Chemistry, Applied

Article Chemistry, Applied

A review on heterogeneous photocatalysis for environmental remediation: From semiconductors to modification strategies

Huijie Wang, Xin Li, Xiaoxue Zhao, Chunyan Li, Xianghai Song, Peng Zhang, Pengwei Huo, Xin Li

Summary: Heterogeneous photocatalysis has potential applications in environmental remediation, but faces challenges such as low efficiency and high costs. More research is needed to better understand and apply it in practical scenarios. This review provides reference directions for designing photocatalytic systems for environmental pollutants.

CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS (2022)

Review Chemistry, Applied

Plant flavonoids: Classification, distribution, biosynthesis, and antioxidant activity

Nan Shen, Tongfei Wang, Quan Gan, Sian Liu, Li Wang, Biao Jin

Summary: Flavonoids are natural polyphenol substances abundant in various plant-based foods. They have significant biological activities in both plants and humans, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, research on their distribution, biosynthesis, and health benefits remains limited. Future opportunities in flavonoid research include biotechnology, therapeutic phytoproducts, and exploring dietary flavonoid bioavailability.

FOOD CHEMISTRY (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Integration of 2D layered CdS/WO3 S-scheme heterojunctions and metallic Ti3C2 MXene-based Ohmic junctions for effective photocatalytic H2 generation

Junxian Bai, Rongchen Shen, Zhimin Jiang, Peng Zhang, Youji Li, Xin Li

Summary: A 2D/2D/2D layered heterojunction photocatalyst with cascaded 2D coupling interfaces was designed and constructed, which effectively promoted spatially directional charge separation and transport between CdS and WO3 nanosheets, resulting in an increased visible-light hydrogen evolution rate.

CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

S-Scheme photocatalyst TaON/Bi2WO6 nanofibers with oxygen vacancies for efficient abatement of antibiotics and Cr(VI): Intermediate eco-toxicity analysis and mechanistic insights

Shijie Li, Mingjie Cai, Yanping Liu, Chunchun Wang, Kangle Lv, Xiaobo Chen

Summary: In this study, a novel TaON/Bi2WO6 S-scheme heterojunction nanofibers were developed, showing exceptional visible-light photocatalytic performance for pollutant degradation with satisfactory stability. The research provides guidance for designing high-performance photocatalysts with defects for environmental protection.

CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Simultaneous hydrogen production with the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde by a noble-metal-free photocatalyst VC/CdS nanowires

Muhammad Tayyab, Yujie Liu, Shixiong Min, Rana Muhammad Irfan, Qiaohong Zhu, Liang Zhou, Juying Lei, Jinlong Zhang

Summary: In this study, CdS nanowires were combined with vanadium carbide using a specific method, and it was found that the photocatalytic activity of the CdS nanowires was significantly enhanced when loaded with vanadium carbide, especially for simultaneous production of H2 and selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol into benzaldehyde. Additionally, the vanadium carbide loading also reduced the recombination rate of hydrogen and benzaldehyde. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of this method in achieving commercialization of photocatalytic hydrogen production.

CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Flavor mystery of Chinese traditional fermented baijiu: The great contribution of ester compounds

Youqiang Xu, Jingrong Zhao, Xiao Liu, Chunsheng Zhang, Zhigang Zhao, Xiuting Li, Baoguo Sun

Summary: Chinese traditional fermented baijiu is a famous alcoholic beverage with a unique flavor profile, mainly due to the contribution of esters, particularly ethyl esters. Various microbial species affect the synthesis of esters through fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, influencing the final taste of baijiu. Understanding the mechanism of baijiu flavor formation is crucial for ensuring reproducible flavor profile.

