Efficient solar-driven: Photothermal catalytic reduction of atmospheric CO2 at the gas-solid interface by CuTCPP/MXene/TiO2.

Directly capturing atmospheric CO2 and converting it into valuable fuel through photothermal synergy is an effective way to mitigate the greenhouse effect. This study developed a gas-solid interface photothermal catalytic system for atmospheric CO2 reduction, utilizing the innovative photothermal catalyst (Cu porphyrin) CuTCPP/MXene/TiO2. The catalyst demonstrated a photothermal catalytic performance of 124 µmol·g-1·h-1 for CO and 106 µmol·g-1·h-1 for CH4, significantly outperforming individual components. Density functional theory (DFT) results indicate that the enhanced catalytic performance is attributed to the internal electric field between the components, which significantly enhances carrier utilization. The introduction of CuTCPP reduces free energy of the photothermal catalytic reaction. Additionally, the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect and high-speed electron transfer properties of MXene further boost the catalytic reaction rate. This well-designed catalyst and catalytic system offer a simple method for capturing atmospheric CO2 and converting it in-situ through photothermal catalysis.

Mercury removal from flue gas by a MoS2/H2O heterogeneous system based on its absorption kinetics.

An enhanced MoS2/C10TAB/H2O system was built and investigated for Hg0 removal based on strengthening the Hg0 gas-liquid mass transfer. The results showed that adding 7 mg/L C10TAB can improve the Hg0 removal efficiency from 76.5 to 88.7% as decrease of the solution surface tension. Keeping 2000 rpm of stirring rate accelerated the renewal rate of gas-liquid interface, thereby enhancing Hg0 removal. SO2 slightly promoted the Hg0 removal efficiency to 91% because of the absorption of SO2 causing a decrease in the solution pH from 6.9 to 4.3. NO participated in Hg0 removal reactions but not removed in this system which visibly enhanced the Hg0 removal efficiency to 94%. The Hg mass transfer kinetics were analyzed to determine how C10TAB promoted Hg0 removal. The Hg-TPD, Hg fate, and species results revealed that Hg0 was first oxidized to Hg2+, then bonded with S to generate HgS and enrich on the MoS2. Therefore, improving the Hg0 gas-liquid mass transfer can enhance Hg0 removal in MoS2/H2O system, which can provide reference for purification of other insoluble pollutants in absorption system.

Subgenome phasing for complex allopolyploidy: case-based benchmarking and recommendations.

Accurate subgenome phasing is crucial for understanding the origin, evolution and adaptive potential of polyploid genomes. SubPhaser and WGDI software are two common methodologies for subgenome phasing in allopolyploids, particularly in scenarios lacking known diploid progenitors. Triggered by a recent debate over the subgenomic origins of the cultivated octoploid strawberry, we examined four well-documented complex allopolyploidy cases as benchmarks, to evaluate and compare the accuracy of the two software. Our analysis demonstrates that the subgenomic structure phased by both software is in line with prior research, effectively tracing complex allopolyploid evolutionary trajectories despite the limitations of each software. Furthermore, using these validated methodologies, we revisited the controversial issue regarding the progenitors of the octoploid strawberry. The results of both methodologies reaffirm Fragaria vesca and Fragaria iinumae as progenitors of the octoploid strawberry. Finally, we propose recommendations for enhancing the accuracy of subgenome phasing in future studies, recognizing the potential of integrated tools for advanced complex allopolyploidy research and offering a new roadmap for robust subgenome-based phylogenetic analysis.

SubPhaser: a robust allopolyploid subgenome phasing method based on subgenome-specific k-mers.

