Langmuir[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Architecting Plasmonic Hotspots at the Vertices of Octahedral AuAg Hybrid Nanocages for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering.
Gao M, Tong X, Wu X … +2 more , Ma Y, Zheng Y
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42307055 · Publisher ↗
Achieving precise control over nanostructure morphology is key to advancing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) through the creation of highly active plasmonic hotspots. Here, we transform solid Au@Ag core-shell n...
Achieving precise control over nanostructure morphology is key to advancing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) through the creation of highly active plasmonic hotspots. Here, we transform solid Au@Ag core-shell nano-octahedra via galvanic replacement with HAuCl into two distinct architectures: nano-octahedra with Au tipping on the corner at low precursor concentration and hollow Au-vertexed nanocages at higher concentration. Elemental mapping confirms a Ag-dominant octahedral body with Au-rich corners, which serve as localized plasmonic hotspots. The hollow nanocages can be further etched with hydrogen peroxide to enlarge their interior cavity, enabling systematic tuning of their plasmon resonance. These vertex-engineered nanostructures demonstrate a significantly improved SERS response, with octahedral AuAg hybrid nanocages achieving an optimal enhancement factor (EF) of 1.0 × 10 using crystal violet (CV) as a probe molecule at a concentration as low as 10 M. Specifically, for the 1619 cm peak, the enhancement is ∼1.14× greater at 10 M and ∼1.69× greater at 10 M compared to Au-tipped octahedral Au@Ag nanocrystals. Finite-element simulations attribute this improvement to the synergistic generation of strong electromagnetic field confinement and efficient charge separation at the Au-tipped vertices. This work provides a general strategy for designing high-performance SERS substrates through precise morphological engineering of metallic nanocages.
Constructing a Nonfluorinated, Durable, and Photothermal Superhydrophobic Polyurethane Sponge by Utilizing a Dual-Layer Design of Acetylene Black and Lignin Microparticles for Multifunctional Applications.
Zhou Z, Cao Y, He Z
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42307037 · Publisher ↗
The fabrication of superhydrophobic sponges with multifunctionality is of great importance in various practical fields. Herein, a fluorine-free, durable, and photothermal superhydrophobic polyurethane (PU) sponge is obta...
The fabrication of superhydrophobic sponges with multifunctionality is of great importance in various practical fields. Herein, a fluorine-free, durable, and photothermal superhydrophobic polyurethane (PU) sponge is obtained using a dual-layer design, consisting of acetylene black (AB) via the adhesion of epoxy resin and lignin microparticles (LMPs) via the adhesion of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The introduction of AB and LMPs not only creates hierarchical surface roughness on the skeletons of the PU sponge but also acts as photothermal absorbers. The as-prepared superhydrophobic PU sponge possesses excellent chemical resistance, hydrothermal and photothermal stabilities, and mechanical durability. Due to surface superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity, it exhibits high adsorption capacities up to 56.3 g/g for various oils and organic solvents, and shows high separation efficiencies up to 99.9%. Benefiting from an enhanced photothermal property caused by introducing AB and LMPs, the superhydrophobic PU sponge displays a maximum surface temperature of 75.8 °C under 1 sun irradiation. Consequently, it can rapidly adsorb a droplet of viscous crude oil (1 mL) within 70 s (1 sun), and achieve an ice-free property at -18.5 °C (0.5 sun). Furthermore, the superhydrophobic PU sponge can effectively separate water-in-oil (or oil-in-water) emulsions and adsorb five types of microplastics (PE, PP, PET, PS, and PVC) due to the rich functional surface groups. This work provides a dual-layer design for fabricating fluorine-free, durable, and photothermal superhydrophobic PU sponge, and opens a new avenue for preparing superhydrophobic sponges with multifunctionality for diverse practical applications.
Electrochemical and Hydrolytic Stability of Bidentate Alkyne-Based Self-Assembled Monolayers on Gold: Effect of Head and Foot Chain Lengths.
