Microneedle (MNs) patches are a minimally invasive transdermal drug delivery platform that address poor skin permeability of conventional patches for high-molecular-weight drugs (>500 Da) and improve patient compliance, particularly for individuals with trypanophobia.
In this study, cellulose-based aerogel MNs were fabricated by combining microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and bacterial cellulose (BC) in a 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‑7-ene (DBU)/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/CO₂ system, followed by ethanol-assisted coagulation and supercritical CO₂ drying (SCD). The optimized 8:2 MCC:BC formulation achieved a Young’s modulus of 210 ± 12 MPa, maintained well-defined needle geometry, and achieved 85–88 % porosity. Supercritical CO₂ drying (SCD) produced highly porous MNs with uniform tips and interconnected pores, reducing swelling by 60 % compared with freeze-drying and enhancing insertion efficiency. These results demonstrate that cellulose-based aerogel MNs provide a sustainable, mechanically robust, and patient-friendly platform for controlled transdermal drug delivery.
{"title":"Cellulose-based aerogels for microneedle patch applications","authors":"Chien-Sheng Tseng, Zi-Xian Lu, Wei Ting Lu, Yi-Chen Li, Shu-Yii Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2026.106617","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2026.106617","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microneedle (MNs) patches are a minimally invasive transdermal drug delivery platform that address poor skin permeability of conventional patches for high-molecular-weight drugs (>500 Da) and improve patient compliance, particularly for individuals with trypanophobia.</div><div>In this study, cellulose-based aerogel MNs were fabricated by combining microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and bacterial cellulose (BC) in a 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‑7-ene (DBU)/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/CO₂ system, followed by ethanol-assisted coagulation and supercritical CO₂ drying (SCD). The optimized 8:2 MCC:BC formulation achieved a Young’s modulus of 210 ± 12 MPa, maintained well-defined needle geometry, and achieved 85–88 % porosity. Supercritical CO₂ drying (SCD) produced highly porous MNs with uniform tips and interconnected pores, reducing swelling by 60 % compared with freeze-drying and enhancing insertion efficiency. These results demonstrate that cellulose-based aerogel MNs provide a sustainable, mechanically robust, and patient-friendly platform for controlled transdermal drug delivery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 106617"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145974253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2026.106651
Jia-Le Guo , Ya-Ping Wen , Xiao-Peng Xuan
Solar interface evaporation is a promising approach to sustainable freshwater generation. In this study, we synthesized Fe₃O₄/CNTs/CS ternary nanocomposites via a facile two-step hydrothermal process. The resulting hierarchical architecture, which integrates carbon nanotubes (20 nm), Fe3O4 nanospheres (50 nm), and carbon spheres (1000 nm), endows the material with abundant micropores and nanopores that facilitate efficient water transport and prevent salt crystallization. The composite material, after hydrophobic treatment, demonstrates stable flotation on the water surface, enabling efficient interfacial solar-driven seawater evaporation with a photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 94%. Moreover, this material is not only magnetically recyclable but also capable of purifying water contaminated with heavy metal ions and organic pollutants, producing water that meets the World Health Organization drinking water standards. With its high efficiency, salt resistance and portability, this integrated material holds great potential for the development of practical solar purification systems
{"title":"A kind of ternary composites as an interfacial evaporator for high-efficiency solar vapor generation","authors":"Jia-Le Guo , Ya-Ping Wen , Xiao-Peng Xuan","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2026.106651","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2026.106651","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Solar interface evaporation is a promising approach to sustainable freshwater generation. In this study, we synthesized Fe₃O₄/CNTs/CS ternary nanocomposites <em>via</em> a facile two-step hydrothermal process. The resulting hierarchical architecture, which integrates carbon nanotubes (20 nm), Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanospheres (50 nm), and carbon spheres (1000 nm), endows the material with abundant micropores and nanopores that facilitate efficient water transport and prevent salt crystallization. The composite material, after hydrophobic treatment, demonstrates stable flotation on the water surface, enabling efficient interfacial solar-driven seawater evaporation with a photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 94%. Moreover, this material is not only magnetically recyclable but also capable of purifying water contaminated with heavy metal ions and organic pollutants, producing water that meets the World Health Organization drinking water standards. With its high efficiency, salt resistance and portability, this integrated material holds great potential for the development of practical solar purification systems</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 106651"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106607
Guangyan Tian , Zhongdan Shi , Rongyu Xiang , Han Lu , Yan Li , Xiaoyan Li
Background
Mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), are highly toxic water contaminants that pose serious risks to ecosystems and human health. Conventional adsorbents are often limited by their simple structure and insufficient active sites, resulting in inefficient removal.