With advanced sequencing technology, dozens of complex polyploid plant genomes have been characterized. However, for many polyploid species, their diploid ancestors are unknown or extinct, making it impossible to unravel the subgenomes and genome evolution directly. We developed a novel subgenome-phasing algorithm, SubPhaser, specifically designed for a neoallopolyploid or a homoploid hybrid. SubPhaser first searches for the subgenome-specific sequence (k-mer), then assigns homoeologous chromosomes into subgenomes, and further provides tools to annotate and investigate specific sequences. SubPhaser works well on neoallopolyploids and homoploid hybrids containing subgenome-specific sequences like wheat, but fails on autopolyploids lacking subgenome-specific sequences like alfalfa, indicating that SubPhaser can phase neoallopolyploid/homoploid hybrids with high accuracy, sensitivity and performance. This highly accurate, highly sensitive, ancestral data free chromosome phasing algorithm, SubPhaser, offers significant application value for subgenome phasing in neoallopolyploids and homoploid hybrids, and for the subsequent exploration of genome evolution and related genetic/epigenetic mechanisms.

Excellent adsorption performance and capacity of modified layered ITQ-2 zeolites for elemental mercury removal and recycling from flue gas.

Adsorption is a superior method for removing and recycling high concentration of mercury from nonferrous metal smelting flue gas, especially adsorbents with good sulfur resistance and large adsorption capacity. In this study, Co and Mn oxide-modified layered ITQ-2 zeolites were designed to capture and recycle elemental mercury (Hg0). The physicochemical characteristics of the adsorbents were characterized using BET, XRD, FESEM, TEM, and XPS, and the results showed that Mn/ITQ-2 zeolite has a large specific surface area, and MnOx was highly dispersed on ITQ-2 zeolite. The Hg0 removal efficiency and adsorption capacity of the 5%Mn/ITQ-2 zeolite at 300 °C were 97% and 2.04 mg/g in 600 min, respectively, much higher than those of the previously reported 5%Mn/MCM-22 zeolite. The 2%Co-2%Mn/ITQ-2 zeolite exhibited a higher SO2 resistance performance. The mechanism of Hg0 removal was concluded to be driven by the primary catalytic oxidation of MnOx, secondary oxidation of active chlorine, and concurrent chemisorption. However, the Hg0 adsorption capacity was determined by the specific surface area and pore structure of ITQ-2. The 2%Co-2%Mn/ITQ-2 zeolite exhibited a high SO2 resistance performance. The Mn/ITQ-2 and Co-Mn/ITQ-2 zeolites have excellent regenerability and reusability, which can realize mercury recycling from flue gas.

Repellent, larvicidal and adulticidal activities of essential oil from Dai medicinal plant Zingiber cassumunar against Aedes albopictus.

Zingiber cassumunar is an important plant used in traditional medicine and as a natural mosquito repellent. However, the compounds responsible for the repellent activity of the plant are still unknown. The aim of the study is to identify the components of Z. cassumunar essential oil that show repellent activity against Aedes albopictus. We also evaluated the larvicidal and adulticidal activities of Z. cassumunar essential oil against Ae. albopictus. In-cage mosquito repellent experiments showed that Z. cassumunar essential oil possessed moderate repellent activity with a minimum effective dose (MED) of 0.16 ± 0.01 mg/cm2, compared to reference standard N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET, 0.03 ± 0.01 mg/cm2). Bioassay-guided fractionation identified the major active compound of Z. cassumunar essential oil as (-)-terpinen-4-ol (1) (MED: 0.19 ± 0 mg/cm2). We also found that Z. cassumunar essential oil showed moderate larvicidal activity against first instar larvae of Ae. albopictus with a LC50 (50% lethal concentration) of 44.9 µg/L after 24 h. Fumigation bioassays showed that Z. cassumunar essential oil exhibits moderate adulticidal activity against Ae. albopictus with a LC50 of 5.44%, while (-)-terpinen-4-ol showed significant adulticidal activity with a LC50 of 2.10% after 24 h. This study verifies that the Z. cassumunar essential oil has mosquito repellent activity, and that (-)-terpinen-4-ol is mainly responsible for this activity. Furthermore, this study provides scientific support for the folk usage of Z. cassumunar essential oil as mosquito repellent and indicates that Z. cassumunar essential oil and (-)-terpinen-4-ol can be used as plant-derived repellents and insecticides for mosquito control.

