The molecular mechanisms underlying optical isomer arbutin permeating the skin: The molecular interaction between arbutin and skin components.

Arbutin, a typical optical isomer, has garnered widespread acclaim in the whitening cosmetics for its favorable efficacy and safety. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying α-arbutin and ß-arbutin permeating across the skin have not elucidated clearly yet. Herein we aimed to unveil how α-arbutin and ß-arbutin interacted with keratin or SC lipids, further demonstrating their relationship with their drug permeability. We found that α-arbutin displayed significantly higher drug accumulation into the porcine skin than ß-arbutin within 24 h through in vitro permeation test. Moreover, α-arbutin predominantly induced the alternations of secondary structure of amide II during the drug permeation, which was favorable for α-arbutin permeation. On the contrary, ß-arbutin exhibited an observable effect on the stretching vibration of SC lipids, possessing a significantly stronger mixing energy, binding energy and compatibility with ceramide (Cer) than that of α-arbutin, which ultimately restricted its permeation. Interestingly, free fatty acids and ceramides of the SC lipids specifically utilized its oxygen atom of carboxyl group to dock the arbutin molecules, enhancing their affinity with ß-arbutin, as confirmed by molecular simulation and 13Carbon Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Nevertheless, a favorable compatibility between α-arbutin and keratin was observed. It was emphasized that the distinct spatial configuration and opposite optical rotation of arbutin was the leading factor impacting the intermolecular force between arbutin and the SC, and resulted in a diverse drug permeation. In cellular and in vivo skin pharmacokinetic studies, α-arbutin also possessed a higher cellular uptake and topical bioavailability than ß-arbutin. This study revealed the transdermal permeation mechanisms of optical isomer arbutin at the molecular levels, providing methodological reference for the investigations of permeation behaviors of other isomers with similar spatial configuration.

Metal Atom-Support Interaction in Single Atom Catalysts toward Hydrogen Peroxide Electrosynthesis.

Single metal atom catalysts (SACs) have garnered considerable attention as promising agents for catalyzing important industrial reactions, particularly the electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Within this field, the metal atom-support interaction (MASI) assumes a decisive role, profoundly influencing the catalytic activity and selectivity exhibited by SACs, and triggers a decade-long surge dedicated to unraveling the modulation of MASI as a means to enhance the catalytic performance of SACs. In this comprehensive review, we present a systematic summary and categorization of recent advancements pertaining to MASI modulation for achieving efficient electrochemical H2O2 synthesis. We start by introducing the fundamental concept of the MASI, followed by a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the correlation between the MASI and catalytic performance. We describe how this knowledge can be harnessed to design SACs with optimized MASI to increase the efficiency of H2O2 electrosynthesis. Finally, we distill the challenges that lay ahead in this field and provide a forward-looking perspective on the future research directions that can be pursued.

The effect of number of knots per throw, knot technique, and suture type on strength properties of suspensory fixation button surgical procedures.

