The insulating nature of elemental sulfur has been regarded as a major challenge limiting the electrochemical performance of Li–S batteries. Consequently, previous efforts have focused on developing conductive porous materials to enhance sulfur contact. In this study, we review this conventional assumption and demonstrate that the insulating property of sulfur is not the primary factor affecting Li–S battery performance. Instead, we introduce a novel sulfur host design using polar mesoporous carbon (p-MC), which possesses ultra-low electrical conductivity (6.45 × 10− 7 S cm− 1) and functional groups. Our results demonstrate that all sulfur particles within the nearly insulating p-MC matrix actively participate in electrochemical reduction during the initial discharge. A comparative study with a nonpolar mesoporous carbon host, which features a similar porous structure but higher conductivity (1.07 × 10− 1 S cm− 1), showed that the p-MC host achieved superior cycling stability. This performance is attributed to the strong interaction between the polar functional groups of p-MC and lithium polysulfides, enabling effective and stable confinement of the active materials during cycling. Our findings highlight a paradigm shift in the design of sulfur host materials and the critical role of polar functionalities. This study offers a promising strategy for the development of durable and high-performance Li–S batteries.

This study evaluated the field-scale performance of an amorphous iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)3)-based desulfurizing agent for the removal of sulfur-based odorous compounds emitted from wastewater treatment facilities, including equalization tanks and sludge dewatering unit facilities. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methyl mercaptan (MM), dimethyl sulfide (DMS), and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), which account for over 60~80% of total odor impact in such facilities, were targeted in this research. A drytype adsorption system packed with porous amorphous Fe(OH)3 was installed at a wastewater treatment plant and operated continuously for 45 days. Odorous gas concentrations were measured before and after treatment using portable analyzers and gas chromatography-pulsed flame photometric detector (GC-PFPD). The desulfurizing agent demonstrated a high H2S removal efficiency of over 99.9%, even under high inlet concentrations exceeding 500 ppm. Physicochemical analyses including XRD, XRF, EDS and BET confirmed that the material was amorphous, possessed a high surface area (243.4 m2/g), and exhibited a mesoporous structure favorable for gas adsorption. Hysteresis observed in nitrogen adsorption isotherms indicated a bottleneck-shaped pore structure, which enhances adsorption of odorous gases and removal efficiency. Notably, the system maintained stable performance under varying humidity without significant degradation.

This study details the synthesis and characterization of phosphorus-sulfur co-doped graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (PSQ) and their integration into g-C3N4 (CN) to form PSQ/CN composites for the enhanced photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) and fluorescence detection. Incorporating PSQ into CN was found to significantly improve light absorption, narrow the band gap, and enhance charge separation efficiency. Notably, the composite material exhibits superior photocatalytic performance, especially in acidic environments. Photocatalytic assessments utilizing Cr(VI) demonstrated that the PSQ/ CN composite outperformed both undoped and singly doped materials, indicating its superior photocatalytic activity. Additionally, phosphorus-sulfur co-doping markedly increased the fluorescence quantum yield of PSQ. The fluorescence intensity exhibited a linear decrease with increasing Cr(VI) concentrations, enabling sensitive and selective detection of Cr(VI) with a detection limit as low as 1.69 μmol/L. Collectively, the PSQ/CN composite and PSQ highlight their potential for photocatalysis and fluorescence-based detection of Cr(VI), providing high sensitivity, selectivity, and synergistic interactions within the composite material.

Carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers were synthesized in this study under a hydrogen atmosphere using the floating-catalyst chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. Acetone, ferrocene, and thiophene served as the sources of carbon, catalyst, and promoter, respectively. By adjusting the amount of thiophene, the sulfur molar ratio in the CVD reactor was varied to study its impact on the morphology and composition of the CNT fibers. Raman and TEM analyses showed that the structural properties of the CNTs, especially the production of single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) with a high Raman IG/ ID ratio of approximately 23.8, can be finely tuned by altering the sulfur content, which also affects the accumulation of spherical carbonaceous particles. Moreover, it was established that the electrical conductivity of the CNT fibers is significantly influenced by their specific components—SWCNTs, multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs), and spherical carbonaceous particles. The ratios of these components can be adjusted by modifying the molar ratios of catalyst and promoter in the precursor mixture. Remarkably, SWCNTs with enhanced crystallinity were found to substantially improve the electrical conductivity of the CNT fibers, despite the presence of numerous spherical carbon impurities.

