RSC Advances最新文献

A facile hydrothermal approach was employed to synthesize a novel Cu–ZnO/TiO₂ Z-heterojunction with a high density of defects, which was then utilized for the oxidative desulfurization process, demonstrating excellent photodegradation performance. The results showed that by adjusting components such as Cu, ZnO, and TiO₂, the removal efficiency of DBT reached 88.12% within a duration of 240 min. In the 5 repeated experiments, 7.5%Cu–ZnO/TiO₂ still exhibited high stability and could be reused. The improved photocatalytic performance of the 7.5%Cu–ZnO/TiO₂ composite can be attributed to its high light absorption capability and well-matched energy levels, which are due to the abundant presence of imperfections. The adoption of a Z-heterojunction has enabled efficient separation and transfer of photo-generated electrons and holes (e⁻/h⁺), thereby reducing the probability of charge carrier recombination.

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a prominent carcinogen. In environmental engineering, the elimination of hexavalent chromium from aqueous media is a noteworthy field of study. In this regard, nanoparticle science and technology have contributed significantly to the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI). In this review, a methodical search was undertaken to discover the most recent advancements in the field of photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) utilizing g-C₃N₄ and composites derived from it. This paper deals with the advancements and applications of g-C₃N₄ and its composites in the Cr(VI) remediation of water-borne pollutants. Different intriguing systems, suggested by various researcher groups, have been discussed. Different characterization techniques often conducted on photocatalysts based on g-C₃N₄ have also been highlighted so as to gain an understanding of the Cr(VI) removal process. Lastly, the future scope of the g-C₃N₄-derived photocatalysts, present challenges, and the viability of employing these photocatalysts in an extensive treatment plant have been discussed.

The global shift towards sustainable energy sources, necessitated by climate change concerns, has led to a critical review of biohydrogen production (BHP) processes and their potential as a solution to environmental challenges. This review evaluates the efficiency of various reactors used in BHP, focusing on operational parameters such as substrate type, pH, temperature, hydraulic retention time (HRT), and organic loading rate (OLR). The highest yield reported in batch, continuous, and membrane reactors was in the range of 29-40 L H₂/L per day at an OLR of 22-120 g/L per day, HRT of 2-3 h and acidic range of 4-6, with the temperature maintained at 37 °C. The highest yield achieved was 208.3 L H₂/L per day when sugar beet molasses was used as a substrate with Clostridium at an OLR of 850 g COD/L per day, pH of 4.4, and at 8 h HRT. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as artificial neural networks and support vector machines has emerged as a novel approach for optimizing reactor performance and predicting outcomes. These AI models help in identifying key operational parameters and their optimal ranges, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of BHP processes. The review also draws attention to the importance of life cycle and techno-economic analyses in assessing the environmental impact and economic viability of BHP, addressing potential challenges like high operating costs and energy demands during scale-up. Future research should focus on developing more efficient and cost-effective BHP systems, integrating advanced AI techniques for real-time optimization, and conducting comprehensive LCA and TEA to ensure sustainable and economically viable biohydrogen production. By addressing these areas, BHP can become a key component of the transition to sustainable energy sources, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the mitigation of environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel use.

A new series of aminodiols, aminotetraols and 1,2,3-triazoles based on allo-gibberic acid were synthesized in a stereoselective manner, starting from commercially available gibberellic acid. allo-Gibberic acid, prepared from gibberellic acid according to a literature method, was applied to SeO₂/t-BuOOH-mediated allylic oxidation, yielding the triol, which is a key intermediate. After protecting the 1,4-diol functionality as acetonide, epoxidation was performed using either m-CPBA or t-BuOOH/VO(acac)₂ to produce the epoxy alcohol. Then, the oxirane ring was opened with either primary amines to provide aminodiols or sodium azide to afford azido diols. The latter was subjected to the CuAAC reaction to obtain dihydroxy 1,2,3-triazoles. HCl-mediated acetonide deprotection of the prepared derivatives furnished aminotetraols and tetrahydroxy 1,2,3-triazoles. The antiproliferative effects of the prepared compounds were studied by the in vitro MTT method against a panel of human cancer cell lines (HeLa, SiHa, A2780, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and fibroblasts, and the structure–activity relationships for the prepared compounds were explored.

