Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research最新文献

A rapid solid-state flash heat and quench (FHQ) synthesis approach has been used to facilitate the rapid formation of layered NCA Li-ion cathodes with low structural defects. LiNi_xCo_yAl_zO₂ (NCA) materials prepared by FHQ reveal impressive gravimetric capacity at C/10 and 10C discharge rates (195 and 150 mAh g⁻¹, respectively) after a few minutes of heating a co-precipitate mixture with LiOH, providing >95% reduction in energy needed for heat-treatment versus conventional solid state synthesis routes. Combined X-ray diffraction, neutron scattering with pair-distribution-function analysis, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy for a range of heat-treated samples are used to identify the point at which Ni²⁺−Li⁺ antisite defects are minimized in these materials, which is critical to their electrochemical performance.

In lithium metal batteries, the cycle life relevantly declines with decreasing electrolyte amount. The capacity decay is kinetically reasoned as shown by rises in cell resistances, in particular for the discharge processes, as indicated by the full capacity recovery during a constant voltage step after discharge at the end of life (EOL). Interestingly, adding fresh electrolyte after EOL only partially recovers the capacity, suggesting a different and more crucial failure origin than the assumed loss of charge carriers due to the electrolyte “dry-out”. Contrary to the cathode, the anode has higher resistances and a thicker surface layer post mortem, which is also observed in Li‖Li cells. In addition, the resistance portion of the electrolyte itself remains comparatively low during cycling, suggesting that resistance rise is dominated by the Li anode and is confirmed by exchange with fresh Li, where the capacities are recovered toward initial values, again. Based on the observations, a mechanism with a faster dry-out of Li metal pores is proposed, which decreases the electrolyte-accessible Li metal surface area, enhances local current densities, and facilitates high surface area and dead lithium. This continuously clogs and blocks the surface, reducing the practical accessible Li and eventually causing the rollover fade.

This paper employs a range of carefully controlled experiments to develop a detailed understanding of the role of the structure, crystallinity, and chemical composition of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in driving catalytic reactions during sonication. The new findings demonstrate the significantly enhanced production of hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrate from water, CO2, and nitrogen in the presence of PTFE during the application of ultrasound. The critical role of PTFE in the degradation of Rhodamine B and para-nitrophenol, which are important examples of synthetic dyes and nitroaromatic compounds, respectively is demonstrated. By understanding the mechanism and optimization of the catalytic conditions, the system achieves the highest hydrogen production yield reported to date among tribocatalytic, contact-electrocatalytic, and piezocatalytic systems, where fine-scale PTFE particles formed during ultrasound contribute to the enhanced activity. Importantly, the impact of PTFE's physical and chemical properties, including hydrophobicity, crystallinity, and atomic composition, on its catalytic performance is investigated. The underlying mechanism of sono-contact-electrocatalysis is outlined by examining reactive species generated under various gas environments. These findings provide new insights into the broad applicability of PTFE in redox reactions and highlight key factors influencing its catalytic behavior in aqueous systems for environmental remediation and energy conversion.

Advancements in water treatment increasingly rely on innovative materials that enhance efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability in pollutant removal. The emergence of the materials era has introduced nanostructured compounds with unprecedented properties, reforming membrane-based filtration and separation technologies. Among advanced materials, MXenes—2D nanomaterials—offer a unique combination of high electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, and tunable surface chemistry, enabling superior ion transport, antifouling properties, and electro-assisted pollutant removal. This review comprehensively covers the applications of MXenes in electrically enhanced membrane processes, highlighting their high potential in membrane capacitive deionization and ion-exchange membrane (IEM) processes. By fully assessing multiple electrically enhanced membrane technologies, this study demonstrates the capability of MXenes in leveraging charge-driven mechanisms and electrostatic interactions. Yet, challenges such as scalability, oxidation resistance, and energy efficiency still prevail. This study suggests that future research should focus on scalable synthesis techniques, long-term stability improvements, and energy-efficient designs to fully integrate electrically enhanced MXene-based membranes into large-scale water treatment systems.

Conventional methods for hydrogen production, such as steam methane reforming, face increasing scrutiny due to their reliance on fossil fuels, high CO₂ emissions, and significant capital costs. Sorption-enhanced steam reforming using renewable feedstocks, where CO₂ is captured in situ, presents a more sustainable alternative. This study investigates the suitability of A- and B-site doped strontium ferrite-type Ruddlesden–Popper oxides (RPO) as robust CO₂ sorbents, with particular attention on their application in glycerol-based hydrogen production. Packed bed reactor experiments, complemented by comprehensive characterizations, are systematically conducted to assess and compare the performance of RPO with a stoichiometry of (Sr_xCa_1−x)₂Fe_0.9Ni_0.1O_4−δ (RPOs) with that of traditional perovskite oxides, that is, Sr_xCa_1−xFe_0.9Ni_0.1O_4−δ (POs), and to unravel the underlying phase transition pathways. Specifically, RPO with a nominal stoichiometry of Sr_1.4Ca_0.6Fe_0.9Ni_0.1O_4−δ forms an Sr₃Fe₂O_7-type active phase, exhibiting high H₂ purities (≈95 vol%) coupled with stable CO₂ sorption capacity. Notably, its CO₂ prebreakthrough time is more than six times longer than that of its perovskite counterpart in the sequential Ni-bed configuration. Finally, the interplay between the reduction and carbonation reactions is examined, highlighting the synergistic benefits that enable the sorbent to fully realize its CO₂ uptake potential.

