A superfast pathway for zeolite was established with nano-channels by Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics. The adsorption configurations and diffusion processes of different long-chain alkanes in different zeolite channels were directly measured via SRIR microspectroscopy. These results provide direct experimental evidence for theoretical simulations. Based on the adsorption rate diffusion experiments, it was determined that the diffusion trend and pore size of short- and long-chain alkanes showed completely opposite results for zeolites. Furthermore, SRIR experiments verified the deformation differences between long-chain molecules with different pore sizes. (Nature Communications, 2023, 14: 1735)

The silk protein ion elastomers were achieved through a casting solution and high-humidity induction technology by Shanghai Tech University. SRIR microspectroscopy was used to characterize the ion elastomers of the silk fibroin. The secondary structure of the protein was determined by integrating the characteristic peak (amide I) of silk fibroin. After three days of high-humidity treatment, the β-sheet structure was approximately only 20%. This method effectively solves the material-hardening problem. High-humidity treatment, as a mild and controllable induction method, significantly improves the tensile strength of silk protein-ion elastomers. (Advanced Functional Materials, 2023, 33: 2301404)

The functional group quantification analysis of aquatic green algae was studied by Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology. The toxic effects of Cd on Cosmarium sp. cells were characterized in vivo using SRIR microspectroscopy. The mapping and functional group quantification of biological macromolecules were conducted within a single algal cell. The results showed that the biosynthesis of biological macromolecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, in algal cells, is inhibited by heavy metals. Additionally, correlation analysis and principal component analysis show a good correlation between ν (C-OH)/Amide II and biochemical parameters of algae cells. These results indicate that carbohydrate changes in algal cells can serve as biomarkers of the toxic effects of heavy metals on single-cell microalgae. (Science of the Total Environment, 2023, 870: 161870)

A reduced graphene oxide (rGO) membrane was reported for efficient and rapid screening of radioactive strontium ions by Ningbo University. The chemical functional groups of rGO membrane were measured and analyzed by SR-FTIR technology from Shanghai Light Source BL06B endstation. Compared with the GO, the spectrum of rGO reduced by the amino-hydrothermal method exhibited a clear decrease in peak strength of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and epoxy groups, indicating successful reduction of GO. While the C–N compositions indicated the presence of C-N bonds on the reduced GO surface by the ammonia reduction process.