Colloidal Synthesis and Analysis of CNT-Cu2S for Stability and Capacity Increase Alleviation in Sodium-Ion Storage.

With the growing interest in energy storage, significant research has focused on finding suitable anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). While developing high-capacity nanosized metal sulfides, issues like low stability and rapid initial capacity decline are common. Instead of maintaining steady capacity, they also tend to exhibit an increase in discharge capacity as cycling continues. We introduce CNT-Cu2S, featuring Cu2S nanoplates integrated onto the surface of MWCNTs, and assess its electrochemical properties for SIBs. Cu2S initially exhibited a rapid decrease in capacity and then showed increased capacity. In contrast, CNT-Cu2S demonstrated a stable capacity of 344.8 mAh g-1 at 2.0 A g-1 over 800 cycles, close to the theoretical capacity with capacitive behavior. This paper carried out analysis using data from in situ EIS and overpotential data from GITT to explain the different outcomes between the Cu2S and CNT-Cu2S experiments. These results show that CNT-Cu2S is a suitable anode material for SIBs.

Lithium Storage Mechanism: A Review of Perylene Diimide N-Substituted with a 1,2,4-Triazol-3-yl Ring for Organic Cathode Materials.

The demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has increased rapidly. However, commercial inorganic-based cathode materials have a low theoretical capacity and inherent disadvantages, such as high cost and toxicity. Redox-active organic cathodes with a high theoretical capacity, eco-friendly properties, and sustainability have been developed to overcome these limitations. Herein, perylene diimide derivatives N-substituted with 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl rings (PDI-3AT) were developed to apply as a cathode material for LIBs. The PDI-3AT cathode exhibited discharge capacities of 85.2 mAh g-1 (50 mA g-1 over 100 cycles) and 64.5 mAh g-1 (500 mA g-1 over 1000 cycles) with ratios to the theoretical capacities of 84 and 64%, respectively. Electrochemical kinetics analysis showed capacitive behaviors of the PDI-3AT cathode with efficient pathways for lithium-ion transport. Also, the activation step of the PDI-3AT cathode was demonstrated by improving the charge transfer resistance and lithium-ion diffusion coefficient during the initial few charge-discharge cycles. Furthermore, DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-311+G** level and ex situ analysis of various charge states of the PDI-3AT electrode using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were conducted for the further study of the lithium-ion storage mechanism. The results showed that the lithiation process formed the lithium enolate (═C-O-Li) coordinated with the N atoms of the 1,2,4-triazole ring. It is expected that our study results will encourage the production and use of redox-active perylene diimide derivatives as next-generation cathode materials.

Effect of endogenous substance P on visceral afferent signal integration in the nucleus tractus solitaries of rat brainstem slices.

In the first synapse of the blood-pressure-regulating pathway, a neurokinin (NK) family peptide substance P (SP) is release with an excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate, to enhance the sensitivity of the baroreflex responses. However, the underlying mechanisms of action are not yet well understood. The effects of NK receptor antagonists and agonists on solitary tract stimulation-evoked excitatory postsynaptic responses were recorded using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of neurons in the medial portion of the nucleus tractus solitarius (mNTS) in the brainstem. SP reduced the amplitude of the evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) and shifted the holding current inward, in a dose-dependent manner. The concentrations of SP needed to induce such responses were different between capsaicin-sensitive unmyelinated (C-type) and capsaicin-resistant myelinated (A-type) neurons. The perfusion of a NK1 receptor antagonist, sendide, reduced the amplitude of eEPSCs in all tested neurons but did not affect the levels of the holding current. A Neurokinin type 1 receptor (NK1 receptor) agonist, [Sar9, Met(O2)11]-SP, reduced the amplitude of the eEPSCs and shifted the holding current inward in capsaicin-resistant neurons; however, it failed to induce any significant changes in the capsaicin-sensitive neurons. Furthermore, a selective Neurokinin type 3 receptor (NK3 receptor) antagonist, SB223412, failed to induce any changes in any tested neuron. In current-clamp experiments, sendide reduced solitary tract (ST)-stimulation evoked firing of action potentials in both A- and C-type neurons. [Sar9, Met(O2)11]-SP suppressed the firing of the action potentials in C-type but not A-type neurons. In spontaneous synaptic recordings, SP reduced frequency of the sEPSCs in CAP sensitive neuron but NK1 agonist reduced at capsaicin resistant neurons. Taken together, the findings show that ST activation leads to the co-transmission of SP and glutamate and enhances baroreflex sensitivity by potentiating the amplitude of eEPSC in an NK1 receptor activity-dependent manner.

