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Carbon redirection via tunable Fenton-like reactions under nanoconfinement toward sustainable water treatment
Regulating the carbon evolution pathway during chemical oxidation is critical, but challenging, for sustainable water treatment. Here, the authors report an adaptive approach to drive carbon redirection from molecular fragmentation to polymerization under tunable nanoconfinement.
- Xiang Gao
- , Zhichao Yang
- & Bingcai Pan
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Article
| Open Access
Defect-induced triple synergistic modulation in copper for superior electrochemical ammonia production across broad nitrate concentrations
Converting nitrate to ammonia in wastewater with a wide range of nitrate concentrations remains a challenging task. Here the authors report defect-rich Cu nanowire electrocatalyst which can achieve 50 to 1100 mA cm−2 and over 90% Faradaic efficiency using 1–100 mM nitrate wastewater.
- Bocheng Zhang
- , Zechuan Dai
- & Genqiang Zhang
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Grave-to-cradle photothermal upcycling of waste polyesters over spent LiCoO2
The increasing production of lithium-ion batteries and plastics presents significant challenges to resource sustainability and ecosystem integrity. This study highlights the utilization of spent lithium cobalt oxide cathodes as photothermal catalysts to transform various waste polyesters into valuable monomers.
- Xiangxi Lou
- , Penglei Yan
- & Jinxing Chen
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Article
| Open Access
A molecular extraction process for vanadium based on tandem selective complexation and precipitation
Amidst vanadium’s growing demand and environmental concerns in mining, the researchers, using naphthalimidedioxime, crafted a breakthrough method for eco-friendly recovery. Their acid-stable agent and non-toxic complexes offer a promising solution for large-scale vanadium recovery from diverse sources.
- Oluwatomiwa A. Osin
- , Shuo Lin
- & George K. H. Shimizu
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Tailoring d-band center of high-valent metal-oxo species for pollutant removal via complete polymerization
Polymerization-driven removal of pollutants in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) allows for sustainable contamination abatement and resource recovery. Here, authors achieved pollutant removal via complete polymerization by tailoring d-band center of high-valent metal-oxo species.
- Hong-Zhi Liu
- , Xiao-Xuan Shu
- & Han-Qing Yu
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Electronic structure modulation of iron sites with fluorine coordination enables ultra-effective H2O2 activation
Electronic structure modulation of active sites is critical important in Fenton catalysis. Herein, the authors report that the iron oxyfluoride involving fluorine coordination to iron sites, can effectively activate H2O2 into •OH for water treatment.
- Deyou Yu
- , Licong Xu
- & Jinming Luo
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Article
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Wood-inspired metamaterial catalyst for robust and high-throughput water purification
Continuous industrialization and human activities have led to severe water quality deterioration. Here, a structure-function integrated system is developed by Douglas fir wood inspired metamaterial catalysts with robust and high throughput water purification performances.
- Lei Zhang
- , Hanwen Liu
- & Jian Lu
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Mechanistic exploration of polytetrafluoroethylene thermal plasma gasification through multiscale simulation coupled with experimental validation
PTFE waste, a growing ecological concern, urges the exploration of disposal methods. This study investigates PTFE’s plasma gasification, revealing POCD (oxygen) and FHD (steam) pathways. Experiments validate the above mechanism, showing an 80.12% fluorine recovery in 5 min under optimal conditions.
- Chu Chu
- , Long Long Ma
- & Guanyi Chen
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Biomimetic mercury immobilization by selenium functionalized polyphenylene sulfide fabric
The abatement of elemental mercury remains an enormous challenge for public health and ecosystems. Here, inspired by the seleno-mercury antagonism effect in biological systems, the authors developed an ideal Hg0 adsorbent with a record-high adsorption capacity of 1621.9 mg g−1.
- Hailong Li
- , Fanyue Meng
- & Jianping Yang
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| Open Access
Ultralight crystalline hybrid composite material for highly efficient sequestration of radioiodine
The development of effective adsorbents of radioiodine nuclear waste remains difficult due to the lack of proper material design strategies. Here the authors report an ultralight hierarchically porous crystalline multifunctional hybrid nanocomposite for ultrafast entrapment of iodine and polyiodide species under both static and dynamic condition.
