Catalytic processes such as the hydrogen evolution reaction and CO2 reduction reaction demand efficient, stable, and costeffective catalysts. Conventional systems, including noble metals, transition metal oxides, and carbon-based materials, demonstrate...

Using a rock sample as an example Mendym deposits Upper Devonian of the Tavel oil field (Tatarstan) a study was conducted to determine whether temperature influences the nature of organic matter transformation into low-permeable rock. The initial rock is characterized by its mineral composition as carbonate-siliceous with the OM content is 4.6 wt%, more than 70% of which is kerogen and high-molecular bituminous components. Experiments were conducted at 250 °C, 300 °C, and 350 °C in a carbon dioxide environment with a 1:1 water to rock ratio and an exposure time of 24 h. The degree of kerogen conversion in the rock was determined, changes in the composition of the formed gases, group and hydrocarbon composition were assessed extracts. The most complete conversion of solid organic matter into extractable liquid and gaseous products is observed at 350 °C, as evidenced by the Rock-Eval results, namely a decrease in the S2 indicator from 5.06 mg/g in the original rock after extraction to 0.63 mg/g in the rock after the experiment at 350 C and extraction, the greatest decrease in the TOC indicator to 0.29% of sample mass, as well as a decrease in HI to 218 mg HC/g Corg. An increase in the extract yield with an increase in the exposure temperature from 1.05 wt% in the initial rock by 63% in the rock after the maximum experimental temperature of 350 °C was established, in accordance with which the content of saturated hydrocarbons increased from 14.5 to 35.3 wt%. According to the molecular weight distribution of aromatic hydrocarbons, it was established that polycondensation structures in the composition of kerogen are predominantly transformed into di-, tri- and heterocyclic sulfur-containing aromatic fragments.

Rationally modulating the hierarchical structure of biomass-derived carbon while ensuring developed pore structure and effective doping is imperative for its high-value utilization, but remains challenging. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical flower-like carbon with high surface area and N-doping was synthesized through a directed assembly and carbonization strategy, where biomass serves as a template and support during zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) precursors self-assembly. Benefiting from the regularity and abundant porosity of flower-like structure, and unique electronic properties by nitrogen-doping, the flower-like carbon possesses more exposed and heteroatom homogeneously distributed active surface, thus exhibiting oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity comparable to that of commercial Pt/C catalysts. Theoretical calculation results reveal that this ordered N-doped carbon lowers the reaction free energy and improves its ORR activity. In addition to being directly used for ORR, the flower-like carbon is also suitable as a substrate for dispersed Ni-doping in CO2 electroreduction. The prepared Ni-doped flower-like carbon exhibits superior CO Faraday efficiency (91%) and long-term stability (48 h) compared to other Ni-doped carbons. This work may provide insights into constructing biomass-derived carbon with tailored hierarchical structures for diverse energy-related applications.

The counterfeit market in field of consumer goods is still a great obstacle to financial well-being for manufacturers and consumers. Security labels with hidden images have proven to be an effective anticounterfeiting measure. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an effective approach to fabricating labels with complex geometries using environmentally friendly and cost-effective customized inks. In this work, optically active hydrogels were made by incorporating fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) into a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) matrix. The CD:CNC ratios were optimized to obtain inks with high viscosity and fidelity that exhibited shear-thinning behavior. The resulting inks showed good printability and the extrusion parameters were optimized to achieve high printing accuracy. When excited at different wavelengths, the printed patterns fluoresced different colors. CNC also showed shear-induced alignment upon extrusion, which is visible under polarized light, allowing hidden images to be incorporated into the printed structures for two-factor authentication.

Counterfeiting has serious economic and social consequences, prompting researchers worldwide to develop innovative and highly secure anti-counterfeiting methods, including the use of various polymer printing techniques and the integration of functional materials to create patterns with customized designs that are easy to detect and cannot be falsified. Composite inks made of silk fibroin microfibers and polyvinyl alcohol or polyethylene glycol were developed to produce patterns with the microstructures aligned in the direction of extrusion during the 3D printing process. Fibroin microfibers were obtained via high temperature treatment and used as a precursor for carbon dot synthesis. This approach allowed the microfiber structure to be maintained and be amenable to the synthesis of carbon dots doped with N-heteroatom on its surface, resulting in a material that fluoresces bright blue when irradiated at 365 nm but remains invisible in normal lighting conditions.