Background: Previous studies of the cortical suspensory button (CSB) implant have analyzed fixation strength as a function of suture type and surgical technique, but knot configuration remains an area of interest. This study investigates 4-strand knot configurations in CSB suspensory fixation, specifically comparing the use of 2 separate knots with a single knot. We hypothesize that using 2 knots on the distal side of the CSB with #2 suture will yield the strongest and stiffest suspensory fixation. Methods: Two types of knot configurations were compared: a single knot with all 4 suture strands versus 2 independent knots with 2 suture strands each (1 knot from inner strands and 1 knot from outer strands). They were tested using #2 or 2-0 suture, and at distal (on top of the button) or proximal (underneath the button) knot positions. Mechanical testing on the Instron measured ultimate failure load, elongation at failure, and stiffness. Statistical analyses (Shapiro-Wilk, unpaired Student's t-tests, and Chi-square tests) assessed differences in strength, stiffness, elongation, and failure mode between knot configurations within each CSB construct combination. Results: With #2 suture, 2 knots across the CSB resulted in higher load to failure compared to 1 knot in both proximal (467.00 N vs. 554.66 N, P = .026) and distal (395.18 N vs. 526.51 N, P < .001) locations. Furthermore, 2 knots provided higher stiffness than 1 knot in both proximal (53.24 N/mm vs. 67.89 N/mm, P < .001) and distal (47.08 N/mm vs. 56.73 N/mm, P = .041) knot locations. However, using 2-0 suture showed no significant differences in failure load and stiffness regardless of knot location. Conclusion: Using #2 suture and tying 2 independent knots across the CSB increased load to failure and stiffness compared to using only 1 knot regardless of knot position. Thus, if using #2 suture, it is recommended to tie 2 knots to enhance construct strength. However, with 2-0 suture, the number of knots did not impact construct strength. Therefore, if using 2-0 suture, 1 knot can be used to save time. Knot position did not significantly affect the strength or stiffness of the CSB construct, emphasizing the importance of considering knot prominence and surgical approach for determining knot location.

Simulating the full spin manifold of triplet-pair states in a series of covalently linked TIPS-pentacenes.

Combined density functional theory and multireference configuration interaction methods have been used to elucidate singlet fission (SF) pathways and mechanisms in three regioisomers of side-on linked pentacene dimers. In addition to the optically bright singlets (S 1 $$ {}_1 $$ and S 2 $$ {}_2 $$ ) and singly excited triplets (T 1 $$ {}_1 $$ and T 2 $$ {}_2 $$ ), the full spin manifold of multiexcitonic triplet-pair states ( 1 $$ {}^1 $$ ME, 3 $$ {}^3 $$ ME, 5 $$ {}^5 $$ ME) has been considered. In the ortho- and para-regioisomers, the 1 $$ {}^1 $$ ME and S 1 $$ {}_1 $$ potentials intersect upon geometry relaxation of the S 1 $$ {}_1 $$ excitation. In the meta-regioisomer, the crossing occurs upon delocalization of the optically bright excitation. The energetic accessibility of these conical intersections and the absence of low-lying charge-transfer states suggests a direct SF mechanism, assisted by charge-resonance effects in the 1 $$ {}^1 $$ ME state. While the 5 $$ {}^5 $$ ME state does not appear to play a role in the SF mechanism of the ortho- and para-regioisomers, its participation in the disentanglement of the triplet pair is conceivable in the meta-regioisomer.

In Situ-Constructed Multifunctional Composite Anode with Ultralong-Life Toward Advanced Lithium-Metal Batteries.

Metallic lithium is the most competitive anode material for next-generation high-energy batteries. Nevertheless, the extensive volume expansion and uncontrolled Li dendrite growth of lithium metal not only cause potential safety hazards but also lead to low Coulombic efficiency and inferior cycling lifespan for Li metal batteries. Herein, a multifunctional dendrite-free composite anode (Li/SnS2) is proposed through an in situ melt-infusion strategy. In this configuration, the 3D cross-linked porous Li2S/Li22Sn5 framework facilitates the rapid penetration of electrolytes and accommodates the volume expansion during the repeated Li-plating process. Meanwhile, the lithiophilic Li2S phases with a low Li+ transport barrier ensure preferential Li deposition, effectively avoiding uneven electron distribution. Moreover, the Li22Sn5 electron conductors with appropriate Li+ bonding ability guarantee rapid charge transport and mass transfer. Most importantly, the steady multifunctional skeleton with sufficient inner interfaces (Li2S/Li22Sn5) in the whole electrode, not only realizes the redistribution of the localized free electron, contributing to the decomposition of Li clusters, but also induces a planar deposition model, thus restraining the generation of Li dendrites. Consequently, an unprecedented cyclability of over 6 500 h under an ultrahigh areal capacity of 10 mAh cm-2 and a current rate of 20 mA cm-2 is achieved for the prepared Li2S/Li22Sn5 composite anode. Moreover, the assembled Li/SnS2||LiFePO4 (LFP) pouch full-cells also demonstrate remarkable rate capability and a convincing cycling lifespan of more than 2 000 cycles at 2 C.

