Engineering shapes of active colloids for tunable dynamics

Active particles can autonomously propel and have the tendency to organize into high-order ensembles and phases that evolve and reconfigure. They have emerged as a focused subject in contemporary colloid science, holding great promise in advancing fields, such as cargo delivery, sensing, micromachinery and microrobotics, and materials science. Realization of the full potentials of active particles requires delicate control of their dynamics in propulsion and assembly, which is challenging due to the out-of-equilibrium nature of such systems. Recently, systematically engineered colloidal shapes have been exploited as an effective means to tune and even program the dynamic behaviors of active particles. Various anisotropic particles, with controlled geometries and possessing either homogeneous or heterogeneous composition, have been fabricated, regulating how particles actively propel, interact, and assemble under several chemical and physical stimuli. In this paper, we provide an overview of these progresses. We also briefly discuss our view on the future directions and challenges.     

A fresh view on phoresis and self-phoresis

Phoresis, a classic example of particle transport driven by thermodynamic gradients, is enjoying a resurgent research interest motivated both by technological developments and by its relevance to the motility of chemically active particles. Here we succinctly review, using the case of chemophoresis (also called diffusiophoresis), the general framework of phoresis and self-phoresis formulated as a Stokes-flow problem for a liquid solution (solvent and solute) maintained out of thermodynamic equilibrium by solute gradients. Within the constraints of local equilibrium, we discuss the simplest extension of the theory in order to account for correlations in the fluid. We show that this leads to a shift from the paradigm based on the ideal case, in that self-phoresis can no longer be represented as phoresis in a self-generated composition gradient. Our review concludes with a concise overview of a few directions which we think hold the potential to reveal a rich behavior in future investigations.     

Key factors for designing single-atom metal-nitrogen-carbon catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction (CO₂RR) is a sustainable approach to mitigate the increased CO₂ emissions and simultaneously produce value-added chemicals and fuels. Metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) based single-atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as promising electrocatalysts for CO₂RR with high activity, selectivity, and stability. To design efficient SACs for CO₂RR, the key influence factors need to be understood. Here, we summarize recent achievements on M-N-C SACs for CO₂RR and highlight the significance of the key constituting factors, metal sites, the coordination environment, and the substrates, for achieving high CO₂RR performance. The perspective views and guidelines are provided for the future direction of developing M-N-C SACs as CO₂RR catalysts.     

Effect of small amounts of Al on the surface silanol structure and their correlation to the improved catalytic performances of WOx/SiO2–Al2O3 in the propene self-metathesis

Surface silanol structures, acid properties, and tungsten dispersion of the sol-gel-derived 7W/SiO₂–xAl₂O₃ (x = 0.2–23 wt%) were investigated by means of ²⁹Si, ²⁷Al, and ¹H MAS NMR, NH₃-TPD, in-situ NH₃-IR spectroscopy, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. The surface silanol structure changed upon Al and tungsten loadings; however, loading of 1 wt% Al₂O₃ appeared to be the threshold for preserving the Si(OH)Al with isolated bridge after impregnation of 7 wt% W. The 7W/SiO₂–1Al₂O₃ (1 wt% Al₂O₃) was also found to exhibit the lowest ratio of Bronsted to Lewis acid with the highest amount of Lewis acid sites and the best catalyst performances in propene self-metathesis at 550 °C in terms of both propene conversion and ethylene/butene selectivity. Despite its low tungsten dispersion, the metathesis activity was correlated well with the higher amount of tungsten carbene species, which were formed on the catalysts containing higher isolated bridge silanol and the presence of higher Lewis acid sites.     

Coacervates as models of membraneless organelles

Coacervates are condensed liquid-like droplets, usually formed with oppositely charged polymeric molecules. They have been studied extensively in colloid and interface science for their remarkable material properties. The liquid–liquid phase separation underlying coacervate formation also plays an important role in the formation of various membraneless organelles (MLOs) that are found in many living cells. Therefore, there is an increasing interest to use well-characterized coacervates as in vitro models that mimic specific aspects of MLOs. Here, we review five aspects – physical and chemical properties, hierarchical organization, uptake selectivity, formation dynamics, and maturation – that are of particular interest and discuss how useful coacervates are to better understand these aspects of MLOs.     