Spider silk demonstrates an impressive balance of high strength and elasticity, which results from the hierarchical self-assembled structure of spider silk proteins during the fiber biosynthesis and spinning process. Enhancing the mechanical characteristics of spider silk fibers and imparting them with functional properties has garnered considerable attention. This challenge underscores the importance of developing strategies for modifying native spider silk. In this study, we introduce an approach to modify the structure and properties of spider silk fibers by injecting magnetite hydrosols directly into the spiders' silk glands. This results not only in the magnetic functionality of spider silk fibers but also in 82% increase in Young's compared to native spider silk, along with hardness of 1.30 MPa. To explore the nature of this phenomenon, we analyzed the difference in the topography of native Holothele incei spider silk and Fe3O4-hybrid spider silk, as well as their corresponding mechanical behavior at the nanoscale. Additionally, we studied the changes in structure, composition, and morphology caused by the inclusion of magnetic nanoparticles. Our findings demonstrate that the polar and hydrophobic interactions between Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the amino acid residues in spider silk could influence Young's modulus and hardness of the Fe3O4/spider silk hybrid fibers by promoting the protein conformation from an amorphous phase to β-sheets. This can only be achieved when nanomaterials are integrated into the structure within the fiber. The developed approach enables the fabrication of modified spider silk fibers, which can aid in the fundamental study of native spider silk and the development of technologies to fully replicate the properties of native silk in the future. Furthermore, lightweight, flexible, but strong materials are critical in soft robotic applications, where these nanohybrid fibers not only ensure gentle manipulation and reliability, but also their magnetic properties allow for responsive movement and control.

Background Carbon dots exhibit good antimicrobial, antioxidant, and optical properties that the food industry can utilise to prevent food spoilage as well as monitor food quality and safety. Conventionally, carbon dots have been prevented from being in direct contact with foodstuff because they are considered harmful in large quantities, especially those derived from toxic inorganic carbon sources; as a result, their consumption is ill-advised. Recently, however, it has been proposed that non-toxic carbon dots can be synthesised from biopolymers and biomolecules found in food, and that these food-derived carbon-based nanoparticles are safe to consume. Scope and approach In this commentary, we explore the arguments both for and against the consumption of food-derived carbon dots. We also investigate the validity of claims suggesting these carbon dots are harmless as well as the potential harms associated with their consumption. Key findings and conclusions While some research suggests that carbon dots obtained from food sources are not only harmless but may have beneficial effects on gut health, a greater number of studies indicate that these food-derived carbon dots may be just as harmful as regular carbon dots. However, their usefulness in food quality and safety control remains invaluable. Thus, until indisputable evidence regarding their safety is made available, we propose a potential solution to their safe and responsible use in the food industry.

One of the hallmarks of the current efforts in the field of thermal energy is heat transfer enhancement. Ionanofluids (INFs), a combination of nanomaterials and ionic liquids (ILs), are an appealing category of thermal fluids. In this work, we introduce sustainable INFs composed of carbon dots derived from Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF) dispersed in a mixture of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (IL1) and 1-(4-sulfobutyl)-3-methylimidazolium triflate (IL2). The syntheses were performed at mild conditions, with reaction times of 3, 4, and 5 h, and without purification steps. The INFs display room-temperature emission in the visible spectral range with quantum yield values up to 0.09 and are essentially viscous fluids (G '' > G '). A marked shear thinning behavior is observed at high shear rates, particularly for the systems SFIL1IL2-3h and SFIL1IL2-4h. The INFs demonstrate relatively high heat capacity and thermal conductivity values in comparison to state-of-the-art INFs. Under suitable illumination conditions, the INFs can convert light into heat in an efficient manner, with photothermal conversion efficiencies of up to 28%, similar to other reported INFs. SFIL1IL2-5h exhibits remarkable stability over time within the range of working temperatures. This work paves the way for the development of new thermal fluids for enhanced heat transfer technologies using sustainable synthesis routes and natural raw precursor materials.

In excess, cobalt and lead ions adversely affect both the environment and ecosystems, having negative impact on agricultural plants and feed cultures as well as fish, animal, and human health. In this study, a three-component sorbent based on carbon dots (CDs), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), and silica (SiO2) was developed for the removal of cobalt(II) and lead(II) ions from aqueous media. CDs synthesized directly on the HPMC surface were condensed with SiO2 via the hydrolysis of tetraethyl siloxane. As a result, a recyclable porous CD/HPMC/ SiO2 nanosorbent with high sorption capacity was synthesized. The CD/HPMC/SiO2 nanosorbent has an adsorption capacity of 258 +/- 4 mg/g and 168 +/- 6 mg/g for lead(II) and cobalt(II), respectively. The material also displayed adequate cyclability as Co2+ and Pb2+ ions were easily removed from the sorbent surface.

The rising CO2 levels stress the shift to sustainable sources, with electrolysis as a key technology for CO2 removal and clean fuel. AI and ML advancements optimize electrocatalysts, enhancing water splitting and CO2 reduction efficiency.

