Significant Acceleration of Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction at the Gas-Liquid Interface of Microdroplets**

Solar-driven CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is largely constrained by the sluggish mass transfer and fast combination of photogenerated charge carriers. Herein, we find that the photocatalytic CO₂RR efficiency at the abundant gas-liquid interface provided by microdroplets is two orders of magnitude higher than that of the corresponding bulk phase reaction. Even in the absence of sacrificial agents, the production rates of HCOOH over WO₃ ⋅ 0.33H₂O mediated by microdroplets reaches 2536 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ (vs. 13 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ in bulk phase), which is significantly superior to the previously reported photocatalytic CO₂RR in bulk phase reaction condition. Beyond the efficient delivery of CO₂ to photocatalyst surfaces within microdroplets, we reveal that the strong electric field at the gas-liquid interface of microdroplets essentially promotes the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. This study provides a deep understanding of ultrafast reaction kinetics promoted by the gas-liquid interface of microdroplets and a novel way of addressing the low efficiency of photocatalytic CO₂ reduction to fuel.     

Nanofibers of Semiconductor Oxides as Sensitive Materials for Detection of Gaseous Products Formed in Low-Temperature Pyrolysis of Polyvinyl Chloride

Nanofibers of semiconducting oxides SnO₂, ZnO, WO₃, produced by the electrospinning method, were tested as sensitive materials for detection of products formed in pyrolysis of polyvinyl chloride in conditions simulating the smoldering of electrically insulating materials upon occurrence of a short-circuit failure in electrical circuits. The method of thermal analysis with mass-spectroscopic determination of gaseous products demonstrated that, in pyrolysis of polyvinyl chloride in the temperature range 200–400°C corresponding to the invisible-smoke stage, the main component of the gas mixture being formed is HCl. It was shown that the materials synthesized can be used to develop gas sensors for early fire warning.     

Friedel-Crafts alkylation of indoles with nitroalkenes catalyzed by Cu(Ⅱ)-imine complex

A series of new ligands L₁-L₇ were readily prepared in one step.Friedel-Crafts alkylation of indoles with nitroalkenes catalyzed by a novel Cu（Ⅱ）-L complex has been developed.The remarkable advantages of this reaction are mild reaction conditions,simple workup procedure,high yields of products and the use of ethanol as a green solvent.     

Two new diterpenoids from Suregada glomerulata(Blume) Baill

Two new diterpenoids,3,4,18β-cyclopropa-ent-abieta-8(14),13(15)-dien-16,12-olide(1) and 3-oxojolkinolide B(2),were isolated from the roots of Suregada glomerulata(Blume) Baill.Their structures were determined by spectroscopic evidences. Compound 2 showed moderate cytotoxicity.     

A new method for preparing （2Z, 4Z, 6Z）-diethyl-4,5- oxepinedicarboxylates and some 1H-azepine analogues

A new method for preparing (2Z, 4Z, 6Z)-4,5-diethyloxepinodicarboxylate by one-step is described. The synthesis of several oxepines and azepines derivatives was carried out by the reaction of substituted furans or pyrroles with diethyl acetylenedicarbox-ylate in boiling toluene. The effect factors for this reaction were discussed and reaction condition was optimized.     

A photoelectrochemical cell for pollutant degradation and simultaneous H2 generation

A PEC cell with nanostructured BiVO₄ photoelectrode film presents outstanding azo dye degradation and simultaneous H₂ production performance.     

Chlorophyll sensitized BiVO4 as photoanode for solar water splitting and CO2 conversion

Converting solar energy into valuable hydrogen and hydrocarbon fuels through photoelectrocatalytic water splitting and CO_2 reduction is highly promising in addressing the growing demand for renewable and clean energy resources. However, the solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency is still very low due to limited light absorption and rapid bulk recombination of charge carriers. In this work, we present chlorophyll(Chl) and its derivative sodium copper chlorophyllin(ChlCuNa), as dye sensitizers, modified BiVO_4 to improve the photoelectrochemical(PEC) performance. The photocurrent of BiVO_4 is surprisingly decreased after a direct sensitization of Chl while the sensitization of ChlCuNa obviously enhances photocurrent of BiV04 electrodes by improved surface hydrophilicity and extended light absorption.ChlCuNa-sensitized BiV04 achieves an improved H_2 evolution rate of 5.43 μmol h~(-1) cm~(-2) in water splitting and an enhanced HCOOH production rate of 2.15 μmol h~(-1) cm~(-2) in CO_2 PEC reduction, which are1.9 times and 2.4 times higher than pristine BiVO_4, respectively. It is suggested that the derivative ChlCuNa is a more effective sensitizer for solar-to-fuel energy conversion and CO_2 utilization than Chl.     

Triflic Acid-Promoted Formylation of Ceramide in Dimethylformamide

The protected ceramide: N‐((2S,3S,4R)‐3,4‐bis(benzyloxy)‐1‐hydroxyoctadecan‐2‐yl)tetracosanamide, was attempted to introduce a triflate as a leaving group followed by a nucleophilic substitution with azido group in one‐pot manner. Unexpectedly, the oxazole ring formed via a thermodynamically favored intramolecular cyclization was opened to generate the original ceramide by triflic acid. In addition, the residual acid promoted a formylation of the primary hydroxy group in DMF.     

Decomposition of High Concentration Hydrogen Peroxide over Alumina-Supported Lao.6Sr0.4MnO3 Perovskite Catalyst

In recent years there has been ever-increasing interest in space propellants that are more environmentally benign,less toxic and easier and safer to handle than conventional ones