Methods
Hierarchically nanostructured adsorbents were synthesized via a hydrothermal approach using a clay mineral–metal silicate coupling strategy. Palygorskite (Pal) and montmorillonite (Mmt) were used as templates to release Si–OH groups, enabling the in-situ growth of magnesium silicate nanosheets. This process yielded composite architectures combining original clay nanostructures with secondary silicate nanochannels. The materials were thoroughly characterized, and adsorption mechanisms were investigated using FT-IR and XPS.
Significant Findings
The Pal-derived adsorbent (NRSN) featured one-dimensional (1D) nanorods with secondary nanosheets, while the Mmt-derived adsorbent (NCSN) showed two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets with secondary nanostructures. Both materials exhibited high specific surface areas and abundant active sites (Si–O–Mg, Mg–OH, Si–OH). They demonstrated exceptional AFB1 adsorption capacities, with NRSN reaching 19.40 mg/g and NCSN achieving 24.99 mg/g. The adsorption was governed primarily by electron donor–acceptor interactions and hydrogen bonding.
The application prospects
This research is expected to provide new material design principles for efficient removal of highly toxic and environmentally persistent pollutants while offering fresh perspectives for high-value utilization of clay minerals.
{"title":"Hierarchical nanomaterials based on clay-metal silicate coupling strategy for highly efficient removal of aflatoxin B1","authors":"Guangyan Tian , Zhongdan Shi , Rongyu Xiang , Han Lu , Yan Li , Xiaoyan Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106607","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106607","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin B<sub>1</sub> (AFB<sub>1</sub>), are highly toxic water contaminants that pose serious risks to ecosystems and human health. Conventional adsorbents are often limited by their simple structure and insufficient active sites, resulting in inefficient removal.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Hierarchically nanostructured adsorbents were synthesized via a hydrothermal approach using a clay mineral–metal silicate coupling strategy. Palygorskite (Pal) and montmorillonite (Mmt) were used as templates to release Si–OH groups, enabling the in-situ growth of magnesium silicate nanosheets. This process yielded composite architectures combining original clay nanostructures with secondary silicate nanochannels. The materials were thoroughly characterized, and adsorption mechanisms were investigated using FT-IR and XPS.</div></div><div><h3>Significant Findings</h3><div>The Pal-derived adsorbent (NRSN) featured one-dimensional (1D) nanorods with secondary nanosheets, while the Mmt-derived adsorbent (NCSN) showed two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets with secondary nanostructures. Both materials exhibited high specific surface areas and abundant active sites (Si–O–Mg, Mg–OH, Si–OH). They demonstrated exceptional AFB<sub>1</sub> adsorption capacities, with NRSN reaching 19.40 mg/g and NCSN achieving 24.99 mg/g. The adsorption was governed primarily by electron donor–acceptor interactions and hydrogen bonding.</div></div><div><h3>The application prospects</h3><div>This research is expected to provide new material design principles for efficient removal of highly toxic and environmentally persistent pollutants while offering fresh perspectives for high-value utilization of clay minerals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 106607"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study examines the vertically aligned Y2O3-doped ZnO-C-N nanorods with a nickel foam electrode as the anode for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs). Y2O3-doped ZnO-C-N nanorods have not been used for the water electrolysis application.
Methods
The Y₂O₃-doped ZnO-C-N nanomaterials were synthesized using a sol-gel method. Subsequently, the electrode materials were fabricated via the slurry coating technique for AEMWEs applications.
