Abstract: This review provides an overview of the fabrication methods for Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene-based hybrid photocatalysts and evaluates their role in degrading organic dye pollutants. Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene has emerged as a promising material for hybrid photocatalysts due to its high metallic conductivity, excellent hydrophilicity, strong molecular adsorption, and efficient charge transfer. These properties facilitate faster charge separation and minimize electron-hole recombination, leading to exceptional photodegradation performance, long-term stability, and significant attention in dye degradation applications. Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene-based hybrid photocatalysts significantly improve dye degradation efficiency, as evidenced by higher percentage degradation and reduced degradation time compared to conventional semiconducting materials. This review also highlights computational techniques employed to assess and enhance the performance of Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene-based hybrid photocatalysts for dye degradation. It identifies the challenges associated with Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene-based hybrid photocatalyst research and proposes potential solutions, outlining future research directions to address these obstacles effectively.

Abstract:

This study explores, the multifaceted aspects of sushi rice preparation is explored, including washing, soaking and cooking processes, and their impact on the texture and sensory properties of rice. Selenio rice, a premium short-grain rice, was analysed for variations in amylose content and viscosity profiles. The study allows to highlight how the rice's compositional characteristics, particularly the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio, influence gelatinisation and cooling behaviour. The effects of soaking duration, vinegar mix composition, and water-to-rice ratio on texture profile analysis (TPA) are also examined, as well as overall sensory quality. Rice reaches maximum water absorption within three minutes of soaking, independent of water temperature (10-50°C). Vinegar mix addition effectively lowered rice pH to below 4.5, contributing to improved shelf stability. Additionally, the TPA of sushi rice was evaluated over a 10-day storage period, with findings suggesting that optimised preparation techniques can improve rice quality, extending its freshness and acceptability. The importance is underscored of precise preparation methods in optimising the quality of sushi rice, contributing to the broader field of rice research and culinary science.

Abstract: Spirocalcaridines A and B are among the most challenging members of the marine invertebrate derived Leucetta alkaloids. Approaches for construction and elaboration of the highly compact spirocyclic core are described. Synthesis of tricyclic guanidine via a tandem oxidative amination dearomatizing spirocyclization (TOADS) using hypervalent iodine set the stage for total synthesis via migration of the C4/C8 double bond to C4/C5 position followed by oxidation. The undesired but not surprising propensity of the spirocyclic cyclohexadienone to undergo rearrangement to the phenol hindered the desired olefin migration. Furthermore, initial efforts to install the oxidation sequentially first, at C5 followed by C4 of the complete carbon skeleton were fraught with unforeseen challenges and unusual outcomes. In addition, the scope, and limitations of hypervalent iodine mediated tandem oxidative dearomatizing spirocyclization on various substrates were explored. Urethanes and thiourethanes undergo spirocyclization in excellent yield whereas, the reaction with allylic substrates and species lacking the p-methoxy substituent does not proceed. Attempts to prepare other guanidine precursors are briefly discussed.

Abstract:

Water adsorbent to dehydrate water ethanol mixture was synthesized from spent bleaching earth (SBE) using modified fusion method. The SBE was regenerated by heat at 750C. Alumina (Al2O3) was added to SBE with 80 g alumina per 100 g SBE. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) was added to SBE with stoichiometry ratio of KOH: SBE of 1.1 then mixed and fused at temperature 650C and 550C for 12 hours in a furnace. The fused mixture was grounded and mixed with water at 65 g H2O per 100 g SBE. This mixture was aged at 60C and 80C in an oven before crystallization took place in 5 parts by weight 5% KOH for 48 hours. The product obtained was washed 3 times with distilled water using filtration set and dried in oven at 220C for 20 hours. Full multilevel factorial experiments were carried out. Analysis of the results by using Minitab Release 14 Statistical software revealed that the main effect of fusion temperature and aging time was significant. The analysis also showed that there was significant interaction effect of fusion temperature to aging time and aging temperature. The best conditions to synthesize the water adsorbent were: 550°C of fusion temperature, 80°C of aging temperature and 3 days of aging time with water uptake of 0.0353 g H2O / g water adsorbent, approximately to 84% of commercialized of zeolite 3A.

