As a special type of resources,salt lakes have important scientific,economic values and environmental effects. Salt lakes are store houses of mineral salts. The productive elements (such as lithium,magnesium,potassium,boron,etc.) among salt lakes,are precious resources with strategic interest for the development of economics and society of China.This paper briefly reviews the characteristics and techniques in comprehensive utilization of Qinghai salt lake resources and proposes some suggestions in scientific, as well as political and strategic level.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Potassium
2.1 The technique of potassium chloride
2.2 The technique of potassium sulfate
3 Lithium
3.1 Calcination method
3.2 Extraction method
3.3 Adsorption method
3.4 Selective membrane method
3.5 Carbonization method
4 Boron
4.1 Acidification-cooling crystallization
4.2 Acidification-direct crystallization
4.3 Solvent extraction
4.4 Other methods
5 Magnesium
5.1 Magnesium hydroxide
5.2 Magnesium oxide
5.3 Magnesium metal and alloys
5.4 Magnesium oxychloride cements
6 Summary and prospects

The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of complex embody different characteristics with the traditional nonlinear materials due to the specificity of complex structures. Therefore, it has always been an important topic to research the influence factors of the nonlinear optical properties. By systematically investigating the influence of the metal ions or ligands on the third-order NLO properties of metal complexes, we found that both the metal ions and ligands could make important contributions to the NLO properties. The contribution that the metal ions and ligands make to the NLO properties could be determined by quantum chemical calculations,namely, their possession ratios in the frontier molecular orbital influence the nonlinear properties of complexes. In addition, our research revealed that Ag(I) complex possessed very strong third-order NLO properties,which points out the direction for the development of the third-order nonlinear optical materials.

Contents
1 The measurement of third-order nonlinear optical properties of complexes
2 The influence of the metal or ligand on the third-order nonlinear optical properties of metal complexes
3 The influence factors of third-order NLO performance for the metal complexes in theory
4 Ag complexes possess good nonlinear optical properties
5 Conclusion

The cytotoxicity of gold nanoparticles(AuNPs) and the effects on cell growth have been reported trememdously, however the experiment results are often contradicted. The studies on the underlying mechanism are even rarely reported.A core problem in these researches is whether the AuNPs are toxic or benefit to the cell growth. It is understandable that the reactions of AuNPs in human body is much more complicated than those observed in vitro. Multiple components are involved in the human body, causing different immune responses and metabolism outputs. Nevertheless, microscopic investigation outside the human body still is a very important method to provide evidences for the mechanism of the role of AuNPs playing in the body.This review mainly introduces the results of the cytotoxicity of AuNPs and the effects on cell growth in vitro in terms of the size, surface charge and component, and the aggregation of AuNPs. The possible machanism involving in the nanoparticle effect has been discussed.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Influence of size and surface property of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the cytotoxicity
2.1 Influence of AuNPs size on the cytotoxicity
2.2 Influence of surface charge and protective layer of AuNPs on the cytotoxicity
2.3 Endocytosis
2.4 Influence of cell growth medium on the AuNPs aggregation state
3 The cytotoxicity assessment system and the mechanism of cytotoxicity of AuNPs
3.1 Assessment methods for cytotoxicity
3.2 Kinetic study of cytotoxicity process: Influence of AuNPs concentration and interaction time
3.3 Possible mechanism of cytotoxicity caused by AuNPs
4 Influence on cell growth caused by AuNPs
5 Conclusion

