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Pure biopolymer-based electrospun precursor carbon fibers are fabricated using an abundant and inexpensive biopolymer lignin blended with renewable resource-based cellulose acetate (CA). Iodine treatment on the fabricated green fiber was successfully performed in order to enhance the carbonization process as well as the retention of fiber morphology. The absorption mechanism of iodine by lignin and cellulose acetate and their derived electrospun green fibers has been investigated by means of thermal behavior and morphological retention. It was found that iodine treatment plays a vital role in altering the graphitization behavior as well as morphology retention during the carbonization process. With the help of iodine treatment, the green precursor fibers were successfully converted into thin carbon fibers, and scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the retention of fibrous structures with diameters around 250 nm. Raman spectroscopy revealed that although the overall level of graphitization was lower compared to polyacrylonitrile-based fibers, the graphitic crystallite size was larger in the produced carbon fibers. The produced pure biopolymer fibers and iodine treatments show promise for the production of green and costreduced carbon fibers.

Many archaea swim by means of archaella. While the archaellum is similar in function to its bacterial counterpart, its structure, composition, and evolution are fundamentally different. Archaella are related to archaeal and bacterial type IV pili. Despite recent advances, our understanding of molecular processes governing archaellum assembly and stability is still incomplete. Here, we determine the structures of Methanococcus archaella by X‐ray crystallography and cryo‐EM. The crystal structure of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii FlaB1 is the first and only crystal structure of any archaellin to date at a resolution of 1.5 Å, which is put into biological context by a cryo‐EM reconstruction from Methanococcus maripaludis archaella at 4 Å resolution created with helical single‐particle analysis. Our results indicate that the archaellum is predominantly composed of FlaB1. We identify N‐linked glycosylation by cryo‐EM and mass spectrometry. The crystal structure reveals a highly conserved metal‐binding site, which is validated by mass spectrometry and electron energy‐loss spectroscopy. We show in vitro that the metal‐binding site, which appears to be a widespread property of archaellin, is required for filament integrity.

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Novel lignin-chitosan polyelectrolyte fibres were produced through a reactive electrospinning process. Polyelectrolyte formation between the anionic lignin and cationic chitosan was controlled through the pH of the solution. Through manipulating the polyelectrolyte complex formation, fibres could be effectively produced from two biopolymers, which are normally very difficult to electrospin on their own. Though minimal amounts of the petroleum-derived polyethylene oxide were introduced into the solution to enhance the spinnability of the polyelectrolyte solution, it could be easily removed from the fibres post spinning by washing with water. Thus, pure biopolymer fibres could be produced. The optimum composition of lignin to chitosan was identified through SEM, FTIR and TGA analysis of the electrospun fibres. Fluorescence spectra of the electrospun fibres reveal the homogeneous distribution of lignin and chitosan components throughout the fibre network.

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SummaryThe structure of core–shell Cu@silica and Ag@Si nanoparticles obtained in one-step through evaporation of elemental precursors by a high-powered electron beam are investigated. The structure of the core and shell of the particles are investigated in order to elucidate their mechanisms of formation and factors affecting the synthesis. It is proposed that the formation of Cu@silica particles is mainly driven by surface tension differences between Cu and Si while the formation of Ag@Si particles is mainly driven by differences in the vapour concentration of the two components.

A recent development in the manufacturing of carbon nanotubes is the usage of renewable feedstocks as a carbon source. This new development is receiving much support and is a source of excitement among the global research communities due to the positive environmental impacts, reduced carbon footprints, and economic benefits. Various types of renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oils, plant derivatives, and other types of biomasses have been used for the green synthesis of carbon nanotubes by employing conventional fabrication techniques. As the global demand increases for green manufacturing, efforts to synthesize carbon nanotubes from renewable resources are receiving immense attention while also strengthening the concept of biorefinery. This also enables the efficient use of resources as well as improved waste management. The present review summarizes the recent developments and current status of the synthesis of carbon nanotubes using renewable feedstocks along with technical discussions, opportunities for novel precursors, and future directions.