A technology was developed to measure the hydrogen uptake and diffusivity of polymer materials used in high-pressure hydrogen tanks and pipelines at hydrogen refueling stations. This technology involves charging hydrogen into polymer under a maximum pressure of 90 MPa, followed by depressurization. The polymer material is then placed in a cylinder partially submerged in water, and hydrogen is released from the material. The increase in volume of the released hydrogen causes a decrease in the water level in the cylinder. To track this in real-time, an image analysis algorithm based on the brightness of a crescent-shaped water level image is used to accurately measure the water level and change in hydrogen amount at the same time. This data is then used in a self-developed diffusivity analysis program to evaluate hydrogen uptake and diffusivity. Using this technology, the hydrogen uptake and diffusivity of sulfur-crosslinked nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) composites containing carbon black and silica fillers were measured from 2 to 90 MPa. Additionally, the relationship between the physical stability of the NBR composites and their hydrogen uptake and diffusivity was investigated. To validate the effectiveness of the technology, an uncertainty analysis of the measurements was conducted, with all results showing an uncertainty within 8 %.

블루베리 재배 농가에서 사용되고 있는 산림 부산물인 파쇄 잣구과를 멀칭 재료로 사용하여 일반적으로 사용하는 황 처리와 비교 분석하였다. 멀칭 무처리구와 잣구과, 잣구과+황, 황, 잣나무 잎을 멀칭 후 블루베리의 생장(수고, 잎 너비와 길이)과 생리 상태(엽록소 함량, 엽록소 형광 반응), 잎의 무기영양 상태, 토양 화학성(질소, 칼륨, 칼슘, pH, 유기물)을 분석하였다. 블루베리는 멀칭 처리한 처리구에서 대조구에 비해 통계적으로 유의한 생장을 보였다. 잣구과와 황 멀칭 처리는 대조구 대비 수고 2.9배, 잎 너비 1.2배, 잎 길이 1.2배 증가하였으며 엽록소 함량도 증가하여 블루베리의 생리·생장에 우수한 효과를 나타냈다. 잣구과 단용 처리구보다는 잣구과와 황 멀칭 처리구가 블루베리의 생리 상태가 양호하게 나타났으 며, 생장과 생리 특성 및 토양의 화학성이 개선되어 블루베리 재배에 긍정적인 영향을 미칠 수 있는 것으로 판단되며, 향후 대면적의 장기적인 관찰을 통해 파쇄 잣구과 멀칭이 블루베리의 과실 품질에 미치는 영향을 연구하고자 한다.

A study on the denitrification of reverse osmosis(RO) concentrated wastewater from sewage reuse treatment plant in P city was conducted using waste desulfurization agent obtained from desulfurization process. Sulfur-based autotrophic denitrifying carrier comprises the predetermined amount of waste iron sulfide (FeS, Fe2S3), mine drainage sludge and elemental sulfur showing mesoporisity with 9.9 nm (99 Å) of average pore size. Sulfur denitrifying bacteria and sulfur reducing bacteria were implanted into the pores of sulfur denitrifying carrier. Nitrate was not affected by empty bed contact time (EBCT). It is probably due to larger reducing capacity of the carrier than the concentration of nitrate in RO concentrated wastewater. Total nitrogen (T-N) removal efficiency exhibited about 90% after 4 days. Sulfate ion was surprisingly decreased with sulfur autotropic process due to the reduction of sulfate ion to HS- and S2- by sulfur reducing bacteria. Sulfide and hydrogen sulfide ions were then taken by Fe(OH)3, main component of mine drainage sludge, releasing OH-. Alkalinity was therefore maintained between 7.5 and 8.5 in pH by the released OH-. Also, it had the effect of suppressing the production of H2S, which causes bad odor.