Significant findings
Through various characterization techniques, the Y2O3-doped ZnO-C-N nanorods with the nickel foam electrode demonstrated superior OER activity compared to the ZnO-C-N nanoflower with the same electrode, exhibiting a higher current density. SEM analysis confirms the nanoflower and nanorod structures of ZnO-C-N and Y2O3-doped ZnO-C-N, respectively. XRD analysis verified the presence of a hexagonal wurtzite structure and a cubic structure of ZnO and Y2O3, respectively, in all synthesized samples. Additionally, an investigation into the effects of Y2O3 impurities in ZnO-C-N on electrochemical properties revealed their influence on OER performance with lower overpotential (380 mV at 10 mA cm-2) and Tafel slope of 94.35 mV/dec. The enhanced electrochemical performance can be attributed to the vertically aligned nanorod microstructure, which facilitates electron transport and ion diffusion during repeated charge/discharge cycles. This study underscores the importance of hydrogen generation and highlights the role of AEMs utilizing non-noble metal catalysts at reduced costs.
本研究以泡沫镍电极为阳极，在阴离子交换膜水电解槽（AEMWEs）中研究了垂直排列的y2o3掺杂ZnO-C-N纳米棒的析氧反应（OER）。掺杂y2o3的ZnO-C-N纳米棒尚未用于水电解。方法采用溶胶-凝胶法制备Y₂O₃掺杂ZnO-C-N纳米材料。随后，通过浆液涂层技术制备了用于AEMWEs的电极材料。通过各种表征技术，与具有相同电极的ZnO-C-N纳米花相比，带有镍泡沫电极的掺杂y2o3的ZnO-C-N纳米棒表现出更好的OER活性，表现出更高的电流密度。SEM分析证实了ZnO-C-N和y2o3掺杂ZnO-C-N的纳米花和纳米棒结构。XRD分析证实，所有合成样品中ZnO和Y2O3分别存在六方纤锌矿结构和立方结构。此外，研究了ZnO-C-N中Y2O3杂质对电化学性能的影响，发现其对过电位（10 mA cm-2时380 mV）和Tafel斜率（94.35 mV/dec）较低的OER性能有影响。垂直排列的纳米棒结构有助于在重复充放电循环中促进电子传递和离子扩散，从而增强了电化学性能。这项研究强调了制氢的重要性，并强调了以较低成本利用非贵金属催化剂的AEMs的作用。
{"title":"Y2O3-doped ZnO-C-N nanorods as effective catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers","authors":"Suganthi Nachimuthu , S. Thangavel , Yong-Song Chen , Karthik Kannan","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106600","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106600","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study examines the vertically aligned Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-doped ZnO-C-N nanorods with a nickel foam electrode as the anode for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs). Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-doped ZnO-C-N nanorods have not been used for the water electrolysis application.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The Y₂O₃-doped ZnO-C-N nanomaterials were synthesized using a sol-gel method. Subsequently, the electrode materials were fabricated via the slurry coating technique for AEMWEs applications.</div></div><div><h3>Significant findings</h3><div>Through various characterization techniques, the Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-doped ZnO-C-N nanorods with the nickel foam electrode demonstrated superior OER activity compared to the ZnO-C-N nanoflower with the same electrode, exhibiting a higher current density. SEM analysis confirms the nanoflower and nanorod structures of ZnO-C-N and Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-doped ZnO-C-N, respectively. XRD analysis verified the presence of a hexagonal wurtzite structure and a cubic structure of ZnO and Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, respectively, in all synthesized samples. Additionally, an investigation into the effects of Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> impurities in ZnO-C-N on electrochemical properties revealed their influence on OER performance with lower overpotential (380 mV at 10 mA cm<sup>-2</sup>) and Tafel slope of 94.35 mV/dec. The enhanced electrochemical performance can be attributed to the vertically aligned nanorod microstructure, which facilitates electron transport and ion diffusion during repeated charge/discharge cycles. This study underscores the importance of hydrogen generation and highlights the role of AEMs utilizing non-noble metal catalysts at reduced costs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 106600"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2026.106653
Hsiang-Sheng Wei , Hsu Tsou , Hao-Yu Ku , Yi-Hung Hsuan , Kai‐Yu Tseng , Chi-Chang Hu
Background
During the electroplating of nanotwinned copper (nt-Cu), a transition layer with a non-negligible thickness is often formed. This commonly deteriorates the regularity of the Cu foil and consequently weakens its mechanical strength and electromigration resistance.
