Highly efficient catalytic transfer hydrogenation for the conversion of nitrobenzene to aniline over PdO/TiO2: The key role of in situ switching from PdO to Pd.

The reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline is very important for both pollution control and chemical synthesis. Nevertheless, difficulties still remain in developing a catalytic system having high efficiency and selectivity for the production of aniline. Herein, it was found that PdO nanoparticles highly dispersed on TiO2 support (PdO/TiO2) functioned as a highly efficient catalyst for the reduction of nitrobenzene in the presence of NaBH4. Under favorable conditions, 95% of the added nitrobenzene (1 mmol/L) was reduced within 1 min with an ultra-low apparent activation energy of 10.8 kJ/mol by using 0.5%PdO/TiO2 as catalysts and 2 mmol/L of NaBH4 as reductants, and the selectivity to aniline even reached up to 98%. The active hydrogen species were perceived as dominant species during the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene by the results of isotope labeling experiments and ESR spectroscopic. A mechanism was proposed as follows: PdO activates the nitro groups and leads to in-situ generation of Pd, and the generated Pd acts as the reduction sites to produce active hydrogen species. In this catalytic system, nitrobenzene prefers to be adsorbed on the PdO nanoparticles of the PdO/TiO2 composite. Subsequently, the addition of NaBH4 results in in-situ generation of a Pd/PdO/TiO2 composite from the PdO/TiO2 composite, and the Pd nanoclusters would activate NaBH4 to generate active hydrogen species to attack the adsorbed nitro groups. This work will open up a new approach for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to aniline in green chemistry.

Nitrogen-cycling processes under long-term compound heavy metal(loids) pressure around a gold mine: Stimulation of nitrite reduction.

Mining and tailings deposition can cause serious heavy metal(loids) pollution to the surrounding soil environment. Soil microorganisms adapt their metabolism to such conditions, driving alterations in soil function. This study aims to elucidate the response patterns of nitrogen-cycling microorganisms under long-term heavy metal(loids) exposure. The results showed that the diversity and abundance of nitrogen-cycling microorganisms showed negative feedback to heavy metal(loids) concentrations. Denitrifying microorganisms were shown to be the dominant microorganisms with over 60% of relative abundance and a complex community structure including 27 phyla. Further, the key bacterial species in the denitrification process were calculated using a random forest model, where the top three key species (Pseudomonas stutzei, Sphingobium japonicum and Leifsonia rubra) were found to play a prominent role in nitrite reduction. Functional gene analysis and qPCR revealed that nirK, which is involved in nitrite reduction, significantly accumulated in the most metal-rich soil with the increase of absolute abundance of 63.86%. The experimental results confirmed that the activity of nitrite reductase (Nir) encoded by nirK in the soil was increased at high concentrations of heavy metal(loids). Partial least squares-path model identified three potential modes of nitrite reduction processes being stimulated by heavy metal(loids), the most prominent of which contributed to enhanced nirK abundance and soil Nir activity through positive stimulation of key species. The results provide new insights and preliminary evidence on the stimulation of nitrite reduction processes by heavy metal(loids).

Rapid reduction of air pollution and short-term exposure risks in China.

With the continuous control of anthropogenic emissions, China's air quality has improved significantly in recent years. Given this background, research on how the short-term exposure risks caused by air pollution in China have changed is insufficient. This study utilized hourly concentration data from ground observation stations and the official air quality guidelines of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China and the World Health Organization as standards to systematically investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics and short-term exposure risks of air pollution in China from 2015 to 2022. The results indicate that various atmospheric pollutants except for ozone showed a decreasing trend yearly. Nationwide, both single pollutant air pollution days (SAPDs) and multiple pollutant air pollution days (MAPDs) showed varying degrees of reduction within 15 and 25 days, respectively. SAPD was dominated mainly by excessive PM2.5 and PM10 pollutants, while MAPD was dominated mainly by excessive pollutant combinations, including PM2.5 + PM10, CO + PM2.5 + PM10, and SO2 + PM2.5 + PM10. As the concentration of atmospheric pollutants decreased, the total excess risk (ER) decreased yearly from 2015 to 2022, but there were significant regional differences. Now, the ER is less than 0.25% in southern China, in the range of 0.25%-0.5% in the North China Plain and some cities in the northeast, and higher than 1% in the northwest. Particulate matter is currently the primary pollutant posing short-term exposure risk in China, especially due to the impact of sandstorm weather. This study indicates that China's atmospheric cleaning action is significantly beneficial for reducing health risks.

