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Articles in press have been peer-reviewed and accepted, which are not yet assigned to volumes/issues, but are citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI).
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The Need to Consider Regional Supply Chains and Water Usage in H2-Steel Transition
Peng Peng, Tae Lim, Fabian Rosner, Hanna Breunig, Prakash Rao, Arman Shehabi
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.08.002
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The iron and steel industry is one of the largest contributors to U.S. and global greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen can act as a promising reducing agent and clean energy carrier to decarbonize this sector, and has received significant attention in terms of process modelling, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment in recent years. Policy incentives, hydrogen storage and transportation, and water stress levels are key factors that require significantly more consideration in order to realize hydrogen’s potential to decarbonize this industry. This review demonstrates the need for a systematic understanding and critical assessment of these areas, and their profound impacts on the decarbonization of the iron and steel sector. Furthermore, hydrogen and water supply face competition from other hard-to-decarbonize sectors, which should be considered on national and regional levels. Lastly, future research should also consider the impact of other environmental factors and hydrogen leak when deploying hydrogen at scale for industrial decarbonization.
Selective oxidation of high-concentration 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid at room temperature in water by synergic electronic effect of bimetallic RuCo/NC catalyst
Lihua Du, Conghao Ku, Mengmeng Feng, Junjie Lan, Jeunghee Park, Ik Seon Kwon, Lingzhao Kong, Weiran Yang
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.008
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Bio-based 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) has the potential to replace petroleum-based terephthalic acid for the synthesis of high-performance polyester materials, demonstrating broad application prospects. Its primary preparation method involves the selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). However, the industrial process is limited by low HMF concentration during the reaction due to the formation of humus resulting from HMF instability especially in high concentration. In this study, a RuCo/NC bimetallic catalyst was fabricated, which can effectively catalyze the selective oxidation of HMF to obtain FDCA at room temperature (25 °C). Side reactions caused by HMF instability were significantly reduced at room temperature, allowing for the application of high-concentration HMF (10 wt%) to achieve an excellent FDCA yield of 91.92% in water. Mechanism studies reveal that a synergistic electronic effect exists between two metals that electrons transfer from Co to Ru to increase the electron density on the surface of Ru nanoparticles, improving oxygen activation ability. Meanwhile, the electron-deficient Co further enhances the adsorption of HMF on the catalyst surface for better reactivity. This study realized the high-concentration HMF aerobic oxidation to FDCA at room temperature in water, paving the way for FDCA to serve as a sustainable substitute for terephthalic acid in polyester production.
CdS-Enzyme Composite Promotes Photobiocatalytic Conversion of Plastic-derived Lactate to Chiral Chemicals
Willy W.L. See, Phuc T.T. Nguyen, Heng Yih Tan, Jie Fu Jeff Zhou, Sie Shing Wong, Kang Zhou, Ning Yan
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.018
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The combination of photo- and bio-catalysis in one-pot enables sustainable, visible-light driven cascade reactions for the synthesis of value-added chiral chemicals under mild conditions. Despite the attractiveness of merging the redox capability of heterogeneous photocatalysts with the excellent enantioselectivity of enzymes, developing such reaction under one-pot conditions poses a challenge due to catalyst incompatibility. In this study, a cadmium sulfide (CdS)-enzyme composite was engineered for one-pot conversion of plastic-derived lactate into chiral compounds. By coating CdS onto alginate beads, its redox capability for the oxidation of lactate in water under visible light was preserved. The generated pyruvate subsequently underwent enantioselective transformation catalyzed by encapsulated enzymes within the beads, producing (R)-acetoin, L-alanine, or (R)-phenylacetylcarbinol. The core-shell structure of the CdS-enzyme composite protects the enzymes against radical attacks and also facilitates recycling, with 81% yield of (R)-acetoin achieved after four reaction cycles. Additionally, we demonstrated an upcycling process converting post-consumer polylactic acid cups into (R)-acetoin. This work introduces a novel approach for integrating photocatalysts and enzymes to synthesize chiral chemicals from end-of-life plastics.
Mechanistic insights into the role of N/O-doped biochar in enhanced phenolics production during biomass pyrolysis
Zihang Zhang, Honghui Li, Jinlong Liu, Jusheng Hu, Shurong Wang
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.017
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Phenolic compounds are vital chemicals that can be converted into high-density jet fuel components, such as aromatic hydrocarbons or cycloalkanes. Pyrolysis of biomass waste for producing high-value phenolic compounds offers a sustainable approach to waste management and energy conversion. While N/O-doped biochar has demonstrated potential in enhancing phenolics production, its application faces challenges such as complex preparation, high activation temperatures, and unclear catalytic mechanisms. This study addresses these issues by developing a single-step sodium amide (NaNH2) activation method at mild temperatures (<500℃) to produce N/O-doped biochar with optimized catalytic properties. Characterization identified graphitic-N (-GN) and oxidized-N (-ON) configurations, along with aldehyde-O (-CHO) and carboxyl-O (-COOH) groups, as key active sites that enhance catalytic performance. Experimentally, the N/O-doped biochar achieved a phenolics yield of 57.87% at an activation temperature of 400℃, representing a 19.18% increase over non-catalytic conditions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further elucidated the role of N and O groups, showing that -GN and -ON in N groups and -CHO and -COOH in O groups lower energy barriers in radical-induced demethoxylation which promotes phenolic product formation. Machine learning analysis identified nucleophilicity and local softness as critical descriptors, indicating that these configurations effectively modulate electron density at active sites. These findings provide a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of how specific N and O functional groups in biochar enhance catalytic efficiency in targeted phenolic production.
Manipulating and unveiling contributions of the reactive oxygen species dramatically promote selective photo-oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid in aqueous solution
Runqing Xiao, Qingmao Yang, Yanjie Li, Wei Zhang, Gang Xiao, Chun Shen
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.014
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Achieving high selectivity to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) in the photocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in aqueous solution advocates the principle of green and sustainable chemistry, but still remains a significant challenge. Herein, manipulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been realized and dramatically promotes the selective photocatalytic oxidation of HMF in aqueous solution. High FDCA yield of 98.6% has been achieved after 3 hours of visible light irradiation over the as-prepared FeOx-Au/TiO2 catalyst, being one of the leading photocatalytic performances. Furthermore, satisfactory FDCA yields of higher than 80% could be realized even in the outdoor environment under natural sunlight irradiation, regardless of sunny or cloudy weather. A combination study including physical characterization, kinetic analysis, radical trapping experiments and density functional theory calculations unveils the rate-determining step (oxidation of hydroxyl group) and respective contributions of the generated ROS (1O2 and·O2-) in each step of the entire reaction network. The present work would push ahead the understanding of HMF photocatalytic oxidation and contribute to the rational design of high-performance photocatalysts.
Enhancing Carbonization of Microcrystalline Cellulose through Ball Milling under Decoupled Temperature and Pressure Hydrothermal Conditions
Kaile Li, Jiahui Hu, Zhiqiang Xu, Shijie Yu, Qinghai Li, Yanguo Zhang, Hui Zhou
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.016
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Hydrothermal treatment of cellulose is a promising green route for bioenergy and biochemical production, yet requiring investigations of the mechanisms. In this study, the effects of cellulose crystallinity and decoupled temperature and pressure conditions on cellulose conversion and product distribution were investigated. Microcrystalline cellulose was ball-milled for varying durations, leading to a reduction in crystallinity, with 4 h of milling sufficient to achieve near-complete amorphization. Unlike concurrent recrystallization and hydrolysis observed under autogenous pressure, decoupled conditions significantly accelerated hydrolysis of cellulose. Notably, lower crystallinity cellulose exhibited significant improvements in glucose and 5-HMF yields, with 4-hour ball milling showing optimal performance among all samples. Furthermore, carbon sub-micron spheres were largely produced, which were confirmed via PTFE encapsulation experiments to primarily consist of secondary char deriving from re- polymerization and condensation reactions of the liquid phase. Overall, this study demonstrates that lower crystallinity not only facilitates hydrolysis but also accelerates the carbonization processes under decoupled pressure conditions, highlighting its potential for efficient biomass conversion into valuable products.
Advanced Batteries for Sustainable Energy Storage
Wenbin Li, Changtai Zhao, Chang Yu, Yan Yu, Jiaqi Huang, Yingying Lu, Hao Jiang, Shuai Gu, Zhouguang Lu, Xue Yang, Le Yu, Yuan Ren, Siqi Shi, Weihua Chen
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.009
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The increasingly severe energy crisis and environmental issues have raised higher requirements for grid-scale energy storage system. Rechargeable batteries have enormous development prospects for their flexibility and environmental protection. However, the traditional organic liquid-based batteries cannot meet our needs for future advanced batteries in terms of safety, energy density, and stability under extreme working conditions. In this case, we comprehensively summarize various advanced battery technologies to overcome the above problems. Firstly, we highlight the advantage of solid-state batteries compared to liquid electrolytes. Specifically, we focus on the advantages and challenges of solid-state lithium/sodium batteries and other types of solid-state batteries associated with the electrodes, solid electrolytes and the electrode/electrolyte interphase. Secondly, we discuss the environmentally friendly and safe liquid-state battery and their application prospect. Thirdly, the battery improvement strategy has been proposed to enhance the application of batteries under extreme conditions. Subsequently, we emphasized the importance of theoretical calculations and AI technology in promoting the development of battery technology. Finally, the current challenges and future directions of battery technology are summarized. The combination of in-depth failure mechanism analysis, advanced characterization techniques, economic commercialization and machine learning enables the rapid development of advanced battery technology for sustainable energy storage.
Insights into degradation mechanisms and engineering strategies of layered manganese-based oxide cathodes for sodium-ion battery
Jun-Wei Yin, Yi-Meng Wu, Xin-Yu Liu, Jing Li, Peng-Fei Wang, Zong-Lin Liu, Lin-Lin Wang, Jie Shu, Ting-Feng Yi
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.013
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Manganese-based oxides are widely regarded as highly promising cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to their abundant resources, low cost and high specific capacity. Especially in the P2 and O3-type structures, excellent electrochemical performance and structural stability are expected to be achieved by modulating the ratio of Mn to other transition metals. However, these materials are susceptible to phase transitions, Jahn-Teller distortions and manganese dissolution during cycling, which limits their structural stability and electrochemical performance. To solve these critical issues, researchers have proposed various material design and modulation strategies and achieved remarkable progress. This review provides a systematic summary of the current state of research on manganese-based oxides in sodium-ion batteries and offers a detailed analysis of the root causes of performance degradation in terms of material structural features, defect types and formation mechanisms. Meanwhile, the current research progress in ion doping, high entropy strategy, surface modification, and interfacial engineering is reviewed in order to explore the synergistic regulation on structural stability and electrochemical behavior. The unique advantages of these materials in terms of phase stability, rate capability and cycle life are demonstrated. Finally, this paper looks forward to the future research directions and development trends for manganese-based oxides, providing a theoretical foundation and technical support for the construction of high-performance and scalable cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries.