Methods
To address this issue, we introduce a two-step electroplating strategy where a thin (111)-oriented Cu seed layer is first deposited at a low current density (10 mA cm−2, ca. 0.1 µm). Then, it is followed by the high-rate nt-Cu growth in the same plating solution, which is a practically acceptable way.
Significant findings
The thin (111)-oriented Cu seed layer electroplated in the same bath prior to the main nt-Cu deposition effectively reduces the transition-layer thickness from ca. 2.6 μm to 1.22 μm and slightly decreases the average twin spacing (from 49.3 nm to 43.6 nm) of nt-Cu. This reveals an improvement in the microstructural quality of the subsequent deposit, potentially benefiting the electromigration resistance in the semiconductor interconnects and the mechanical strength of the negative electrode current collector of Li-ion batteries. However, the seed layer also slightly increases the surface roughness resulting from the formation of surface hillocks, probably detrimental to the electromigration performance.
在纳米孪晶铜（nt-Cu）的电镀过程中，通常会形成厚度不可忽略的过渡层。这通常会破坏铜箔的规整性，从而削弱其机械强度和抗电迁移性。为了解决这个问题，我们引入了一种两步电镀策略，首先在低电流密度（10 mA cm - 2，约0.1µm）下沉积一层薄的（111）取向铜种子层。然后，在相同的镀液中进行高速率的nt-Cu生长，这是一种实际可接受的方式。结果表明：在主沉积前，在同一镀液中电镀薄（111）取向Cu种子层，有效地将过渡层厚度从2.6 μm减小到1.22 μm，并使nt-Cu的平均孪晶间距从49.3 nm减小到43.6 nm。这表明了后续沉积的微观结构质量的改善，潜在地有利于半导体互连中的电迁移电阻和锂离子电池负极集流器的机械强度。然而，种子层也会轻微增加表面粗糙度，导致表面丘状的形成，这可能不利于电迁移性能。
{"title":"Influences of an electrodeposited copper seed layer on the microstructures and surface characteristics of the (111)-oriented nanotwinned copper foils","authors":"Hsiang-Sheng Wei , Hsu Tsou , Hao-Yu Ku , Yi-Hung Hsuan , Kai‐Yu Tseng , Chi-Chang Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2026.106653","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2026.106653","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>During the electroplating of nanotwinned copper (nt-Cu), a transition layer with a non-negligible thickness is often formed. This commonly deteriorates the regularity of the Cu foil and consequently weakens its mechanical strength and electromigration resistance.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>To address this issue, we introduce a two-step electroplating strategy where a thin (111)-oriented Cu seed layer is first deposited at a low current density (10 mA cm<sup>−2</sup>, ca. 0.1 µm). Then, it is followed by the high-rate nt-Cu growth in the same plating solution, which is a practically acceptable way.</div></div><div><h3>Significant findings</h3><div>The thin (111)-oriented Cu seed layer electroplated in the same bath prior to the main nt-Cu deposition effectively reduces the transition-layer thickness from ca. 2.6 μm to 1.22 μm and slightly decreases the average twin spacing (from 49.3 nm to 43.6 nm) of nt-Cu. This reveals an improvement in the microstructural quality of the subsequent deposit, potentially benefiting the electromigration resistance in the semiconductor interconnects and the mechanical strength of the negative electrode current collector of Li-ion batteries. However, the seed layer also slightly increases the surface roughness resulting from the formation of surface hillocks, probably detrimental to the electromigration performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 106653"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106594
D S Divyadharshini , S. Aparna , Nitish Kumar , G. Arthanareeswaran , R.V. Mangalaraja
Background
Antibiotic contaminants in wastewater have emerged as a critical environmental concern due to their persistence and ability to promote antimicrobial resistance in natural microbial communities. Among advanced treatment strategies, photocatalytic degradation offers a solution by breaking them into harmless byproducts, though challenges like poor stability and catalyst recovery remain
Methods
This study explores the UV-driven photocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin using polyethersulfone (PES) membranes blended with N,S-doped graphene quantum dots (N,S-GQDs) prepared via phase inversion. The membranes were characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD, AFM, and tensile strength analysis and photocatalytic performance was further evaluated to assess their degradation efficiency.