Insight into the bimetallic structure sensibility of catalytic nitrate reduction over Pd-Cu nanocrystals.

Catalytic reduction of nitrate over bimetallic catalysts has emerged as a technology for sustainable treatment of nitrate-containing groundwater. However, the structure of bimetallic has been much less investigated for catalyst optimization. Herein, two main types of Pd-Cu bimetallic nanocrystal structures, heterostructure and intermetallic, were prepared and characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that two individual Pd and Cu nanocrystals with a mixed interface exist in the heterostructure nanocrystals, while Pd and Cu atoms are uniformly distributed across the intermetallic Pd-Cu nanocrystals. The catalytic nitrate reduction experiments were carried out in a semibatch reactor under constant hydrogen flow. The nitrate conversion rate of the heterostructure Pd-Cu nanocrystals supported on α-Al2O3, γ-Al2O3, SBA-15, and XC-72R exhibited 3.82-, 6.76-, 4.28-, 2.44-fold enhancements relative to the intermetallic nanocrystals, and the nitrogen and nitrite were the main products for the heterostructure and intermetallic Pd-Cu nanocrystals, respectively. This indicates that the catalytic nitrate reduction over Pd-Cu catalyst is sensitive to the bimetallic structures of the catalysts, and heterostructure bimetallic nanocrystals exhibit better catalytic performances on both the activity and selectivity, which may provide new insights into the design and optimization of catalysts to improve catalytic activity and selectivity for nitrate reduction in water.

Unveiling Ionized Interfacial Water-Induced Localized H* Enrichment for Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction.

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is a process that requires the participation of eight electrons and nine protons. The regulation of active hydrogen (H*) supply and a deep understanding of related processes are necessary for improving the ammonia yield rate and Faradaic efficiency (FE). Herein, we synthesized a series of atomically precise copper-halide clusters Cu2X2(BINAP)2 (X = Cl, Br, I), among which the Cu2Cl2(BINAP)2 cluster shows the optimal ammonia FE of 94.0% and an ammonia yield rate of 373 µmol h-1 cm-2. In situ experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that halogen atoms, especially Cl in Cu2Cl2(BIANP)2, can significantly affect the distance of alkali metal-ionized water on the catalyst surface, which can promote the water dissociation to enhance the localized H* enrichment for the continues hydrogenation of nitrate to ammonia. This work explains the role of H* in the hydrogenation process of NO3RR and the importance of localized H* enrichment strategy for improving the FEs.

Selective O2-to-H2O2 Electrosynthesis by a High-Performance, Single-Pass Electrofiltration System Using Ibuprofen-Laden CNT Membranes.

Producing H2O2 through a selective, two-electron (2e) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is challenging, especially when it serves as an advanced oxidation process (AOP) for cost-effective water decontamination. Herein, we attain a 2e-selectivity H2O2 production using a carbon nanotube electrified membrane with ibuprofen (IBU) molecules laden (IBU@CNT-EM) in an ultrafast, single-pass electrofiltration process. The IBU@CNT-EM can generate H2O2 at a rate of 25.62 mol gCNT-1 h-1 L-1 in the permeate with a residence time of 1.81 s. We demonstrated that an interwoven, hydrophilic-hydrophobic membrane nanostructure offers an excellent air-to-water transport platform for ORR acceleration. The electron transfer number of the ORR for IBU@CNT at neutral pH was confirmed as 2.71, elucidating a near-2e selectivity to H2O2. Density functional theory (DFT) studies validated an exceptional charge distribution of the IBU@CNT for the O2 adsorption. The adsorption energies of the O2 and *OOH intermediates are proportional to the H2O2 selectivity (64.39%), higher than that of the CNT (37.81%). With the simple and durable production of H2O2 by IBU@CNT-EM electrofiltration, the permeate can actuate Fenton oxidation to efficiently decompose emerging pollutants and inactivate bacteria. Our study introduces a new paradigm for developing high-performance H2O2-production membranes for water treatment by reusing environmental functional materials.