Structurally stabilized composites are promising for using phase change materials in high-temperature thermal energy storage (TES). However, conventional skeleton materials, which typically comprise 30–50 wt% of the composite, mainly provide sensible heat storage and contribute minimally to overall energy density. This study introduces a new class of redox-active oxide-molten salt (ROMS) composites that overcome this limitation by combining sensible, latent, and thermochemical heat storage in a single particle. Specifically, porous, redox-active Ca₂AlMnO_5+δ (CAM) complex oxide particles were demonstrated as a suitable support matrix, with the pores filled by eutectic NaCl/CaCl₂ salt. X-ray diffraction confirms excellent phase compatibility between CAM and the salt. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and nano X-ray tomography show good salt infiltration and wettability within the CAM pores. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that a 60 wt% CAM/40 wt% salt composite achieves an energy density of 267 kJ kg⁻¹ over a narrow 150 °C window, with ≈50 kJ kg⁻¹ from thermochemical storage. Additionally, the composite shows higher thermal conductivity than salt alone, enabling faster energy storage and release. ROMS composites thus represent a novel and efficient solution for high-performance TES.

Due to the increasing demand for electrical energy and stricter environmental regulations, there is an urgent need to harvest more energy from natural sources. Covering ≈71% of the Earth's surface, the ocean presents a vast and promising resource for renewable energy. In recent years, harvesting ocean wave energy using triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has become a prominent research focus. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of previously developed ocean wave energy generators and self-powered sensors based on TENG technology. It covers solid–solid types, solid–liquid types, hybrid modes, and self-powered sensor configurations, with a critical evaluation of their design strategies, advantages, and limitations to identify existing research gaps and future directions. Summarized tables of representative TENG-based ocean wave energy generators are provided, highlighting variations in triboelectric material selection, structural design, and working modes. This review explores how ocean wave parameters influence the output performance of TENGs, examines the limitations and future development of wireless data transmission systems for self-powered sensors, and proposes cost-effective methods to evaluate ocean wave-driven TENGs under scientifically generated wave conditions. Moreover, potential solutions to address the identified gaps and limitations are proposed.

Integrating circular economy (CE) principles into battery design is critical for enhancing sustainability in energy storage, as lithium-ion batteries grow essential for renewable energy and electric mobility. However, raw material depletion, hazardous waste, and inefficient end-of-life (EoL) practices threaten long-term resource and environmental sustainability. This study reviews 94 sources, synthesizing material flow analyses, design innovations, recycling technologies, and policy frameworks to assess CE applications across the battery lifecycle. Fourthemes emerge: 1) recovery of critical materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel via emerging recycling methods that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact; 2) design innovations such as modularity and disassembly-oriented approaches that enable reuse and efficient resource recovery; 3) second-life battery use in stationary renewable energy systems to extend lifespan and lower costs; and 4) regulatory mechanisms, including extended producer responsibility and digital product passports to support circular practices. Key barriers include limited recycling infrastructure, complex chemistries hindering disassembly, lack of data transparency, and fragmented regulations reducing producer accountability. Promising solutions involve low-impact recycling, standardized modular designs, blockchain-based material traceability, and harmonized policies enforcing EoL responsibility. The study proposes a forward-looking framework combining technological innovation and policy reform driven by interdisciplinary collaboration to transform batteries into regenerative assets aligned with CE goals.

Charge transport process is one of the most important factors that determine the performance of thin-film organic solar cells. In this report, nanocore shells (NCSs) composed of a copper core and nickel as a shell (Cu@Ni) are successfully synthesized and used in the functional layer of thin-film organic solar cell (TFOSC). The NCSs are doped in the hole-selective material known as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate at various concentrations from 0.1% to 0.5% by weight. Bulk heterojunction solar absorber design is used to fabricate new polymer solar cells using poly-3-hexylthiophene as a donor and [6,6] phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester as an acceptor. The experimental results suggest that the device performances of the samples doped with Cu@Ni NCSs have significantly improved compared to the reference cell. The collection of high photocurrents is responsible for improved device performance as a result of better optical absorption and charge transport processes. Furthermore, the performances are found to be dependent on concentration of NCS in the transport layer. The best performance recorded in the study is found to be at the 0.2 wt% doping level. Such improvements in power conversion efficiency are attributed to the occurrence of local surface plasmon resonances on the NCS in the polymer transport layer.

Lignin-derived carbon quantum dots (L-CDs) are promising sustainable nanomaterials with exceptional properties and broad applications. This review explores their synthesis, characteristics, and uses, highlighting the valorization of lignin, a renewable biopolymer, in line with green chemistry and bioeconomy principles. Transforming the lignin into L-CDs leverages its high carbon content and structural properties, aligning with green chemistry and contributing to a sustainable bioeconomy. L-CDs exhibit fluorescence, biocompatibility, and low toxicity, making them suitable for various applications. Hydrothermal and solvothermal methods are widely used, and the lignin source does not strongly influence L-CD structure or size. Heteroatom doping, particularly with nitrogen and sulfur, enhances optical properties and functionality. Quantum yield values above 20% associated with higher dopant concentrations. Still, the effect of lignin's botanical origin on L-CD properties remains unclear and needs further investigation. Despite progress, challenges remain in standardizing synthesis, optimizing production, and deepening structure–property understanding. In conclusion, L-CDs offer significant potential as sustainable, functional nanomaterials. Future research should address existing gaps to unlock their full potential in advancing bioeconomy-driven technologies.