The transportation properties of water in nanochannels have been widely studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In the environments of electric fields, the behaviors of water, such as molecular dipole orientations, flux, diffusion rate, water filling/empty equilibriums and phase-transition processes, etc., are much influenced. This review surveys the methods of introducing electric fields in MD simulations, including assigning charges near tubes, adding ions or charged amino acids to the water phases on both sides of nanotubes, and directly applying electric fields through the whole nanotubes. Besides, the relevant applications using electric fields, such as flow switch, signal transmission, water pump, stable storage, etc., are also included. Finally, some issues in the relevant MD studies are presented.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Methods of introducing electric fields in MD simulations and the relevant applications
2.1 Assigning charges on or near nanotubes
2.2 Introducing ions or charged amino acids to water phases on both sides of nanotubes
2.3 Directly applying electric fields through nanotubes
3 Influences of electric fields on the behaviors of water in nanotubes
3.1 Effects on water filling/empty equilibriums and phase-transition processes
3.2 Effects on water dipole orientations in nanotubes
3.3 Effects on water flux in nanotubes
3.4 Diffusion and permeation of water inside nanotubes under electric fields
4 Some issues in the relevant MD studies
5 Research prospects

Electrochemical reduction of NO_x pollutant based on solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) is one of the promising technologies for post-combustion NO_x emission control. NO_x can be splitted with electric current instead of reductants in SOEC. This technology can avoid the risk of secondary pollution due to the leakage of reductants and can effectively reduce the sub-system for reductant storage and conversion which is usually complicated and space consuming. The working principles of SOECs for NO_x reduction, the NO_x conversion electrode materials, the SOEC structure features and the construction of SOEC stacks are summarized in details. The state of art, the key issues and the forefront of research are reviewed. Considering the characteristics of the NO_x decomposition reaction, the performance evaluation indexes of NO_x electrochemical reduction cell are proposed. Several novel concepts for practical cell designing such as additional electro-catalyst layer, porous electrolyte, symmetrical electrodes and the NO_x storage agent are illustrated. The potential developing direction for NO_x electrochemical reduction in SOEC is discussed.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 NO_x reduction on SOECs
2.1 Basic theory
2.2 Judgments of cell performance
3 NO_x reduction electrode materials
3.1 Noble metal electrodes
3.2 Mixed oxide electrodes
3.3 Perovskite electrodes
4 Art of NO_x electrolyzer designing
4.1 Different types of NO_x electrolyzers
4.2 Electrochemical NO_x reduction stacks
5 Prospect of NO_x electrolyzer researching
5.1 Mechanism of NO_x electrochemical reduction
5.2 Material research
5.3 Principles of NO_x electrolyzer designing

The ligand- and transition metal complex-functionalized ionic liquids (FILs) can be defined narrowly as the ionic ligands and ionic transition metal complexes since they are not strictly room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) any more in the range of RT to 100 ℃. Such kinds of ligand- and transition metal complex-FILs have attracted more and more attention due to their promising applications in homogeneous catalysis as one of alternative methods to heterogenize the homogenous catalysts into the RTILs phase. Due to similarity in the composition and the ionic structure to the parent RTILs (as a solvent), the ligand- and transition metal complex-FILs as catalysts have the following advantages. The catalysts are stable, and their leaching can be avoided, which make the separation workup simple. In addition, the recyclability of the catalysts is available. This review summarizes the progress in the syntheses of ligand- and transition metal complex-FILs and their applications in homogeneous catalysis, developed in the past decade.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Syntheses and catalytic applications of the transition metal complex-functionalized ionic liquids (FILs)
2.1 Transition metal complex-FILs coordinated by the ligands remote to positive-charged quaternary ammonium/phosphonium of ILs
2.2 Transition metal complex-FILs coordinated by the ligands vicinal to positive-charged quaternary ammonium/phosphonium of ILs
3 Conclusions and outlook