MoO3和Nb2O5助剂对Pt/ZrO2催化剂上短链烷烃燃烧反应的不同促进作用

贵金属Pt催化剂具有高活性和热稳定性,广泛应用于催化挥发性有机物的完全氧化反应(燃烧反应).短链烷烃(甲烷、乙烷、丙烷等)化学性质稳定,是最难氧化的一类有机物,常用作考察燃烧反应催化剂性能的模型反应物.然而,目前报道的研究工作通常仅限于针对某一种烷烃底物的催化燃烧,系统考察催化剂以及助剂对不同短链烷烃的催化燃烧活性鲜有报道.在短链烷烃中,甲烷只有C–H键;而其它烷烃除了C–H键;还有C–C键.因此,研究催化剂对甲烷、乙烷和丙烷燃烧反应催化性能的差异性,对于认识催化剂上C–H键和C–C键的活化具有非常重要的意义.本文制备了MoO3或Nb2O5修饰的Pt/ZrO2催化剂并用于短链烷烃的燃烧反应.研究发现,MoO3助剂对甲烷燃烧有明显的抑制作用,但对乙烷,丙烷和正己烷燃烧反应具有促进作用,促进作用随着烷烃碳链的增长逐渐增加;Nb2O5助剂对甲烷、乙烷、丙烷和正己烷燃烧反应均具有促进作用,然而促进作用随着碳链的增长而逐渐减弱.MoO3和Nb2O5助剂的不同促进作用与助剂影响催化剂表面酸性以及Pt物种的氧化或还原态有关.NH3-TPD结果表明,MoO3助剂可以显著增加Pt/ZrO2催化剂表面强酸位点数量,而Nb2O5助剂可以显著增加Pt/ZrO2催化剂表面中强酸位点数量.HTEM结果表明,两种助剂的添加都不会明显改变Pt物种的颗粒尺寸.在Pt-Mo/ZrO2催化剂上,MoO3覆盖部分Pt物种形成丰富的Pt-MoO3界面,促进了金属Pt物种和强表面酸性位点的生成,提高了丙烷燃烧反应活性;Pt-Nb/ZrO2催化剂上载体表面的部分Nb2O5被Pt物种包覆,使得生成的表面Pt-Nb2O5界面低于Pt-Mo/ZrO2催化剂,但由于催化剂表面酸性位的提升,也促进了丙烷燃烧反应活性的提高.XPS结果表明,在甲烷燃烧反应中,Pt-Nb/ZrO2催化剂上Ptn+物种能够更加稳定地存在,这可能是Nb2O5助剂提高Pt-Nb/ZrO2催化剂上甲烷燃烧活性的关键.而Pt-Mo/ZrO2催化剂上Ptn+物种在甲烷反应中可以更容易地被还原,并且由于MoO3的包裹导致暴露的Pt位点数量降低,使催化剂催化甲烷燃烧的活性受到抑制.可见,MoO3助剂更有利于C–C键活化,而Nb2O5助剂更有利于高键能的C–H键活化.综上,本文系统性地研究MoO3助剂和Nb2O5助剂对Pt/ZrO2催化剂上不同短链烷烃的燃烧反应的影响,证实了两种助剂的促进作用与碳链长度的关系是截然不同的.     

Mo_2C/γ-Al_2O_3催化剂上苯加氢反应的原位红外光谱研究

采用程序升温反应法制备了钝化态、还原钝化态和新鲜态Mo2C/γ-Al2O3催化剂,结合原位红外光谱表征技术和反应性能评价,考察、比较了三种催化剂苯加氢反应活性.原位红外光谱结果表明,新鲜态Mo2C/γ-Al2O3催化剂在室温就显示了较好的苯加氢反应活性,表现了类贵金属的催化活性.CO吸附在反应前后新鲜态Mo2C/γ-Al2O3催化剂上的对比结果表明,低价态的Mo位(Moδ+(0δ2))是苯加氢反应活性中心.三种催化剂的反应活性结果表明,新鲜态Mo2C/γ-Al2O3催化剂反应活性最好,催化剂寿命最长,失活之后在500°C下H2处理即可恢复原有活性.     

高效液相色谱法测定竹叶兰中9种活性成分含量

提出了高效液相色谱法测定竹叶兰中9种活性成分含量的方法。竹叶兰样品经甲醇(8+2)溶液高速匀浆提取,分取提取液5.0mL,经MCI-GEL反相树脂固相萃取小柱净化,取2.00mL净化液供色谱分析。净化液采用Waters Xbridge色谱柱为分离柱,用甲醇和乙酸(0.5+99.5)溶液以不同比例混合的混合液为流动相进行梯度洗脱,在检测波长275nm处进行测定。9种活性成分在一定的质量浓度范围内与其峰面积呈线性关系,方法的检出限(3S/N)在20~30μg·L-1之间。加标回收率在96.4%~105%之间,测定值的相对标准偏差(n=7)在1.5%~2.4%之间。     

Lipase-catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation between α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and active methylene compounds

A simple and efficient Knoevenagel condensation between a b-unsaturated aldehydes and active methylene compounds is reported.Notably,this condensation can be catalyzed by PPL(lipase from porcine pancreas) with satisfied yields(49%–92%).Moreover,PPL induces moderate Z/E selectivity in the Knoevenagel condensation.     

Recent advances in biodegradable matrices for active ingredient release in crop protection: Towards attaining sustainability in agriculture

Climate changes, emerging species of plant pests, and deficits of clean water and arable land have made availability of food to the ever-increasing global population a challenge. Excessive use of synthetic pesticides to meet ever-increasing production needs has resulted in development of resistance in pest populations, as well as significant ecotoxicity, which has directly and indirectly impacted all life-forms on earth. To meet the goal of providing safe, sufficient, and high-quality food globally with minimal environmental impact, one strategy is to focus on targeted delivery of pesticides using eco-friendly and biodegradable carriers that are derived from naturally available materials. Herein, we discuss some of the recent approaches to use biodegradable matrices in crop protection, while exploring their design and efficiency. We summarize by discussing associated challenges with the existing approaches and future trends that can lead the world to more sustainable agricultural practices.