A structurally integrated conductive hydrogel is synthesized by incorporating cellulose nanocrystal-polypyrrole (CNC@PPy) hybrids into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix, overcoming the mechanical and electrical limitations of conventional PVA hydrogels. Cellulose nanocrystals function both as reinforcing nanofillers and structural templates for in-situ polypyrrole polymerization, facilitating the uniform dispersion of the conductive phase and forming continuous percolating networks. Extensive hydrogen-bonding interactions between the hydroxyl-rich CNC surface, PPy, and PVA chains promote a coherently interconnected architecture, enhancing interfacial adhesion and structural integrity. The resulting hydrogel exhibits high stretchability, robust mechanical stability, and reproducible electrical responses under cyclic deformation. As a flexible sensor, it reliably converts mechanical strain into consistent resistance signals for human motion monitoring and maintains functionality in aqueous environments, demonstrating potential for underwater emergency-alert systems. This work provides a sustainable design strategy for multifunctional conductive hydrogels toward next-generation wearable electronics.

To develop high-performance electrode materials for hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs), we here propose an integrated design strategy for simultaneously fabricating nitrogen-doped carbon networks decorated with NiSe2 nanoparticles (NC@NiSe2) and macroporous nitrogen-doped carbon networks (MNCNs) using sodium glutamate as nitrogen containing carbon sources, nickel nitrate as nickel source, and NaCl as the template. Experimental and computational studies reveal that the synergistic coupling of NC with NiSe2 enables richer electroactive sites, more charge transport channels, higher electrical conductivity, and lower OH-adsorption energies on the surface. Consequently, the NC@NiSe2 electrodes demonstrate enhanced charge storage performance (989 C g-1 at 1 A g-1 and 83.2% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 10 A g-1). Meanwhile, the MNCNs encompassing macro-/ meso-/micropores, possess a large specific surface area, continuous conductive networks, and favorable ion diffusion channels, thereby achieving a specific capacitance of 201 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 as well as 94.5% capacitance retention after 2000 cycles at 5 A g-1. Furthermore, the assembled NC@NiSe2||MNCNs HSC device delivers the maximum energy density of 38.0 Wh kg-1 at 797 W kg-1 and maintains 88.4% of its initial capacity after 2000 cycles. Our work presents a promising and scalable pathway for the rational design of advanced electrode materials with improved electrochemical performance for next-generation energy storage applications.

Here we show a specially designed S-scheme Cu-CN/Zn0.5Cd0.5S photocatalyst with a built-in interface electric field. The introduction of Cu into the N cavities within C-N heterocyclic structures of g-C3N4 disrupts inter-domain it-bonds and form Cu-N active sites act as charge transfer channels, and the S-scheme Cu-CN/ Zn0.5Cd0.5S heterojunction with reduced and oxidized states that could stagger band alignments induced built-in interface electric field, which greatly promotes the transfer of photoexcited carriers within and between molecules, preserving the highest possible redox capacity of electrons holes when spatially separated. As expected, Cu-CN/Zn0.5Cd0.5S exhibits a remarkable enhanced photocatalytic property for tetracycline (TC) degradation and H2 production. In-situ irradiated Kelvin probe force microscopy strongly supports the migration mechanism of charges in an S-scheme for Cu-CN/ZnxCd1-xS. These findings reveal the significant role of analogous organometallic complexes Cu-g-C3N4 in S-scheme photocatalysts with excellent photocatalytic activity.

Constructing heterostructured electrode materials with unique nanoarchitectures and tailored electronic properties is regarded as a practicable approach to boost the energy density of hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs). Herein, a novel heterostructure comprising semiconductive nitrogen-doped nickel molybdate (N-NiMoO4) hollow nanostructures and metalloid nickel boride (NixB) nanoparticles is designed and synthesized. Theoretical simulations and experimental analyses reveal that the nitrogen doping enhances the electrical conductivity of N-NiMoO4. In particular, the formation of an ohmic contact interface between N-NiMoO4 and NixB reduces the barrier to electron/ion transport across the interface, thereby considerably improving the electrochemical reaction kinetics. Furthermore, the surface decoration of the N-NiMoO4 hollow nanostructures with the NixB nanoparticles provides additional electroactive sites and enhances the overall electrochemical performance of the N-NiMoO4@NixB heterostructures. Consequently, the constructed N-NiMoO4@NixB heterostructures exhibit enhanced specific capacities (932 C g-1 at 1 A g-1 and 709 C g-1 at 10 A g-1, respectively) and cyclic stability (93.6 % capacity retention after 5000 cycles). Moreover, the assembled HSC device using N-NiMoO4@NixB as the positive electrode can deliver an energy density of up to 53.1 Wh kg-1 at 802 W kg-1 and maintain 95.0 % capacity after 5000 cycles. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing interface design and heterojunction engineering in metal-boride/molybdate-based composite electrodes for advanced HSCs.