Metal nanocrystal catalysts (abr. metal nanocatalysts) are widely used in chemical and energy industries. The rare and precious metals as platinum are actually irreplaceable materials for catalysts, therefore to improve the activity and utilization efficiency of metal catalysts is always a challenge. Shape-control synthesis is an efficient way to tailor the surface structure of metal nanocrystal and therefore create particular functions in catalysis. The functional molecules such as stabilizers, capping agents, surfactants and additives, etc., are indispensable in the shape-control synthesis, especially in the wet chemistry route. In order to rationally design and synthesize metal nanocatalysts with high activity, high selectivity and high stability, it is important to explicit the roles and mechanisms of functional agents in shape-control synthesis. The functional agents usually assist in shape-control synthesis of nanocrystals through preferential adsorption on specific crystal facets, or etching particular crystal planes, or accelerating/inhibiting certain crystal growth directions. Although a mass body of metal nanocrystals with different shape have been synthesized, the explicit roles and mechanism of functional molecules in the shape-control synthesis are poorly defined and a full understanding is still elusive. The current paper reviews mainly the recent progress made in studies of mechanism of functional molecules in shape-control synthesis of metal nanocatalysts in the last two decades. The mechanism of preferential adsorption of functional agents and some basic strategy of optimizing the use of functional molecules in shape control synthesis of noble metal nanocatalysts are summarized.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Shape-control synthesis of noble metal nanocrystal catalysts
2.1 Shape-control synthesis by electrochemical method
2.2 Shape-control synthesis by wet chemistry route
3 The role of functional molecules
3.1 Small molecules
3.2 Etching agents
3.3 Surfactants
3.4 Polymers
3.5 Biomolecules
4 Strategy of using functional molecules in shape-control synthesis of metal nanocatalysts
5 Conclusion and outlook

Owning to their unique structures and multi-functionalities, the core-shell structured nanomaterials are receiving great attention in recent years, and being widely used in various catalytic processes. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent achievements in fabrication and application of core-shell nanostructures (i.e., metal core@metal shell, metal core@oxide shell, metal core@carbon shell, metal core@polymer, and metal core@zeolite shell) in catalytic chemistry. The influences of assembled structures and resulting electronic properties on catalytic performance as well as catalyst durability are discussed. In view of the new research findings, the concept of nanoreactor with the yolk/shell structure and its role in catalytic reactions are outlined. At the end of the article, a summary and outlook of these novel materials with respect to controlled synthesis and potential applications are provided.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Progress in fabrication and application of core-shell structured nanomaterials in catalysis
2.1 Metal core@metal shell nanomaterials
2.2 Metal core@oxide shell nanomaterials
2.3 Metal core@carbon shell nanomaterials
2.4 Metal core@polymer shell nanomaterials
2.5 Metal core@zeolite shell nanomaterials
2.6 Yolk/shell structure nanomaterials

CeO₂ is one of the most interesting oxides in the fields of catalysis (e.g., environmental catalysis and catalytic oxidation) because of the rapid formation and elimination of oxygen vacancies. The performance of CeO₂ can be strongly improved under doping. Synthesis of ceria-based solid solutions with controllable concentrations of oxygen vacancies is of great fundamental significance. Since the properties of the ceria-based solid solutions are affected by the dopant size and valence (lower valence ions in ceria could lower the activation energy for oxygen migration, and smaller ions enhance the oxygen storage capacity), introducing cations with smaller size and lower valence as compared to Ce⁴⁺ (e.g., Fe³⁺) into the ceria lattice owns considerable scientific and technological value. It has been observed a series of interesting phenomena in the structure and catalytic applications of CeO₂-Fe₂O₃ solid solution. Moreover, the interface between CeO₂ and Fe₂O₃ particles (e.g., Ce-O-Fe bridges) also reveals special features in catalysis. In this review, the structural features of Ce-Fe mixed oxides, including the solubility of Fe ions in ceria lattice, formation of oxygen vacancies and CeO₂-Fe₂O₃ interaction are discussed, which are related to their activity in catalytical applications (e.g., purification of exhaust gases from vehicles, catalytic oxidation, hydrogen and syngas generation, and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis). Some key issues and possible directions on the Ce-Fe mixed oxides used in catalysis are discussed.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Structural features of ceria-based solid solution
2.1 Formation of ceria-based solid solution and oxygen vacancies
2.2 Relationship among prepare methods, solubility of Fe in ceria lattice and oxygen vacancies concentration
3 Applications of Ce-Fe mixed oxides in catalysis
3.1 Purification of exhaust gases from vehicles
3.2 Catalytic oxidation
3.3 Hydrogen/syngas generation
3.4 Organic synthesis
3.5 Solid oxide fuel cells
3.6 Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
3.7 Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation
4 Conclusion and outlook