Direct magnetic writing of ferromagnetic nanoscale elements provides an alternative pathway for potential application in data storage or spintronic devices. Magnetic patterning due to local chemical disordering of Fe₆₀Al₄₀ thin films results in adjacent nanoscale regions that possess two different phases, viz. a low-magnetization and high-coercive chemically ordered phase (non-irradiated ferromagnetic area, NIFM) and a high-magnetization and low-coercive chemically disordered phase (irradiated ferromagnetic area, IMF). Depending on the volume of NIFM and IFM phases, different interaction mechanisms were revealed. It was shown that the modulated films of the coexisting magnetic phases do not lead to exchange coupling in most cases. Evidence for exchange-spring behaviour, however, was found. Moreover, both magneto-structural phases at low temperatures show spin-glass-like properties. Understanding the influence of chemical ordering on magnetic properties is crucial for the advancement of the functionalities of spintronic devices and for the development of alloys with controllable magnetic properties.

Sugar mimics are valuable tools in medicinal chemistry, offering the potential to overcome the limitations of carbohydrate inhibitors, such as poor pharmacokinetics and non-selectivity. In our continued efforts to develop heterocyclic galectin-1 inhibitors, we report the synthesis and characterization of thiazole-linked coumarin piperazine hybrids (10a–10i) as Gal-1 inhibitors. The compounds were characterized using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and HRMS. Among the synthesized molecules, four compounds demonstrated significant inhibitory activity, with more than 50% inhibition observed at a concentration of 20 μM in a Gal-1 enzyme assay. Fluorescence spectroscopy was further utilized to elucidate the binding constant for the synthesized compounds. 10g exhibited the highest affinity for Gal-1, with a binding constant (K_a) of 9.8 × 10⁴ M⁻¹. To elucidate the mode of binding, we performed extensive computational analyses with 10g, including 1.2 μs all-atom molecular dynamics simulations coupled with a robust machine learning tool. Our findings indicate that 10g binds to the carbohydrate binding site of Gal-1, with the coumarin moiety playing a key role in binding interactions. Additionally, our study underscores the limitations of relying solely on docking scores for conformational selection and highlights the critical importance of performing multiple MD replicas to gain accurate insights.

The integration of wearable devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced sensing platforms implies a significant paradigm shift in technological innovations and human interactions. The IoT technology allows continuous monitoring in real time. Thus, Internet of Wearables has made remarkable strides, especially in the field of medical monitoring. IoT-enabled wearable systems assist in early disease detection that facilitates personalized interventions and proactive healthcare management, thereby empowering individuals to take charge of their wellbeing. Until now, physical sensors have been successfully integrated into wearable devices for physical activity monitoring. However, obtaining biochemical information poses challenges in the contexts of fabrication compatibility and shorter operation lifetimes. IoT-based electrochemical wearable sensors allow real-time acquisition of data and interpretation of biomolecular information corresponding to biomarkers, viruses, bacteria and metabolites, extending the diagnostic capabilities beyond physical activity tracking. Thus, critical heath parameters such as glucose levels, blood pressure and cardiac rhythm may be monitored by these devices regardless of location and time. This work presents versatile electrochemical sensing devices across different disciplines, including but not limited to sports, safety and wellbeing by using IoT. It also discusses the detection principles for biomarkers and biofluid monitoring, and their integration into devices and advancements in sensing interfaces.