Morphology and root canal configuration of maxillary canines: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the internal morphology of maxillary canines (MxC) through a systematic review of existing literature. METHODS: Research articles up to June 2024 were retrieved from five electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Scopus, LILACS, and Cochrane). Predefined search terms and keywords were used, and potential studies were identified by cross-referencing and bibliographies of the selected articles reviewed. RESULTS: Two hundred studies were identified, 73 duplicates were removed, 127 records were screened, and 113 were removed after consultation of title and abstract. After full-text consultation and hand searching, finally 22 studies were included. Using the method for describing the root canal configuration (RCC) of Briseño Marroquín et al. (2015) and Vertucci (Ve) (1984), the most frequently reported RCC of MxC were 1-1-1/1 (Ve I, 75.4-100%), 2-2-1/1 (Ve II, 0.1-20%), 1-2-1/1 (Ve III, 0.1-11.6%), 2-2-2/2 (Ve IV, 0.1-0.4%), 1-1-2/2 (Ve V, 0.1-2.4%), 2-1-2/2 (Ve VI, 0.5-1.2%), and 1-2-1/2 (Ve VII, 0.1-0.2%). The meta-analysis of six studies (Europe/Asia) showed that a significantly higher number of RCC of 2-2-1/1 (Ve II) (OR [95%CI] = 1.34 [0.53, 3.41]), 1-2-1/1 (Ve III) (OR [95%CI] = 2.07 [1.01, 4.26]), and 1-1-2/2 (Ve V) (OR [95%CI] = 2.93 [1.07, 8.07]), were observed in males, and 2-2-2/2 (Ve IV) (OR [95%CI] = 0.08 [0.00, 4.00]) in females. No sex differences in the RCC of 1-1-1/1 (Ve I) and 1-2-1/2 (Ve VII) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Cone beam computed tomography is the most frequently used method for research on the RCC of MxC. Despite the high prevalence of type 1-1-1/1 (Ve I) RCC in MxC, clinicians should remain vigilant for more complex and sex-differentiated patterns in up to 25% of cases to prevent endodontic treatment complications or failures.

Flagella and Cell Body Staining of Bacteria with Fluorescent Dyes.

Bacteria can propel themselves by rotating a flagellum or a flagellar bundle. To image this thin structure in motile bacteria, the flagella can be vitally stained with fluorophores. This chapter describes a flagellar staining protocol with the additional possibility of visualizing the cell body. It offers the opportunity to track conformational changes of flagella and simultaneously track the positions of the cell bodies. The additional use of a filter increases the number of motile cells and improves the signal-to-noise ratio of images. The flagellar staining requires a prior introduction of a surface-exposed cysteine, which is not covered in this chapter.

Revealing the Effect of Electronic Configuration in Cux Species on CO2 Photoreduction Characteristic Products.

As of the present time, the in-depth study of the structure-activity relationship between electronic configuration and CO2 photoreduction performance is often overlooked. Herein, a series of Cux species modified CeO2 nanodots are constructed in situ by flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) to achieve an efficient photocatalytic CO2-to-C2 conversion with an electron utilization of up to 142.5 µmol g-1. Through an in-depth study of the electronic behavior and catalytic pathways, it is found that the Cu0/Cu+ species in the coexistence state of Cu0/Cu+/Cu2+ can optimize the energy band structure, photocurrent stability, and provide a kinetic basis for the active surface catalytic reaction process that requires the conversion of multiple electrons into C2 products, which ultimately enhances the CO2-to-C2H6 photoreduction by 3.8-fold and that for CO2-to-C2H4 photoreduction by 5.2-fold. Besides, the Cu2+ species in the coexistence state of Cu0/Cu+/Cu2+ are able to regulate the electronic behavior and the choice of the catalytic pathway, enabling the transitions between CO2-to-C2H6 and CO2-to-C2H4. This work indicates that electronic configuration optimization is an effective strategy to significantly enhance the CO2 photoreduction performance and provides new ideas for the design and synthesis of high-performance heterostructure photocatalysts.