Abstract: Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have become promising devices for converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Altering the microstructure of cathode materials to enhance the activity and stability of the oxygen reduction reaction is particularly important. Herein, Pr0.5Ba0.5Co1-XNiXO3+δ with a tetragonal perovskite structure was synthesized through the sol–gel method. The polarization resistance of the symmetrical half-cell with Pr0.5Ba0.5Co0.9Ni0.1O3+δ as the cathode was 0.041 Ω·cm2 at 800 °C and 0.118 Ω·cm2 lower than that of the symmetrical cell with Pr0.5Ba0.5CoO3+δ as the cathode, indicating that the Pr0.5Ba0.5Co1-XNiXO3+δ cathode material has high catalytic activity during the electrochemical reaction. The results of electron paramagnetic resonance revealed that the concentration of oxygen vacancies increased as the Ni doping amount increased to 0.15. As a result of the increase in the Ni doping amount, the thermal expansion coefficient of the Pr0.5Ba0.5CoO3+δ cathode material effectively reduced, resulting in improved matching between the cathode and electrolyte material. The power density of the single cell increased by 69 mW/cm2. Therefore, Pr0.5Ba0.5Co1-XNiXO3+δ is a promising candidate cathode material for high-performance SOFCs.

Abstract: The rapid growth of industrial activities has increased environmental pollution, and so-lar-driven heterogeneous photocatalysis using TiO2 has emerged as a promising solution. However, its wide bandgap limits its efficiency, prompting research into various optimi-zation strategies. One of these approaches is surface functionalization. Thus, this study investigates the adsorption of CuSO4 on the anatase TiO2 (101) surface using density func-tional theory calculations. The adsorption process induced a magnetic moment of 0.97 µB and a slight reduction in overall bandwidth. A preferential adsorption geometry pattern with an energy of -4.31 eV was identified. Charge transfer analysis revealed a net transfer from the TiO2 surface to the CuSO4 molecule, with increased net atomic charges for atoms involved in new chemical bond formation, indicating a chemisorption process. These electronic structure modifications are expected to influence the electronic and catalytic properties of the material. The findings provide insights into the CuSO4 adsorption mechanism on anatase TiO2 (101) surface and its impact on the properties of the material, contributing to a deeper understanding of this system.

Abstract: Automated reactors are revolutionizing nanomaterial synthesis, streamlining processes through advanced machine-driven execution and data collection. By delegating repetitive tasks—such as experimental execution and data acquisition—to automation, researchers can focus more on critical analysis and creative problem-solving. Unlike traditional approaches that primarily manipulate starting materials, autonomous systems now enable precise control over morphology at various growth stages. This capability is crucial for applications such as efficient chemical space exploration and adaptive manufacturing. Despite these advancements, transitioning from single-step automation to complex, multistep syntheses remains a major challenge due to the intricate structural diversity of nanomaterials and the interdependent chemical and physical processes involved. Robotic batch and continuous-flow platforms are progressively evolving into more versatile systems, expanding access to a broader range of chemistries required for autonomous multistep fabrication. Advancements in process analytical technologies have significantly improved real-time monitoring of interconnected reactions, accelerating data collection while ensuring stringent safety standards and high product quality. The integration of these monitoring tools with advanced control software establishes adaptive feedback loops, enabling flexible multistep screening and self-optimizing synthesis strategies. This mini review explores recent developments in automated reactor technologies for plasmonic nanomaterial synthesis, focusing on both batch and continuous-flow platforms and giving an outlook on what’s next for the field.