The effect of ginger extract on cisplatin-induced acute anorexia in rats.

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent widely used to treat various cancers. However, several side effects have been reported in treated patients. Among these, acute anorexia is one of the most severe secondary effects. In this study, a single oral administration of 100 or 500 mg/kg ginger extract (GE) significantly alleviated the cisplatin-induced decrease in food intake in rats. However, these body weight and water intake decreases were reversed in the 100 mg/kg group rats. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of action, serotonin (5-HT) and 5-HT2C, 3A, and 4 receptors in the nodose ganglion of the vagus nerve were investigated. The results showed that cisplatin-induced increases in serotonin levels in both the blood and nodose ganglion tissues were significantly decreased by100 and 500 mg/kg of GE administration. On 5-HT receptors, 5-HT3A and 4, but not 2C receptors, were affected by cisplatin, and GE 100 and 500 mg/kg succeeded in downregulating the evoked upregulated gene of these receptors. Protein expression of 5-HT3A and 4 receptors were also reduced in the 100 mg/kg group. Furthermore, the injection of 5-HT3A, and 4 receptors antagonists (palonostron, 0.1 mg/kg, i.p.; piboserod, 1 mg/kg, i.p., respectively) in cisplatin treated rats prevented the decrease in food intake. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol were identified and quantified as the major components of GE, comprising 4.12% and 2.15% of the GE, respectively. Although [6]-gingerol or [6]-shogaol alone failed to alleviate the evoked anorexia, when treated together, the effect was significant on the cisplatin-induced decrease in food intake. These results show that GE can be considered a treatment option to alleviate cisplatin-induced anorexia.

Hybrid Nano Flake-like Vanadium Diselenide Combined on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube as a Binder-Free Electrode for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

As the market for electric vehicles and portable electronic devices continues to grow rapidly, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as energy storage systems to replace lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, sodium-ion is heavier and larger than lithium-ion, resulting in volume expansion and slower ion transfer. It is necessary to find suitable anode materials with high capacity and stability. In addition, wearable electronics are starting to be commercialized, requiring a binder-free electrode used in flexible batteries. In this work, we synthesized nano flake-like VSe2 using organic precursor and combined it with MWCNT as carbonaceous material. VSe2@MWCNT was mixed homogenously using sonication and fabricated film electrodes without a binder and substrate via vacuum filter. The hybrid electrode exhibited high-rate capability and stable cycling performance with a discharge capacity of 469.1 mAhg-1 after 200 cycles. Furthermore, VSe2@MWCNT exhibited coulombic efficiency of ~99.7%, indicating good cycle stability. Additionally, VSe2@MWCNT showed a predominant 85.5% of capacitive contribution at a scan rate of 1 mVs-1 in sodiation/desodiation process. These results showed that VSe2@MWCNT is a suitable anode material for flexible SIBs.

Amino-Acid-Substituted Perylene Diimide as the Organic Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

One of the most effective cost reduction and green engineering projects is to introduce organic compounds to electrode materials instead of expensive inorganic-based materials. In this work, derivatives of perylene diimide substituted with amino acids (PDI_AAs) showed the characteristics of redox-active organic compounds and were, therefore, used as cathode materials of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Among the as-synthesized PDI_AAs, the L-alanine-substituted PDI (PDI_A) showed the most improved cycling performances of 86 mAhg-1 over 150 cycles with retention of 95% at 50 mAg-1. Furthermore, at a high current density of 500 mAg-1, PDI_A exhibited a long-term cycling performance of 47 mAhg-1 (retention to 98%) over 5000 cycles. In addition, ex situ attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) analysis of electrodes at various charging states showed the mechanism of the charge-discharge process of PDI_A.

