This study systematically studied the effects of Pr, Fe, and Na as representative rare earth, transition, and alkali metal dopants, respectively, on the photocatalytic activity of exfoliated graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄). The doped exfoliated g-C₃N₄ samples were prepared by integrating precursor ion intercalation into the pre-formed g-C₃N₄ with thermal treatment. The as-prepared catalysts were examined for crystal, textural, chemical, optical, and photoelectrochemical properties to explore the correlation between dopants and photocatalytic activity of the resulting composites. The detailed analyses revealed that the Pr-doped g-C₃N₄ exhibited superior photocatalytic activity in degrading methylene blue under visible light, achieving a ~96% removal in 40 min. This was not only better than the activity of g-C₃N₄, but also much higher than that of Na-doped g-C₃N₄ or Fe-doped g-C₃N₄. The kinetic rate constant using Pr-doped g-C₃N₄ was 3.2, 5.1, and 2.0 times greater than that of the g-C₃N₄, Fe-doped g-C₃N₄, and Na-doped g-C₃N₄, respectively. The enhanced performance was attributed to its inherent characteristics after optimal tuning, including good surface area, improved porosity, enhanced visible light absorption, suitable electronic band structure, increased charge carrier density, promoted charge separation, and reduced charge transfer resistance. In addition, the optimized Pr(0.4)g-C₃N₄ was used to study the photocatalytic removal of methylene blue in detail under conditions with different initial methylene blue concentrations, types of dyes, catalyst dosages, initial solution pH, counter ions, and water matrices. Our results demonstrated the high photocatalytic activity of Pr(0.4)g-C₃N₄ under varying conditions, including in real wastewater media, which were collected from our local municipal wastewater treatment plant. The observed good reusability and stability after five cycles of photocatalytic degradation test further suggested a promising potential of Pr(0.4)g-C₃N₄ for practical application in wastewater treatment.

With the increasing global demand for sustainable energy and environmental solutions, the development of efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly electrocatalysts has become a key area of research. Microorganisms, with their distinctive microstructures, abundant functional groups, and diverse metabolic activities, offer innovative pathways for the green synthesis of electrocatalysts. This review first systematically summarizes microbial-derived electrocatalysts by using microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) as templates and metabolites, e.g., extracellular polymers, bacterial cellulose as mediates, and their applications in various representative electrocatalytic reactions, including hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, and oxygen reduction reaction. We then particularly focus on the application of microbial-derived electrocatalysts in CO₂ reduction reaction. Microorganisms not only serve as structural templates to impart high surface areas and ordered pores to catalysts but also facilitate the introduction of active sites through metabolic processes, significantly enhancing catalytic efficiency toward the optimization of reduction products. Finally, the current challenges as well as future optimization strategies are proposed in the field of microbial-derived electrocatalysts. This work offers a guideline for the design of microbial-mediated catalytic materials, advancing new strategies toward achieving carbon neutrality.

The persistent presence of levofloxacin (LEV) residues in aquatic environments considerably threatens ecological safety and human health, owing to the potential spread of microbial resistance genes, creating an urgent need for effective removal technologies. In this study, porous carbon materials with high specific surface areas were synthesized using a one-step KOH activation method, with medium-low-temperature coal tar pitch serving as a carbon precursor. In addition, the performance and mechanism of LEV degradation via peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation were systematically explored. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption-desorption analysis, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed that K11 possessed abundant pores, a specific surface area of up to 1220 m²·g^–1, and numerous defects, which collectively provided a structural basis for its catalytic activity. Degradation experiments demonstrated that the LEV removal rate exceeded 91% under conditions of a 0.2 g·L^–1 PDS dosage, a 0.1 g·L^–1 K11 dosage, pH levels ranging from 3 to 9, and a temperature of 30 °C, with robust resistance to interference from co-existing ions and humic acid. Even in real water bodies, a removal rate of over 77.84% was maintained. Free-radical quenching experiments and electron spin resonance assays confirmed that the reaction proceeded predominantly via non-radical pathways, primarily involving the generation of singlet oxygen by PDS, along with a minor contribution from direct electron transfer pathways. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified LEV degradation intermediates, suggesting that the degradation pathways include piperazine ring cleavage, defluorination, and oxidation of the quinolone backbone. This study offers theoretical insights and technical guidance for the resource utilization of coal tar pitch and the control of antibiotic pollution.

