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Tetrabenzonaphthalene and Redox-Active Anthraquinone-LinkedConjugated Microporous Polymers as Organic Electrodes forEnhanced Energy Storage Efficiency

Research Abstract

Various energy storage systems widely utilizeconjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) due to their porousarchitecture and expansive surface area, which facilitate efficient iontransport and storage. In our research, we developed twoanthraquinone (ATQ)-based CMPs (ATQ-CMPs) through aSonogashira coupling method. We used 2,6-dibromoanthraquinone(ATQ-Br2), a redox-active precursor, as a building monomer alongwith an ethynyl derivative of triphenylamine (TPA-T) andtetrabenzonaphthalene (TBN-T) to afford TPA-ATQ CMP andTBN-ATQ CMP, respectively. We employed techniques, such asthermogravimetric analysis, high-resolution transmission electronmicroscopy (HR-TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), andFourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), to characterizethe structure and thermal properties of these ATQ-CMPs. The TBN-ATQ CMP displayed extensive Brunauer−Emmett−Teller(BET) surface areas (SBET = 161 m2 g−1) and remarkable thermal stability (temperatures of up to 605 °C). These properties made itan excellent candidate for supercapacitor (SC) electrode materials. The electrodes fabricated using the TBN-ATQ CMP exhibited anexceptionally significant specific capacitance of 393 F g−1 when tested at a current density of 1 A g−1. After 5000 cycles at 10 A g−1,TBN-ATQ CMP still had 74.2% capacitance in a three-electrode setup. We also made a symmetrical device using the TBN-ATQCMP. This device had a capacitance of 175 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and was very stable over 2000 cycles, keeping 92.8% of its capacitance.The TBN-ATQ CMP electrode has better electrochemical performance because it has a redox-active ATQ unit and high SBET. Ourfindings pave the way for simple methods of developing and producing efficient CMP materials using TBN and ATQ for high-performance SCs in both three- and two-electrode configurations

Research Authors
Mohamed Gamal Mohamed, Mervat Ibrahim, Nian Ping Chen, Abdul Basit, Yang Chin Kao, Aya Osama Mousa, Maha Mohamed Samy, Shiao-Wei Kuo
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
ACS Applied Energy Materials
Research Member
Research Pages
5582-5593
Research Publisher
American Chemical Society
Research Rank
International
Research Vol
7 (13)
Research Year
2024

Tailoring atomically dispersed Fe-induced oxygen vacancies for highly efficient gas-phase photocatalytic CO 2 reduction and NO removal with diminished noxious byproducts

Research Abstract

Single-atom-supported metal oxides have attracted extensive interest in energy catalysis, offering a promising avenue for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. This study presents a facile synthesis of single-atom Fe-modified Bi2WO6 photocatalysts. By carefully tuning the Fe ratios, the 1.5Fe-Bi2WO6 sample demonstrates exceptional photocatalytic efficiency in CO2 to CO reduction (36.78 μmol g−1). Additionally, an outstanding NO removal performance is also achieved through this photocatalyst with an impressively low conversion of toxic NO2 at just 0.37%. The reaction intermediates and mechanisms governing the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into CO are elucidated using in situ DRIFTS and in situ XAS techniques. Regarding NO removal, the introduction of Fe single-atoms, along with induced oxygen vacancies, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the transformation of NO and NO2 into nitrate by stabilizing NO and NO2 species. Mechanistic insights into photocatalytic NO oxidation are garnered through scavenger trapping and EPR experiments employing DMPO. This study emphasizes single-atom-supported metal oxide's potential in sustainable chemistry and air purification, providing a promising solution for urgent environmental challenges.

Research Authors
Nguyen Quoc Thang, Amr Sabbah, Chih-Yang Huang, Nguyen Hoang Phuong, Tsai-Yu Lin, Mahmoud Kamal Hussien, Heng-Liang Wu, Chih-I Wu, Nguyet NT Pham, Pham Van Viet, Chih-Hao Lee, Li-Chyong Chen, Kuei-Hsien Chen
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Research Member
Research Year
2024

Regulating COOH Intermediate via Rationally Constructed Surface‐Active Sites of Bi2WO6 for Solar‐Driven CO2‐to‐CO Production