Pharmaceuticals and their transformation products (TPs) in wastewater are emerging contaminants that pose risks to ecosystems and human health. Here, a typical period marked by the easing of the "zero-COVID" policy in December 2022, resulting in unprecedented infections in China, was chosen to illustrate the environmental impact of pharmaceutical usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. A suspect screening workflow was developed to identify pharmaceuticals and transformation products (TPs) in wastewater influent and effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) during the peak and postpeak periods of COVID-19, integrating medication recommendations and TPs' prediction. A total of 114 pharmaceuticals and TPs were identified (13 TPs were detected for the first time in WWTP) by using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Wastewater-based epidemiology analysis showed that the most predominant pharmaceuticals were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Interestingly, the consumption of propafenone increased after the infection peak, possibly linked to long COVID-19 symptoms. Risks were further evaluated based on concentration, detection frequency, and PMT (persistence, mobility, and toxicity) properties, revealing that TPs of aminopyrine, acetaminophen, etc. showed even greater ToxPi scores than their parent compounds. This study highlights the elevated risks posed by pharmaceutical discharge during epidemics and the necessity for TPs' monitoring.

The regulation of heterogeneous material properties for the synergistic degradation of pollutants remains a challenge. Herein, cobalt-nitrogen co-doped carbon cage (NCC) encapsulated Mo2C nanoparticles boosting Bi2O2CO3 photocatalyst (Mo2C@NCC/BOC) we designed to achieve photoexcitation synergistic PMS activation. The degradation results revealed Mo2C@NCC/BOC could achieved 96.4 % tetracycline (TC) removal after only 5 min. The degradation rate was 3.1 times and 5.9 times higher than those of pure Bi2O2CO3 and pure Mo2C@NCC, respectively. The improved TC degradation performance could be attributed to the Z-scheme heterostructure, resulting in a higher conversion rate of photo-generated electrons into radicals. In addition, Co2+/Co3+ and Mo5+/Mo6+ dual ions redox cycle system effectively triggers the activation of HSO5- under visible light. The TC degradation pathways and intermediate toxicity, including the photocatalytic mechanism were evaluated in detail. This study provides novel perspectives on the rational design of atom co-sharing heterojunction photocatalysts in activating PMS for water remediation.

As emerging pollutants, bisphenol A (BPA), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and its analogs have become widespread in the coastal environment of China. To investigate the occurrence of these novel contaminants in Chinese marginal sea, 176 seawater and 88 sediment samples were collected from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. In seawater and sediment, the detection rates of TBBPA are 83.9 % and 100 %, BPA and 20 analogs were within 1.7 %-93.7 % and 1.1 %-100 %, respectively. In seawater, the concentrations of TBBPA and analogs were significantly higher in winter than in summer. But in sediment, there were no significant seasonal differences. The distribution of targets in 28 sampling points of the Yellow River and Yangtze River showed that industrial point source emissions have a greater impact on concentration. Fugacity analysis showed that BPA tends to diffuse from seawater to sediment while the TBBPA did the opposite. The maximum hazard quotients (HQ) of TBBPA and its analogs for three aquatic organisms indicated that they have high ecological risks, especially for complex organisms. Five suspected metabolites were identified by non-targeted screening. This study provides novel insights into the pollution status, dispersal behavior, and ecological risk of TBBPA and its analogs in the marine environment.

