Electrocatalytic activity for proton reduction by a covalent non-metal graphene-fullerene hybrid

A non-metal covalent hybrid of fullerene and graphene was synthesized in one step via fluorographene chemistry. Its electrocatalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction and durability was ascribed to intrahybrid charge-transfer phenomena, exploiting the electron-accepting properties of C-60 and the high conductivity and large surface area of graphene.Web of Science58608399839

Graphene with covalently grafted amino acid as a route toward eco-friendly and sustainable supercapacitors

Eco-friendly, electrochemically active electrode materials based on covalent graphene derivatives offer enormous potential for energy storage applications. However, covalent grafting of functional groups onto the graphene surface is challenging due to its low reactivity. Here, fluorographene chemistry was employed to graft an arginine moiety via its guanidine group homogeneously on both sides of graphene. By tuning the reaction conditions and adding a non-toxic pore-forming agent, an optimum degree of functionalization and hierarchical porosity was achieved in the material. This tripled the specific surface area and yielded a high capacitance value of approximately 390 F g(-1) at a current density of 0.25 A g(-1). The applicability of the electrode material was investigated under typical operating conditions by testing an assembled supercapacitor device for up to 30000 charging/discharging cycles, revealing capacitance retention of 82.3 %. This work enables the preparation of graphene derivatives with covalently grafted amino acids for technologically important applications, such as supercapacitor-based energy storage.Web of Science14183914390

Magnetic polaron states in photoluminescent carbon dots enable hydrogen peroxide photoproduction

Photoactivation of aspartic acid-based carbon dots (Asp-CDs) induces the generation of spin-separated species, including electron/hole (e−/h+) polarons and spin-coupled triplet states, as uniquely confirmed by the light-induced electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The relative population of the e−/h+ pairs and triplet species depends on the solvent polarity, featuring a substantial stabilization of the triplet state in a non-polar environment (benzene). The electronic properties of the photoexcited Asp-CDs emerge from their spatial organization being interpreted as multi-layer assemblies containing a hydrophobic carbonaceous core and a hydrophilic oxygen and nitrogen functionalized surface. The system properties are dissected theoreti cally by density functional theory in combination with molecular dynamics simulations on quasi-spherical assemblies of size-variant flakelike model sys tems, revealing the importance of size dependence and interlayer effects. The formation of the spin-separated states in Asp-CDs enables the photoproduc tion of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from water and water/2-propanol mixture via a water oxidation reaction.Web of Science1932art. no. 220658

Frequently asked questions about chlorophyll fluorescence, the sequel

[EN] Using chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence many aspects of the photosynthetic apparatus can be studied, both in vitro and, noninvasively, in vivo. Complementary techniques can help to interpret changes in the Chl a fluorescence kinetics. Kalaji et al. (Photosynth Res 122: 121-158, 2014a) addressed several questions about instruments, methods and applications based on Chl a fluorescence. Here, additionalChl a fluorescence-related topics are discussed again in a question and answer format. Examples are the effect of connectivity on photochemical quenching, the correction of F-V/F-M values for PSI fluorescence, the energy partitioning concept, the interpretation of the complementary area, probing the donor side of PSII, the assignment of bands of 77 K fluorescence emission spectra to fluorescence emitters, the relationship between prompt and delayed fluorescence, potential problems when sampling tree canopies, the use of fluorescence parameters in QTL studies, the use of Chl a fluorescence in biosensor applications and the application of neural network approaches for the analysis of fluorescence measurements. The answers draw on knowledge fromdifferent Chl a fluorescence analysis domains, yielding in several cases new insights.Kalaji, H.; Schansker, G.; Brestic, M.; Bussotti, F.; Calatayud, A.; Ferroni, L.; Goltsev, V.... (2017). Frequently asked questions about chlorophyll fluorescence, the sequel. 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Application of Natural (Plant) Fibers Particularly Hemp Fiber as Reinforcement in Hybrid Polymer Composites - Part I. Origin of Hemp and Its Coming into Prominence, Cultivation Statistics, and Legal Regulations

This paper presents a multi-aspect analysis of whether it is feasible and practical to process natural (plant) fibers into fabrics and mats as homogeneous or hybrid reinforcement in polymer composites for use in various industrial sectors. The current, stringent environmental rules of safe recycling and/or disposal of worn or damaged products at the end of their lifetime require new reinforcing materials to be used in polymer composites that need to meet the criteria of energy and material recycling. The paper comparatively analyzed chemical compositions of some selected (plant) natural fibers and compared their physical and chemical properties relative to commonly used synthetic (mineral and carbon) fibers. The world production of respective species of natural fibers has been presented. Industrial hemp was singled out as the possible quality reinforcement to be used in polymer composites in Poland and in Europe. The paper also provided a broader historical perspective of hemp’s importance for mankind over the past 28 thousand years. Hemp’s history and its impact on human development have been discussed. Finally, the paper compiled knowledge on industrial hemp use, agriculture, and processing as well as its current legal status in Poland and abroad

Identification of Odor Active Compounds in Physalis peruviana L.