Yang Z, Pujari SP, Armstrong R … +4 more , Mathwig K, Leonardi F, Smulders MMJ, Zuilhof H
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42307034 · Publisher ↗
The terminal alkyne-gold bond provides strong self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with significant potential in biosensing applications. However, to deliver on this potential, a deeper understanding of their electrochemical...
The terminal alkyne-gold bond provides strong self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with significant potential in biosensing applications. However, to deliver on this potential, a deeper understanding of their electrochemical stability in relation to their molecular structure is required. This study systematically investigates the electrochemical stability of a series of bidentate alkyne monolayers on gold (Au) (CHO-CH-[-CHO-(CH)C≡C-Au]; head: = 4, 10, 18; foot: = 1, 3, 9) focusing on the effects of different head chains and the less-explored 'two-legged' foot chain structures on the surface coverage (θ) and interfacial charge transfer resistance (). θ remains nearly constant with increasing potential up to 0.9 V vs Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl), followed by a sharp drop between 0.9 and 1.0 V. In contrast, the corresponding decreases over a wider voltage range, with different monolayers showing distinct profiles and no distinct "onset" potentials. Overall, monolayers with long foot chains exhibit the highest electrochemical stability. Furthermore, we prepared two -CF-labeled monolayers and evaluated their hydrolytic stability in different aqueous media by monitoring changes in the F 1s/Au 4f ratio by XPS. The results confirm that long foot lengths ( ≥ 3) also provide good hydrolytic stability. These structure-functionality findings provide further impetus for their further application in sensor interface engineering.
Correction to "Mechanistic Insights into Protein Corona Formation: The Surface Charge of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Determines the Orientation and the Conformation of Adsorbed BSA Protein".
Ballicu A, Meloni GM, Farci M … +6 more , Tocco D, Piludu M, Parsons DF, Carucci C, Jachimska B, Salis A
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42307028 · Publisher ↗
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A Benzothiazinonecopillar[5]arene Derivative: Synthesis, Supramolecular Aggregation, and Fluorogenic Detection of Strong Bases, Including DBU.
Dhara SR, Ghosh K
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42306890 · Publisher ↗
A new copillar[5]arene with benzothiazinone motif has been synthesized, characterized, and studied for its molecular recognition of basic analytes. This new copillar[5]arene is structurally unique and exhibits supramole...
A new copillar[5]arene with benzothiazinone motif has been synthesized, characterized, and studied for its molecular recognition of basic analytes. This new copillar[5]arene is structurally unique and exhibits supramolecular assemblies in the solid state, involving different weak noncovalent forces. Owing to the presence of free phenolic -OH and an amide group, responds fluorometrically to basic analytes through a deprotonation mechanism. DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo[5,4,0]undec-7-ene) is selectively screened from a series of aliphatic and aromatic amines by the macrocycle in CHCN. However, some structurally related bases, such as DBN (1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene), TBD (1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene), and MTBD (7-methyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene), bring similar results in fluorescence in CHCN. Under identical conditions, non-nitrogenous bases, such as F and AcO, show a similar response. Although responds to F, AcO, DBU, DBN, TBD, and MTBD in CHCN by showing an emission at ∼560 nm, it is highly responsive to DBU in aqueous CHCN. The detection limit for DBU is found to be 1.38 × 10 M in CHCN. The emission characteristics of this macrocycle toward these analytes have been observed to differ in the solid state. The paper strip prepared from also clearly distinguishes them and enables the selective detection of DBU. Apart from these, the macrocycle is redox-active and responds differently toward DBU and F. The electronic properties of in the absence and presence of DBU have been corroborated theoretically.
Synergistic Effects of Mixed Na/K Alkalis on the Dissolution of Metakaolin Basal Surfaces: A ReaxFF Molecular Dynamics Study.
Zhang J, Wu X, Zhang J
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42304983 · Publisher ↗
The initial dissolution of metakaolin (MK) governs the supply and stoichiometry of dissolved aluminosilicate species for subsequent geopolymerization, yet the ion-specific roles of mixed alkalis at chemically heterogeneo...