With the widespread application of 5G technology and the rapid development of electronic device miniaturization, electromagnetic radiation interference has become an increasingly critical concern. To meet the requirements of new-generation portable wearable electronic devices for electromagnetic interference shielding in terms of environmental friendliness, sustainability, lightweight, and high strength characteristics, novel shielding materials represented by carbon-based materials, MXene, and biomass materials, have emerged. To optimize the electromagnetic shielding composites for higher efficiency, researchers have proposed multifaceted strategies, including material design strategies (e.g., combinations of one-dimensional and two-dimensional materials or conductive and magnetic materials), structural design strategies (e.g., porous structures, multilayer structures, and core-shell structures), and reinforced absorption design strategies. This study provides a concise review of representative electromagnetic interference shielding raw materials, with a focus on the development status of novel biomass electromagnetic shielding materials represented by wood, lignin, and cellulose. The advantages and disadvantages of various electromagnetic shielding materials are systematically analyzed. For the first time, a summary of transdisciplinary multiscale design strategies is provided to promote the development of electromagnetic shielding techniques.

Accurate prediction of molecular fusion properties is critical for energy-efficient material design and sustainable process optimization, yet remains challenging due to data scarcity and complex thermodynamic interdependencies. This work introduces machine learning tools to address these gaps by combining expert-curated molecular descriptors with deep learning. By systematically evaluating statistical machine learning algorithms and attention-based architectures, optimized models are identified: a SMILES-augmented Transformer-Convolutional Neural Network for fusion temperature and a graph attention network for fusion enthalpy. Prediction power is further validated experimentally on four structure diverse compounds (γ-butyrolactone, methyl octanoate, N-phenylbenzenesulfonamide, and triethylene glycol dimethyl ether). Interpretability analyses reveal that these models prioritize key structures in molecules: attention in text-based models focuses on key atoms while that in graph models focuses on key chemical bonds, aligning with empirical thermodynamic evidences. By providing rapid, interpretable fusion property predictions, this framework can support the development of low-energy phase-change materials and sustainable solvent systems, advancing data-driven green chemistry.

Development of ratiometric fluorescent probes for Cu²⁺ in aqueous solutions and biological systems remains the challenging task, given that Cu²⁺ commonly acts as an efficient fluorescence quencher. In this work, a novel dyad compound NI-SP bearing energy donor naphthalimide and energy acceptor styrylpyridine chromophore has been prepared using azide-alkyne click reaction. The photophysical properties of NI-SP and its coordination with Cu²⁺ have been investigated by the absorption and fluorescent spectroscopy. Upon addition of Cu²⁺ to a solution of NI-SP, the long wavelength emission peak of styrylpyridine (600 nm) was quenched, whereas the fluorescence of naphthalimide (450 nm) was enhanced due to a decrease in resonance energy transfer efficiency between the chromophores in the (NI-SP)·Cu²⁺ complex. The observed spectral changes enable ratiometric detection of Cu²⁺ by the registration of the ratio of fluorescence intensities I₄₅₀/I₆₀₀. The probe exhibited high selectivity toward Cu²⁺ in the tested conditions. The detection limit was determined at 120 nmol·L^–1, and the stability constant for (NI-SP)·Cu²⁺ was found to be 3.0 × 10⁶ L·mol^–1. Bioimaging experiments showed the NI-SP could penetrate human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, accumulate in mitochondria, and respond to the presence of Cu²⁺ via the changes in the fluorescence intensity of styrylpyridine fragment.

