Photothermal Catalytic Removal of 1,2-DCE with High HCl Selectivity over the Brønsted Acid-Enriched Sulfur-Doped MOFs.

Chlorinated volatile organic compounds come from a wide range of sources and are highly toxic, posing a serious threat to biological health and the environment. Herein, a high-efficiency and energy-saving photothermal synergistic catalytic oxidation method was developed for the removal of 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE). Compared to traditional thermocatalysis, the 1,2-DCE conversion over Ru-U6S in photothermal synergistic catalysis at 340 °C increased by approximately 44% not only reducing energy consumption but also avoiding the instability of MOF structure caused by high reaction temperature. The excellent photothermal catalytic oxidation activity was derived from the synergistic effect of photo- and thermocatalysis. Ru-U6S demonstrated excellent 1,2-DCE adsorption capacity and stronger light utilization and could produce more reactive oxygen species (•OH and •O2-) after light illumination, which participated in the oxidation reaction, promoting the release of the active site of the catalyst. The results of H2O-TPD and NH3-DRIFTS exhibited that the use of S-containing ligands in the synthesis process increased the hydroxyl groups and Brønsted acid sites, significantly improved the selectivity of CO2 and HCl in the oxidation process, and reduced the release of chlorine-containing byproducts. This work provides a high-efficiency and energy-saving strategy for removing chlorinated volatile organic compounds and increasing the selectivity of ideal products directly with MOFs directly.

Regulation Lattice Oxygen Mobility via Dual Single Atoms for Simultaneously Enhancing VOC Oxidation and NOx Reduction.

Synergistic catalytic removal of multipollutants (e.g., volatile organic compound (VOC) oxidation and nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction) is highly demanded due to the increasingly strict emission standards. The prevention of the key reactive intermediate species nitrite excessive oxidation over the supported noble-metal catalysts, rather than the traditional low-efficiency transition metal oxide catalysts, remains a great challenge. Herein, a sound strategy of Pd single atoms saturated with acidic transition element ligands is proposed. The coexistence of Pd and V dual single atoms strengthens the adsorption of reactants, while synergistic interaction between dual atoms and surface oxygen weakens activation of lattice oxygen, thus significantly reducing the overoxidation of nitrite. Meanwhile, the neutralization of the active Pd and inert V sites results in a rational decrease in the redox property of Pd and an obvious increase in that of V. The Pd1V1/CeO2 dual single-atom catalyst achieves 90% conversion of NOx and toluene at 238 and 230 °C and has a large temperature window (>150 °C) for NOx reduction. This research makes a breakthrough in the development of efficient supported noble-/transition-metal dual single-atom catalysts for VOC and NOx simultaneous purification.

Swellable Array Strategy Based on Designed Flexible Double Hypercross-linked Polymers for Synergistic Adsorption of Toluene and Formaldehyde.

High-capacity adsorption and removal of complex volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from real-world environments is a tough challenge for researchers. Herein, a swellable array adsorption strategy was proposed to realize the synergistic adsorption of toluene and formaldehyde on the flexible double hypercross-linked polymers (FD-HCPs). FD-HCPs exhibited multiple adsorption sites awarded by a hydrophobic benzene ring/pyrrole ring and a hydrophilic hydroxyl structural unit. The array benzene ring, hydroxyl, and pyrrole N sites in FD-HCPs effectively captured toluene and formaldehyde molecules through π-π conjugation and electrostatic interaction and weakened their mutual competitive adsorption. Interestingly, the strong binding force of toluene molecules to the skeleton deformed the pore structure of FD-HCPs and generated new adsorption microenvironments for the other adsorbate. This behavior significantly improved the adsorption capacity of FD-HCPs for toluene and formaldehyde by 20% under multiple VOCs. Moreover, the pyrrole group in FD-HCPs greatly hindered H2O molecule diffusion in the pore, thus efficiently weakening the competitive adsorption of H2O toward VOCs. These fascinating properties enabled FD-HCPs to achieve synergistic adsorption for multicomponent VOC vapor under a highly humid environment and overcame single-species VOC adsorption properties on state-of-the-art porous adsorbents. This work provides the practical feasibility of synergistic adsorption to remove complex VOCs in real-world environments.

Construction of a nano dispersed Cr/Fe-polycrystalline sensor via high-energy mechanochemistry for simultaneous electrochemical determination of dopamine and uric acid.

