Carbon Neutralization最新文献

Front cover image: Sun Wukong is one of the main characters in the Chinese classic Journey to the West. He can exert great abilities by relying on the Golden Cudgel. The picture shows Sun Wukong sticking his weapon Golden Cudgel in the water. Sun Wukong, with the help of the Sun's rays, simultaneously exerts a lightning spell on the Golden Cudgel, which creates water swirls and a large number of bubble dragons around it. These bubble dragons spew bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen from their mouths into the air. Sun Wukong represents the electric power source in the process of water splitting; The Golden Cudgel represents the Y-NiMo-PS nanorod catalyst in this work. The light shining on the Golden Cudgel represents the “photo-assisted process”; The dragon coming out of the water represents hydrogen and oxygen.

In the domain of novel catalyst design and application, metal phosphides have attracted widespread interest due to their unique electronic structure and potential catalytic activity. Various types of supports that can effectively anchor metal phosphides have been reported, among which MXene have received significant attention due to their two-dimensional (2D) structure, adjustable composition, and composite variability. This work mainly aims to elucidate the preparation of novel MXene carriers and their unique roles in loading metal phosphides and participating in catalytic reactions. We will clarify the preparation strategy of MXene, the interaction between metal phosphides and MXene carriers, to explain the stabilization of metal phosphide active sites and the rational adjustment of electronic structure. In addition, we will comprehensively summarize recent research progress of MXene-based metal phosphide composites, with particular emphasis on advancements in the synergistic effect of heterostructures. Regarding applications, we review the utilization of MXene-based metal phosphide composites in electrocatalysis, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Finally, some fundamental challenges and prospects for the efficient electrocatalysis of MXene-based metal phosphide composites are introduced.

Zinc metal stands out as a promising anode material due to its exceptional theoretical capacity, impressive energy density, and low redox potential. However, challenges such as zinc dendrite growth, anode corrosion, and side reactions in aqueous electrolytes significantly impede the practical application of zinc metal anodes. Herein, 3-(1-pyridinio)-1-propanesulfonate (PPS) is introduced as a zwitterionic additive to achieve long-term and highly reversible Zn plating/stripping. Due to the orientation polarization with the force of electric field, PPS additive with π–π conjugated pyridinio cations and strong coordination ability of sulfonate anion tends to generate a dynamic adsorption layer and build a unique water–poor interface. PPS with steric hindrance effect and strong coordination ability can attract solvated Zn²⁺, thereby promoting the desolvation process. Moreover, by providing a large number of nucleation sites and inducing zinc ion flow, the preferred orientation of the (002) crystal plane can be achieved. Therefore, the interfacial electrochemical reduction kinetics is regulated and uniform zinc deposition is ensured. Owing to these advantages, the Zn//Zn symmetrical cell with PPS additive exhibits remarkable cycling stability exceeding 2340 h (1 mA cm⁻² and 1 mA h cm⁻²). The Zn//V₂O₅ full cell also delivers stable cycling for up to 6000 cycles.

Searching for low-cost, high-capacity, high-power, high-stability, high-tap-density, and inherently safe materials for developing cheap, safe, and high-performance batteries has always been a research hotspot. Herein, an inherently safe, low-cost, and low-strain KTiOPO₄ (KTOP) submicron single crystals with a uniform thin layer carbon coating are developed using a ball-mill assisted solid-state method. Uniform solid electrolyte interphase, carbon coating, and inherently stable structure synergistically help compact KTOP submicron single crystals achieve an exceptional anodic K-ion storage performance. The carbon-coated KTOP single crystals obtained under the carbonization temperature of 400°C (KTOP-C-400) can deliver an exceptional potassium ion storage performance of 253.3, 224.0, 175.5, and 131.1 mA h g⁻¹ at the current density of 100, 200, 500, and 1000 mA g⁻¹, respectively, in the electrolyte of 5 M potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI) in DIGLYME electrolytes. Even after being cycled at 1000 mA g⁻¹ for 1000 cycles, the capacity was maintained at 182.5 mA h g⁻¹ with a coulombic efficiency of 99.9%.

The conversion of solar-thermal (ST) power into electrical power along with its efficient storage represents a crucial and effective approach to address the energy crisis. The thermoelectric (TE) generator can absorb ST power and transform it into electrical energy, making it a highly viable technology to achieve photo-thermal conversion (PTC). However, the practical application of the pristine TE generator devices on a larger scale is still facing several challenges. On the one hand, the pristine TE generator device has low inherent PTC efficiency, thereby leading to low power conversion. On the other hand, such solar-thermoelectric (STE) conversion does not provide the functionality of electric energy storage. Herein, an effective strategy has been proposed that employs a CoAl₂O₄ PTC coating to decorate the pristine TE generator for developing the STE generator device with the remarkable STE performance and then coupling this device with a supercapacitor (SC) for effective storage power. In comparison to the pristine TE generator, the developed STE device exhibited considerable enhancement in both the open-circuit voltage (V_oc) and its maximum power density, displaying more than a 4- and 15-fold improvement, respectively. In addition, the feasibility of coupling this solar-driven STE generator device in series with a SC for ST conversion and storage was verified, and the working mechanism has been elucidated. This work presents a promising approach to effectively convert and store clean solar power into electrical energy, enabling practical applications of STE generator devices in conjunction with other electrochemical energy storage devices.