Emphysematous Salmonella-Infected Aneurysm of the Aortic Arch: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Infected aortic aneurysm is a relatively rare disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Because of its deeper position, patients with infected aortic arch aneurysms may present with only fever and other vague symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, anorexia, and functional decline. It is difficult confirm a diagnosis that is based solely on history or physical examination, and it may only be apparent on imaging studies. CASE REPORT: We present a brief case report of a patient presenting to the emergency department with unexplained fever who was diagnosed with emphysematous salmonella-infected aneurysm of the aortic arch. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Infected aortic arch aneurysm is an extremely unusual disease entity that emergency physicians encounter. Because of the high mortality and morbidity of this catastrophic disease, an infected aortic aneurysm should be considered as a possible diagnosis in patients with persistent fever and vague symptoms without a specific infection focus. To avoid delayed diagnosis, emergency physicians should be aware of infected aortic arch aneurysm.

Regulation of the Inevitable Water-Responsivity of Silk Fibroin Biopolymer by Polar Amino Acid Activation.

In nature, water is vital for maintaining homeostasis. Particularly, organisms (e.g., plant leaf, bird feather) exploit water fluidics for motions. Hydration-adaptive crystallization is the representative water-responsive actuation of biopolymers. This crystallization has inspired the development of intelligent human-robot interfaces. At the same time, it hinders the consistent adhesion of tissue adhesive. As hydration-adaptive crystallization is inevitable, the on-demand control of crystallization is desirable in the innovative biopolymeric biomedical systems. To this end, this study developed an amino acid-based technology to artificially up- or down-regulate the inevitable crystallization of silk fibroin. A case II diffusion model was constructed, and it revealed that the activity of polar amino acid is related to crystallization kinetics. Furthermore, the water dynamics study suggested that active amino acid stabilizes crystallization-triggering water molecules. As a proof-of-concept, we verified that a 30% increase in the activity of serine resulted in a 50% decrease in the crystallization rate. Furthermore, the active amino acid-based suppression of hydration-adaptive crystallization enabled the silk fibroin to keep its robust adhesion (approximately 160 kJ m-3) by reducing the water-induced loss of adhesive force. The proposed silk fibroin was demonstrated as a stable tissue adhesive applied on ex vivo porcine mandible tissue. This amino acid-based regulation of hydration-adaptive crystallization will pioneer next-generation biopolymer-based healthcare.

Ultralight and Ultrathin Electrospun Membranes with Enhanced Air Permeability for Chemical and Biological Protection.

With the growing interest in chemical and biological warfare agents (CWAs/BWAs), the focus has shifted toward aerosol protection using protective clothing. However, compared to air-permeable membranes, those with water vapor permeability have been investigated more extensively. Filtering membranes without air permeability have limited practical usage in personal protective suits and masks. In this study, polyacrylonitrile membranes with tightly attached activated carbon and doped copper(II) oxide were prepared via electrospinning. The nanofibers with uniformly controlled diameters and smooth morphologies enable water/air breathability and protection against aerosol (100 nm polystyrene nanobeads similar to SARS-CoV-2) penetration. The uniformly distributed and tightly attached activated carbon and doped copper(II) oxide particles enhance the sorptive performance of the membranes by blocking gaseous CWAs, including soman, nerve chemical agents, and BWAs. Such dual-purpose membranes can be implemented in protective equipment owing to their high performance and easy processing.

Substance P Increases the Excitability of Dorsal Motor Nucleus of the Vagus Nerve via Inhibition of Potassium Channels.

Increases in the substance P (SP) concentration in the medial portion of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (mDMV) in the brainstem are closely associated with chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of action are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of SP on mDMV neurons using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from rat brainstem slices. Application of different concentrations of SP induced tonic and phasic responses. Submicromolar concentrations of induced an inward shift of the holding current by increasing membrane input resistance. The response was mimicked by acidification of the extracellular solution and inhibited by a neurokinin type 1 receptor antagonist. These responses have equilibrium potentials close to the K+ equilibrium potential. In addition, a TWIK-related acid-sensitive K+ channel 3 (TASK-3) inhibitor, PK-THPP, induced responses similar to those produced by submicromolar SP concentrations. Micromolar concentrations of SP facilitated γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release but diminished glutamate release; these changes were blocked by a GABA B receptor antagonist and a neurokinin type 3 receptor antagonist, respectively. In current-clamp recordings, submicromolar SP concentrations increased neuronal excitability by depolarizing membrane potentials. However, neither the increase in SP concentration to the micromolar range nor the addition of GABA A and ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists affected neuronal excitability. Thus, SP increases the excitability of mDMV neurons by inhibiting K+ conductance.