An online game-based cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM-I) program to reduce fear during the COVID-19 pandemic: resilience as a moderator.

Introduction: This study examined the training effects of an online game-based cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM-I) program in reducing fear during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. In addition to investigating the changes in both proximal (i.e. negative and positive interpretations) and distal outcomes (i.e. fear of COVID-19), we examined whether individuals with higher baseline resilience levels would benefit more from the CBM-I program. Methods: A total of 68 Hong Kong undergraduate students were randomized into either the CBM-I group or a control group, among which 66 participants completed the pretest, post-test, and follow-up on negative and positive interpretations, fear of COVID-19, and resilience. Results: Compared to the control group, the CBM-I training group showed a significantly greater decrease in negative interpretations, a significantly greater increase in positive interpretations of COVID-19-related ambiguous scenarios, and a trend toward a greater reduction in fear of COVID-19. The CBM-I training was more effective at reducing fear among those with higher levels of resilience at baseline, whereas the control group showed the opposite effect, albeit to a lesser extent. Conclusion: This online game-based CBM-I training shows the potential to modify the negative interpretation bias toward fear-inducing scenarios and contributes to the reduction of fear. Baseline screening of resilient individuals may optimize the training effects.

Overview and Feasibility of a Novel Transdisciplinary Integrative Approach to High Impact Chronic Pain in Vermont.

Background/Objective: Pain is one of the most common chronic conditions in the US, estimated to affect 20.9% of the population (51.6 million people). We evaluated the Partners Aligned in Transformative Healing (PATH) program at University Medical Center's Comprehensive Pain Program clinic. Feasibility, initial clinical and financial results were assessed to inform payers' support for PATH, an integrative transdisciplinary program within a bundled payment format. Methods: Participants completed a multi-week program including integrative therapies, with empirically validated assessment surveys administered at the beginning and end of the program. Insurance claims data were analyzed 12 months pre- and post-program. Statistical significance of pre-post differences was assessed by paired T-tests with P < 0.05. Results: Between June 2019 and August 2022, 170 individuals enrolled in PATH, 151 (88.8%) completed the program, and 121 participants completed outcome surveys. Participants were predominately White, non-Hispanic (98%), female (76%), with an average age of 49.8. All participant-reported clinical outcomes (PROs) showed statistically significant improvement from baseline to final assessment, and some but not all were clinically significant. PEG subscale of average pain interference, enjoyment of life, and interference with general activity each decreased. The T-scores for the following domains of PROMIS-29 decreased: Pain interference; fatigue; sleep disturbance; anxiety, and depression. The PROMIS-29 domains of overall physical function and social roles and activities mean T-scores increased. Per Member Per Month (PMPM) total cost of care decreased by $462 (18%). Emergency room utilization for all diagnoses decreased by 457 visits/1000 patients (65%), and for pain-related diagnoses by 194 visits/1000 patients (67%) during the observation period. Conclusions: Results suggest that the PATH Program is a feasible and acceptable model that shows initial effectiveness relative to short-term patient-reported clinical outcomes and shows signs of durability in both utilization and financial outcomes at 1 year. The results support continued study including a multi-site RCT.

Factors Affecting on Environmental Strategy in SMEs manufacturing Firms of a developing country: Mediating role of Green Employee Behavior.