The initial dissolution of metakaolin (MK) governs the supply and stoichiometry of dissolved aluminosilicate species for subsequent geopolymerization, yet the ion-specific roles of mixed alkalis at chemically heterogeneous MK basal surfaces remain poorly understood. In this work, ReaxFF reactive molecular dynamics simulations were performed at 350 K for 2.0 ns to investigate the dissolution of Al-rich and Si-rich MK (001) basal surfaces in 5 M NaOH, 5 M KOH, and a 5 M 1:1 NaOH/KOH mixed solution, using the ReaxFF parameter sets of Aryanpour et al. and Fedkin et al. The results reveal distinct cation-specific pathways: K more effectively facilitates Al-O bond cleavage and promotes the formation of Al-bearing oligomers, whereas Na more strongly perturbs the silicate network and sustains Si release. Most importantly, the 5 M 1:1 NaOH/KOH mixed solution exhibits a synergistic effect arising from the spatiotemporal complementarity of Na and K adsorption, which suppresses premature local passivation and yields a balanced dissolved Si/Al ratio of approximately 0.9. This mixed solution also gives the lowest residual fraction of CN = 4 Al species (14.6%), indicating enhanced framework destabilization and sustained early-stage bond-breaking reactivity; the associated framework response should be understood as structural relaxation rather than true diffusion of the solid phase. These findings provide atomistic insight into cation-regulated MK dissolution and offer a mechanistic basis for designing mixed-alkali activators for alkali-activated aluminosilicate materials.
Pore-Scale Investigation of Boundary and Gravity Effects on Chemical-Assisted Spontaneous Imbibition Using Microfluidics.
Lin L, Babadagli T, Li H
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42304971 · Publisher ↗
Spontaneous imbibition is a primary recovery mechanism in unconventional reservoirs. Although core-scale experiments capture the combined effects of parameters such as interfacial tension (IFT) and permeability, the indi...
Spontaneous imbibition is a primary recovery mechanism in unconventional reservoirs. Although core-scale experiments capture the combined effects of parameters such as interfacial tension (IFT) and permeability, the individual roles of boundary conditions and gravity remain poorly understood at the pore scale. This study employed microfluidics to directly visualize and quantify these effects during chemically assisted spontaneous imbibition. Micromodels consisting of a tight matrix adjacent to a fracture were saturated with dyed kerosene. Two boundary conditions were examined: cocurrent imbibition, with two ends open, and countercurrent imbibition, with only one side open. Experiments were conducted in vertical and horizontal orientations using water and nonionic (Tween 80) and anionic (Enordet O342) surfactants. Time-lapse imaging was used to track imbibition dynamics. Quantitative metrics, including the imbibition front velocity, perimeter-area ratio, displacement efficiency, and recovery factor, were extracted to characterize the mechanics of the process. For water-only experiments, cocurrent imbibition produced smoother displacement fronts with reduced fingering and a higher displacement efficiency than countercurrent imbibition. Similar trends were observed in most of the chemical-assisted tests. Both surfactants enhanced the final recovery and displacement efficiency by stabilizing the imbibition front and reducing residual oil saturation. Horizontal experiments exhibited higher early time front velocities but more pronounced fingering and lower displacement efficiency than vertical experiments. In the absence of gravity, long unstable fingers formed rapidly and impeded the further recovery. In vertical water imbibition, a high capillary force dominated the process, which caused rapid but unstable fingering. Conversely, the application of chemical additives reduced the IFT and transitioned the system to a gravity-dominated regime, which effectively stabilized the front in the vertical orientation. The pore-scale morphologies and recovery trends were found to be governed by the interplay of the inverse Bond number, viscous coupling, and relative permeability.
Origin of the Volcano Trend in the ORR Activity of N-Doped Graphene Supported on Carbon Substrates: The Dominant Role of Work Function Differences.