A bimetallic polycrystalline sensor (Cr/Fe-SNCM) having nanosized and high dispersion was designed and used for the electrochemical simultaneous determination of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). Catalytic nanosized Cr/Fe were highly anchored on N/S/O-contained porous carbon with high dispersion and polycrystalline Cr/Fe via energetic mechanochemical method and high-temperature carbonization. The obtained Cr/Fe-SNCM exhibited high graphitized carbon supporter and endowed high electron transport and signal output for the whole sensor. Moreover, highly dispersed Cr/Fe sites and the polycrystalline form (metal-N/S/O) efficiently enhanced the catalytic reaction, leading to a limits of detection (based on the 3σ/m criterion) of 25.8 and 22.5 nM for DA and UA, respectively. This is 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than many state-of-the-art reported sensors. The Cr/Fe-SNCM1.0 sensor exhibited wide working range (0.1 to 10.0 µM), high recovery (96-103%) and low relative standard deviation (RSD = 3.2-4.7%) for DA and UA in real serum samples, possessing high significance for practical large-scale applications.

[Key quality attributes of benchmark samples of famous classical formula Kaixin Powder].

We prepared 15 batches of Kaixin Powder benchmark samples with the decoction pieces of different batches. Further, we established the specific chromatograms and index component content determination method of Kaixin Powder benchmark samples and analyzed the peaks and similarity of the chromatograms. With sibiricose A5, sibiricose A6, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose, ginsenoside Rb_1, ß-asarone, α-asarone, and dehydropachymic acid as index components, the index component content determination method was established and 70%-130% of the mean content of each component was set as the range. The chromatograms of 15 batches of Kaixin Powder benchmark samples had a total of 22 characteristic peaks, among which 8 peaks were identified, which represented sibiricose A5, sibiricose A6, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose, ginsenoside Rb_1, ß-asarone, α-asarone, and dehydropachymic acid, respectively. The chromatograms shared the similarity of 0.992-0.999. The 15 batches of benchmark samples had sibiricose A5 of 0.34-0.55 mg·g~(-1), sibiricose A6 of 0.43-0.57 mg·g~(-1), polygalaxanthone Ⅲ of 0.12-0.19 mg·g~(-1), 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose of 1.08-1.78 mg·g~(-1), ginsenoside Rb_1 of 0.33-0.62 mg·g~(-1), ß-asarone of 2.34-3.72 mg·g~(-1), α-asarone of 0.11-0.22 mg·g~(-1), and dehydropachymic acid of 0.053-0.079 mg·g~(-1). This study established the specific chromatograms and index component content determination method of Kaixin Powder benchmark samples, and the method was simple, feasible, reproducible, and stable. This study provides a scientific basis for further research on the key chemical properties of the benchmark samples and preparations of Kaixin Powder.

SERS-Active MIL-100(Fe) Sensory Array for Ultrasensitive and Multiplex Detection of VOCs.

The application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as SERS-active platforms in multiplex volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection is still unexplored. Herein, we demonstrate that MIL-100 (Fe) serves as an ideal SERS substrate for the detection of VOCs. The limit of detection (LOD) of MIL-100(Fe) for toluene sensing can reach 2.5 ppm, and can be even further decreased to 0.48 ppb level when "hot spots" in between Au nanoparticles are employed onto MIL-100 (Fe) substrate, resulting in an enhancement factor of 1010 . Additionally, we show that MIL-100(Fe) substrate has a unique "sensor array" property allowing multiplex VOCs detection, with great modifiability and expandability by doping with foreign metal elements. Finally, the MIL-100(Fe) platform is utilized to simultaneously detect the different gaseous indicators of lung cancer with a ppm detection limit, demonstrating its high potential for early diagnosis of lung cancer in vivo.

