Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research最新文献

Triboelectric Nanogenerators

In article number 2400002, Teresa Cheng, Xiaoying Zhuang, and co-workers have investigate the effect of edge effects on the electrical outputs of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The enhanced surface charge and power density of TENGs due to the discontinuities can be useful for self-powering devices, such as boosting energy harvesting from cardiac muscle to supply pacemaker.

Wastewater Treatment Systems

This perspective provides quantitative assessments of wastewater treatment systems. In densely populated areas, CWTS offers advantages of scale, while in low-density regions, DWTS offers scope benefits. While centralized systems benefit from scale economies, decentralized setups capitalize on compactness, offering multifunctionality and flexibility. Moreover, decentralized systems require less land, and their modular design allows for easy upgrades and scaling. More details can be found in article number 2400097 by Muhammad Ali, Pascal E. Saikaly, and co-workers.

Biopolymer (Polysaccharide)-Based Binders

Biopolymers like polysaccharides are a F-free alternative compared to state-of-the-art polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), can realize water processing and be beneficial in terms of recycling. The here shown dual binder approach enables a constant viscosity of cathode slurry (i.e., similar final composite network) paving way for systematic and comparable study of sugar-based binder modifications for Ni-rich LiNi_xCo_yMn_zO₂ (NCM) cathodes. More details can be found in article number 2400117 by Johannes Kasnatscheew and co-workers.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

In article number 2400129, Johannes Kasnatscheew and co-workers show Li-ion-batteries with Li/Mn-rich cathodes, which have the potential to compete with state-of-the-art cathodes. Their well-known dilemma of poor cycle life at high upper-cut voltages (UCVs) and low specific energies at low UCVs can be reasonably compensated by adjusting voltage windows during formation and post formation cycles, as investigated and demonstrated for LMR || graphite cells.

CO Dimerization

The coupling of two CO intermediates represents a significant step in the formation of C₂ products during the carbon dioxide reduction reaction. In article number 2400110, Bolong Huang’s group demonstrates the linear correlation between the cation–dimer stabilization and reaction energy, supporting that the cations notably facilitate the C-C coupling step and enhance the production of C₂ products.

The development of heterogeneous electrodes with high conductivity and electrocatalytic activity is a crucial goal. Achieving this using a simple and low-cost method is essential for wastewater purification by anodic oxidation combined with peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Herein, TiO₂–CaTiO₃(CTO)-Cu₂O–Cu heterojunction electrodes are prepared by mixing CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ with different amounts of graphene oxide (GO). The different mixtures are pressed into pellets and sintered under inert atmosphere at 1100 °C for 3 h. The obtained pellets are used as anodes for PMS activation in the electrocatalysis. The efficiency of paracetamol (PCM) removal reaches its maximum (93%) after 90 min using the CTO–Cu–5GO electrode in a solution containing 10 ppm PCM, 210 mL sodium sulfate, and 0.5 mM PMS. The higher amount of metallic copper in this anode promotes the generation of radicals to effectively degrade PCM. In optimal conditions (1.2 V versus Ag/AgCl, 1 mM PMS, and 10 ppm PCM), PCM is completely removed in 45 min. According to the quenching test results, ^•O₂⁻ and ^•OH are the radicals generated during PCM degradation, and ^•O₂⁻ plays the main role. In this work, insights are provided into the rational combination of different metal oxides with TiO₂ as a heterostructure electrode to ensure high mineralization of pharmaceuticals by electrocatalysis.

In recent years, the importance of deregulated power systems has grown significantly, resulting in positive effects on stability, reliability, innovation, and investment in new energy grid technology. The competitive landscape among energy providers and distributors has empowered consumers to not only save money on their energy bills but also incorporate sustainable energy sources into the grid. To efficiently manage electricity distribution, deregulated power systems must include a smart grid and microgrid (MG). Herein, the potential for sustainable expansion of these systems, as well as their economic and environmental implications, are examined. A comprehensive grid system that integrates smart grids and MGs can offer a complete solution, catering to the evolving energy needs of communities and businesses. The advantages of establishing such a system, including improved grid stability, reliability, and increased utilization of renewable energy sources (RES), are highlighted. Furthermore, the integration of MGs and smart grids enhances the management of distributed generation, allowing power companies to optimize system operations for profitability and efficiency. By following these suggestions, businesses and stakeholders in the power sector can enhance the efficiency and responsibility of their systems, resulting in benefits for both the economy and the environment.

Organic solar cells (OSCs), especially those employing bulk heterojunction architecture, present a promising avenue in renewable energy technology. These devices utilize organic materials and can be doped by solvents such as dimethylformamide (DMF), tetrahydrofuran (THF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Solvent doping (DMF, THF, and DMSO) is observed to augment the efficiency of OSCs. However, a trade-off exists between the volume of solvent used and the device's efficiency. The judicious selection of solvents is crucial as it directly impacts the environmental footprint of the fabrication process and the power conversion efficiency. Notably, the use of solvents in OSC fabrication contributes to reducing the environmental impact across various categories, in particular Abiotic Depletion, Global Warming, and Human Toxicity. Among the solvents studied, THF demonstrates the most significant reduction in environmental impact. Therefore, optimizing the choice and volume of solvents in OSC fabrication is paramount for achieving both enhanced device performance and minimal environmental footprint.

Replacing fossil resources as the primary source of carbon-based chemicals by alternative feedstocks, while implementing more sustainable production routes, has become imperative for environmental and resource sustainability. In this context, lignin, often treated as a biomass waste, emerges as an appealing candidate, considering the principles of circular economy. For this pursuit, depolymerization methods offer potential strategies to harness lignin to produce valuable organic chemicals, while electrocatalysis processes stand out especially in the context of sustainability, as they can be powered by electricity from renewable sources. This minireview article explores the pivotal role of various electrocatalysts in lignin depolymerization, investigating both oxidative and reductive pathways. Emphasizing recent advancements, the review delves into the diverse nature of electrocatalysts and their influence on lignin valorization. Highlighting current trends, the discussion encompasses the catalytic mechanisms and selectivity of electrochemical processes employed for lignin breakdown. Additionally, some insights into emerging technologies are also offered, emphasizing the need for sustainable and efficient strategies. By providing an overview of the field, this minireview aims to guide future research endeavors toward innovative electrocatalytic approaches for lignin depolymerization, paving the way for sustainable biorefinery processes.

The high catalytic activity of photocatalysts is greatly influenced by the efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers. In this study, six g-C₃N₄-based COFs are designed and synthesized, and CN-203 is identified as the most efficient photocatalyst through experimental screening. Quantitative measurements reveal that singlet oxygen production is ≈100 times that of ·O₂⁻ and 5000 times that of ·OH. When combined with PMS, CN-203 exhibits degradation rates for RhB and TC that are ≈30 (k = 0.0293 s⁻¹) and 10 (k = 0.2940 min⁻¹) times faster than those of CN550(RhB, k = 0.0531 min⁻¹; TC, k = 0.0301 min⁻¹), respectively. Structural simulations and calculations show that the modified CN-203 have better electron–hole separation in the excited state, and the energy gap between HOMO and LUMO is significantly reduced after modification. The study also revealed the structure–function relationship between the modification of the same site with different functional groups and its effect on photocatalysis. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between surface structure and photocatalytic applications.