Research Abstract

Solar-driven CO2 reduction holds great promise for sustainable energy, yet the role of atomic active sites in governing intermediate formation and conversion remains poorly understood. Herein, a synergistic strategy using Ni single atoms (SAs) and surface oxygen vacancies (Ov) is reported to regulate the CO2 reduction pathway on the Bi2WO6 photocatalyst. Combining in-situ techniques and theoretical modeling, the reaction mechanism and the structure-activity relationship is elucidated. In-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy identifies Bi and Ni as active sites, and in-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy demonstrates that adsorption of H2O and CO2 readily forms CO32− species on the Ov-rich catalyst. Optimally balancing Ni SAs and Ov lowers the energy barrier for the formation and dehydration of a key COOH intermediate, leading to favorable CO formation and desorption. Consequently, a superior CO production efficiency of 53.49 µmol g‒1 is achieved, surpassing previous reports on Bi2WO6-based catalysts for gas-phase CO2 photoreduction.

Research Authors
Nguyen Quoc Thang, Amr Sabbah, Raghunath Putikam, Chih‐Yang Huang, Tsai‐Yu Lin, Mahmoud Kamal Hussien, Heng‐Liang Wu, Ming‐Chang Lin, Chih‐Hao Lee, Kuei‐Hsien Chen, Li‐Chyong Chen
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Research Member
Research Year
2025

Reticular design and alkyne bridge engineering in donor–π–acceptor type conjugated microporous polymers for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Research Abstract

Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) have gained increased significance as crucial components in the field of photocatalytic H2 production due to their excellent ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), and robust fluorescence. Herein, we used two types of reaction approaches including Suzuki and Sonogashira–Hagihara coupling to prepare six different types of CMPs for the first time to investigate and understand the reactivity of triphenylamine (TPA) and alkyne group linked CMPs for photocatalytic H2 evolution from H2O. Six different TPA-based CMPs including TPA–TPA (D–D), TPE–TPA (A–D), Py–TPA (A–D), TPA–TB–TPA (D–π–D), TPE–TB–TPA (D–π–A), and Py–TB–TPA (D–π–A) CMPs have been designed and synthesized via Suzuki and Sonogashira–Hagihara coupling reaction, respectively. Our investigation of TPA–CMP materials showed that TPA–TPA, Py–TPA, and TPA–TB–TPA CMPs exhibited elevated Td10 values, measuring 557 °C, 508 °C, and 482 °C, respectively. Additionally, based on the results of thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements, these CMPs displayed specific surface areas (SBET) of 98, 913, and 459 m2 g−1, respectively. Furthermore, in the order presented, the Py–TPA, and Py–TB–TPA CMPs showcase hydrogen evolution rate (HER) values of 3633, and 16 700 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively. As per density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the presence of an alkyne bridge in the Py–TB–TPA CMP can effectively hinder electron–hole recombination, prolong the lifetime of charge carriers, and improve the efficiency of their transfer and separation when compared to a similar CMP (Py–TPA CMP) lacking an alkynyl group. As a result, including an alkynyl (π) bridge in the polymers led to an augmentation in their photocatalytic activity. This work presents various viewpoints regarding the development and architecture of high-performance CMPs incorporating alkynyl groups, showcasing their potential applications in photocatalysis.

Research Authors
Mohamed Gamal Mohamed, Mohamed Hammad Elsayed, Chia-Jung Li, Ahmed E Hassan, Islam MA Mekhemer, Ahmed Fouad Musa, Mahmoud Kamal Hussien, Li-Chyong Chen, Kuei-Hsien Chen, Ho-Hsiu Chou, Shiao-Wei Kuo
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Research Year
2024

Schottky-Functionalized Type-II heterojunction of Ag/CuNb2O6/g-C3N4: Efficient photoredox capability of CO2 to valuable fuel products via gas phase adsorption

Research Abstract

Owing to encyclopedic energy crises and ecological concerns, the conversion of solar energy into sustainable value-added fuel products using a reasonable photocatalyst has received a lot of interest. The crucial challenge of the photoreduction of CO2 into fuel products such as CO and CH4 is the minor output and poor selectivity. Herein, a novel synthesized schottky-functionalized type-II heterojunction, Ag/CuNb2O6/g-C3N4 (Ag/CNO/g-CN), is extensively characterized to provide insights regarding its photocatalytic performance in reducing CO2. More significantly, electron paramagnetic resonance was employed to assist in understanding the inclusion of Schottky-junction and type II heterojunction charge transfer. The CO2 photoreduction to CO (2.78 μmol g−1h−1) with Ag/CNO/g-CN was 5- and 3-fold higher than single CNO and single g-CN, and the CO2 photoreduction to CH4 was 0.15 μmol g−1h−1 under simulated solar irradiation. This enhanced CO2 photoreduction was attributed to the large surface area and type II heterojunction, which promoted the separation as well as the transformation of photoinduced e/h+ pairs and the superior redox ability of charge carriers. The composite's excellent photocatalytic efficiency towards CO2 was exceptionally enhanced by depositing Ag on CNO/g-CN. This study paves the way for immediate needs to explore the selective conversion of CO2 into CO and CH4 via systematic designing and effective schottky-functionalized type-II heterojunction.

