EcoEnergy最新文献

Continuous active lithium loss in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) systems remains a major challenge for a long calendar life, particularly the severe initial capacity loss of high-capacity anode materials. In response to this critical issue, lithium replenishment technologies, encompassing both pre-lithiation and continuous lithium compensation strategies, have emerged as focal points of intensive research. This review provides a comprehensive and critical summary of recent advancements in these areas. The discussion commences with an in-depth analysis of mechanisms underlying active lithium loss associated with anode materials including graphite and other high capacity materials. A variety of pre-lithiation strategies, involving both anode-side and cathode-side techniques, are systematically categorized, compared, and evaluated in terms of their effectiveness, limitations, and implementation challenges. This work represents the systematic compilation and analysis of contemporary continuous lithium compensation strategies, highlighting their potential as innovative and promising solutions to mitigate lithium loss throughout the entire lifespan of LIBs.

Aqueous zinc-halogen batteries (AZHBs) are considered as a potential contender for energy storage fields due to their inherent safety, multi-electron redox pathways, high capacity, and superior redox potentials. Although significant progress has been achieved in AZHBs, their relatively low conversion efficiency and slow kinetics have hindered their further practical application. Based on this, this review focuses on fundamental aspects of halogen conversion electrochemistry based on different redox routes to deepen systematic attention and understanding for improved AZHBs. Herein, the conversion chemistry and relative issues of AZHBs including two-electron, four-electron, and multi-electron redox routes are thoroughly summarized first. Subsequently, understanding the challenges of thermodynamics and kinetics challenges of different halogen-based cathodes of AZHBs are discussed and explored in depth. Importantly, we provide improvement strategies for constructing halogen cathodes with two-electron transfer, multi-electron transfer, and achieving synergistic effects with other redox couple. Finally, further explorations in intercalation-conversion dual-energy storage mechanisms, anode protection, and electrolyte regulations are considered as valuable directions for the future development of high-performance AZHBs.

X-ray detection is essential in a wide range of fields, including medical diagnostics, industrial nondestructive testing, and homeland security. Among the materials used for X-ray detection, metal-free perovskites (MFPs) have recently emerged as promising class materials. They not only retain the excellent optoelectronic properties of conventional perovskites but also offer advantages typical of organic materials, such as flexibility, light weight, and chemical diversity. Importantly, MFPs are nontoxic and water degradable, with a density similar to that of human tissues, making them effective tissue-equivalent materials. Owing to these unique attributes, MFPs have garnered attention for their potential in low-cost, environmentally friendly X-ray detection technologies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of MFPs, focusing on their crystal structures, compositional design, and physical characteristics. We then highlight recent advancements in their application as X-ray detectors, emphasizing material optimization, device performance, and practical implementation. Finally, we discuss the current challenges in this field and offer perspectives on future directions for MFPs as competitive materials for X-ray detection.

Engineering the coordination architecture of cobalt single-atom catalysts (Co-SACs) represents a promising strategy to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for sewage purification. In this study, Co single atoms were bonded to a 2,2′-bipyridine-bridged covalent heptazine framework (Bpy-CHF). The obtained Bpy-CHF-Co_0.6 catalyst contained highly homogeneous Co-N active sites and succeeded in achieving efficient generation of ¹O₂. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that the Co sites tended to adsorb the terminal oxygen of PMS, which facilitated the oxidation of PMS to generate SO₅^•− and achieved efficient generation of ¹O₂, accompanied by the formation of Co(IV)=O. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrated durability against a variety of environmental conditions, indicating potential for practical applications, and we fixed it on a PVDF microfiltration membrane to establish a continuous flow system. This study proposes innovative concepts for the advancement of catalysts that facilitate efficient and selective degradation of pollutants, as well as new insights into the selective generation of ¹O₂ and the formation of Co(IV)=O.

Carbonyl sulfide represents a significant organic sulfur impurity in furnace gas, and its removal can enhance the economic value of furnace gas. In this study, a series of Al-based core–shell nanofiber catalysts were synthesized and employed for the catalytic hydrolysis of COS. The Al₂O₃@Cu-Ce catalyst demonstrated a 100% COS conversion efficiency at a gas hourly space velocity of 15 000 h⁻¹ at 70°C. The interaction of Cu and Ce can enhance their dispersion and facilitate the formation of micropores. The formation of Cu₂Al₄O₇ and CeAlO₃ resulted in a reduction in the number of micropores and effective active components on the catalyst surface. The primary catalytic roles were played by Cu²⁺ and Ce³⁺. The high content of adsorbed state oxygen O_β and suitable water resistance resulted in enhanced hydrolysis performance. The Al₂O₃ shell layer is capable of effectively protecting the Cu and Ce components from being covered and consumed, thereby prolonging the lifetime of the catalyst. The addition of Cu resulted in alterations to both the weakly and moderately basic sites, whereas the addition of Ce primarily affected the weakly basic sites. The formation of Cu-O-Ce increased the percentage of CuO in the Cu fraction, thereby enhancing the COS removal performance. There is a competitive adsorption relationship between COS and H₂S on the CuO (002) surface. COS, H₂O, and H₂S compete for adsorption on the O_v-CeO₂ (111) surface. O_v-CeO₂ (111) promotes the dissociation of H₂O and the generation of -SH groups. The hydrolysis process of COS occurs in steps on CuO (002) and O_v-CeO₂ (111).