Sato S, Takashima T, Sumiyoshi A … +2 more , Betancourt RC, Nakamura J
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42304769 · Publisher ↗
N-doped graphene (NG) is a promising electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathodes of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs). The NG catalyst is generally supported on an electrode substrate com...
N-doped graphene (NG) is a promising electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathodes of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs). The NG catalyst is generally supported on an electrode substrate composed of carbon materials. However, the influence of the carbon substrate on the ORR performance of the NG catalyst has not been systematically explored. In this study, we have systematically investigated the impact of the carbon substrate on the ORR activity of the NG catalyst using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. Specifically, we have examined the ORR activity of the NG catalyst on graphene-based substrates with a van der Waals (vdW) interface. It has been revealed that the difference in work function between the substrate and the NG catalyst dominates the ORR activity; the maximum electrode potential () depends linearly on the work function difference. Such a linear relationship is derived from the fact that the net charge of the NG catalyst scales linearly with the work function of the substrate. Furthermore, was predicted to show a volcano trend with respect to the work function difference. This is because the reaction step that determines switches due to the change in the free energies of reaction intermediates by charge transfer across a vdW gap, indicating an optimal work function difference that maximizes the ORR activity of the NG catalyst supported on graphene-based substrates. The establishment of experimental techniques to control the work function difference at the substrate/NG catalyst interface will be key to achieving superior catalytic performance.
Theoretical Prediction and Anisotropic Optoelectronic Properties of the Two-Dimensional Carbon Material Sq-Biphenylene.
Cheng M, Zhong S, Huang Y … +2 more , Chen D, Hou Z
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42304695 · Publisher ↗
This paper theoretically proposes and systematically studies a novel two-dimensional carbon material, namely, Sq-biphenylene, for the first time using first-principles calculations. The research reveals that this structu...
This paper theoretically proposes and systematically studies a novel two-dimensional carbon material, namely, Sq-biphenylene, for the first time using first-principles calculations. The research reveals that this structure exhibits excellent mechanical, thermal, and dynamic stability, demonstrating its potential as a stable carbon-based material. Analysis of the electronic structure indicates that it is a direct band gap semiconductor featuring significant anisotropy in electronic properties. The material also exhibits high in-plane stiffness, an adjustable Poisson's ratio, and effective mass. The linear and nonlinear optical properties of the material are comprehensively studied by introducing the scissors correction based on the HSE06 band gap and the volume correction for two-dimensional systems. The calculations demonstrate that it exhibits strong in-plane and out-of-plane optical anisotropy. Notably, the material exhibits an exceptional second-order nonlinear optical response (χ = χ) near 2.3 eV, reaching a maximum value of 769 pm/V. This value significantly surpasses those of traditional nonlinear crystals, such as LiNbO (50 pm/V) and GaAs (340 pm/V), and the material exhibits distinct polarization selectivity. This work theoretically expands the family of two-dimensional carbon materials and systematically reveals the unique advantages of Sq-biphenylene in terms of structural stability, electronic and mechanical properties, and linear and nonlinear optical responses. These findings provide solid theoretical guidance for subsequent experimental synthesis and functional device development.
Nanostructured Insulated Electrodes: Fabrication and Characterization.
Burgess TF, Garcia CD, Chumanov G
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42304173 · Publisher ↗
Nanostructured insulated electrodes were fabricated the self-assembly of AgNPs on conducting ITO substrates followed by the spin-coating of a thin insulating polymer layer. The electric field above the NPs was enhanced...
Nanostructured insulated electrodes were fabricated the self-assembly of AgNPs on conducting ITO substrates followed by the spin-coating of a thin insulating polymer layer. The electric field above the NPs was enhanced relative to that above the interparticle space. An extended Hudlet model for electric force microscopy was used to quantify the surface electric field with high resolution. The field strength was found to be about 10 V/m and the field gradient about 10 V/m along the surface. Computational modeling based on finite element analysis and the Maxwell stress tensor was performed using COMSOL Multiphysics confirming the experimental results.
