotherapy for both periods (RR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.03–2.23, P = 0.04; RR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.32–1.79, P<0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Dual therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin could be a preferable choice to prevent stroke in patients who have had a previous stroke or transient ischemic attack, as well as those who are at high risk for stroke. And the effect of dual therapy seems to be more obvious for short-term. However, it is associated with a higher risk of bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Ni 5 P 4 nanosheets exhibit crystalline@amorphous core–shell structure. • The amorphous shell renders the CA-Ni 5 P 4 @NiO x /NF electrode superhydrophilic. • CA-Ni 5 P 4 @NiO x /NF exhibits excellent activity for both UOR and HER. • DUFC with CA-Ni 5 P 4 @NiO x /NF as anode could reach as power output of 3.4 mW/cm2. The electrochemical urea oxidation (UOR) involves the generation of gases bubbles, which often cause the blockage of the electrode surface leading to decline activity. Herein, we report the growth of Ni 5 P 4 nanosheets on nickel foam as bifunctional electrode (CA-Ni 5 P 4 @NiO x /NF) for urea electrolysis. The results indicated that a thin layer of amorphous NiOx formed on the surface of Ni 5 P 4 nanosheets to yield a unique crystalline@amorphous core–shell structure, which can be maintained during long time urea electrolysis. The outstanding UOR performance of CA-Ni 5 P 4 @NiO x /NF was attributed to the unique structure, which not only combine the good conductivity and abundant active sites, but also rendered the CA-Ni 5 P 4 @NiO x /NF superhydrophilic and aerophobic that significantly facilities the release of gases bubbles formed during UOR to avoid the blockage of the active sites. As a result, the CA-Ni 5 P 4 @NiO x /NF electrode exhibited excellent performance for UOR, which only needs 1.45 V (vs. RHE) to deliver a current of 100 mA/cm2. When used as anode for direct urea fuel cell (DUFC), it could reach a maximal power density as high as 3.4 mW/cm2 with an OCV of 0.76 V. The CA-Ni 5 P 4 @NiO x /NF also exhibited excellent activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), with -0.089 V (vs. RHE) to deliver a current of 10 mA/cm2. The electrolyzer constructed with CA-Ni 5 P 4 @NiO x as both anode and cathode could run for more than 10 h at a high current load about 100 mA/cm2 without appreciable potential change, indicating the superb stability of the CA-Ni 5 P 4 @NiO x electrode. Our work provides new insights for understanding as well as the development of advanced electrode for DUFC and urea electrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • CoP/CoO x was synthesized by a reliable partial phosphidation method. • CoP/CoO x had abundant oxygen vacancies and excellent conductivity. • CoP/CoO x showed superior catalytic activity and stability. • The synergy between abundant OVs and high CTE enhanced the PMS activation. Both introducing oxygen vacancies (OVs) and enhancing charge transfer efficiency (CTE) have been proved to be effective strategies to improve the capability of the catalyst to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The OVs on catalysts can promote the CTE of the catalyst/PMS oxidation system. However, current OVs introduction methods can only lead to very limited CTE enhancement. Here, the synthesis of CoP/CoO x heterostructured nanoparticles with abundant OVs and dramatically enhanced CTE through a reliable partial phosphidation method using ZIF-67 as a precursor was reported. The excellent CTE of the CoP/CoO x /PMS oxidation system was the result of the synergy of increased OVs and introduced CoP with high conductivity. When served as Fenton-like catalyst for tetracycline (TC) degradation via activating PMS, due to the synergy between abundant OVs and high CTE, CoP/CoO x exhibited superior performance for TC removal, with the pseudo-second-order kinetic rate constant ∼ 10.3 and 77.4 times that of CoP x and Co 3 O 4 , respectively. Moreover, the cobalt leakage (0.06 mg/L) was only about 1/2 and 1/3 of that of CoP x and Co 3 O 4 , respectively. The mechanism study suggested that SO 4 •−, •OH and O 2 •− played an important role in TC degradation. The excellent catalytic performance of CoP/CoO x was attributed to its abundant OVs and high CTE to generate more active oxygen species. This work provides new insights for designing and developing efficient catalysts for wastewater treatment via Fenton-like process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of liver disease-related deaths worldwide. Unfortunately, approved medications for the treatment of this condition are quite limited. One promising candidate is the