Research Authors
Naveed Ahmad, Chung-Feng Jeffrey Kuo, Mujahid Mustaqeem, Mahmoud Kamal Hussien, Cheru Talbachew Haile, Kuei-Hsien Chen
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Materials Today Sustainability
Research Member
Research Year
2024

Constructing B─N─P Bonds in Ultrathin Holey g‐C3N4 for Regulating the Local Chemical Environment in Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to CO

Research Abstract

The lack of intrinsic active sites for photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) and fast recombination rate of charge carriers are the main obstacles to achieving high photocatalytic activity. In this work, a novel phosphorus and boron binary-doped graphitic carbon nitride, highly porous material that exhibits powerful photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity, specifically toward selective CO generation, is disclosed. The coexistence of Lewis-acidic and Lewis-basic sites plays a key role in tuning the electronic structure, promoting charge distribution, extending light-harvesting ability, and promoting dissociation of excitons into active carriers. Porosity and dual dopants create local chemical environments that activate the pyridinic nitrogen atom between the phosphorus and boron atoms on the exposed surface, enabling it to function as an active site for CO2RR. The P–N–B triad is found to lower the activation barrier for reduction of CO2 by stabilizing the COOH reaction intermediate and altering the rate-determining step. As a result, CO yield increased to 22.45 µmol g−1 h−1 under visible light irradiation, which is ≈12 times larger than that of pristine graphitic carbon nitride. This study provides insights into the mechanism of charge carrier dynamics and active site determination, contributing to the understanding of the photocatalytic CO2RR mechanism.

Research Authors
Mahmoud Kamal Hussien, Amr Sabbah, Mohammad Qorbani, Raghunath Putikam, Septia Kholimatussadiah, Der‐Lii M Tzou, Mohamed Hammad Elsayed, Yu‐Jung Lu, Yen‐Yu Wang, Xing‐Hao Lee, Tsai‐Yu Lin, Nguyen Quoc Thang, Heng‐Liang Wu, Shu‐Chih Haw, Kevin C‐W Wu, Ming
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Small
Research Member
Research Year
2024

Enhanced CO2 photoreduction to CH4 via* COOH and* CHO intermediates stabilization by synergistic effect of implanted P and S vacancy in thin-film SnS2

Research Abstract

Reduction of CO2 to value-added hydrocarbons through artificial photosynthesis is one of the way to address the energy crisis and climate change issues. It is known that lowering the activation energy of CO2 molecules on the photocatalyst surface and key intermediates is crucial in photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Herein, we present phosphorus-implanted 20-nm SnS2 continuous thin film with sulfur vacancies (i.e., SV-SnS2:P where P substitutes on S sites). The fabrication process involves thermal evaporation, post-sulfurization, and ion implantation. Our gas-phase photocatalytic experiments show an enhanced and selective CO2 photoreduction to CH4 with a yield of 0.13 µmol cm−2 and selectivity of 92 % under solar-light irradiation for 4 h over an optimal ∼4.5 % P and ∼16 % SV. Experimental observations, conducted through X-ray absorption near edge, in situ near ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron, and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, along with first-principle density functional theory calculations. Results reveal that P dopant is significantly affected by nearby SV via local charge density transfer from P to the nearest Sn and next-nearest S neighbor atoms, consequently, leads to the stabilization of *COOH and *CHO intermediates, where asterisks stand for P as the active site. Our results demonstrate how active site modulation, without using precious co-catalysts, plays a crucial role in intermediate stabilization in a wireless photocatalysis process.