We report the development of a diglycosyldiselenide-based fluorescent probe for the rapid detection of sulfhydryl-containing biomolecules. The probe facilitates a chemoselective coupling reaction with sulfhydryl groups in aqueous buffer under ambient conditions, resulting in the formation of homogeneous Se–S conjugates within one hour. Using glutathione, a sulfhydryl-containing biomolecule, as a proof of concept, the probe achieved a detection limit of 0.75 μM based on the 3σ criterion. The method was further extended to the fluorescent labeling of cysteine-containing peptides, proteins, and living bacterial cells, showcasing the utility of Se–S covalent-directed chemistry as an analytical tool. This approach underscores the considerable potential of diglycosyldiselenide-based fluorescent probes for broader applications in biochemical research.

Perovskite-type solid electrolytes exhibit a diverse range of conductive properties due to the competition and coupling of multiple degrees of freedom. In perovskite structures, B-site and X-site ions form topological octahedral sublattices, which are instrumental in regulating transport properties for various charge carriers. However, research focused on the relationship between octahedral distortion and conductive properties in perovskite-type proton conductors remains limited. In this study, dopants such as Ge, Sn, Pr, and Ce were selected to modify the degree of BO₆ octahedral distortion in CaHf_0.9Sc_0.1O_3−δ. The relationships between conductivity, transport number, mobility, and the distortion degree were systematically investigated. The data indicate that both proton and oxygen ion mobilities initially increase with the octahedral distortion angle and then decrease, and CaHf_0.8Sn_0.1Sc_0.1O_3−δ with an octahedral distortion angle of 15.6°, exhibited the highest ionic mobilities and conductivities. The BO₆ octahedral distortion appears to limit oxide ion conduction while enhancing the proton transport number. However, excessive doping generates additional oxygen vacancies, which adversely affect proton conduction. Under the combined influence of these factors, CaHf_0.8Ce_0.1Sc_0.1O_3−δ achieved the highest proton transport number of 0.503 at 800 °C. Overall, this work provides insights into the relationship between octahedral distortion and conductive properties, suggesting that co-doping is a feasible approach for further regulating carrier mobility properties.

The study looks into how Sr₃PBr₃ and Sr₃NCl₃ double perovskite materials can be used as absorbers in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Computational Sr₃PBr₃ and Sr₃NCl₃ simulations were employed to assess the performance of each absorber together with electron transport layers (ETL), with a particular emphasis on optimizing ETL thickness to improve charge transport and synchronize current outputs. The simulations yielded valuable insights into the electronic and optical characteristics of the individual absorbers. Subsequently, a tandem simulation was performed to adjust each layer's thickness, ensuring that both devices' current outputs were aligned for maximum system efficiency. The findings revealed that the tandem configuration of Sr₃PBr₃ and Sr₃NCl₃ surpassed the performance of the individual absorber setups, attributed to the optimized ETL thicknesses that enhanced charge transport and facilitated effective current matching. This study makes a significant contribution to the design and optimization of tandem PSCs utilizing Sr₃PBr₃ and Sr₃NCl₃ absorbers, paving the way for improved overall device efficiency. We investigated three device configurations to find the optimum structure. FTO/SnS₂/Sr₃PBr₃/Ni, FTO/SnS₂/Sr₃NCl₃/Ni, and FTO/SnS₂/Sr₃PBr₃/Sr₃NCl₃/Ni are considered as Device-I, II, and III. In Device-I, the execution parameters are power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.26%, an open-circuit voltage (V_OC) of 1.23 V, a short-circuit current density (J_SC) of 24.65 mA cm⁻², and a fill factor (FF) of 87.42%. For Device-II, PCE, FF, V_OC, and J_SC are correspondingly 20.35%, 87.91%, 1.28 V, and 18.07 mA cm⁻². The further refined tandem configuration achieved a PCE of 30.32%, with a V_OC of 1.27 V, an FF of 90.14%, and a J_SC of 26.44 mA cm⁻², demonstrating the potential of this methodology in enhancing PSC performance.