Background: Sustainability in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which engage heavily in manufacturing provides them with an essential platform for implementing environmental strategy, which is aimed at reducing environmental damage and promoting environmental protection. This study aims to examine the impact of the reduction in resource use, the greening of processes and products on environmental strategy and the mediating role of green employee behaviour. Methods: Primary data gathered with the help of questionnaires from employees of SMEs manufacturing in developing countries, Pakistan. The research gathered data from 211 participants by applying a pre-tested instrumental questionnaire and structural equation modelling (SEM) for data analysis. Results: The results confirmed all direct effects, including a reduction in resource use, the greening of processes and products and green employee behaviour of environmental strategies in small and medium manufacturing firms. Also, confirmed partial mediation effect of green employee behavior between greening of processes and products and environmental strategy. Conclusion: The current study clearly showed the need for programs and infrastructures that support resource reduction and greening businesses in SMEs. Companies' implementation of green processes and technologies allows SMEs to take an environmentally responsible stand and become part of the movement toward sustainability. The research stresses the importance of green employee conduct as a mediator, the central point being the individual employee being engaged and aware of the subject and willing to participate in environmentally friendly practices. Therefore, small and medium enterprises should enlighten their staff to practice green behaviour, give them what they need and empower them to be change drivers that will trigger sustainability throughout the organisations.

Numerical and computational analysis on a dissipative dynamical system: Slow invariant manifold for complex chemical mechanism.

This article presents the notion about Slow Invariant Manifold (SIM) and their fundamental role in model reduction techniques (MRTs) for challenges encountered in mechanical engineering within dissipative systems of chemical kinetics. Focusing on the reaction routes of complex mechanisms, we construct and compare primary approximations of the SIM through MRTs, including the Spectral Quasi Equilibrium Manifold (SQEM) and Intrinsic Low Dimensional Manifold (ILDM). These methods effectively transform high-dimensional complex problems into lower dimensions, solving them without compromising crucial information about the complex systems modified for homogeneous reactive systems. Employing the sensitivity analysis by using the MATLAB's toolbox, we present the numerical findings in a tabular format obtained through MRTs. This study provides the understanding about the accessible exploration of numerical solutions, improving insights of the complex variation within the system.

Rates and risk factors for failure of reduction in closed reduction in developmental dysplasia of the hip: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: In developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), concentric reduction of dislocated hips cannot be achieved by closed reduction in many cases, and open reduction is required ('failure of reduction'). The incidence of cases requiring open reduction and the significance of risk factors for unsuccessful reduction remain unclear. We investigated the overall rate and the risk factors for failed closed reduction in DDH. Methods: We followed the Cochrane recommendations in our systematic review and meta-analysis. We performed a systematic search in three medical databases to identify all studies reporting on pediatric patients with hip dislocation in DDH on 2 July 2022. Eligible studies reported on the rate of failure in children younger than 36 months. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs from two-by-two tables (event rate in risk group, event rate in non-risk group). Results: We identified 13 316 studies and included 62 studies (5281 hips) for failure rate and 34 studies (3810 hips) for risk factor analysis. The overall rate of failure in closed reduction was 20%. The risk of failure of reduction increased with the grade of dislocation and was significantly higher for high dislocations (group 0-24: IHDI 4 vs IHDI 2 OR: 17.45, CI: 9.26-32.92; Tönnis 4 vs Tönnis 2 OR: 14.67, CI: 1.21-177.37; Graf IV vs Graf III OR: 3.4, CI: 2.27-5.09). Male gender was also a significant risk factor (OR: 2.27, CI: 1.13-4.56) in group 0-36. Conclusion: Higher grade dislocations and male gender are significant risk factors for failure of reduction in closed reduction in hip dislocation in DDH.

Plasmonic-Promoted Interatomic Hot Carriers Regulation Enhanced Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction Reaction.

