Articles in this Volume

Research Article Open Access
The research progress on photocatalytic performance of graphene-based nanocomposites
As soon as nanomaterials were discovered, they attracted a lot of attention because of their unique and excellent properties and became major hot research. They are regarded as the most promising materials in the 21st century. With the growth of industrial production, photocatalytic technology has been pursued as an efficient, green, and economical way of industrial production and treatment of pollution. However, the low light energy utilization of traditional semiconductor materials is a drawback that cannot be ignored. Graphene, as one of the most common and widely used 2D nanomaterials, has a special structure and characteristics that can effectively solve this problem. The paper briefly introduces the structure, properties, preparation method, and basic principle of photocatalysis of graphene. At the same time, a review is provided on the application of graphene-based composite materials in the field of photocatalysis, including dye degradation, photocatalytic treatment of other emerging pollutants, photocatalytic treatment of air pollutants, and water decomposition. By summarizing and integrating the photocatalytic properties of several graphene-based composites, this article lays the foundation and helps to discover new graphene composites.
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Optical and electrical properties and applications of two-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterials
As an emerging material, two-dimensional (2D) carbon-based nanomaterials have unique optical and electrical properties due to their unique atomic layer structure. On the one hand, due to their high transmittance, high carrier mobility, controllable Fermi level, and wide spectral light saturation absorption characteristics, they can be applied in new-generation solar cells, organic light-emitting diodes, touch screens, and fiber optic devices. On the other hand, due to their unique nanostructure, they have high specific surface area, low diffusion distance, high conductivity, and ion conductivity. They can serve as substrates and work together with other materials as electrode materials for future fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries and have significant advantages in fields such as sensors. This article mainly summarizes the impact of two-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterials represented by graphene, Mxene, and 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) on their optical and electrical properties, and summarizes the latest practical applications and research progress of these nanomaterials in the field of optics and electronics. In addition, a corresponding summary and outlook have been made on the problems that need to be solved in future applications of 2D carbon-based nanomaterials.
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Applications of nanomaterials in medicine against cancer
Nowadays, all walks of life are developing with innovation at their core, and the subject of materials is no exception, while nanomaterials occupy an important position in the emerging field due to their unique properties and wide coverage. In addition, the incidence of cancer, a difficult disease with a very high mortality rate, is increasing day by day. Therefore, research on cancer has received extensive attention from society. Therefore, this paper explores how cancer can be treated by means of nanomaterials through the organization of current research and papers in the field. Research at this stage suggests that nanomaterials play a major auxiliary role in anti-cancer technology, as follows: enhancing the ability of other substances to disrupt cell membranes, assisting in the delivery of anti-tumor drugs, improving imaging capabilities, and enhancing the ability of some substances to inhibit tumor growth through specific mechanisms. In future research, the focus will be on minimizing the side effects of the treatment and improving its safety.
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Current progress in micro/nanofluidic chips and applications in cancer research and therapy
Micro/nanofluidic chips have set a new stage for cancer research and therapy, revolutionising the way we detect, diagnose, and treat this formidable disease. This paper provides an overview of the basic properties of micro/nanofluidic chips and current progress in the utilization of micro/nanofluidic chips in the realm of cancer. Their application in DNA and protein analysis, their role in cancer modelling and drug testing, and their innovative use in drug-eluting devices for cancer immunotherapy are discussed. The advantages and limitations of these technologies are evaluated, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities. Having the potential for earlier and more accurate diagnosis, novel therapy methods with better outcomes and less side-effects, more advancement and further breakthroughs can be anticipated in tackling tumours with micro/nanofluidic chips. In future development, it is suggested that combinations of such chips and various other emerging technologies can be attempted and explored for inventing more innovative and functional micro/nanofluidic devices, making a difference in the field of cancer research and therapy. Simultaneously, more improvement such as enhancing reproducibility and affordability is also necessarily required to realise the clinical trial, mass production, commercialisation of these chips.
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The application of nanotechnology in the field of lithium-ion battery
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Nanotechnology, with its remarkable progress, has permeated various aspects of daily life, highlighting its crucial role in shaping the world. One of its most significant applications is in the realm of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), where it holds the potential to dramatically enhance battery performance. This application is studied extensively both in the industry and academia. As the use of LIBs becomes more widespread, the demand for these batteries continues to rise. This paper will primarily focus on the utilization of nanotechnology within the LIB sector. This paper will delve into its applications across various components, including the cathode and anode. Furthermore, this paper will explore the potential future applications of nanotechnology in this field, examining how it can revolutionize energy storage technologies. The integration of nanotechnology not only enhances the performance of LIBs but also opens doors to innovative solutions that can address the growing energy demands of the modern society.
