Achieving Dendrite-Free Zinc Metal Anodes via Molecule Anchoring and lon-Transport Pumping.

The potential for scale-up application has been acknowledged by researchers for rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). Nonetheless, the progress of the development is significantly impeded due to the instability of the interface between the zinc anode and electrolyte. Herein, efficient and environmentally benign valine (Val) were introduced as aqueous electrolyte additive to stabilize the electrode/electrolyte interface (EEI) via functional groups in additive molecules, thus achieving reversible dendrite-free zinc anode. The amino groups present in Val molecules have a strong ability to adsorb on the surface of zinc metal, enabling the construction of anchored molecular layer on the surface of zinc anodes. The strongly polar carboxyl groups in Val molecules can act as ion-transport pumps to capture zinc ions in the electric double layer (EDL) through coordination chemistry. Therefore, this reconstructed EEI could modulate the zinc ion flux and simultaneously suppress side reactions and dendritic growth of Zn. Consequently, a long stable cycling up to 1400 h at a high current density of 20 mA cm-2 is achieved. Additionally, Zn//V2O5 full cell with Val additive exhibit enhanced cyclability, retaining 77 % capacity after 3000 cycles, displaying significant potential in promoting the commercialization of ZIBs.

Building Sustainable Saturated Fatty Acid-Zinc Interfacial Layer toward Ultra-Stable Zinc Metal Anodes.

The commercialization pace of aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) is seriously limited due to the uncontrolled dendrite growth and severe corrosion reaction of the zinc anode. Herein, a universal and extendable saturated fatty acid-zinc interfacial layer strategy for modulating the interfacial redox process of zinc toward ultrastable Zn metal anodes is proposed. The in situ complexing of saturated fatty acid-zinc interphases could construct an extremely thin zinc compound layer with continuously constructed zincophilic sites which kinetically regulates Zn nucleation and deposition behaviors. Furthermore, the multifunctional interfacial layer with internal hydrophobic carbon chains as a protective layer is efficient to exclude active water molecules from the surface and efficiently inhibit the surface corrosion of zinc. Consequently, the modified anode shows a long cycle life of over 4000 h at 5 mA cm-2. In addition, the assembled Zn||V2O5 full cells based on modified zinc anodes have excellent rate performance and long cycle stability.

Fungal Community Composition and Potential Depth-Related Driving Factors Impacting Distribution Pattern and Trophic Modes from Epi- to Abyssopelagic Zones of the Western Pacific Ocean.

Fungi play an important role in cycling organic matter and nutrients in marine ecosystems. However, the distribution of fungal communities in the ocean, especially the vertical distribution along depth in the water column, remained poorly understood. Here, we assess the depth-related distribution pattern of fungal communities along the water column from epi- to abyssopelagic zones of the Western Pacific Ocean using internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) metabarcoding. Majority of the assigned OTUs were affiliated to Ascomycota, followed by three other minor phyla (Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Mucoromycota). The epipelagic zone harbored a higher OTU richness with distinct fungal communities as compared with meso-, bathy-, and abyssopelagic zones. Across the whole water column, depth appears as a key parameter for both fungal α- and ß-diversity. However, when the dataset was split into the upper (5-500 m) and deeper (below 500 m) layers, no significant correlation was observed between depth and community compositions. In the upper layer, temperature and dissolved oxygen were recognized as the primary environmental factors shaping fungal α- and ß- diversity. By parsing fungal OTUs into ecological categories, multi-trophic mode of nutrition was found to be more prevalent with increasing depth, suggesting a potential adaptation to the extreme conditions of the deep sea. This study provides new and meaningful information on the depth-stratified fungal diversity, community structure, and putative ecological roles in the open sea.

Fresh and saline groundwater nutrient inputs and their impacts on the nutrient budgets in a human-effected bay.

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) can be highly enriched in nutrients, especially in bays with strong human activity, but has often been overlooked in coastal nutrient budgets. This study investigated the impact of both fresh and saline SGD on nutrient budgets in Sanmen Bay, China, a region heavily influenced by human activities. Based on the 224Ra mass balance model, the total SGD flux was estimated to be (1.1 ± 0.1) × 108 m3 d-1 (13.9 ± 0.5 cm d-1). Additionally, a water-salt mass balance model revealed that fresh SGD flux accounted for ~9.0 % of the total SGD flux. The results highlight the significance of fresh SGD as a freshwater source, contributing to 35.9 % of the total dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) flux via SGD. Considering all nutrient sources and sinks in the Sanmen Bay, SGD was identified as the primary source of nutrients in Sanmen Bay, contributing 53.9 % and 11.9 % of the total dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and DIP input, respectively. Furthermore, the discharge of industrial/domestic sewage and mariculture wastewater also posed a potential threat to nutrient levels in the bay. Thus, initiatives such as reasonable control of culture species and scale, strengthening wastewater discharge and SGD management are crucial for maintaining the ecological environment of the Sanmen Bay.

