Hierarchical and porous MgAl₂O₄ spinel with excellent absorption performance has been synthesized via a facile hard template process.

High-efficiency production of xylene/trimethylbenzene from benzene/toluene with methanol is a potential way to promote the implementation on the coupled cycle development strategy of petrochemical and coal chemical industry and optimize the resource structure. At the same time, relying on the innovation of catalytic new materials, physical chemistry, intelligent capture technology, process engineering, and other principles and methods, p-xylene (PX) and trimethylbenzene (TMB) with higher added value were prepared by C_6-8~arene methylation, which could elevate the level of methylation field and improve the competitiveness of the industry. This paper focuses on the one-step methylation reaction of benzene with methanol or toluene with methanol to obtain high-purity p-xylene (BM-PX/TM-PX), and the one-step methylation reaction of xylene with methanol to obtain mesitylene (XM-TMB). The methylation reaction mechanism and the preparation strategy of a high-performance catalyst were reviewed. The high selectivity of PX obtained by precisely controlling the pore size and acid site distribution of zeolites was emphasized. Meanwhile, the current research progress of TMB, the kinetic/thermodynamics of the BM-PX/TM-PX, and XM-TMB methylation reaction were described. Based on a literature research and the conclusion of our research group, the mechanism of methylation reaction process was expounded. Finally, the new research direction of catalysts used and reaction process in methylation reaction were prospected in order to guide the rapid development of this field.

Hierarchical Ag/TiO ₂ composites were successfully synthesized via hydrated magnesium carbonate hydroxide template-induced route, which exhibit superior and long-term antimicrobial activity.

Nanostructured V₂O₅ was fabricated facilely via the combustion of a precursor from mixtures of commercial V₂O₅ with molten urea for high-performance Li-ion battery cathodes.