A Galvanostatic Strategy to Modulate ECL-RET in MnO-Polypyrrole-Polyluminol Nanohybrids for Signal-On Sensing of Glutathione.
Paramasivam S, Senthil Kumar S
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42302206 · Publisher ↗
Glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in multiple metabolic systems due to its master antioxidant nature, and its depletion is closely associated with neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we report a facile ga...
Glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in multiple metabolic systems due to its master antioxidant nature, and its depletion is closely associated with neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we report a facile galvanostatic strategy to modulate a solid-state electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) system for ultrasensitive signal-on detection of GSH. The ECL-RET platform based on a MnO-covered polypyrrole-polyluminol nanohybrid (MnO/PPy-PL)-modified GCE surface was fabricated via a simple galvanostatic method, enabling uniform deposition and shortening the donor-acceptor distance. The copolymerized polypyrrole significantly amplified the ECL emission of polyluminol owing to its high conductivity and rapid electron-transfer kinetics. MnO nanoparticles (MnO NPs) play an essential role in serving as an efficient ECL acceptor and enabling the signal-on sensing of GSH detection. The galvanostatic development of the ECL-RET platform and specific dissolution of MnO NPs by GSH incubation were confirmed using FESEM, XPS, Raman, UV-visible DRS, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The inhibited ECL emission of MnO NPs/PPy-PL/GCE gradually recovered upon incubation with the linearly increased concentration of GSH from 5 nM to 5 μM, and the calculated LOD and LOQ were 0.12 nM and 0.36 nM, respectively. The proposed sensor displays an excellent anti-interference ability and successfully demonstrates the sensing of GSH in human serum samples, which shows a good recovery percentage from 102% to 104%. The superior sensing performance of the proposed signal-on solid-state ECL-RET sensor methodology provides a promising potential for clinical diagnostics.
Fabrication of a Bi/BiWO Ohmic Junction to Enhance Interfacial Charge Transfer for the Removal of Cr(VI), Tetracycline, and Methylene Blue.
Ji WY, Huang HH, Luo CW … +4 more , Wu XW, Wu B, Wu KK, Zeng HY
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42302022 · Publisher ↗
Bi-embedded BiWO ohmic junction photocatalysts (Bi-BWO) were synthesized via a one-step direct hydrothermal route or hydrothermal method followed by in situ reduction using different reductants. The Bi-BWO prepared via a...
Bi-embedded BiWO ohmic junction photocatalysts (Bi-BWO) were synthesized via a one-step direct hydrothermal route or hydrothermal method followed by in situ reduction using different reductants. The Bi-BWO prepared via an in situ reduction pathway using NaBH showed better physicochemical and photocatalytic redox performances than the Bi-BWO via a direct hydrothermal route using glucose or ascorbic acid as a reductant. The Bi-BWO displayed an enhanced photocatalytic redox activity in Cr(VI) reduction and tetracycline (TC)/methylene blue (MB) degradation under visible light, which was ascribed to the synergy of the ohmic junction and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Bi nanoparticles (Bi NPs). The Bi-BWO provided the highest removal efficiencies with 93.4% Cr(VI) and 77.0% TC removal rates for 120 min, whose reaction rates were 4.5- and 2.5-fold higher than those of the pristine BiWO, respectively. Notably, the Bi-BWO exhibited a superior simultaneous removal efficiency of Cr(VI)/TC with the reaction rates of 85.4 × 10 for Cr(VI) and 16.4 × 10 min for TC, which are separately 4.0- and 1.4-fold higher than those in the single Cr(VI) and TC systems, respectively. This work provides a feasible approach to improve the photocatalytic performances of bismuth-based catalysts in wastewater remediation.
Metal-Organic Framework-Derived CoO/ZnO Heterostructures on Graphene Aerogels for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.
