Vanadium-based polyanionic compounds as cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries:Toward high-energy and high-power applications

Sodium ion batteries(SIBs)have been regarded as one of the alternatives to lithium ion batteries owing to their wide availability and significantly low cost of sodium sources.However,they face serious challenges of low energy&power density and short cycling lifespan owing to the heavy mass and large radius of Na⁺.Vanadium-based polyanionic compounds have advantageous characteristic of high operating voltage,high ionic conductivity and robust structural framework,which is conducive to their high energy&power density and long lifespan for SIBs.In this review,we will overview the latest V-based polyanionic compounds,along with the respective characteristic from the intrinsic crystal structure to performance presentation and improvement for SIBs.One of the most important aspect is to discover the essential problems existed in the present V-based polyanionic compounds for high-energy&power applications,and point out most suitable solutions from the crystal structure modulation,interface tailoring and electrode configuration design.Moreover,some scientific issues of V-based polyanionic compounds shall be also proposed and related future direction shall be provided.We believe that this review can serve as a motivation for further development of novel V-based polyanionic compounds and drive them toward high energy&power applications in the near future.     

Total synthesis of TRADD death domain with arginine N-GlcNAcylation by hydrazide-based native chemical ligation

TNFR1-associated death domain protein(TRADD)with arginine N-GlcNAcylation is a novel and structurally unique posttranslational modification(PTM)glycoprotein that blocks the formation of death-inducing signaling complex(DISC),orchestrating host nuclear factorκB(NF-κB)signaling in entero-pathogenic Escherichia coli(EPEC)-infected cells.This particular glycosylated modification plays an extremely vital role for the effective colonization and pathogenesis of pathogens in the gut.Herein we describe the total synthesis of TRADD death domain(residues 195-312)with arginine235 NGlcNAcylation(Arg-GIcNAc TRADD(195-312)).Two longish peptidyl fragments of the wild-type primary sequence were obtained by robust,microwave-assisted,highly efficient,solid-phase peptide synthesis(SPPS),the N-GlcNAcylated sector was built by total synthesis and attached specifically to resinbound peptide with an unprotected ornithine residue via silver-promoted on-resin guanidinylation,ArgGlcNAc TRADD(195-312)was constructed by hydrazide-based native chemical ligation(NCL).The facile synthetic strategy is expected to be generally applicable for the rapid synthesis of other proteins with Arg-GIcNAc modification and to pave the way for the related chemically biological study.     

Steam activation of Fe-N-C catalyst for advanced power performance of alkaline hydrazine fuel cells

Alkaline hydrazine liquid fuel cells(AHFC) have been highlighted in terms of high power performance with non-precious metal catalysts.Although Fe-N-C is a promising non-Pt electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR),the surface density of the active site is very low and the catalyst layer should be thick to acquire the necessary number of catalytic active sites.With this thick catalyst layer,it is important to have an optimum pore structure for effective reactant conveyance to active sites and an interface structure for faster charge transfer.Herein,we prepare a Fe-N-C catalyst with magnetite particles and hierarchical pore structure by steam activation.The steam activation process significantly improves the power performance of the AHFC as indicated by the lower IR and activation voltage losses.Based on a systematic characterization,we found that hierarchical pore structures improve the catalyst utilization efficiency of the AHFCs,and magnetite nanoparticles act as surface modifiers to reduce the interracial resistance between the electrode and the ion-exchange membrane.     

Combined QSAR/QSPR,Molecular Docking,and Molecular Dynamics Study of Environmentally Friendly PBDEs with Improved Insulating Properties

To improve the insulating properties of polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs), we studied the molecular structures and energy gap(Eg) values of 209 PBDEs using a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship(3D-QSAR) model, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics. We also analyzed the interaction mechanisms of PBDEs using a 2D-QSAR model, molecular substitution characteristics, and molecular docking. The 3D-QSAR model showed that the 2-, 4-, 5-, and 6-positions significantly influenced the PBDE insulating properties. Using BDE-34 as a template molecule, we designed six derivatives with 0.47%-28.44% higher insulation tlian BDE-34. Compared with BDE-34, the stability and flame retardancy of the above six derivatives were not adversely affected. These derivatives, except for 2,6-cyanomethyl-BDE, 2-cyanomethyl-BDE, and 2-aniinomethyl-BDE, were more toxic and biodegradable than BDE-34, but showed weaker bioaccumulation and migration abilities than BDE-34. Mechanism analysis showed that the highest occupied orbital energy, the most negative charge, and the dipole moment were the main quantitative parameters that aflected the PBDE insulating properties. PBDE insulation gradually decreased as the number of Br atoms increased. The level of similarity between the substitution patterns on the two benzene rings was significantly correlated with PBDE insulation, with hydrophobic groups having a more significant efiect on PBDE insulation.     