Risk Factors for Dysfunctional Elbow Stiffness following Operative Fixation of Distal Humerus Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Elbow stiffness is one of the most common complications after operative fixation of distal humerus fractures; however, there is relatively limited literature assessing which factors are associated with this problem. The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors associated with dysfunctional elbow stiffness in distal humerus fractures after operative fixation. METHODS: A retrospective review of all distal humerus fractures that underwent operative fixation (AO/OTA 13A-C) at a single level 1 trauma center from November 2014 to October 2021. A minimum six-month follow-up was required for inclusion or the outcome of interest. Dysfunctional elbow stiffness was defined as a flexion-extension arc of less than 100° at latest follow-up or any patient requiring surgical treatment for limited elbow range of motion. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients with distal humerus fractures were included in the study: 54 patients comprised the elbow stiffness group and 56 patients were in the control group. Average follow-up of 343 (59 to 2,079) days. Multiple logistic regression showed that orthogonal plate configuration (aOR: 5.70, 95% CI: 1.91-16.99, p=0.002), and longer operative time (aOR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.11-3.10, p=0.017) were independently associated with an increased odds of elbow stiffness. OTA/AO 13A type fractures were significantly associated with a decreased odds of stiffness (aOR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.03-0.80, p=0.026). Among 13C fractures, olecranon osteotomy (aOR: 5.48, 95% CI: 1.08-27.73, p=0.040) was also associated with an increased odds of elbow stiffness. There were no significant differences in injury mechanism, Gustilo-Anderson classification, reduction quality, days to surgery from admission, type of fixation, as well as rates of ipsilateral upper extremity fracture, neurovascular injury, nonunion, or infection between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Dysfunctional elbow stiffness was observed in 49.1% of patients who underwent operative fixation of distal humerus fractures in the present study. Orthogonal plate configuration, olecranon osteotomy, and longer operative time were associated with an increased odds of dysfunctional elbow stiffness; however, 13A type fractures were associated with decreased odds of stiffness. Patients with these injuries should be counseled on their risk of stiffness following surgery, and modifiable risk factors like plate positioning and performing an olecranon osteotomy should be considered by surgeons.

Reconstruction of Ferromagnetic/non-magnetic Cobalt-based Electrocatalysts under Gradient Magnetic Fields for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution.

The rational manipulation of the surface reconstruction of catalysts is a key factor in achieving highly efficient water oxidation, but it is a challenge due to the complex reaction conditions. Herein, we introduce a novel in situ reconstruction strategy under a gradient magnetic field to form highly catalytically active species on the surface of ferromagnetic/non-magnetic CoFe2O4@CoBDC core-shell structure for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). We demonstrate that the Kelvin force from the cores' local gradient magnetic field modulates the shells' surface reconstruction, leading to a higher proportion of Co2+ as active sites. These Co sites with optimized electronic configuration exhibit more favorable adsorption energy for oxygen-containing intermediates and lower the activation energy of the overall catalytic reaction. As a result, a significant enhancement in OER performance is achieved with a large current density increment about 128% at 1.63 V and an overpotential reduction by 28 mV at 10 mA cm-2 after reconstruction. Interestingly, after removing the external magnetic field, the activity could persist for over 100 h. This work showcases the directional surface reconstruction of catalysts under a gradient magnetic field for enhanced water oxidation.

Evaluation of different operational conditions in a microbial electrolysis cell inoculated with a pure culture of Shewanella oneidensis for hydrogen production.