Research Authors
Tadios Tesfaye Mamo, Mohammad Qorbani, Adane Gebresilassie Hailemariam, Raghunath Putikam, Che-Men Chu, Ting-Rong Ko, Amr Sabbah, Chih-Yang Huang, Septia Kholimatussadiah, Tadesse Billo, Mahmoud Kamal Hussien, Shuo-Yun Chang, Ming-Chang Lin, Wei-Yen Woon,
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Nano Energy
Research Member
Research Year
2024

Biodiversity of Chaetomium-like genera in the Nile River, at Assiut, Egypt

Research Abstract
One of the most significant rivers in the world is the River Nile. It is the source of 96% of the country’s renewable freshwater. The study of freshwater fungi is important because it reveals the hidden diversity and ecological significance of these organisms in aquatic ecosystems. It deepens our understanding of biodiversity, nutrient cycling, ecological interactions,  and water quality, while also offering practical applications for environmental and biotechnological purposes. During surveys for freshwater ascomycetes in the Nile River as well as Ibrahimia and Fayama Canals at Assiut region, Egypt, ten species belonging to six genera of families: Chaetomiaceae, Podosporaceae, and Lasiosphaeriaceae, were isolated and identified. Among them, Botryotrichum geniculatum, B. trichorobustum, Pseudorhypophila marina, Pseudothielavia terricola, Zopfiella indica, and Z. udagawae were reported in the current study for the first time from Egypt. These species were isolated in pure cultures and identified based mainly on their morphological features. The identification of one species was confirmed genetically and identified as Pseudothielavia terricola AUMC 16038 (OQ581575). The treated species were described, and photographic illustrations were captured. The frequency, distribution, and hosts for each listed species were recorded. Seven out of ten fungal species have been recovered from Phragmites australis, which is considered in this study to be the ideal submerged plant for isolating freshwater ascomycetous fungi. Continued research on freshwater fungi is of paramount importance, and it is crucial to prioritize conservation efforts to protect rare and endangered species.
Research Authors
Amira Kamal Eldeen Hussien 1 Nemmat Abdel-Gawad Hussein 2 Mohamed Alaa El-Nagdy 3
Research Date
Research Member

Corrigendum to" Long-term correction of hemophilia B through CRISPR/Cas9 induced homology-independent targeted integration

Research Abstract

Corrigendum to "Long-term correction of hemophilia B through CRISPR/Cas9 induced homology-independent targeted integration" [Journal of Genetics and Genomics (2022) 49, 1114-1126] Corrigendum to "Long-term correction of hemophilia B through CRISPR/Cas9 induced homology-independent targeted integration" [Journal of Genetics and Genomics (2022) 49, 1114-1126] J Genet Genomics. 2024 May;51(5):578. doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.04.009. Authors Xi Chen 1 , Xuran Niu 1 , Yang Liu 2 , Rui Zheng 3 , Lei Yang 1 , Jian Lu 1 , Shuming Yin 1 , Yu Wei 1 , Jiahao Pan 1 , Ahmed Sayed 4 , Xueyun Ma 1 , Meizhen Liu 1 , Fengxiang Jing 5 , Mingyao Liu 1 , Jiazhi Hu 6 , Liren Wang 7 , Dali Li 8 Affiliations 1 Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal …

Research Authors
Xi Chen, Xuran Niu, Yang Liu, Rui Zheng, Lei Yang, Jian Lu, Shuming Yin, Yu Wei, Jiahao Pan, Ahmed Sayed, Xueyun Ma, Meizhen Liu, Fengxiang Jing, Mingyao Liu, Jiazhi Hu, Liren Wang, Dali Li
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Journal of genetics and genomics= Yi chuan xue bao
Research Pages
578
Research Rank
International
Research Vol
51(5)
Research Year
2024

Nuclear lipids in chromatin regulation: Biological roles, experimental approaches and existing challenges

Research Abstract

Lipids are crucial for various cellular functions. Besides the storage of energy equivalents, these include forming membrane bilayers and serving as signaling molecules. While significant progress has been made in the comprehension of the molecular and cellular biology of lipids, their functions in the cell nucleus remain poorly understood. The main role of the eukaryotic cell nucleus is to provide an environment for the storage and regulation of chromatin which is a complex of DNA, histones, and associated proteins. Recent studies suggest that nuclear lipids play a role in chromatin regulation and epigenetics. Here, we discuss various experimental methods in lipid‐chromatin research, including biophysical, structural, and cell biology approaches, pointing out their strengths and weaknesses. We take the view that nuclear lipids have a far more widespread impact on chromatin than is currently acknowledged. This

Research Authors
Ahmed Sayed, Karthik Eswara, Kaian Teles, Ahlem Boudellioua, Wolfgang Fischle
Research Date
Research Department
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