Browse Articles

Edge‐Engineered Interfacial Carrier Dynamics for Efficient Photocatalytic Gold Recovery

ABSTRACT Developing highly efficient and sustainable precious metal recovery technologies is critical for meeting escalating global demand and mitigating the severe environmental impact of conventional metallurgy methods. Here, we report a novel edge‐engineering strategy utilizing amino‐functionalized graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C 3 N 4 ‐NH 2 ) to achieve unprecedented performance in photocatalytic gold recovery. This material exhibits a state‐of‐the‐art photocatalytic gold recovery capacity of 3819.3 mg g −1 , achieving an efficiency exceeding 99.7%, and ultrahigh selectivity ( K d = 2.97×10 7  mL g −1 ) in complex leachates. Comprehensive multiscale analyses reveal that the engineered −NH 2 sites, upon protonation to −NH 3 + , govern preferential carrier dynamics. This mechanism enables a unique proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) pathway that drives the highly efficient reduction of Au(III) and subsequent surface nanocrystal crystallization. To validate practical scalability, the g‐C 3 N 4 ‐NH 2 catalyst was successfully integrated onto a polyurethane foam (PUF) matrix and rigorously tested in a custom, pilot‐scale continuous‐flow photoreactor. This system achieved a 99% gold recovery rate from diverse e‐waste and ore leachates. A detailed techno‐economic analysis confirms the commercial viability of this approach, projecting a 2431.2% return on investment, thereby establishing a scalable photometallurgy paradigm for solar‐driven, highly selective, and sustainable precious metals recovery.

Sunlight-activated carbon nanotubes for anionic dye removal: characterization, efficiency, and biological assessment against some aquaculture and human pathogenic bacteria

Determinants of food safety practices among Ethiopian households: a multilevel mixed effects linear regression analysis

Herbert Walter Roesky (6.11.1935–5.12.2025): One Who Set Out to Learn Chemistry

<i>β</i> ‐Ketoenamine Porous Organic Cage Membranes Through Hydrogel‐Induced Shielding for Efficient Ion Sieving

ABSTRACT Porous organic cages (POCs) with intrinsic and extrinsic microporosity offer a promising platform for efficient ion sieving. However, assembling these cages into a continuous POC nanofilm with well‐defined pore architecture remains a challenge. Here we propose a hydrogel‐induced interfacial shielding strategy to fabricate continuous cage membranes via interfacial polymerization between (1 R ,2 R )‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine (CHDA) and 1,3,5‐triformylphloroglucinol (Tp). Kevlar hydrogel capable of storing high‐concentration CHDA is utilized for rapid formation of an initial film barrier, preventing the diffusion of hydrophilic Tp‐based intermediates into the aqueous phase. This shielding effect enables the confinement of Tp‐based compounds within the organic phase and thereby intensifies molecular cage assembly at the hydrogel‐organic interface. Manipulation of high‐concentration diamine leads to accelerated formation of continuous nanofilms, which intensifies the shielding effect and thus yields crystalline cage films and POC nanoparticles in the organic phase. The resultant cage membranes exhibit an impressive water permeability of 22.8 L m −2 h −1 bar −1 and high cation removal efficacy. Further insights from molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the ordered assembly of POC molecules within the membrane is critical to enable the rapid and selective transport of ions. Our interfacial shielding strategy sheds light on developing crystalline cage membranes for efficient ion separations.

Comparison of thermal and hydrothermal decomposition methods in the synthesis of thorium dioxide

Electroreductive Radical C–C Acylation Coupling from <i>N</i> , <i>N</i> ‐Dimethylamides and Organic Halides via Inert C(O)−N Bond Cleavage: Facile Access to Aryl Ketones