Significant Findings
The quantum dots incorporated membrane exhibited a reduced water contact angle of 47.7°, indicating enhanced hydrophilicity and water flux. DRS analysis revealed that incorporating N,S-GQDs effectively reduce the bandgap and enhanced its overall optical activity. The superior performance of N,S-GQDs is attributed to their structural properties, which facilitate efficient interaction between the photocatalyst and pollutants. Amoxicillin degradation was systematically evaluated under varying pH [3–11], catalyst loading, and cycle numbers, with maximum efficiency achieved at pH 11. The hybrid membrane showed a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 78% after AMX treatment, confirming its enhanced antifouling capability compared to pristine PES.
{"title":"Hybridization of nanofiltration and photocatalysis via functionalized graphene quantum dot-blended membranes for the degradation and removal of amoxicillin","authors":"D S Divyadharshini , S. Aparna , Nitish Kumar , G. Arthanareeswaran , R.V. Mangalaraja","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106594","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106594","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Antibiotic contaminants in wastewater have emerged as a critical environmental concern due to their persistence and ability to promote antimicrobial resistance in natural microbial communities. Among advanced treatment strategies, photocatalytic degradation offers a solution by breaking them into harmless byproducts, though challenges like poor stability and catalyst recovery remain</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study explores the UV-driven photocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin using polyethersulfone (PES) membranes blended with N,S-doped graphene quantum dots (N,S-GQDs) prepared via phase inversion. The membranes were characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD, AFM, and tensile strength analysis and photocatalytic performance was further evaluated to assess their degradation efficiency.</div></div><div><h3>Significant Findings</h3><div>The quantum dots incorporated membrane exhibited a reduced water contact angle of 47.7°, indicating enhanced hydrophilicity and water flux. DRS analysis revealed that incorporating N,S-GQDs effectively reduce the bandgap and enhanced its overall optical activity. The superior performance of N,S-GQDs is attributed to their structural properties, which facilitate efficient interaction between the photocatalyst and pollutants. Amoxicillin degradation was systematically evaluated under varying pH [3–11], catalyst loading, and cycle numbers, with maximum efficiency achieved at pH 11. The hybrid membrane showed a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 78% after AMX treatment, confirming its enhanced antifouling capability compared to pristine PES.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 106594"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Electrocatalytic urea splitting can not only generate H2 but also purify wastewater containing urea, so it is a win-win situation. However, developing efficient and stable catalysts for urea splitting is also full of challenges.
Methods
NiS2/FeS/MoS2@NF catalyst is prepared by taking hydroxide precursor as the starting point for the first time. The composition and surface properties of the material were characterized by XRD, SEM and XPS. The electrochemical performance of the material is characterized by linear sweep voltammetry, impedance, etc.
Significant Findings
In 1 M KOH + 0.5 M urea solution, NiS2/FeS/MoS2@NF catalyst had superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance and its overpotential is only 51 mV at 10 mA cm−2, which is one of the most promising electrochemical performance reported to date. This NiS2/FeS/MoS2@NF material also exhibited the best urea oxidation electrocatalytic activity (potential of 1.38 V@ 10 mA cm−2) compared to other controlled samples. At the same time, NiS2/FeS/MoS2@NF, as a bi-functional catalyst, showed excellent urea splitting performance in urea solution and this potential is only 1.30 V, which is comparable to the best electrocatalytic activity reported for now. The increased activity of this material is attributed to the establishment of multiple polyphase interfaces and the synergistic effect of multiple components. According to the density functional theory (DFT) analysis, FeS presents a small Gibbs free energy for H, which better promotes the occurrence of HER.
