Tailored design of novel Co0-Coδ+ dual phase nanoparticles for selective CO2 hydrogenation to ethanol.

Catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to ethanol is a promising solution to address the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but many current catalysts face efficiency and cost challenges. Cobalt based catalysts are frequently examined due to their abundance, cost-efficiency, and effectiveness in the reaction, where managing the Co0 to Coδ+ ratio is essential. In this study, we adjusted support nature (Al2O3, MgO-MgAl2O4, and MgO) and reduction conditions to optimize this balance of Co0 to Coδ+ sites on the catalyst surface, enhancing ethanol production. The selectivity of ethanol reached 17.9% in a continuous flow fixed bed micro-reactor over 20 mol% Co@MgO-MgAl2O4 (CoMgAl) catalyst at 270 °C and 3.0 MPa, when reduced at 400 °C for 8 h. Characterisation results coupled with activity analysis confirmed that mild reduction condition (400 °C, 10% H2 balance N2, 8 h) with intermediate metal support interaction favoured the generation of partially reduced Co sites (Coδ+ and Co0 sites in single atom) over MgO-MgAl2O4 surface, which promoted ethanol synthesis by coupling of dissociative (CHx*)/non-dissociative (CHxO*) intermediates, as confirmed by density functional theory analysis. Additionally, the CoMgAl, affordably prepared through the coprecipitation method, offers a potential alternative for CO2 hydrogenation to yield valuable chemicals.

Negative effects of ethanol on ovarian reserve and endometrium thickness: An animal study.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of ethanol on the ovarian reserve and endometrium of rats by evaluating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and follicle counts. Materials and Methods: We performed histological follicle counting and AMH measurements to evaluate ovarian reserve. The study included 16 Wistar albino rats evenly distributed into two groups of eight rats each. The rats in the intervention group (group 1) were administered ethanol at a daily dose of 2.5 g/kg via oral gastric lavage for 30 days, whereas the control group (group 2) received water as a placebo via oral gastric lavage for the same period. At the end of 30 days, the animals were sacrificed, and 2 mL blood samples were collected for AMH measurements. Laparotomy was performed to remove the ovaries and uterus. Results: Despite the lack of a meaningful distinction in the quantity of primordial and primary follicles between the two groups, a substantial disparity was observed in the overall follicle count and AMH levels. Specifically, the intervention group exhibited significantly lower total follicle counts and AMH levels than the control group (p≤0.001). The researchers also found that the endometrium of ethanol-treated rats was significantly thinner than that of control rats (p≤0.001). Conclusion: This study concluded that ethanol consumption can negatively affect reproductive ability and the success of in vitro fertilization treatment by reducing ovarian reserve and thinning the endometrium.

Medical associations and expert committees urge that ethanol be approved as a virucidal active substance for use in hand antiseptics under the European Biocidal Products Regulation, without a CMR classification.

Introduction: Since 2007, the classification of ethanol under the Biocidal Products Regulation has paradoxically remained unresolved due to conflicting views among experts and authorities. Initially, there was a discussion about classifying ethanol as carcinogenic. The current proposal to extend its harmonized classification includes, among other things, categorizing it as reproductive toxicity category 2 ("suspected to have CMR potential for humans"; carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic). If ethanol were classified under reproductive toxicity category 2, it would mean that the only active ingredient in hand antiseptics effective against non-enveloped viruses would no longer be available. Scientific assessment of the safety of ethanol-based hand rubs EBHR: Available epidemiological studies do not confirm an increased risk for cancer from EBHR in exposed individuals, except under uncommon or unlikely routes or levels of exposure.The evidence for ethanol's reprotoxic effect originates from the consumption of alcoholic beverages by pregnant women, where ethanol uptake is incomparably higher. The amount of transdermal ethanol absorption during hand antisepsis is up to ten times lower than the oral intake of beverages containing hidden ethanol, such as apple juice, kefir, or non-alcoholic beer. Blood alcohol levels after using EBHR remain within the physiological range associated with food intake. Conclusion: There is no epidemiological evidence of toxicity for workers handling ethanol-containing products in industry or using EBHR in healthcare settings. Given that the classification of EBHR as reproductive toxicity category 2 is not supported by current scientific research and that no alternative biocidal active substance in hand rubs is effective against non-enveloped viruses, medical associations and expert committees from Europe, the USA, Canada, the Asia-Pacific region, and the World Society for Virology unequivocally recommend, with the highest priority, that EBHR be approved as an active substance for PT1 biocides and not be classified as a reproductive toxicant in category 2.