Reservoir simulation uses numerical models to study how reservoir properties impact oil recovery. However, numerical modelling is insufficient and is often paired with physical simulation, where physical models are used to verify and improve simulation results. Historically, physical simulation was conducted using difficult-to-extract reservoir rock samples; however, microfluidic devices (MFDs) have emerged as viable substitutes. Unfortunately, conventional approaches to MFD fabrication leads to devices with physical and chemical properties dissimilar to that of reservoir rock – which can decrease simulation accuracy. Thanks to significant advancements in three-dimensional printing, it can be used to fabricate MFDs with properties and dimensions close to those of reservoir rocks thanks to high resolution, good dimensional accuracy, and a wide range of printable substrates, resulting in more accurate simulation aimed at maximising oil recovery.

Biodiesel is a petroleum diesel substitute made by reacting oils and fats obtained from plants and animals with short-chain alcohols. The most common approach to biodiesel synthesis is transesterification, which, although a spontaneous reaction, is often catalysed by both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. Homogeneous catalysts, typically very strong acids and bases, have the disadvantages of requiring special equipment and being very difficult to separate from the end product; therefore, heterogeneous catalysts, primarily metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, are preferred. However, conventional heterogeneous catalysts have several limitations, including poor industrial applicability. Recently, carbon-based nanoparticles, including carbon dots (C-dots), have been proposed as potential catalysts. A fledgling innovation, C-dots are a promising heterogeneous catalyst due to their easy, cost-effective synthesis; modifiability; high specific surface area; high specificity; and high conversion efficiency. Furthermore, unlike other catalysts, C-dots do not have to be removed after biodiesel production and can be included as an additive that improves fuel and engine performance and reduces greenhouse gas emission. This mini review aims to highlight the emerging role of C-dots in biodiesel synthesis via transesterification.

One of the key strategies for tissue engineering is to design multifunctional bioinks that balance printability with cytocompatibility. Here, we describe fibrillar hydrogels produced by Schiff base formation between B-type gelatin and oxidized sodium alginate, followed by the incorporation of type I collagen, yielding a new gel (MyoColl). The resulting hydrogel exhibits a temperature- and mass-ratio-dependent sol-gel transition, showing variability of hydrogel properties depending on the component ratio. MyoColl composition provides a convenient platform for biofabrication in terms of shear thinning, yielding, Young's modulus, and shape accuracy. Metabolic activity tests and fluorescent microscopy of 2D hydrogel-based mouse C2C12 myoblast cell culture show significant cytocompatibility of the developed carriers. In addition, primary signs of cell mechanotransduction and myofilament formation of 3D printed MyoColl-based cell cultures were detected and described. Due to these promising results, the described hydrogel composition has shown itself as a convenient platform for muscle tissue engineering.

Over the last decade, the removal of pharmaceuticals from aquatic bodies has garnered substantial attention from the scientific community. Ibuprofen (IBP), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is released into the environment in pharmaceutical waste as well as medical, hospital, and household effluents. Adsorption technology is a highly efficient approach to reduce the IBP in the aquatic environment, particularly at low IBP concentrations. Due to the exceptional surface properties of carbonaceous materials, they are considered ideal adsorbents for the IBP removal of, with high binding capacity. Given the importance of the topic, the adsorptive removal of IBP from effluent using various carbonaceous adsorbents, including activated carbon, biochar, graphene-based materials, and carbon nanostructures, has been compiled and critically reviewed. Furthermore, the adsorption behavior, binding mechanisms, the most effective parameters, thermodynamics, and regeneration methods as well as the cost analysis were comprehensively reviewed for modified and unmodified carbonaceous adsorbents. The compiled studies on the IBP adsorption shows that the IBP uptake of some carbon-based adsorbents is significantly than that of commercial activated carbons. In the future, much attention is needed for practical utilization and upscaling of the research findings to aid the management and sustainability of water resource.

Insufficient water stability is an important problem restricting the practical application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in the field of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) adsorption. In this work, a copper(II) benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate MOF (Cu-BTC)/biochar composite with improved water stability was obtained by a facile one-pot method for toluene adsorption applications. Different from the traditional regular octahedral configuration, Cu-BTC was scattered on biochar in the form of broccoli-shaped microspheres. The influence of humid air aging on the physiochemical and toluene adsorption properties of Cu-BTC and Cu-BTC/biochar composites under different periods were explored. The results show that the inner structure of Cu-BTC degrades with the micropores transformed into meso-macropores under the humid air aging. Moreover, the BET surface area was reduced by 63.2 % and 94.7 % after 3-month and 6-month aging, respectively, which could eventually lead to a serious decline (76.3 % and 96.5 %) in the adsorption capacities of toluene. It can also be found that compared to traditional octahedral Cu-BTC, the degradation process of broccoli-shaped Cu-BTC/ biochar is effectively slowed down, which shows better moisture stability. The retention rates of toluene adsorption capacities for broccoli-shaped Cu-BTC/biochar were 57.7 % and 17.1 % after 3-month and 6-month aging, respectively. This study is helpful for better improving the water stability of MOFs materials used for VOCs adsorption.