Utilizing hot carriers for efficient plasmonic-mediated chemical reactions (PMCRs) to convert solar energy into secondary energy is one of the most feasible solutions to the global environmental and energy crisis. Finding a plasmonic heterogeneous nanostructure with a more efficient and reasonable hot carrier transport path without affecting the intrinsic plasmonic properties is still a major challenge that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Herein, the mechanism by which plasmonic-promoted interatomic hot electron redistribution on the surface of Au3Cu alloy nanoparticles promotes the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) is successfully clarified. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect can boost the transfer of plasmonic hot electrons from Au atoms to Cu atoms, trigger the interatomic electron regulation of Au3Cu alloy nanoparticles, enhance the desorption of ammonia molecules, and increase the ammonia yield by approximately 93.9%. This work provides an important reference for rationally designing and utilizing the LSPR effect to efficiently regulate the distribution and mechanism of plasmonic hot carriers on the surface of heterogeneous alloy nanostructures.

Studying the Effect of Operating Conditions and NO2 Cathode Contamination on PEM Fuel Cells Using Distribution Function of Relaxation Times Analysis.

The effect of NO2, an air pollutant, on the durability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and the affected electrochemical processes in the PEMFC following the contamination were investigated. In-situElectrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were conducted on PEMFCs under different operating conditions of temperature and relative humidity (RH). NO2 was introduced to the cathode inlet flow. Analyses of the EIS measurements were performed using a genetic algorithm called ISGP (Impedance Spectroscopy by Genetic Programming) to obtain the distribution function of relaxation times (DFRT, a.k.a. DRT) models. Utilizing ISGP enabled us to differentiate the various phenomena in PEMFC and study how they are affected by NO2 contamination. Moreover, the experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the mitigation method to flush the PEMFC and regenerate its performance after being contaminated, particularly at low operating temperatures. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) technique is performed on the contaminated PEMFC to detect the presence of any nitrogen components in the FC's gas diffusion layer and the catalyst layer post the mitigation step. Cyclic Voltammetry is also performed on the contaminated cell to determine the effect of the contamination on the electrochemically active surface area of the cathode by evaluating the double-layer capacitance.

Promoting C-Cl Bond Activation via a Preoccupied Anchoring Strategy on Vanadia-Based Catalysts for Multi-Pollutant Control of NOx and Chlorinated Aromatics.

Regulating vanadia-based oxides has been widely utilized for fabricating effective difunctional catalysts for the simultaneous elimination of NOx and chlorobenzene (CB). However, the notorious accumulation of polychlorinated species and excessively strong NH3 adsorption on the catalysts lead to the deterioration of multipollutant control (MPC) activity. Herein, protonated sulfate (-HSO4) supported on vanadium-titanium catalysts via a preoccupied anchoring strategy are designed to prevent polychlorinated species and alleviate NH3 adsorption for the multipollutant control. The obtained catalysts with -HSO4 modification achieve an excellent NOx and CB conversion with turnover frequency values of ∼ 3.63 and 17.7 times higher than those of the pristine, respectively. The protonated sulfate promotes the formation of polymeric vanadyl with a higher chemical state and d-band center of V. The modulated catalysts not only substantially alleviate the competitive adsorption of multipollutant via the "V 3d-O 2p-S 3p" network, but also distinctly strengthen the Brønsted acid sites. Besides, the introduced proton donor of the -HSO4 connecting polymeric structure could markedly reduce the reaction barrier of breaking the C-Cl bond. This work paves an advanced way for low-loading vanadium SCR catalysts to achieve highly efficient NOx and CB oxidation at a low temperature.

Level of readiness of employees of Systems Plus College Foundation (SPCF) on Disaster Risk-Reduction Management (DRRM).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of readiness on disaster risk-reduction management among employees of an educational institution. METHODS: The descriptive, evaluative study was conducted from March to April 2022 at 6 branches of Systems Plus College Foundation, Philippines, in Balibago, Rizal, Miranda, San Fernando, Caloocan and Cubao after approval from the ethics review committee of the Our Lady of Fatima University, Philippines, and comprised employees who were associated with the college for at least 6 months. Data was collected using Google Forms, and a validated tool was used to assess the disaster risk-reduction management readiness. The responses were categorised into 5 groups, ranging from 'very much ready' to 'not ready'. Gathered data was analysed by using SPSS version 20. Mean results were derived and presented with standard deviation. RESULTS: The responses suggested moderate readiness regarding structural safety codes 3.02±0.98, non-structural safety codes 3.02±1.04, availability of emergency supplies and equipment 2.84±1.09, and servicing and maintenance 2.85±1.03. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the level of readiness related to disaster risk-reduction management must be given priority to ensure the safety of the employees in a higher education institution.

