Lilypad aggregation: localised self-assembly and metal sequestration at a liquid-vapour interface

300-fold higher neuro- and immunotoxicity from low-redox transformation of carbamazepine

Current challenges in (eco)toxicology are in understanding the transformation of (reactive) substances, and how transformation affects toxic modes of action. Empirical assessment of transformation products of, practically an infinite number of substances, via experimentation, is impossible. Predicting transformation products for (benchmarking) compounds from conditions, facilitates risk analyses. This study applied calculus to predict transformation products of an important environmental and medicinal/toxicological marker, carbamazepine. As radicals are ubiquitous in humans and the environment, we looked into radical-mediated transformations of carbamazepine as a benchmark. We calculated proportions of their speciation states as function of redox conditions, which we took as pH and O2 concentration, describing transformation via covalent and ionic interactions. Formation of ring-contracted products with neuro-immunological activity is thermodynamically favored under anaerobic conditions and at low pH. Experimentally observed product distributions and toxicities reflect that pattern. Our predictive method may support toxicity predictions for other substances and conditions 'similar' to the current case study via interpolation. This paves the way for a more coherent, effective and easier risk assessment of transformation products.

Metal Chelation Enables High-Performance Tea Polyphenol Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The application of organic electrode materials can make the whole cycle of the lithium battery operation effective for green sustainability. However, poor electronic conductivity and strong solubility in nonprotonic electrolytes limit the application of organic anodes. Here, a novel organic anode material, TP-Ni, was fabricated through the simple chelation of tea polyphenols with nickel ions. Benefiting from coordination bonds that alter the intrinsic microstructure of TPs and contribute to pseudocapacitive charging, the TP-Ni anode exhibits remarkable electrochemical properties, including a high specific capacity (1163 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), superb rate capability, and extraordinary cycling stability (5.0 A g−1 over 4000 cycles with a capacity retention of 87.8%). This work can provide guidance for the design and synthesis of new high-performance organic electrode materials in the future and help accelerate the process of organic electrode material applications.

Nanostructured Gels for Energy and Environmental Applications

Nanostructured gels have emerged as an attractive functional material to innovate the field of energy, with applications ranging from extraction and purification to nanocatalysts with unprecedented performance. In this review we discuss the various classes of nanostructured gels and the most recent advancements in the field with a perspective on future directions of this challenging area.