Acetone-Mediated Glucose Isomerization over a ZrO2-NC Composite Catalyst
Mi Gao, Hongquan Fu, Wenhua Zhang, Zhicheng Jiang, Bi Shi
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.012
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The agglomeration-prone properties of metal oxide catalysts limit their catalytic efficiency in the isomerization of glucose to fructose. Herein, the hierarchical structure and abundant coordination groups of collagen fibers were used to anchor Zr4+, and a highly dispersed ZrO2-nitrogen-doped carbon (ZrO2-NC) composite catalyst was subsequently fabricated by calcination. For the catalytic glucose-to-fructose isomerization over ZrO2-NC, fructose was obtained in 41.3% yield and 85.3% selectivity in a water-acetone solvent at 120 ℃ for 10 min. The electron-deficient environment of ZrO2 surface during charge transfer from ZrO2-to-NC layer benefited to preferentially adsorb glucose, which accelerated glucose isomerization and fructose desorption. The amphoteric catalyst triggered both proton transfer on the Bronsted base sites and the intramolecular hydride shift of glucose on the Lewis acid sites of ZrO2-NC in the mixed solvent. The latter isomerization mechanism depended on the presence of acetone, which lowered the energy barrier and increased fructose yield.
Boosting redox kinetics in CoS/Ti3C2 heterostructure via interfacial charge redistribution for high-energy-density supercapacitors
Yu Liu, Mengjie Pan, Mengqin Gong, Huachen Lin, Yulong Ying, Longhua Li, Hong Jia
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.015
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Supercapacitors are indispensable for next-generation energy storage, achieving high energy density and long-term durability remains a formidable challenge. Conventional CoS suffers from poor conductivity, while Ti3C2 faces severe restacking. Herein, we report a novel synthesis strategy that integrates metal-organic framework (MOF) growth with electrostatic self-assembly to construct heterojunction of CoS nanotubes coated with ultrathin Ti3C2 nanofilms. Material characterization via SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS systematically confirms the heterostructure formation, and chemical composition. This rational design synergistically leverages CoS high pseudocapacitance and Ti3C2 metallic conductivity while the heterostructure mitigates restacking, enhances charge transfer, and stabilizes interfacial interactions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal strengthened OH- adsorption at the Co-Ti interface (Ead = 1.106 eV). Consequently, the CoS/Ti3C2@CC delivers a remarkable specific capacitance of 1034.21 F g-1 at 1 A g-1. Assembled into a supercapacitor, CoS/Ti3C2@CC//AC achieves a high energy density of 74.22 Wh kg-1 at 800 W kg-1, maintaining 89.13% initial capacitance after 10,000 cycles. Significantly, it exhibits a remarkably low leakage current (0.23 μA) and ultra-prolonged voltage retention (47.14% after 120 h), underscoring exceptional durability. This work pioneers a rational heterostructure engineering strategy by integrating MOF-derived architectures with conductive MXene nanofilms, offering critical insights for the development of ultradurable supercapacitor.
Oriented Crystallization of Metal Electrodeposition in Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Lingxiao Ren, Yang Dong, Dalong Zhong, Zhijiang Su, Aoxuan Wang, Chengxin Peng, Jiayan Luo
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.010
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Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are attractive for large-scale energy storage due to their safety and low cost, but practical use is limited by dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution, and passivation. Traditional solutions often introduce additional complexity without addressing the root cause: unstable zinc deposition. Recent advancements now focus on controlling zinc crystallographic orientation to fundamentally suppress inhomogeneous nucleation and growth. The (002) basal plane supports smooth, reversible growth and can be promoted via heteroepitaxy or homoepitaxy, enabling long cycle life even at high rates. However, emerging studies show that Zn(100) and Zn(101) orientations may offer comparable benefits through faster kinetics and reduced parasitic reactions. Scalable, non-epitaxial methods like electrolyte tuning and pressure control also show promise. Despite these advances, balancing thermodynamic stability with kinetic performance remains a major challenge. Future research should integrate orientation control with strategies against corrosion and calendar aging to enable practical, high-performance AZIBs.
Harnessing tunable lignin-based carbon quantum dots for sustainable water purification
Xinyan Hou, Pengfei Zhou, Jun Guo, Shenao Yuan, Shiman Chen, Heyu Chen, Xiao Xiao, Jikun Xu, Feng Peng
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.011
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Developing on-demand biomass valorization represents an ideal path to alleviate the double burden of sustainable energy-environment future, yet exploring tunable lignin-first chemistry to accomplish multifunctional water purification remains elusive. Herein, we report a versatile solvent-fractionation to construct heteroatom-doped multicolor lignin carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with the functions of bimodule pollutant sensing, metaL-ionic visualization, and photocatalytic antibiotic dissociation. With the aid of oxidation cleavage and biphasic extraction, the underlying lignin features of molecular weight and functional linkages influence the quantum size and core-surface state of CQDs conferring the unique opticaL-structure-performance. The N, S co-doped blue-emitting CQDs via light-quenching offers the selective identification of Fe3+-ions in a broad response range with acceptable limit of detection. The addition of L-cysteine can efficiently restore the fluorescence of CQDs by forming a stable Fe3+-L-cys complex. The green-emissive CQDs is facilely embedded into cellulose hydrogel to directly visualize the presence of metaL-ions. A red-CQDs modified ternary ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) composite is fabricated to achieve photocatalytic antibiotic removal with an efficiency of ~85%. The excellent photo-generated electron and storage capabilities of CQDs improve the light-capturing, electron conduction, and charge carriers separation of ZIS. The reactive species are of importance to photocatalytic tetracycline oxidation, wherein the electron holes (h+) function as the main contributor followed by ·O2-, 1O2 and ·OH. The directly interfacial electron escaping-shuttling with the help of optimized electronic and energy-band structures is confirmed via electrochemical test and theoretical computation. We anticipate that the present work not only sheds a substantial light to manipulate polychromatic lignin-based CQDs via a tailored solvent-engineering, but also presents an emerging green route of emphasizing biomass-water nexus.
Lattice sulfur-induced disordered and electron-deficient Pd-based nanosheets enabling selective electrocatalytic semi-hydrogenation of alkynes
Hongyao Luo, Haochuan Jing, Bing Zhang, Nailiang Yang, Tao Sun, Chuntian Qiu, Yangsen Xu, Peng Yang, Xiang Ling
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.003
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The semi-hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes is of great significance in industrial production of pharmaceutical and fine chemicals. Electrochemical semi-hydrogenation (ECSH) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional thermochemical hydrogenation. However, its practical application is hindered by low reaction rate and competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, the controllable incorporation of sulfur into the lattice of Pd nanostructures is proposed to develop disordered and electron-deficient Pd-based nanosheets on Ni foam and enhance their ECSH performance of alkynes. Mechanistic investigations demonstrate that the electronic and geometric structures of Pd sites are optimized by lattice sulfur, which tunes the competitive adsorption of H* and alkynes, inherently inhibits the H* coupling and weakens alkene adsorption, thereby promotes the semi-hydrogenation of alkynes and prevents the over-hydrogenation of alkenes. The optimized Pd-based nanosheets exhibit efficient electrocatalytic semi-hydrogenation performance in an H-cell, achieving 97% alkene selectivity and 94% Faradaic efficiency, and a reaction rate of 303.7 μmol mg-1 catal. h-1 using 4-methoxyphenylacetylene as the model substrate. Even in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) configuration, the optimized Pd-based nanosheets achieves a single-cycle alkyne conversion of 96% and an alkene selectivity of 97%, with continuous production of alkene at a rate of 1901.1 μmol mgcatal.-1 h-1. The potential- and time-independent selectivity, good substrate universality with excellent tolerance to active groups (C-Br/Cl/C=O, etc.) further highlight the potential of this strategy for advanced catalysts design and green chemistry.
Ultrasonic-enhanced Cu(I)/Cu(II) nanointerfaces for sustainable ozone activation in green aluminum production:atomic-level catalysis of organic waste degradation
Jianfeng Ran, Xu Sun, Jiaping Zhao, Shaoshuai Wei, Haisheng Duan, Ying Chen, Libo Zhang, Shaohua Yin
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.007
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The accumulation of refractory organics in Bayer liquor (pH 14.4) critically compromises aluminum production efficiency and product quality, necessitating sustainable remediation strategies. Herein, we develop an ultrasonic-driven catalytic ozonation system with dynamically reconstructed CuO/Cu2O heterointerfaces, achieving unprecedented efficiency in extreme alkaline wastewater treatment. Atomic-scale interface engineering endows the catalyst with hydrophilicity (contact angle:6.1°) and 3.8-4.3 times higher oxygen vacancy density compared to single-phase catalysts. These properties facilitate efficient interfacial interactions with Bayer liquor and enable superior ozone activation through synergistic Cu(I)/Cu(II) redox cycling across the heterointerface. This interfacial synergy reduces ozone adsorption energy from 5.46 eV (Cu2O) to 1.48 eV, driving reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via low-energy pathways. Under optimized conditions, the system achieves 57.82% TOC removal within 1.5 h with 2.3-fold faster kinetics than ozone- alone processes, while improving energy efficiency by 1.82-3.22 times per kWh over conventional thermal oxidation. Remarkable stability is demonstrated through 80.21% activity retention after 6 cycles, attributed to surface energy minimization (0.61 J/m2), alongside 67.91% hydroxyl radical (·OH)-mediated degradation confirmed by quenching tests. In XPS, EEMs analysis, and ECOSAR modeling further elucidate the surface reconstruction mechanism and intermediate toxicity reduction. This work establishes an atomic interface design paradigm that bridges catalytic innovation with green metallurgy applications, offering a sustainable solution for industrial wastewater remediation aligned with circular economy principles.
Grafting Sulfonated Triptycene-Based Hypercrosslinked Polymers onto Bi2WO6 for Enhanced Adsorption and Photoelimination of Antibiotics
Yingxue Zhang, Wanjun Xu, Xiao Yang, Shihong Dong, Najun Li, Qingfeng Xu, Hua Li, Jianmei Lu, Dongyun Chen
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.004
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Antibiotics, as an emerging pollutant due to their extensive use and difficulty in biodegradation, can cause harm to health through bioaccumulation. To address this, various photocatalysts have been developed for rapid antibiotic removal. However, their low concentrations limit mass transfer efficiency, resulting in suboptimal performance. Adsorption is crucial for enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. In this study, a series of binary heterojunction catalysts (x% BWO@STHP) were synthesized, consisting of Bi2WO6 (BWO) grafted with sulfonated triptycene-based hypercrosslinked polymer (STHP). The high specific surface area of STHP, combined with π-π conjugation and ionic interactions with antibiotics, significantly enhances adsorption capacity. This facilitates effective contact between low-concentration pollutants in aqueous solutions and the active sites of the catalyst. The formation of a Z-scheme heterojunction between BWO and STHP facilitates photogenerated charge separation, and further significantly improves photocatalytic degradation performance. Specifically, the 20% BWO@STHP catalyst achieved rapid adsorption equilibrium for oxytetracycline (OTC), doxycycline (DOX), and tetracycline (TC) within 2 min and completely degraded them after 15 min of irradiation, compared to pristine BWO, the photocatalytic reaction rate constants are significantly increased, being 9.69 times higher for OTC and 13.45 times higher for DOX. The catalyst exhibits excellent reusability and holds promising potential for practical applications.