A giant pelvic arteriovenous malformation.

Introduction: Pelvic arteriovenous malformations are rare in male patients. We present a case of pelvic arteriovenous malformation involving the seminal vesicle. Case presentation: A 58-year-old man was diagnosed with pelvic arteriovenous malformation that involved the left seminal vesicle by angiography. The patient underwent three embolization procedures and made favorable progress after the embolizations. Conclusion: Herein, we report a rare case of pelvic arteriovenous malformation involving the seminal vesicle treated by embolizations with good outcome.

Elevated GABAergic neurotransmission prevents chronic intermittent ethanol induced hyperexcitability of intrinsic and extrinsic inputs to the ventral subiculum of female rats.

With the recent rise in the rate of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in women, the historical gap between men and women living with this condition is narrowing. While there are many commonalities in how men and women are impacted by AUD, an accumulating body of evidence is revealing sex-dependent adaptations that may require distinct therapeutic approaches. Preclinical rodent studies are beginning to shed light on sex differences in the effects of chronic alcohol exposure on synaptic activity in a number of brain regions. Prior studies from our laboratory revealed that, while withdrawal from chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE), a commonly used model of AUD, increased excitability in the ventral hippocampus (vHC) of male rats, this same treatment had the opposite effect in females. A follow-up study not only expanded on the synaptic mechanisms of these findings in male rats, but also established a CIE-dependent increase in the excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) balance of a glutamatergic projection from the basolateral amygdala to vHC (BLA-vHC). This pathway modulates anxiety-like behavior and could help explain the comorbid occurrence of anxiety disorders in individuals suffering from AUD. The present study sought to conduct a similar analysis of CIE effects on both synaptic mechanisms in the vHC and adaptations in the BLA-vHC pathway of female rats. Our findings indicate that CIE increases the strength of inhibitory neurotransmission in the vHC and that this sex-specific adaptation blocks, or at least delays, the increases in intrinsic vHC excitability and BLA-vHC synaptic transmission observed in males. Our findings establish the BLA-vHC pathway and the vHC as important circuitry to consider for future studies directed at identifying sex-dependent therapeutic approaches to AUD.

The potential of native and engineered Clostridia for biomass biorefining.

Since their first industrial application in the acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation in the early 1900s, Clostridia have found large application in biomass biorefining. Overall, their fermentation products include organic acids (e.g., acetate, butyrate, lactate), short chain alcohols (e.g., ethanol, n-butanol, isobutanol), diols (e.g., 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol) and H2 which have several applications such as fuels, building block chemicals, solvents, food and cosmetic additives. Advantageously, several clostridial strains are able to use cheap feedstocks such as lignocellulosic biomass, food waste, glycerol or C1-gases (CO2, CO) which confer them additional potential as key players for the development of processes less dependent from fossil fuels and with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The present review aims to provide a survey of research progress aimed at developing Clostridium-mediated biomass fermentation processes, especially as regards strain improvement by metabolic engineering.

The Role of 20% Ethanol in Enhancing Pterygium Surgery Outcomes: A Clinical Study.

Introduction Pterygium is an ocular surface disorder characterized by a hyperplastic growth of conjunctiva encroaching over the cornea. It causes redness, watering, and foreign body sensation. Surgical excision is the preferred mode of treatment when there is encroachment over the visual axis, chronic irritation, restricted ocular motility, and cosmetic concerns. Various surgical methods have been adopted for the treatment and to prevent recurrences. This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of 20% ethanol as an adjuvant in pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft implantation, evaluating surgical outcomes. Methods A prospective hospital-based interventional study was conducted among 30 patients with pterygium from August 2022 to December 2023. Patients were evaluated preoperatively for anterior segment, posterior segment, visual acuity, and corneal astigmatism. Pterygium was excised using 20% ethanol as an adjuvant, and conjunctival autograft was placed over the bare sclera without sutures. Patients were evaluated on postoperative days 1, 8, 30, and 90 for graft condition, visual acuity, corneal astigmatism, and associated complications. Results After three months of follow-up, the mean visual acuity improved to LogMAR 0.46±0.35 (p=0.001), which was statistically significant, and the average corneal astigmatism decreased from 3.36±2.87 to 0.87±0.57 (p=0.0001). No recurrence was noted among the participants. Conclusion This study has shown that using 20% ethanol as an adjuvant for pterygium excision facilitated clean dissection of a pterygium from the underlying cornea and the pterygium-induced corneal astigmatism has significantly decreased, which led to progress in vision.