anthocyanin, Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), which has been reported to protect mice against hepatic lipid accumulation, as well as fibrosis in different animal models. However, the specific effects and mechanisms of C3G on ALD remain to be investigated. In this report, a Gao-binge mouse model of ALD was used to investigate the effects of C3G on ethanol-induced liver injury. The mechanisms of these C3G effects were assessed using AML12 hepatocytes. C3G administration ameliorated ethanol-induced liver injury by suppressing hepatic oxidative stress, as well as through reducing hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation. Mechanistically, C3G activated the AMPK pathway and enhanced mitophagy to eliminate damaged mitochondria, thus reducing mitochondria-derived reactive oxidative species in ethanol-challenged hepatocytes. The results of this study indicate that mitophagy plays a potentially important role underlying the hepatoprotective action of C3G, as demonstrated in a Gao-binge mouse model of ALD. Accordingly, C3G may serve as a promising, new therapeutic drug candidate for use in ALD. • C3G suppressed hepatic oxidative stress and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation. • C3G enhanced Parkin-mediated mitophagy. • C3G enhanced mitophagy by activating the AMPK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black phosphorus (BP) is an emerging two-dimensional semiconductor material, which has interesting structural features and broad application prospects in the fields of optoelectronic devices, energy storage, and biomedicine. However, a large amount of evidence is still needed to clarify the potential mechanism for the synthesis of high-quality BP crystals in chemical vapor transport (CVT) reactions. In this work, high-purity BP crystals were synthesized by the CVT method in an amorphous red phosphorus (aRP), Sn and I2 system. We found that the synthesis of BP experienced the three stage structural transformation of aRP–P4-Hittorf's phosphorus (HP)–BP. First, the phase transition of aRP and P4 molecules was reversible in the sublimation stage; then, the P4 molecules were gradually transformed into the HP structure in the transportation and deposition stage; however, the nucleation of BP quickly inhibited the growth of HP and completed the phase transition quickly; finally, the remaining P4 molecules were transformed into the BP structure, which promoted the growth of BP crystals. Crystallization kinetics explained the nucleation mechanism during the formation of BP, and the competitive nucleation between HP and BP provided the possibility for the bottom-up preparation of BP nanobelts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(1,2,3-triazolium) (PTAM) is a kind of self-healing adhesive based on dynamic reversible covalent 1,2,3-triazolium, which is formed through the reaction of halogenated hydrocarbon and 1,2,3-triazole and plays an important role in the properties of PTAM. Therefore, it is valuable to understand the effect of halogenated hydrocarbon crosslinkers on the properties of PTAM. A series of PTAM adhesive with different crosslinkers have been prepared. The reactivity between halogenated hydrocarbon and 1,2,3-triazole was different. Crosslinkers with longer chain, iodine substituted and aromatic structure improved the adhesive property of PTAM adhesive joints, which was up to 17 MPa. The first self-healing efficiency of PTAM adhesive joints with aliphatic bromine crosslinkers reached more than 100% and the maximum cycle times of them was more than 9 before failure. The self-healing properties of PTAMs depend on the segment motion and anti-thermal oxygen aging of PTAMs. These results provide some insights for the structural design of self-healing adhesive and dynamic covalent materials. [Display omitted] • A series of self-healing Poly(1,2,3-triazolium) (PTAM) adhesives are obtained. • Long aliphatic, iodine-substituted and aromatic halohydrocarbon enhance adhesion. • PTAM with aliphatic bromine-substituted halohydrocarbon have better self-healing. • The first self-healing efficiency of PTAM reach more than 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of accurate, reliable and low cost devices for glucose detection is one of the most important scientific and technological hotspots. In this study, we proposed a unique one-step thermal synthesis strategy to synthesize nickel (Ni) nanoparticles modified graphene (GE) sheets by using metal-oleate complex as the precursor and sodium sulfate as a template. With the assistance of sodium sulfate particles, Ni nanoparticles with particle size of about 99.2 nm were homogenously anchored on graphene nanosheets in the product. The electrochemical behavior of the nanocomposite towards enzyme-free glucose oxidation was