Constructing heterostructures represents an effective strategy to achieve superior electrochemical performance for energy applications. Herein, a 3D interconnected conductive network of NiCo2O4@Co2P nanofibers, featuring abundant self-generated phase boundaries within the heterostructure, is successfully fabricated via a combination of electrospinning and solvothermal methods. The homogeneous distribution of Co2P nanoparticles on NiCo2O4 nanofibers creates more effective phase boundaries with a self-built-in electric field, serving as a primary driver for enhancing the kinetics of metal cation transport. The 3D interconnected conductive architecture of NiCo2O4@Co2P nanofibers not only establishes long-range ion transport pathways but also modifies the electronic structure and accelerates interfacial charge transfer, thereby expediting electrochemical kinetics. As anticipated, the NiCo2O4@Co2P heterostructure exhibits exceptional energy storage performance (390.4 C g-1 at 1 A g-1), particularly outstanding long-term cycling stability. To further demonstrate practical applicability, asymmetric gel electrolytes composed of PVA-Na2SO4//PVA-KOH are developed for fabricating asymmetric devices, enabling a significant electrochemical voltage of up to 2.2 V. Finally, a flexible and lightweight e-textile supercapacitor is assembled via a high-flux air-brushing process, providing a practical paradigm for next-generation smart flexible electronics.

The Arctic Ocean serves as a global sink for emerging pollutants, yet the environmental behavior of these pollutants in polar ecosystems remains inadequately characterized. This study investigated carbazole (CZ) and seven polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) across various Arctic environmental media, including surface and bottom seawater, suspended particulate matter (SPM), trawl samples, and sediment cores. PHCZs in seawater exhibited low detection rates, whereas CZ was not detected. SPM exhibited significantly higher concentrations of CZ (mean: 6.45 ng/g dw) and PHCZs (20.53 ng/g dw) compared to trawl samples (CZ: 4.11 ng/g dw; PHCZs: 3.41 ng/g dw), which may be attributed to particle sorption, migration dynamics, and plankton degradation. Sediment core analysis revealed 1,3,6,8-tetrabromocarbazole (1368-BCZ) as the dominant congener (67 %), exhibiting historical concentration peaks (1850-1900) and post-1940 accumulation trends. These patterns are likely associated with early industrial activity, as well as World War II and the Cold War, military operations and industrial expansion, indicating combined natural background and anthropogenic inputs. Partition coefficients (Kd) revealed greater sorption of PHCZs to SPM than to seawater. Fugacity analysis indicated that the equilibrium status of PHCZs between seawater and sediments is related to the long-term persistence of PHCZs in Arctic sediments. Due to the low levels of CZ and PHCZs in the Arctic, toxicity equivalence estimates suggested negligible dioxin-like effects. These findings enhance current understanding of the sources, transport mechanisms, and temporal dynamics of emerging pollutants in Arctic ecosystems and underscore the necessity for long-term monitoring of anthropogenic impacts in polar regions.

Herein, we present a hierarchical electrode material fabricated through a electrospinning and calcination process. Electrospinning cobalt oxide fibers (CoO) with a beneficial one-dimensional morphology firstly integrated with zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67), followed by carbonization to yield a conductive carbon-coated CoO (CoO@C). Finally, sulfurization and phosphorization via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) enables the in-situ construction of cobalt phosphosulfide (CoPSx) directly on the CoO@C fibers, resulting in the CoO@C/CoPSx composite. This unique architecture seamlessly integrates the continuous conductive network of electrospun nanofibers, the interfacial enhancement and high surface area provided by the MOF-derived carbon coating, and the optimized electronic structure and rich redox chemistry enabled by the sulfur-phosphorus (S-P) synergistic effect inherent to cobalt phosphosulfide. Consequently, the CoO@C/CoPSx electrode delivers an exceptional specific capacitance of 1930.4 F g(-1) (at 1 A g(-1)) and excellent cyclic stability (89.9 % retention after 10,000 cycles). Furthermore, a double-electrode test based on this electrode achieves a high energy density of 83.75 Wh kg(-1) at 832.80 W kg(-1), with a capacitance retention of 89.0 % after 10,000 cycles, demonstrating great potential for practical applications.