Wang M, Ma J, Yuan S … +3 more , Liu Z, Liu H, Gao B
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42301924 · Publisher ↗
This study reports an electrocatalytic cathode material (CoO/ZnO@RGO) constructed by integrating a bimetallic oxide heterojunction (CoO/ZnO) with a porous conductive reduced graphene oxide aerogel for lithium-sulfur batt...
This study reports an electrocatalytic cathode material (CoO/ZnO@RGO) constructed by integrating a bimetallic oxide heterojunction (CoO/ZnO) with a porous conductive reduced graphene oxide aerogel for lithium-sulfur batteries. This design aims to enhance the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries through interfacial catalysis and accelerated electron transport. The three-dimensional porous graphene aerogel network provides stable support for charge carriers while constructing rapid electron transport pathways for sulfide species, effectively mitigating volume expansion and accelerating charge migration. Meanwhile, the CoO/ZnO heterostructure serves as an adsorption and catalytic center for lithium polysulfides, accelerating the redox reaction kinetics of sulfur species while suppressing the shuttle effect. The CoO/ZnO@RGO electrode delivered an initial discharge capacity of 1590 mAh g at 0.1C and maintained a reversible capacity of 1079 mAh g after 250 cycles. At an E/S ratio of 7.5 μL mg and 1C, the cathode exhibited a low capacity decay rate of 0.15% per cycle over 400 cycles. In addition, at a sulfur loading of 3 mg cm and 5C, it still delivered a reversible capacity of 320 mAh g, demonstrating the robustness of the heterostructure/aerogel design and its promise for the development of advanced lithium-sulfur batteries.
Development of Peroxymonosulfate Catalytic System and Photoenzymatic Catalytic System Utilizing Zn-Doped g-CN for the Degradation of Methylene Blue in Water.
Shi H, Zhao J, Tu M … +6 more , Ahmed MS, Liu X, Hao H, Li J, Zhu L, Wu Z
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42301707 · Publisher ↗
The excessive discharge of wastewater containing methylene blue (MB) has caused certain adverse effects on human health and daily life. This highlights the urgent need for the development of safe and environmentally frie...
The excessive discharge of wastewater containing methylene blue (MB) has caused certain adverse effects on human health and daily life. This highlights the urgent need for the development of safe and environmentally friendly methods of degradation. In this study, two catalytic systems based on Zn-doped g-CN, namely, ZCN-1%/PMS and ZCN-1%/LC, were constructed for efficient activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and increased laccase stability. Experimental results show that Zn-doped g-CN shows much better photocatalytic activity, combined with good enzyme immobilization ability. At a catalyst dosage of 0.2 g/L, both systems were able to remove more than 97% of MB (0.2 g/L) in 30 and 60 min of irradiation, respectively. Quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis further revealed singlet oxygen (O) and superoxide radicals (O) as the main active species in the ZCN-1%/PMS and ZCN-1%/LC systems, respectively. Based on these results, the catalytic mechanisms of the two systems are systematically elucidated in this paper. This work not only proposes new methods for PMS activation and Photoenzymatic Synergistic Catalysis but also offers feasible technical strategies for treating MB-contaminated wastewater.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Lignin on Cobalt Electrodes in Alkaline Media.
Dourado AHB, Germano LD, Epifanio LCS … +3 more , Santos M, Curvelo AAS, Varela H
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42301616 · Publisher ↗
In the context of the global energy transition, the utilization of renewable feedstocks is imperative. The Lignin Electrochemical Oxidation Reaction (LEOR) represents a promising route to valorize biomass residue from in...
In the context of the global energy transition, the utilization of renewable feedstocks is imperative. The Lignin Electrochemical Oxidation Reaction (LEOR) represents a promising route to valorize biomass residue from industrial processes into high-value aromatics, such as vanillin, while simultaneously generating green hydrogen. While nickel is extensively studied for the LEOR, cobalt remains relatively unexplored. In this work, we optimized a potentiostatic electrodeposition process to fabricate cobalt electrodes with a high-surface-area petal-like morphology (approximately 5.8 × 10 active sites per cm). The Co electrocatalyst exhibited a high Faradaic efficiency for vanillin (19.5%)─surpassing bulk Ni electrodes─with high product selectivity. Remarkably, this performance was achieved at an overpotential 400 mV lower than that of nickel. However, stability challenges remain as the electrode underwent morphological degradation and surface area loss during operation.