- Sahel Fajal
- , Writakshi Mandal
- & Sujit K. Ghosh
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Article
| Open Access
Generating active metal/oxide reverse interfaces through coordinated migration of single atoms
Steam treatment transforms inactive Pd1/CeO2 catalyst into a highly reactive one by forming a Ce2O3-Pd nanoparticle interface. This domain interface is created by the coordinated migration of Ce and Pd atoms on the atom trapped Pd1/CeO2.
- Lina Zhang
- , Shaolong Wan
- & Haifeng Xiong
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Article
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Decoupled oxidation process enabled by atomically dispersed copper electrodes for in-situ chemical water treatment
In-situ wastewater treatment using advanced oxidation processes poses ecological risks. Here, authors introduce a decoupled oxidation process with single-atom copper-based electrodes. This strategy overcomes drawbacks of AOPs, offering a sustainable and efficient in-situ treatment solution.
- Ziwei Yu
- , Xuming Jin
- & Juan Wang
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Article
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Interplay of the forces governing steroid hormone micropollutant adsorption in vertically-aligned carbon nanotube membrane nanopores
Micropollutant removal in polymeric nanofiltration membranes is difficult to characterise due to pore heterogeneity. A force interplay framework was developed to describe adsorption in VaCNT membranes with defined nanopores, providing insight for the design of membranes with improved selectivity.
- Minh N. Nguyen
- , Melinda L. Jue
- & Andrea I. Schäfer
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Nanoconfinement-triggered oligomerization pathway for efficient removal of phenolic pollutants via a Fenton-like reaction
Traditional mineralization of organic pollutants requires an excessive input of chemicals and causes undesirable carbon emissions. Here, authors report a nanoconfinement strategy to alter the carbon transfer pathway of phenol removal from ring opening route to oligomerization route.
- Xiang Zhang
- , Jingjing Tang
- & Bingcai Pan
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Microbial decomposition of biodegradable plastics on the deep-sea floor
It is unclear whether microbes can efficiently degrade biodegradable plastics in the extreme environmental conditions of the seafloor. Here, Omura et al. show that biodegradable plastics can be degraded by the action of microorganisms on the deep-sea floor, although with much less efficiency than in coastal settings.
- Taku Omura
- , Noriyuki Isobe
- & Tadahisa Iwata
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Nanowire-assisted electrochemical perforation of graphene oxide nanosheets for molecular separation
The permeation pathway length and tortuosity of nanosheet membranes are usually extremely large. Here, a facile, scalable, and controllable nanowire electrochemical concept is reported for perforating and modifying nanosheets to shorten permeation pathway and adjust transport property.
- Hai Liu
- , Xinxi Huang
- & Wanbin Li
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Spin polarized Fe1−Ti pairs for highly efficient electroreduction nitrate to ammonia
Electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia offers an attractive solution to environmental sustainability and clean energy production. Here, the authors construct spin−polarized Fe1−Ti pairs via manipulating oxygen vacancies on monolithic titanium electrode for highly efficient nitrate to ammonia conversion.
- Jie Dai
- , Yawen Tong
- & Lizhi Zhang
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Article
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Waste milk humification product can be used as a slow release nano-fertilizer
The growth in global milk demand has been accompanied by an increase in waste milk disposal. Here, the authors transform waste milk through humification and incorporate the product into attapulgite creating a nano-fertiliser that benefits for plants growing in pots.
- Yanping Zhu
- , Yuxuan Cao
- & Dongqing Cai
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Article
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Electrochemical nitrate reduction in acid enables high-efficiency ammonia synthesis and high-voltage pollutes-based fuel cells
Research on electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia in acidic conditions has been less extensive than that conducted in alkaline conditions. Here, the authors report a hybrid of iron phthalocyanine and TiO2 catalyst with improved efficiency toward acidic nitrate reduction and its application in Zn-nitrate batteries and high-voltage pollutes-based fuel cell.
- Rong Zhang
- , Chuan Li
- & Chunyi Zhi
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A polymer tethering strategy to achieve high metal loading on catalysts for Fenton reactions
This work reports a self-polymerization confinement strategy to develop and synthesize carbon-supported metal catalysts with high metal loading. Efficient Fenton reactivity is observed for samples containing well dispersed iron sites.