As novel precursors in fabrication of carbon nanomaterials, ionic liquids have attracted much attention due to their remarkable properties, such as low toxicity, nonvolatility, processing flexibility, high stability and flexible designability. Even though the mechanism of carbonization, especially the formation of mesopores is not clear, ionic liquid-based carbon nanomaterials have been successfully applied in different fields, such as fuel cells, lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors. In this paper the advantages and structure requirements of ionic liquids as nitrogen-containing carbon precursors and the main factors about nitrogen content have been elaborated. The recent progress of ionic liquids in synthesizing nitrogen-containing carbon nanomaterials (including mesoporous carbon, carbon nanofibers and auxiliary carbon nanomaterials) has been presented. Furthermore template-free synthesis of nitrogen-containing mesoporous carbon by employing ionic liquids as precursors has been particularly introduced. The influence factors of the formation of mesopores, such as the cross linking, carbonization conditions, composition of precursors and pore defects, have been systematically discussed.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 The requirements of the structures of ionic liquids as precursors of nitrogen-containing carbon nanomaterials and the main factors of nitrogen content
2.1 The requirements of the structures of ionic liquids
2.2 The main factors of nitrogen content
3 The synthesis of nitrogen-containing carbon nanomaterials with different structures by ionic liquids as novel precursors
3.1 The synthesis of nitrogen-containing mesoporous carbon
3.2 The synthesis of nitrogen-containing carbon fibers
3.3 The synthesis of nitrogen-containing auxiliary carbon
4 Conclusion and outlook

Preparation of new functional materials by self-assembly technique has become a hot research field of polymeric materials science. Most of the amphiphilic polymers, such as block copolymers, graft copolymers, star copolymers, dendrimers, part of the random copolymer and polyelectrolyte, etc. can self-assemble under certain conditions. In the study of polymer self-assembly, fluorescent technique has been widely used, especially fluorescent probe technique. According to the changes of the characteristic fluorescence parameters of the probe molecules, such as wavelength, intensity, polarization, lifetime, etc. the critical micelle concentration, temperature and pH dependence, the relationship of structure and self-assemble morphology of the polymer could be easily and accurately studied. This paper is focused on the application of the fluorescent probe technique in investigation of self-assembly behavior of amphiphilic polymers. The effects of hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB), concentration, temperature, pH, solvent composition, ionic strength, etc. on self-assemble morphology and microscopic characteristics parameters of amphiphilic polymers are particularly reviewed. Furthermore, based on our own research work, the applications of intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy method in polymer investigation are elaborated. It will characterize the conformation transitions of macromolecules during the self-assembly process more truly. This paper aims at providing reference for design, polymerization, self-assembly controlling and applications of amphiphilic polymers.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Several major fluorescence probe molecules
3 The effect of the hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) on polymer self-assembly behavior studied by fluorescence probe technique
4 The effect of temperature on polymer self-assembly behavior investigated by fluorescence probe technique
5 The effect of pH on polymer self-assembly behavior investigated by fluorescence probe technique
6 Application of fluorescent probe technique in other polymer self-assembly behavior investigation
7 Self-assembly of polyelectrolyte behavior investigated by fluorescence probe technique
8 Investigation of polymer conformational transition by fluoresence technique
9 Conclusion and outlook

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a promising class of intelligent polymer materials that have the ability to recover the permanent shape in a predefined way from the temporary shape in response to external stimuli. SMPs have become a new hot spot in the field of smart materials and have shown many potential applications in various fields, such as smart textile materials, biomedical materials, aerospace technology, and so on. In order to better utilize SMPs in these fields, high recovery rate and fixed rate, excellent mechanical properties, fast response speed, and good adjustable performance are required. Generally, the properties are mainly determined by the intrinsic structure, and the design of SMPs with novel structure has become a worthy topic. In this review, the progress in SMPs design based on the network structure is summarized systematically, including the relationship between their structure and properties, characteristics and potential applications, focusing on the design of SMP materials with interpenetrating network structure, AB network structure, homogenous network structure, topological structure of interlocked network. Finally, the future developments and applications of SMPs with the network structure are prospected.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Design of SMPs based on interpenetrating network structure
3 Design of SMPs based on AB network structure
4 Design of SMPs based on homogenous network structure
4.1 Design of SMPs based on homogenous network with star structure
4.2 Design of SMPs based on homogenous network structure with nanoparticle netpoints
5 Design of SMPs based on topological structure of interlocked network
6 Conclusion and outlook