Novel fusiform core-shell-MOF derived in tact metal@carb on composite:An efficient cathode catalyst for aqueous and solid-state Zn-air batteries

Owing to the varied mechanisms of ORR/OER,exploiting cost-effective bifunctional catalysts with robust ORR/OER activities and excellent performances in Zn-air batteries is still a challenge.In this work,the Co/CoO@NSC bifunctional catalyst is obtained by using Zn-MOF@Co-MOF as self-template.The Co/CoO@NSC composite has interconnected porous architecture with in tact metal@carb on structure,exhibiting superior electrocatalytic activities toward ORR and OER that can be comparable with the Pt/C and RuO₂ catalysts,respectively.The Co/CoO@NSC-based aqueous Zn-air battery achieves a high specific capacity(759.7 mAh/g)and energy density(990.5 Wh/kg),and ultra-long rechargeable property(more than 400 h/1200 cycles).The Co/CoO@NSC-based solid-state Zn-air battery also delivers an excellent performance with a long cycle life(more than 143 h/858 cycles).Most importantly,the newly synthesized and recharged Co/CoO@NSC-based solid-state Zn-air battery can be used to light up a 2 V LED lamp for more than 28 h,demonstrating the superior practicability as rechargeable power source.     

Ultra-small nanodots coated with oligopeptides providing highly negative charges to enhance osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs better than osteogenic induction medium

For bone regenerative engineering,it is a promising method to form skeletal tissues differentiating from human bone morrow mesenchyme stem cells(hBMSCs).However,it is still a critical challenge to efficiently control ostogenesis and clearly reveal the influence factor.To this end,the fluorescent gold nanodots(Au NDs) with highly negative charges as osteogenic induction reagent are successfully synthesized,which display better than commercial osteogenic induction medium through the investigations of ALP activity(2.5 folds) and cytoskeleton staining(1.5 folds).Two kinds of oligopeptides with different bio-structures(cysteine,Cys and glutathione,GSH) are selected for providing surficial charges on Au NDs.It is revealed that Au-Cys with more negative charges(-51 mV) play better role than Au-GSH(-19 mV) in osteogenic differentiation,when both of them have same size(~2 nm),sphere shape and show similar cell uptake amount.To explore deeply,osteogenesis related signaling pathways are monitored,revealing that the enhancement of osteogenic differentiation was through autophagy signaling pathway triggered by Au-Cys.And the promotion of highly negative charges in osteogenic diffe rentiation was further proved via sliver nanodots(Ag NDs,Ag-Cys and Ag-GSH) and carbon nanodots(CDs,Cys-CDs and GSH-CDs).This work indicates part of insights during hBMSCs differentiation and provides a novel strategy in osteogenic differentiation process.     

Recent progress of thin-film photovoltaics for indoor application

Indoor photovoltaics have attracted increasing attentions owing to their great potential in supplying energy for low power devices under indoor light in our daily life.The third generation thin-film solar cells,including dye-sensitized solar cells,perovskite solar cells and organic solar cells,have made rapid progress from the aspect of materials design to photovoltaic performance.This review provides an overview on the recent advances in the development of indoor photovoltaic technologies based on the third generation solar cells.The design principles of advanced thin-film indoor photovoltaics were also summarized according to the characteristics of indoor light and the advantages of the third generation solar cells.Finally,after summarizing the current research progress,the perspective on this topic is provided.     

C-S coupling with nitro group as leaving group via simple inorganic salt catalysis

An efficient and practical synthetic protocol to synthesize nonsymmetrical aryl thioethers by nucleophilic aromatic substitution(S_NAr)reaction of nitroarenes by thiols with potassium phosphate as the catalyst is described.Various moderate to strong electron-withdrawing functional groups are tolerated by the system to provide thioethers in a good to excellent yields.We also showed that the present method allows access to 3 drug examples in a short reaction time.Finally,mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction may form the classic Meisenheimer complex through a two-step additionelimination mechanism.     

Visualizing phase transition of upper critical solution temperature (UCST) polymers with AIE

The stimuli-responsive polymers with upper critical solution temperatures(UCST) are highly attractive for drug delivery applications. However, the phase transition process of UCST polymer is usually characterized by turbidity measurement and electron microscopy, which are significantly restricted by low sensitivity and static observation. In contrary, the fluorescence technique has significant advantages in terms of high sensitivity, easy operation, and dynamic observation. However, the conventional fluorophores suffer from the drawbacks of aggregation-caused quenching(ACQ) after being encapsulated by UCST polymers, which are not suitable for direct visualization of the phase transition process. To tackle this challenge, we herein developed a series of UCST polymers based on polyacrylamides decorated with bile acid and aggregation-induced emission(AIE)-active tetraphenylethene(TPE) groups, which can be used for direct fluorescence monitoring of the phase transition process. Moreover, the AIE-active UCST polymers can serve as drug carriers, which can not only monitor the drug release process under thermal stimuli, but also verify the drug release by fluorescence recovery after thermal stimuli. It is expected that the AIE-active UCST polymers with self-monitoring ability are promising for biomedical applications.     