Contextualising Experiences of Co-Occurring Mental Ill-Health and Substance Use Among Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Diverse Young People: Implications for Tailored Harm Reduction Approaches.

Though significant research highlights higher rates of mental ill-health and substance use among trans, non-binary and gender diverse (henceforth 'trans') young people, little research has considered patterns, contextual characteristics, and correlates of co-occurring experiences of mental ill-health and substance use among trans young people. Using data from the Trans Pathways study, we used prevalence ratios and age- and gender-adjusted logistic regression models to examine prevalence and differences of co-occurring substance use (past six-month cigarette use, alcohol use, and other drug use) and contextual characteristics of substance use (past six-month solitary alcohol and/or drug use, substance use for coping) by mental ill-health (depression disorder, anxiety disorder, past 12-month self-harm thoughts and behaviours, suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempt/s). Age- and gender-adjusted models assessed associations between co-occurring depressive and anxiety disorders and recent cigarette, alcohol, and other drug use (six co-occurring items total) and 18 interpersonal stressors. Significantly increased odds of smoking or recent use of cannabis or sedatives was observed among trans young people reporting depressive disorder, anxiety disorder (aORs ranging 1.8-3.1). Trans young people who reported recent smoking or use of cannabis, inhalants, or sedatives, had 40% to 80% reduced odds of past 12-month self-harm thoughts, self-harm behaviours, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempt/s (aORs ranging 0.2-0.6). On the other hand, solitary alcohol and/or other drug use and substance use for coping was significantly associated with increased odds of all mental ill-health outcomes. Issues with school, secure housing, and intimate partner abuse were the most robust correlates of co-occurring mental ill-health and substance use. Trans young people using substances, especially cigarettes, cannabis, and sedatives, often so do with co-occurring experiences of depression and anxiety though limited substance use in more 'social' contexts may confer benefits for preventing self-harm and suicide thoughts and behaviours. Continued research in partnership with trans young people is warranted to conceptualise more nuanced and precise conceptual parameters of trans-affirming substance use harm reduction approaches.

Not always as advertised: Different effects from viewing safer gambling (harm prevention) adverts on gambling urges.

Public concern around gambling advertising in the UK has been met not by government action but by industry self-regulations, such as a forthcoming voluntary ban on front-of-shirt gambling sponsorship in Premier League soccer. "Safer gambling" (harm prevention) adverts are one recent example, and are TV commercials which inform viewers about gambling-related harm. The present work is the first independent evaluation of safer gambling adverts by both gambling operators and a charity called GambleAware. In an online experiment, we observed the change in participants' (N = 2,741) Gambling Urge Scale (GUS) scores after viewing either: a conventional financial inducement gambling advert, a gambling operator's safer gambling advert, an advert from the GambleAware "bet regret" campaign, an advert from the GambleAware "stigma reduction" campaign, or a control advert that was not about gambling. Relative to a neutral control advert, GUS scores increased after viewing a financial inducement or an operator's safer gambling advert. In comparison to the neutral control condition, GUS score changes were similar after viewing a bet regret advert, but showed a significant decrease after viewing a stigma reduction advert. Those at higher risk of harm reported larger decreases in GUS after watching a bet regret or stigma reduction advert. Overall, this study introduced a novel experimental paradigm for evaluating safer gambling adverts, uncovered a potential downside from gambling operators' safer gambling adverts, and revealed variation in the potential effectiveness of charity-delivered safer gambling adverts.