Conjugated polymers with large two-photon absorption cross sections have potential applications in data storage, phototherapy, 3D imaging, and micro-fabrication. Substantial efforts have been recently made to develop materials with large two-photon absorption cross sections. In this communication, we have summarized some classes of conjugated polymers with two-photon absorption cross section, including the molecules with conjugated bridge of fluorene, benzene, thiophene and anthracene, and the molecules incorporating triphenylamine. These materials have been demonstrated acting as fluorescent probes in the application of two-photon fluorescence bioimaging.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Two-photon absorption materials
2.1 Fluorene with two-photon absorption
2.2 Phenyl materials with two-photon absorption
2.3 Thiophene with two-photon absorption
2.4 Anthracene with two-photon absorption
2.5 Triphenylamine with two-photon absorption
3 Conclusion and outlook

Fiber is the complex system consisting of diverse microscopic structures with the complicated changing law. The formation of artificial fibers is the multi-component, nonequilibrium and nonlinear process. While only static structure information of fibers can be obtained by using the traditional X-ray measurement technique. In order to take a deep look into the formation and evolution process of materials' structure during the processing and using procedure, a novel research method with high time and space resolution should be established. In situ X-ray measurement technique has received wide attention and developed rapidly since it was brought forth firstly. Compared with the traditional X-ray measurement technique, in situ measurement can detect the process of structure's formation and evolution in a more direct and precise way. Because of the outstanding characteristics of high brightness, high collimation degree of synchrotron radiation, the advantages like high time resolution and high space resolution of in situ X-ray measurement by using synchrotron radiation can be fully exploited to reveal the dynamic evolution process and microscopic scale structures of materials. In this review, combined with the domestic and international researchers' specific works, the research about in situ X-ray measurement of fibers with the application of synchrotron radiation was introduced, including the process of fibers' formation and drawing of post-treatment.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 In situ studies on process of fiber formation
2.1 In situ studies on melt-spinning process of fibers
2.2 In situ studies on other methods of spinning process
3 In situ studies on post-treatment process and stretching process of fibers
3.1 High performance fibers
3.2 Conventional fibers
3.3 Natural fibers
4 In situ studies on other aspects
5 Conclusions

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is relatively a new class of multi-functional materials with fascinating structures and unusual properties, such as porosity, high surface areas, as well as excellent chemical and thermal stability. MOFs have attracted a great deal of attention in the past decade. Comparing with conventional inorganic porous materials, an important feature of MOFs is that their framework structures can be finely controlled. Therefore, MOFs with specific function and adjustable pore size can be synthesized by the choice of metal ions or clusters and organic building blocks with specific functional groups and shape. Recently, a large number of MOFs have been synthesized and shown potential applications in many areas, such as gas storage, catalysis and separation. This review summarizes the research progress on application of MOFs as stationary phases in liquid chromatography and gas chromatography. Finally, a prospect of the application of this new class of multi-functional materials in chromatography is given.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Metal-organic frameworks used as chromatographic stationary phases
2.1 Metal-organic frameworks used as stationary phases in liquid chromatography
2.2 Metal-organic frameworks used as stationary phases in gas chromatography
3 Outlook