Nitroxyl radical triggered the construction of a molecular protective layer for achieving durable Zn metal anodes.

The issues of dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction, and zinc anode corrosion have significantly hindered the widespread implementation of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Herein, trace amounts of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) additive is introduced into AZIBs to protect the zinc metal anode. Trace amounts of the TEMPO additive with nitroxyl radical can provide fast Zn2+ transport and anode protection ability by forming an adsorbed molecular layer via Zn-O bond. This interface not only provides strong interfacial compatibility and promotes dynamic transport of Zn2+, but also induces deposition of Zn2+ along Zn (002) plane. Additionally, the molecular protective layer significantly inhibits hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and corrosion. The Zn anodes achieve high Coulombic efficiency of up to 99.75 % and long-term plating/stripping of more than 1400 h at 1 mA cm-2 and 0.5 mAh cm-2. The Zn//Zn symmetric cell can operate continuously for 2500 h at a current density of 1 mA cm-2 and 1 mAh cm-2, and it can still last for nearly 1400 h even when the current density is increased to 5 mA cm-2. Furthermore, the Zn//V2O5 full cell using TEMPO/ZnSO4 electrolyte effectively maintains a maximum capacity retention rate of 53.4 % even after 1500 cycles at 5 A/g. This innovative strategy introduces trace additive with free radicals into the electrolyte, which may help to achieve large-scale, ultra-long-life, and low-cost AZIBs.

How the Water-Sediment Regulation Scheme in the Yellow River affected the estuary ecosystem in the last 10 years?

The Yellow River, renowned as the most sediment-laden river globally, grapples with sediment deposition issues compromising reservoir functionality and elevating downstream riverbeds, posing threats to human life and property safety. In response, the Water-Sediment Regulation Scheme (WSRS) has been innovatively implemented to address these challenges. While effectively mitigating sediment deposition, WSRS has concurrently disrupted the equilibrium of the estuarine ecosystem. This paper addresses the understudied but crucial topic of the interannual impact of WSRS on the estuarine ecosystem. Drawing upon physical, chemical, and biological data gathered through field surveys conducted before, during, and after WSRS from 2011 to 2022, the analysis delves into the interannual changes in the estuarine environment, fish eggs and larvae abundance, and species diversity under the influence of WSRS. The findings reveal an interannual decreasing trend in terrestrial material input due to WSRS, juxtaposed with an interannual increasing trend in fish eggs and larvae around the estuary, as well as the species diversity index. Notably, these trends became more pronounced post-2014. Compared to pre-2014, nutrient concentrations experienced a ~20 % decrease, chlorophyll-a concentration increased by 44 %, fish eggs proliferated approximately 1 time, and the species diversity index transitioned from a declining trend to an ascending trajectory. After 12 years of continuous WSRS implementation, the impact on the estuarine ecosystem has demonstrably diminished. This research aims to furnish reference experience and scientific basis for water and sediment regulation in major rivers around the world in terms of estuarine ecology.

Interface Engineering for Aqueous Aluminum Metal Batteries: Current Progresses and Future Prospects.

Aqueous aluminum metal batteries (AMBs) have attracted numerous attention because of the abundant reserves, low cost, high theoretical capacity, and high safety. Nevertheless, the poor thermodynamics stability of metallic Al anode in aqueous solution, which is caused by the self-corrosion, surface passivation, or hydrogen evolution reaction, dramatically limits the electrochemical performance and hampers the further development of AMBs. In this comprehensive review, the key scientific challenges of Al anode/electrolyte interface (AEI) are highlighted. A systematic overview is also provided about the recent progress on the rational interface engineering principles toward a relatively stable AEI. Finally, suggestions and perspectives for future research are offered on the optimization of Al anode and aqueous electrolytes to enable a stable and durable AEI, which may pave the way for developing high-performance AMBs.

Sea level variability and modeling in the Gulf of Guinea using supervised machine learning.