Nobiletin suppresses high-glucose-induced inflammation and ECM accumulation in human mesangial cells through STAT3/NF-κB pathway.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a complication of chronic diabetes and the main cause of end-stage renal disease all over the world. Inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation play important roles in the pathogenesis of DN. Evidence suggested that nobiletin acts anti-inflammatory role and plays a critical role in diabetes; however, its role in DN remains unclear. In the current study, we promulgated the nobiletin involved in high-glucose-induced glomerular mesangial cell inflammation and ECM accumulation. Nobiletin treatment significantly abrogated high-glucose-induced glomerular mesangial cell proliferation. Nobiletin treatment markedly suppressed inflammation cytokine secretion, including interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 in high-glucose-induced glomerular mesangial cell. Also, exposed nobiletin to high-glucose-induced glomerular mesangial cell considerably reduced ECM accumulation through inhibited ECM-associated protein type 4 collagen and fibronectin expression. Furthermore, nobiletin treatment abolished nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway activation through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibition. Overexpression STAT3 reversed the effects of nobiletin on high-glucose-induced glomerular mesangial cell proliferation, inflammation, ECM accumulation, and NF-κB pathway activation. Hence, our results suggest that nobiletin play roles in high-glucose-induced glomerular mesangial cells through inhibiting inflammation and ECM accumulation, and the STAT3/NF-κB pathway was involved in the function of nobiletin.

Construction of 3D-graphene/NH2-MIL-125 nanohybrids via amino-ionic liquid dual-mode bonding for advanced acetaldehyde photodegradation under high humidity.

The development of metal organic framework (MOF)-based π-π conjugated structures capable of effectively transforming H2O from humid air to •OH radicals for VOCs photodegradation is a significant but difficult task. Herein, an amino-ionic liquid (NH2-IL) based dual-mode bridging strategy was proposed to connect 3D-graphene with NH2-MIL-125 forming IL-3DGr/NM(Ti) nanohybrids for advanced acetaldehyde photodegradation. The rational integration of these components was responsible for: (1) maintaining π-π conjugated electron transport system; (2) generating abundant coordinatively unsaturated sites and oxygen vacancies; (3) increasing surface area of the nanohybrids. With these attributes, IL-3DGr/NM(Ti) demonstrated enhanced charge separation and transportation electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS): 7-times), acetaldehyde adsorption (22 %), light absorption (bandgap: 1.51 eV). The rapid H2O adsorption and photoconversion to •OH radicals by IL-3DGr/NM(Ti) enabled it to demonstrate superior CH3CHO photodegradation rate under high humidity, surpassing many state-of-the-art photocatalysts by 9 to 187 times under static air conditions and with nearly similar catalyst dosages* (photocatalyst weight and initial acetaldehyde concentration (mg ppm-1) ratio). Interestingly, the IL-3DGr/NM(Ti) photocatalytic activity was enhanced by increasing RH% up-to 80 %. Besides, the nanohybrids demonstrated tremendous stability, with only a 3.9 % decline observed after 5 consecutive-cycles. This strategy provides new prospects to improve the compatibility of graphene/MOF materials for futuristic photoelectrical applications under high humidity.

Simultaneous photocatalytic removal of tetracycline and hexavalent chromium by BiVO4/0.6CdS photocatalyst: Insights into the performance, evaluation, calculation and mechanism.

In this study, a novel Z-scheme heterojunction on bismuth vanadium/cadmium sulfide (BiVO4/0.6CdS) was developed and evaluated for simultaneous photocatalytic removal of combined tetracycline (TC) and hexavalent chromium Cr(Ⅵ) pollution under visible light. Based on the analysis of intermediate products and theoretical calculation, the property of the intermediate products of TC degradation and the effect of built-in electric field (IEF) of composite materials on photo-generated carrier separation were illustrated. According to the experiments and evaluation results, the performance of BiVO4/0.6CdS is higher than CdS 2.83 times and 4.82 times under the visible light conditions, with the aspect of simultaneous oxidizing TC and reducing Cr(Ⅵ), respectively. The catalyst has a faster removal rate in the binary composite pollution system than the single one. Therefore, the photocatalytic degradation of TC using BiVO4/0.6CdS can reduce the toxic effect of TC on the environment. The aforementioned evaluation provides a new design strategy for Z-scheme heterojunction to simultaneous photocatalytic degradation of composite organic and inorganic pollutants.

Dual chemical bonding construction of electrochemical peptide sensor based on GDY/MOFs(Fe) composite for ultra-low determination of prostate-specific antigen.