ABSTRACT The conversion of amides to ketones via C(O)−N bond cleavage has attracted significant attention, with cross‐electrophile coupling (XEC) between amides and organic halides emerging as a particularly valuable strategy. However, such transformations have so far been limited to activated amides and transition metal catalysis. The cross‐electrophile coupling acylation of simple N , N ‐dimethylamides via C(O)−N bond cleavage remains challenging due to their higher chemical inertness and lower electrophilicity compared to activated amides. Herein, we report the successful development of an electroreductive cross‐electrophile coupling (eXEC) reaction between N , N ‐dimethylamides and organic halides, which affords ketones through the highly inert C(O)−N bond cleavage. This work establishes an unprecedented electrochemical reduction method for C(O)−N bond cleavage of N,N ‐dimethylamides by single‐electron activation. Extensive experimental and computational studies elucidate the detailed reaction mechanism. The process begins with the single‐electron reduction of the N , N ‐dimethylamide in a lithium‐ion electroreduction system, generating a ketyl radical anion. This key intermediate disrupts the amide resonance, weakening the C(O)−N bond. Consequently, this facilitates the typically challenging radical‐radical cross‐coupling, followed by scission of the C(O)−N bond. The observed selectivity of the cross‐coupling is governed by the combined effects of a thermodynamic preference for coupling and the high concentration disparity between the two distinct radical species.

Dietary patterns are associated with premenstrual symptoms: a cross-sectional study among women from Central Europe

Controlled Interruption of Electrochemical Nitrite Reduction for Switchable NH ₂ OH and Formamide Synthesis

ABSTRACT Electrochemical nitrite reduction has the potential to yield a wide range of nitrogen‐containing products, yet it typically converges to fully reduced NH 3 . Here, we introduce a reduction–interruption strategy that programs the reaction pathway on a Bi@C catalyst through the cooperative regulation of pH and CO, enabling precise control over product distribution. Depending on the coordinated pH–CO environment, nitrite can be selectively intercepted at NH 2 OH or diverted toward C─N coupling. Under optimized alkaline conditions with CO, formamide is produced with a Faradaic efficiency of 80.2% and a yield rate of 204.8 mmol·g cat −1 ·h −1 , while at near‐neutral conditions, the same strategy enhances NH 2 OH Faradaic efficiency to 79.1%. Mechanistic studies reveal that pH governs the reorientation and hydrogen‐bond structure of interfacial water, which dictates active hydrogen (*H) generation kinetics and thereby defines the attainable reduction depth, whether it stops at NH 2 OH or proceeds to deeper deoxygenation to *NH 2 . Only when *H is sufficiently available, *NH 2 then selectively captures CO, redirecting it away from complete hydrogenation. Collectively, we show that multi‐electron electrocatalysis can be programmed by coupling interfacial structural control with targeted molecular trapping, offering a generalizable route to accessing metastable intermediates and expanding nitrogen electrosynthesis beyond ammonia.

Aberrant immunomodulatory signature in β-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration patient iPSC-derived microglia

Abstract Microglia are the brain’s resident immune cells, essential for homeostasis and implicated in common neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (PD), where their early activation and sustained inflammatory mediator release contribute to neuronal loss. However, their role in rare disorders is unclear. β-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN), caused by WDR45 mutations, shares key features with PD, including iron accumulation and dopaminergic neuron loss, but the impact of microglia and mutant WDR45 in BPAN pathophysiology remains unexplored. To address this, we established the first induced pluripotent stem stell (iPSC)-derived microglia model from BPAN patients. Parallel targeted transcriptomic and secretomic profiling revealed a shift from a homeostatic microglial toward a stress-adapted and transcriptionally reprogrammed state characterized by selective remodeling of immune signaling pathways and dysregulation of autophagy and cellular stress responses. Complementary secretomic analysis identified reduced secretion of lysosomal enzymes alongside increased shedding of immune-associated surface proteins, indicating altered lysosomal trafficking and remodeling of microglial immune signaling. These findings identify a distinct microglial phenotype in BPAN and implicate microglial dysfunction as a potential contributor to disease mechanisms, highlighting new avenues for therapeutic strategies targeting neuroimmune pathways.