Dual Polarization of Ni Sites at VOx-Ni3N Interface Boosts Ethanol Oxidation Reaction.

Substituting thermodynamically favorable ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) engenders high-efficiency hydrogen production and generates high value-added products as well. However, the main obstacles have been the low activity and the absence of an explicit catalytic mechanism. Herein, a heterostructure composed of amorphous vanadium oxide and crystalline nickel nitride (VOx-Ni3N) is developed. The heterostructure immensely boosts the EOR process, achieving the current density of 50 mA cm-2 at the low potential of 1.38 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), far surpassing the sluggish OER (1.65 V vs RHE). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicates that the as-fabricated heterostructure can promote the adsorption of OH- and the generation of the reactive species (O*). Theoretical calculations further outline the dual polarization of the Ni site at the interface, specifically the asymmetric charge redistribution (interfacial polarization) and in-plane polarization. Consequently, the dual polarization modulates the d-band center, which in turn regulates the adsorption/desorption strength of key reaction intermediates, thereby facilitating the entire EOR process. Moreover, a VOx-Ni3N-based electrolyzer, coupling hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and EOR, attains 50 mA cm-2 at a low cell voltage of ≈1.5 V. This work thus paves the way for creating dual polarization through interface engineering toward broad catalysis.

Elevated blood-ethanol concentration promotes reduction of aliphatic ketones (acetone and ethyl methyl ketone) to secondary alcohols along with slower oxidation to aliphatic diols.

Many people convicted for drunken driving suffer from an alcohol use disorder and some traffic offenders consume denatured alcohol for intoxication purposes. Venous blood samples from people arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol were analyzed in triplicate by headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC) using three different stationary phases. The gas chromatograms from this analysis sometimes showed peaks with retention times corresponding to acetone, ethyl methyl ketone (2-butanone), 2-propanol, and 2-butanol in addition to ethanol and the internal standard (1-propanol). Further investigations showed that these drink-driving suspects had consumed an industrial alcohol (T-Red) for intoxication purposes, which contained > 90% w/v ethanol, acetone (~ 2% w/v), 2-butanone (~ 5% w/v) as well as Bitrex to impart a bitter taste. In n = 75 blood samples from drinkers of T-Red, median concentrations of ethanol, acetone, 2-butanone, 2-propanol and 2-butanol were 2050 mg/L (2.05 g/L), 97 mg/L, 48 mg/L, 26 mg/L and 20 mg/L, respectively. In a separate GC analysis, 2,3-butanediol (median concentration 87 mg/L) was identified in blood samples containing 2-butanone. When the redox state of the liver is shifted to a more reduced potential (excess NADH), which occurs during metabolism of ethanol, this favors the reduction of low molecular ketones into secondary alcohols via the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) pathway. Routine toxicological analysis of blood samples from apprehended drivers gave the opportunity to study metabolism of acetone and 2-butanone without having to administer these substances to human volunteers.

Combined ethanol and radiofrequency ablation for the elimination of focal atrial tachycardia originating from the Marshall bundle.

Introduction and importance: Atrial tachycardias (AT) originating from the Marshall bundle (MB) are rare and present significant challenges in diagnosis and management. The authors present the case of a 29-year-old male with recurrent AT successfully treated with a combined ethanol and radiofrequency ablation approach. This case highlights the effectiveness of this dual ablation strategy in resolving AT originating from the MB, contributing valuable insights into managing complex AT cases. Case presentation: A 29-year-old male with recurrent, symptomatic palpitations was initially suspected of orthodromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia, but an initial electrophysiological study (EPS) failed to induce arrhythmia. Subsequent spontaneous episodes led to a detailed EPS, revealing automatic AT originating presumably from an epicardial focus on the posterior wall of the left atrium (LA). Detailed mapping identified the earliest activation at the vein of Marshall (VoM) ostium within the coronary sinus (CS). Suspecting the involvement of MB structures, VoM ethanol ablation was performed. Complete arrhythmia elimination was achieved with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) at the VoM ostium within the CS, with no recurrence. Discussion: Most cases in the literature are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) or AT within AF, typically involving re-entry mechanisms. The given case is unique as it presents a highly probable VoM origin of automatic AT with no concomitant AF. The VoM's anatomical and electrophysiological properties make it a potential source of refractory AT. In this case, ethanol ablation supplemented by targeted, limited RFA emerged as an effective strategy, highlighting the importance of comprehensive mapping and tailored ablation approaches in managing complex atrial arrhythmias. Conclusion: The potential implications for clinical practice include recognizing the VoM as a critical target in refractory AT cases and adopting a combined ablation strategy to improve patient outcomes in similarly challenging scenarios.

