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In this work, Ti 3 C 2 MXene, a novel two-dimensional nanosheet, was introduced to waterborne polyurethane (WPU) coatings to prepare a composite coating. First, MAX phase materials were in situ etched by HF acid and further intercalated by water molecules to obtain exfoliated single-layer MXene nanosheet. And then, composite coatings were prepared via solution-blending low addition (0–0.4 wt%) of MXene, self-prepared waterborne polyacrylate emulsion (PAE) and isocyanate hardener, applying on Q235 mild steel. Results of AFM, XRD SEM and SEM–EDS confirm that single-layer MXene nanosheets with large lateral-to-thickness ratio are successfully prepared and achieved homogenous distribution within WPU matrix. With 0.4 wt% MXene incorporated, the WPU/Ti 3 C 2 MXene composite coatings reach a lowest corrosion current of 2.143 × 10 –6  A/cm 2 , a decrease of one order of magnitude compared with blank WPU (1.599 × 10 –5  A/cm 2 ) and own an excellent UV-blocking property (almost block the whole UV light). Graphical abstract

Ultrasmall gold (Au) clusters have been regarded as one of the prototypes materials for solar energy conversion due to their unique strong molecular-like light absorption properties. However, the light-induced aggregation of Au clusters into nanoparticles is one of the most important factors that restricts its application in photocatalysis. Although Au clusters aggregation has been widely demonstrated, the underlying mechanism for cluster fusion is still unclear due to the lack of experimental evidence. Herein, we report the direct observation of Au clusters on TiO 2 nanosheets aggregating when used as visible light photocatalysts for the reduction of nitroaromatics. Through in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the coexistence of two fusion mechanisms of Au clusters on TiO 2 under ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) light irradiation in air is identified, i.e., the migration and coalescence (MC) and Ostwald ripening (OR). Additionally, the correlation between the photostability of Au clusters and reaction atmospheres has been investigated, among which Au clusters have higher stability in an inert N 2 atmosphere or vacuum than the oxidizing atmospheres (i.e., air and O 2 ). These results indicate the inherent stability of Au cluster during photocatalysis, and instability comes from the consuming of ligand layer. This work not only discloses the underlying mechanism of Au cluster sintering but also provides guidelines for enhancing metal clusters-based photocatalysts stability.

Photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) are an important technology for converting solar energy, which has experienced rapid development in recent decades. Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) are also gaining increasing attention due to their crucial role in PEC reactions. This review comprehensively delves into the significance of TCO materials in PEC devices. Starting from an in-depth analysis of various TCO materials, this review discusses the properties, fabrication techniques, and challenges associated with these TCO materials. Next, we highlight several cost-effective, simple, and environmentally friendly methods, such as element doping, plasma treatment, hot isostatic pressing, and carbon nanotube modification, to enhance the transparency and conductivity of TCO materials. Despite significant progress in the development of TCO materials for PEC applications, we at last point out that the future research should focus on enhancing transparency and conductivity, formulating advanced theories to understand structure–property relationships, and integrating multiple modification strategies to further improve the performance of TCO materials in PEC devices.

The black perovskite phase of CsPbI 3 is promising for optoelectronic applications; however, it is unstable under ambient conditions, transforming within minutes into an optically inactive yellow phase, a fact that has so far prevented its widespread adoption. Here we use coarse photolithography to embed a PbI 2 -based interfacial microstructure into otherwise-unstable CsPbI 3 perovskite thin films and devices. Films fitted with a tessellating microgrid are rendered resistant to moisture-triggered decay and exhibit enhanced long-term stability of the black phase (beyond 2.5 years in a dry environment), due to increasing the phase transition energy barrier and limiting the spread of potential yellow phase formation to structurally isolated domains of the grid. This stabilizing effect is readily achieved at the device level, where unencapsulated CsPbI 3 perovskite photodetectors display ambient-stable operation. These findings provide insights into the nature of phase destabilization in emerging CsPbI 3 perovskite devices and demonstrate an effective stabilization procedure which is entirely orthogonal to existing approaches. Lattice anchoring, in its varied forms, has proven effective at regulating the energetics of metastable phases of polymorphic crystals. Here, the authors utilize top-down photolithography to embed a tessellating 3D interfacial network into otherwise-unstable CsPbI 3 perovskite thin films and devices, stabilizing the perovskite phase.