Ammonia is a promising hydrogen storage carrier due to its high hydrogen density (17.8 wt %) and mild liquefaction conditions. Plasma-catalytic ammonia synthesis is an alternative synthesis route regarding green ammonia generation at ambient conditions. In this study, Co-doped Mo₂N-Co catalysts were developed to enhance plasma-catalytic ammonia synthesis, with a focus on the effects of Co/Mo molar ratios and operating parameters. Among the catalysts tested, Mo₂N-Co₁ possessed the highest ammonia synthesis rate and energy efficiency. Optimal operating conditions including a feed ratio of N₂:H₂ = 1:1 and a higher discharge power is favored. An ammonia synthesis rate of 11925 μmol·g^–1·h^–1 and an energy efficiency of 3.6 g-NH₃·kWh^–1 were achieved over Mo₂N-Co₁ at a feed ratio of N₂:H₂ = 1:1 and a discharge power of 57 W. Comprehensive characterizations, including X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction, and ammonia temperature-programmed desorption, demonstrated that Co doping introduced abundant nitrogen vacancies and weak acidic surface, both of which facilitated ammonia desorption and electron transfer. Key reactive intermediates were identified using optical emission spectroscopy, providing insight into the proposed reaction mechanism for this synergistic plasma-catalytic ammonia synthesis over Mo₂N-Co catalysts.

Dielectric barrier discharge plasma-driven dry reforming of methane is a promising technology for syngas production. However, plasma involves complex chemical reaction pathways, non-thermal equilibrium kinetic characteristics, and interactions with catalysts, which together affect the catalytic efficiency of the dielectric-barrier plasma driven dry reforming of methane reaction and constitute its main technical challenges. This study systematically investigates the effect of critical parameters-including reactor dimensions, input power, gas flow rate, gas composition, and catalyst type-on CH₄ and CO₂ conversion as well as syngas selectivity. Through thermodynamic and kinetic analysis, we elucidate the stepwise evolution mechanism of CH₄/CO₂ reactions under low-temperature plasma conditions. Notably, we incorporated the power law relationship between electron energy and input power into the thermodynamic model, thereby quantitatively revealing for the first time the regulatory effect of input power on the reaction path. This study provides valuable design principles to enhance the efficiency and industrial applicability of dielectric-barrier plasma driven dry reforming of methane processes.

High-purity glycolide is a key monomer for the synthesis of biodegradable polyglycolic acid. Here, we report a relay transesterification strategy for synthesizing high-purity glycolide directly from methyl glycolate, by using behenyl alcohol as a recyclable transesterification agent. This strategy achieves an average purity of 99.3% for glycolide without forming oligomers, and thus can avoid the energy-intensive purification required in the conventional route. Mechanistic studies indicate that methyl glycolate is first converted into behenyl glycolate via hetero-intermolecular transesterification during the relay transesterification process, and then the behenyl glycolate undergoes a homo-intermolecular transesterification to form behenyl dimer glycolate, which then undergoes intramolecular backbiting transesterification to yield glycolide and behenyl alcohol.

Targeting the demand for efficient dehydrogenation catalysts in liquid organic hydrogen carriers, we synthesized a series of La-doped alumina supports by a co-precipitation/hydrothermal route and deposited Pd nanoparticles to promote 12H-N-propylcarbazole (NPCZ) dehydrogenation. Comprehensive characterization shows that an optimal 10 wt % La loading generates intimately interfaced La₂O₃ and La(OH)₃ nanodomains that anchor highly dispersed Pd particles (~2.2 nm), donate electrons to Pd⁰, and create bifunctional acid-base sites together with a fast hydrogen-spillover network. These synergistic features accelerate C–H activation and H-migration, enabling Pd/La₁₀AlO to deliver the theoretical H₂ release (5.43 wt %) in 150 min at 180 °C with 99% NPCZ selectivity and no activity loss over ten cycles. Kinetic analysis reveals markedly lower apparent activation energies for all three successive dehydrogenation steps, with a ~65 kJ·mol^–1 drop in the rate-limiting 4H-NPCZ→NPCZ stage, underscoring the thermodynamic and kinetic benefits conferred by the dual-phase La promoter. This work provides the first mechanistic evidence that coexisting La₂O₃/La(OH)₃ can cooperatively tune the electronic and interfacial structure of Pd/Al₂O₃, offering clear guidelines for designing durable, high-performance dehydrogenation catalysts for N-heterocyclic liquid organic hydrogen carriers.