A novel "double chemical bonding" electrochemical peptide biosensor 2FcP-GA-GDY(Fe)@NMIL-B was developed for highly selective, ultrasensitive, and ultrastable identification of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The C-Fe-O chemical bond linking Fe-Graphdiyne (Fe-GDY) with NH2-MIL88B(Fe) (NMIL88B) as the first chemical bonding of electrode carrier Fe-GDY@NH2-MIL88B(Fe) (GDY(Fe)@NMIL) significantly accelerates electron transport. With glutaraldehyde (GA) as a crosslinking agent, the Schiff-base -NC- formed by GDY(Fe)@NMIL nanocomposites links the two Fc molecules labeled peptides (2FcP) as the second chemical bonding, facilitating high-density attachment of peptides to the electrode carrier in a firm manner. When the PSA analyte is introduced to identify and cleave the specific peptide, the release of ferrocene from its head leads to a decrease in the electrical signal, enabling sensitive detection. The prepared sensing platform exhibits exceptional analytical performance for PSA with an extended linear response range from 10 fg mL-1 to 50 ng mL-1. Additionally, the detection limit has been significantly reduced to an ultra-low level of only 0.94 fg mL-1, surpassing those reported in most literature by several orders of magnitude. Moreover, the 2FcP-GA-GDY(Fe)@NMIL-B sensor has excellent selectivity and stability while also showcasing great potential for practical application of PSA detection in human serum using the standard addition method.

Study on the resourceful reuse in SBS-modified asphalt of waste bagasse fibers based on green modification with tannic acid and FeOOH.

Hydrophobic modification of bagasse fibers (BFs) through a green approach can promote its reuse in asphalt and enhance the utilization value of agricultural and forestry waste in road engineering. In contrast to traditional chemical modification, this study reports a new method for the hydrophobic modification of BFs using tannic acid (TA) and the in situ growth of FeOOH nanoparticles (NPs), resulting in FeOOH-TA-BF, which is used to prepare styrene-butadiene styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt. The experimental results show that the surface roughness, specific surface area, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity of the modified BF are improved, which is beneficial for enhancing the interface compatibility with asphalt. Specifically, compared with BF/SBS-modified asphalt, FeOOH-TA-BF/SBS-modified asphalt exhibits 39.21% and 23.26% increase in the elastic modulus G' and viscous modulus G″, respectively, at the optimal dosage of 2.5%, corresponding to 6.15-fold and 7.13-fold increase in the fatigue life at 2.5% and 5.0% strain respectively, and 22.0% improvement in shear resistance performance. In the meantime, 2.5-fold enhancement of the storage stability. Therefore, this study provides a simple, environmentally friendly, and efficient hydrophobic modification method that is of great significance for promoting the resource utilization of solid waste BF.

One-step ethylene purification from ternary mixtures by an ultramicroporous material with synergistic binding centers.

Developing advanced porous materials with industrial potential to separate multicomponent gas mixtures that are structurally similar is a crucial but challenging task. Here, we report the efficient one-step separation of ethylene (C2H4) from acetylene (C2H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) using an ultramicroporous metal-organic framework UTSA-16. The synergistic effect of the polarized carboxyl groups and coordinated water molecules in its pore channel enables the material to have high uptakes for C2H2 and CO2 due to electrostatic potential matching, as well as excellent separation selectivity against C2H4. Breakthrough experiments suggest that UTSA-16 can efficiently separate 99.9% pure C2H4 from ternary mixtures with a high productivity of 403 L kg-1. Moreover, the preparation cost of UTSA-16 is significantly lower than other related adsorbents by 40-2000 times, indicating its unique potential for industrial applications.

High strength, anti-freezing and conductive silkworm excrement cellulose-based ionic hydrogel with physical-chemical double cross-linked for pressure sensing.

Recently, ionic conductive hydrogels have attracted extensive attention in the field of flexible pressure sensors due to their mechanical flexibility and high conductivity. However, the trade-off between the high electrical and mechanical properties of ionic conductive hydrogels and the loss of mechanical and electrical properties of traditional high water content hydrogels at low temperature are still the main hurdles in this area. Herein, a rigid Ca-rich silkworm excrement cellulose (SECCa) extracted from silkworm breeding waste was prepared. SEC-Ca was combined with the flexible hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) molecules through hydrogen bonding and double ionic bonds of Zn2+ and Ca2+ to obtain the physical network SEC@HPMC-(Zn2+/Ca2+). Then, the covalently cross-linked network of polyacrylamide (PAAM) and the physical network were cross-linked by hydrogen bonding to obtain the physical-chemical double cross-linked hydrogel (SEC@HPMC-(Zn2+/Ca2+)/PAAM). The hydrogel showed excellent compression properties (95 %, 4.08 MPa), high ionic conductivity (4.63 S/m at 25 °C) and excellent frost resistance (possessing ionic conductivity of 1.20 S/m at -70 °C). Notably, the hydrogel can monitor pressure changes in a wide temperature range (-60-25 °C) with high sensitivity, stability and durability. This newly fabricated hydrogel-based pressure sensors can be deemed of great prospects for large-scale application of pressure detection at ultra-low temperatures.