Engineering pH-Responsive High Internal Phase Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Copolymer Nanoparticle-Lipase Complexes for Sustainable Enzymatic Microreactors.
Wu X, Zhu S, Zheng S … +2 more , Wang G, Gao Y
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42301615 · Publisher ↗
Enzymatic microreactors with sustainable operational stability have attracted significant interest in the development of green synthesis. In this work, a recyclable and pH-responsive enzymatic microreactor was constructe...
Enzymatic microreactors with sustainable operational stability have attracted significant interest in the development of green synthesis. In this work, a recyclable and pH-responsive enzymatic microreactor was constructed on the basis of high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs). Oil-in-water HIPPEs were prepared via simple hand-shaking emulsification adopting amine-functionalized diblock copolymer nanoparticle/lipase complexes as Pickering emulsifiers. The amine-functionalized nanoparticles, composed of poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)--poly(diacetone acrylamide), were synthesized through the combination of RAFT-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly and subsequent hydrolysis. The obtained HIPPEs displayed reversible emulsification/demulsification behaviors triggered by protonation/deprotonation of amine groups on the surfaces of nanoparticles. When applied to the esterification of butyric acid with 1-butanol, the as-prepared HIPPE-based microreactor exhibited outstanding catalytic efficiency due to the large interfacial area and shortened diffusion distance provided by the high-internal-phase structure. Moreover, pH-triggered demulsification enabled convenient product separation and efficient recycling of the nanoparticle/lipase complexes for repeated catalytic runs, demonstrating good sustainability and promising potential for practical applications.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Compound Droplet Detachment Using Magnetic Attractive and Repulsive Forces.
Gildeh MJ, Jamali M, Moghadam A … +1 more , Tafreshi HV
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42300028 · Publisher ↗
This paper investigates the interfacial forces controlling the detachment behavior of a multiphase droplet composed of immiscible liquids, an oil-coated water droplet, from a nonwetting surface, with special attention to...
This paper investigates the interfacial forces controlling the detachment behavior of a multiphase droplet composed of immiscible liquids, an oil-coated water droplet, from a nonwetting surface, with special attention to the residue left on the surface after droplet detachment. In particular, the force required to detach a compound droplet from a spherical surface is simulated by using techniques of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on atomistic scales. The resulting force and residual volume are then scaled up to predict the force of detachment obtained experimentally by cloaking a water droplet with an oil-based ferrofluid and detaching it from a coated glass bead by using a magnet. Using magnetic attraction and repulsion forces, it was found that a repulsive force can help reduce the amount of water residue on the surface. Good general agreement was observed between the predictions of our MD simulations and their experimental counterparts despite six orders of magnitude difference in size. The study presented in this paper can pave the way for developing a relationship between the volume of the residue on a surface and the force causing the detachment. Such information can benefit a variety of industrial applications involving multiphase droplets that interact with surfaces.
Breakdown Strength Enhancement and Space Charge Suppression of Low-density Polyethylene by Adding Fluorinated Graphene.
Jin D, Han Y, Wang Z … +1 more , Li Y
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42299057 · Publisher ↗
Electrical insulating materials with high breakdown strength and low space charge accumulation are very important for the development of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission. In this work, low-density polyethy...
