Highly dendrite-suppressing gel polymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries are presented utilizing perfluoropolyether-functionalized 2D boron nitride nanoflakes as a multifunctional additive.

BackgroundTo better understand the potential ecotoxicological impacts of silver nanoparticles released into freshwater environments, the Daphnia magna 48-hour immobilization test was used.MethodsThe toxicities of silver nitrate, two types of colloidal silver nanoparticles, and a suspension of silver nanoparticles were assessed and compared using standard OECD guidelines. Also, the swimming behavior and visible uptake of the nanoparticles by Daphnia were investigated and compared. The particle suspension and colloids used in the toxicity tests were well-characterized.ResultsThe results obtained from the exposure studies showed that the toxicity of all the silver species tested was dose and composition dependent. Plus, the silver nanoparticle powders subsequently suspended in the exposure water were much less toxic than the previously prepared silver nanoparticle colloids, whereas the colloidal silver nanoparticles and AgNO3 were almost similar in terms of mortality. The silver nanoparticles were ingested by the Daphnia and accumulated under the carapace, on the external body surface, and connected to the appendages. All the silver species in this study caused abnormal swimming by the D. magna.ConclusionAccording to the present results, silver nanoparticles should be classified according to GHS (Globally Harmonized System of classification and labeling of chemicals) as "category acute 1" to Daphnia neonates, suggesting that the release of nanosilver into the environment should be carefully considered.

Carboxylate-functionalized polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are promising materials for gas separation application. However, highly carboxylate-functionalized PIMs (HCPIMs) have not been reported owing to overlooked intermediate products. Herein, we successfully prepared HCPIMs (∼92 mol % of carboxylic acid group) through a prolonged alkaline hydrolysis process (360 h). HCPIMs were found to be soluble in various organic solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran and dimethyl sulfoxide, and then free-standing HCPIM membranes could be prepared by the common solution casting method. The HCPIM membranes were found to have smaller interchain distances and higher CO2 affinity than original PIM-1 films. For example, small gas molecules, such as carbon dioxide, were effectively separated due to the enhanced diffusivity selectivity combined with the smaller cavity size. Further, strong interactions between carbon dioxide and the carboxylic acid groups increased solubility selectivity. These synergetic effects endowed the HCPIM membrane with a selectivity of 53.6 for CO2/N2 separation, the highest among reported chemically modified PIMs.

The data suggest that the ethanol extracts of Artemisia asiatica exerted significant protection from alcohol-induced gastric mucosal injury through bio-regulation, which is essential for cytoprotection and anti-inflammation.