Since the beginning of the new century, the objectives of deep space exploration missions targeting celestial bodies such as the Moon and Mars shift from “understanding celestial bodies” to “utilizing celestial bodies.” With respect to the successful operation of various load missions, secondary battery systems play a crucial role in supplying energy. However, unlike terrestrial environment, extremely harsh extraterrestrial conditions, including extreme temperatures and radiation, severely limit the application of batteries in deep spaces. This work covers recent advancements in batteries, including electrolyte/electrode optimization strategies and thermal management under extreme low- and high-temperature conditions and the mechanism analysis of key battery components under radiation environments. Finally, perspectives are given on the remaining challenges posed by battery applications in extreme deep space environment.

Silicon oxide (SiO_x) is heralded as the forefront anode material for high-energy density lithium-ion batteries, owing to its exceptional specific capacity. Nevertheless, the traditional combination of polyacrylic acid binder and acetylene black conductive carbon continues to struggle with the immense stress induced by the repetitive volume expansion and contraction processes. Here we report a high ionic conductivity, sulfonyl fluoro-containing binder for SiO_x anode via free radical copolymerization reaction between perfluoro (4-methyl-3,6-dioxaoct-7-ene) sulfonyl fluoride and acrylic acid. The electrode fabrication process incorporated amino-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNT-NH₂) as the conductive agent. A three-dimensional conductive network structure is constructed through physical and chemical double cross-linking interactions between the -COOH and -SO₂F functional groups of PAF_0.1 binder, the -NH₂ groups of CNT-NH₂, and the -OH groups on the surface of SiO_x, including hydrogen bonds and covalent bonds. In addition, the binder induces the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) rich in inorganic components such as Li₂O, Li₂SO₃, Li₂CO₃, and LiF. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of the physically and chemically double cross-linked three-dimensional conductive network constructed by the PAF_0.1 binder and CNT-NH₂, coupled with the rich-inorganic SEI, the SiO_x anode delivers exceptional rate performance, cycle stability, and lithium-ion diffusion dynamics.

Sufficient utilization of visible-light generated charge carriers in proton reduction reactions is of great significance for the development of effective solar-fuel technologies. Achieving simultaneous bulk rapid transfer and surface efficient extraction of charge carriers is still very challenging. Herein, it is found for the first time ammonium persulfate (APS) can significantly influence polymerization processes of C₃N₄ (CN) from melamine to poly (heptazine imide) (PHI) under the simultaneous oxygen doping and etching effect of SO₄²⁻. PHI with high crystallinity, porous structure, and in-situ oxygen doping was therefore obtained through one-step APS-assisted salt strategy. Benefiting from sufficient visible-light absorption and upshifted conduction band originating from regulated electronic structure and optimized morphology through APS modification, the as-prepared PHI achieved a H₂ evolution activity of 3274.23 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ (λ  > 420 nm), which is appropriately 148 and 19 times that of conventional and crystalline CN. This work opens up new opportunities for efficient photocatalysis.

The addition of two-dimensional MXene materials gives micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) the advantages of higher power density, faster charging and discharging speeds, and longer lifetimes. To date, various fabrication methods and strategies have been used to finely synthesize MXene electrodes. However, different technologies not only affect the electrode structure of MXene but also directly affect the performance of MSCs. Here, we provide a comprehensive and critical review of the design and microfabrication strategies for MXene's fork-finger microelectrodes. First, we provide a systematic overview of micromachining techniques applied to MXene, including graphic cutting, screen-printing, 3D printing, inkjet, and stamp methods. In addition, we discuss in detail the advantages and disadvantages of these machining techniques, summarizing the environment in which the technique is used and the results expected to be achieved. Finally, the challenges as well as the outlook for future applications are summarized to promote the further development of MXene materials in the field of MSCs.

Layered oxide materials are widely used in the field of energy storage and conversion due to their high specific energy, high efficiency, long cycle life, and high safety. Herein, We summarize the latest research progress in the field of layered metal oxide cathode materials from three aspects: challenges faced, failure mechanisms, and modification methods. We also compare the characteristics of lithium-based layered oxides and sodium-based layered oxides, and predict future development directions. The layered oxide cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries exhibit overall structural and operational similarities. There are also some differences, such as lattice parameters and application extent. Sodium-ion battery cathode materials need to explore new materials and address structural instability issues, while lithium-ion batteries require finding alternative materials and improving production efficiency. Future challenges for both types of materials include enhancing capacity and cycle performance, elucidating deep mechanisms, reducing costs, and improving resource sustainability. Future development should focus on balancing cycle stability and charge cut-off voltage to meet the growing demand for battery applications.