- Lixin Wang
- , Longjun Rao
- & Mingyang Xing
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A single site ruthenium catalyst for robust soot oxidation without platinum or palladium
Here, the authors report a study exploring surface lattice-confined single-atom ruthenium sites which demonstrate remarkable stability and exceptional catalytic performance for auto-exhaust purification, making them a promising alternative to costly Pt/Pd-based catalysts.
- Yuanfeng Li
- , Tian Qin
- & Jian Liu
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Catalytic ozonation mechanism over M1-N3C1 active sites
Understanding the atomic-level structure-activity relationship in catalytic ozonation is crucial. Here, the authors reveal single-metal-atom-dependent catalytic ozonation and identify surface atomic oxygen reactivity as a descriptor in this relationship.
- Dingren Ma
- , Qiyu Lian
- & Jiaguo Yu
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Enhanced and synergistic catalytic activation by photoexcitation driven S−scheme heterojunction hydrogel interface electric field
The regulation of heterogeneous material properties to enhance the peroxymonosulfate activation remains a challenge. Here, authors synthesize S−scheme heterojunction PBA/MoS2@chitosan hydrogel to achieve photoexcitation synergistic peroxymonosulfate activation driven by interface electric field.
- Aiwen Wang
- , Meng Du
- & Wei Wang
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Integrated urban water management by coupling iron salt production and application with biogas upgrading
Effective urban water management requires technological solutions that enable system-wide gains via a holistic approach. Here, authors propose an integrated system where an iron-oxidising electrochemical cell upgrades biogas while producing FeCO3 and subsequently uses the salt in wastewater treatment.
- Zhetai Hu
- , Lanqing Li
- & Zhiguo Yuan
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High-temperature electrothermal remediation of multi-pollutants in soil
Soil contamination is a pressing environmental concern due to increasing anthropogenic activity. Here, the authors developed a rapid and energy-efficient electrothermal process that simultaneously removes heavy metals and organic pollutants in soil.
- Bing Deng
- , Robert A. Carter
- & James M. Tour
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Article
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Hydrolase mimic via second coordination sphere engineering in metal-organic frameworks for environmental remediation
Enzymatic degradation of pollutants under mild conditions is promising for efficient degradation of environmental contaminants under facile operation conditions, but natural enzymes tend to lose enzymatic activity in environmental application scenarios. Here, the authors report a metal-organic frameworks-based artificial enzyme system to achieve high hydrolytic activity under mild conditions.
- Xin Yuan
- , Xiaoling Wu
- & Wenyong Lou
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Comment
| Open Access
Guidelines for measuring and reporting particle removal efficiency in fibrous media
Adopting standardized and reliable methodologies to accurately measure particle removal efficiency when developing fibrous materials for controlling airborne contamination is crucial. Here, the authors recommend best practices for experimental assessments and reporting to ensure a reliable evaluation of new airborne particle filtration media and technologies.
- Paolo Tronville
- , Vincenzo Gentile
- & Jesus Marval
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Mimicking reductive dehalogenases for efficient electrocatalytic water dechlorination
Designing electrocatalysts for water treatment with high activity/selectivity as elaborately as natural enzymes remains a challenge. This work presents the design of electrocatalysts by mimicking the binding pocket configuration and active center of dehalogenases, achieving efficient water dechlorination.
- Yuan Min
- , Shu-Chuan Mei
- & Yujie Xiong
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Efficient and selective capture of thorium ions by a covalent organic framework
Covalent organic frameworks are used in capture of radioactive ions but achieving high separation factors remains challenging. Here, the authors design an ionic COF its neutral non-ionic to better understand the role of different N sites on the selective capture of Th(IV) and report remarkable separation factors ranging from 102 to 105.
- Xiaojuan Liu
- , Feng Gao
- & Guoan Ye
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Rapid self-heating synthesis of Fe-based nanomaterial catalyst for advanced oxidation
There is an urgent need to develop efficient Fe-based catalysts for the organic pollutant degradation. Here, the authors develop an iron-based nanomaterial catalyst via flash joule heating. This catalyst exhibits strong energy efficient catalytic performance over a wide pH range and is potentially scalable.