Advances in the Catalytic Conversion of Ethanol into Nonoxygenated Added-Value Chemicals.

Given that ethanol can be obtained from abundant biomass resources (e.g., crops, sugarcane, cellulose, and algae), waste, and CO2, its conversion into value-added chemicals holds promise for the sustainable production of high-demand chemical commodities. Nonoxygenated chemicals, including light olefins, 1,3-butadiene, aromatics, and gasoline, are some of the most important of these commodities, substantially contributing to modern lifestyles. Despite the industrial implementation of some ethanol-to-hydrocarbons processes, several fundamental questions and technological challenges remain unaddressed. In addition, the utilization of ethanol as an intermediate provides new opportunities for the direct valorization of CO and CO2. Herein, the recent advances in the design of ethanol conversion catalysts are summarized, providing mechanistic insights into the corresponding reactions and catalyst deactivation, and discussing the related future research directions, including the exploitation of active site proximity to achieve better synergistic effects for reactions involving ethanol.

Antidotes for poisoning by alcohols that form toxic metabolites.

The alcohols methanol, ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol share many characteristics. The most important is that the compounds themselves are relatively nontoxic but are metabolized, initially by alcohol dehydrogenase, to various toxic intermediates. These compounds are readily available worldwide in commercial products as well as in homemade alcoholic beverages, both of which lead to most of the poisonings, from either unintentional or intentional ingestion. Although relatively infrequent, toxic alcohol poisonings do unfortunately occur in outbreaks and can result in severe morbidity and mortality. These poisonings have traditionally been treated with ethanol since it competes for the active site of alcohol dehydrogenase and decreases the formation of toxic metabolites. Although ethanol can be an effective antidote, there are substantial practical problems with its use. Therefore fomepizole, a potent competitive inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase, was developed for a hopefully better treatment for metabolically toxic alcohol poisonings. Fomepizole has few side effects and is easy to use in practice and it may obviate the need for haemodialysis in some, but not all, patients. Hence, fomepizole has largely replaced ethanol as the toxic alcohol antidote in many countries. Nevertheless, ethanol remains an important alternative because access to fomepizole can be limited, the cost may appear excessive or the physician may prefer ethanol due to experience.

Cell Culture and Molecular Docking Analysis to Determine the Antiviral Activity of Folklore Medicinal Plants Against Chikungunya Virus.

Introduction: Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-transmitted pathogen, poses a significant global health threat owing to its widespread prevalence and high morbidity. There are no approved vaccines or antivirals for prevention or treatment. Screening of folklore medicinal plants has emerged as a promising approach to finding novel therapeutics to combat pathogens. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-chikungunya potential of folklore medicinal plants and their phytochemicals.

Methods: Maximum non-toxic concentrations (MNTD) of the extracts to Vero cells were determined by the cytotoxicity assay. A Focus-Forming Unit (FFU) assay was used to assess the antiviral activity of the extracts (at MNTD) against CHIKV in Vero cells under pre-, co-, and post-treatment conditions. GC-MS was used to detect the phytochemicals of the extracts, and Schrodinger (Maestro) software was employed for their molecular docking against the target protein of CHIKV.

Results: Azadirachta indica exhibited anti-CHIKV activity during pre- and post-treatment, decreasing the virus titer from 8.145 to 7.998 and 8.361 to 8.040 mean log10 FFU/ml, respectively. Calendula officinalis and Piper retrofractum exhibited anti-CHIKV activity only during post-treatment (8.361 to 8.135, 8.361 to 8.075). Moreover, molecular docking studies of phytochemicals detected in GCMS analysis of all the extracts revealed that many phytochemicals (especially F3, F5, F6, and A1) could bind to the non-structural protein (nSP2) target of CHIKV and suppress the viral replication.

Conclusion: The screened plants showed the ability to inhibit CHIKV infection and replication and hold potential for further investigation in developing treatments for Chikungunya.

Electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation reaction: recent progress, challenges, and future prospects.

Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) have been widely considered as a feasible power conversion technology for portable and mobile applications. The economic feasibility of DEFCs relies on two conditions: a notable reduction in the expensive nature of precious metal electrocatalysts and a simultaneous remarkable improvement in the anode's long-term performance. Despite the considerable progress achieved in recent decades in Pt nanoengineering to reduce its loading in catalyst ink with enhanced mass activity, attempts to tackle these problems have yet to be successful. During the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) at the anode surface, Pt electrocatalysts lose their electrocatalytic activity rapidly due to poisoning by surface-adsorbed reaction intermediates like CO. This phenomenon leads to a significant loss in electrocatalytic performance within a relatively short time. This review provides an overview of the mechanistic approaches during the EOR of noble metal-based anode materials. Additionally, we emphasized the significance of many essential factors that govern the EOR activity of the electrode surface. Furthermore, we provided a comprehensive examination of the challenges and potential advancements in electrocatalytic EOR.

Alcohol use disorder is associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality in type A aortic dissection repair: a population-based study of National Inpatient Sample from 2015-2020.

BACKGROUND: While alcohol consumption is implicated in the development of aortic dissection, the impact of alcohol use disorder (AUD) on the outcomes of type A aortic dissection (TAAD) repair is still largely unexplored. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive, population-based analysis of effect of AUD on in-hospital outcomes following TAAD repair using National/Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest all-payer database in the United States. METHODS: Patients undergoing TAAD repair were identified in National/Nationwide Inpatient Sample from Q4 2015-2020. Demographics, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, primary payer status, and transfer-in status between patients with and without AUD were matched by a 1:3 propensity-score matching. In-hospital outcomes were examined. RESULTS: There were 220 patients with AUD who underwent TAAD repair. Meanwhile, 4062 non-AUD patients went under TAAD repair, where 646 of them were matched to all AUD patients. After propensity-score matching, AUD patients had a lower risk of in-hospital mortality (7.76% vs 13.31%, P = 0.03) while there was no difference in transfer-in status or time from admission to operation. However, patients with AUD had a higher rate of respiratory complications (27.40% vs 19.66%, P = 0.02) and a longer hospital length of stay (16.20 ± 11.61 vs 11.72 ± 1.69 days, P = 0.01). All other in-hospital outcomes were comparable between AUD and non-AUD patients. CONCLUSION: AUD patients had a lower risk of in-hospital mortality but a higher rate of respiratory complications and a longer LOS. These findings can provide insights into preoperative risk stratification of these patients. Nonetheless, reasons underlying the lower mortality rate in AUD patients and their long-term prognosis require further investigation.

Ethanol-induced changes to the gut microbiome compromise the intestinal homeostasis: a review.

The intestine is the largest organ in terms of surface area in the human body. It is responsible not only for absorbing nutrients but also for protection against the external world. The gut microbiota is essential in maintaining a properly functioning intestinal barrier, primarily through producing its metabolites: short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and tryptophan derivatives. Ethanol overconsumption poses a significant threat to intestinal health. Not only does it damage the intestinal epithelium, but, maybe foremostly, it changes the gut microbiome. Those ethanol-driven changes shift its metabolome, depriving the host of the protective effect the physiological gut microbiota has. This literature review discusses the impact of ethanol consumption on the gut, the gut microbiota, and its metabolome, providing a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms through which ethanol disrupts intestinal homeostasis and discussing potential avenues for new therapeutic intervention.

Photocatalytic Reforming of Ethanol in the Liquid Phase Using a Ternary Composite of Rh/TiO2/g-C3N4 as a Catalyst.

Photocatalytic reforming of ethanol provides an effective way to produce hydrogen energy using natural and nontoxic ethanol as raw material. Developing highly efficient catalysts is central to this field. Although traditional semiconductor/metal heterostructures (e.g., Rh/TiO2) can result in relatively high catalyst performance by promoting the separation of photoinduced hot carriers, it will still be highly promising to further improve the catalytic performance via a cost-effective and convenient method. In this study, we developed a highly efficient photocatalyst for ethanol reformation by preparing a ternary composite structure of Rh/TiO2/g-C3N4. Hydrogen is the main product, and the reaction rate could reach up to 27.5 mmol g-1 h-1, which is ∼1.41-fold higher than that of Rh/TiO2. The catalytic performance here is highly dependent on the wavelength of the light illumination. Moreover, the photocatalytic reforming of ethanol and production of hydrogen were also dependent on the Rh loading and g-C3N4:TiO2 ratio in Rh/TiO2/g-C3N4 composites as well as the ethanol content in the reaction system. The mechanism of the enhanced hydrogen production in Rh/TiO2/g-C3N4 is determined as the improvement in the separation of photoinduced hot carriers. This work provides an effective photocatalyst for ethanol reforming, largely expanding its application in the field of renewable energy and interface science.