This study investigates the effects of a sulfur spa product on the skin and hair health of dogs. With the rise in environmental pollution and health threats to pet dogs, interest in natural, non-irritating skin care products for dogs has grown. The study involved 15 Maltese dogs divided into three groups: a control group only shampooed, a water group soaked in tap water post-shampoo, and a sulfur group soaked in sulfur-infused tap water post-shampoo. Measurements of skin moisture, oil, skin barrier, and pH were taken from the dogs' back and abdomen after 60 minutes of treatment over six weeks. Additionally, skin condition and hair cuticles were analyzed using microscopes. Results showed that the sulfur group had significantly higher skin moisture levels in both the back and abdomen compared to the control and water groups. While there was no significant change in skin oil levels and skin barrier, the sulfur group had the lowest skin barrier, indicating a potential reduction in trans-epidermal water loss due to the detoxified sulfur. The pH levels were within the alkaline range typical for dog skin, averaging between 5.7 and 6.5. Visual observations revealed a reduction in dead skin cells and improvements in skin cleanliness. Analysis of hair cuticles showed that sulfur positively impacts hair smoothness and elasticity.

2019년부터 2023년까지 서울지역에 유통되는 식약공용 농·임산물 60품목 1,340건을 대상으로 ICP-MS와 수은분 석기, 모니어-월리엄스 변법을 사용하여 중금속(납, 카드 뮴, 비소, 수은) 및 이산화황의 함량을 조사하고 위해성 평 가를 수행하였다. 중금속의 평균 검출량 및 범위는 납 0.327 mg/kg (ND-36.933), 카드뮴 0.083 mg/kg (ND-1.700), 비소 0.075 mg/kg (ND-2.200), 수은 0.004 mg/kg (ND- 0.047)으로 나타났다. 품목별은 2023년에 복령 1건에서 납 이 36.933 mg/kg으로 기준을 초과하였고 카드뮴은 2022년 에 구절초 2건이 각각 1.700 mg/kg, 0.650 mg/kg으로 기준 를 초과하였다. 나머지 품목은 모두 허용기준 이내였다. 이 산화황의 평균 검출량 및 범위는 0.75 mg/kg (ND-192.00)이 였으며, 2019년에 천마 2건에서 각각 192.00 mg/kg과 42.00 mg/kg으로 기준치을 초과하였다. 약용부위별 중금속 평균 검출량은 납은 버섯류(1.377 mg/kg), 카드뮴은 수·근피 류(0.156 mg/kg)와 등목류(0.144 mg/kg), 비소는 엽류 (0.149 mg/kg), 수은은 전초류(0.009 mg/kg), 엽류(0.009 mg/ kg)에서 높게 검출되었다. 이산화황 평균 검출량은 근경류 (4.12 mg/kg)에서 높게 검출되었다. 원산지별로 중금속 및 이산화황 함량을 비교한 결과, 납, 카드뮴 및 수은은 국내 산, 중국산, 중국 외 수입산 간에 차이는 없었으나, 비소 와 이산화황은 중국산이 국내산과 중국 외 수입산보다 높 게 검출되었다. 위해성 평가 결과, 납은 대부분의 품목에 서 노출안전역(MOE)값이 1보다 커서 인체 위해성이 낮았 지만, 복령에서 MOE 값이0.66으로 1보다 낮아 위해성이 있는 것으로 나타났다. 카드뮴, 비소 및 수은의 위해도(HI) 는 각각 0.2740-1.0702%, 0.0049-0.0335% 및 0.0041- 0.0287%로 매우 낮은 수준으로 평가되었다. 이산화황의 위해도(HI)는 모든 품목에서1을 초과하지 않아 안전한 수 준이었다. 앞으로도, 식약공용 농·임산물의 안전성에 대한 지속적인 관심과 모니터링이 필요하다.