电催化尿素裂解既能生成氢气，又能净化含尿素废水，是一种双赢的方法。然而，开发高效、稳定的尿素裂解催化剂也充满了挑战。方法首次以氢氧前驱体为起始点制备snis2 /FeS/MoS2@NF催化剂。采用XRD、SEM和XPS表征了材料的组成和表面性能。结果表明：在1 M KOH + 0.5 M尿素溶液中，NiS2/FeS/MoS2@NF催化剂具有优异的析氢反应（HER）性能，在10 mA cm−2下过电位仅为51 mV，是目前报道的最有前途的电化学性能之一。与其他对照样品相比，NiS2/FeS/MoS2@NF材料也表现出最佳的尿素氧化电催化活性（电位为1.38 V@ 10 mA cm−2）。同时，NiS2/FeS/MoS2@NF作为双功能催化剂，在尿素溶液中表现出优异的尿素裂解性能，其电势仅为1.30 V，与目前报道的最佳电催化活性相当。该材料活性的提高是由于多个多相界面的建立和多个组分的协同作用。根据密度泛函理论（DFT）分析，FeS对H呈现较小的吉布斯自由能，更有利于HER的发生。
{"title":"The NiS2/FeS/MoS2@NF as an efficient bifunctional electrode for urea assisted water splitting","authors":"Xiang Zhao , Huipeng Zhao , Xiaoqiang Du , Xiaoshuang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2026.106649","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2026.106649","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Electrocatalytic urea splitting can not only generate H<sub>2</sub> but also purify wastewater containing urea, so it is a win-w<em>in situ</em>ation. However, developing efficient and stable catalysts for urea splitting is also full of challenges.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>NiS<sub>2</sub>/FeS/MoS<sub>2</sub>@NF catalyst is prepared by taking hydroxide precursor as the starting point for the first time. The composition and surface properties of the material were characterized by XRD, SEM and XPS. The electrochemical performance of the material is characterized by linear sweep voltammetry, impedance, etc.</div></div><div><h3>Significant Findings</h3><div>In 1 M KOH + 0.5 M urea solution, NiS<sub>2</sub>/FeS/MoS<sub>2</sub>@NF catalyst had superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance and its overpotential is only 51 mV at 10 mA cm<sup>−2</sup>, which is one of the most promising electrochemical performance reported to date. This NiS<sub>2</sub>/FeS/MoS<sub>2</sub>@NF material also exhibited the best urea oxidation electrocatalytic activity (potential of 1.38 V@ 10 mA cm<sup>−2</sup>) compared to other controlled samples. At the same time, NiS<sub>2</sub>/FeS/MoS<sub>2</sub>@NF, as a bi-functional catalyst, showed excellent urea splitting performance in urea solution and this potential is only 1.30 V, which is comparable to the best electrocatalytic activity reported for now. The increased activity of this material is attributed to the establishment of multiple polyphase interfaces and the synergistic effect of multiple components. According to the density functional theory (DFT) analysis, FeS presents a small Gibbs free energy for H, which better promotes the occurrence of HER.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 106649"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xanthine (XA) is an important biomarker for metabolic disorders and serves as a key indicator in fish meat during storage and transportation. However, accurate electrochemical detection of XA is often hampered by interference from structurally similar purine compounds and the sluggish electron-transfer kinetics of conventional electrodes. Overcoming these limitations requires the development of electrode systems with high electrical conductivity, large active surface area, and enhanced selective recognition capability.
Methods
A sustainable sensing platform was developed by integrating flower-like praseodymium molybdate (PrM) nanostructures with pistachio shell-derived activated carbon (Pv-AC) through a simple hydrothermal–calcination route. The conductive bio-derived carbon significantly enhanced the electroactive surface area and charge-transfer efficiency of the PrM matrix, thereby facilitating rapid XA oxidation. The Structural integrity, hierarchical morphology, and elemental composition of PrM@Pv-AC composite were confirmed by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis. When immobilized onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), the composite formed a stable, highly active electrochemical interface.
Significant findings
The PrM@Pv-AC/GCE sensor enabled sensitive and selective XA detection using differential pulse voltammetry, exhibiting two linear ranges (1–55 μM and 65–605 μM), a low detection limit of 0.0174 μM, and a sensitivity of 0.427 μA μM-1 cm-2. The sensor also demonstrated excellent stability, reproducibility, and strong anti-interference capability. Real-sample validation in human biofluids and fish meat extracts confirmed excellent recovery, highlighting its biomedical and food monitoring potential.