The post-synthesis metal exchange (PSME) strategy receives substantial attention in the construction of heterometallic mental-organic frameworks (MOFs). However, traditional PSME methods encounter challenges such as prolonged solvothermal incubation and difficulties in introducing secondary metal elements. Thus, developing a rapid, sustainable, and scaled-up PSME approach for MOFs is essential. Herein, we present a mechanochemical-assisted defect engineering strategy that accelerates the PSME process (mechano-PSME). Characterization techniques demonstrate that this strategy swiftly overcomes the energy barriers of the parent MOFs, resulting in the formation of an abundance of defects. This creates an optimal environment for incorporating heterometallics, thus facilitating rapid, batch PSME of MOFs. The experimental results clearly validate the effectiveness of mechano-PSME in producing bimetallic Zr/Hf-based UiO-66, a process challenging to achieve under solvothermal conditions. Additionally, the Zr/Hf-based UiO-66 exhibits improved acidic functionality and exceptional catalytic efficiency in the esterification of levulinic acid. This research paves the way for the sustainable development of functional materials and outlines an ambitious blueprint for innovating multifunctional materials.

Cathodic protection (CP) is widely employed to mitigate metal corrosion for underground and marine facilities, but the implementation of conventional sacrificial anode CP (SACP) and impressed current CP (ICCP) is obstructed by drawbacks such as release of harmful substances, continuous external power supply, and complicated maintenance. Although solar-powered CP systems have emerged to replace conventional systems, the available technical routes are far from perfect: the efficiencies of semiconductor-based small photoelectrochemical devices are still low, and ICCP systems driven by photovoltaic (PV) cells are often large in size and high in cost. Herein, a portable CP device (30 × 30 × 20 cm³ and 5.1 kg) with a modular design has been constructed, the fully functioning of which is solely powered by a PV cell without any external electricity input. A real-time “monitoring-feedback-adjustment” mechanism was modulated by a cost-effective and multifunctional microprocessor to precisely maintain the metal potential within the protective potential range. Moreover, a lab-made noble-metal-free auxiliary anode composed of porous Ni foam coated with NiMo alloy was first introduced to the PV-driven ICCP system, which accelerated the water oxidation kinetics compared to various commercial anodes and elevated the overall energy efficiency. Consequently, the as-built SMPCPD was capable of providing continuous CP to three types of representative metals in natural seawater under outdoor sunlight illumination conditions. These findings represent a variable pathway to achieve CP of underwater and underground steel structures with zero carbon emission, no environmental toxicity, intelligent control, high-energy efficiency, and flexibility.

With the increasing global energy demand and the growing issues of environmental pollution and climate change, the development of clean and sustainable energy conversion technologies has become particularly important. The use of traditional fossil fuels has put immense pressure on the environment and brought about challenges related to energy security and climate change. Therefore, researching alternative energy sources and green catalytic technologies has become key to solving these problems. Among various sustainable energy technologies, reactions such as hydrogen production, carbon dioxide reduction, nitrogen reduction, and oxygen reduction play a crucial role in the conversion and storage of clean energy. However, traditional catalysts face challenges in efficiency, selectivity, and stability, which limit their commercialization process. Single-atom catalysts (SACs), as a new type of catalyst, have shown excellent catalytic performance due to their high surface area and precise control of active sites, significantly reducing catalytic costs. SACs have performed well in water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, nitrogen reduction, and oxygen reduction reactions, but their application still faces challenges such as synthesis complexity, stability issues, and a deep understanding of catalytic mechanisms. This article explores the key role of SACs in sustainable energy conversion, analyzes their application in various energy conversion reactions, evaluates performance enhancement strategies, and discusses the challenges they face and their future prospects. Through a comprehensive analysis, this article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the application of SACs in the energy field, promoting technological advancement and commercial application in this area.

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have received increasing interest in the application of perovskite photovoltaics (PV). However, the deposition of SAMs in most of the studies rely on spin-coating, which is impractical for upscaling applications. In this work, the dip-coating deposition of SAMs is studied for application in p-i-n structured perovskite solar cells. It is found that the dip-coating can not only replace spin-coating in device fabrication but also provide improved uniformity and density of the SAM compared to spin-coating, which leads to enhanced charge extraction with reduced interface defects. Consequently, the perovskite solar cells prepared with the dip-coated SAM demonstrates an improved power conversion efficiency of 23.5%, providing a new pathway for the commercialization of SAMs-based perovskite.

Sodium-ion batteries are considered one of the most promising candidates for lithium-ion batteries. Increasing charging voltage is an effective way to realize sodium-ion batteries with low cost and high energy density. However, the narrow voltage window of the existing electrolyte is a serious constraint. This review systematically summarizes the development of electrolytes for high-voltage sodium-ion batteries in recent years. Firstly, the basic characteristics and critical influencing factors of high-voltage electrolytes are presented. Secondly, the strategies of developing high-voltage sodium-ion electrolytes in recent years are systematically summarized, including the regulation of solvation structure, the characteristics and applications of new high voltage resistant solvents, and the action mechanism of high-voltage additives. Finally, the future development trend of sodium-ion high-voltage electrolytes is proposed, aiming to promote the breakthrough and application of high energy density sodium-ion batteries.