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extract from Australian Finger Lime.

Australian finger lime (Citrus australasica L.) has become increasingly popular due to its potent antioxidant capacity and health-promoting benefits. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition, antibacterial characteristics, and mechanism of finger lime extract. The finger lime extracts were obtained from the fruit of the Australian finger lime by the ethanol extraction method. The antibacterial activity of the extract was examined by detecting the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for two Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacterial strains in vitro, as well as by assessing variations in the number of bacteria for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) in vivo. GC-MS analysis was used to identify the antibacterial compounds of the extract. The antibacterial mechanisms were investigated by assessing cell permeability and membrane integrity, and the bacterial morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The extract demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Gram-negative bacterial species, such as Escherichia coli, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Xanthomonas campestris, Xanthomonas citri, and CLas. Among the six strains evaluated in vitro, B. subtilis showed the highest susceptibility to the antimicrobial effects of finger lime extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract against the tested microorganisms varied between 500 and 1000 µg/mL. In addition, the extract was proven effective in suppressing CLas in vivo, as indicated by the lower CLas titers in the treated leaves compared to the control. A total of 360 compounds, including carbohydrates (31.159%), organic acid (30.909%), alcohols (13.380%), polyphenols (5.660%), esters (3.796%), and alkaloids (0.612%), were identified in the extract. We predicted that the primary bioactive compounds responsible for the antibacterial effects of the extract were quinic acid and other polyphenols, as well as alkaloids. The morphology of the tested microbes was altered and damaged, leading to lysis of the cell wall, cell content leakage, and cell death. Based on the results, ethanol extracts from finger lime may be a fitting substitute for synthetic bactericides in food and plant protection.

Electrohydrodynamic-Jet-Printed SnO2-TiO2-Composite-Based Microelectromechanical Systems Sensor with Enhanced Ethanol Detection.

Ethanol sensors have found extensive applications across various industries, including the chemical, environmental, transportation, and healthcare sectors. With increasing demands for enhanced performance and reduced energy consumption, there is a growing need for developing new ethanol sensors. Micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices offer promising prospects in gas sensor applications due to their compact size, low power requirements, and seamless integration capabilities. In this study, SnO2-TiO2 nanocomposites with varying molar ratios of SnO2 and TiO2 were synthesized via ball milling and then printed on MEMS chips for ethanol sensing using electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing. The study indicates that the two metal oxides dispersed evenly, resulting in a well-formed gas-sensitive film. The SnO2-TiO2 composite exhibits the best performance at a molar ratio of 1:1, with a response value of 25.6 to 50 ppm ethanol at 288 °C. This value is 7.2 times and 1.8 times higher than that of single SnO2 and TiO2 gas sensors, respectively. The enhanced gas sensitivity can be attributed to the increased surface reactive oxygen species and optimized material resistance resulting from the chemical and electronic effects of the composite.

Experimental and Density Functional Theory Simulation Research on PdO-SnO2 Nanosheet Ethanol Gas Sensors.

Pure SnO2 and 1 at.% PdO-SnO2 materials were prepared using a simple hydrothermal method. The micromorphology and element valence state of the material were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS methods. The SEM results showed that the prepared material had a two-dimensional nanosheet morphology, and the formation of PdO and SnO2 heterostructures was validated through TEM. Due to the influence of the heterojunction, in the XPS test, the energy spectrum peaks of Sn and O in PdO-SnO2 were shifted by 0.2 eV compared with SnO2. The PdO-SnO2 sensor showed improved ethanol sensing performance compared to the pure SnO2 sensor, since it benefited from the large specific surface area of the nanosheet structure, the modulation effect of the PdO-SnO2 heterojunction on resistance, and the catalyst effect of PdO on the adsorption of oxygen. A DFT calculation study of the ethanol adsorption characteristics of the PdO-SnO2 surface was conducted to provide a detailed explanation of the gas-sensing mechanism. PdO was found to improve the reducibility of ethanol, enhance the adsorption of ethanol's methyl group, and increase the number of adsorption sites. A synergistic effect based on the continuous adsorption sites was also deduced.