The rising sea levels due to climate change are a significant concern, particularly for vulnerable, low-lying coastal regions like the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). To effectively address this issue, it is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of historical sea level variability, and the influencing factors, and develop a reliable modeling system for future projections. This knowledge is essential for informed planning and mitigation strategies aimed at protecting coastal communities and ecosystems. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of mean sea level anomaly (MSLA) trends in the GoG between 1993 and 2020, covering three distinct periods (1993-2002, 2003-2012, and 2013-2020). It investigates the connections between interannual sea level variability and large-scale oceanic and atmospheric forcings. Furthermore, the study evaluates the performance of supervised machine learning techniques to optimize sea level modeling. The findings reveal a consistent rise in MSLA linear trends across the basin, particularly pronounced in the northern region, with a total linear trend of 88 mm over the entire period. The highest decadal trend (38.7 mm) emerged during 2013-2020, with the most substantial percentage increment (100%) occurring in 2003-2012. Spatial variation in decadal sea-level trends was influenced by subbasin physical forcings. Strong interannual signals in the spatial sea level distribution were identified, linked to large-scale oceanic and atmospheric phenomena. Seasonal variations in sea level trends are attributed to seasonal changes in the forcing factors. The evaluation of supervised learning modeling methods indicates that Random Forest Regression and Gradient Boosting Machines are the most accurate, reproducing interannual sea level patterns in the GoG with 97% and 96% accuracy. These models could be used to derive regional sea level projections via downscaling of climate models. These findings provide essential insights for effective coastal management and climate adaptation strategies in the GoG.

A Functional Organic Zinc-Chelate Formation with Nanoscaled Granular Structure Enabling Long-Term and Dendrite-Free Zn Anodes.

Aqueous Zn metal batteries suffer from rapid cycling deterioration due to the severe water corrosion and dendrite growth on Zn anodes. Herein, a highly antiwater Znx-diethylenetriaminepenta(methylene-phosphonic acid) interface layer with good zinc affinity and special nanoscaled 3D granular structure is designed on Zn metal to address these problems. Experimental results combined with theoretical analysis and COMSOL simulations reveal that the hydrophobic groups in such Zn-based organic complex are the decisive factor in preventing H2O from damaging Zn anode surface. The massive Zn2+ attractive sites formed by interaction of methylene-phosphonic acid groups and Zn cause ion channel for fast zinc-ion adsorption and migration. And the developed nano granular architecture on the surface induces redistributed Zn2+ ion flux to realize homogenization with smooth and compact surface deposition. Under the synergism, such modified anodes exhibit long cycling lifespan over 1300 h with a relatively low polarization voltage at 5 mA cm-2. Also, the assembled full cells (including Zn//V2O5 and Zn//MnO2 cell) based on this anode are also demonstrated. The work provides a simple, low cost, and efficient pathway by combining the two concepts of structural design and constructing protective layers on the surface to prepare high-performance Zn anodes toward prospering aqueous zinc-metal batteries.

Coordinating ionic and electronic conductivity on 3D porous host enabling deep dense lithium deposition toward high-capacity lithium metal anodes.

Engineering composite lithium (Li) metal within three-dimensional (3D) porous skeleton hosts is a feasible strategy to tackle issues of uncontrollable dendrite growth and enormous volume change on Li metal anodes. Nevertheless, the accumulative Li deposition on the top surface of the 3D skeleton remains a harsh challenge that still requires effort. Herein, we develop a rational design involving an enriched-sparse LiF gradient on a Cu foam via facile magnetron sputtering to coordinate ionic and electronic conductivity. The Li ion-conductive LiF gradient guides deep, dense Li deposition within the Cu foam framework, safely preventing surface Li accumulation. As a result, the Cu foam with optimal LiF sputtering time for 40 min (Cu foam/LiF(40)) renders the best synergy of ionic and electronic conduction. Such composite Li anode in the symmetric cell achieves an ultra-long lifespan up to 1700 h at the current density of 2 mA cm-2 with the capacity of 2 mA h cm-2. This work certifies the decisive significance of coordinating ionic and electronic conductivity for uniform Li deposition on 3D porous hosts and provides a simple and effective avenue to controllably deposit Li in suitable locations for long-term and high-capacity 3D Li metal anodes.

A global assessment of the mixed layer in coastal sediments and implications for carbon storage.

The sediment-water interface in the coastal ocean is a highly dynamic zone controlling biogeochemical fluxes of greenhouse gases, nutrients, and metals. Processes in the sediment mixed layer (SML) control the transfer and reactivity of both particulate and dissolved matter in coastal interfaces. Here we map the global distribution of the coastal SML based on excess 210Pb (210Pbex) profiles and then use a neural network model to upscale these observations. We show that highly dynamic regions such as large estuaries have thicker SMLs than most oceanic sediments. Organic carbon preservation and SMLs are inversely related as mixing stimulates oxidation in sediments which enhances organic matter decomposition. Sites with SML thickness >60 cm usually have lower organic carbon accumulation rates (<50 g C m-2 yr-1) and total organic carbon/specific surface area ratios (<0.4 mg m-2). Our global scale observations reveal that reworking can accelerate organic matter degradation and reduce carbon storage in coastal sediments.