Abstract:

Polymeric composites, particularly epoxy and polyurethane systems, have gained significant attention due to their excellent mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. However, the environmental concerns associated with petroleum-based polymers have driven research towards biobased alternatives. This review explores the integration of biobased filler materials derived from agricultural and marine waste into epoxy and polyurethane matrices to enhance their performance while promoting sustainability. The empirical review of epoxy and polyurethane resins reinforced with natural fillers highlights the significant role of bio-based additives in enhancing mechanical properties while promoting sustainability. Findings from reviewed studies demonstrate that natural fillers such as jute, sisal, lignin, and rice husk fish scales improve tensile strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance of polymer composites. However, excessive filler content can lead to agglomeration, reducing mechanical integrity. Optimal filler content varies depending on polymer type, with moderate concentrations yielding the best mechanical performance. Additionally, chemical modifications, such as silane treatment and alkalization, enhance filler-polymer adhesion, further improving material properties. Despite their advantages, challenges such as moisture sensitivity and long-term durability require further investigation.

Abstract: The chemical composition and molecular structure of the pitch-like products obtained by liquid-phase reaction of bituminous coal with heavy hydrocarbon fractions of coal- and petroleum origin as solvents at a moderate temperature were comprehensively characterized in terms of a new polyaromatic feedstock for needle coke and other valuable high tech carbon materials. The molecular parameters of the pitch-like products were characterized by using FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and XPS. Liquid-phase chromatography was used to analyze benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) as a carcinogenicity marker, the plasticity was characterized by a softening point. The product obtained using coal tar as solvent was highly aromatic, its aromatic nuclei consisted of predominantly protonated and pericondensed cycles sparsely substituted by CH3 and occasionally CH2 groups. The product obtained using petroleum-derived heavy gas oil as a solvent was less aromatic, its aromatic structure contained mainly protonated and highly alkylated catacondensed chains, which are prone to autogenous surface oxidation at ambient temperature. A remarkable feature of the pitch-like products obtained was that they had a reduced concentration of BaP (up to 40 times less than that in typical coal-tar pitch). In terms of the molecular structure, pitch-like products obtained by low-temperature dissolution of coal can serve as low-carcinogenic polyaromatic raw materials for the production of needle coke and other valuable high tech carbon materials.

Abstract: Here a graphene-based photodetectors with ability to integrate with various energy thermoelectric, electromagnetic and piezoelectric devices is reported. The fabrication of the proposed device is based on magnetic field assisted pulsed laser deposition (MFPLD) for growth of few layers graphene and intercalated chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene grown following by a wet transfer of the layers to the electrode surface. The key influential parameter in the graphene growth such as density and smoothness of surface, as well as the plasma plume particles charge type and velocity have been optimized to obtain the best quality of the graphene and consequently improve the performance of the device. For the electrical contacts a tapered aluminum microelectrode (TAM) has been used to improve the detection of photogenerated carriers during the illumination. The results reveal the acceptable wide band response, leading to a responsivity of up to 0.13 AW-1, quantum efficiency of 9.5% and room temperature specific detectivity of 1.27x10+7 Jones at wavelength of 1700 nm.

Abstract: This communication-style paper aims to address questions regarding our report on ThS’s room-temperature superconductivity.¹,² It arises from a conflict between our theory, known as “the Zhao theory,” and an experimental result published by A. R. Moodenbaugh et al. in 1978.³ This communication concludes that the significant deviation between “the Zhao theory” and Moodenbaugh’s work is due to differences in sample purity and crystallinity.

Abstract:

Development and electrochemical characteristics of ionic liquid crystal elastomers (iLCEs) are described for use as electrolyte components in lithium-ion batteries. The unique combination of elastic and liquid crystal properties in iLCEs grants them robust mechanical attributes and structural ordering. Specifically, the macroscopic alignment of phase-segregated, ordered nanostructures in iLCEs serves as ion pathways, which can be solidified through photopolymerization to create ion-conductive solid-state polymer lithium batteries (SSPLBs) with high ionic conductivity (1.76 × 10^-3 S cm^-1 at 30 °C), and high (0.61) transference number. Additionally, the rubbery state ensures good interfacial contact with electrodes that inhibits lithium dendrite formation. Furthermore, in contrast to liquid electrolytes, the iLCE is shrinking on heating thus preventing any overheating related explosion. The fabricated Li/LiFePO₄ (LFP) cells using iLCE-based solid electrolytes show excellent cycling stability with a discharge capacity of ∼124 mAh g^-1 with coulombic efficiency close to 100%. These results are promising for practical application of iLCE-based SSPLBs.