- Fengbo Yu
- , Chao Jia
- & Xiangdong Zhu
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Article
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Synthesis of propenone-linked covalent organic frameworks via Claisen-Schmidt reaction for photocatalytic removal of uranium
The synthesis of sp2 carbon-conjugated covalent organic frameworks is limited to a few reactions and monomers due to the poor irreversibility of carbon double bonds. Here the authors synthesize propenone-linked covalent organic frameworks for the removal of radionuclide uranium from mine wastewater samples.
- Cheng-Peng Niu
- , Cheng-Rong Zhang
- & Jian-Ding Qiu
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Mass spectrometry imaging for biosolids characterization to assess ecological or health risks before reuse
Mass spectrometry imaging is a suitable tool for the analysis of non-cohesive materials. Here, authors show that it can be used to detect persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals (HMs) in biosolids using small amounts of material with speed and safety.
- Claire Villette
- , Loïc Maurer
- & Dimitri Heintz
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Article
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Discovery and mechanism-guided engineering of BHET hydrolases for improved PET recycling and upcycling
The degradation of PET using PETase enzymes has great potential but can face problems with incomplete degradation. Here, the authors identified two BHETases from the environment and engineered them to improve their hydrolysis efficiency for applications in dual-enzyme PET recycling and tandem chemical-enzymatic PET upcycling systems.
- Anni Li
- , Yijie Sheng
- & He Huang
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Dual-bionic superwetting gears with liquid directional steering for oil-water separation
Developing efficient separation methods for oily wastewater holds significant global importance. In this study, the authors combine supewettability and bio-inspired topological structures to demonstrate a dual-bionic superwetting gear system with liquid directional steering to achieve oil-water separation.
- Zhuoxing Liu
- , Zidong Zhan
- & Zhichao Dong
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Dynamic active-site induced by host-guest interactions boost the Fenton-like reaction for organic wastewater treatment
Uncovering the dynamic evolution of active sites in the working conditions is crucial to realizing increased activity and enhanced stability of catalyst in Fenton-like activation. Herein, the authors capture the dynamic changes in the unit cell of Co/La-SrTiO3 catalyst during the exemplary peroxymonosulfate activation process.
- Dongpeng Zhang
- , Yanxiao Li
- & Sihui Zhan
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Reverse oxygen spillover triggered by CO adsorption on Sn-doped Pt/TiO2 for low-temperature CO oxidation
Reverse O spillover has opened new opportunities in improving the catalytic activity and selectivity in various reactions. Herein Sn is doped into TiO2 to activate low-temperature (<100 °C) reverse oxygen spillover in Pt/TiO2 catalyst, leading to enhanced CO oxidation activity.
- Jianjun Chen
- , Shangchao Xiong
- & Junhua Li
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Article
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Water decontamination via nonradical process by nanoconfined Fenton-like catalysts
There is an urgent need to develop effective heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts for water treatment. Here, the authors demonstrate that nanoconfinement of cobalt oxide catalysts in carbon nanotubes can selectively degrade pollutants at high reaction rate.
- Tongcai Liu
- , Shaoze Xiao
- & Yalei Zhang
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Article
| Open Access
Surface manipulation for prevention of migratory viscous crude oil fouling in superhydrophilic membranes
Minimizing membrane fouling is critical for their continuous and efficient operation. Here, authors demonstrate a wrinkled-pattern microparticles-decorated membrane surface can increase contact area with water molecules, expand steric hindrance, and inhibit adhesion and deposition of oil, achieving efficient migratory viscous crude oil antifouling.
- Yuanyuan Zhao
- , Xiaobin Yang
- & Lu Shao
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Article
| Open Access
Interplay between copper redox and transfer and support acidity and topology in low temperature NH3-SCR
Support Brønsted acid strength and density play important kinetically relevant roles in low temperature NH3-SCR over Cu-exchanged small pore zeolite catalysts. Here the authors demonstrate Brønsted acid sites facilitate hydrolysis and intercage transfer of CuII(NH3)4 intermediates.
- Yiqing Wu
- , Wenru Zhao
- & Feng Gao
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Article
| Open Access
High-density frustrated Lewis pairs based on Lamellar Nb2O5 for photocatalytic non-oxidative methane coupling
To achieve efficient photocatalytic non-oxidative methane coupling, a strong polarization environment with abundant activation sites for C-H scissoring is needed. This can be created through the fabrication of high-density frustrated Lewis pairs on lamellar Nb2O5 using a thermal-reduction promoted phase-transition process.