[Characteristics and Source Apportionment of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the Automobile Industrial Park of Shanghai].

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important precursors of ozone and fine particulate matter, and have attracted more and more research attention. There are few long-term observational studies of VOCs in automobile industry parks. From January 1 to December 31,2019, 79 kinds of VOCs were quantitatively detected by on-line gas chromatograph in an automobile industrial park in Shanghai. The composition, seasonal variation, and daily variation of VOCs were analyzed. The chemical reactivity of the atmosphere was estimated using the maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) and·OH radical loss rate. The sources of VOCs were analyzed using specific pollutant ratios and factor analysis. The results showed that the total VOCs concentration was 26.53×10-9, with alkanes, alkenes, aromatics, halo hydrocarbon, and alkynes accounting for 50.2%, 9.8%, 22.4%, 10.8%, and 6.8%, respectively. There was an obviously seasonal variation in VOCs concentrations, with the maximum occurring in winter and the minimum in summer. Ozone formation potential (OFP) was 73.2×10-9, of which alkanes accounted for 14.7%, alkenes 35.9%, and aromatics 45.2%. The·OH radical loss rate was 165.3 s-1, of which alkenes accounted for 30.4% and aromatics 48.9%. The components with the highest contributions to chemical reaction activity were m/p-xylene, ethylene, propylene, toluene, and o-xylene. By estimating toluene/benzene ratios (T/B) and ethane/acetylene ratios (E/E), the air mass at the observation site was fresh, site was close to the pollution source. The main sources of VOCs were gasoline exhaust emissions (19.4%), solvent use (30.8%), combustion processes (11.0%), diesel use (8.9%), and liquefied petroleum gas use (4.5%).

Exploring Influential Factors Including COVID-19 on Green Food Purchase Intentions and the Intention-Behaviour Gap: A Qualitative Study among Consumers in a Chinese Context.

This study applied a qualitative approach to investigate the underlying influences on consumers' green food consumption from the intention generation phase to intention execution phase in the perspectives of purchase intention and the intention-behaviour gap (IBG). Additionally, the impact of the "Coronavirus Disease 2019" (COVID-19) pandemic on consumers' green food purchases was explored. Research data were derived from semi-structured in-depth interviews with 28 consumers and analyzed using grounded theory. The findings identified factors that influenced intentions and the IBG in the process of consumers' green food purchases. Specifically, these findings reported that health consciousness, perceived attributes, environmental consciousness, social influence, family structure, and enjoyable shopping experiences were identified as major drivers for generating consumers' green food purchase intentions. High prices of green food, unavailability issues, mistrust issues, and limited knowledge were factors triggering the gap between green food purchase intentions and behaviours. In addition, the results revealed that the COVID-19 crisis increased consumers' green food purchase intentions, whereas the IBG widens as a result of issues of unavailability, price, and panic. These findings will help stakeholders build future policy and suitable strategies to better promote green food consumption in the Chinese context.

Physical mechanism of special type photoinduced charge transfer in one-photon and two-photon absorption of Mobius rings.

In this work, the monomers and dimers of the Mobius ring were studied using density functional theory (DFT), symmetric matching perturbation theory (SAPT) and various excited state wave function analysis methods. The one-photon and two-photon absorption and their charge transfer excitation characteristics of the Mobius ring were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The exchange-related induced super-exchange charge transfer, charge sequence transfer and local excitation-enhanced charge transfer were analyzed and discussed. The relationship between the super-exchange action and the transition distance and the degree of electron hole density separation is obtained. A mechanism to enhance charge transfer excitation was discovered during the two-photon transition.

Electrical and Thermal Transport Properties of Layered Superconducting Ca10(Pt4As8)((Fe0.86Pt0.14)2As2)5 Single Crystal.