Abstract:

In this study, we examined the oxidation of (E)-2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde oxime with lead tetraacetate in tetrahydrofuran that produced novel (E)-7a,8,9,10-tetrahydro-12H-naphtho[1,2-e]pyrrolo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazin-12-one oxime and 1-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)naphtho[1,2-d]isoxazole, and, known 7a,8,9,10-tetrahydro-12H-naphtho[1,2-e]pyrrolo-[2,1-b][1,3]oxazin-12-one, in 15, 18 and 10% yields, respectively. The oxime is readily hydrolysed to its corresponding ketone. Modifying the oxidants and reaction conditions did not improve the product yields. Based on previous studies in our laboratory, we proposed that the reactions proceed via the formation of an o-naphthoquinone nitrosomethide intermediate. 1H and 13C NMR, HRMS, IR, and UV-VIS spectra provided information that supported the structure of the products.

Abstract:

The word opium derives from ancient Greek word ὄπιον (ópion) for the juice of any plant, but today means the air-dried seed capsule latex of Papaver somniferum. Alkaloid chemistry began with the isolation of morphine from crude opium by Friedrich Wilhelm Adam Sertürner in 1804. More than a century later, the Hungarian pharmacist János Kabay opened new perspectives for the direct isolation of morphine from dry poppy heads and straw without the labor-intensive harvesting of opium. In 2015, Kabay’s life and achievements obtained official recognition as constituting a «Hungarikum», thereby entering the national repository of matters of unique cultural value. To this day, the study of Papaver alkaloids is a focus of medicinal chemistry, which the (perhaps unstated) aspiration to obtain an opioid with lesser abuse potential and side effects, while retaining good analgesic properties. We begin this review with a brief account of opiate biosynthesis, followed by a detailed presentation of semisynthetic opioids, emphasizing efforts of the Alkaloida Chemical Company, founded in 1927 by János Kabay, and the morphine alkaloid group of the University of Debrecen.

Abstract: In the present work, the effect of different casting processes on the microstructure and creep properties of the second-generation single-crystal superalloy DD419 was investigated. Under conventional production conditions and a contour-suited thermal insulation method, single crystal rods of types A and B were fabricated, respectively. In comparison to rods A, the solidification process of rods B featured a 1.6-fold increase in the temperature gradient and a 32% reduction in primary dendrite spacing. The γ/γ’ eutectic in the as-cast microstructure, the residual eutectic phase, and porosity after heat treatment were also significantly reduced, resulting in the improved homogeneity of the single crystal castings. Under the testing conditions of 850°C/650MPa and 1050°C/190MPa, the stress rupture life of sample B was enhanced by 25% and 5.2%, respectively, compared to sample A. Therefore, due to dendrite structure refinement, the stress rupture life of the superalloy was evidently improved, especially at medium temperature.

Abstract: Hydrogels find widespread use in bioapplications for their ability to retain large amounts of water while maintaining structural integrity. In this article we investigate hybrid hydrogels made of nanocellulose and either amino-polyethylenglycol or sodium alginates and we demonstrate two novel results: 1) the biocompatibility of the amino containing hybrid gel synthesized using a simplified receipt that does not require any intermediate synthetic step to functionalize either components and 2) the fact that the fluctuation of the 2nd order correlation function of a Dynamic Light Scattering experiment provides relevant information about the characteristic internal dynamic of the materials across the entire sol-gel transition as well as quantitative information about the ion-specific gel formation. This novel approach offers significantly better temporal (10’s μs) and spatial (10’s μm) resolution than many other state-of-the-art techniques commonly used for such analyses (such as rheometry, SAXS, and NMR) and it might find widespread application in the characterization of the nano to microscale dynamics in soft materials.