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Research on the application of BIM technology in intelligent building technology
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With the continuous progress of society and science, building technology is also developing in the direction of intelligence, and the introduction of BIM technology has greatly promoted the development of intelligent buildings in China. The application of BIM technology in the field of intelligent construction is of great significance. It optimises project quality management, accelerates the building delivery process, and improves the operation and maintenance management efficiency of buildings. It is foreseeable that with the arrival of the intelligent era, BIM technology will continue to play an important role and bring more opportunities and challenges to the construction industry. Relevant practitioners should also actively learn and apply this technology to promote the development of the construction industry. This paper is based on a number of typical engineering cases, analyses a large number of existing literature, and reads various working reports and policies issued by the government. It introduces the role of BIM technology in project quality management, intelligent construction delivery and operation and maintenance management, with a view to providing reference for relevant practitioners.
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Melanin nanoparticles scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen radicals for rheumatoid arthritis treatment
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex and chronic disease that often causes long-term pain and joint swelling in patients, and even causes joint deformity and dysfunction. The pathogenesis of this disease involves abnormal activity of the immune system, causing immune cells to attack the body’s joint tissues, which triggers an inflammatory response. During these inflammatory processes, the accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) is considered to be one of the key factors that aggravate inflammation and damage joint tissues. To address this problem, we designed a method that takes advantage of the targeting properties of melanin nanoparticles. These nanoparticles have excellent biocompatibility, can remain stable in the body, and can be accurately targeted to the site of inflammation. In addition, these nanoparticles also have strong free radical scavenging ability, which can effectively neutralize excessive RONS, reduce the inflammatory response and weaken joint tissue damage. The promise of this treatment strategy is encouraging and offers new hope for patients with RA. By reducing inflammation, protecting joint tissue, and possibly even reversing the disease process to some extent, this melanin nanoparticle holds great promise.
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Exploring attributes of global CCS projects and the key factors to their accomplishment based on the CCUS project database
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In recent decades, the serious excessive level of carbon emissions has become the worthiest of human consideration to alleviate the problem. The negative impacts of carbon emissions on human beings involve a variety of aspects, such as sea level rise, deforestation, air pollution, global warming, etc. Any one of these issues could cause serious negative impacts on human society. In a large number of relevant studies, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) programs are considered to be the most promising and effective approach. The carbon produced during production is captured and transported to rock formations deep underground where it is centrally stored. There are nearly 300 CCS plants in operation around the world that demonstrate the feasibility of such projects. However, one relevant question is whether the project is costly and has barriers to deploy at a scale. We gathered a comprehensive list of large-scale CCS projects globally by utilizing the CCUS Projects Database. We then conducted a comparative analysis of these projects across various categories of project status, ensuring comparability by standardizing cost and extraction figures for each project. We found that the cost of Capture and Storage Projects is the highest, followed by just Capture Projects and just Storage Projects. These plants predominantly exist in developed regions: the U.S. hosts the most, then Europe, parts of Australia, with fewer plants scattered globally. Based on detailed project-specific information, we found that that the two most common reasons for suspended or closed plants are high costs without sufficient financial support and the impact of government agencies’ permissions and regulation. As such, improvement in the capital market and more policy support would be crucial for the deployment and operation of Carbon Capture and Storage projects.
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Research on the analysis and management measures of land subsidence caused by groundwater exploitation in Tianjin, China
Since the 20th century, there has been an increasing reliance on groundwater due to the rapid development of agriculture and industry. This has resulted in the exploitation of groundwater in large quantities, leading to global land subsidence problems. Tianjin is one of the cities where this problem first emerged, but few studies and surveys have been conducted. As a result, the lack of management of groundwater extraction has caused the issue of land subsidence to become more prominent in recent years. By investigating and collating global research on land subsidence problems caused by groundwater extraction, it is concluded that mathematical and numerical methods, global information systems, remote sensing, and other technologies can be utilized to monitor and predict groundwater levels. Regional management measures can then be developed based on simulation results. However, the application of such technology in Tianjin is insufficient, and there is a need to strengthen the connection between management measures and research data analysis results.
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A review of the application of FRP materials in Asia-Pacific region
FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymers) materials are being increasingly used in various engineering fields due to their high specific strength, designability and durability. Having been rapidly developing in recent years, the Asia-Pacific region is also equipped with a continuously expanding demand for the research and application of FRP materials. This paper summarizes the application of FRP materials in the Asia-Pacific region through literature and case analysis. Some of the current issues existing in the procedure of FPR materials application are discussed, and predictions on the development and application prospects of this kind of materials in the Asia-Pacific region are also briefly suggested. It is found that FRP materials have been widely utilized in various fields including concrete structures reinforcement, bridge engineering construction and new energy facilities in the Asia-Pacific region, where is equipped with a relatively broad and promising market. Meanwhile, the shortcomings relevant to this kind of materials in several aspects, such as expensive unit prices and imperfect technical specification systems, also restricted the application of FRP materials in this region.
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