Carbon Energy最新文献

Carbon-based air cathodes offer low cost, high electrical conductivity, and structural tunability. However, they suffer from limited catalytic activity and inefficient gas transport, and they typically rely on noble metal additives or complex multilayer configurations. To tackle these issues, this study devised a self-activated integrated carbon-based air cathode. By integrating in situ catalytic site construction with structural optimization, the strategy not only induces the formation of oxygen functional groups (─C─OH, ─C═O, ─COOH), hierarchical pores, and uniformly distributed active sites, but also establishes a favorable electronic and mass-transport environment. Furthermore, the roll-pressing-based integrated design streamlines electrode construction, reinforces interfacial bonding, and significantly enhances mechanical stability. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that oxygen functional groups initiate hydrogen bonding interaction and promote charge enrichment, which improves the activity of the cathode and facilitates intermediate adsorption/desorption in oxygen reduction and evolution reactions processes. As a result, the integrated air cathode-based rechargeable zinc-air batteries (RZABs) achieve a high specific capacity of 811 mAh g^–1. It also performs well in quasi-solid-state RZABs and silicon-air batteries systems across a wide temperature range, demonstrating strong adaptability and application potential. This study provides a scalable and cost-effective design strategy for high-performance carbon-based air cathodes, offering new insights into advancing durable and practical metal–air energy systems.

Strategic fluorination of solvent, a prominent strategy to enhance the electrolyte oxidation resistance and engineer a robust cathode–electrolyte interface, is crucial for realizing high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. Actually, the adaptability of fluorinated solvents to high voltages is critically determined by the degree of fluorination and the fluorination site, yet lacks systematic design principles. Herein, we introduce a solvent screening descriptor based on ionization energy and Fukui function to assess molecular and site-specific reactivity. Computational and experimental results demonstrate that an optimal solvent with low ground-state energies and reactive sites is required as an ideal candidate for high-voltage electrolytes. Among derivatives from anisole, (trifluoromethoxy)benzene is identified as a superior candidate, enabling the formulation of a low reactivity solution (LPT) as electrolyte. Remarkably, the prepared Li‖LCO cell using LPT electrolyte maintained a high-capacity retention of 78.8% after 600 cycles at 4.5 V. In addition, the formation of an inorganic-rich interphase from LPT electrolyte effectively suppresses structural degradation to ensure a fast dynamic behavior. The utilization of LPT electrolyte also greatly reduces the amount of heat released and the production of O₂ gas, which is favorable for addressing thermal runaway hazards. This screening strategy offers a practical approach for the design of flame-retardant high-voltage electrolytes.

Rechargeable Zn/Sn-air batteries have received considerable attention as promising energy storage devices. However, the electrochemical performance of these batteries is significantly constrained by the sluggish electrocatalytic reaction kinetics at the cathode. The integration of light energy into Zn/Sn-air batteries is a promising strategy for enhancing their performance. However, the photothermal and photoelectric effects generate heat in the battery under prolonged solar irradiation, leading to air cathode instability. This paper presents the first design and synthesis of Ni₂-1,5-diamino-4,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone (Ni₂DDA), an electronically conductive π-d conjugated metal–organic framework (MOF). Ni₂DDA exhibits both photoelectric and photothermal effects, with an optical band gap of ~1.14 eV. Under illumination, Ni₂DDA achieves excellent oxygen evolution reaction performance (with an overpotential of 245 mV vs. reversible hydrogen electrode at 10 mA cm⁻²) and photothermal stability. These properties result from the synergy between the photoelectric and photothermal effects of Ni₂DDA. Upon integration into Zn/Sn-air batteries, Ni₂DDA ensures excellent cycling stability under light and exhibits remarkable performance in high-temperature environments up to 80°C. This study experimentally confirms the stable operation of photo-assisted Zn/Sn-air batteries under high-temperature conditions for the first time and provides novel insights into the application of electronically conductive MOFs in photoelectrocatalysis and photothermal catalysis.