Cu doping induced lattice distortion and oxygen vacancy formation in PbBiO2Br:Band structure modulation enhances photocatalytic nitrogen fixation and pollutant degradation performance
Shude Yuan, Yekang Zheng, Yuxin Chu, Chuanqi Xia, Ruoyu Dong, Jiating Xu, Botao Teng, Ying Wu, Yiming He
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.005
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Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation has emerged as a sustainable alternative for ammonia synthesis, playing a crucial role in alleviating energy shortages and environmental pollution. In this study, PbBiO2Br was applied to photocatalytic nitrogen fixation for the first time, and its photocatalytic performance was effectively enhanced through Cu doping. The catalyst was synthesized via a simple reduction method, and its morphology, structure, and physicochemical properties were systematically investigated using various characterization techniques and density functional theory calculations. The results revealed that the incorporation of Cu2+ partially replaced Pb2+, inducing lattice distortion in PbBiO2Br, promoting the formation of oxygen vacancies, and modifying its electronic band structure. Specifically, Cu doping led to a slight bandgap narrowing, a reduction in work function, and a significant upward shift in the conduction band position. These changes enhanced light absorption, facilitated charge carrier migration and separation, and improved the reduction ability of photogenerated electrons. Moreover, Cu doping promoted N2 adsorption and activation. Consequently, the photocatalytic nitrogen fixation performance of Cu- doped PbBiO2Br was significantly enhanced, achieving an optimal nitrogen fixation rate of 293 μmol L-1 g-1 h-1, which is 3.6 times higher than that of pristine PbBiO2Br. Additionally, Cu- PbBiO2Br also showed good activity in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB, with a degradation rate 4.6 times higher than that of PbBiO2Br. This work offers new insights into the application of PbBiO2Br in photocatalytic nitrogen fixation and offers valuable guidance for the development of highly efficient nitrogen fixation materials in the future.
Interpretable machine learning analysis on CO2 adsorption and separation capacity of biochar under multi-scenario conditions
Jialiang Dong, Ruikun Wang, Yulong Xie, Fuyan Gao, ShiTeng Tan, Zhenghui Zhao, Qianqian Yin, Eric J. Hu
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.001
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Biochar has been widely recognized as a promising solid CO2 adsorbent with economic and ecological benefits. Industrial CO2 emissions originate from diverse sources, while the pore structure and chemical functional groups of biochar exhibit varying degrees of influence on CO2 adsorption and separation performance under different adsorption conditions. Therefore, exploring the matching relationship between the physicochemical properties of biochar and its adsorption and separation performance at different adsorption conditions is essential for the development and optimization of carbon-based adsorbents. This study selected the high-performance extreme gradient boosting (XGB) algorithm from various algorithms and utilized it to develop CO2, N2, CH4 adsorption prediction models. Based on this, coupled prediction models were developed for CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 adsorption selectivity. Furthermore, feature importance and partial dependence analysis were performed using SHAP values. The results indicate that during CO2 adsorption, the influence of the pore structure of biochar outweighs that of its chemical composition. Specifically, the pore structure of 0.4-0.6 nm is the most important property influencing CO2 adsorption at low and medium pressure (0-0.6 bar), and the pore structure of 0.6-0.8 nm, as well as the specific surface area contribute the most at high pressure (0.6-1 bar). During CO2 selective separation, the CO2/N2 mixture is primarily separated through the selective adsorption of CO2 by nitrogen functional groups. In contrast, for CO2/CH4 mixtures, pore structure <1 nm plays a more critical role in determining adsorption selectivity. In addition, molecular simulation studies further revealed the adsorption filling mechanisms of CO2 molecules within different pore sizes and functional groups. Finally, nitrogen-doped biochar was synthesized using de-alkalize lignin as the precursor, KOH as the activating agent, and urea as the nitrogen dopant. CO2, N2, and CH4 isothermal adsorption experiments were conducted, and the experimental results confirmed that the developed prediction models exhibit high accuracy (R2>0.9).
Efficient Electro-Catalytic Desulfurization by In-Situ Oxidant Generation
Yang Cao, Shilong Zhou, Linlin Chen, Yan Huang, Hui Liu, Yiru Zou, Peiwen Wu, Haiyan Ji, Wenshuai Zhu, Chunming Xu
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.002
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In this study, we present an extraction-coupled electro-catalytic oxidative desulfurization (EC-EODS) system that achieves efficient sulfur removal from fuel oils without external oxidants. The system utilizes an electrolyte composed of ionic liquids (ILs), NaCl, and H2SO4, integrating extraction and electrochemical oxidation to effectively remove different aromatic sulfur compounds with sulfur removals of 100%. Additionally, H2 is co-produced at the cathode, supporting refinery processes and reducing H2 storage and transportation costs, thereby improving economic viability. Detailed mechanism analysis shows that IL selectively extracts and concentrates sulfur compounds, while NaCl and H2SO4 facilitate ClO- generation, serving as the in-situ oxidant. The EC-EODS system operates without external catalysts, relying on graphite electrodes that generate superoxide radicals from ClO-. Moreover, a strategy for the separation of desulfurization products as well as the electrolyte is proposed as well. The EC-EODS system offers a sustainable, high-efficiency strategy for desulfurization, with economic benefits through sulfur oxidation and H2 co-generation.
Recent progress in biochar-based photocatalysts for environmental remediation
Ke Zhu, Yuheng Yao, Xiaoying Liang, Yi Yang, Hector F. Garces, Kai Yan
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.07.006
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With the accelerating industrialization, environmental pollution has become increasingly severe. Photocatalysis, as a solar-driven advanced oxidation process, has emerged as a promising solution for environmental remediation. Biochar, with its unique surface properties, tunable functional groups, excellent conductivity, and chemical stability, serves as an ideal support for photocatalysts. The integration of photocatalysts with biochar forms biochar-based photocatalysts (Bio-BPs), which synergistically enhance functional groups, porosity, surface active sites, and catalytic performance. This review systematically summarizes the synthesis methods of Bio-BPs to guide optimal preparation strategies, enumerates the advanced characterization techniques, explores modification mechanisms and their effects on photocatalytic activity, examines applications in removing both aqueous pollutants and atmospheric pollutants and discusses sustainable prospects for the future development of Bio-BPs to provide guidelines for designing high-performance biochar-based materials for practical environmental applications.
Advances in Cathode's Microstructure Modification to Boost Performance of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Modeste Venin Mendieev Nitou, Wu Yu, Waqas Muhammad, Ziheng Zhang, Daiqian Chen, Hesheng Yu, Mengjun Tang, Xiaodong Fang, Rui Liu, Yashuai Pang, Aadheeshwaran Samynathan, Benammar Djenet Sondra, Yinghua Niu, Weiqiang Lv, Yuanfu Chen
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.06.006
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Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery becomes one of the most promising next-generation energy storage devices due to its ultrahigh energy density of 2600 Wh/kg. However, their commercialization is impeded by several critical challenges, including the polysulfide shuttle effect, low electrical conductivity of sulfur, and significant volume expansion during cycling. This review addresses recent developments in the microstructural innovations aimed at improving lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery performance, with a particular focus on the modification of cathode materials. The strategies discussed primarily revolve around enhancing the conductivity of sulfur and effectively confining polysulfides to reduce the dissolution of lithium polysulfides in organic electrolytes. Key findings highlight the effectiveness of porous carbon structures, and metal compounds in stabilizing polysulfides and enhancing electrochemical performances. Additionally, the roles of advanced synthesis techniques that facilitate the creation of hybrid cathodes with superior mechanical properties and cycling stability are summarized. By addressing the inherent limitations of traditional Li-S battery designs, these innovations pave the way for more efficient and reliable energy storage systems, positioning Li-S technology as a viable alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries in future applications.
Highly selective electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to liquid C2 products by means of a tandem catalytic system
Nan Wang, Yuan Zhang, Xiaoxin Tian, Mingming Sun, Lei Yuan, Huiyong Wang, Jianji Wang
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.06.007
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Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction for the synthesis of high value-added multi-carbon (C2+) products is a promising strategy to achieve energy storage and carbon neutrality, However, to acquire high selectivity of C2+ products remains a challenge. Herein, Ag NCs@Ag-MOF with highly dispersed Ag nanoclusters (NCs) and Cu-O2N2-COF with Cu-O2N2 active sites were designed, synthesized and then coupled for the conversion of CO2 to liquid C2 products (ethanol and acetate). Faradaic efficiency (FE) of the liquid C2 products was 90.9% at -0.98 V (vs. RHE), which is 1.9 times that of Cu-O2N2-COF in direct CO2 electroreduction and the highest liquid C2 products selectivity reported so far. The current density reached 324.8 mA cm-2 at -1.2 V (vs. RHE). In situ infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations showed that the tandem catalytic system significantly enhanced the accumulation of *CO on the catalyst and promoted *CO-*CO coupling, thus significantly improving the selectivity of liquid C2 products.
Cutting-edge aminated conjugated microporous poly(aniline)s enabled highperformance membrane for seawater uranium extraction
Xiaoxia Ye, Bingqing Huang, Xueying Chen, Yaping Wang, Zhihong Zheng, Yifan Liu, Yuancai Lv, Chunxiang Lin, Jian Huang, Jie Chen
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.06.005
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The extraction of uranium from seawater via membrane adsorption is a promising strategy for ensuring a long-term supply of uranium and the sustainability of nuclear energy. However, this approach has been hindered by the longstanding challenge of identifying sustainable membrane materials. In response, we propose a prototypal hybridization strategy to design a novel series of conjugated microporous polymer (CMPO)@collagen fiber membrane (COLM), as decorated with multiple functional groups through an amination. These sustainable and low-cost membrane materials allow a rapid and high-affinity kinetic to capture 90% of the uranium in just 30 min from 50 ppm with a high selectivity of Kd > 105 mL·g-1. They also afford a robustly reusable adsorption capacity as high as 345 mg·g-1 that could harvest 1.61 mg·g-1 of uranium in a short 7-day real marine engineering in Fujian Province, even though suffered from very low uranium concentration of 3.29 µg·L-1 and tough influence of salts such as 10.77 g·L-1 of Na+, 1.75 µg·L-1of VO3-etc in the rough seas. The structural evidence from both experimental and theoretical studies confirmed the formation of favorable chelating motifs from the amino group on CMPN, and the intensification by the synergistic effect from the size-sieving action of CMPN and the capillary inflow effect of COLM.
Enhanced hydroxide conductivity in zwitterionic polyacrylate-based anion exchange membranes via side-chain length optimization
Lu Cai, Naibing Li, Bingbing Li, Tianchi Zhou, Zhengyuan Zhou, Yongnan Zhou, Xi Luo, Kaiying Zhao, Yuekun Lai, Jinli Qiao
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.06.003
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Developing advanced ion-conductive networks is crucial for anion exchange membranes (AEMs). A flexible molecular structure facilitates the formation of ion clusters and results in enhanced ionic conductivity. Polyacrylates, known for their outstanding flexibility and chemical stability, hold significant potential as polymer electrolyte membranes. In this work, we innovatively constructed a series of polyacrylate-based AEMs decorated with pendant zwitterions (designated as PSBPA-X, BSBPA-X, where X=20, 30, 40). Specifically, the spacer length between the zwitterions is strategically optimized to enhance the ionic conductivity. Atomic force microscopy reveals that a longer spacer length between the zwitterions promotes the microphase separation and the formation of advanced water channels, which facilitates the OH- transport in the BSBPA-40 membrane. Moreover, the stronger electrostatic potential and lower interaction energy between the BSBPA-40 and OH- further contributes to efficient OH- hopping transmission. Consequently, the BSBPA-40 membrane demonstrates the highest OH- conductivity, achieving 102.1 mS/cm at 80 °C and 90% relative humidity, significantly surpassing that of the PSBPA-40 membrane (75.2 mS/cm). Additionally, the BSBPA-40 membrane exhibits remarkable flexibility with an improved breaking elongation of 480.5% due to the ionic cross-linking between the zwitterions. Notably, the BSBPA-40 membrane-based zinc-air battery achieves an outstanding power density of 156.7 mW/cm2 at room temperature, while its water electrolysis performance reaches 2.1 A/cm2 at 2.0 V. These results indicate that the developed membranes hold great promise for applications in sustainable and clean energy technologies.