Superior Hg0 capture performance and SO2 resistance of Co-Mn binary metal oxide-modified layered MCM-22 zeolite for SO2-containing flue gas.

A Co-Mn binary metal oxide-modified layered MCM-22 zeolite was designed to capture gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) from SO2-containing flue gas. The physicochemical properties of the Co-Mn/MCM-22 zeolite were characterized by XRD, FESEM, TEM, and XPS, and the results showed that MnO2 was highly dispersed on the surface and in the channel of MCM-22 zeolite. Co3O4 was loaded onto the surface of the MCM-22 zeolite via the stepwise ion exchange method to prevent SO2 poisoning of the MnO2 active site. The Hg0 removal efficiency increased from 54 to 83% at 300 °C with 10% Co loading on the 5% Mn/MCM-22 zeolite when 200 ppm of SO2 was introduced to the flue gas. The mechanism of Hg0 removal was mainly associated with catalytic oxidation and chemisorption. Mn4+ was the main active site for catalytic oxidation of Hg0 to Hg2+, and the surface adsorbed oxygen re-oxidized Mn3+ and combined with Hg2+ to form Hg-O-Mn, in which Mn acted as a bridge. Co3+ preferentially reacted with SO2 to form CoSO4, thereby protecting the Mn active sites for Hg0 capture. Therefore, Co-Mn/MCM-22 zeolite is a promising sorbent for the removal of Hg0 and SO2 resistance from SO2-containing flue gas.

Enhancing the catalytic oxidation of elemental mercury and suppressing sulfur-toxic adsorption sites from SO2-containing gas in Mn-SnS2.

It is difficult to stabilize gaseous elemental mercury (Hg°) on a sorbent from SO2-containing industrial flue gas. Enhancing Hg° oxidation and activating surface-active sulfur (S*) can benefit the chemical mercury adsorption process. A Mn-SnS2 composite was prepared using the Mn modification of SnS2 nanosheets to expose more Mn oxidation and sulfur adsorption sites. The results indicate that Mn-Sn2 exhibits better Hg° removal performances at a wide temperature range of 100-250 °C. A sufficient amount of surface Mn with a valance state of Mn4+ is favorable for Hg° oxidation, while the electron transfer properties of Sn can accelerate this oxidation process. Oxidized mercury primary exists as HgS with surface S*. A larger surface area, stable crystal structure, and active valance state of each element are favorable for Hg° oxidation and adsorption. The Mn-SnS2 exhibits an excellent SO2 resistance when the SO2 concentration is lower than 1500 ppm. The effects of H2O and O2 were also evaluated. The results show that O2 has no influence, while H2O and SO2 coexisting in the flue gas have a toxic effect on the Hg° removal performance. The Mn-SnS2 has a great potential for the Hg° removal from SO2-containing flue gas such as non-ferrous smelting gas.

Hierarchical Ag-SiO2@Fe3O4 magnetic composites for elemental mercury removal from non-ferrous metal smelting flue gas.

Hierarchical Ag-SiO2@Fe3O4 magnetic composites were selected for elemental mercury (Hg0) removal from non-ferrous metal smelting flue gas in this study. Results showed that the hierarchical Ag-SiO2@Fe3O4 magnetic composites had favorable Hg0 removal ability at low temperature. Moreover, the adsorption capacity of hierarchical magnetic composite is much larger than that of pure Fe3O4 and SiO2@Fe3O4. The Hg0 removal efficiency reached the highest value as approximately 92% under the reaction temperature of 150°C, while the removal efficiency sharply reduced in the absence of O2. The characterization results indicated that Ag nanoparticles grew on the surface of SiO2@Fe3O4 support. The large surface area of SiO2 supplied efficient reaction room for Hg and Ag atoms. Ag-Hg amalgam is generated on the surface of the composites. In addition, this magnetic material could be easily separated from fly ashes when adopted for treating real flue gas, and the spent materials could be regenerated using a simple thermal-desorption method.

