Hermetia illucens (BSF) larvae effectively convert organic waste into a sustainable food and feed resource, but further biological investigation is imperative to harness their complete biodegradative potential. To build a foundation of knowledge regarding the proteome landscape of both the BSF larvae body and gut, eight differing extraction protocols were evaluated using LC-MS/MS. A more complete BSF proteome was realized through the complementary information each protocol contributed. The liquid nitrogen, defatting, and urea/thiourea/chaps combination in Protocol 8 significantly outperformed other extraction methods for larval gut protein extraction. The protocol-driven, protein-centric functional annotations indicate a correlation between the selection of the extraction buffer and the detection of proteins along with their corresponding functional categories within the studied BSF larval gut proteome. An LC-MRM-MS experiment, focused on specific enzyme subclasses, was conducted to assess how the protocol's composition affected peptide abundance. Microbial profiling of the BSF larvae gut, via metaproteome analysis, showed the substantial presence of the Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria bacterial phyla. We expect that investigating the BSF body and gut proteomes individually, using diverse extraction techniques, will expand our knowledge of the BSF proteome, leading to translational research that could enhance their ability to degrade waste and support the circular economy.
Molybdenum carbides (MoC and Mo2C) are attracting attention for diverse applications, such as catalysis in sustainable energy, nonlinear optics in lasers, and protective coatings that enhance tribological performance. Pulsed laser ablation of a molybdenum (Mo) substrate immersed in hexane yielded a one-step method for producing molybdenum monocarbide (MoC) nanoparticles (NPs) and MoC surfaces with laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). Scanning electron microscopy revealed spherical nanoparticles, averaging 61 nanometers in diameter. Successful synthesis of face-centered cubic MoC nanoparticles (NPs) in the laser-treated area, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction (ED) data, is demonstrated. Among the crucial observations from the ED pattern, the NPs observed are confirmed to be nanosized single crystals, with a carbon shell layer found on the surface of MoC NPs. read more The presence of FCC MoC is observed in the X-ray diffraction pattern of both MoC NPs and the LIPSS surface, findings consistent with the ED measurements. The findings of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, with respect to the bonding energy attributed to Mo-C, corroborated the presence of the sp2-sp3 transition on the LIPSS surface. The Raman spectroscopy results have confirmed the appearance of MoC and amorphous carbon structures. This simplistic MoC synthesis method potentially presents exciting prospects for the production of Mo x C-based devices and nanomaterials, which could contribute to the advancement of catalytic, photonic, and tribological technologies.
Photocatalysis benefits significantly from the remarkable performance of TiO2-SiO2 titania-silica nanocomposites. This research will utilize SiO2, extracted from Bengkulu beach sand, as a supporting component for the TiO2 photocatalyst, which will subsequently be applied to polyester fabrics. TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposite photocatalysts were synthesized by using the sonochemical method. A TiO2-SiO2 coating was deposited onto the polyester surface via the sol-gel-assisted sonochemistry technique. read more Self-cleaning activity is quantified by a digital image-based colorimetric (DIC) method, significantly easier than relying on analytical instruments. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results showed that sample particles were firmly attached to the fabric surface, displaying the most uniform particle distribution in pure silica and in 105 titanium dioxide-silica nanocomposite materials. FTIR spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of Ti-O and Si-O bonds, along with the characteristic polyester spectrum, signifying successful nanocomposite particle coating of the fabric. A noticeable alteration in the liquid contact angle on polyester surfaces produced significant property changes in TiO2 and SiO2 pure-coated fabrics, but other specimens experienced little to no alterations. DIC measurement demonstrated the success of a self-cleaning activity in halting the degradation of methylene blue dye. The test results indicate that the TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposite with a 105 ratio exhibited the best self-cleaning activity, achieving a 968% degradation rate. Beyond the washing process, the self-cleaning quality remains intact, indicating exceptional resistance to washing.