Biodegradable plastics (BPs) are promoted as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. However, compared to conventional microplastics (MPs), they degrade rapidly into biodegradable microplastics (BMPs), which may lead to a more significant accumulation of BMPs in the environment. This review systematically compares BMPs and MPs, summarizes current knowledge on their environmental behaviors and impacts on ecosystems and human health, and offers recommendations for future research. BMPs are detected in water, sediments, indoor dust, food, marine organisms, and human samples. Compared to MPs, BMPs are more prone to environmental transformations, such as photodegradation and biodegradation, which results in a shorter migration distance across different matrices. Like MPs, BMPs can adsorb pollutants and transport them into organisms, enhancing toxicity and health risks through the Trojan horse effect. Studies indicate that BMPs may negatively impact terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems more than MPs by disrupting nutrient cycling and inhibiting plant and animal growth. In vivo and in vitro research also shows that BMP degradation products increase bioavailability, exacerbating neurotoxicity and overall toxicity. However, findings on BMPs' environmental and health effects remain inconsistent. Further evaluation of the trade-offs between BMP risks and their biodegradability is needed to address these uncertainties.

Ni-based metal-organic frameworks (Ni-MOFs) as electrode materials for hybrid supercapacitors face challenges including low actual specific capacity and poor cyclic stability due to their inherent low electrical conductivity and inadequate active site accessibility. Herein, Ni-BTC@NiS2 heterostructures are designed and synthesized by in situ decoration of NiS2 nanoparticles onto the surface of Ni-BTC microflowers employing a solvothermal reaction followed by a controlled partial sulfurization treatment. The optimized Ni-BTC@NiS2 heterostructures as electrode materials demonstrate a maximum capacity value of 604 C g-1 at 1 A g-1 and an initial capacity retention of 91.1 % after 5000 cycles, both of which are significantly higher than those of pure Ni-BTC and NiS2 electrodes. Furthermore, an assembled two-electrode hybrid supercapacitor device with Ni-BTC@NiS2 as positive electrode can deliver an maximum energy density of 45.9 Wh kg-1 at 801 W kg-1. Theoretical and experimental analyses indicate that the integration of Ni-BTC with NiS2 enhances electronic states near the Fermi level, thereby improving electrical conductivity of Ni-BTC@NiS2 heterostructures. Meanwhile, a built-in electric field exists at the Ni-BTC/NiS2 interface, which not only accelerates interfacial charge transport but also enhances surface OH-adsorption, thereby significantly improving charge storage capability. In addition, the surface decoration of NiS2 nanoparticles on N-BTC microflowers provide additional active sites. Our findings provide a promising strategy for further exploring the application potential of Ni-MOF-based heterostructures in advanced hybrid supercapacitors.

Herein, nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) encapsulated CoP hollow spheres are designed and prepared through a sodium L-aspartate assisted carbonization-oxidation-phosphorization route. Experimental and theoretical analysis unveil that the encapsulating of NC results in improved electric conductivity and enhanced electrolyte wettability. Particularly, an interfacial charge redistribution induces the establishment of local electric field at the CoP/NC interface, which leads to a decrease in surface OH-adsorption energies, an enhancement in charge transfer efficiency between OH-and active materials, and a reduction in OH-diffusion energy barriers. Thus, the CoP@NC electrode materials demonstrate enhanced capacity values (998C g-1 at 2 A g-1 and 640C g-1 at 20 A g-1) and cyclic stability (a capacity retention of 92.7 % after 5000 cycles). Moreover, three-dimensional macroporous N-doped carbon foams (MNCFs) are prepared through a facile and eco-friendly strategy using sodium Laspartate as N-containing carbon source. Such MNCFs possess large surface area, enhanced electrical conductivity, and high-efficiency mass and ion transport, thus achieving specific capacitances of up to 426F g-1 at 1 A g-1 and 325F g-1 at 10 A g-1. Furthermore, the fabricated CoP@NC||MNCFs hybrid supercapacitor device delivers an energy density of up to 75.1 Wh kg-1 at 800 W kg-1, and demonstrates a capacity retention of 93.8 % after 5000 cycles. Our work not only provides valuable insights but also opens new avenues for designing and constructing advanced electrode materials for high-efficiency energy storage applications.

