Electrochemical or photochemical single-electron oxidation of bench-stable substrates can generate radical cations that offer unique reactivities as intermediates in various bond-formation processes. Such intermediates can potentially take part in both radical and ionic bond formation; however, the mechanisms involved are complicated and not fully understood. Herein, we report electrochemical radical cation aza-Wacker cyclizations under acidic conditions, which are expected to proceed via radical cations generated by single-electron oxidation of alkenes.

Because of their unique layer structure, 2D materials have demonstrated to be promising electrode materials for rechargeable batteries. However, individual 2D materials cannot meet all the performance requirements of energy density, power density, and cycle life. Constructing 2D materials-based heterostructures offers an opportunity to synergistically handle the deficiencies of individual 2D materials and modulate the physical and electrochemical properties. The enlarged interlayer distance and increased binding energy with ions of heterostructures can facilitate charge transfer, boost electrochemical reactivities, resulting in an enhanced performance in rechargeable batteries. Here we summarize the latest development of heterostructures consisted of 2D materials and their applications in rechargeable batteries. Firstly, different preparation strategies and optimized structure engineering strategies of 2D materials-based heterostructures are systematically introduced. Secondly, the unique functions of 2D materials-based heterostructures in rechargeable batteries are discussed respectively. Finally, challenges and perspectives are presented to inspire the future study of 2D materials-based heterostructures.

The presented studies aimed to evaluate the peripheral coordinating properties of a novel porphyrinoid family representative preceded by its synthesis for potential sensing purposes. Two synthetic pathways were employed to a obtain maleonitrile derivative, further used as a starting material in the cyclotetramerization reaction. In the first one, DAMN was used in sequential double-reductive alkylation with 2-thiophene-carboxyaldehyde and sodium borohydride. In the second, DAMN was used in a one-pot reaction with 2-thiophene-carboxyaldehyde in the presence of a 5-ethyl-2-methylpyridine borane complex in methanol and acetic acid. Following the Linstead approach, the cyclization reaction led to a novel symmetrical magnesium(II) octaaminoporphyrazine with methyl(2-thiophenylmethylene) substituents. The macrocycle\'s electrochemical properties were assessed by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetries revealing one reduction and two oxidation peak potentials. The additional spectroelectrochemical measurements showed formation of a cationic form of the macrocycle at an applied potential of 0.6 V. The coordinating properties due to the palladium ion of novel porphyrazines were measured with the use of titration combined with UV-vis spectrometry. The titration of Pd2+ revealed the good sensing activity of porphyrazine in the range of 0.1 to 5 palladium molar equivalents. In addition, Pd2+ ions coordination was also assessed by electrochemical studies, indicating the peak potential shift of 0.1 V in the presence of metal cations. DFT calculations showed the good agreement between theoretical and experimental data in the UV-vis and 1H NMR studies.

High toxicity is the main reason for the limited application of traditional corrosion inhibitors. Herein, it is critical to find a green, efficient, and long-term stable alternative substitute for the hazardous and conventional corrosion inhibitor. Ambrosia trifida L is widely distributed in fields and riverside wetlands as an invasive plant in China. According to the concept of turning waste into treasure, the extract of Ambrosia trifida L leaves (ATL) has the potential to address this issue due to its natural origin and abundant presence of heterocyclic organics. Therefore, ATL, as a green corrosion inhibitor, is prepared for the first time via a simple water-based extraction method. FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and UV-Vis (UV-visible) indicate that ATL extract contains abundant heterocyclic organics with conjugated structures, which exhibit the potential to become a high-efficiency inhibitor. Notably, the active sites of ATL molecules and their interaction with Q235 steel at the molecular/atomic level are revealed via theoretical calculations. The highest Ebinding value observed for the major components in the ATL extract is 259.66 kcal/mol, implying a significant adsorption capacity. The electrochemical results verify that microdose ATL extract can prominently inhibit steel corrosion, and the highest inhibition efficiency (η) is 97.5% (1000 mg/L). Following immersion for 24 h, the η value is enhanced to 99.0%, indicating a reliable and long-term ATL extract protection film is formed on the steel surface in harsh acidic solutions. The results of the weight loss, SEM (scanning electron microscope), and LSCM (laser scanning confocal microscopy) are consistent with the above conclusions. Finally, this study anticipates providing theoretical support for developing novel green plant extract inhibitors and aiding in their application in industrial pickling environments.