Single-atom Mn-modified Biomimetic Phthalocyanine Covalent Organic Frameworks with Tunable Pendant Groups for High-efficiency Sodium Chloride Batteries
Jiajun Cui, Zhenzhen Wang, Yongqiang Gu, Ting Xu, Tairan Pang, Chuanling Si, Weiwei Huan, Jie Li
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.06.002
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Rechargeable chlorine-based battery recently emerged as a promising substitute for energy storage systems due to their high average operating voltage (∼3.7 V) and large theoretical capacity of ∼754.9 mAh g-1. However, insufficient supply of chlorine (Cl2) and sluggish oxidation of NaCl to Cl2 limit its practical application. Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) have the potential to be ideal Cl2 host materials as Cl2 adsorbents for their abundant porosity and easily modifiable nature. In this work, the single atom Mn coordinated biomimetic phthalocyanine COFs is used for Cl2 capture and catalyst. The DFT reveals that ASMn and -NH2 significantly change the microenvironment around the active site, effectively promote the oxidation of NaCl. When applied as the cathode material for Na-Cl2 batteries, the SAMn-COFs-NH2 electrode exhibits large reversible capacities and excellent high-rate cycling performances throughout 200 cycles based on the mechanism of highly reversible NaCl/Cl2 redox reactions. Even at the temperature as low as -40 oC, the SAMn-COFs-NH2 cathode showed stable discharge capacities at ∼1000 mAh g-1 over 50 cycles with a voltage plateau of ∼3.3 V. This work may provide new insights for the investigation of chlorine-based electrochemical redox mechanisms and the design of green nanoscaled electrodes for high-property chlorine-based batteries.
Converting waste polyimide into porous carbon nanofiber for all-weather freshwater and hydroelectricity generation
Lijie Liu, Huajian Liu, Huiyue Wang, Kuankuan Liu, Guixin Hu, Yan She, Xueying Wen, Hangyuan Du, Lingling Feng, Jiang Gong
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.06.004
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The dual system capable of solar-driven interfacial steam production and all-weather hydropower generation is emerging as a potential way to alleviate freshwater shortage and energy crisis. However, the intrinsic mechanism of hydroelectric electricity generation powered by the interaction between seawater and material structure is vague, and it remains challenging to develop dual-functional evaporators with high photothermal conversion efficiency and ionic selectivity. Herein, an all-weather dual-function evaporator based on porous carbon fiber-like (PCF) is acquired through the pyrolysis of barium-based metal-organic framework (Ba-BTEC), which is originated from waste polyimide. The PCF-based evaporator/device exhibits a high steam generation rate of 2.93 kg m-2 h-1 in seawater under 1 kW m-2 irradiation, along with the notable open-circuit voltage of 0.32 V, owing to the good light absorption ability, optimal wettability, and suitable aperture size. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulation result reveals that Na+ tends to migrate rapidly within the nanoporous channels of PCF, owing to a strong affinity between oxygen-containing functional group and water molecule. This work not only proposes an eco-friendly strategy for constructing low-cost full-time freshwater-hydroelectric co-generation device, but also contributes to the understanding of evaporation-driven energy harvesting technology.
Enhancing C-N bond formation in amine carbonylation through dual hydrogen bonding catalysis under mild reaction conditions
Xiang Hui, Jianhui Shi, Jiajun Zhang, Yan Cao, Huiquan Li, Peng He, Liguo Wang
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.05.010
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The carbonylation of amines offers a promising route for synthesizing N-substituted carbamates with high atom economy. However, conventional catalysts exhibit limited catalytic efficiency, and the underlying proton transfer mechanism remains elusive. Herein, we reported a metal-free, roomtemperature strategy utilizing 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD) as a dual hydrogen bond catalyst to synergistically activate propylamine (PA) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC). This green catalytic system achieves a 10-fold acceleration in reaction rate compared to other hydrogen bonding catalysts under mild conditions. This is enabled by dual hydrogen bonding of TBD with PA and DMC, which facilitates rapid proton transfer and stabilizes tetrahedral intermediates. Theoretical calculations confirm that the dual hydrogen bond system significantly lowers activation energy compared to single hydrogen bond analogs. Furthermore, it was revealed that the hydrogen bonding network within the product is the primary factor responsible for the sluggish reaction rate. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a dual hydrogen bond system in accelerating the carbonylation of amines and provides a green route to access carbamates.
Advancing Battery Safety System: Introducing Eutectic Hydrated Salt Composite Phase Change Materials with Two Stage Thermal Storage Properties
Wensheng Yang, Zhubin Yao, Xiaoyu Zhou, Xinxi Li, Ya Mao, Wei Jia, Yuhang Wu, Weifu Xu, Rui Liang, Xiaozhou Liu, Lifan Yuan, Zhizhou Tan, Canbing Li
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.05.011
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To address the challenge of balancing thermal management and thermal runaway mitigation, it is crucial to explore effective methods for enhancing the safety of lithiumion battery systems. Herein, an innovative hydrated salt composite phase change material (HSCPCM) with dual phase transition temperature zones has been proposed. This HSCPCM, denoted as SDMA10, combines hydrophilic modified expanded graphite, an acrylic emulsion coating, and eutectic hydrated salts to achieve leakage prevention, enhanced thermal stability, cycling stability, and superior phase change behavior. Battery modules incorporating SDMA10 demonstrate significant thermal control capabilities. Specifically, the cylindrical battery modules with SDMA10 can maintain maximum operating temperatures below 55 °C at 4 C discharge rate, while prismatic battery modules can keep maximum operating temperatures below 65 °C at 2 C discharge rate. In extreme battery overheating conditions simulated using heating plates, SDMA10 effectively suppresses thermal propagation. Even when the central heating plate reaches 300 °C, the maximum temperature at the module edge heating plates remains below 85 °C. Further, compared to organic composite phase change materials (CPCMs), the battery module with SDMA10 can further reduce the peak thermal runaway temperature by 93 °C and delay the thermal runaway trigger time by 689 s, thereby significantly decreasing heat diffusion. Therefore, the designed HSCPCM integrates excellent latent heat storage and thermochemical storage capabilities, providing high thermal energy storage density within the thermal management and thermal runaway threshold temperature range. This research will offer a promising pathway for improving the thermal safety performance of battery packs in electric vehicle and other energy storage systems.
Bio-Inspired Amino Acid Promoted Nanofluidic Ion Transport and Energy Conversion in Free-Standing Layered Vermiculite-based Membranes
Ruohan Feng, Chaoran Zhang, Di Zhang, Fang Song
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.05.009
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Two-dimensional nanofluidic membranes have garnered considerable interest due to their potential for cost-effective osmotic energy harvesting. One promising approach to enhancing ion conductivity and selectivity is the incorporation of guest additives. However, the traditional host-guest configuration can undermine the structural integrity of nanochannels owing to the inconsistent size and shape of these additives. Drawing inspiration from the intricate design of biological protein channels, which utilize small amino acid molecules as guests, we have addressed this issue by incorporating glycine, a common amino acid, into a vermiculite membrane using a simple vacuum-assisted infiltration method. The resulting vermiculite-glycine membrane demonstrates 1.8 times greater ionic conductivity and twice the power density compared to pure vermiculite membranes. Analysis based on glycine content, coupled with spectroscopic examination, reveals that ion conductivity is linked to the distribution of glycine molecules across three specific sites within the membrane. This suggests that glycine molecules—whether confined in voids, adsorbed onto nanochannel surfaces, or intercalated within multilayered vermiculite nanoparticles—enhance nanofluidic ion transport by modulating surface and space charge density, as well as strengthening hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and steric effects. This work reveals the specific interactions between amino acids and vermiculite, offering a novel path for advancing nanofluidic composite membranes and highlighting critical considerations for the proposed strategy.
Multi-scale Nanofiber Filter-based TENG for Sustainable Enhanced PM0.3 Filtration and Self-powered Respiratory Monitoring
Mengtong Yi, Nan Lu, Yukui Gou, Pinmei Yan, Hong Liu, Xiaoqing Gao, Jianying Huang, Weilong Cai, Yuekun Lai
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.05.001
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Advanced healthcare monitors for air pollution applications pose a significant challenge in achieving a balance between high-performance filtration and multifunctional smart integration. Electrospinning triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) provide a significant potential for use under such difficult circumstances. We have successfully constructed a high-performance TENG utilizing a novel multi-scale nanofiber architecture. Nylon 66 (PA66) and chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (HACC) composites were prepared by electrospinning, and PA66/H multiscale nanofiber membranes composed of nanofibers (≈ 73 nm) and submicron-fibers (≈ 123 nm) were formed. PA66/H multi-scale nanofiber membrane as the positive electrode and negative electrode-spun PVDF-HFP nanofiber membrane composed of respiration- driven PVDF-HFP@PA66/H TENG. The resulting PVDF-HFP@PA66/H TENG based air filter utilizes electrostatic adsorption and physical interception mechanisms, achieving PM0.3 filtration efficiency over 99% with a pressure drop of only 48 Pa.Besides PVDF-HFP@PA66/H TENG exhibits excellent stability in high-humidity environments, with filtration efficiency reduced by less than 1%. At the same time, the TENG achieves periodic contact separation through breathing drive to achieve self- power, which can ensure the long-term stability of the filtration efficiency. In addition to the air filtration function, TENG can also monitor health in real time by capturing human breathing signals without external power supply. This integrated system combines high-efficiency air filtration, self-powered operation, and health monitoring, presenting an innovative solution for air purification, smart protective equipment, and portable health monitoring. These findings highlight the potential of this technology for diverse applications, offering a promising direction for advancing multifunctional air filtration systems.
Optimizing CO production in electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction via electron accumulation at Ni Sites in Ni3ZnC0.7/Ni on N-doped carbon nanofibers
Ge Bai, Min Wang, Luwei Peng, Lulu Li, Yadan Yu, Wenyi Li, Nianjun Yang, Daniil I. Kolokolove, Jinli Qiao
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.04.010
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The electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) to valuable products presents a promising solution for addressing global warming and enhancing renewable energy storage. Herein, we construct a novel Ni3ZnC0.7/Ni heterostructure electrocatalyst, using an electrospinning strategy to prepare metal particles uniformly loaded on nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (CNFs). The incorporation of zinc (Zn) into nickel (Ni) catalysts optimizes the adsorption of CO2 intermediates, balancing the strong binding affinity of Ni with the comparatively weaker affinity of Zn, which mitigates over-activation. The electron transfer within the Ni3ZnC0.7/Ni@CNFs system facilitates rapid electron transfer to CO2, resulting in great performance with a faradaic efficiency for CO (FECO) of nearly 90% at -0.86 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a current density of 17.51 mA cm-2 at -1.16 V vs. RHE in an H-cell. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibits remarkable stability, maintaining its crystal structure and morphology after 50 hours of electrolysis. Moreover, the Ni3ZnC0.7/Ni@CNFs is used in the membrane electrode assembly reactor (MEA), which can achieve a FECO of 91.7% at a cell voltage of -3 V and a current density of 200 mA cm-2 at -3.9 V, demonstrating its potential for practical applications in CO2 reduction.