We have synthesized single crystals of iron-based superconducting Ca10(Pt4As8)((Fe0.86Pt0.14)2As2)5 and performed extensive measurements on their transport properties. A remarkable difference in the behavior and a large anisotropy between in-plane and out-of-plane resistivity was observed. Disorder could explain the in-plane square-root temperature dependence resistivity, and interlayer incoherent scattering may contribute to the out-of-plane transport property. Along the ab plane, the estimated value of the coherence length is 15.5 Å. From measurements of the upper critical magnetic field Hc2 (T ≥ 20 K), we estimate Hc2(0) = 313 T. Thermal conductivity for Ca10(Pt4As8)((Fe0.86Pt0.14)2As2)5 is relatively small, which can be accounted for by the disorder in the crystal and the low-charge carrier density as verified by the Hall effect.

Numerical study on the summertime patches of red tide in the adjacent sea of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River Estuary, China.

High incident rates of red tide have occurred off the coast of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River Estuary in summer, resulting from a magnified population growth discharging substantial nutrient loads into this vicinity. The presence of elevated Chlorophyll-a concentrations (≥36.3 µg/l), low suspended sediment concentrations in surface and mid-layers (<10 mg/l), a strong saline front and surface water temperature gradient, veering surface winds, and a bimodal shape to the Changjiang Diluted Water (CDW) revealed two red tide patches appearing between August 6-13, 2010. Two distinguishable hydrodynamic driving mechanisms, connected to these incidents, are diagnosed. Field observations and numerical simulations determined a red tide patch in the northeastern offshore area is caused by a northeast transport of the CDW truncated by a northwest intrusion of the Taiwan Warm Current (TWC) as winds deviated. Red tide occurrence in the southern nearshore area originated from a plume front where CDW interfaces with the TWC.

Ca(II)- and Tb(III)-induced stabilization and refolding of anticoagulation factor I from the venom of Agkistrodon acutus.

Anticoagulation factor I (ACF I) isolated from the venom of Agkistrodon acutus is an activated coagulation factor X-binding protein in a Ca(2+)-dependent fashion with marked anticoagulant activity. The equilibrium unfolding/refolding of apo-ACF I, holo-ACF I, and Tb(3+)-reconstituted ACF I in guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) solutions was studied by following the fluorescence and circular dichroism. Metal ions were found to increase the structural stability of ACF I against GdnHCl and thermal denaturation and, furthermore, influence its unfolding/refolding behavior. The GdnHCl-induced unfolding/refolding of both apo-ACF I and Tb(3+)-ACF I is a two-state process with no detectable intermediate state(s), whereas the GdnHCl-induced unfolding/refolding of holo-ACF I in the presence of 1 mM Ca(2+) follows a three-step transition, with intermediate state a (Ia) and intermediate state b (Ib). Ca(2+) ions play an important role in the stabilization of the Ia and Ib states. The decalcification of holo-ACF I shifts the ending zone of unfolding/refolding curve toward lower GdnHCl concentration, whereas the reconstitution of apo-ACF I with Tb(3+) ions shifts the initial zone of denaturation curve toward higher GdnHCl concentration. Therefore, it is possible to find a denaturant concentration (2.0 M GdnHCl) at which refolding from the fully denatured state of apo-ACF I to the Ib state of holo-ACF I or to the native state of Tb(3+)-ACF I can be initiated merely by adding the 1 mM Ca(2+) ions or 10 microM Tb(3+) ions to the unfolded state of apo-ACF I, respectively, without changing the concentration of the denaturant. Using Tb(3+) as a fluorescence probe of Ca(2+), the kinetic results of metal ions-induced refolding provide evidence that the compact Tb(3+)-binding region forms first, and subsequently, the protein undergoes further conformational rearrangements to form the native structure.

Biochemical Properties of Bound-Ca(2+) in Fibrinolytic Principle (FP) Separated from Agkistrodon acutus Venom.

It has been determined that each FP molecular contains one Ca(2+)-binding site. By the use of fluorescence probe Tb(3+), the distance between Tb(3+) and tryptophan (Trp) residue was obtained to be 0.375. Tb(3+) ion is coordinated with FP more strongly than Ca(2+) ion, and can bind to FP and replace the Ca(2+) ion in FP completely.

Fluorescence Analysis of the Fibrinolytic Principle (FP) from Agkistrodon acutus Venom.

The conformation and the properties of the fibrinolytic principle (FP) from Agkistrodon acutus venom were studied by chemical modification and fluorescence spectroscopy. Results showed that there are more than one tryptophan (Trp) residue in the FP molecule and they are located in the more hydrophobic core, could be quenched by acrylamide (Acr), a polarized quencher without electric charge. The collisional quenching constants of FP at different concentrations of Acr were calculated in terms of Stern-Volmer equation, and the fraction of the Trp quenched was obtained by the modified Stern-Volmer equation as 83%.