Metal halide perovskite (MHP) quantum dots (QDs) offer immense potential for several areas of photonics research due to their easy and low‐cost fabrication and excellent optoelectronic properties. However, practical applications of MHP QDs are limited by their poor stability and, in particular, their tendency to aggregate. Here, we develop a two‐step double‐solvent strategy to grow and confine CsPbBr3 QDs within the three‐dimensional (3D) cavities of a mesoporous SBA‐16 silica scaffold (CsPbBr3@SBA‐16). Strong confinement and separation of the MHP QDs lead to a relatively uniform size distribution, narrow luminescence, and good ambient stability over 2 months. In addition, the CsPbBr3@SBA‐16 presents a high activity and stability for visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic toluene C(sp3)–H bond activation to produce benzaldehyde with ∼730 µmol g−1 h−1 yield rate and near‐unity selectivity. Similarly, the structural stability of CsPbBr3@SBA‐16 QDs is superior to that of both pure CsPbBr3 QDs and those confined in MCM‐41 with 1D channels. A two‐step double‐solvent approach has been devised to encapsulate CsPbBr3 quantum dots inside the three‐dimensional compartments of mesoporous silica SBA‐16. This technique results in enhanced confinement, leading to a uniform size distribution and sharp luminescence. Regarding visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic C(sp3)–H bond activation, the composite exhibits exceptional efficiency, delivering a rate of 730 µmol g−1 h−1 for benzaldehyde production and demonstrating remarkable stability.

Vitamin E Poly(ethylene glycol) monoplatinum ester (TPGS) nanoparticles have attracted much attention in recent years for overcome multidrug resistance. Herein, a well-defined folic acid (FA)-conjugated and disulfide bond-linked polymer (FA-SS-TPGS) was synthesized. These polymer nanoparticles were utilized as theranostic agents for tumor-targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and chemotherapy. By loading doxorubicin (DOX) and superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles into TPGS nanoparticles, FA-SS-TPGS@DOX/SPIO nanoparticles are obtained. In vitro drug release studies revealed that under a reducing environment in the presence of glutathione (GSH), approximately 100% of the doxorubicin (DOX) was released from the disulfide bond-linked theranostic nanoparticles within 24 h. DOX and SPIO were efficiently delivered into HepG2-ADM cells due to the folate receptor-mediated endocytosis process of the nanoparticles. Additionally, the presence of glutathione (GSH) triggered the cleaving of the disulfide bonds, further facilitating the delivery of DOX and SPIO into the cells. Furthermore, the FA-SS-TPGS @DOX-SPIO nanoparticles exhibited strong MRI contrast enhancement properties. In conclusion, FA-SS-TPGS@DOX/SPIO are potential nanoparticles for tumor-targeted MRI and chemotherapy, which can also overcome multidrug resistance.