Electrolyte‐Replacement‐Free Continuous Electrocatalytic Desalination Coupled With CO ₂ Reduction at Record Throughput and Low Cost

ABSTRACT Integrating seawater desalination with electrocatalytic reactions offers an attractive pathway to address freshwater scarcity and reduce emissions simultaneously. However, practical implementation has been impeded by slow desalination, electrolyte degradation, and frequent electrolyte replacement, all of which increase operating costs and limit scalability. Here, we report a continuous electrocatalytic desalination system driven by CO 2 electroreduction that fundamentally eliminates the need for electrolyte replacement via a self‐balancing circulating electrolyte architecture. A five‐chamber cell incorporating a salt‐concentration chamber and an interconnected anolyte–catholyte loop enables sustained ion transport while suppressing byproduct accumulation. Coupled with a highly active nanorod cobalt phthalocyanine/carboxylated carbon nanotube catalyst, the device delivers high current density and stable CO 2 ‐to‐CO conversion. Using natural seawater, the cell achieves an ultrafast salt removal rate of 1592.8 µg cm − 2 min − 1 over 90 h of continuous operation without electrolyte replacement, representing one of the highest values reported for electrocatalytic desalination. Simultaneously, CO production proceeds with a Faradaic efficiency of 95.5%–96.4% and a production rate exceeding 683 µmol cm − 2 h − 1 . The desalinated water reaches potable standards with &gt;99% salt removal, while techno‐economic analysis reveals a drastic reduction in daily electrolyte costs. This work establishes a scalable strategy for high‐throughput, low‐cost desalination integrated with CO 2 valorization.

An integrative redescription of the copepod Tracheliastes polycolpus (Lernaeopodidae) based on ultrastructure, COI barcoding, and Palearctic distribution

Merging Biocatalysis and Chemocatalysis in Flow: State‐of‐the‐Art and Future Directions for Sustainable Synthesis

ABSTRACT The growing demand for complex molecules continues to drive innovation in organic synthesis, yet challenges in sustainability, selectivity, scalability, and harsh reaction conditions persist. Enzymes offer exquisite chemo‐, regio‐, and stereoselectivity under mild conditions, while chemocatalysis provides robust and versatile reactivity. However, integrating these approaches into streamlined processes remains difficult due to incompatible conditions and operational constraints. Continuous flow chemistry offers a promising solution by enabling the efficient combination of biocatalysis and chemocatalysis, while improving atom economy, reaction control, scalability, and energy efficiency. This review highlights key advances up to 2025 in merging enzymatic and chemical steps into streamlined continuous flow cascades. It analyzes examples involving various enzyme classes—hydrolases, oxidoreductases, lyases, transferases, and isomerases—used alongside chemical catalysts. Major challenges such as enzyme immobilization, catalyst leaching, and reactor clogging are discussed, along with innovative solutions. The review also discusses how advanced enzyme engineering and immobilization strategies enhance biocatalyst activity, stability, and compatibility with chemical steps. By outlining recent progress and future directions, this review emphasizes how the integration of biocatalysis, chemocatalysis, and flow chemistry can foster more sustainable and efficient synthetic methodologies, particularly relevant to the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries.

RNAlater-compatible protocol for nuclei isolation from radical prostatectomy prostate cancer resections, enabling single-nucleus resolution RNA-seq

Photoactivated Signaling Networks using DNA‐Based Synthetic Organelles as Biomimetic Protocells

ABSTRACT Membraneless organelles formed by phase‐separated nucleic acid or protein condensates play vital roles in regulating cellular functions. Integrating such synthetic organelles into protocell carriers remains a key challenge. Here, we introduce a method to assemble functional phase‐separated organelles within liposome protocells. Pre‐engineered nucleic acids are encapsulated with ligase in locked‐DNA‐nanopore modified protocells. Upon nanopore unlocking and Mg 2+ influx, the nucleic acid constituents ligate into programmable polymer chains that crosslink into barcode‐modified condensates. Photoresponsive, caged nucleic acids hybridize with barcode tethers on two distinct organelles, forming a functional two‐organelle system in the protocells. Light‐induced uncaging releases an information‐transfer strand from one organelle, triggering intercommunication and reconfiguration of the partner organelle. By predesigning organelle compositions and transfer strands, the emergence of catalytic DNAzymes or transcriptional machinery in the organelle/protocell assemblies is demonstrated, resulting in dynamic structural reconfiguration of the organelles.