A highly stable membrane with hierarchical structure for wide pH range flow batteries

A membrane with high stability and ion conductivity in wide pH range is essential for energy storage devices.Here,we report a novel membrane with hierarchical core-shell structure,which demonstrates high stability and ion conductivity,simultaneously under a wide pH range applications.Spectral characterizations and theoretical calculation indicate that the non-solvent induces the chain segment configuration and eventually leads to polymer-polymer phase separation,thus forming hierarchical porous core-shell structure.Benefiting from this structure,an acidic vanadium flow battery(VFB)with such a membrane shows excellent performance over 400 cycles with an energy efficiency(EE)of above 81%at current density of 120 mA cm^-2 and an alkaline zinc-iron flow battery(AZIFB)delivers a cycling stability for more than 200 cycles at 160 mA cm^-2,along with an EE of above 82%.This paper provides a cost-effective and simple way to fabricate membranes with high performance for variety of energyrelated devices.     

微过氧化物酶-8与Eu3+相互作用的机理

用紫外-可见(UV-Vis)吸收光谱和电化学方法研究Eu3+与微过氧化物酶-8(MP-8)相互作用的机理,发现Eu3+优先与MP-8中血红素基团的2个丙酸基的羧基氧发生强的配位作用,导致MP-8分子中血红素基团的非平面性、暴露程度和电化学可逆性的增加.过剩的Eu3+与MP-8分子中肽链上的含氧基团发生弱的相互作用,对血红素基团结构的影响较小.     

La3＋或Eu3＋与微过氧化物酶-8相互作用强弱的研究

研究了La3＋或Eu3＋与微过氧化酶-8(MP-8)相互作用并比较了它们与MP-8相互作用的强弱. 紫外-可见(UV-Vis)吸收光谱和电化学的结果表明, 不论在不含NaCl或含NaCl的溶液中,一个La3＋或Eu3＋优先与MP-8分子中血红素上两个丙酸基中的羧基氧发生强的键合作用,而过量的La3＋或Eu3＋与肽链上的羰基氧发生弱的相互作用.实验结果还清楚地证明Eu3＋与MP-8的相互作用要强于La3＋与MP-8的相互作用.     

肽链长度对La3＋与微过氧化物酶相互作用的影响

为了了解稀土元素与酶相互作用的化学机理, 用紫外-可见(UV-Vis)吸收光谱技术和电化学方法研究了La^3＋与过氧化物酶(POD)的模型化合物, 微过氧化物酶-8 (MP-8)或微过氧化物酶-11 (MP-11)的相互作用机理. La^3＋优先与MP-8或MP-11分子中血红素卟啉环上的2个丙酸基团的羰基氧发生键合作用, 使它们的聚集程度降低, 卟啉环的非平面性增加. 由于MP-8分子聚集的倾向要小于MP-11, La^3＋使MP-8聚集程度的降低和卟啉环非平面性增加的程度要大于MP-11. 由于MP-11的肽链较长而能形成螺旋状构象, 使肽链上的羰基基团被包埋在肽链的疏水基团中, 因此, La^3＋与MP-11中肽链上的羰基氧基本上不能发生键合作用. 而MP-8的肽链较短, 不能形成螺旋状结构, La^3＋也能与肽链上的羰基氧发生键合作用.     

Eu3+/Tb3+和Eu3+/Pr3+共掺杂P(MMA-co-St)的荧光性能的研究

将不同荧光性能的铽(Tb)、镨(Pr)离子分别与铕(Eu)离子混合，以三异丙氧基稀土的形式掺杂P(MMA-CO-St)共聚物，研究Eu^3 ／Tb^3 和Eu^3 ／pr^3 共掺杂P(MMA-CO-St)的荧光性能的变化情况．结果表明，Eu^3 ／Tb^3 掺杂的P(MMA-CO-St)中，Tb^3 作为能量给予体，Eu^3 作为能量接受体，能量转移的结果使Eu^3 特征荧光显增强；Eu^3 ／pr^3 掺杂的P(MMA-CO-St)中，Eu^3 的能量向pr^3 转移，致使Eu^3 的特征荧光猝灭，pr^3 的荧光略为增强．     