A novel SERS substrate of MIL-100(Fe)/AgNFs for sensitive detection of ascorbic acid in cellular media.

A novel SERS substrate of MIL-100(Fe)/AgNFs was firstly prepared for sensitive and selective detection of ascorbic acid (L-AA), with a LOD of 10-11 M. A spectral decrease of MIL-100(Fe)/AgNFs towards L-AA solution thanks to the efficient capture and reduction of Fe3+ in MIL-100(Fe) constituted the assay, which was demonstrated to function well in food samples and in cellular media for L-AA sensing.

Accelerating the Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle via enhanced electronic effect in NH2-MIL-88B(Fe)/TPB-DMTP-COF composite for boosting photo-Fenton degradation of sulfamerazine.

In the photo-Fenton reactions, fast recombination of photoinduced electrons and holes in Fe-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) slows Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycle, which remains big challenge that significantly retards the overall process. Herein, NH2-MIL-88B(Fe) (NM88) was modified with 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid (DB) and TPB-DMTP-COF (COF-OMe) to in situ construct NM88(DB)0.85/COF-OMe composite that could strongly harvest the visible light for photo-Fenton degradation of sulfamerazine (SMR). With the addition of DB, electron-donating effect of NM88 was strengthened, which then promoted amino groups to react with aldehyde groups (Schiff-base), and thus highly facilitated the interfacial contact between NM88 and COF-OMe. Such modifications increased the degradation rate constants for NM88(DB)0.85/COF-OMe to 15.1 and 17.3 times that of NM88 and COF-OMe respectively with good reusability. Moreover, the catalyst exhibited 32-170 times higher degradation kinetics in comparison to other reported catalysts. Results showed that due to the Schiff-base reaction between NM88(DB) and COF-OMe, electron density on Fe(III) was decreased; and the photogenerated electrons of COF-OMe moved to NM88(DB) to reduce Fe(III), thus resulting in the generation of highly active Fe(II) and ·OH species. Furthermore, the main reactive species were determined to be ·OH and ·O2- by trapping experiments, and a possible mechanism of the degradation system followed Z-scheme charge transfer.

Baicalin suppresses lung cancer growth phenotypes via miR-340-5p/NET1 axis.

As a malignant disease, lung cancer has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Baicalin is derived from Radix Scutellariae and has anti-tumor effects, however, its role in lung cancer remains unknown. Here, functional assays suggested baicalin suppressed in vitro lung cancer phenotypes. We used micro (mi)RNA array analysis to explore baicalin effects on miRNA expression. We observed baicalin increased miR-340-5p expression, whereas inhibition of this expression abolished anti-tumor effects of baicalin. Furthermore, neuroepithelial cell transforming 1 (NET1) functioned as a miR-340-5p target, and acted in a baicalin-dependent manner to regulate lung cancer progression. Thus, baicalin elicited antitumor activities by affecting the miR-340-5p/NET1 axis, suggesting a new approach to lung cancer clinical management.

Improved Capture and Removal Efficiency of Gaseous Acetaldehyde by a Self-Powered Photocatalytic System with an External Electric Field.

Using clean and sustainable stochastic energy from the environment to eliminate pollution caused by gaseous aldehydes would be an effective strategy to achieve the sustainable development of energy and preserve the environment. Here, a piston-based triboelectric nanogenerator (P-TENG) was used to enhance gaseous acetaldehyde absorption and photocatalytic degradation. An external electric field could be generated on a conductive substrate by the P-TENG, converting wind energy into electricity. This made it possible to efficiently degrade gaseous acetaldehyde in the photocatalytic system. Driven by a light breeze (3.0 m/s), the acetaldehyde removal rate of the system reached 63% within 30 min. The presence of an external electric field could generate more hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide radicals (•O2-), and holes (h+), which has a positive effect on the photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde. The design and concept of this study not only realized the efficient conversion of renewable and sustainable random energy but also could be applied to the efficient removal of gaseous aldehydes, providing an effective way to create a cleaner environment.

Comprehensive identification of Vitex trifolia fruit and its five adulterants by comparison of micromorphological, microscopic characteristics, and chemical profiles.