Bioassay-guided isolation of active compounds from Adenosma buchneroides essential oil as mosquito repellent against Aedes albopictus.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: A folk herb Adenosma buchneroides found in the previous ethnobotanical investigation plays an important role as an insect repellent among the Aini people in southwest of China, but the active compounds responsible for repellent activity of the plant have not yet been investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY: The main purpose of the study is to identify the active components of the essential oil which responsible for its repellent activity against Aedes albopictus to support the usage of the plant as mosquito repellent by Aini people. In addition, to supply a class of potential alternatives characterized carvacrol analogues to develop natural repellent products. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The essential oil from aerial part of Ad. buchneroides was extracted by hydrodistillation. A systematic bioassay-guided isolation of repellent compounds from the essential oil was conducted through chromatographic fractionation combined with in-cage mosquito repellent bioassay. The identification of the essential oil components was accomplished by GC-MS and GC-FID techniques. The structural elucidation of compounds was performed on the basis of IR, HR-ESI-MS and NMR. Larvicidal activity and cytotoxicity of all repellent compounds also tested by larval bioassays and MTS assays, respectively. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) of carvacrol analogues was investigated by in-cage mosquito repellent bioassay. RESULTS: The essential oil of the plant showed strong mosquito repellent activity with minimum effective dosage (MED) of 0.019 ±â€¯0.007 mg/cm2, compared to reference standard N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) (0.031 ±â€¯0.014 mg/cm2). 26 compounds representing 97.8% of the essential oil were identified. Carvacrol, carvacrol methyl ether and a new fragrant compound, adenosmin A (1) were found to be repellent compounds by systematic bioassay-guided isolation, with MEDs in the range of 0.011-0.125 mg/cm2. An investigation on SAR of carvacrol analogues led to the discover of three analogues with further lower MEDs (0.002-0.009 mg/cm2) than that of DEET, and other three compounds with similar MEDs (0.029-0.039 mg/cm2) to that of DEET. Carvacrol (LD50 of 24.8 ppm) was the best larvicide among tested repellent compounds. The essential oil and repellent compounds against seven mammalian cell lines revealed low or no cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Scientific evidences reported here validate the plant's traditional use as insect repellent and imply promising application of the essential oil and carvacrol analogues as natural mosquito repellents.

Design of MnO2/CeO2-MnO2 hierarchical binary oxides for elemental mercury removal from coal-fired flue gas.

MnO2/CeO2-MnO2 hierarchical binary oxide was synthesized for elemental mercury (Hg0) removal from coal-fired flue gas. CeO2 in-situ grow on the surface of carbon spheres, and that CeO2@CSs acted as precursor for porous MnO2/CeO2-MnO2. XRD, Raman, XPS, FT-IR, and H2-TPR were selected for the physical structural and chemical surface analysis. The results indicated that the composite has sufficient surface oxygen and hierarchical porous structure. The Hg0 removal experiments results indicated that MnO2/CeO2-MnO2 exhibited excellent Hg0 removal performance, with an 89% removal efficiency of total 300min at 150°C under 4% O2. MnO2 was the primary active site for Hg0 catalytic oxidation. The porous structure was beneficial for gaseous mercury physically adsorption. In addition, CeO2 enhanced the oxygen capture performance of the composite and the oxidation performance for MnO2. Moreover, the effects of O2, SO2 and H2O were also tested in this study. O2 promoted the Hg0 removal reaction. While SO2 and H2O can poison the MnO2 active site, resulted in a low Hg0 removal efficiency.

Mechanism of the selective catalytic oxidation of slip ammonia over Ru-modified Ce-Zr complexes determined by in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy.

