Facile synthesis of high-performance indium nanocrystals for selective CO2-to-formate electroreduction

Selective electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to formate has received increasing interest for CO2 conversion and utilization. Yet, the CO2 reduction process still faces major challenges, partly due to the lack of cost-effective, highly active, selective and stable electrocatalysts. Here, we report a mesoporous indium (mp-In) electrocatalyst composed of nanobelts synthesized via a simple solution-based approach for selective CO2 reduction to formate. The mp-In nanocrystals provide enlarged surface areas, abundant surface active sites and edge/low-coordinated sites. Such advantages afford the mp-In with an outstanding electrocatalytic performance for the CO2-to-formate conversion. A high formate selectivity, with a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of >90% was achieved over a potential of −0.95 V to −1.1 V (vs VRHE). The mp-In catalyst showed excellent durability, reflected by the stable formate selectivity and current density over a 24 h reaction period. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the stabilization of the intermediate OCHO* on the In-plane surfaces is energetically feasible, further elucidating the origin of its enhanced CO2-to-formate activity and selectivity. This work may offer valuable insights for the facile fabrication of porous hierarchical nanostructures for electrocatalytic and selective reduction of CO2.</p

Plasma-Assisted Sustainable Nitrogen-to-Ammonia Fixation: Mixed-phase, Synergistic Processes and Mechanisms.

Ammonia plays a crucial role in industry and agriculture worldwide, but traditional industrial ammonia production methods are energy-intensive and negatively impact the environment. Ammonia synthesis using low-temperature plasma technology has gained traction in the pursuit of environment-benign and cost-effective methods for producing green ammonia. This Review discusses the recent advances in low-temperature plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis, focusing on three main routes: N2 +H2 plasma-only, N2 +H2 O plasma-only, and plasma coupled with other technologies. The reaction pathways involved in the plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis, as well as the process parameters, including the optimum catalyst types and discharge schemes, are examined. Building upon the current research status, the challenges and research opportunities in the plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis processes are outlined. The article concludes with the outlook for the future development of the plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis technology in real-life industrial applications

Low-temperature discharge plasmas in liquids assisted biomass conversion

This project contributed to the establishment of the plasma-based, sustainable, and energy-efficient biorefinery platform. By introducing in-liquid discharge plasmas and understanding plasma-liquid interactions, this thesis explored the engineering and scientific basis of using such plasmas for bioresource conversion, and developed a “plasma-assisted reforming” process for fast biomass liquefaction and selective ethanol conversion into higher-value products at near-ambient conditions

Growth and field-emission property of tungsten oxide nanotip arrays

©2005 American Institute of Physics. The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://link.aip.org/link/?APPLAB/87/223108/1DOI:10.1063/1.2136006Large-area, quasialigned nanotips of tungsten oxide have been grown by a two-step high-temperature, catalyst-free, physical evaporation deposition process. The tungsten oxide nanotips are single crystalline with growth direction of [010]. The tungsten oxide nanotips exhibit excellent field-emission properties with a low threshold field (for an emission current density of 10 mA/cm²) ~4.37 MV/m and uniform emission from the entire arrays, as well as high time stability. These results make tungsten oxide nanotip arrays a competitive candidate for field-emission displays

Atmospheric-pressure plasma treated water for seed germination and seedling growth of mung bean and its sterilization effect on mung bean sprouts

Plasma treated water (PTW), produced by atmospheric-pressure plasma treatment of water, usually contains various reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of different types of PTW on seed germination, seedling growth and microbial sterilization during the germinated mung bean processing. Results showed that air-PTW possessed outstanding abilities in improving seed germination and seedling growth with a germination index of 95.50% and a vigor index of 1146.64, and in microbial decontamination. The physicochemical properties of the PTW were analyzed to better understand the PTW stressed germination. Some physiological parameters like the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and phytohormone (indole acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA)) during germination were also evaluated. This study suggested that air-PTW treatment could indeed provide a green and effective mean of stimulating seed germination and plant growth, and thus accelerate the growth cycle. Industrial relevance Increasing the production of food by using both economical and environmentally friendly means has been deemed as an urgent matter to sustain the food demand of rapidly growing world population. The results of this study suggest that PTW presents a great opportunity to address this need by increasing seedling growth and viability. PTW treatment is an environment-friendly and low-cost mean of stimulating seed germination and plant growth, which possesses the potential of scale up or industrial applications in relevant fields