Background Mesonephric carcinoma (MC) is a very rare tumor with less than 70 cases had been reported. The rarity of MC has restricted its research, resulting in the lack of published guidelines. Objective To summarize the characteristics and construct an external‐validated nomogram to predict the survival of MC patients. Method Sixty‐four qualified patients derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Plus database, and one patient from the Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital were enrolled. The entire cohort was randomly divided into a development (70%) and a validation cohort (30%). The Kaplan–Meier method and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied. Two nomograms were established to predict the 3‐to‐8‐year survival probability of MC patients, which were evaluated by C‐index, ROC curves, DCA curves, and calibration plots. Results The average survival time of MC patients was 84.22 ± 50.66 months. No significant difference was shown among different groups of race, primary site, tumor differentiated grade, and FIGO stages, while different SEER stages did distinguish patients' survival time, which indicated that the SEER stage standards might be a better staging system in the MC patients than FIGO stage (p = .0835). Additional survival analyses showed that MC patients benefited from shorter waiting times to begin treatment, accepting surgery, regional lymph node examination, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Two nomograms were established, both of which got satisfied scores in C‐index, ROC curves, DCA curves, and calibration plots. Conclusion Sufficient regional lymph nodes examined, and applying radiotherapy in high‐risk patients are recommended in MC patients. Nomograms established in the present study had good predicting and discriminating capabilities, which would be helpful in patients' individual risk estimation, management, counseling, and follow‐up.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop the efficiency of styrene-acrylate (SA) emulsions for polymer cement waterproof coatings with improved bacteria resistance and mechanical properties. Design/methodology/approach For effective bacteria resistance and excellent mechanical properties, various concentrations of methacryloxyethylhexadecyl dimethylammonium bromide (MHDB) were synthesised and incorporated into SA emulsions. The properties of SA emulsions modified with MHDB were characterised and compared with those of unmodified ones according to the formulations of polymer cement waterproof coatings. Findings The SA emulsions modified with MHDB exhibited significant enhancement of bacteria resistance and mechanical properties over the unmodified ones. The positive quaternary nitrogen and long-chain alkyl groups of MHDB in SA emulsions could attract phospholipid head groups of bacterial and insert them into the cell wall, which results in biomass leak and bactericidal effect. Moreover, MHDB as a softened monomer was beneficial to the synthesis of SA copolymer with low glass-transition temperature (Tg), then the copolymer and cement would form a more compact film which was the main reason for the enhancement of mechanical properties. Research limitations/implications The modifier MHDB was synthesised from diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAM) and 1-bromohexadecane. Besides, the congeners of MHDB could be synthesised from DEAM and 1-bromododecane, 1-tetradecyl dromide, 1-octadecyl bromide, etc. In addition, the efficiency of other modifications into SA emulsions for antibacterial polymer cement waterproof coatings could be studied as well. Practical implications The method provided a practical solution for the improvement of water-based antibacterial acrylate polymer cement waterproof coatings. Originality/value The method for enhancing bacteria resistance and mechanical properties of the waterproof coating was novel and valuable.

Metal halide perovskite (MHP) quantum dots (QDs) offer immense potential for several areas of photonics research due to their easy and low‐cost fabrication and excellent optoelectronic properties. However, practical applications of MHP QDs are limited by their poor stability and, in particular, their tendency to aggregate. Here, we develop a two‐step double‐solvent strategy to grow and confine CsPbBr 3 QDs within the three‐dimensional (3D) cavities of a mesoporous SBA‐16 silica scaffold (CsPbBr 3 @SBA‐16). Strong confinement and separation of the MHP QDs lead to a relatively uniform size distribution, narrow luminescence, and good ambient stability over 2 months. In addition, the CsPbBr 3 @SBA‐16 presents a high activity and stability for visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic toluene C(sp 3 )–H bond activation to produce benzaldehyde with ∼730 µmol g −1  h −1 yield rate and near‐unity selectivity. Similarly, the structural stability of CsPbBr 3 @SBA‐16 QDs is superior to that of both pure CsPbBr 3 QDs and those confined in MCM‐41 with 1D channels.

The black perovskite phase of CsPbI is promising for optoelectronic applications; however, it is unstable under ambient conditions, transforming within minutes into an optically inactive yellow phase, a fact that has so far prevented its widespread adoption. Here we use coarse photolithography to embed a PbI -based interfacial microstructure into otherwise-unstable CsPbI perovskite thin films and devices. Films fitted with a tessellating microgrid are rendered resistant to moisture-triggered decay and exhibit enhanced long-term stability of the black phase (beyond 2.5 years in a dry environment), due to increasing the phase transition energy barrier and limiting the spread of potential yellow phase formation to structurally isolated domains of the grid. This stabilizing effect is readily achieved at the device level, where unencapsulated CsPbI perovskite photodetectors display ambient-stable operation. These findings provide insights into the nature of phase destabilization in emerging CsPbI perovskite devices and demonstrate an effective stabilization procedure which is entirely orthogonal to existing approaches.