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The microstructure and absorption/desorption characteristics of composite MgH 2 and 5 wt % as-prepared single-walled carbon nanotubes (MgH 2-5ap) obtained by the mechanical grinding method were investigated. Experimental results show that the MgH 2-5ap sample exhibits faster absorption kinetics and relatively lower desorption temperature than pure MgH 2 or MgH 2-purified single-walled carbon nanotube composite. Storage capacities of 6.0 and 4.2 wt % hydrogen for the MgH 2-5ap composite were achieved in 60 min at 423 and 373 K, respectively. Furthermore, its desorption temperature was reduced by 70 K due to the introduction of as-prepared single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). In addition, the different effects of SWNTs and metallic catalysts contained in the as-prepared SWNTs were also investigated and a hydrogenation mechanism was proposed. It is suggested that metallic particles may be mainly responsible for the improvement of the hydrogen absorption kinetics, and SWNTs for the enhancement of hydrogen absorption capacity of MgH 2 .

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A dense molybdenum oxide layer was fabricated on nickel foam (MoO 2 @Ni) and used as the cathode in the 1-ethly-3-methylimidazolium chloride/AlCl 3 ionic liquid electrolyte aluminum ion battery. Study on the electrochemical performance demonstrated that the cathode could not only exhibit a discharge potential of 1.9 V which is higher than most of the studied metal oxide cathodes of Al ion battery, but also deliver a specific discharge capacity of 90 mAh g −1 at a constant current density of 100 mA g −1 . Although the MoO 2 was dissolved and transferred to the separator after long cycling, resulting in a rapid capacity decay, we still believe it is an encouraging outcome in terms of these type batteries.

The development of active, selective, and robust catalysts is a key issue in promoting the practical application of hydrazine monohydrate (N2 H4 ⋅H2 O) as a viable hydrogen carrier. Herein, the synthesis of a supported Ni-Pt bimetallic nanocatalyst on mesoporous ceria by a one-pot evaporation-induced self-assembly method is reported. The catalyst exhibits exceptionally high catalytic activity, 100 % selectivity, and satisfactory stability in promoting H2 generation from an alkaline solution of N2 H4 ⋅H2 O at moderate temperatures. For example, the Ni60 Pt40 /CeO2 catalyst enabled complete decomposition of N2 H4 ⋅H2 O to generate H2 at a rate of 293 h(-1) at 30 °C in the presence of 2 M NaOH, which compares favorably with the reported N2 H4 ⋅H2 O decomposition catalysts. Phase/structural analysis by XRD, TEM, and Auger electron spectroscopy was conducted to gain insight into the excellent catalytic performance of the Ni-Pt/CeO2 catalyst.

In-Sn alloys were prepared using arc melting technique. Their microstructures were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersed X-ray. Based on microstructure analysis, the phase constituents of alloys at Al grain boundaries were identified. The melting points of Al grain boundary phases were measured using differential scanning calorimeter. The reactivities of Al-water at different water temperatures indicate that liquid Al grain boundary phases promote Al-water reactions of alloys. The melting points of Al grain boundary phases affect the reaction temperatures of Al-water, leading to different reaction temperatures of alloys. The measured H 2 generation rate and yields of alloys are related to the compositions of alloys. The theory of micro-galvanic cell is used to explain the observed different H 2 generation rates of alloys.

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Prostate cancer (PCa) is a frequently occurring malignancy in males, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in PCa metastasis. Thus, developing biomarkers inhibiting EMT may provide significance for treatment of PCa. Hence, the aim of the current study was to investigate the mechanism by which FBP1 gene silencing influences PCa cell EMT, invasion and metastasis by mediating the MAPK pathway. PCa cell lines exhibiting the highest FBP1 expression were selected and treated with plasmids of siRNA-FBP1 sequence 1 and 2, pcDNA3.1-Flag-FBP1 (over-expression plasmid of FBP1), U0126 (an inhibitor of the ERK signaling pathway) and PD98059 (an inhibitor of the MEK signaling pathway). Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected by MTT assay, wound healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of related factors of EMT and MAPK signaling were determined by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Xenograft tumor growth after inoculation of DU145 cells was regularly analyzed in the nude mice. The positive expression of EMT markers was determined by immunohistochemistry. DU-145 and PC-3 cells displaying the highest FBP1 expression were selected for further analysis. The PCa cells treated with siRNA-FBP1 exhibited increased proliferation, migration rate and invasion, in addition to facilitated xenograft tumor growth. Notably, siRNA-FBP1 was identified to accelerate PCa cell EMT by elevating the expression of Vimentin and N-cadherin while diminishing E-cadherin expression via activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. The aforementioned results were reversed in PCa cells treated by pcDNA3.1-Flag-FBP1. Evidence has been provided in this study that FBP1 gene silencing activates the MAPK pathway, which ultimately promotes cell EMT, invasion and metastasis in PCa.