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doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2026.04.004
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doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2026.04.003
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2026, 11(3): 591-602.
doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.12.015
Abstract:
Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is emerging as a transformative tool in eco-environmental research. It innovates environmental analysis technologies, augments environmental purification, alleviates environmental health risks, and fosters ecological sustainability. Nevertheless, most current applications of 3D printing in the eco-environmental domain remain largely confined to laboratory testing stages, with limited translation to large-scale and real-world deployment. In this viewpoint, we review recent progress and critical challenges within this field, while providing strategic perspectives for its future trajectory. We highlight the imperative to integrate cutting-edge 3D printing techniques into eco-environmental research, advance sustainable printing materials, and develop integrated multifunctional devices for environmental monitoring and remediation. Furthermore, we introduce a pioneering conceptual framework: self-sustaining composite artificial biosystems. Here we envision it as a bionic tree, a 3D-printed biohybrid construct that integrates an open microfluidic scaffold with engineered living materials to autonomously maintain biological activity through self-driven internal mass transport. While emulating key morphological and physiological features of natural plants, the bionic tree transcends its natural analogue by enabling synthetic biology-guided environmental remediation, CO2 sequestration, and energy production. We provide an in-depth analysis of the rationale behind this concept, assess its technical feasibility, and present a developmental roadmap for this emerging research direction. Our insights are poised to amplify the contribution of 3D printing to the eco-environmental sector, thereby facilitating environmental pollution control and sustainable development.
Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is emerging as a transformative tool in eco-environmental research. It innovates environmental analysis technologies, augments environmental purification, alleviates environmental health risks, and fosters ecological sustainability. Nevertheless, most current applications of 3D printing in the eco-environmental domain remain largely confined to laboratory testing stages, with limited translation to large-scale and real-world deployment. In this viewpoint, we review recent progress and critical challenges within this field, while providing strategic perspectives for its future trajectory. We highlight the imperative to integrate cutting-edge 3D printing techniques into eco-environmental research, advance sustainable printing materials, and develop integrated multifunctional devices for environmental monitoring and remediation. Furthermore, we introduce a pioneering conceptual framework: self-sustaining composite artificial biosystems. Here we envision it as a bionic tree, a 3D-printed biohybrid construct that integrates an open microfluidic scaffold with engineered living materials to autonomously maintain biological activity through self-driven internal mass transport. While emulating key morphological and physiological features of natural plants, the bionic tree transcends its natural analogue by enabling synthetic biology-guided environmental remediation, CO2 sequestration, and energy production. We provide an in-depth analysis of the rationale behind this concept, assess its technical feasibility, and present a developmental roadmap for this emerging research direction. Our insights are poised to amplify the contribution of 3D printing to the eco-environmental sector, thereby facilitating environmental pollution control and sustainable development.
2026, 11(3): 603-629.
doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.12.018
Abstract:
Ammonia (NH3) is a key chemical for agriculture, energy storage, and industrial processes. Its synthesis and cracking (decomposition) are pivotal for a sustainable energy future, particularly in the context of green energy transitions. Two major approaches for these processes are thermocatalysis and electrocatalysis, each with unique mechanisms, challenges, and advantages, as discussed in this review. Thermocatalysis is more mature but energy-intensive, while electrocatalysis promises lower energy consumption and compatibility with renewable energy sources. Electrochemical approach has the potential to eliminate carbon emissions if coupled with green electricity, whereas thermocatalysis is reliant on fossil fuels unless carbon capture is implemented. Thermocatalytic processes for ammonia are well-established at an industrial scale, whereas electrocatalytic systems require further technological development to match this capacity. In summary, thermocatalysis remains the dominant method for ammonia synthesis and cracking due to its industrial maturity. However, electrocatalysis offers a promising pathway toward sustainable and decentralized solutions, provided ongoing challenges in efficiency, stability, and scalability are addressed. Balancing these technologies will be crucial in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
Ammonia (NH3) is a key chemical for agriculture, energy storage, and industrial processes. Its synthesis and cracking (decomposition) are pivotal for a sustainable energy future, particularly in the context of green energy transitions. Two major approaches for these processes are thermocatalysis and electrocatalysis, each with unique mechanisms, challenges, and advantages, as discussed in this review. Thermocatalysis is more mature but energy-intensive, while electrocatalysis promises lower energy consumption and compatibility with renewable energy sources. Electrochemical approach has the potential to eliminate carbon emissions if coupled with green electricity, whereas thermocatalysis is reliant on fossil fuels unless carbon capture is implemented. Thermocatalytic processes for ammonia are well-established at an industrial scale, whereas electrocatalytic systems require further technological development to match this capacity. In summary, thermocatalysis remains the dominant method for ammonia synthesis and cracking due to its industrial maturity. However, electrocatalysis offers a promising pathway toward sustainable and decentralized solutions, provided ongoing challenges in efficiency, stability, and scalability are addressed. Balancing these technologies will be crucial in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
2026, 11(3): 630-698.
doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2026.01.005
Abstract:
At present, global freshwater resources are severely lacking, and all life activities rely on freshwater resources. Industrial and domestic wastewater contains a large amount of toxic heavy metal ions and other toxic substances, which are not only harmful to human health but also cause significant damage to the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to detect and remove these metal ions. Although many technologies have been studied, there are still many deficiencies. At the same time, due to the vast proportion of the ocean on the earth, people hope that seawater resources can also be utilized by humans, and research on seawater desalination technology is being carried out. Capacitive deionization (CDI) technology has high desalination efficiency and no secondary pollution during the desalination process, and is therefore widely used. The core of these technologies lies in the materials used. Graphene-like materials, with their large specific surface area and numerous surface active sites, have been widely studied, especially transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) materials, which have excellent physical and chemical properties. This article mainly introduces the application of TMDs materials in the detection and removal of heavy metal ions in solutions and in CDI desalination, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the materials, and discusses the future development direction.
At present, global freshwater resources are severely lacking, and all life activities rely on freshwater resources. Industrial and domestic wastewater contains a large amount of toxic heavy metal ions and other toxic substances, which are not only harmful to human health but also cause significant damage to the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to detect and remove these metal ions. Although many technologies have been studied, there are still many deficiencies. At the same time, due to the vast proportion of the ocean on the earth, people hope that seawater resources can also be utilized by humans, and research on seawater desalination technology is being carried out. Capacitive deionization (CDI) technology has high desalination efficiency and no secondary pollution during the desalination process, and is therefore widely used. The core of these technologies lies in the materials used. Graphene-like materials, with their large specific surface area and numerous surface active sites, have been widely studied, especially transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) materials, which have excellent physical and chemical properties. This article mainly introduces the application of TMDs materials in the detection and removal of heavy metal ions in solutions and in CDI desalination, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the materials, and discusses the future development direction.
2026, 11(3): 699-723.
doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.12.013
Abstract:
The electrochemical performance of transition metal oxides (TMOs) is significantly influenced by their surfaces and interfaces, which are pivotal in facilitating charge transfer, ion diffusion, and catalytic reactions. However, intrinsic limitations such as poor conductivity, insufficient active sites, and structural instability often hinder their efficiency. Surface/interface modification addresses these challenges by engineering the material at the atomic and nanoscale levels, thereby enhancing its functional performance. The rational design of transition metal oxide (TMO) surfaces and interfaces is pivotal in advancing electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies, which involves tailoring the surface electronic structure, optimizing the surface topography, enhancing charge transfer rates, and incorporating vacancy defects. Surface and interface modification offers a plethora of active sites, thereby becoming indispensable in enhancing material properties. This review systematically summarizes the latest advancements in the surface/interface modification of transition metal oxides, with a particular focus on the strategies to enhance the electrochemical performance and stability of these materials in energy storage applications. It begins with a thorough exploration of vacancy engineering and delves into the fundamental mechanisms underlying ion doping. Subsequently, various methods for modifying interfaces and surfaces, including thermal treatment, reduction method, cation/anion doping, plasma treatment, combustion treatment, laser ablation, are meticulously discussed. Furthermore, the crucial role of surface/interface modification of transition metal oxides in catalysis, supercapacitors, and secondary batteries is elaborated in detail. Finally, the review addresses the challenges and future prospects associated with modifying the surfaces/interfaces of transition metals.
The electrochemical performance of transition metal oxides (TMOs) is significantly influenced by their surfaces and interfaces, which are pivotal in facilitating charge transfer, ion diffusion, and catalytic reactions. However, intrinsic limitations such as poor conductivity, insufficient active sites, and structural instability often hinder their efficiency. Surface/interface modification addresses these challenges by engineering the material at the atomic and nanoscale levels, thereby enhancing its functional performance. The rational design of transition metal oxide (TMO) surfaces and interfaces is pivotal in advancing electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies, which involves tailoring the surface electronic structure, optimizing the surface topography, enhancing charge transfer rates, and incorporating vacancy defects. Surface and interface modification offers a plethora of active sites, thereby becoming indispensable in enhancing material properties. This review systematically summarizes the latest advancements in the surface/interface modification of transition metal oxides, with a particular focus on the strategies to enhance the electrochemical performance and stability of these materials in energy storage applications. It begins with a thorough exploration of vacancy engineering and delves into the fundamental mechanisms underlying ion doping. Subsequently, various methods for modifying interfaces and surfaces, including thermal treatment, reduction method, cation/anion doping, plasma treatment, combustion treatment, laser ablation, are meticulously discussed. Furthermore, the crucial role of surface/interface modification of transition metal oxides in catalysis, supercapacitors, and secondary batteries is elaborated in detail. Finally, the review addresses the challenges and future prospects associated with modifying the surfaces/interfaces of transition metals.