Robust Ambient-Stable 2D Heterostructure of Copper Oxides Intercalating Black Phosphorus for Flame Retardancy and Catalytic Removal of Carbon Monoxide
Xiaoyang Yu, Huan Li, Xuyang Miao, Ning Kang, Wenbin Yao, Mingjun Xu
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.04.009
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Two-dimensional black phosphorus (2D BP) utilized in flame retardant applications frequently encounters significant challenges, including inadequate ambient stability and elevated carbon monoxide (CO) release rates. To mitigate these issues, an effective approach was proposed for the fabrication of 2D heterostructures comprising copper oxide intercalated with BP in this work. This methodology takes into account both thermodynamic and kinetic factors, resulting in substantial enhancements in the ambient stability of BP and the catalytic performance for CO elimination, achieved through the synergistic interactions between 2D BP and copper oxide, all while preserving the structural integrity of 2D BP. The incorporation of gelatin and kosmotropic anions facilitated the efficient adhesion of the multifunctional heterostructures to the flammable flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF), which not only scavenged free radicals in the gas phase but also catalyzed the formation of a dense carbon layer in the condensed phase. Kosmotropic anions induce a salting-out effect that fosters the development of a chain bundle, a hydrophobic interaction domain, and a potential microphase separation region within the gelatin chains, leading to a marked improvement in the mechanical strength of the heterostructure coatings. The modified FPUF exhibited a high limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 34%, alongside significantly improved flame resistance: the peak CO release rate was reduced by 78%, the peak heat release rate decreased by 57%, and the fire performance index (FPI) was increased by 40 times compared to untreated FPUF. The 2D heterostructure coatings demonstrated better CO catalytic removal performance relative to previously reported flame retardant products. This research offers a promising design principle for the development of next-generation high-performance flame retardant coatings aimed at enhancing fire protection.
Construction of Hollow Porous Lychee-structured Ni/C/ZnFe2O4 MicrowaveResponsive Catalysts with Rapid Efficiently Reduction of Cr(VI) ions
Gaoqian Yuan, Ling Zhang, Jingzhe Zhang, Long Dong, Xuefeng Liu, Yage Li, Liang Huang, Faliang Li, Haijun Zhang
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.04.008
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Designing catalyst with high reactive efficiency is essential for the reduction of heavy metal Cr(VI) ions in wastewater via microwave induction. In this paper, a unique microwave-responsive lychee-like Ni/C/ZnFe2O4 composite catalyst with double-shell hollow porous heterojunction structure was constructed for the efficient reduction of Cr(VI). Benefiting from the novel hollow porous structure and "carbon nanocage" structure of the Ni/C/ZnFe2O4, coupled with excellent electromagnetic wave absorption ability, the prepared lychee-like Ni/C/ZnFe2O4 composite catalyst could remove up to 98% of Cr(VI) (50 mg/L, 50 mL) after 40 mins of microwave irradiation, even in nearly neutral water conditions. Additionally, density functional theory calculations indicated that the heterojunction interface between Ni/C and ZnFe2O4 enhances electron transfer from ZnFe2O4 to Ni/C, ultimately facilitating the removal of Cr(VI). Furthermore, the incorporation of Ni/C facilitated the acceleration of H ion transfer to *Cr2O72-, thereby expediting the conversion kinetics of the atter. This research aims to establish a theoretical and experimental foundation for the effective and stable microwave-assisted catalytic reduction of heavy metal Cr(VI) ions, presenting new insights and methods to combat heavy metal contamination.
Constructing S-scheme 3D Zn3In2S6/ReS2 heterojunction photocatalyst for simultaneous organic pollutants degradation and hydrogen production
Qi Gao, Tiantian Wang, Liangmeng Ni, Zhenrui Li, Xia Du, Shaowen Rong, Hui Wang, Liquan Jing, Zhijia Liu, Jinguang Hu
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.04.007
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Controlling efficient interfacial charge transfer is crucial for developing advanced photocatalysts. This study successfully developed a bifunctional photocatalyst with an S-scheme heterojunction by incorporating ReS2 into the Zn3In2S6 (ZIS) nanoflower structure, enabling the organic pollutants degradation and synergistic hydrogen production. The optimized ZIS/ReS2-1% exhibited exceptional photocatalytic efficiency, reaching a 97.7% degradation rate of ibuprofen (IBP) within 2 h, along with a hydrogen generation rate of 1.84 mmol/g/h. The degradation efficiency and hydrogen generation rate were 1.78 and 5.75 times greater than that of Zn3In2S6, respectively. Moreover, ZIS/ReS2-1% demonstrated excellent catalytic degradation abilities for various organic pollutants such as ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, norfloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline, while also showing good synergistic hydrogen production efficiency. Electron spin resonance and radical scavenging experiments verified that h+, ·O2-, and ·OH were the primary reactive species responsible for IBP degradation. The superior photocatalytic performance of the ZIS/ReS2-1% was mainly attributed to its broad and intense absorption of visible light, effective separation of charge carriers, and enhanced redox capabilities. The degradation pathway of IBP was unveiled through Fukui function and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the toxicity of the degradation intermediates was also examined. In-situ XPS and density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed the existence of S-scheme heterojunction. This study provided a new pathway for simultaneously achieving organic pollutant treatment and energy conversion.
Atomically Dispersed Co Sites on BiOCl Nanosheets for Efficient CO2 Photoreduction
Ting Peng, Yiduo Wang, Ke Wang, Kaini Zhang, Yiqing Wang, Yufei Xu, Qingqing Guan, Guofu Wang, Wenjie Zhang, Binglan Wu, Shaohua Shen
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.04.006
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Efficient CO2 photoreduction to produce fuel remains a great challenge, due to the fast recombination of photogenerated charge carriers and the lack of effective reactive sites in the developed photocatalysts. Herein, single Co atoms (CoSA) were highly dispersed on hydrothermally synthesized BiOCl nanosheets (BOC) by a facile two-step electrostatic self-assembly and pyrolysis method. The obtained CoSA-BOC could be performed for efficient CO2 photoreduction to stoichiometrically produce CO and O2 at the ratio of 2:1, with the CO evolution rate reaching 45.93 μmol g-1 h-1, ~4 times that of the pristine BOC. This distinctly improved photocatalytic performance for CoSA-BOC should be benefited from the introduction of atomically dispersed Co-O4 coordination structures, which could accelerate the migration of photogenerated charge carriers to surface by creating an impurity energy level in the forbidden band, and act as the reactive sites to deliver the photogenerated electrons to activate CO2 molecules for CO production. This work provides a facile and reliable strategy to highly disperse single atoms on low-dimensional semiconductors for efficient CO2 photoreduction to selectively produce CO.
N2 treatment triggered self-reorganization into fully exposed platinum cluster catalysts for efficient low-temperature CO oxidation
Yang Zou, Xue Li, Yongqi Zhao, Xiaolong Liu, Tingyu Zhu
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.04.005
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The development of efficient low-load platinum catalysts for CO oxidation is critical for large-scale industrial applications and environmental protection. In this study, a strategy of N2 treatment triggered the self-reforming into fully exposed Pt cluster catalysts was proposed. By adjusting the coordination environment of Pt species on the defect support through N2 treatment, the CO catalytic activity was significantly enhanced, achieving complete CO oxidation at 130 ℃ with a Pt loading of only 0.1 wt.%. The turnover frequency of N2-treated PtFEC/Ti-D at 160 ℃ was 18.3 times that of untreated PtSA/Ti-D. Comprehensive characterization results indicated that the N2 treatment of the Pt single-atom defect catalyst facilitated the reconfiguration and evolution of the defect structure, leading to the aggregation of Pt single atoms into fully exposed Pt clusters. Notably, these fully exposed Pt clusters exhibited a reduced coordination of Pt-O in the first coordination shell compared to single atoms, which resulted in the formation of Pt-Pt metal coordination. This unique coordination structure enhanced the adsorption and activation of CO and O2 on the catalyst, thereby resulting in exceptional low-temperature CO oxidation activity. This work demonstrates a promising strategy for the design, synthesis, and industrial application of efficient low-platinum load catalysts.
The In-situ Growth of Cu2O-CuO on Cu Foam coated with Carbon Derived from Polydopamine as the Flexible High-Voltage Cathode for Thermal Batteries
Xin-ya Bu, Yan-li Zhu, Ting Quan, Bin-chao Shi, Shu Zhang, Xiao-yu Wei, Qi Xia
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.04.003
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Thermal batteries are a type of thermally activated reserve batteries, where the cathode material significantly influences the operating voltage and specific capacity. In this work, Cu2O-CuO nanowires are prepared by in-situ thermal oxidation method onto Cu foam, which are further coated with carbon layer derived from polydopamine (PDA). The morphology of the nanowires has been examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The material shows a kind of core-shell structure, with CuO as the shell and Cu2O as the core. To further explore the interaction between the material and lithium-ion (Li+), the Li+ adsorption energies of CuO and Cu2O were calculated, revealing a stronger affinity of Li+ for CuO. The unique core-shell nanowire structure of Cu2O-CuO can provide a good Li+ adsorption with outer layer CuO and excellent structural stability with inner layer Cu2O. When applied in thermal batteries, Cu2O-CuO-C nanowires exhibit specific capacity and specific energy of 326 mAh g-1 and 697 Wh kg-1 at a cut-off voltage of 1.5V, both of which are higher than those of Cu2O-CuO (238 mAh g-1 and 445 Wh kg-1). The discharge process includes the insertion of lithium ions and subsequent reduction reactions, ultimately resulting in the formation of lithium oxide and copper.
Construction of an adsorption-diffusion model reveals the conversion-deposition process of polysulfides
Wenhao Yang, Dan You, Zhicong Ni, Yongshun Liang, Yingjie Zhang, Yunxiao Wang, Qingsong Liu, Xue Li, Yiyong Zhang, Jiajun Wang
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.04.004
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Despite progress in suppressing polysulfide shuttling, this challenge persists in lithium-sulfur battery commercialization. While existing strategies emphasize polysulfide adsorption and catalytic conversion, the critical role of diffusion kinetics in conversion-deposition processes remains underexplored. We design an MXene-based array architecture integrating 2D structural advantages and strong polysulfide affinity to regulate diffusion pathways. Combined experimental and multiscale computational studies reveal diffusion-mediated conversion-deposition dynamics. The sodium alginate-constructed MXene array enables three synergistic mechanisms: (1) Enhanced ion/electron delocalization reduces diffusion barriers, (2) Continuous ion transport channels facilitate charge transfer, and (3) Exposed polar surfaces promote polysulfide aggregation/conversion. Synchrotron X-ray tomography coupled with comprehensive electrochemical analyses reveals distinct mechanistic differences between conversion and deposition processes arising from diffusion heterogeneity. In situ characterization techniques combined with DFT simulation calculation demonstrate that diffusion kinetics exerts differential regulatory effects on these coupled electrochemical processes, exhibiting particular sensitivity toward the deposition mechanism. This work provides fundamental insights that reshape our understanding of diffusion-mediated phase transformation in complex multi-step electrochemical systems, offering new perspectives for advanced electrode architecture design in next-generation energy storage technologies.