To improve the pore structure of biochar, the H2 yield of gas, and the quality of bio-oil in biomass pyrolysis, a new pyrolysis strategy of co-pyrolyzing bamboo and Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIF-8) at different tem-peratures and mixing ratios was proposed. Results showed that ZIF-8 blending improved the quality of pyrolytic products. For biochar, the specific surface area was increased tenfold from 49.63 m2/g for raw bamboo to 557.37 m2/g with a 4:1 mass ratio of bamboo to ZIF-8 at 900 degrees C. And hierarchical porous biochars were formed. For gas, the H2 yield was increased significantly from 4.35 mmol/g (32.84 vol%) for raw bamboo to 7.87 mmol/g (43.73 vol%) with a 4:1 mass ratio of bamboo to ZIF-8 at 900 degrees C. For bio-oil, ZIF-8 blending promoted the conversion of bamboo to acetic acids, furans, and cyclopentanones, while inhibiting the formation of polyaromatic compounds, showing that ZIF-8 could enhance the secondary cracking of volatiles and promote the branch chain fracture, dehydrogenation, ring-opening and decarbonylation of bamboo. These results indicated that ZIF-8 had excellent effects on bamboo pyrolysis to produce high-value products, and it was enlightening for biomass thermal con-version utilization.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and starch are common adulterants in milk. H2O2 is a powerful antimicrobial agent and starch is used to increase the viscosity and nutritional value of diluted milk. Adulterating milk with H2O2 and starch can cause serious health problems; therefore, it is important to detect them, even at very low concen-trations. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising indicator and can be used to create sensors that can quantita-tively identify these impurities. The principle of the sensor is based on the colour reaction between H2O2 and TiO2 nanoparticles to form peroxotitanic acid. Nanosized TiO2 was synthesized and investigated by various physicochemical methods, such as DLS, XRD, HRTEM, and N2 sorption analysis. The TiO2-based sensors pre-sented in this work are easily scalable and can detect trace amounts of H2O2 (from 50 ppm) and starch (from 250 ppm) in milk. In addition, the selectivity to other common adulterants and reproducibility of the sensors (RSD = 5-7 %) were evaluated. The proposed sensor includes the development of an electronic device based on the Arduino hardware platform to take accurate automatic measurements.

We are grateful for the invitation to this session by Prof. Alice H. Suroviec . Electrochemical conversion of CO 2 to useful chemicals and synthetic electrochemistry in general are rapidly developing and expanding areas of research and industrial application, which necessitates developing undergraduate curricula that will help students build and retain a strong foundational knowledge in this area of chemistry. Currently, there is a limited set of electrochemistry experiments that undergraduate students are typically exposed to in the laboratory, and synthetic electrochemistry is generally limited to water electroreduction to generate hydrogen gas. As a result, students develop limited knowledge, interest and appreciation of synthetic electrochemistry. At the same time, students today are more inclined to learn about methods and concepts that are important for climate action and sustainable development. With this motivation in mind, we developed a laboratory experiment designed to actively engage students in the learning process and help them understand synthetic electrochemistry through a hands-on experience involving CO 2 electroreduction. In general, CO 2 electroreduction can yield many different chemicals and requires complex and expensive electrochemical workstation and analytical instrumentation to identify and quantify the products, making it prohibitive for wide adaptation in undergraduate laboratories. Here, we propose a simple and affordable setup that still allows students to directly experience all the necessary steps of the process. The proposed laboratory experiment involves testing the performance of different cathodic electrocatalysts in CO 2 reduction reaction conducted in a DIY divided electrochemical cell by measuring the produced CO gas with a CO meter using affordable and broadly available supplies. The students learn the importance of the electrocatalyst composition by changing the material of the cathode and observing different amounts of CO produced or the absence of CO when using the electrode selective for only water reduction. They learn about the influence of the applied potential on the reaction rate by changing the battery voltage and observing the quantitative difference in the produced gas. The experiment is designed to be safe when conducted on a standard laboratory bench (i.e., carbon monoxide concentrations outside of the cell are below the threshold of a standard CO detector).