Zinc-based MOFs exhibit significant advantages in ion detection due to their unique structure and chemical properties. They can efficiently and selectively recognize and detect specific ions, making them powerful analytical tools for applications in environmental monitoring, biomedical fields, and more. In this work, we used a simple ligand to improve the coordination environment of Zn²⁺ ions and successfully synthesized a 3D coordination compound Zn(all-bdc)(Py) MOF through a straightforward hydrothermal method at low temperature. Additionally, we explored the potential of this MOF as a bifunctional ion fluorescence probe for both cationic and anionic recognition. The results showed that this 3D porous MOF exhibited excellent recognition ability for trivalent iron ions (Fe³⁺) and potassium permanganate (KMnO₄⁻) ions due to its highly porous structures and efficient ion recognition. When iron ions were added to 500 μL and potassium permanganate ions were added to 100 μL, the fluorescence of the compound was effectively quenched, and the detection limits for these two ions were 0.95 μM and 0.13 μM, respectively. The mixed-ion experiments also demonstrated that even in the presence of similar ions, this 3D MOF still maintained good selective recognition ability, specifically identifying Fe³⁺ and KMnO₄⁻ ions. This work provides a novel synthetic strategy for the design of MOFs capable of mixed-ion recognition and detection, expanding their application potential in ion sensing and analysis.

Large-scale popularization and application make the role of lithium-ion batteries increasingly prominent and the requirements for energy density have increased significantly. The silicon-based material has ultra-high specific capacity, which is expected in the construction of next-generation high specific-energy batteries. In order to improve conductivity and maintain structural stability of the silicon anode in application, and further improve the energy density of the lithium-ion battery, we designed and synthesized carbon-coated porous silicon structures using diatomite and polysaccharides as raw materials. The electrode materials constructed of diatomite exhibit porous structures, which can provide fast transport channels for lithium ions, and effectively release the stress caused by volume expansion during cycling. At the same time, the electrical conductivity of the materials has been significantly improved by compounding with biomass carbon, so the batteries exhibit stable electrochemical performance. We systematically studied the effect of different contents of biomass carbon on the Li₂MnSiO₄/C cathode, and the results showed that the carbon content of 20% exhibited the best electrochemical performance. At a current density of 0.05C, the capacity close to 150 mAh g⁻¹ can be obtained after 50 cycles, which is more than three times that of without biomass carbon. The silicon-based anode composited with biomass carbon also showed excellent cycle stability; it could still have a specific capacity of 1063 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at the current density of 0.1 A g⁻¹. This study sheds light on a way of synthesizing high specific-capacity electrode materials of the lithium-ion battery from natural raw materials.

Coal holds a significant position in China’s energy consumption structure. However, the release of Hg⁰ during coal combustion poses a serious threat to human health. Traditional activated carbon for Hg⁰ removal is expensive; finding efficient, inexpensive and renewable adsorbents for Hg⁰ removal has become a top priority. Rice husk gasification char (RHGC) is a solid waste generated by biomass gasification power generation, which, loaded with silver to remove Hg⁰, could achieve the purpose of waste treatment. This paper examines the Hg⁰ removal performance of silver-loaded rice husk gasification char (SRHGC) under different operating conditions through experimental analysis. This study employed quasi-first-order, quasi-second-order, and internal diffusion kinetics adsorption equations to model the amount of Hg⁰ removed by SRHGC at different temperatures, thereby inferring the reaction mechanism. The results indicate that Hg⁰ removal efficiency of SRHGC increased by about 80%. The Hg⁰ removal ability was directly related to silver load, and the amount of Hg⁰ removed by SRHGC did not a exhibit a simple inverse relationship with particle size. Additionally, the Hg⁰ removal efficiency of SRHGC declined with increasing adsorption temperature. The removal of Hg⁰ by SRHGC conformed to the quasi-second-order kinetic equation, with the adsorption rate constant decreasing as the temperature rose, consistent with experimental observations. This paper provides both experimental and theoretical references for future modification and optimization of RHGC for coal-fired flue gas treatment, and also offers valuable insights into Hg⁰ removal by carbon-based adsorbents.