铽-铕共掺杂的硅酸铝钠荧光体的光致发光性能及能量传递

采用温和的固相反应法合成了具有四方相结构的铽一铕共掺杂的硅酸铝钠(NaAlSiO_4:Tb~(3+),Eu~(3+))发光材料.利用粉末X射线衍射(XRD)、荧光光谱(PL)、时间分辨光谱(TRPL)以及荧光寿命等手段对合成的样品进行表征.研究结果表明:通过改变NaAlSiO_4:Tb~(3+),Eu~(3+)中Eu~(3+)离子的掺杂浓度,可实现其绿光及红光发射的调控;由于Tb~(3+),Eu~(3+)离子间的有效能量传递,Tb~(3+)离子的共掺杂可显著增强该基质中Eu~(3+)离子的发光性能;该能量传递现象可由TRPL光谱等手段进行证实,根据荧光寿命的数值计算可知,从Tb3~(3+)向Eu~(3+)离子的能量传递效率高达95%.     

铕-铽-钆-六氟乙酰丙酮三元配合物的合成与温敏发光性质

合成了铕-铽-钆-六氟乙酰丙酮(HFA)三元配合物Eu0.4Tb0.4Gd0.2(HFA)3(TPPO)2(TPPO: 三苯基氧化磷), 其组成和结构经元素分析和红外吸收光谱确认; 研究了三元配合物的发光性能, 以及铽、钆离子对铕离子发光性能的影响. 结果表明, 配合物中存在着声子支助的Tb3+→Eu3+的能量转移, 增强了Eu3+离子的室温特征荧光发射, 且样品的发光颜色随温度的改变而变化, 具有温敏特性.     

在卵磷脂体系中合成EuF_3纳米线

利用大豆卵磷脂在水中自发形成的囊泡作模板,先制备出含有Eu~(3+)的卵磷脂乳液,Eu~(3+)与卵磷脂亲水头部的磷氧键相结合形成Eu--O--P键,经用NH_4F沉淀后制得前驱体,该前驱体在600℃灼烧,得到EuF_3纳米线,其直径约为10-20 nm.通过对各阶段产物的荧光光谱、傅里叶变换红外(FTIR)光谱、热重-差热分析(TG-DTA)、透射电镜(TEM)等的对比分析,确认形成了Eu--O--P键,所得到的纳米线是多晶相EuF_3.     

L型沸石中镍、铕离子还原活性的研究

利用程序升温还原（ＴＰＲ）方法,研究了Ｌ型沸石基质中Ｎｉ~（２＋）、Ｅｕ~（３＋）离子的还原活性。同时,借助Ｘ光电子能谱（ＸＰＳ）技术,对Ｌ型沸石基质中Ｎｉ~（２＋）、Ｅｕ~（３＋）离子还原前后的价态进行了分析,结果表明Ｌ型沸石基质中Ｎｉ~（２＋）、Ｅｕ~（３＋）离子的还原活性较高,可被氢气还原为低价甚至零价。镍离子的存在能促进 Ｅｕ~（３＋）离子的还原,提高了Ｅｕ~（３＋）离子的还原百分比。     

Eu Ions Site-selective Doping and Nonstoichiometric Chemistry of NaTaO_3 in Na-rich Environment

The electronic structure of Eu-doped NaTaO_3 in Na-rich environment is investigated by the first-principles theory. By simulating the two different models of Eu~(3+) ions selectively located in Ta and Na sites, respectively, the band gaps of two Eu-doped NaTaO_3 models were all narrowed, which were assigned to lattice defects and impurity band of the Eu dopent. For the model of Eu~(3+) ions located in the Na+ sites of NaTaO_3, the new impurity band mainly composited of Eu 4f orbital appeared at the top over the valence band, indicating the enhanced oxidative ability. For the model of Eu~(3+) ions located in the Ta5+ sites of NaTaO_3, a midgap state generated was located at the bottom of conduct band and the band potential shifted up, confirming the strong reductive ability in the Na-rich enviornment. The densities of electron states were significantly increased in both the conduction and valence bands in Na-rich model, which resulted in the increased carrier migration rate and thus photocatalytic activity enhancement. It is proposed that Eu~(3+) ions doping at the Ta sites could enhance the reduced photocatalytic performance via controlling the nonstoichiometric Na/Ta molar ratio in the Eu-doped NaTaO_3 system.     

吡啶-2,6-二羧酸体系荧光法同时测定地质和环境试样中的钐、铕、铽、镝

本文研究了吡啶-2,6-二羧酸体系荧光法同时测定钐、铕、铽、镝的最佳条件及共存离子的影响。其检测限分别为3.0、0.15、0.09和0.5mg/mL。本文采用荧光法与阳离子交换树脂分离法联用,同时测定了地质和环境试样中的杉、铕、铽、镝含量。