Multi-win situation of wastewater purification, carbon emission reduction and resource utilization: Conversion of refractory organics and nitrate to urea and ammonia in a flow-through electrochemical integrated system.

The advanced oxidation process is an efficient technology for the degradation and detoxification of refractory organics to ensure water safety. However, most researches focus on improving pollutant degradation but overlook carbon emission and resource utilization. In this study, a flow-through electrochemical integrated system was constructed to simultaneously realize bisphenol A (BPA) oxidation into small non-toxic organics and CO2, and generated CO2 coupled with nitrate-containing wastewater conversion to urea and ammonia on a porous cathode (Zr-Fe/CN). The synergistic effect between anodic BPA oxidation with cathodic CO2 and NO3-reduction improves the electron utilization efficiency and thus increasing the BPA degradation, urea yield rate (UYR) and NH3 yield rate (NYR) by 13.4 % 18.4 % and 8.3 %, respectively. Furthermore, the flow-through operation mode significantly increased the mass transfer efficiency and quickly carried generated CO2 from the anode into the cathode to improve CO2 utilization efficiency. Compared to the parallel plate electrode reactor, the BPA degradation efficiency, UYR and NYR in the flow-through reactor increased from 59.46 % to 84.49 % (the initial concentration of BPA was 40 mg/L), 9.94 mmol h-1g-1 to 19.55 mmol h-1g-1, and 80.31 mmol h-1g-1 to 106.06 mmol h-1g-1 within 60 min, respectively. Moreover, the total carbon conversion efficiency (from BPA to urea) increased from 20.2 % to 42.4 % and the total Faraday efficiency (FE) increased from 78.6 % to 96.3 %. This work provides a multi-win strategy of harmless, resource-based and carbon emission reduction for wastewater treatment.

Reshaping water distribution topology from the carbon emission reduction perspective: An exploratory analysis of water distribution reliability.

As urban economies continue to evolve, the water distribution networks (WDNs) are expanding in scale and becoming more interconnected, leading to increased carbon emissions from operations and maintenance. Consequently, enhancing the stability and safety of WDNs while saving energy has emerged as a primary research focus. This study abandoned the original use of high economic costs for post-maintenance of WDNs. Instead, it reshaped the traditional water distribution topology to form a dynamic, storable, energy-efficient "WDN self-help" model. Drawing inspiration from the "deep tunnel" project in drainage systems, the proposal was to leverage underground spaces to create a deep aqueduct (DA) complementing the traditional WDN, forming a three-dimensional (3D) WDN. Hydraulic and water quality analyses of varying scales of the 3D WDN model demonstrated its superior ability to equalize node pressures, reduce pipeline head losses, and maintain water quality for end-users. Reliability assessments of the 3D WDN revealed enhanced system robustness for medium-to large-scale distributions, while energy consumption analyses indicated a significant increase in water supply energy utilization and significant long-term reductions in carbon footprint. A practical case study was presented to validate the effectiveness of the 3D WDN concept, confirming its ability to reliably distribute water even in the event of a failure. Finally, an estimate of the retrofit cost and the static payback period of the 3D WDN was conducted. This study aims to provide a theoretical reference for the renovation of water supply projects or the optimal design of new WDNs in the context of carbon neutrality.

Metal Halide Perovskites for Photocatalysis: Performance and Mechanistic Studies.

Metal halide perovskites, both lead-based and lead-free variants, have emerged as highly versatile materials with widespread applications across various fields, including photovoltaics, optoelectronics, and photocatalysis. This review provides a succinct overview of the recent advancements in the utilization of lead and lead-free halide perovskites specifically in photocatalysis. We explore the diverse range of photocatalytic reactions enabled by metal halide perovskites, including organic transformations, carbon dioxide reduction, and pollutant degradation. We highlight key developments, mechanistic insights, and challenges in the field, offering our perspectives on the future research directions and potential applications. By summarizing recent findings from the literature, this review aims to provide a timely resource for researchers interested in harnessing the full potential of metal halide perovskites for sustainable and efficient photocatalytic processes.