The pressing need to treat NOx arises from its recalcitrant degradation in the atmosphere and its severe detrimental effects on public health. Ammonia (NH3)-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, for controlling NO x emissions, is considered the most effective and promising method, surpassing other available NOx emission control technologies. The progress in developing and applying high-efficiency catalysts is impeded by the detrimental influence of SO2 and water vapor poisoning and deactivation, especially within the low-temperature NH3-SCR process. This review examines recent breakthroughs in catalytic activity enhancement for low-temperature NH3-SCR, specifically focusing on manganese-based catalysts, and evaluates the durability of these catalysts against H2O and SO2 during the catalytic denitration process. The denitration reaction mechanism, catalyst metal modification strategies, preparation methodologies, and catalyst structures are examined in detail. Challenges and prospective solutions related to the design of a catalytic system for NOx degradation over Mn-based catalysts, possessing high resistance to SO2 and H2O, are discussed extensively.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP), a commercially advanced cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, is widely used in electric vehicle battery applications. read more Employing the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process, a uniform, thin layer of LFP cathode material was formed on a conductive carbon-coated aluminum foil in this investigation. An analysis was performed to determine the combined effect of LFP deposition parameters and two binder choices, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), on the quality of the film and its electrochemical performance. The electrochemical performance of the LFP PVP composite cathode demonstrated remarkable stability compared to that of the LFP PVdF cathode, due to the minimal impact of PVP on the pore volume and size parameters, whilst preserving the high surface area of the LFP. The LFP PVP composite cathode film, at a 0.1C current rate, showcased an impressive discharge capacity of 145 mAh g-1, and demonstrated exceptional performance over 100 cycles with capacity retention and Coulombic efficiency values of 95% and 99%, respectively. The C-rate capability test further substantiated the observation of a more stable performance for LFP PVP in relation to LFP PVdF.
Nickel-catalyzed amidation of aryl alkynyl acids using tetraalkylthiuram disulfides as the amine source led to the formation of various aryl alkynyl amides in good to excellent yields under gentle reaction conditions. By presenting an operationally simple alternative pathway, this general methodology enables the synthesis of useful aryl alkynyl amides, which is a practical demonstration of its value in organic synthesis. This transformation's mechanism was investigated by using control experiments and DFT calculations.
Extensive research is dedicated to silicon-based lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes due to silicon's plentiful availability, its exceptional theoretical specific capacity of 4200 mAh/g, and its low operating voltage against lithium. Large-scale commercial deployment faces limitations due to silicon's low electrical conductivity and its substantial volume expansion (up to 400%) when combined with lithium. Preserving the physical wholeness of each silicon particle and the anode's structure is paramount. Hydrogen bonds of considerable strength are employed to firmly affix citric acid (CA) to silicon surfaces. Carbonized CA (CCA) contributes to an amplified electrical conductivity within silicon structures. A polyacrylic acid (PAA) binder, utilizing abundant COOH functional groups in itself and on CCA, encapsulates silicon flakes through strong bonds. The exceptional physical integrity of the individual silicon particles and the entire anode is a consequence. The silicon-based anode's initial coulombic efficiency is approximately 90%, demonstrating a capacity retention of 1479 mAh/g across 200 discharge-charge cycles at a 1 A/g current. A 4 A/g gravimetric rate produced a capacity retention of 1053 mAh/g. A silicon-based anode for LIBs, robust (high-ICE) and supporting high discharge-charge currents, has been found.
Nonlinear optical (NLO) materials derived from organic compounds have drawn considerable interest owing to their diverse applications and faster optical response times compared to inorganic NLO counterparts. This research effort involved the design of exo-exo-tetracyclo[62.113,602,7]dodecane. Alkali metal (lithium, sodium, and potassium) substitution of methylene bridge hydrogen atoms in TCD produced the resulting derivatives. Absorption in the visible region was observed following the substitution of alkali metals at the bridging CH2 carbon atoms. The complexes' maximum absorption wavelength exhibited a red shift with the progression of derivatives from one to seven. Designed molecules demonstrated a pronounced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and an abundance of free electrons, fundamentally influencing their swift optical response and substantial large-molecule (hyper)polarizability. The calculated trends pointed to a decline in crucial transition energy, which was essential for the elevated nonlinear optical response.