Xiamen University

About: Xiamen University is a education organization based out in Amoy, Fujian, China. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Population. The organization has 50472 authors who have published 54480 publications receiving 1058239 citations. The organization is also known as: Amoy University & Xiàmén Dàxué.

Microalgae bioengineering: From CO2 fixation to biofuel production

Abstract: The recognised deficiencies in sustainable development and the extensive environmental deterioration and global warming concerns caused by anthropological CO2 emissions are major issues facing the world today. Massive reduction in atmospheric CO2 concentration, through the development of processes that utilize CO2 or minimise CO2 emissions, is critical to ensure environmental sustainability. One of the major contributors to anthropological CO2 emission is the combustion of petroleum fuels in vehicular engines for transportation. Biofuel, as an alternative to petroleum transport fuels, has become a partial substitute for fossil fuel. The use of microalgae for biofuel production has gained enormous research interests in recent years, primarily due to the ability to photosynthetically convert CO2 (a biology-inspired process engineering route) into potential biofuel biomass, as well as food, feed stocks, and high value biochemicals. In this review, the CO2 fixation ability of microalgae in comparison to other plant species and genetic engineering methods of improving microalgae photosynthetic rate, have been discussed. Advances in bioprocess technologies for microalgal biomass creation and biodiesel production are also described and other important matters are discussed.

Fundamental understanding and applications of plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Abstract: Plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (PERS), including surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, has witnessed substantial development over the past 20 years. These techniques can provide fingerprint information on target materials with sensitivities down to the single-molecule level and with sufficient spatial resolution to observe individual vibrational modes. PERS has thus found applications in diverse areas, ranging from bioanalysis to materials characterization. In this Technical Review, we survey the fundamental principles, advantages and limitations of using localized surface plasmon resonance to enhance the Raman signal in PERS. We discuss the issues that influence the sensitivity and interpretation of PERS results and provide an overview of state-of-the-art PERS applications in materials characterization, bioanalysis and the study of surfaces and interfaces. We also troubleshoot common experimental issues, largely based on our own experience. Finally, we conclude by examining future directions and issues to be addressed for the further development of PERS techniques. Plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (PERS) is a highly sensitive technique that can provide molecular fingerprint information. This Technical Review discusses the fundamental principles, advantages and limitations of PERS, key issues in using PERS and interpreting results, and state-of-the-art applications in materials characterization, bioanalysis and the study of surfaces.

Dynamic gating of infrared radiation in a textile.

Abstract: The human body absorbs and loses heat largely through infrared radiation centering around a wavelength of 10 micrometers. However, neither our skin nor the textiles that make up clothing are capable of dynamically controlling this optical channel for thermal management. By coating triacetate-cellulose bimorph fibers with a thin layer of carbon nanotubes, we effectively modulated the infrared radiation by more than 35% as the relative humidity of the underlying skin changed. Both experiments and modeling suggest that this dynamic infrared gating effect mainly arises from distance-dependent electromagnetic coupling between neighboring coated fibers in the textile yarns. This effect opens a pathway for developing wearable localized thermal management systems that are autonomous and self-powered, as well as expanding our ability to adapt to demanding environments.