Restorative effects of plant landscapes under different weather and phenology conditions: evidence from EEG and psychological responses

Imaging subsurface structures near wells in the northwest Geysers geothermal site

Abstract Vapor-dominated geothermal systems provide a reliable, low-carbon source of heat and electricity, but optimizing their exploitation requires high-resolution imaging of fracture networks and fluid pathways at the reservoir scale. We analyze a dense microseismic cluster in the northwestern Geysers (California), selecting 1,276 induced earthquakes recorded between 2006 and 2015. Using inter-event interferometry and fast-marching surface-wave tomography, we retrieve Rayleigh wave phase velocities on horizontal layers at 100 m spacing and jointly invert them with previously derived local group velocities to obtain a quasi-3D shear-wave (Vs) model at ~ 100 × 100 × 10 m blocks. The resulting Vs models reveal three main types of low-velocity anomalies: (I) fault-related zones associated with fracturing and hydrothermal alteration, (II) shallow steam-cap and normal-temperature-reservoir (NTR) boundary transitions spanning depths of ~ 900–1400 m, exhibiting sharp Vs contrasts due to thermal and fluid effects, and (III) injection/engineering-related anomalies characterized by localized or vertically elongated low Vs patches. Integrating these results with induced microseismicity provides valuable insights into fracture activity, fluid migration, and stress evolution within the geothermal reservoir.

Lead‐Based Metal‐Organic‐Framework Engineering Enables the Efficiency of Pure‐Red Perovskite CsPbI ₃ Quantum Dot‐Based Light‐Emitting Diodes Exceeding 30%

ABSTRACT CsPbI 3 quantum dots (QDs) are promising for meeting the Rec. 2020 specified red emission but still face the issue of color impurity caused by QD polydispersity. Here we develop a facile approach to synthesize nearly monodisperse and sub‐5 nm‐sized CsPbI 3 QDs by regulating QD growth using a lead‐based metal‐organic framework (Pb‐MOF). The multidentate ligands, 2‐mercapto‐4‐methyl‐5‐thiazoleaceticacid (MMA), released from the Pb‐MOFs strongly adsorb onto the QD surface through double‐end coordination with exposed Pb 2+ , effectively reducing non‐radiative recombination centers. Moreover, the QDs synthesized with Pb‐MOFs show a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 31 nm and high conductivity (1.3 × 10 −4  S m −1 ), which are about 10 nm narrower, and 2.5‐fold higher than that of the control QDs, respectively. As a result, the QD‐based light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) based on CsPbI 3 QDs emits at 634 nm with a CIE coordinate of (0.70, 0.30), covering 98.5% of the Rec. 2020 standard in the CIE 1931. Meanwhile, the QLEDs show a high external quantum efficiency of 30.8% and a long operational half‐lifetime ( T 50 ) exceeding 140 h at an initial luminance of 100 cd m −2 , ranking as one of the most efficient and stable pure‐red perovskite QLEDs reported to date.

Accurately modeling resting-brain functional connectivity using hypergraph neural field-Fourier deep neural network

Structurally Constrained Stibenium: Metallomimetic C−Si Bond Activation

ABSTRACT The chemistry of structurally constrained pnictogen centers continues to attract interest within the field of metallomimetic main‐group catalysis. Herein, we report a structurally constrained stibenium cation [ 1 ] + supported by a 2,6‐bis(o‐carborano)pyridine pincer‐type ligand. This unique Sb‐based cation exhibits an unprecedented ability to activate the Si−C bonds via oxidative addition not only in hydrosilanes but also in otherwise unreactive tetraalkylsilanes. This remarkable reactivity of [ 1 ] + enables its application as a catalyst for silane redistribution under mild conditions. Experimental and density functional theory (DFT) mechanistic studies of this catalysis suggest that [ 1 ] + operates in a metallomimetic fashion, involving key steps commonly associated with transition‐metal catalysis.