Blocking chemical warfare agent simulants by graphene oxide/polymer multilayer membrane based on hydrogen bonding and size sieving effect.

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are toxic materials that cause death by contact with the skin or by respiration. Although studies on detoxification of CWAs have been intensively conducted, studies that block CWAs permeation are rare. In this study, for blocking CWAs, a multilayer thin film composed of linear polyethylenimine (LPEI) and graphene oxide (GO) is simply prepared through a spray-assisted Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly process. LPEI could change its morphology dependent on pH, which is known as a representative hydrogen donor and acceptor. By controlling the shape of the polymer chain, a heterogenous film could have a loose or dense inner structure. CWAs mainly move through diffusion and have hydrogen bonding sites. Therefore, the heterogeneous film can limit CWAs movement based on controlling pathways and hydrogen bonds within the film. The protective effect of this membrane is investigated using dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), a nerve gas simulant. DMMP vapor transmittance rate (DVTR) and N2 permeance of LPEI/GO are 67.91 g/m2 day and 34,293.04 GPU. It means that the protection efficiency is 72.65%. Although this membrane has a thin thickness (100 nm), it shows a high protective effect with good breathability. And water/DMMP selectivity of the membrane is 66.63. Since this multilayer membrane shows efficient protection performance with a simple preparation method, it has a high potential for applications such as protective suits and masks.

UiO-66-NH2 and Zeolite-Templated Carbon Composites for the Degradation and Adsorption of Nerve Agents.

Composites of metal-organic frameworks and carbon materials have been suggested to be effective materials for the decomposition of chemical warfare agents. In this study, we synthesized UiO-66-NH2/zeolite-templated carbon (ZTC) composites for the adsorption and decomposition of the nerve agents sarin and soman. UiO-66-NH2/ZTC composites with good dispersion were prepared via a solvothermal method. Characterization studies showed that the composites had higher specific surface areas than pristine UiO-66-NH2, with broad pore size distributions centered at 1-2 nm. Owing to their porous nature, the UiO-66-NH2/ZTC composites could adsorb more water at 80% relative humidity. Among the UiO-66-NH2/ZTC composites, U0.8Z0.2 showed the best degradation performance. Characterization and gas adsorption studies revealed that beta-ZTC in U0.8Z0.2 provided additional adsorption and degradation sites for nerve agents. Among the investigated materials, including the pristine materials, U0.8Z0.2 also exhibited the best protection performance against the nerve agents. These results demonstrate that U0.8Z0.2 has the optimal composition for exploiting the degradation performance of pristine UiO-66-NH2 and the adsorption performance of pristine beta-ZTC.

Co-existing "spear-and-shield" air filter: Anchoring proteinaceous pathogen and self-sterilized nanocoating for combating viral pandemic.

Infectious pollutants bioaerosols can threaten human public health. In particular, the indoor environment provides a unique exposure situation to induce infection through airborne transmission like SARS-CoV-2. To prevent the infection from spreading, personal protective equipment or indoor air purification is necessary. However, it has been discovered that the conventional filter can become contaminated by pathogen-containing aerosols, meaning that advanced filtering and self-sterilization systems are required. Here, we fabricate a multilayered nanocoating around the fabric using laponite (LAP) with Cu2+ ions (LAP-Cu2+ nanocoating) two contradictory functions in one system: trapping proteinaceous pathogens and antibacterial effect. Due to the strong LAP-protein interaction, albumin and spike protein (S-protein) are trapped into the fabric when proteins are sprayed using a nebulizer. The protein-blocking performance of the nanocoated fabric is 9.55-fold higher than bare fabric. These trapping capacities are retained after rinsing and repeated adsorption cycles, showing reproducibility for air filtration. Even though the protein-binding occurred, the LAP-Cu2+ fabric indicates antibacterial effect. LAP-Cu2+ fabric has an equivalent air and water transmittance rate to that of bare fabric with a stability under physiological environment. Therefore, given its excellent "Spear-and-shield" functions, the proposed LAP-Cu2+ fabric shows great potential for use in filter and masks during the viral pandemic.