- Ziyu Chen
- , Yutao Ye
- & Jinlong Zhang
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Article
| Open Access
In situ acid etching boosts mercury accommodation capacities of transition metal sulfides
There is an urgent need to develop efficient strategies to remove elemental mercury from industrial flue gases. Here the authors develop a simple, versatile, and scalable strategy to obtain a 100-fold enhancement of the elemental mercury accommodation capacities of a wide range of transition metal sulfides by in situ acid etching.
- Hailong Li
- , Jiaoqin Zheng
- & Zequn Yang
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Article
| Open Access
Mixed-valence molybdenum oxide as a recyclable sorbent for silver removal and recovery from wastewater
Silver ions in wastewater are a major health hazard, and there is an urgent need to develop methods to reliably extract them. Here, the authors show that mixed-valence molybdenum oxide can selectively adsorb and reduce Ag+ from wastewater and be easily recycled while maintaining high selectivity towards Ag+.
- Penghui Shao
- , Ziwen Chang
- & Liming Yang
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Comment
| Open AccessApplication of cyclodextrins as second-sphere coordination ligands for gold recovery
Supramolecular chemistry based on cyclodextrin receptors as second-sphere ligands contribute to developing non-covalent materials with synergistic functionalities. Herein, we comment on a recent investigation of this concept, describing selective gold recovery through a hierarchical host-guest assembly specifically built from β-CD.
- Anne Ponchel
- & Eric Monflier
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Article
| Open Access
Emissions and fate of organophosphate esters in outdoor urban environments
The authors show how city design and climate both influence the release of chemicals to the world, and suggest that we can help reduce impacts on people and ecosystems by reducing emissions and using green space to trap and degrade chemicals.
- Timothy F. M. Rodgers
- , Amanda Giang
- & Amandeep Saini
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Article
| Open Access
Scalable and switchable CO2-responsive membranes with high wettability for separation of various oil/water systems
Smart membranes with responsive wettability show promise for controllably separating oil/water mixtures but it remains challenging to fabricate responsive and stable scalable membranes. Here, the authors develop a capillary force-driven self-assembling strategy to construct a scalable and stable CO2-responsive membrane for the smart separation of various oil/water systems.
- Yangyang Wang
- , Shaokang Yang
- & Xiaowei Yang
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Article
| Open Access
Polyamide membranes with nanoscale ordered structures for fast permeation and highly selective ion-ion separation
Membranes with precise ion-ion separation are critical for sustainable water treatment. Here, authors demonstrated controlled construction of a nanofiltration membrane with fast permeation and high Cl-/SO42- selectivity by simultaneous spatial and temporal control of interfacial polymerization.
- Changwei Zhao
- , Yanjun Zhang
- & Sui Zhang
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Article
| Open Access
Synergistic promotions between CO2 capture and in-situ conversion on Ni-CaO composite catalyst
The integrated CO2 capture and conversion (iCCC) technology has been booming for carbon neutrality. Here the authors optimized the Ni–CaO composite catalyst to promote iCCC involving consecutive high-temperature Calcium-looping and dry reforming of methane and illustrated their synergistic promotions at the suitable catalyst interface.
- Bin Shao
- , Zhi-Qiang Wang
- & Jun Hu
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Article
| Open Access
Long-lifetime water-washable ceramic catalyst filter for air purification
Disposable filters are generally used for air purification despite frequent replacement and waste generation problems. Here, a ceramic catalyst filter is introduced as a new class of filter that simultaneously removes PMs and VOCs as primary air pollutants and can be regenerated and used for long periods by simple water washing.
- Hyuk Jae Kwon
- , Dong Sik Yang
- & Hyun Chul Lee
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Article
| Open Access
Steering carbon dioxide reduction toward C–C coupling using copper electrodes modified with porous molecular films
This study explores how the activity and selectivity of Cu electrodes for CO2 reduction can be tuned with organic films of different porosity and thickness. As a result, the films increase the local CO partial pressures and surface coverages.
- Siqi Zhao
- , Oliver Christensen
- & Kim Daasbjerg
In-situ low-temperature sulfur CVD on metal sulfides with SO2 to realize self-sustained adsorption of mercury