Self-assembly of metal/semiconductor heterostructures via ligand engineering: unravelling the synergistic dual roles of metal nanocrystals toward plasmonic photoredox catalysis.

Metal nanocrystals (NCs) have been recognized as an important class of nanomaterials by virtue of their unique surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect and pivotal roles as electron traps in photocatalysis. Nevertheless, it is still challenging to unambiguously unravel and simultaneously harness the dual synergistic roles of metal NCs in a single photocatalytic system for solar-to-chemical energy conversion. Herein, an efficient ligand-triggered electrostatic self-assembly strategy was developed to achieve the spontaneous and monodispersed attachment of Au NCs onto 1D WO3 nanorods (NRs) via pronounced electrostatic attractive interaction, in which tailor-made positively charged Au NCs were closely integrated with negatively charged WO3 NRs. The intimate integration of Au NCs with WO3 NRs at the nanoscale could significantly benefit the extraction, separation, and migration of plasmon-induced energetic hot carriers over Au NCs and promote the separation of photogenerated charge carriers over the WO3 substrate. Such a cooperative synergy stemming from SPR and the electron-withdrawal effects of the Au NCs resulted in distinctly enhanced photoredox catalytic performances for plasmonic photocatalysis under both simulated solar and visible light irradiation. Our study highlights the significance of utilizing a rational interface design between metal NCs and semiconductors for excavating the multifarious roles of metal NCs in substantial solar energy conversion.

[Pathogen Identification for An Imported Case with African Trypanosomiasis].

Objective: To perform laboratory diagnosis for an imported case of human African trypanosomiasis and identify the pathogen. Methods: Clinical and epidemiological information was collected. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected, stained with Wright-Giemsa, and microscopically examined. Genomic DNA from the blood samples was amplified with primers specific for Trypanosoma sp. expression site-associated gene (ESAG), Trypanosoma brucei gambiense specific glycoprotein (TgsGP) and 18S rRNA（M18S-Ⅱ-Tb） gene, and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense specific serum resistance associated （SRA） gene. Complete blood count, blood chemistry, and CSF examination were also conducted. Results: The patient had a 4-month history of lower extremity weakness and swelling of surface lymph nodes. Physical examination showed somnolence, and occasional emotional abnormalities, accompanied by anemia (hemoglobin 85 g/L), electrolyte disturbance (sodium 124 mmol/L; chlorine 87 mmol/L) and significantly increased nonspecific immune globulin protein （globulin 63 g/L）. Epidemiological survey showed that the patient suffered insect bites and stings for several times during his work in the Republic of Gabon in Africa. Microscopic examination revealed flagella of trypanosome in peripheral blood. PCR amplification produced bands of 286, 308, and 150 bp with primers specific for ESAG, TgsGP and M18S-Ⅱ-Tb, respectively. Conclusion: The patient was diagnosed with Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection from the clinical information, epidemiological history, etiology and PCR results.