Abstract: In the chemical industry, one of the promising areas is the development of effective technologies for obtaining high-quality mineral fertilizers and feed mineral fertilizers from unconditional phosphate raw materials and improving their technical and economic indicators and agrochemical properties of products. Moreover, the solution to these problems should be carried out on the basis of low-grade raw materials poor in phosphorus content. Such low-grade ores include phosphorites of the Chilisay mine. Phosphorites of this deposit have a number of specific features that create certain difficulties and contain a large number of carbonates, in terms of carbon dioxide reaching 4.56-6.34%, as well as glauconites. When decomposing such phosphorites, large volumes of very stable foam are formed, which complicates the decomposition of phosphorus raw materials and reduces the useful volume of the decomposition chamber by 60-80%, increases the loading time of phosphorite and, accordingly, increases the total time of the process. The objective of the work is to research the process of obtaining high-quality monocalcium phosphate, as well as to determine the optimal decomposition parameters of low-grade phosphate raw materials and to increase the product yield. Based on the conducted research of the Chilisayphosphorite decomposition, monocalcium phosphate was obtained.

Abstract:

The dynamic phosphorylation of the human RNA Pol II CTD establishes a code applicable to all eukaryotic transcription processes. However, the ability of these specific post-translational modifications to convey molecular signals through structural changes remains unclear. We previously explained that each gene can be modeled as a combination of n circuits connected in parallel. RNA Pol II accesses these circuits and, through a series of pulses, matches the resonance frequency of the DNA qubits, enabling it to extract genetic information and quantum teleport it. Negatively charged phosphates react under RNA Pol II catalysis, increasing the electron density on the deoxyribose acceptor carbon. The first pulse of phosphorylation connects tyrosine to the nitrogenous base, while the subsequent pulses link the protein to molecular water through hydrogen bonds. The coupling of hydrogen proton transfer with electron transfer in water generates a supercurrent, which is explained by the correlation of pairs of the same type of fermions exchanging a boson. All these changes lead to the formation of a molecular protein-DNA-water condensate.

Abstract: Cellulose and starch-cellulose composite aerogels were obtained using green cel-lulose from rice straw (RS) purified with a more environmentally friendly process. Pure starch aerogels were also obtained for comparison purposes. The effect of the aerogel crosslinking with polyamideamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) was also analysed. The properties of the cellulose aerogels were in the range of those reported using other RS cellulose fibres with similar compositions. Blending with starch implied a decrease in the liquid water absorption capacity but an increase in the mechanical strength and flexibility and oil absorption capacity, compared to pure cellulose aerogels. Crosslink-ing with PAE promoted the water adsorption capacity of all aerogels and the oil ab-sorption capacity and mechanical strength of cellulose aerogels but did not benefit the properties of cellulose-starch composites or pure starch areoles due to specific interac-tions with starch that negatively affect the aerogel structure. Therefore, it was possible to obtain cellulose and cellulose-starch composite aerogels from RS green cellulose with modulated properties for different applications.

Abstract: Cellulose acetate (CA) motion picture films are subjected to degradation especially due to the “vinegar syndrome”, a de-acetylation process catalyzed by high temperature, humidity, and acidity. Acetic acid is released as a by-product of this reaction and acts as a catalyst that triggers an autocatalytic process. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the use of metal oxide, hydroxide, and carbonate nanoparticles, as well as their composite inorganic-organic systems, for the ad-sorption of acetic acid and the inhibition of the deacetylation process. Various nanoparticles [Ca(OH)2, ZnO and CaCO3] were compared in terms of their ability to adsorb glacial acetic acid vapors through gravimetry analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, X-ray dif-fraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The variation in the size and morphology of the nanoparticles was investigated via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), too. Subsequently, the most promising nanoparticles (ZnO) were incorporated into composite organic-inorganic systems, made of Whatman paper (WP) and Poly-Vinyl-alcohol Formaldehyde (PVF) xerogels, and their ability to adsorb acetic acid vapors was again evaluated. Finally, the performance of both the pure ZnO nanoparticles and the organic-inorganic composite systems as inhibitors of the “vinegar syndrome” was assessed on artificially degraded motion picture films using a specifically de-veloped and validated multi-analytical protocol.