investigated systematically by cyclic voltammetry and amperometric measurements. The results reveal that the GE/Ni nanocomposite exhibited excellent electrocatalytic response to glucose with a wide linear range of 0.01–2.5 mM, a low detection limit of 0.79 μM, and a high sensitivity of 388.4 μA mM −1 cm −2 . In addition, no significant interference was observed from potential interference species. The simple, efficient and scalable synthesis and the excellent catalytic performance endow the GE/Ni nanocomposite great potential application in enzymeless glucose detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) supported Ni nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile in-situ refluxing approach using triethylene glycol as both reductive and dispersing agent. The as-synthesized RGO/Ni nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, which revealed that Ni nanoparticles with hexagonal close-packed structure were homogeneously dispersed on the surface of RGO sheets. The catalytic activity and electrochemical properties of the RGO/Ni nanocomposites were investigated. It is found that the RGO/Ni nanocomposites exhibit markedly enhanced catalytic activity toward the reduction of p -nitrophenol by NaBH 4 , which is comparable to noble metal catalyst. The RGO/Ni nanocomposites also exhibited excellent electrocatalytic response to glucose. The linear range, detection limit and sensitivity were estimated to be 0.01–3.0 mM ( R 2 = 0.997), 2.8 μM and 535.258 μA mM −1 cm −2 , respectively. It is expected that this facile method presented here could be extended to synthesize other RGO/metal nanocomposites with various functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive testing for Microcystins-LR (MC-LR) is needed because of its serious environmental and human health hazards. In this work, a new type of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) enhanced cathodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensing platform was designed in which boron and nitrogen co-doped graphene quantum dots (BN-GQDs) were used as the luminary and bismuth nanoparticles (Bi NPs) were used as the SPR source. SPR effect of non-precious metal Bi NPs can induce and enhance ECL signal of BN-GQDs because the fluorescence spectrum of BN-GQDs overlaps well with the ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrum of Bi NPs. On this basis, a sensitive sensing system based on the Bi NPs and BN-GQDs was established for MC-LR detection. The results showed that the ECL sensing signal obtained was linear with the negative logarithm of the target MC-LR concentration in the range of 0.01–5000 pM, and the detection limit was 0.003 pM. In addition, the sensor had high stability and good reproducibility, which can be applied to the detection of MC-LR in actual samples. The method had good specificity and can not be disturbed by its homolog, which can be used for sensitive and reliable detection of complex samples. [Display omitted] • Non-precious metal Bi NPs was SPR source and BN-GQDs were the luminary. • A new SPR-enhanced ECL aptasensor for MC-LR detection was fabricated. • The construction type of "on-off" was beneficial to broaden the detection range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Large scale synthesis of GNRs/CNTs composite by methane CVD. • GNRs/CNTs composite yield was around 26 g/g catalyst. • GNRs/CNTs composite exhibited enhanced capacitance, almost four times that of CNTs. • GNRs/CNTs composite has a maximum desalination capacity of 23.43 mg/g. The composite comprised of graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibited significantly enhanced electrochemical performance due both to the improved dispersion and inhibition of restacking of graphene and CNTs. In this work, graphene nanoribbons (GNRs)/CNTs composite (GNRs/CNTs) was synthesized on gram-scale by chemical vapor deposition. Under optimal growth conditions, the yield of GNRs/CNTs as high as 26 g per gram catalyst could be achieved in 30 min growth time. The morphology and quality of the as-synthesized composite was verified by using SEM, TEM and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties of GNRs/CNTs was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge techniques. GNRs/CNTs exhibited specific capacitance of 242.3 F/g at 0.5 A g−1, which was over 4 times of that of CNTs. The GNRs/CNTs based electrodes exhibited excellent cycling stability at 1 A g−1 for over 4000 cycles, which can be attributed to the excellent electrical conductivity and the unique structure. When employed as electrode for membrane capacitive desalination, the desalination capacity of 16.46 mg g−1 has been achieved under 1.2 V with 500 mg L-1 NaCl solution as feeding water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]