Fabrication of Graphene Based Durable Intelligent Personal Protective Clothing for Conventional and Non-Conventional Chemical Threats.

Conventional or non-conventional chemical threat is gaining huge attention due to its unpredictable and mass destructive effects. Typical military protective suits have drawbacks such as high weight, bulky structure, and unpredictable lifetime. A durable, light, and scalable graphene e-fabric was fabricated from CVD-grown graphene by a simple co-lamination method. The sheet resistance was below 1 kΩ/sq over the wide surface area even after 1000 bending cycles. A graphene triboelectric nanogenerator showed the peak VOC of 68 V and the peak ICC of 14.4 µA and 1 µF capacitor was charged successfully in less than 1 s. A wearable chemical sensor was also fabricated and showed a sensitivity up to 53% for nerve chemical warfare agents (GD). DFT calculations were conducted to unveil the fundamental mechanisms underlying the graphene e-fabric sensor. Additionally, protection against chemical warfare agents was tested, and a design concept of graphene-based intelligent protective clothing has been proposed.

Bee Venom Acupuncture Attenuates Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain by Modulating Action Potential Threshold in A-Fiber Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons.

Oxaliplatin is a third-generation platinum-based chemotherapeutic drug widely used in colorectal cancer treatment. Although potent against this tumor, it can induce cold and mechanical allodynia even after a single injection. The currently used drugs to attenuate this allodynia can also cause unwanted effects, which limit their use. Bee venom acupuncture (BVA) is widely used in Korean medicine to treat pain. Although the effect of BVA on oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain has been addressed in many studies, its action on dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons has never been investigated. A single oxaliplatin injection (6 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) induced cold and mechanical allodynia, and BVA (0.1 and 1 mg/kg, subcutaneous, ST36) dose-dependently decreased allodynia in rats. On acutely dissociated lumbar 4-6 DRG neurons, 10 min application of oxaliplatin (100 µM) shifted the voltage-dependence of sodium conductance toward negative membrane potentials in A- but not C-fibers. The resting membrane potential remained unchanged, but the action potential threshold decreased significantly compared to that of the control (p < 0.05). However, 0.1 µg/mL of BVA administration increased the lowered action potential threshold. In conclusion, these results suggest that BVA may attenuate oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain by altering the action potential threshold in A-fiber DRG neurons.

Mortality difference between early-identified sepsis and late-identified sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the mortality rates of patients with early-identified (EI) sepsis and late-identified (LI) sepsis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients admitted to the emergency department and diagnosed with sepsis. EI sepsis was defined as patients with a Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score ≥2, based on 3 parameters of the SOFA score (Glasgow coma scale, mean arterial pressure, and partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio), measured within an hour of emergency department admission. The remaining patients were defined as LI sepsis. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Of the total 204 patients with sepsis, 113 (55.4%) had EI sepsis. Overall mortality rate was 15.7%, and EI sepsis group had significantly higher mortality than LI sepsis (23.0% vs. 6.6%, P=0.003). The patients with EI sepsis, compared to those with LI sepsis, had higher SOFA score (median: 4 vs. 2, P<0.001); Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (median: 14 vs. 10, P<0.001); were more likely to progress to septic shock within 6 hours after admission (17.7% vs. 1.1%, P<0.001); were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (2.2% vs. 1.1%, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Mortality was significantly higher in the EI sepsis group than in the LI sepsis group.

Change in jaw occlusive power by paralysis of masseter muscle with a neuromuscular blocker: Sion's masseter muscle paralysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether jaw occlusive power decreases with the injection of neuromuscular blocking agents in masseter muscle - a method we named Sion's masseter muscle paralysis (SMP). METHODS: A randomized, placebo-controlled animal study was conducted in which researchers were blinded to group allocation. We used 12 male mongrel dogs aged 10-12 months and weighing 30-35 kg. Four groups were formed: a conventional dose (CD) group (0.004 mg/kg succinylcholine in 4 ml normal saline [NS]); a high dose (HD) group (0.04 mg/kg succinylcholine in 4 ml NS); a placebo group (4 ml NS); and no intervention group. To measure the jaw occlusive power, 1 kg weight was hung sequentially on a specifically designed device on the animal's lower jaw. At -4, -2, 0', +2, +4, +6, +8, +10, +20, and +30 min, we measured the jaw occlusive power, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2). RESULTS: After SMP, jaw occlusive power began to decline in CD and HD group. The arithmetical mean jaw occlusive power values at -4, -2, 0', +2, +4, +6, +8, and +10 min were 9.7, 9.7, 9.7, 8.7, 8.3, 7.3, 6.7, and 6.3 kgw in the CD group and 9.7, 9.3, 8.7, 8.0, 6.7, 5.0, 5.0, and 5.3 kgw in the HD group. No abnormalities in SpO2or ETCO2were detected. CONCLUSION: Jaw occlusive power was decreased after SMP with succinylcholine, without inducing respiratory complication.