Hydrogen is a promising alternative to meet the world's energy demand in the future because of its energetic characteristics. Microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) produces hydrogen from organic matter using exoelectrogenic bacteria. Shewanella oneidensis stands out for having the capacity to produce hydrogen using different electron transfer mechanisms. The present research aims to evaluate the hydrogen production efficiency in a MEC inoculated with a pure culture of S. oneidensis in different operational conditions. Since the use of a catalyst accounts for most of the MEC cost, no catalyst was used for anode or cathode. Experiments were performed in semi-continuous and batch mode using different electrodes, voltages applied, and medium in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The highest hydrogen production rate (HPR) was 0.107 m3 of H2/m3day obtained in a semi-continuous experiment using graphite plates and stainless steel electrodes. In batch experiments, a HPR occurred at 0.7 V, with a value of 0.048 m3 of H2/m3day versus 0.037 m3 of H2/m3day with 0.9 V. HPR was higher with carbon felt electrode (0.056 m3 of H2/m3day). However, current density dropped after 38 h, with carbon felt electrodes, and did not recover. Results of the present research showed that the MEC using a pure culture of S. oneidensis can be considered an alternative for hydrogen production without using a catalyst. Also, S. oneidensis produced hydrogen in both anaerobic and aerobic conditions with low methane production. Optimization can be proposed to improve hydrogen production based on the operational conditions tested in these experiments.

T1 relaxation and axon fibre configuration in human white matter.

Understanding the effects of white matter (WM) axon fibre microstructure on T1 relaxation is important for neuroimaging. Here, we have studied the interrelationship between T1 and axon fibre configurations at 3T and 7T. T1 and S0 (=signal intensity at zero TI) were computed from MP2RAGE images acquired with six inversion recovery times. Multishell diffusion MRI images were analysed for fractional anisotropy (FA); MD; V1; the volume fractions for the first (f1), second (f2) and third (f3) fibre configuration; and fibre density cross-section images for the first (fdc1), second (fdc2) and third (fdc3) fibres. T1 values were plotted as a function of FA, f1, f2, f3, fdc1, fdc2 and fdc3 to examine interrelationships between the longitudinal relaxation and the diffusion MRI microstructural measures. T1 values decreased with increasing FA, f1 and f2 in a nonlinear fashion. At low FA values (from 0.2 to 0.4), a steep shortening of T1 was followed by a shallow shortening by 6%-10% at both fields. The steep shortening was associated with decreasing S0 and MD. T1 also decreased with increasing fdc1 values in a nonlinear fashion. Instead, only a small T1 change as a function of either f3 or fdc3 was observed. In WM areas selected by fdc1 only masks, T1 was shorter than in those with fdc2/fdc3. In WM areas with high single fibre populations, as delineated by f1/fdc1 masks, T1 was shorter than in tissue with high complex fibre configurations, as segmented by f2/fdc2 or f3/fdc3 masks. T1 differences between these WM areas are attributable to combined effects by T1 anisotropy and lowered FA. The current data show strong interrelationships between T1, axon fibre configuration and orientation in healthy WM. It is concluded that diffusion MRI microstructural measures are essential in the effort to interpret quantitative T1 images in terms of tissue state in health and disease.

How Well Can Quantum Embedding Method Predict the Reaction Profiles for Hydrogenation of Small Li Clusters?

Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum mechanics in novel ways to tackle complex chemistry problems that cannot be accurately addressed using traditional quantum chemistry methods. However, the high computational cost and available number of physical qubits with high fidelity limit its application to small chemical systems. This work employed a quantum-classical framework which features a quantum active space-embedding approach to perform simulations of chemical reactions that require up to 14 qubits. This framework was applied to prototypical example metal hydrogenation reactions: the coupling between hydrogen and Li2, Li3, and Li4 clusters. Particular attention was paid to the computation of barriers and reaction energies. The predicted reaction profiles compare well with advanced classical quantum chemistry methods, demonstrating the potential of the quantum embedding algorithm to map out reaction profiles of realistic gas-phase chemical reactions to ascertain qualitative energetic trends. Additionally, the predicted potential energy curves provide a benchmark to compare against both current and future quantum embedding approaches.