The slip ammonia from selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx in coal-fired flue gas can result in deterioration of the utilities or even the environmental issues. To achieve selective catalytic oxidation (SCO) of slip ammonia, Ru-modified Ce-Zr solid solution catalysts were prepared and evaluated under various conditions. It was found that the Ru/Ce(0.6)Zr(0.4)O2(polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)) catalyst displayed significant catalytic activity and the slip ammonia was almost completely removed with the coexistence of NOx and SO2. Interestingly, the effect of SO2 on NH3 oxidation was bifacial, and the N2 selectivity of the resulting products was as high as 100% in the presence of SO2 and NH3. The mechanism of the SCO of NH3 over Ru/Ce(0.6)Zr(0.4)O2(PVP) was studied using various techniques, and the results showed that NH3 oxidation follows an internal SCR (iSCR) mechanism. The adsorbed ammonia was first activated and reacted with lattice oxygen atoms to form an -HNO intermediate. Then, the -HNO mainly reacted with atomic oxygen from O2 to form NO. Meanwhile, the formed NO interacted with -NH2 to N2 with N2O as the byproduct, but the presence of SO2 can effectively inhibit the production of N2O.

Investigation on mercury removal method from flue gas in the presence of sulfur dioxide.

A new integrated process was developed for the removal and reclamation of mercury from the flue gas in the presence of SO2, typically derived from nonferrous metal smelting. The new process contains a pre-desulfurization unit (Stage I) and a co-absorption unit (Stage II). In Stage I, 90% of the SO2 from flue gas can be efficiently absorbed by ferric sulfate and reclaimed sulfuric acid. Meanwhile, the proportion of Hg(2+) and Hg(0) in the flue gas can be redistributed in this stage. Then, over 95% of the Hg(0) and the residual SO2 can be removed simultaneously with a composite absorption solution from the flue gas in Stage II, which is much more efficient for the Hg(0) reclaiming than the traditional method. The composite absorption solution in Stage II, which is composed of 0.1g/L HgSO4, 1.0% H2O2 and H2SO4, could effectively remove and reclaim Hg(0) overcoming the negative effect of SO2 on Hg(0) absorption. Moreover, the concentrations of HgSO4 and H2O2 were adjusted with the changes in of the concentrations of Hg(0) and SO2 in the flue gas. It is a potential and promising technology for the mercury removal and reclaim from the flue gas in the presence of SO2.

[Induction effects of pentachlorophenol on vitellogenin and p53 in Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus)].

Taking the Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) as the test animal, the studies were designed to investigate induction effects of pentachlorophenol (PCP) on vitellogenin (VTG) protein, VTG gene and tumor suppressor p53 gene in the liver of Gobiocypris rarus. The endocrine disrupting of PCP was evaluated by detecting VTG, and sensitive biomarkers of PCP were screened at both protein and mRNA levels. Gobiocypris rarus were exposed to PCP at 1.5, 15, 40, 80, 120, 150, 160 microg x L(-1) respectively, while setting blank, solvent control and 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2) as positive control. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), VTG protein expression differences were detected in the liver of Gobiocypris rarus after exposure to PCP. Cloning the VTG and p53 gene new fragments of Gobiocypris rarus based on conserved regions, mRNA expression levels of VTG and p53 gene in the liver of Gobiocypris rarus were determined by quantitative real-time PCR assay after PCP treatment. The results showed that 40, 80, 120, 160 microg x L(-1) PCP induced the liver of male and female Gobiocypris rarus to produce VTG protein, and had a significant concentration effect. VTG and p53 mRNA levels significantly increased in the liver of Gobiocypris rarus after exposure to 1.5, 15, 150 microg x L(-1) PCP, and had remarkable concentration and time effects. The studies suggested that PCP had estrogenic effects, and VTG protein, VTG and p53 gene in the liver of Gobiocypris rarus could be used as candidate sensitive biomarkers for detecting PCP.