Developing effective, stable and noble-metal-free cocatalysts was still a research hotspot in photocatalysis field. Herein, polymetallic Fe/Ni/Co-C dodecahedron as a co-catalyst is successfully designed and constructed for efficient photocatalytic H2 production. The composite photocatalyst (Fe/Ni/Co-C/ZIS) was then obtained by two-dimensional (2D) ZnIn2S4 nanosheets photocatalyst well dispersed on surfaces of Fe/Ni/Co-C. Benefiting from the multi-metal synergy effects of Fe/Ni/Co-C dodecahedron and more photocatalytic active sites of 2D ZIS, the photocatalytic hydrogen production of Fe/Ni/Co-C/ZIS is significantly enhanced, achieving the highest photocatalytic H2 production rate of 593.8 mu mol g- 1h- 1, which is 15 times that of pure ZIS. Band structure and Gibbs free energy were calculated by density functional theory (DFT). This work offers a feasible idea for the formation of polymetallic carbides cocatalyst derived from metal-organic framework in situ calcination method to realize efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

The practical applications of transition-metal oxides as electrode materials for supercapacitors are still impeded by their intrinsically poor electrical conductivity and limited number of electroactive sites. Herein, a defect engineering strategy combined with interface engineering is adopted to create nitrogen-doped bismuth molybdate (N-BMO) hollow nanostructures decorated with graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Theoretical calculation and experimental results indicate that the N doping in BMO can enhance electrical conductivity of N-BMO by reducing its electronic band gap. Moreover, the surface decoration of GQDs on N-BMO enables higher electrical conductivity and more electroactive sites. More importantly, a built-in electric field is formed at the N-BMO/ GQD interface due to their Fermi-level difference, which favors fast interfacial charge transfer and accelerate electrode reaction kinetics. Accordingly, the optimized N-BMO@GQD electrodes yield higher specific capacities (572 and 435 C g(-1) at 1 and 10 A g(-1), respectively) and better cycling stability (91 % capacity retention after 10000 cycles at 5 A g(-1)) compared to pristine BMO electrode. Moreover, an assembled asymmetric supercapacitor device with N-BMO@GQD as positive electrode can deliver an energy density of 45.2 Wh kg(-1) at 801 W kg(-1). This study showcases an efficient strategy to design and develop promising BMO-based electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Although rubber shoes have been extensively produced and used for the past century, the chemical additives released from shoe soles, as well as the aquatic ecological risks, have been overlooked. Using nontargeted analysis, this study detected 106 and 70 chemicals in shoe soles and leachates, respectively. The total concentrations were in the range of 203 to 3.21 x 10(3) mu g/g for shoe soles and 247 to 5.32 x 10(4) mu g/L for leachates. The detected chemicals were distributed in 10 groups, among which phthalate esters were the dominant chemical additives. Chemical concentrations and compositions varied significantly among different shoes, with polyvinyl chloride shoe sole (3.21 x 10(4) mu g/g) and leachate (5.32 x 10(4) mu g/L) having concentrations 158 and 215 times higher, respectively, than that of polyurethane (shoe sole, 203 mu g/g; leachate, 247 mu g/L). Risk quotient analysis indicated low ecological risks of shoe sole abrasions to aquatic ecosystems (9.64 x 10(-4) to 0.09). The predicted high binding affinities between the detected chemicals and hormone receptors of Oryzias melastigma suggested their potential endocrine-disrupting effects. This study emphasizes the screening results of chemical additives in shoe soles and proposes continuous monitoring of the potential environmental risks associated with global shoe products.

Carbazole (CZ) and eight polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) were quantified by GC-MS in sediments of 12 estuaries, the interface linking large industrial and living areas to the Bohai Sea, China. These pollutants, heavy metals, and environmental factors caused integrated exposure to sediment bacteria. Four PHCZ congeners were detectable, with sigma PHCZs ranging from 0.56 to 15.94 ng/g dw. The dominant congeners were 3,6-dichlorocarbazole (36-CCZ) and 3-chlorocarbazole (3-CCZ), with a mean contribution of 72.6 % and 20.2 %. Significant positive correlations were found between 36-CCZ and both total organic carbon and heavy metals. Redundancy analysis of microbial variation implicated no impacts from PHCZs. Correlation analysis demonstrated an increase in abundance of Rhodocyclaceae but a decrease in Bacteroides-acidifaciens-JCM-10556 with presence of PHCZs, suggesting that these bacteria can be used as potential contamination indicators. The combined exposure of heavy metals, nutrients, and PHCZs may also increase toxicity and biological availability, adversely affecting the ecosystem and human health.