Industry Image Classification Based on Stochastic Configuration Networks and Multi-Scale Feature Analysis.

For industry image data, this paper proposes an image classification method based on stochastic configuration networks and multi-scale feature extraction. The multi-scale features are extracted from images of different scales using deep 2DSCN, and the hidden features of multiple layers are also connected together to obtain more informational features. The integrated features are fed into SCNs to learn a classifier which improves the recognition rate for different categories. In the experiments, a handwritten digit database and an industry hot-rolled steel strip database are used, and the comparison results demonstrate the proposed method can effectively improve the classification accuracy.

Proximity Sensor for Measuring Social Interaction in a School Environment.

Social interactions are characterized by being very diverse and changing over time. Understanding this diversity and dynamics, as well as their emerging patterns, is of great interest from social, health, and educational perspectives. The development of new devices has been made possible in recent years by advances in applied technology. This paper presents the design and development of a novel device composed of several sensors. Specifically, we propose a proximity sensor integrated by three devices: a Bluetooth sensor, a global positioning system (GPS) unit and an accelerometer. By means of this sensor it is possible to detect the presence of neighboring sensors in various configurations and operating conditions. Profiles based on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) exhibit behavior consistent with that reported by empirical relationships. The present sensor is functional in detecting the proximity of other sensors and is thus useful for the identification of interactions between people in relevant contexts such as schools.

Development and Investigation of a Grasping Analysis System with Two-Axis Force Sensors at Each of the 16 Points on the Object Surface for a Hardware-Based FinRay-Type Soft Gripper.

The FinRay soft gripper achieves passive enveloping grasping through its functional flexible structure, adapting to the contact configuration of the object to be grasped. However, variations in beam position and thickness lead to different behaviors, making it important to research the relationship between structure and force. Conventional research using FEM simulations has tested various virtual FinRay models but replicating phenomena such as buckling and slipping has been challenging. While hardware-based methods that involve installing sensors on the gripper and the object to analyze their states have been attempted, no studies have focused on the tangential contact force related to slipping. Therefore, we developed a 16-way object contact force measurement device incorporating two-axis force sensors into each of the 16 segmented objects and compared the normal and tangential components of the enveloping grasping force of the FinRay soft gripper under two types of contact friction conditions. In the first experiment, the proposed device was compared with a device containing a six-axis force sensor in one segmented object, confirming that the proposed device has no issues with measurement performance. In the second experiment, comparisons of the proposed device were made under various conditions: two contact friction states, three object contact positions, and two object motion states. The results demonstrated that the proposed device could decompose and analyze the grasping force into its normal and tangential components for each segmented object. Moreover, low friction conditions result in a wide contact area with lower tangential frictional force and a uniform normal pushing force, achieving effective enveloping grasping.

Comprehensive Review on the Impact of Chemical Composition, Plasma Treatment, and Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) Irradiation on the Electrical Properties of Organosilicate Films.

Organosilicate glass (OSG) films are a critical component in modern electronic devices, with their electrical properties playing a crucial role in device performance. This comprehensive review systematically examines the influence of chemical composition, vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation, and plasma treatment on the electrical properties of these films. Through an extensive survey of literature and experimental findings, we elucidate the intricate interplay between these factors and the resulting alterations in electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and breakdown strength of OSG films. Key focus areas include the impact of diverse organic moieties incorporated into the silica matrix, the effects of VUV irradiation on film properties, and the modifications induced by various plasma treatment techniques. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms governing these phenomena are discussed, shedding light on the complex molecular interactions and structural rearrangements occurring within OSG films under different environmental conditions. It is shown that phonon-assisted electron tunneling between adjacent neutral traps provides a more accurate description of charge transport in OSG low-k materials compared to the previously reported Fowler-Nordheim mechanism. Additionally, the quality of low-k materials significantly influences the behavior of leakage currents. Materials retaining residual porogens or adsorbed water on pore walls show electrical conductivity directly correlated with pore surface area and porosity. Conversely, porogen-free materials, developed by Urbanowicz, exhibit leakage currents that are independent of porosity. This underscores the critical importance of considering internal defects such as oxygen-deficient centers (ODC) or similar entities in understanding the electrical properties of these materials.