Bioelectrochemical system (BES), in which electrode reaction is driven by electrochemically active microorganisms (EAM) to recovery energy, degrade contaminants and synthesize high additional value compounds, is a promising biotechnology. EAM is the basis of BES, microorganisms-electrode interaction plays a key role in BES functioning. In contrast with the expanding of BES function, especially BES cathode, the diversity of isolated EAM is limited, and most of them are applied in anode to generate a high power density. In addition, the understanding of microorganisms-electrode interaction mostly confines in Geobacter and Shewanella genus. In this article, we review medium, culture condition and microorganisms identification, as well as cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry for the isolation and identification of EAMs. We further highlight the research trends of expanding EAM diversity and of microorganisms-electrode interaction, which would promote the application of BES in environmental control and bioenergy production.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Electrochemically active microorganisms
3 Microorganism isolation
3.1 Culture medium
3.2 Culture condition
4 Microorganism biological identification
4.1 16S/18S rRNA gene sequencing and analysis
4.2 Morphological, physiological and biochemical characterization
5 Characterization of electrochemical activity
5.1 Cyclic voltammetry
5.2 Differential pulse voltammetry and square wave voltammetry
5.3 Chronoamperometry
6 Outlook

Magnetotactic bacteria can orient and migrate along geomagnetic field lines because of their intracellular single-domain magnetic nano-crystal particles with biomembrane bounded,which are referred as magnetosomes. Magnetite Fe₃O₄ is the main chemical component of magnetosomes characterized by the high chemical purity, fine grain size uniformity, and good biocompatibility, which can be used as a new kind of nano-magnetic materials applied in many fields of biochemistry, magnetic materials, clinical medicine and wastewater treatment, and so on. Magnetosome formation is the mineralization process under strict biochemical mechanisms control, including four steps: iron accumulation, membrane formation, transportation and controlled biomineralization of Fe₃O₄. In this paper, the characteristics of magnetotactic bacteria, chemical composition, structure, synthesis conditions and mechanisms, magnetism, separation and purification, the applications of the nano-magnetic particles are summarized and reviewed. The main problems to be resolved and the prospects of magnetosomes are also presented.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Magnetotactic bacteria
3 Chemical composition and morphology of magnetosomes
3.1 Chemical composition of magnetosomes
3.2 Morphology of magnetosomes
4 Synthetic conditions and biochemical mechanisms of magnetosomes
4.1 Synthetic conditions of magnetosomes
4.2 Synthetic processes and mechanisms of magnetosomes
5 Magnetic properties of magnetosomes in magnetotactic bacteria
5.1 Magnetic properties of magnetosomes
5.2 Effect of chains arrangement on magnetic properties
5.3 Effect of morphology and chemical composition on magnetic properties
6 Separation and purification of magnetosomes
7 Applications of magnetosomes in ralated fields
7.1 Application in sewage treatment
7.2 Application in medical treatment
7.3 Application in sensing technology
8 Biological and geoscience significance of biomineralization
9 Conclusions

Supported ionic liquid membrane(SILM) is a kind of composite membrane, which is prepared by immobilizing ionic liquids(ILs) into the porous membrane. It combines the excellent solvent properties of ILs and high efficiency of membrane separation, and also has the advantages of simplified separation processes and economical operating cost, which all make SILM become one of the academic focal points of CO₂ capture. It depends on the stability and quality of SILM for applying this kind of membrane separation in desulfuration and decarbonization of natural gases and flue gases. High-quality porous membranes, task-specific ILs and scientific preparation methods are of importance in guaranteeing the performances of SILMs. Preparation methods and typical characterization methods of SILMs are summarized in this work, So are the relative merits of different preparation methods. In addition, the factors affecting the stability and life time of SILM are analyzed and evaluated. On the basis of the comments above, the key scientific problems of SILM-quality control and future research direction for further development are proposed, for the purpose of promoting the basic studies of SILM technologies to guide industrialized applications and development.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 Preparation methods of SILM and their features
2.1 Conventional preparation methods of SILM
2.2 Preparation of SILM by reducing viscosity
2.3 Novel ionic liquid membrane and their preparation
3 Characterization methods of SILM
4 Stability and uniformity of SILM
4.1 Stability
4.2 Uniformity
5 Conclusion and outlook