Polymer modification has been established as a cost-effective, simple, in situ method for overcoming some of the inherent disadvantages of boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes, and its application has been extended to reliable, low-cost environmental monitoring solutions. The present review focuses on modifying BDD electrodes with semi-conductive polymers acting as redox mediators. This article reports on the development of a 3-methyl thiophene-modified boron-doped diamond (BDD/P3MT) sensor for the electrochemical determination of total phenolic compounds (TPCs) in tea samples, using gallic acid (GA) as a marker. GA is a significant polyphenol with various biological activities, making its quantification crucial. Thus, a simple, fast, and sensitive GA sensor was fabricated using the electroanalytical square wave voltammetry (SWV) technique. The sensor utilizes a semi-conductive polymer, 3-methyl thiophene, as a redox mediator to enhance BDD\'s sensitivity and selectivity. Electrochemical synthesis was used for polymer deposition, allowing for greater purity and avoiding solubility problems. The BDD/P3MT sensor exhibits good electrochemical properties, including rapid charge transfer and a large electrochemical area, enabling GA detection with a limit of detection of 11 mg/L. The sensor\'s response was correlated with TPCs measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) showed a good linear relationship between peak currents and GA concentrations in a wide linear range of 3-71 mg/L under optimal conditions. The BDD/P3MT sensor accurately measured TPCs in green tea, rooibos tea, and black tea samples, with green tea exhibiting the highest TPC levels. The results demonstrate the potential of the modified BDD electrode for the rapid and accurate detection of phenolic compounds in tea, with implications for quality control and antioxidant activity assessments. The prolific publications of the past decade have established BDD electrodes as robust BDD sensors for quantifying polyphenols. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, plant-derived beverages such as tea and wine, traditional Eastern remedies and various herbal nutritional supplements contain phenolic chemicals. The safety concerns of contaminated food intake are significant health concerns worldwide, as there exists a critical nexus between food safety, nutrition, and food security. It has been well established that green tea polyphenol consumption promotes positive health effects. Despite their potential benefits, consuming high amounts of these polyphenols has sparked debate due to concerns over potential negative consequences.

The activation of PMS to produce active species is an attractive technique for antibiotic degradation but is restricted to the low reaction kinetics and high costs. In this work, a cobalt-based catalyst was prepared by in situ electrodeposition to enhance the electrically activated PMS process for the degradation of antibiotics. Almost 100% of pefloxacin (PFX) was removed within 10 min by employing Co(OH)2 as the catalyst in the electrically activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process, and the reaction kinetic constant reached 0.52 min-1. The redox processes of Co2+ and Co3+ in Co(OH)2 catalysts were considered to be the main pathways for PMS activation, in which 1O2 was the main active species. Furthermore, this strategy could also achieve excellent degradation efficiency for other organic pollutants. This study provides an effective and low-cost strategy with no secondary pollution for pollutant degradation.

The electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to valuable chemicals is gaining significant attention as a pragmatic solution for achieving carbon neutrality and storing renewable energy in a usable form. Recent research increasingly focuses on designing electrocatalysts that specifically convert CO2 into ethanol, a desirable product due to its high-energy density, ease of storage, and portability. However, achieving high-efficiency ethanol production remains a challenge compared to ethylene (a competing product with a similar electron configuration). Existing electrocatalytic systems often suffer from limitations such as low energy efficiency, poor stability, and inadequate selectivity toward ethanol. Inspired by recent progress in the field, this review explores fundamental principles and material advancements in CO2 electroreduction, emphasizing strategies for ethanol production over ethylene. We discuss electrocatalyst design, reaction mechanisms, challenges, and future research directions. These advancements aim to bridge the gap between current research and industrialized applications of this technology.

Pulsed electrolysis has emerged as a promising approach to CO2 reduction, offering a simple method to adjust product selectivity and enhance operational stability. However, conceptually applying the dynamic pulse operation process on a large scale highlights its differences when compared to conventional electrolysis processes, impacting the economic feasibility of the process. We discuss the influence of pulsed electrolysis on surface reaction mechanisms and the simulation of changes at both the continuum and smaller scales through computational modeling. Additionally, we point out considerations for applying pulsed CO2 electrolysis to a large-scale process and assess their economic implications, comparing pulsed electrolysis with constant electrolysis.

Investigating the correlation between aging mechanisms and state of charge (SOC) can optimize cycling conditions and prolong the life cycle of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). A long-term cycle between a certain SOC range is usually employed to study this correlation. However, this method necessitates a lengthy period, running from months to years, prolonging the research duration significantly. The aging mechanisms obtained through this method are a result of the coupling of various SOC levels; the aging mechanisms at a specific SOC level are not accurately decoupled and analyzable. The proposed Zero-sum pulse method, using symmetrical pulses with small SOC amplitude variations on SOC, can explore aging mechanisms of LIBs at a specific SOC level and reduce the time to less than a week, which significantly expedite the research process. The aging mechanisms at 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% SOC levels are explored to verify the accuracy and timeliness of this method.

Solid-state batteries with Li metal anodes can offer increased energy density compared to Li-ion batteries. However, the performance of pure Li anodes has been limited by morphological instabilities at the interface between Li and the solid-state electrolyte (SSE). Composites of Li metal with other materials such as carbon and Li alloys have exhibited improved cycling stability, but the mechanisms associated with this enhanced performance are not clear, especially at the low stack pressures needed for practical viability. Here, we investigate the structural evolution and correlated electrochemical behavior of Li metal composites containing reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and Li-Ag alloy particles. The nanoscale carbon scaffold maintains homogeneous contact with the SSE during stripping and facilitates Li transport to the interface; these effects largely prevent interfacial disconnection even at low stack pressure. The Li-Ag is needed to ensure cyclic refilling of the rGO scaffold with Li during plating, and the solid-solution character of Li-Ag improves cycling stability compared to other materials that form intermetallic compounds. Full cells with sulfur cathodes were tested at relatively low stack pressure, achieving 100 stable cycles with 79% capacity retention.