A new Fe-based metallic glass with composition Fe76B12Si9Y3 (at. %) is found to have extraordinary degradation efficiency towards methyl orange (MO, C14H14N3SO3) in strong acidic and near neutral environments compared to crystalline zero-valent iron (ZVI) powders and other Fe-based metallic glasses. The influence of temperature (294–328 K) on the degradation reaction rate was measured using ball-milled metallic glass powders revealing a low thermal activation energy barrier of 22.6 kJ/mol. The excellent properties are mainly attributed to the heterogeneous structure consisting of local Fe-rich and Fe-poor atomic clusters, rather than the large specific surface and strong residual stress in the powders. The metallic glass powders can sustain almost unchanged degradation efficiency after 13 cycles at room temperature, while a drop in degradation efficiency with further cycles is attributed to visible surface oxidation. Triple quadrupole mass spectrometry analysis conducted during the reaction was used to elucidate the underlying degradation mechanism. The present findings may provide a new, highly efficient and low cost commercial method for azo dye wastewater treatment.

Fe-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) typically exhibit ultrahigh strength but a poor ductility. Here, an Fe62Ni18P13C7 BMG with a super large plasticity of above 50% is reported. Such a discovery is guided by understanding a composition-strength-ductility map, in which most of Fe-based BMGs are classified into three types: FeC(B)-based, FeB-based, and FeP(C)-based. We demonstrate that the mechanical properties of the different types of BMGs are linked with their different physical properties. Among the three types of BMGs, the FeP(C)-based BMGs often possess a lower glass transition temperature, a lower shear modulus, and a higher Poisson's ratio, resulting in a lower shear flow barrier and a higher plasticity. Our findings provide a guideline in understanding the mechanical behavior of Fe-based BMGs.

No abstract

Sarcosine is a newly discovered effective biomarker for prostate cancer. However, the low concentration of sarcosine in tissue cells, plasma or urine blocks the development of sarcosine biosensors. In this manuscript, porous zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF8) was synthesized and was used as carriers to load nano platinum (Pt@ZIF8). The porous structure of ZIF8 helped to stabilize the nano platinum and keep its high catalytic activity. The Pt@ZIF8 modified sarcosine biosensor had good response toward sarcosine due to its unique structure and morphology. The linear range of the as prepared biosensor is from 5 to 30 μM, which is consistent with the detection demand. The prepared sarcosine biosensor is suitable to be developed as a kind of portable diagnostic facilities for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the major diseases that influence the health and life expectancy of men over 50 years' old.

No abstract