{"title":"Bio-carbon anchored praseodymium molybdate microflowers for sensitive detection of xanthine in biofluids and fish meat","authors":"Krishnan Muthusamy , Richard Mariadasse , Rajini Murugesan , Karkuzhali Rajendran , Muthusankar Ganesan , Rajesh Madhuvilakku , Shakkthivel Piraman , Gopu Gopalakrishnan , Guo-Ping Chang-Chien","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2026.106641","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2026.106641","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Xanthine (XA) is an important biomarker for metabolic disorders and serves as a key indicator in fish meat during storage and transportation. However, accurate electrochemical detection of XA is often hampered by interference from structurally similar purine compounds and the sluggish electron-transfer kinetics of conventional electrodes. Overcoming these limitations requires the development of electrode systems with high electrical conductivity, large active surface area, and enhanced selective recognition capability.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A sustainable sensing platform was developed by integrating flower-like praseodymium molybdate (PrM) nanostructures with pistachio shell-derived activated carbon (Pv-AC) through a simple hydrothermal–calcination route. The conductive bio-derived carbon significantly enhanced the electroactive surface area and charge-transfer efficiency of the PrM matrix, thereby facilitating rapid XA oxidation. The Structural integrity, hierarchical morphology, and elemental composition of PrM@Pv-AC composite were confirmed by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis. When immobilized onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), the composite formed a stable, highly active electrochemical interface.</div></div><div><h3>Significant findings</h3><div>The PrM@Pv-AC/GCE sensor enabled sensitive and selective XA detection using differential pulse voltammetry, exhibiting two linear ranges (1–55 μM and 65–605 μM), a low detection limit of 0.0174 μM, and a sensitivity of 0.427 μA μM<sup>-1</sup> cm<sup>-2</sup>. The sensor also demonstrated excellent stability, reproducibility, and strong anti-interference capability. Real-sample validation in human biofluids and fish meat extracts confirmed excellent recovery, highlighting its biomedical and food monitoring potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 106641"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-06-01Epub Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106612
Jiang Liu , Min Zhang , Juan Shi , Hongcheng Shan , Hanyun Liu , Linjun Shao , Shufeng Zuo , Peng Yang
Background
: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene and chlorobenzene pose serious environmental and health risks. Nb-Fe-based catalysts represent an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional materials due to their low toxicity, natural abundance, and exceptional resistance to chlorine and sulfur poisoning. These non-precious metal catalysts exhibit tunable redox properties and strong potential for sustainable VOCs combustion.
Methods
: A series of Nb2O5-Fe2O3−MOx (M=multiple metals or Si) catalysts with uniform molar ratio (Nb/Fe/M = 1/2/1) were synthesized by sol-gel method. Their performance was evaluated in the simultaneous catalytic combustion of a toluene/chlorobenzene mixture (500 ppmv each). The physicochemical properties of catalysts were systematically characterized to correlate structure with activity.
Significant Findings
: The NbFeCe catalyst achieved 86 % chlorobenzene conversion and complete toluene mineralization at 300 °C and GHSV=15,000 h-1, with high CO2 selectivity (85 %) and excellent 20-hour stability. The interface between FeNbO4 and CeO2 promoted oxygen vacancy formation, enhanced oxygen mobility and facilitated redox cycling, underpinning its superior activity. It demonstrates great potential as an efficient and environmentally benign catalyst for complex VOCs purification.