Electrical insulating materials with high breakdown strength and low space charge accumulation are very important for the development of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission. In this work, low-density polyethylene (LDPE)-based composites were prepared by adding 0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.7 wt % fluorinated graphene. The morphology, breakdown strength, space charge distribution, and surface potential decay were characterized. The experimental results illustrate that when the mass fraction of fluorinated graphene increases from 0 to 0.7 wt %, the breakdown strength increases at first and then decreases, whereas the space charge density reduces initially and grows later. The 0.3 wt % composite has the highest breakdown strength, increasing by 54.2%, and the lowest space charge density, reducing by 26.4%, compared with pure LDPE. According to the quantum chemistry calculations and the trap distribution, the effects of fluorinated graphene on charge transport and breakdown strength are revealed. This work is very helpful for improving the electrical properties of polymeric materials.
Electronic/Ionic Co-Modulation by N/P Co-Doping toward High-Rate Sodium Storage in Coal-Derived Hard Carbon.
He C, Deng Y, Zhou Z … +5 more , Yin Z, Wang R, Dang N, Chen J, Zhao T
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42298926 · Publisher ↗
Hard carbon is one of the most promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, but its rate performance remains limited by sluggish sodium-storage kinetics. In this work, an electronic/ionic comodulation strategy was...
Hard carbon is one of the most promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, but its rate performance remains limited by sluggish sodium-storage kinetics. In this work, an electronic/ionic comodulation strategy was developed through N/P codoping to regulate coal-derived hard carbon. Specifically, N doping improves the electronic conductivity of the carbon framework and enhances Na adsorption, while P doping enlarges the interlayer spacing and promotes Na diffusion. As a result, the codoped hard carbon develops a hierarchical structure with expanded interlayer spacing, abundant defects, and coexisting open and closed pores. Kinetic analyses together with theoretical calculations indicate that N/P codoping modulates the local electronic environment and improves Na transport behavior, thereby enhancing the overall sodium-storage kinetics of hard carbon. The optimized anode delivers a reversible capacity of ∼240 mAh g at 30 mA g and retains 126 mAh g over 250 cycles even at 1500 mA g. A full cell paired with a NaFe/Ni/Mn/O cathode also delivers a stable capacity of ∼65 mAh g at 360 mA g. These results indicate that N/P codoping is an effective approach for improving the high-rate sodium-storage performance of coal-derived hard carbon.
Multifunctional Ionic Liquid-Engineered Polyacrylamide/Cationic Guar Gum Hydrogels with Integrated Antifreezing and Antibacterial Properties for Advanced Wearable Sensors.
Hu Y, Tang M, Ma J … +2 more , Wei T, Shen M
Langmuir · 2026 Jun · PMID 42298312 · Publisher ↗
Hydrogels are regarded as promising materials for flexible electronics and wearable sensors. However, it remains a significant challenge to simultaneously achieve high mechanical robustness, environmental tolerance, high...
Hydrogels are regarded as promising materials for flexible electronics and wearable sensors. However, it remains a significant challenge to simultaneously achieve high mechanical robustness, environmental tolerance, high electrical conductivity, antibacterial properties, self-healing ability, strong adhesion, and multimodal sensing performance in a single system. Addressing this, the multifunctional hydrogel (denoted as PCET) was developed by integrating polyacrylamide (PAM), biocompatible natural polymer cationic hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium guar gum (CGG), the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([Emim]Br), and natural polyphenol tannic acid (TA) through a synergistic cross-linking strategy. The PCET hydrogel demonstrated ionic conductivity (0.8 S/m) and functioned as a multimodal sensor, with strain sensitivity (GF = 1.65), reliable cycling stability, and responsive detection of pressure and temperature (TCR = 0.51%/°C). Furthermore, it exhibited strong substrate adhesion (∼50 kPa) and supported real-time motion monitoring, handwriting recognition, and electrocardiogram detection. [Emim]Br acted as a multifunctional agent that enhanced mechanical properties (toughness: 441 kJ·m, strength: 124 kPa, elongation: 840%) and conferred both antifreezing (freezing point: -28.65 °C) and antibacterial capabilities. Moreover, the chemical reaction between Fe and TA can promote rapid gelation. This work underscored the versatile role of [Emim]Br and provided a viable strategy for the development of multistimulus-responsive wearable sensor devices based on hydrogels.
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