FOOD CHEMISTRY (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Chitosan for food packaging: Recent advances in active and intelligent films

Maria Florez, Esther Guerra-Rodriguez, Patricia Cazon, Manuel Vazquez

Summary: The massive use of petroleum-based plastics in food packaging has led to serious environmental issues, prompting the need to develop biodegradable polymer packaging. Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide with non-toxic, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, is considered a promising material for food packaging. Recent studies have evaluated the potential of active and/or intelligent chitosan-based films in improving food preservation and monitoring. The addition of active compounds has been shown to enhance the mechanical, barrier and functional properties of chitosan films, with potential applications in antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS (2022)

Review Chemistry, Applied

Advances and prospects of PVDF based polymer electrolytes

Yixin Wu, Yu Li, Yang Wang, Qian Liu, Qingguo Chen, Minghua Chen

Summary: Developing highly foldable batteries with no safety hazard is crucial for portable, wearable, and implantable electric devices. Solid-state batteries, particularly those based on PVDF electrolytes, show great potential, but also face challenges such as lower ionic conductivity and lack of reactive groups. Recent research has focused on gel polymer electrolytes and all solid polymer electrolytes based on PVDF to address these issues.

JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Terpenes and terpenoids as main bioactive compounds of essential oils, their roles in human health and potential application as natural food preservatives

Ayu Masyita, Reka Mustika Sari, Ayun Dwi Astuti, Budiman Yasir, Nur Rahma Rumata, Talha Bin Emran, Firzan Nainu, Jesus Simal-Gandara

Summary: Essential oils are concentrated liquids extracted from plants, containing bioactive compounds that have various biological activities. They have potential applications in pharmaceutical, medical, and food industries, particularly as antimicrobial agents and food preservatives.

FOOD CHEMISTRY-X (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over graphdiyne boosted with a cobalt sulfide formed S-scheme heterojunction

Zhiliang Jin, Hongying Li, Junke Li

Summary: Graphdiyne (GDY), a novel two-dimensional carbon hybrid material, has attracted significant attention due to its unique and excellent properties. This study reports new progress in the preparation of a composite material, Co9S8-GDY-CuI, using CuI powder as a catalytic material and a facile hydrothermal method. The Co9S8-GDY-CuI exhibited hydrogen production activity 10.29 times higher than that of pure GDY in the sensitization system. Characterization techniques provided evidence for the successful preparation of the material and its superior photocatalytic activity. A possible reaction mechanism and the effects of Co9S8 nanoparticles were also discussed.

CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

High valence state of Ni and Mo synergism in NiS2-MoS2 hetero-nanorods catalyst with layered surface structure for urea electrocatalysis

Shuli Wang, Linyu Zhao, Jiaxin Li, Xinlong Tian, Xiang Wu, Ligang Feng

Summary: The study demonstrated the formation of high active state of Ni3+ induced by Mo6+ and their efficient synergism in NiS2-MoS2 hetero-nanorods powder catalyst, providing a new perspective for urea-assisted water electrolysis.

JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY (2022)

Review Chemistry, Applied

Chitosan: A review of molecular structure, bioactivities and interactions with the human body and micro-organisms

Shijie (Gabriel) Kou, Linda Peters, Michael Mucalo

Summary: This article discusses the various applications of chitosan, including its antimicrobial properties, wound healing promotion, and effects on cancer and the immune system. By introducing the molecular chain configuration model, the mechanisms of interactions between chitosan and bacteria, cancer, and wound healing are explained. The article concludes that chitosan is an important polymer with promising potential in medicine due to its multiple beneficial bioactivities and mechanisms of action.

CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

A microporous 2D cobalt-based MOF with pyridyl sites and open metal sites for selective adsorption of CO2

Liang Qin, Yan Li, Fenglan Liang, Lijun Li, Yuwen Lan, Zhiyong Li, Xiaoting Lu, Manqi Yang, Deyun Ma

Summary: A new microporous 2D Co-based MOF with high selectivity and adsorption capacity for CO2 has been synthesized, possibly attributed to the pyridyl sites on the ligands and open metal sites on the nodes of the framework.

MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS (2022)

Review Chemistry, Applied

Effective strategies of sustained release and retention enhancement of essential oils in active food packaging films/coatings

Wanli Zhang, Haitao Jiang, Jong-Whan Rhim, Jiankang Cao, Weibo Jiang

Summary: Due to environmental concerns and consumer demand, there is a growing interest in antibacterial active food packaging containing plant essential oils. Effective encapsulation and slow release strategies are crucial for maximizing the antibacterial effects of the oils. Current research is focused on improving sustained release and retention enhancement of essential oils in active food packaging materials.

FOOD CHEMISTRY (2022)

Review Chemistry, Applied

Status and challenges facing representative anode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries

Liqiang Zhang, Chenxi Zhu, Sicheng Yu, Daohan Ge, Haoshen Zhou

Summary: This review discusses four representative anode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries, detailing their characteristics and challenges. It also summarizes recent advances, primarily focusing on modification strategies of anode materials and optimization of the electrode/electrolyte interface.

JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY (2022)

Review Chemistry, Applied

Layered double hydroxide (LDH)-based materials: A mini-review on strategies to improve the performance for photocatalytic water splitting

Hanane Boumeriame, Eliana S. Da Silva, Alexey S. Cherevan, Tarik Chafik, Joaquim L. Faria, Dominik Eder

Summary: This review discusses the latest research on the use of LDH materials for photocatalytic water-splitting applications, highlighting synthetic strategies and post-modifications to improve their performance. By selecting appropriate experimental conditions, it is possible to significantly enhance the photoactivity of LDH and modified LDH-based materials.

JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Organic amine surface modified one-dimensional CdSe0.8S0.2-diethylenetriamine/two-dimensional SnNb2O6 S-scheme heterojunction with promoted visible-light-driven photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Hui Yang, Jin Feng Zhang, Kai Dai

Summary: Achieving both strong redox ability and high visible-light absorption ability in a single semiconductor material is challenging. Designing a heterojunction between two semiconductor materials provides a feasible solution. In this study, a CdSe0.8S0.2-DETA/SnNb2O6 heterostructure material with improved CO production rate was prepared. The results demonstrate the significance of optimizing the band structure to promote the separation of photogenerated carriers and enhance the efficiency of CO2 reduction.

CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

MnO2 cathode materials with the improved stability via nitrogen doping for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Yanan Zhang, Yanpeng Liu, Zhenhua Liu, Xiaogang Wu, Yuxiang Wen, Hangda Chen, Xia Ni, Guohan Liu, Juanjuan Huang, Shanglong Peng

Summary: The nitrogen-doped MnO2@N cathode prepared through defect engineering greatly improves the cycle stability of manganese-based aqueous zinc-ion batteries by enhancing conductivity and electrochemical stability, leading to a high capacity retention rate. In addition, nitrogen doping promotes the diffusion of H+ and Zn(2+), resulting in enhanced battery performance.

JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY (2022)

Article Chemistry, Applied

Unveiling the promotion of accelerated water dissociation kinetics on the hydrogen evolution catalysis of NiMoO4 nanorods

Tuzhi Xiong, Bowen Huang, Jingjing Wei, Xincheng Yao, Ran Xiao, Zhixiao Zhu, Fang Yang, Yongchao Huang, Hao Yang, M. -Sadeeq (Jie Tang) Balogun

Summary: The water dissociation kinetics of nickel molybdate were successfully accelerated through in situ interfacial engineering and phosphorus doping, resulting in outstanding hydrogen evolution catalytic properties.

JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY (2022)

Review Chemistry, Applied

Recent progress and perspectives on silicon anode: Synthesis and prelithiation for LIBs energy storage

Yuanxing Zhang, Borong Wu, Ge Mu, Chengwei Ma, Daobin Mu, Feng Wu

Summary: The ever-increasing environmental/energy crisis and the rapid advancement of mobile devices have directed attention towards promising alternative energy storage and conversion devices. This review summarizes recent progress in the synthetic method of silicon matrix composites and highlights challenges and prospects in silicon anode lithium-ion battery research.

JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY (2022)