{"title":"Transition metal, rare earth and nonmetal Si modification to engineer efficient and durable Nb2O5-Fe2O3-MOx mixed oxides for catalytic combustion toluene and chlorobenzene","authors":"Jiang Liu , Min Zhang , Juan Shi , Hongcheng Shan , Hanyun Liu , Linjun Shao , Shufeng Zuo , Peng Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106612","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106612","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>:</em> Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene and chlorobenzene pose serious environmental and health risks. Nb-Fe-based catalysts represent an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional materials due to their low toxicity, natural abundance, and exceptional resistance to chlorine and sulfur poisoning. These non-precious metal catalysts exhibit tunable redox properties and strong potential for sustainable VOCs combustion.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><em>:</em> A series of Nb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>−MO<sub>x</sub> (<em>M</em>=multiple metals or Si) catalysts with uniform molar ratio (Nb/Fe/<em>M</em> = 1/2/1) were synthesized by sol-gel method. Their performance was evaluated in the simultaneous catalytic combustion of a toluene/chlorobenzene mixture (500 ppmv each). The physicochemical properties of catalysts were systematically characterized to correlate structure with activity.</div></div><div><h3>Significant Findings</h3><div><em>:</em> The NbFeCe catalyst achieved 86 % chlorobenzene conversion and complete toluene mineralization at 300 °C and GHSV=15,000 h<sup>-1</sup>, with high CO<sub>2</sub> selectivity (85 %) and excellent 20-hour stability. The interface between FeNbO<sub>4</sub> and CeO<sub>2</sub> promoted oxygen vacancy formation, enhanced oxygen mobility and facilitated redox cycling, underpinning its superior activity. It demonstrates great potential as an efficient and environmentally benign catalyst for complex VOCs purification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 106612"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145870780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gas–liquid transfer of inorganic carbon (Ci) often limits the efficiency of CO₂ capture and utilization in microalgal photobioreactors, particularly under sub-saturating CO₂ conditions. Enhancing interfacial carbon availability without increasing system complexity remains a major challenge for achieving high-rate and scalable phototrophic CO₂ bioconversion.
Methods
Here, we propose a process-integrated strategy employing a metal–organic framework (MOF), MIL-100(Fe), as a dispersed, transient additive to enhance Ci availability during Chlorella sorokiniana cultivation. Four algal strains were evaluated to assess strain-dependent responses. The effects of CO₂ concentration, aeration rate, and MIL-100(Fe) dosage were systematically investigated under continuous CO₂ sparging.
Significant findings
Among the tested strains, SU1 exhibited the strongest response, achieving up to a 37 % increase in biomass productivity under optimal conditions (50 ppm MIL-100(Fe), 0.4 % CO₂, and 150 mL min⁻¹ aeration). MIL-100(Fe) functioned as a solid-phase inorganic carbon reservoir, modulating Ci availability and providing trace iron via controlled framework dissolution, thereby enhancing carbon assimilation and reducing residual dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) without perturbing bulk pH. Scale-up to a 1.0 L photobioreactor yielded a reproducible ∼12 % biomass enhancement without reactor modification. Overall, MOF-assisted Ci buffering represents a low-complexity, materials-based strategy for alleviating carbon transfer limitations in microalgal cultivation and advancing material-enabled CO₂ utilization.
{"title":"Enhancing carbon transfer and biomass of Chlorella sorokiniana SU1 using metal-organic framework MIL-100(Fe)","authors":"Wen-Hui Cheow , Chen-Chieh Liao , Chia-Wen Wu , Yun-Shiuan Yeh , Jo-Shu Chang , I-Son Ng","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106610","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106610","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Gas–liquid transfer of inorganic carbon (Ci) often limits the efficiency of CO₂ capture and utilization in microalgal photobioreactors, particularly under sub-saturating CO₂ conditions. Enhancing interfacial carbon availability without increasing system complexity remains a major challenge for achieving high-rate and scalable phototrophic CO₂ bioconversion.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Here, we propose a process-integrated strategy employing a metal–organic framework (MOF), MIL-100(Fe), as a dispersed, transient additive to enhance Ci availability during <em>Chlorella sorokiniana</em> cultivation. Four algal strains were evaluated to assess strain-dependent responses. The effects of CO₂ concentration, aeration rate, and MIL-100(Fe) dosage were systematically investigated under continuous CO₂ sparging.</div></div><div><h3>Significant findings</h3><div>Among the tested strains, SU1 exhibited the strongest response, achieving up to a 37 % increase in biomass productivity under optimal conditions (50 ppm MIL-100(Fe), 0.4 % CO₂, and 150 mL min⁻¹ aeration). MIL-100(Fe) functioned as a solid-phase inorganic carbon reservoir, modulating Ci availability and providing trace iron via controlled framework dissolution, thereby enhancing carbon assimilation and reducing residual dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) without perturbing bulk pH. Scale-up to a 1.0 L photobioreactor yielded a reproducible ∼12 % biomass enhancement without reactor modification. Overall, MOF-assisted Ci buffering represents a low-complexity, materials-based strategy for alleviating carbon transfer limitations in microalgal cultivation and advancing material-enabled CO₂ utilization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"183 ","pages":"Article 106610"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145870781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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