Prevention against the adulteration of traditional Chinese medicine in an accurate way has been long exploring. Vitex trifolia fruit (VTF), as a widely used analgesic in East Asia, has frequently been found to be adulterated with five adulterants, namely Vitex cannabifolia fruit (VCF) (Fam. Verbenaceae), Vitex negundo fruit (VNF) (Fam. Verbenaceae), Piper cubeba fruit (PCF) (Fam. Lauraceae), Euphorbia lathyris seed (ELS) (Fam. Euphorbiaceae), and Vaccinium bracteatum fruit (VBF) (Fam. Ericaceae). In this study, the methods of micromorphological identification, microscopic identification, and chemical analysis were combined to distinguish VTF from its five adulterants comprehensively. As a result, the micromorphological features in terms of fruit or seed epidermis were photographed by stereomicroscopy firstly. Secondly, the microscopic characteristics of various herb powders were captured under light microscopy. Thirdly, 33 nonvolatile components and 124 volatile components in VTF were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Orbitrap-MS) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography hyphenated with mass spectrometry (GC × GC-MS), respectively. Furthermore, betulinic acid, persicogenin, and the volatile 4-(2,2,6-trimethyl-bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-1-yl)-butan-2-one were screened out to be the specific markers of VTF distinctive from the adulterants. Collectively, VTF and its five adulterants were distinguished successfully by the comparison of micromorphological, microscopic characteristics, and chemical profiles.

Multi-crystalline N-doped Cu/CuxO/C foam catalyst derived from alkaline N-coordinated HKUST-1/CMC for enhanced 4-nitrophenol reduction.

Multi-crystalline N-doped Cu/CuxO/C foam catalysts are successfully synthesized from N-coordinated HKUST-1/cellulose and applied in 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction. Effects of N content and basicity on Cu morphology, crystal lattice and size, component dispersion and oxidation states in catalysts are systematically investigated. Moreover, transforming powder catalysts to foam morphology is proposed to further enhance catalytic performance and facilitate more feasible industrial applications. Results reveal that alkaline N-dopant simultaneously inhibits the growth of Cu crystals to only 3-5 nm and restrains Cu(II) reduction in HKUST-1 during calcination. This facilitates the formation of a special multi-crystalline Cu/Cu2O/CuO structure. Furthermore, Cu2O species on catalyst surface increase with increasing alkaline strength and N dopant content. Graphitic nano-structure catalyzed by Cu sites in HKUST-1 greatly enhances electron transfer in 4-NP reduction leading to 21 times faster kinetics and better recycle performance by melamine-doped Cu/CuxO/C foam catalyst than bare Cu/C catalyst directly from HKUST-1. Moreover, carbon foam derived from CMC can further amplify Cu dispersion and inhibit its agglomeration, thus promotes catalyst stability during cycling performance. Therefore, the proposed in-situ N doping and foam shaping strategy can efficiently enhance catalytic activity and reaction stability for 4-NP reduction, which can be envisaged of potential value for other similar industrial catalysis.

Nitrogen-Doped Hollow Copolymer Tube via Template-Free Asynchronous Polymerization with Highly Selective Separation of Hydrophilic Dipeptide for Enhancing Inhibitory Activity of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme.

A N-doped hollow copolymer tube (NHCT) was fabricated via template-free one-pot asynchronous polymerization strategy. Discrepancies of monomer polymerization speed and their hydrophilic-hydrophobic interaction resulted in the assembly of a hollow tube having inner diameter and double wall thickness of ∼230 and 40 nm, respectively. The formation and growth mechanism of NHCT analyzed via advanced characterization revealed that the unique growth processes tuned a demarcating surface layer between inner (hydrophilic) and outer (hydrophobic) layers. The screening and recognition ability of NHCT were determined for two specific dipeptides (WW and RR) possessing great discrepancies in hydrophilicity and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory (ACE-I) activity. NHCT realized high adsorption capacity (1.57 mmol/g) and selectivity (∼1274) for hydrophilic dipeptide RR (low ACE-I activity) from the mixture of RR/WW. As a result, ACE-I activity for residual solution were enhanced about 4.1 times as compared to original solution from natural silkworm pupae protein hydrolysate. Awarding to these results and its facile and discerning ability, NHCT can be envisioned to be of great value for the separation of small functional peptides from a natural edible source.