The raw material selected for this research was Brazil chestnut shells (BCs), which were utilized to gain porous carbon as a positive electrode for lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). The effects of N/S co-doped on the electrochemical properties of porous carbon materials were studied using thiourea as nitrogen and sulfur sources. The experimental results indicate that the N/S co-doped carbon materials have a higher mesopore ratio than the undoped porous carbon materials. The porous carbon material NSPC-2 has a lotus-like structure with uniform pore distribution. The N and S doping contents are 2.5% and 5.4%. The prepared N/S co-doped porous carbon materials were combined with S, respectively, and three kinds of sulfur carbon composites were obtained. Among them, the composite NSPC-2/S can achieve the initial specific discharge capacity of 1018.6 mAh g− 1 at 0.2 C rate. At 1 C rate, the initial discharge capacity of the material is 730.6 mAh g− 1, and the coulomb efficiency is 98.6% and the capacity retention rate is 71.5% after 400 charge–discharge cycles.

Electric-propulsion systems for ships, also known as electric propulsion devices, represent the current direction of development for maritime power. Issues concerning the environment and fuel economy have compelled the maritime transport sector to seek solutions that reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. In this process, power electronics technology plays a significant role in the propulsion systems of ships. Selecting an efficient battery system is of great importance for enhancing the cruising range of yachts and minimizing environmental impact. The battery model is crucial for revealing the working principles of batteries, and it is extremely critical for the application and development of battery technology. The Battery Management System (BMS) serves a crucial regulatory function, optimizing both the safety and performance of battery cells. Central to its operation is the precise estimation of the battery's State of Charge (SOC), a process dependent on an exacting battery model. This system not only enhances longevity and reliability but also ensures that energy storage solutions meet high standards of efficacy. This study focused on testing the impedance characteristics of lithium-sulfur batteries (LSB) at various SOC points and establishing first- and second-order RC equivalent circuit models. The model parameters were identified through experimental data. Subsequently, a simulation platform was constructed using MATLAB/Simulink to simulate the behavior of LSB under a constant current discharge condition. The simulation results showed that the second-order RC model had significantly lower errors than the first-order model, demonstrating higher accuracy. These achievements can provide technical support for the research of energy storage systems in the green aviation and maritime industries.

Heavy metal ions pollution has become of worldwide critical concern, thus, it is particularly important to monitor it in the environment and food for ensuring human health. In this study, p-phenylenediamine and 2-mercaptothiazoline were used to prepare nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) co-doped carbon dots (N/SCDs) for fluorescent and colorimetric detection of Cu2+. The fabricated N/SCDs with bright green fluorescence showed excellent optical characteristics and favorable water solubility. In an aqueous system, a significant fluorescence quenching of N/SCDs at 512 nm is obtained in the presence of Cu2+. It also caused a significant colorimetric response with the color of prepared N/SCDs solution changed from colorless to yellow. Under optimal conditions, the analytical results showed that the linear range spanning from 5 to 400 μM, with a detection limit of 0.215 μM in fluorescence and 0.225 μM in colorimetric detection. In addition, N/SCDs displayed high selectivity toward Cu2+. No obvious interference was observed over other metal ions. Furthermore, we have also used N/SCDs to monitor Cu2+ in tap and lake water. The recovery of Cu2+ ranged between 89.6% and 113.1%. Exhibiting remarkable sensitivity and selectivity, the designed sensor offers a promising detection method for Cu2+ detection in the real sample.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of amino acid complex additives, such as protected vitamin C (VC) or detoxified sulfur (DS), on the growth and metabolism of Hanwoo cattle under high-temperature conditions. Accordingly, farms in Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) regions ranging from 78 to 89 for over 100 days were selected. The experimental groups were control, T1 (lysine + methionine + VC, 50 g/head/day), and T2 (lysine + methionine + DS, 50 g/head/day) with 70, 77, and 71 animals each. The range of the THI for 115 days was 78-89, and this occurred in most of the experiment days. The results showed that there was no significant difference in rectal temperature among the groups. The body weight increased to 786.4 and 809.0kg in the T1 and T2 groups, respectively, compared to the control group (p<0.05). Linoleic acid showed a high result of 2.01% in the T1 group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Unsaturated fatty acids were higher at 55.70 and 56.54% in the T1 and T2 groups, respectively, compared to the control group (p<0.05), and the omega 6/3 ratio was reduced to 20.10% (p<0.05). These findings indicate that T1 has a positive impact on growth, meat quality, and fatty acid composition compared to the control group. In conclusion, amino acid complex with VC improved the body weight of Hanwoo steers and the unsaturated fatty acids and essential amino acids of their meat; however, further research is needed to clarify this impact on carcass performance.