Freestanding and Flexible CNT/Si/Metal Electrodes for High Energy Density Lithium-Ion Batteries with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance
Yanbin Wei, Yukang Zhu, Li Wang, Xiangming He
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.04.001
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In pursuit of meeting the demands for the next generation of high energy density and flexible electronic products, there is a growing interest in flexible energy storage devices. Silicon (Si) stands out as a promising electrode material due to its high theoretical specific capacity (~3579 mA h g-1), low lithiation potential (~0.40 V), and abundance in nature. We have successfully developed freestanding and flexible CNT/Si/low-melting-point metal (LM) electrodes, which obviate the need for conductive additives, adhesives, and thereby increase the energy density of the device. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the CNT/Si/LM electrode demonstrates remarkable cycling stability and rate performance, achieving a reversible capacity of 1871.8 mA h g-1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g-1. In-situ XRD and in-situ thickness analysis are employed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms during the lithiation/delithiation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further substantiate the mechanism by which LM enhances the electrochemical performance of Si, focusing on the aspects of stress mitigation and reduction of the diffusion energy barrier. This research introduces a novel approach to flexible electrode design by integrating CNT films, LM, and Si, thereby charting a path forward for the development of next-generation flexible LIBs.
Techno-Economic Assessment of Plasma-driven Air Oxidation Coupled with Electroreduction Synthesis of Ammonia
Lei Xiao, Shiyong Mou, Xiaoyu Lin, Keying Wu, Siyuan Liu, Weidong Dai, Weiping Yang, Chiyao Tang, Chang Long, Fan Dong
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.03.009
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Recently, the plasma-driven air oxidation coupled with electrocatalytic NOx reduction reaction (pAO-eNOxRR) technology for sustained NH3 synthesis displays the promise in tackling the high energy-consumption and carbon-emission associated with the Haber-Bosch process. Here, a technical and economic assessment of pAO-eNOxRR technology is comprehensively undertaken to determine its feasibility as a potential substitute for the Haber-Bosch process. The technical assessment suggests that, in terms of both environmental impact and energy efficiency, N2-NO-NH3 and N2-NO2--NH3 are presently the most effective pathways. The deep analysis of the current state-of-the-art technological performance indicates that the pAO-eNOxRR technology is competitive with commercial processes in achieving large-scale NH3 synthesis. However, lower energy efficiency of pAO-eNOxRR technology leads to the high electricity costs that surpass the current market price of NH3. Subsequently, we conducted a comprehensive analysis which reveals that, for the economic viability of NH3 synthesis, an energy efficiency in the range of 33.8-38.6% must be attained. The expenses associated with plasma equipment, electrolyzer, catalysts, and NH3 distillation also contribute significantly to the economic burden. The further development of pAO-eNOxRR technology should be centered around advancements in plasma catalysts, electrocatalysts, reactors, as well as the exploration for energy-efficient cathode-anode synergistic catalytic systems.
Recent progress on the development of non-fluorinated proton exchange membrane-A review
Peng Song, Yi Zhang, Xue Zhang, Jiaye Liu, Liang Wu, Adrian C. Fisher, Quan-Fu An
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.03.003
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Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are widely employed in energy conversion and storage devices including fuel cells (FCs), redox flow batteries (RFBs) and PEM water electrolysis (PEMWE). As one of the main components of these devices, a high-performance PEM is always desirable considering the cost challenges from both energy utilization efficiency and production cost. From this century, governments of countries worldwide have introduced PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) restriction related policies, which facilitate the extensive research on non-fluorinated PEMs. Besides, non-fluorinated PEMs become hot topics of all kinds of PEMs due to the advantages including excellent conductivity, high mechanical property, reduced swelling, low cost and reduced ion permeation of electrochemical active species. In this review, various types of non-fluorinated PEMs including main-chain-type hydrocarbon membranes, microphase separation membranes and membranes with rigid-twisted structure are comprehensively summarized. The basic properties of different types of non-fluorinated PEMs including water uptake, swelling ratio, oxidative stability, tensile strength and conductivity are compared and the corresponding application performance in FCs, RFBs and PEMWE are discussed. The state-of-the-art of the structural design in both monomers and polymers are reviewed for the construction of fast ion transport channels and high resistance of free radical attacks. Also, future challenges and possibilities for the development of non-fluorinated PEMs are comprehensively foretasted.
Recent progress in hydrophobic pervaporation membranes for phenol recovery
Chao Sang, Chang Liu, Yunpan Ying, Lu Lu, Chenlin Zhang, Jan Baeyens, Zhihao Si, Xinmiao Zhang, Peiyong Qin
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.03.006
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Phenol is extensively utilized in various industries involving paints, rubber, textiles, explosives, plastics, etc. Compared to the conventional distillation or extraction technologies, pervaporation (PV) membrane process can be operated at a low temperature and has a low energy consumption as well as a high separation efficiency for phenol recovery. Thus, to meet the high demand for phenol recovery, the application of PV has been encouraged, and reached a new height. The PV process is governed by the properties of the membrane materials that significantly influence the energy costs associated with the separation unit, and the membrane types include polymer membranes, inorganic membranes, and mixed matrix membranes. Although recent literatures show that PV membranes are been continuously updated, no review reported the latest development about it. In this work, the material types, separation properties and preparation methods of hydrophobic PV membranes for phenol recovery are summarized. Furthermore, the key preparation methods and application challenges associated with membranes are summarized, along with an overview of the opportunities and challenges posed by hydrophobic PV membranes for phenol recovery.
The crucial role of intrinsic properties in determining the biological effects of CeO2 nanocrystals
Min Sun, Wanqin Dai, Yuhui Ma, Mengyao Liu, Xiao He, Zhuda Song, Yun Wang, Jiaqi Shen, Fang Yang, Zhiyong Zhang
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.03.001
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Nano ceria (nano-CeO2) has been widely applied in various fields of industry and daily life, however, knowledge regarding the biological effects of nano-CeO2 with different intrinsic physicochemical properties remains limited. In this study, we investigated the impact of nano-CeO2 with different properties on the growth of a typical environmental species (romaine lettuce, Lactuca sativa L.) by exposing the plant to four types of CeO2 (rod-like nano-CeO2 (RNC), cubic nano-CeO2 (CNC), spherical nano-CeO2 (SNC) and commercial irregular CeO2 (CIC)) during the germination stage. The results indicated that different types of CeO2 exhibited varying inhibitory effects on plant growth. RNC and SNC significantly inhibited the elongation of roots and shoots, while CNC and CIC did not have a significant impact. We further examined the distribution and biotransformation of the four CeO2 in plant tissues using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and synchrotron X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES). Specifically, the positively charged RNC and SNC were more readily adsorbed onto the root surface, and needle-like nanoclusters were deposited in the intercellular space inside the roots. The absolute content of Ce(III) in the roots romaine lettuce was in the order of RNC > SNC >> CNC >> CIC. The size and shape (i.e., exposed crystal surface) of the materials affected their reactivity and dissolution ratios, and zeta potentials affected their bioavailability, both of which influenced the overall contents of Ce3+ ions in plant tissues. Thus, these characteristics together led to different biological effects. These findings highlight the importance of considering the intrinsic properties of nano-CeO2 when assessing their environmental and biological effects.
Photothermal dry reforming of methane reaction over (Ni/Ce0.8Zr0.2O2)@SiO2 catalysts: The Ni content regulation
Xiaoyan Tian, Yu Shi, Jianming Zhang, Fagen Wang
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.02.008
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Dry reforming of methane (DRM) converts CH4 and CO2 to syngas. Photothermal DRM, which integrates temperature and light, is a sustainable method for storing solar energy in molecules. However, challenges such as limited light absorption, low photocarrier separation efficiency, Ni sintering, and carbon deposition hinder DRM stability. Herein, we regulated Ni contents in (Ni/Ce0.8Zr0.2O2)@SiO2 catalysts to enhance the optical characteristics while addressing Ni sintering and carbon deposition issues. The (3Ni/Ce0.8Zr0.2O2)@SiO2 catalyst had insufficient Ni content, while the (9Ni/Ce0.8Zr0.2O2)@SiO2 catalyst showed excessive carbon deposition, leading to lower stability compared to the (6Ni/Ce0.8Zr0.2O2)@SiO2 catalyst, which achieved CH4 and CO2 rates to 231.0 μmol/(gcat·s) and 294.3 μmol/(gcat·s), respectively, at 973 K, with only 0.2 wt.% carbon deposition and no Ni sintering. This work adjusted Ni contents in (Ni/Ce0.8Zr0.2O2)@SiO2 catalysts to enhance DRM performance, which has implications for improving other reactions.
MOFs-based porous liquids for CO2 capture and utilization
Xun Wang, Yuxi Liu, Hongxing Dai, Zhen Wei, Shaohua Xie, Jiguang Deng
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.01.002
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Due to the greenhouse effect caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, much attention has been paid for the removal of CO2. Porous liquids (PLs), as new type of liquid materials, have obvious advantages in mass and heat transfer, which are widely used in gas adsorption and separation. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with the merit like large surface area, inherent porous structure and adjustable topology have been considered as one of the best candidates for PLs construction. This review presents the state-of-the-art status on the fabrication strategy of MOFs-based PLs and their CO2 absorption and utilization performance, and the positive effects of porosity and functional modification on the absorption-desorption property, selectivity of target product, and regeneration ability are well summarized. Finally, the challenges and prospects for MOFs-based PLs in the optimization of preparation, the coupling of multiple removal techniques, the in situ characterization methods, the regeneration and cycle stability, the environmental impact as well as expansion of application are proposed.
Hydrothermal liquefaction for preparation of liquid fuels and chemicals: Solvent effects, catalysts regulation and thermochemical conversion processes
Bingbing Qiu, Xuedong Tao, Yanfang Wang, Donghui Zhang, Huaqiang Chu
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2024.11.009
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Hydrothermal liquefaction technology is an effective method for the resource utilization and energy conversion of biomass under the dual-carbon context, facilitating the conversion of biomass into liquid fuels and high-value chemicals. This paper reviews the latest advancements in the production of liquid fuels and chemicals from biomass hydrothermal liquefaction. It briefly introduces the effects of different types of biomass, such as organic waste, lignocellulosic materials, and algae, on the conversion efficiency and product yield during hydrothermal liquefaction. The specific mechanisms of solvent and catalyst systems in the hydrothermal liquefaction process are analyzed in detail. Compared to water and organic solvents, the biphasic solvent system yields higher concentrations of furan platform compounds, and the addition of an appropriate amount of NaCl to the solvent significantly enhances product yield. Homogeneous catalysts exhibit advantages in reaction rate and selectivity but are limited by high costs and difficulties in separation and recovery. In contrast, heterogeneous catalysts possess good separability and regeneration capabilities and can operate under high-temperature conditions, but their mass transfer efficiency and deactivation issues may affect catalytic performance. The direct hydrothermal catalytic conversion of biomass is also discussed for the efficient production of chemicals and fuels such as hexanol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid, and C5/C6 liquid alkanes. Finally, the advantages and current challenges of producing liquid fuels and chemicals from biomass hydrothermal liquefaction are thoroughly analyzed, along with potential future research directions.