2024, 9(9): 1366-1383.
doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2023.10.002
Abstract:
2017, 2(3): 246-277.
doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2017.06.006
Abstract:
2024, 9(9): 1459-1465.
doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2023.09.002
Abstract:
2023, 8(2): 351-353.
doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2022.06.002
Abstract:
2024, 9(9): 1366-1383.
doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2023.10.002
Abstract:
The increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration has exposed a series of crises in the earth's ecological environment. How to effectively fix and convert carbon dioxide into products with added value has attracted the attention of many researchers. Cell-free enzyme catalytic system coupled with electrical and light have been a promising attempt in the field of biological carbon fixation in recent years. In this review, the research progresses of photoenzyme catalysis, electroenzyme catalysis and photo-electroenzyme catalysis for converting carbon dioxide into chemical products in cell-free systems are systematically summarized. We focus on reviewing and comparing various coupling methods and principles of photoenzyme catalysis and electroenzyme catalysis in cell-free systems, especially the materials used in the construction of the coupling system, and analyze and point out the characteristics and possible problems of different coupling methods. Finally, we discuss the major challenges and prospects of coupling physical signals and cell-free enzymatic catalytic systems in the field of CO2 fixation, suggesting possible strategies to improve the carbon sequestration capacity of such systems.
The increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration has exposed a series of crises in the earth's ecological environment. How to effectively fix and convert carbon dioxide into products with added value has attracted the attention of many researchers. Cell-free enzyme catalytic system coupled with electrical and light have been a promising attempt in the field of biological carbon fixation in recent years. In this review, the research progresses of photoenzyme catalysis, electroenzyme catalysis and photo-electroenzyme catalysis for converting carbon dioxide into chemical products in cell-free systems are systematically summarized. We focus on reviewing and comparing various coupling methods and principles of photoenzyme catalysis and electroenzyme catalysis in cell-free systems, especially the materials used in the construction of the coupling system, and analyze and point out the characteristics and possible problems of different coupling methods. Finally, we discuss the major challenges and prospects of coupling physical signals and cell-free enzymatic catalytic systems in the field of CO2 fixation, suggesting possible strategies to improve the carbon sequestration capacity of such systems.
2017, 2(3): 246-277.
doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2017.06.006
Abstract:
The aluminum–air battery is considered to be an attractive candidate as a power source for electric vehicles (EVs) because of its high theoretical energy density (8100 Wh kg−1), which is significantly greater than that of the state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, some technical and scientific problems preventing the large-scale development of Al–air batteries have not yet to be resolved. In this review, we present the fundamentals, challenges and the recent advances in Al–air battery technology from aluminum anode, air cathode and electrocatalysts to electrolytes and inhibitors. Firstly, the alloying of aluminum with transition metal elements is reviewed and shown to reduce the self-corrosion of Al and improve battery performance. Additionally for the cathode, extensive studies of electrocatalytic materials for oxygen reduction/evolution including Pt and Pt alloys, nonprecious metal catalysts, and carbonaceous materials at the air cathode are highlighted. Moreover, for the electrolyte, the application of aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes in Al–air batteries are discussed. Meanwhile, the addition of inhibitors to the electrolyte to enhance electrochemical performance is also explored. Finally, the challenges and future research directions are proposed for the further development of Al–air batteries.
The aluminum–air battery is considered to be an attractive candidate as a power source for electric vehicles (EVs) because of its high theoretical energy density (8100 Wh kg−1), which is significantly greater than that of the state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, some technical and scientific problems preventing the large-scale development of Al–air batteries have not yet to be resolved. In this review, we present the fundamentals, challenges and the recent advances in Al–air battery technology from aluminum anode, air cathode and electrocatalysts to electrolytes and inhibitors. Firstly, the alloying of aluminum with transition metal elements is reviewed and shown to reduce the self-corrosion of Al and improve battery performance. Additionally for the cathode, extensive studies of electrocatalytic materials for oxygen reduction/evolution including Pt and Pt alloys, nonprecious metal catalysts, and carbonaceous materials at the air cathode are highlighted. Moreover, for the electrolyte, the application of aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes in Al–air batteries are discussed. Meanwhile, the addition of inhibitors to the electrolyte to enhance electrochemical performance is also explored. Finally, the challenges and future research directions are proposed for the further development of Al–air batteries.