Radish is a sulfur-containing compound containing the -S group, having bioactive functions such as anticancer, antithrombotic, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, and is used as a health supplement and pharmaceutical material. This study aimed to compare changes in sulforaphane (SFN) content according to freeze-drying or hot-air drying conditions in Korean radishes. The color of frozen or hot-air-dried radish underwent a browning reaction due to heat treatment; the brightness (L) decreased from 89.3 to 56.1, and the redness (b) increased. The SFN content of freezedried radish was 13.2565 mg/g, the SFN of radish dried at 50oC was 2.64372 mg/g, and the SFN of radish dried at 80oC was 0.0678 mg/g, which was the highest in freeze-dried radish. Therefore, the SFN of radish was found to be insufficient in thermal stability, and freeze-drying was considered a suitable method for drying radish.

The development of functional carbon materials using waste biomass as raw materials is one of the research hotspots of lithium-sulfur batteries in recent years. In this work, used a natural high-quality carbon source—coffee grounds, which contain more than 58% carbon and less than 1% ash. Honeycomb-like S and N dual-doped graded porous carbon (SNHPC) was successfully prepared by hydrothermal carbonization and chemical activation, and the amount of thiourea used in the activation process was investigated. The prepared SNHPC showed excellent electrochemical energy storage characteristics. For example, SNHPC-2 has a large pore volume (1.85 cm3·g− 1), a high mesoporous ratio (36.76%), and a synergistic effect (S, N interaction). As the cathode material of lithium-sulfur batteries, SNHPC-2/S (sulfur content is 71.61%) has the highest specific capacity. Its initial discharge-specific capacity at 0.2 C is 1106.7 mAh·g−1, and its discharge-specific capacity after 200 cycles is still as high as 636.5 mAh·g−1.

Here, we have demonstrated the successful exfoliation of graphite into a layered material with scotch tape-like exfoliation. Sulfur acts as an exfoliating agent and exfoliates the loosely bounded graphite stacks. The shear force by ball milling provides the force required to overcome the van der Waals force between the layers. The MnO2 nanorods were synthesized using a KMnO4 precursor in a hydrothermal arrangement, and due to their intrinsic chemisorption capability, they were doped for polysulfide trapping. With an initial capacity of 1150 mAh/g achieved by the MnO2 nanorod-doped exfoliate-graphite/sulfur composite material, the material has displayed its application in lithium–sulfur batteries, but its use is not limited; it can be a low-cost eco-friendly solution to various energy storage systems with extensive structural qualities.

Sulfur is an essential element in plants, including amino acids, vitamin synthesis, and acting as an antioxidant. However, the interaction between endogenous sulfur and proline synthesis has not been yet fully documented. White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is known as a species highly sensitive to sulfate supply. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the role of sulfur in regulating proline metabolism in relation to ammonia detoxification and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation in white clover. The detached leaves of white clover were immersed in solution containing different concentration of sulfate (0, 10, 100, and 1000 mM MgSO4). As MgSO4 concentrations were increased, the concentration of H2O2 increased up to 2.5-fold compared to control, accompanied with H2O2 detection in leaves. Amino acid concentrations significantly increased only at higher levels (100 and 1000 mM MgSO4). No significant difference was observed in protein concentration. Proline and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) concentrations slightly decreased at 10 and 100 mM MgSO4 treatments, whereas it rapidly increased over 1.9-fold at 1000 mM MgSO4 treatment. Ammonia concentrations gradually increased up to 8.6-fold. These results indicate that exogenous sulfur levels are closely related to H2O2 and ammonia synthesis but affect proline biosynthesis only at a higher level.