Heteroatom-Functionalized Carbon Nanoarchitectonics: Unlocking the Doping Effects for High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrode Design
Pragati A. Shinde, Lok Kumar Shrestha, Katsuhiko Ariga
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.02.007
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This review focuses on the significant impact of heteroatom doping in enhancing the electronic properties and electrochemical performance of carbon materials for supercapacitors (SCs). Incorporating heteroatoms such as nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, fluorine, and boron modifies the carbon structure, creating defects and increasing active sites, which improves electronic conductivity, ion accessibility, and surface wettability and reduces ion diffusion barriers. Additionally, certain heteroatoms can participate in electrochemical reactions, further enhancing SC performance. Although research in this area is still emerging, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind single and multi-doping systems is essential for developing next-generation materials. Future strategies for improving heteroatom-doped carbon materials include increasing heteroatom content to enhance specific capacitance, selecting suitable heteroatoms to expand the potential window and improve energy density, utilizing advanced in situ characterization techniques, and exploring the use of these materials in cost-effective SCs. The future potential of heteroatom-doped carbon materials for SCs is promising, with their ability to improve energy density, power density, and cycling stability, making them competitive with other energy storage technologies. These advancements will be key to broadening their practical applications, including electric vehicles, portable electronics, and grid energy storage, and will contribute to more efficient, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly energy storage solutions.
Heavy Metal Challenge in NH3-SCR DeNOx Catalysts: Poisoning Deactivation Mechanisms and Enhanced Resistance Strategies
Yu Xia, Fengyu Gao, Jiajun Wen, Tingkai Xiong, Honghong Yi, Qingjun Yu, Shunzheng Zhao, Yuansong Zhou, Xiaolong Tang
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2024.11.007
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Ammonia selective catalytic reduction (NH3-SCR) is the most widely used technology in the field of industrial flue gas denitrification. However, the presence of heavy metals in flue gas can seriously affect the performance of SCR catalysts, leading to their deactivation or even failure. Therefore, it is of great significance to deeply study the poisoning mechanism of SCR catalysts under the action of heavy metals and how to enhance their resistance to poisoning. This article reviews the reaction mechanism of NH3-SCR technology, compares the impact of heavy metals on the activity of different SCR catalysts, and then discusses in detail the poisoning mechanism of SCR catalysts by heavy metals, including pore blockage, reduction of specific surface area, and destruction of active centers caused by heavy metal deposition, all of which jointly lead to the physical or chemical poisoning of the catalyst. Meanwhile, the mechanism of action when multiple toxicants coexist was analyzed. To effectively address these challenges, the article further summarizes various methods to improve the catalyst's resistance to heavy metal poisoning, such as element doping, structural optimization, and carrier addition, which significantly enhance the heavy metal resistance of the catalyst. Finally, the article provides a prospective analysis of the challenges faced by NH3-SCR catalysts in anti-heavy metal poisoning technology, emphasizing the necessity of in-depth research on the poisoning mechanism, exploration of the mechanism of synergistic action of multiple pollutants, development of comprehensive anti-poisoning strategies, and research on catalyst regeneration technology, in order to promote the development of efficient anti-heavy metal poisoning NH3-SCR catalysts.
Progress and prospect of transition metal compound cathode materials with stable metal ion storage effect in various battery systems
Dongfang Guo, Bin Zhang
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.02.001
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The field of energy storage devices is primarily dominated by lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their mature manufacturing processes and stable performance. However, immature lithium recovery technology cannot stop the continuous increase in the cost of LIBs. Along with the rapid development of electric transportation, it has become inevitable to trigger a new round of competition in alternative energy storage systems. Some monovalent rechargeable metal ion batteries (sodium ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium ion batteries (PIBs), etc.) and multivalent rechargeable metal-ion batteries (magnesium ion batteries (MIBs), calcium ion batteries (CIBs), zinc ion batteries (ZIBs), and aluminum ion batteries (AIBs), etc.) are potential candidates, which can replace LIBs in some of the scenarios to alleviate the pressure on supply. The cathode material plays a crucial role in determining the battery capacity. Transition metal compounds dominated by layered transition metal oxides as key cathode materials for secondary batteries play an important role in the advancement of various battery energy storage systems. In summary, this manuscript aims to review and summarize the research progress on transition metal compounds used as cathodes in different metal ion batteries, with the aim of providing valuable guidance for the exploration and design of high-performance integrated battery systems.
Recent advances in cellulose-based separators for zinc-based batteries: performances, mechanism and perspectives
Zekun Zhang, Yongjun Li, Xuejing Yin, Siwen Li, Bin Li, Ningning Zhao, Jing Zhu, Lei Dai, Ling Wang, Zhangxing He, Zemin Feng
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.03.010
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Zinc-based batteries have attracted widespread attention due to their inherent safety, notable cost-effectiveness and consistent performance, etc. However, the advancement of zinc-based battery technology encounters significant challenges, including the formation of zinc dendrites and irreversible side reactions. Separators are vital in batteries due to its role in preventing electrode contact and facilitating rapid movement of ions within the electrolyte. The incorporation of cellulose in battery enables uniform ion transport and a stable electric field, attributed to its excellent hydrophilicity, strong mechanical strength, and abundant active sites. Herein, the latest research progress of cellulose-based separators on various zinc-based batteries is systematically summarized. To begin with, the accomplishments and inherent limitations of traditional separators are clarified. Next, it underscores the advantages of cellulose-based materials in battery technology, thoroughly examining their utilization and merits as separators in zinc-based batteries. Lastly, the review offers prospective insights into the future trajectory of cellulose-based separators in zinc-based batteries. Through a comprehensive analysis of the present landscape, the review establishes a framework for the future design and enhancement of cellulose-based separators, thereby fostering the progression of associated industries.
Multicomponent high-entropy assisted high-rate and air-stable layered cathode for sodium ion batteries
Renyi Ma, Jiaqi Wang, Guohua Zhu, Yongguang Liu, Ling Wang, Xiaoyan Zhang, Linzhe Wang, Lei Dai, Shan Liu
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.03.008
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Sodium-based O3-type layered oxide materials are attractive for Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to their simple synthesis, affordability, and high capacity. However, challenges remain, including limited reversible capacity and poor cycling stability caused by detrimental phase transitions during cycling and the tendency to form sodium carbonate upon air exposure. In this study, based on O3-type NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 (NNFM), a high-entropy strategy was introduced to successfully synthesize O3-type NaNi0.25Fe0.21Mn0.18Co0.21Ti0.1Mg0.05O2 (HE-NNFM). The introduction of Co, Ti, and Mg ions increases the system's disorder, highlighting the synergistic interactions among inert atoms. The delayed phase transformation effect in high-entropy materials alleviates the destruction of the O3 structure by the insertion and extraction of sodium ions. Simultaneously, the narrower sodium layer in HE-NNFM acts as a physical barrier, effectively preventing adverse reactions with H2O and CO2 in the air, resulting in excellent reversibility and air stability of the HE-NNFM material. Consequently, the HE-NNFM material exhibits a reversible capacity of 110 mAh g-1 with a capacity retention of 97.3% after 200 cycles at 1 C. This work provides insights into the design of high-entropy sodium layered oxides for high-power density storage systems.
Environmentally benign process for valorization of lignocellulosic bamboo residues with green solvent propylene carbonate
Jie Liang, Jingcong Xie, Jianchun Jiang, Yan Ma, Jun Ye, Xianhai Zeng, Kui Wang
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.03.002
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A novel environmentally benign biphasic system composed of propylene carbonate (PC) and aqueous solution of p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TsOH aq) was designed for the efficient valorization of lignocellulosic bamboo residues, resulting in more than 95.5% of hemicellulose and 97.2% of lignin digested under mild conditions of 130 °C for 1 h. Meanwhile, 91.9% of cellulose was retained with loose structure, followed by 95.8% enzyme hydrolysis yield and 347.9 mg/g of glucose yield. Notably, the synergistic effect between PC and p-TsOH on efficiency and selectivity was proposed by a control group experiment and subsequently verified, which is believed to be responsible for the simultaneous degradation and separation of lignin and hemicelluloses into oligomeric phenols and pentose, also facilitating subsequent valorization. Furthermore, the novel PC/p-TsOH aq biphasic system demonstrated excellent retrievability and adaptability to different feedstocks, offering a promising green strategy for the efficient valorization of lignocellulosic biomass in industrial biorefineries.
Limiting cationic mixing and lattice oxygen loss of single-crystalline Ni-rich Co-poor cathodes for high-voltage Li-ion batteries
Hujun Zhang, Haifeng Yu, Ling Chen, Muslum Demir, Qilin Cheng, Hao Jiang
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.03.004
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Developing cost-effective single-crystalline Ni-rich Co-poor cathodes operating at high-voltage is one of the most important ways to achieve higher energy Li-ion batteries. However, the Li/O loss and Li/Ni mixing under high-temperature lithiation result in electrochemical kinetic hysteresis and structural instability. Herein, we report a highly-ordered single-crystalline LiNi0.85Co0.05Mn0.10O2 (NCM85) cathode by doping K+ and F- ions. To be specific, the K-ion as a fluxing agent can remarkably decrease the solid-state lithiation temperature by ∼30 °C, leading to less Li/Ni mixing and oxygen vacancy. Meanwhile, the strong transitional metal (TM)-F bonds are helpful for enhancing de-/lithiation kinetics and limiting the lattice oxygen escape even at 4.5 V high-voltage. Their advantages synergistically endow the single-crystalline NCM85 cathode with a very high reversible capacity of 222.3 mAh g-1. A superior capacity retention of 91.3% is obtained after 500 times at 1 C in pouch-type full cells, and a prediction value of 75.3% is given after cycling for 5000 h. These findings are reckoned to expedite the exploitation and application of high-voltage single-crystalline Ni-rich cathodes for next-generation Li-ion batteries.
Advances in Cu-based catalysts for electroreduction of CO2 to C2H4 in flow cells
Yunxia Zhao, Yunxin Dai, Yunfei Bu
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.01.003
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Global investment in ethylene (C2H4) production via nonpetroleum pathways is rising, highlighting its growing importance in the energy and environmental sectors. The electroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to C2H4 in flow cells is emerging as a promising technology with broad practical applications. Direct delivery of gaseous CO2 to the cathode catalyst layer overcomes mass transfer limitations, enhancing reaction rates and enabling high current density. This review summarizes recent research progress in the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) for selective C2H4 production in flow cells. It outlines the principles of eCO2RR to C2H4 and discusses the influence of copper-based catalyst morphology, crystal facet, oxidation state, surface modification strategy, and synergistic effects on catalytic performance. In addition, it highlights the compositional structure of the flow cell, and the selection and optimization of operating conditions, including gas diffusion electrodes, electrolytes, ion exchange membranes, and alternative anode reaction types beyond the oxygen evolution reaction. Finally, advances in machine learning are presented for accelerating catalyst screening and predicting dynamic changes in catalysts during reduction. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable reference for the development of efficient catalysts and the construction of electrolytic devices for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to C2H4.