Continuous flow removal of acid fuchsine by dielectric barrier discharge plasma water bed enhanced by activated carbon adsorption

Continuous processes which allow for large amount of wastewater to be treated to meet drainage standards while reducing treatment time and energy consumption are urgently needed. In this study, a dielectric barrier discharge plasma water bed system was designed and then coupled with granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption to rapidly remove acid fuchsine (AF) with high efficiency. Effects of feeding gases, treatment time and initial concentration of AF on removal efficiency were investigated. Results showed that compared to the N2 and air plasmas treatments, O2 plasma processing was most effective for AF degradation due to the strong oxidation ability of generated activated species, especially the OH radicals. The addition of GAC significantly enhanced the removal efficiency of AF in aqueous solution and shorten the required time by 50%. The effect was attributed to the ability of porous carbon to trap and concentrate the dye, increasing the time dye molecules were exposed to the plasma discharge zone, and to enhance the production of OH radicals on/in GAC to boost the degradation of dyes by plasma as well as in situ regenerate the exhausted GAC. The study offers a new opportunity for continuous effective remediation of wastewater contaminated with organic dyes using plasma technologies. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].</p

Cosmetic reconstruction in breast cancer patients: Opportunities for nanocomposite materials

The most common malignancy in women, breast cancer remains a major medical challenge that affects the life of thousands of patients every year. With recognized benefits to body image and self-esteem, the use of synthetic mammary implants for elective cosmetic augmentation and post-mastectomy reconstruction continues to increase. Higher breast implant use leads to an increased occurrence of implant-related complications associated with implant leakage and rupture, capsular contracture, necrosis and infections, which include delayed healing, pain, poor aesthetic outcomes and the need for revision surgeries. Along with the health status of the implant recipient and the skill of the surgeon, the properties of the implant determine the likelihood of implant-related complications and, in doing so, specific patient outcomes. This paper will review the challenges associated with the use of silicone, saline and “gummy bear” implants in view of their application in patients recovering from breast cancer-related mastectomy, and investigate the opportunities presented by advanced functional nanomaterials in meeting these challenges and potentially opening new dimensions for breast reconstruction. Statement of Significance Breast cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide, which is difficult to prevent or predict, and its treatment carries long-term physiological and psychological consequences. Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction addresses the cosmetic aspect of cancer treatment. Yet, drawbacks of current implants contribute to the development of implant-associated complications, which may lead to prolonged patient care, pain and loss of function. Nanomaterials can help resolve the intrinsic biomechanical mismatch between implant and tissues, enhance mechanical properties of soft implantable materials, and provide an alternative avenue for controlled drug delivery. Here, we explore advances in the use of functionalized nanomaterials to enhance the properties of breast implants, with representative examples that highlight the utility of nanomaterials in addressing key challenges associated with breast reconstruction

Unsaturated polyester resins with low- viscosity: Preparation and mechanical properties enhancement by isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) modification

Durable unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs) with low-viscosity are essential for scaling up the production of down-streamed industrial products. Yet, lower viscosity usually means the compromise of some basic properties of cured materials such as reduced toughness and decreased heat tolerance. In this study, a series of UPRs with viscosities suitable for the vacuum infusion molding process (VIMP), a novel but promising technique for material molding at industry-scales, were successfully synthesized by simply controlling the amount of alcohol used in reactants. Isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), for the first time, was applied during the curing of the unsaturated polyester to enhance the physical performances of thus-generated UPRs. Characterizations were performed to study the changes in resin structure after modification, and the effects of the addition amount (mass fraction) of IPDI on the properties of UPRs castings were also discussed. Results showed that IPDI could enhance the mechanical properties of UPR castings by more than 30%, with the optimal performances (tensile strength, 55.95 MPa; bending strength, 120.11 MPa; tensile modulus, 3.34 GPa; flexural modulus, 2.97 GPa and Barcol hardness, 43 HBa) obtained when 9 wt% of IPDI was used. The thermal stability of the castings could also be enhanced in the presence of IPDI. Therefore, the proposed strategy may provide a simple avenue for preparing performance enhanced low-viscosity UPRs to meet industrial requirements.</p