The volatiles of cape gooseberry fruit (Physalis peruviana L.) were isolated by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), odor active compounds identified by gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC-O) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Quantitation of compounds was performed by headspace—solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) for all but one. Aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) revealed 18 odor active regions, with the highest flavor dilution values (FD = 512) noted for ethyl butanoate and 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethylfuran-3-one (furaneol). Odor activity values were determined for all 18 compounds and the highest was noted for ethyl butanoate (OAV = 504), followed by linalool, (E)-non-2-enal, (2E,6Z)-nona-2,6-dienal, hexanal, ethyl octanoate, ethyl hexanoate, butane-2,3-dione, and 2-methylpropanal. The main groups of odor active compounds in Physalis peruviana L. were esters and aldehydes. A recombinant experiment confirmed the identification and quantitative results

Problems connected with utilization of polymer composite products and waste materials Part II. “Scrapping” of composite recreational vessels in the world in the perspective of 2030

Przedstawiono narastający problem dotyczący „złomowania” małych statków i rekreacyjnych jednostek pływających wykonanych z polimerowego kompozytu konstrukcyjnego z udziałem włókien szklanych (FRP), w aspekcie rygorystycznych wymogów ochrony środowiska, możliwości technicznych i technologicznych oraz aktualnie obowiązujących i perspektywicznie opracowywanych ustaleń prawnych.The article presents a general outline of the growing problem of “scrapping” of small vessels and recreational vessels made of polymer construction composite, in the aspect of stringent environmental protection requirements regarding technical capabilities and technological conditions as well as currently applicable and prospective legal arrangements

Problems connected with utilization of polymer composite products and waste materials Part I. Production volume, utilization of composites with carbon fibres, legislative aspects, industrial recycling

Przedstawiono aktualną wielkość produkcji w Europie kompozytów polimerowych wzmocnionych włóknami szklanymi lub włóknami węglowymi z uwzględnieniem kierunków rozwoju i metod ich wytwarzania. Podano przykłady rozwiązywania narastających w ostatnich latach problemów efektywnego recyklingu kompozytów polimerowych z włóknami węglowymi. Omówiono też obowiązujące w Unii Europejskiej regulacje prawne dotyczące tej problematyki.The paper presents current production volume of polymer composites reinforced with carbon or glass fibers in Europe as well as trends in the methods of their manufacture. The ways to solve the problems connected with effective recycling of carbon fiber reinforced composites, which has become a growing challenge, as well as the existing European Community regulations in this area have been discussed

Safety assessment of graphene acid and cyanographene: Towards new carbon-based nanomedicine

Graphene oxide (GO) has been intensively studied in last decades as a promising delivery nanoplatform. Although it surpasses the pristine graphene in its hydrophilic properties, variability in GO syntheses and chemical composition, its non-specific surface properties and heterogeneity in colloidal stability hamper its commercial application in general. Reliable cytotoxicity investigation of new nanotherapeutics under relevant physiological conditions represents an indispensable first step for their potential clinical translation. In the case of delivery nanoplatforms, the vasculature represents the first encounter after intravenous application. Therefore, an evaluation of interaction with endothelial and immune cells is highly desirable. Here, we performed a first comprehensive safety assessment of emerging graphene derivatives with high potential in biomedical technologies: graphene acid (GA) and cyanographene (GCN). We utilized an easy-to-use co-culture model of matured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and a human monocyte/macrophage like cell line (THP-1) under dynamic flow conditions. An environment that has not been used yet to evaluate any graphene material. Our results demonstrate that well-defined synthesis/structure of GA and GCN overcome some drawbacks of graphene oxide (GO), the benchmark graphene derivative. Furthermore, applying a system mimicking a simplified blood vessel, both GA and GCN showed excellent biocompatibility without any indication of acute inflammation or dysfunction of endothelium. In summary, GA and GCN display so far all desirable properties to be potentially utilized in drug/gene delivery applications compared to the conventional GO.Web of Science211art. no. 11809

Factors Influencing Immune Restoration in People Living with HIV/AIDS

Introduction: Immune restoration is a key clinical aspect that is pursued in the care of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Despite effective antiretroviral treatment and undetectable viremia, immune recovery is often incomplete. Materials and methods: Data from 311 Caucasian patients were collected. SNP in CCR2(rs1799864), CX3CR1(rs3732378), HLAC-35(rs9264942), and CCR5(promoter, rs1799988); a 32bp deletion(Δ32) in CCR5; and HLA-B*5701 genotypes were correlated with clinical data and selected endpoints. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the effects of genetic factors over time. Results: For HLA-B*5701, the effect on the CD4+/CD8+ >0.8 cell ratio was lost within 48 months (HR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.04–4.03), and the effect on the CD4+ cell count >500 cells/µL was lost within 12 months (HR = 2.12, CI: 1.11–4.04). The effect of CCR2 GG on the CD4+/CD8+ >0.8 cell ratio was lost within 36 months (HR = 1.7, CI: 1.05–2.75). For CCR5 wt/Δ32, the effect on the CD4+/CD8+ >1.0 cell ratio was lost within 24 months (HR = 2.0, CI: 1.08–3.69), and the effect on the CD4+ >800 cells/µL cell count was lost within 18 months (HR = 1.98, CI: 1.14–4.73). Conclusions: Selected genetic polymorphisms, namely CCR2 GG and CCR5 Δ32, and the presence of the HLA-B*5701 allele positively influenced immune restoration in cART-treated patients with HIV/AIDS