2017, 2(1): 51-57.
doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2017.01.002
Abstract:
In this work, with the purpose to explore the coordination chemistry of calcium complexes which could work as a partial model of manganese–calcium cluster, a spectrophotometric study to evaluate the stability of the complexes: Calcium(II)-1,2-ethylendiamine, Calcium(II)-1,3-propanediamine and Calcium(II)-1,4-butanediamine in acetonitrile, were carried on. By processing the spectrophotometric data with the HypSpec program allows the determination of the formation constants. The logarithmic values of the formation constants obtained for Calcium(II)-1,2-ethylendiamine, Calcium(II)-1,3-propanediamine and Calcium(II)-1,4-butanediamine were log β110 = 4.69, log β110 = 5.25 and log β110 = 4.072, respectively.
In this work, with the purpose to explore the coordination chemistry of calcium complexes which could work as a partial model of manganese–calcium cluster, a spectrophotometric study to evaluate the stability of the complexes: Calcium(II)-1,2-ethylendiamine, Calcium(II)-1,3-propanediamine and Calcium(II)-1,4-butanediamine in acetonitrile, were carried on. By processing the spectrophotometric data with the HypSpec program allows the determination of the formation constants. The logarithmic values of the formation constants obtained for Calcium(II)-1,2-ethylendiamine, Calcium(II)-1,3-propanediamine and Calcium(II)-1,4-butanediamine were log β110 = 4.69, log β110 = 5.25 and log β110 = 4.072, respectively.
2024, 9(9): 1459-1465.
doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2023.09.002
Abstract:
To improve the electrocatalytic transformation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to multi-carbon (C2+) products is of great importance. Here we developed a nitrogen-doped Cu catalyst, by which the maximum C2+ Faradaic efficiency can reach 72.7% in flow-cell system, with the partial current density reaching 0.62 A cm-2. The in situ Raman spectra demonstrate that the *CO adsorption can be strengthened on such a N-doped Cu catalyst, thus promoting the *CO utilization in the subsequent C-C coupling step. Simultaneously, the water activation can be well enhanced by N doping on Cu catalyst. Owing to the synergistic effects, the selectivity and activity for C2+ products over the N-deoped Cu catalyst are much improved.
To improve the electrocatalytic transformation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to multi-carbon (C2+) products is of great importance. Here we developed a nitrogen-doped Cu catalyst, by which the maximum C2+ Faradaic efficiency can reach 72.7% in flow-cell system, with the partial current density reaching 0.62 A cm-2. The in situ Raman spectra demonstrate that the *CO adsorption can be strengthened on such a N-doped Cu catalyst, thus promoting the *CO utilization in the subsequent C-C coupling step. Simultaneously, the water activation can be well enhanced by N doping on Cu catalyst. Owing to the synergistic effects, the selectivity and activity for C2+ products over the N-deoped Cu catalyst are much improved.
2023, 8(2): 351-353.
doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2022.06.002
Abstract:
Under the context of carbon neutrality of China, it is urgent to shift our energy supply towards cleaner fuels as well as to reduce the greenhouse gas emission. Currently, coal is the main fossil fuel energy source of China. The country is striving hard to replace it with methane, a cleaner fossil fuel. Although China has rich geological resources of methane as coal bed methane (CBM) reserves, it is quite challenging to utilize them due to low concentration. The CBM is however mainly emitted directly to atmosphere during coal mining, causing waste of the resource and huge contribution to greenhouse effect. The recent work by Yang et al. demonstrated a potential solution to extract low concentration methane selectively from CBM through using MOF materials as sorbents. Such kind of materials and associated separation technology are promising to reduce greenhouse gas emission and promote the methane production capability, which would contribute to carbon neutrality in dual pathways.
Under the context of carbon neutrality of China, it is urgent to shift our energy supply towards cleaner fuels as well as to reduce the greenhouse gas emission. Currently, coal is the main fossil fuel energy source of China. The country is striving hard to replace it with methane, a cleaner fossil fuel. Although China has rich geological resources of methane as coal bed methane (CBM) reserves, it is quite challenging to utilize them due to low concentration. The CBM is however mainly emitted directly to atmosphere during coal mining, causing waste of the resource and huge contribution to greenhouse effect. The recent work by Yang et al. demonstrated a potential solution to extract low concentration methane selectively from CBM through using MOF materials as sorbents. Such kind of materials and associated separation technology are promising to reduce greenhouse gas emission and promote the methane production capability, which would contribute to carbon neutrality in dual pathways.
Editor-in-Chief：Buxing Han
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