Light Engineering in Nanometer Space.

Significant advances have been made in photonic integrated circuit technology, similar to the development of electronic integrated circuits. However, the miniaturization of cavity resonators, which are the essential components of photonic circuits, still requires considerable improvement. Over the past decades, various optical cavities have been utilized to implement next-generation light sources in photonic circuits with low energy, high data traffic, and integrable physical sizes. Nevertheless, it has been difficult to reduce the size of most commercialized cavities beyond the diffraction limit while maintaining high performance. Herein, recent advancements in subwavelength metallic cavities that can improve performance, even with the use of lossy plasmonic modes, are reviewed. The discussion is divided in three parts according to light engineering methods: subwavelength metal-clad cavities engineered using intermediate dielectric cladding; implementation of plasmonic cavities and waveguides using plasmonic crystals; and development of deep-subwavelength plasmonic waveguides and cavities using geometric engineering. A direction for further developments in photonic integrated circuit technology is also discussed, along with its practical application.

Extreme field confinement in zigzag plasmonic crystals.

We propose extreme field confinement in a zigzag plasmonic crystal that can produce a wide plasmonic bandgap near the visible frequency range. By applying a periodic zigzag structure to a metal-insulator-metal plasmonic waveguide, the lowest three plasmonic crystal bands are flattened, creating a high-quality broadband plasmonic mirror over a wavelength range of 526-909 nm. Utilizing zigzag plasmonic crystals in a three-dimensional tapered metal-insulator-metal plasmonic cavity, extreme field confinement with a modal volume of less than 0.00005 λ 3 can be achieved even at resonances over a wide frequency range. In addition, by selecting the number of zigzag periods in the plasmonic crystal, critical coupling between the cavity and the waveguide can be achieved, thereby maximizing the field intensity with an enhancement factor of 105 or more. We believe that zigzag plasmonic crystals will provide a powerful platform for implementing broadband on-chip plasmonic devices.

Zr(OH)4/GO Nanocomposite for the Degradation of Nerve Agent Soman (GD) in High-Humidity Environments.

Zirconium hydroxide, Zr(OH)4 is known to be highly effective for the degradation of chemical nerve agents. Due to the strong interaction force between Zr(OH)4 and the adsorbed water, however, Zr(OH)4 rapidly loses its activity for nerve agents under high-humidity environments, limiting real-world applications. Here, we report a nanocomposite material of Zr(OH)4 and graphene oxide (GO) which showed enhanced stability in humid environments. Zr(OH)4/GO nanocomposite was prepared via a dropwise method, resulting in a well-dispersed and embedded GO in Zr(OH)4 nanocomposite. The nitrogen (N2) isotherm analysis showed that the pore structure of Zr(OH)4/GO nanocomposite is heterogeneous, and its meso-porosity increased from 0.050 to 0.251 cm3/g, compared with pristine Zr(OH)4 prepared. Notably, the composite material showed a better performance for nerve agent soman (GD) degradation hydrolysis under high-humidity air conditions (80% relative humidity) and even in aqueous solution. The soman (GD) degradation by the nanocomposite follows the catalytic reaction with a first-order half-life of 60 min. Water adsorption isotherm analysis and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectra provide direct evidence that the interaction between Zr(OH)4 and the adsorbed water is reduced in Zr(OH)4/GO nanocomposite, indicating that the active sites of Zr(OH)4 for the soman (GD) degradation, such as surface hydroxyl groups are almost available even in high-humidity environments.