Advanced microwave synthesis strategies for innovative photocatalyst design
Shunda Li, Hao Ma, Ping Ouyang, Yuhan Li, Youyu Duan, Yunqiao Zhou, Wee-Jun Ong, Fan Dong
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2024.11.005
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Amidst environmental pollution and the energy crisis, photocatalytic technology has emerged as a potent tool for promoting clean energy and environmental preservation. However, the promotion and widespread adoption of photocatalysis encounter the formidable challenge of synthesizing high-quality photocatalysts in a cost-effective and expedited manner. Thus, we have compiled an analysis elucidating the efficacy and heating mechanisms of microwaves, validating their superiority as a heat source. Furthermore, this review presents a comprehensive overview of microwave-assisted synthesis techniques for photocatalysts, marking the inaugural attempt to do so, and extensively discusses the merits of diverse microwave-based preparation methodologies. Moreover, we systematically examine approaches for modifying photocatalysts using microwave-assisted methods, providing insights into their pivotal role in photocatalyst enhancement. We aspire that this review will serve as a seminal reference, facilitating the judicious application of microwave-assisted synthesis techniques for the controlled and efficient production of photocatalysts, thereby advancing the dissemination and adoption of photocatalysis.
Activation of persulfate using a biochar polyacrylic acid composite loaded with nanoscale zero-valent iron for the in situ remediation of anthracene-contaminated soil
Fengjun Li, Dongyun Chen, Shihong Dong, Najun Li, Qingfeng Xu, Hua Li, Jianmei Lu
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.03.007
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Synthesizing highly efficient, low toxicity catalysts for the remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminated soils is crucial. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (n-ZVI) is widely used in the treatment of pollutants due to its high catalytic activity. However, n-ZVI is prone to aggregation and passivation. Therefore, to design an environmentally friendly, efficient, and practical catalyst material, this study designed a nanoscale zero-valent iron-loaded biochar (BC) polyacrylic acid (PAA) composite materials. Biochar and polyacrylic acid can prevent the aggregation of zero-valent iron and provide a large number of functional groups. The iron on the carrier is uniformly distributed, exposing active sites and activating persulfate to remove anthracene (ANT) pollutants from the soil. The BC/PAA/Fe0 system can achieve an anthracene degradation efficiency of 93.7% in soil, and the degradation efficiency of anthracene remains around 90% under both acidic and alkaline conditions. Free radical capture experiments indicate that the degradation of anthracene proceeds through the radical pathways SO4·-, ·OH, O2·- and the non-radical pathway 1O2. In addition, possible degradation pathways for anthracene have been proposed. Plant planting experiments have shown that the catalyst designed in this study has low toxicity and has excellent application prospects in the field of soil remediation.
Constructing multiple sites porous organic polymers for highly efficient and reversible adsorption of triiodide ion from water
Zhiyong Li, Yibo Fu, Yilong Li, Ruipeng Li, Yuanchao Pei, Yunlei Shi, Huiyong Wang
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2025.03.005
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The utilization of nuclear power will persist as a prominent energy source in the foreseeable future. However, it presents substantial challenges concerning waste disposal and the potential emission of untreated radioactive substances, such as radioactive 129I and 131I. The transportation of radioactive iodine poses a significant threat to both the environment and human health. Nevertheless, effectively, rapidly removing iodine ion from water using porous adsorbents remains a crucial challenge. In this work, three kinds of multiple sites porous organic polymers (POPs, POP-1, POP-2, and POP-3) have been developed using a monomer pre-modification strategy for highly efficient and fast I3- absorption from water. It is found that the POPs exhibited exceptional performance in terms of I3- adsorption, achieving a top-performing adsorption capacity of 5.25 g·g-1 and the fastest average adsorption rate (K80% = 4.25 g·g-1·h-1) with POP-1. Moreover, POP-1 exhibited exceptional capacity for the removal of I3- from flowing aqueous solutions, with 95% removal efficiency observed even at 0.0005 mol·L-1. Such results indicate that this material has the potential to be utilized for the emergency preparation of potable water in areas contaminated with radioactive iodine. The adsorption process can be effectively characterized by the Freundlich model and the pseudo-second-order model. The exceptional I3- absorption capacity is primarily attributed to the incorporation of a substantial number of active adsorption sites, including bromine, carbonyl, and amide groups.
Dual-bonded Polyethyleneimine Network with Electron-withdrawing Groups at α, β-sites for Ultra-stable and Low-energy CO2 Capture in Harsh Environments
Tong Zhou, Yunxia Wen, Zhinan Wu, Shuailong Song, Bohong Wu, Hongwei Guo, Huanhao Chen, Xin Feng, Liwen Mu, Xiaohua Lu, Tuo Ji, Jiahua Zhu
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2024.10.005.
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As an innovative approach to addressing climate change, significant efforts have been dedicated to the development of amine sorbents for CO2 capture. However, the high energy requirements and limited lifespan of these sorbents, such as oxidative and water stability, pose significant challenges to their widespread commercial adoption. Moreover, the understanding of the relationship between adsorption energy and adsorption sites is not known. In this work, a dual-bond strategy was used to create novel secondary amine structures by a polyethyleneimine (PEI) network with electron-extracted (EE) amine sites at adjacent sites, thereby weakening the CO2 binding energy while maintaining the binding ability. In-situ FT-IR and DFT demonstrated the oxygen-containing functional groups adjacent to the amino group withdraw electrons from the N atom, thereby reducing the CO2 adsorption capacity of the secondary amine, resulting in lower regeneration energy consumption of 1.39 GJ·t-1-CO2. In addition, the EE sorbents demonstrated remarkable performance with retention of over 90% of their working capacity after 100 cycles, even under harsh conditions containing 10% O2 and 20% H2O. DFT calculations were employed to clarify for the first time the mechanism that the oxygen functional group at the α-site hinders the formation of the urea structure, thereby being an antioxidant. These findings highlight the promising potential of such sorbents for deployment in various CO2 emission scenarios, irrespective of environmental conditions.
Heterointerface of Nickel-ferric Hydroxide/Cobalt-phosphide-boride Boosting Hydrazine-assisted Water Electrolysis
Jiayi Wang, Shaojun Qing, Xili Tong, Ting Xiang, Guangnan Luo, Kun Zhang, Liangji Xu
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2024.10.003
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Sustainable H2 production based on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) has attracted wide attention due to minimal energy consumption compared to overall water electrolysis. The present study focuses on the design and construction of heterostructured CoPB@NiFe-OH applied as efficient bifunctional catalysts to sustainable produce hydrogen and remove hydrazine in alkaline media. Impressively, CoPB@NiFe-OH heterointerface exhibits an HzOR potential of -135 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm-2 when the P to B atom ratio was 0.2, simultaneously an HER potential of -32 mV toward HER when the atom ratio of P and B was 0.5. Thus, hydrogen production without an outer voltage accompanied by a small current density output of 25 mA cm-2 is achieved, surpassing most reported catalysts. In addition, DFT calculations demonstrate the Co sites in CoPB upgrades H* adsorption, while the Ni sites in NiFe-OH optimizes the adsorption energy of N2H4* due to electron transfer from CoPB to NiFeOH at the heterointerface, ultimately leading to exceptional wonderful performance in hydrazine-assistant water electrolysis via HER coupled with HzOR.
Construction of two-dimensional heterojunctions based on metal-free semiconductor materials and Covalent Organic Frameworks for exceptional solar energy catalysis
Haijun Hu, Daming Feng, Kailai Zhang, Hui Li, Hongge Pan, Hongwei Huang, Xiaodong Sun, Tianyi Ma
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2024.09.001
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Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are newly developed crystalline substances that are garnering growing interest because of their ultra-high porosity, crystalline nature, and easy modified architecture, showing promise in the field of photocatalysis. However, it is difficult for pure COFs materials to achieve excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production due to their severe carrier recombination problems. To mitigate this crucial issue, establishing heterojunction is deemed an effective approach. Nonetheless, many of the metal-containing materials that have been used to construct heterojunctions with COFs own a number of drawbacks, including small specific surface area and rare active sites (for inorganic semiconductor materials), wider bandgaps and higher preparation costs (for MOFs). Therefore, it is necessary to choose metal-free materials that are easy to prepare. Red phosphorus (RP), as a semiconductor material without metal components, with suitable bandgap, moderate redox potential, relatively minimal toxicity, is affordable and readily available. Herein, a range of RP/TpPa-1-COF (RP/TP1C) composites have been successfully prepared through solvothermal method. The two-dimensional structure of the two materials causes strong interactions between the materials, and the construction of heterojunctions effectively inhibits the recombination of photogenic charge carrier. As a consequence, the 9% RP/TP1C composite, with the optimal photocatalytic ability, achieves a photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 6.93 mmol·g-1·h-1, demonstrating a 10.19-fold increase compared to that of bare RP and a 4.08-fold improvement over that of pure TP1C. This article offers a novel and innovative method for the advancement of efficient COFs-based photocatalysts.
2D/2D homojunction-mediated charge separation: Synergistic effect of crystalline C3N5 and g-C3N4 via electrostatic self-assembly for photocatalytic hydrogen and benzaldehyde production
Sue-Faye Ng, Joel Jie Foo, Peipei Zhang, Steven Hao Wan Kok, Lling-Lling Tan, Binghui Chen, Wee-Jun Ong
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2024.06.008
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Homojunction engineering is a promising modification strategy to improve charge carrier separation and photocatalytic performance of carbon nitrides. Leveraging intrinsic heptazine/triazine phase and face-to-face contact, crystalline C3N5 (CC3N5) was combined with protonated g-C3N4 (pgCN) through electrostatic self-assembly to achieve robust 2D/2D homojunction interfaces. The highest photocatalytic performance was obtained through crystallinity and homojunction engineering, by controlling the pgCN:CC3N5 ratio. The 25:100 pgCN:CC3N5 homojunction (25CgCN) had the highest hydrogen production (1409.51 µmol h-1) and apparent quantum efficiency (25.04%, 420 nm), 8-fold and 180-fold higher than CC3N5 and pgCN, respectively. This photocatalytic homojunction improves benzaldehyde and hydrogen production activity, retaining 89% performance after 3 cycles (12 h ) on a 3D-printed substrate. Electron paramagnetic resonance demonstrated higher ·OH-, ·O2- and hole production of irradiated 25CgCN, attributed to crystallinity and homojunction interaction. Thus, electrostatic self-assembly to couple CC3N5 and pgCN in a 2D/2D homojunction interface ameliorates the performance of multifunctional solar-driven applications.
Potassium-doped hydrated manganese dioxide nanowires-carbon nanotube on graphene for high performance rechargeable zinc-ion battery
Ting-Hao Xu, Sin Liou, Fan-Lin Hou, Yuan-Yao Li
, Available online  , doi: 10.1016/j.gee.2021.10.006
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Aqueous rechargeable Zn-ion battery (ARZIB) is a great candidate for the next generation battery due to its high safety, low cost, and relatively high capacity. Here, we develop hydrated and potassium-doped manganese dioxide (MO) nanowires mixed with carbon nanotubes (CNT) on graphene substrates (hydrated KMO-CNT/graphene) for ARZIB. A simple polyol process (poly(ethyl glycol), KMnO4, CNTs, and graphene) is conducted to form the hydrated KMO-CNT/graphene. MnO2 nanowires with diameters of 15–25 nm have a high specific capacity with a short diffusion path. The intercalated K ions and hydrates in the layered MnO2 nanowires remain the MO structure during the charge and discharge process, while carbon nanomaterials (CNTs and graphene) enhance the conductivity of the materials. As a result, the hydrated KMOCNT/graphene demonstrates a good ARZIB performance. A high capacity of 359.8 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 can be achieved while, at a high current density of 3.0 A g-1, the capacity of 129 mAh g-1 can be obtained with 77% retention after 1000 cycles.

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