Perovskites have emerged as promising semiconductors for solar cells and optoelectronics. Despite rapid advancements in device performance over the past decade, a quantitative investigation into structure-property relationships remains absent. The core of these innovations in fabrication lies in controlling long-range and short-range microstructural disorders in perovskites, yet their systematic impact across multiple spatial scales remains underexplored. In this review, we elaborate on hidden microstructural disorders, including interfacial disorders and intra-crystal disorders, further delving into their formation mechanisms and effects on mechanical reliability and long-term operational stability of perovskites. Unraveling these effects requires a combined approach of theoretical modeling and experimental characterization. Furthermore, we discuss theory-driven engineering strategies to mitigate such microstructural disorders, enabling the predictable processing and fabrication of stable and high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. This review aims to establish a foundational framework for transitioning from microstructure observation to microstructure control, which represents a critical frontier in the advancement of perovskite photovoltaics.

Continuous-flow microwave-assisted heating has been extensively applied in chemical engineering. A common method used for heating fluids is by using a tube in a cavity. However, it is challenging to maintain high heating efficiency owing to the temperature-dependent dielectric properties of different fluids, and the temperature of fluids is usually uneven. In this study, a multilayer ring structure is proposed based on an impedance gradient that covers a tube with a porous material inside it to achieve high heating efficiency and uniformity. A multiphysics model, including electromagnetic fields, fluid heat transfer, and free and porous media flow, was established to simulate the continuous-flow microwave heating process. The dimensions of the multilayer ring structure were optimized and manufactured. Energy utilization efficiency experiments and continuous heating experiments were conducted, which demonstrated that the proposed model achieved an efficiency > 90% with different aqueous ethanol solutions, while maintaining high heating uniformity compared with other heating models. Furthermore, the effects of the tube permittivity and porosity of the porous material on the heating efficiency were investigated to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed model.

Heterogeneous catalysis is fundamental to chemical processes, with gas-solid catalysis extensively employed in chemical production, energy conversion, and environmental protection. Attaining high efficiency in these processes necessitates catalysts exhibiting exceptional activity, selectivity, and stability, frequently accomplished using nanostructured metal catalysts. The continuous growth of active sites in heterogeneous metal catalysts presents a considerable obstacle for the precise identification of the genuine active sites. The emergence of in situ and operando characterization techniques has clarified the knowledge of dynamic alterations in active sites, offering substantial scientific information to underpin the rational design of catalysts. This review summarizes recent progress in the development of diverse situ/operando approaches for identifying active regions in catalytic conversion over heterogeneous catalysts. We comprehensively outline the applicability of diverse optical and X-ray spectroscopic techniques, including transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, in identifying active sites and elucidating reaction processes in heterogeneous catalysis. The discussion encompasses issues and future views on the identification of active sites evolution during the reaction process, as well as the advancement of in situ and operando characterization approaches.

Doped perovskite oxides are efficient electrocatalysts for water oxidation; however, the mechanism of O-site doping remains unclear. This study proposes a long-range electron-rich optimization mechanism for Cl doped LaCoO₃, involving the formation of ultra-long Co–Cl bonds as a result of lattice distortion induced by Cl doping at the O site. This catalyst exhibited excellent oxygen evolution reaction activity and stability. Theoretical calculations revealed that the ultra-long Co–Cl bond enables an electron-rich state at the Co sites, weakening the Co–O lattice bonding and facilitating the conversion of lattice O into bulk-phase O species, thus enhancing the performance of oxygen evolution reaction. This study introduces a novel regulatory mechanism for doped perovskite oxide catalysts to enhance water oxidation.