Microfluidic Synthesis of Multifunctional Micro-/Nanomaterials from Process Intensification: Structural Engineering to High Electrochemical Energy Storage.

Multifunctional micro-/nanomaterials featuring functional superiority and high value-added physicochemical nature have received immense attention in electrochemical energy storage. Microfluidic synthesis has become an emergent technology for massively producing multifunctional micro-/nanomaterials with tunable microstructure and morphology due to its rapid mass/heat transfer and precise fluid controllability. In this review, the latest progresses and achievements in microfluidic-synthesized multifunctional micro-/nanomaterials are summarized via reaction process intensification, multifunctional micro-/nanostructural engineering and electrochemical energy storage applications. The reaction process intensification mechanisms of various micro-/nanomaterials, including quantum dots (QDs), metal materials, conducting polymers, metallic oxides, polyanionic compounds, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and two-dimensional (2D) materials, are discussed. Especially, the multifunctional structural engineering principles of as-fabricated micro-/nanomaterials, such as vertically aligned structure, heterostructure, core-shell structure, and tunable microsphere, are introduced. Subsequently, the electrochemical energy storage application of as-prepared multifunctional micro-/nanomaterials is clarified in supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, all-vanadium redox flow batteries, and dielectric capacitors. Finally, the current problems and future forecasts are illustrated.

Activated Co in Thiospinel Boosting Li2CO3 Decomposition in Li-CO2 Batteries.

Catalytic reactions mainly depend on the adsorption properties of reactants on the catalyst, which provides a perspective for the design of reversible lithium-carbon dioxide (Li-CO2) batteries including CO2 reduction (CO2RR) and CO2 evolution (CO2ER) reactions. However, due to the complex reaction process, the relationship between the adsorption configuration and CO2RR/CO2ER catalytic activity is still unclear in Li─CO2 batteries. Herein, taking Co3S4 as a model system, nickel (Ni substitution in the tetrahedral site to activate cobalt (Co) atom for forming multiatom catalytic domains in NiCo2S4 is utilized. Benefiting from the special geometric and electronic structures, NiCo2S4 exhibits an optimized adsorption configuration of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3), promoting its effective activation and decomposition. As a result, the Li-CO2 batteries with NiCo2S4 cathode exhibit remarkable electrochemical performance in terms of low potential gap of 0.42 V and high energy efficiency of 88.7%. This work provides a unique perspective for the development of highly efficient catalysts in Li-CO2 batteries.

Understanding the Role of Spin State in Cobalt Oxyhydroxides for Water Oxidation.

Although the electronic state of catalysts is strongly corrected with their oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performances, understanding the role of spin state in dynamic electronic structure evolution during OER process is still challenging. Herein, we developed a spin state regulation strategy to boost the OER performance of CoOOH through elemental doping (CoMOOH, M = V, Cr, Mn, Co and Cu). Experimental results including magnetic characterization, in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy, in situ Raman and density functional theory calculations unveil that Mn doping could successfully increase the Co sites from low spin state to intermediate spin state, leading to the largest lattice distortion and smallest energy gap between dxy and dz2 orbitals among the obtained CoMOOH electrocatalysts. Benefiting from the promoted electron transfer from dxy to dz2 orbital, facilitated formation of active high-valent *O-Co(IV) species at applied potential, and reduced energy barrier of rate-determining step, the CoMnOOH exhibits the highest OER performance. Our work provides significant insight into the correction between dynamic electronic structure evolution and OER performance by understanding the role of spin state regulation in metal oxyhydroxides, paving a new avenue for rational design of high-activity electrocatalysts.