The latent heat thermal energy storage system with solid–liquid phase-change material (SLPCM-LHTES) as energy storage medium provides outstanding advantages such as system simplicity, stable temperature control, and high energy storage density, showing great potential toward addressing the energy storage problems associated with decentralized, intermittent, and unstable renewable energy sources. Notably, effective heat transfer within the SLPCM-LHTES is crucial for extending its application potential. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the heat transfer processes in SLPCM-LHTES from a theoretical perspective is necessary. In this review, we propose a three-stage heat transfer pathway in SLPCM-LHTES, including external heating, interfacial heat transfer, and intrinsic phase transition processes. From the perspective of this three-stage pathway, the theoretical basis of heat transfer processes and typical efficiency enhancement strategies in SLPCM-LHTES are summarized. Moreover, an overview of the typical applications of SLPCM-LHTES in various fields, such as building energy efficiency, textiles and garments, and battery thermal management, is presented. Finally, the remaining challenges and possible avenues of research in this burgeoning field will also be discussed.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries encounter issues with the formation of Zn dendrites and parasitic reactions at Zn anodes. To address these issues, coating Zn anodes with two-dimensional (2D) nanocarbon materials, such as graphene, has proven effective in ensuring uniform current distribution and facilitating charge transfer. While direct growth of 2D nanocarbon on Zn substrates offers significant advantages, it remains challenging due to Zn's low melting point (420°C). In this study, as a first proof-of-concept, a unique sonochemical route was developed to directly grow crystalline-amorphous mixed 2D nanocarbon films, named “Leopard-patterned graphene,” on Zn substrates. This unique structure provides uniform nucleation sites while maintaining high Zn²⁺ ion permeability, mitigating dendrite formation. In Zn symmetric coin cell tests, the Zn electrodes coated with Leopard-patterned graphene maintained stable cycling for over 2000 h at a constant current density of 3 mA cm⁻². This study introduces an innovative approach for bottom-up synthesis of 2D nanocarbon on Zn substrates under ambient conditions and demonstrates its potential to address critical challenges in Zn-ion battery performance. The findings provide insights into advanced electrode design strategies for next-generation energy storage devices.

Sn-based batteries have emerged as an optimal energy storage system owing to their abundant Sn resources, environmental compatibility, non-toxicity, corrosion resistance, and high hydrogen evolution overpotential. However, the practical application of these batteries is hindered by challenges such as “dead Sn” shedding and hydrogen evolution side reactions. Extensive research has focused on improving the performance of Sn-based batteries. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the recent advancements in Sn-based battery research, including the selection of current collectors, electrolyte optimization, and the development of new cathode materials. The energy storage mechanisms and challenges of Sn-based batteries are discussed. Overall, this paper presents future perspectives of high-performance rechargeable Sn-based batteries and provides valuable guidance for developing Sn-based energy storage technologies.

The frost-driven self-fracture of ionomer-bound carbon electrodes compromises the mechanical stability of electrochemical systems under subzero conditions. This study suggests that the mechanical degradation of ionomer-bound carbon electrodes under subfreezing conditions is primarily driven by damage within the ionomer binder phase rather than within the nanopores. This damage occurs owing to the expansion of confined water upon freezing. Reducing the size of the freezable water domains significantly enhances the mechanical robustness. Structural and mechanical analyses reveal that thermal reconfiguration effectively modifies the ionomer nanostructure, leading to an approximately 30% reduction in water uptake and improved resistance to frost-induced self-fracturing. Nanostructural analyses further confirm that crystallized packing in the ionomer binder minimizes the number of water retention sites, thereby restricting the buildup of internal stress during freezing. Consequently, the elongation of the as-prepared electrodes reduces by approximately 65% after freezing at −10°C, whereas that of the thermally reconfigured electrodes is above 90% of its initial value with minimal deterioration. These findings highlight the critical role of ionomer-phase engineering in improving the low-temperature durability of ionomer-bound carbon electrodes, providing a scalable strategy applicable to fuel cells, water electrolyzers, and next-generation energy storage systems without requiring antifreezing agents.

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a versatile oxidant with significant applications, particularly in regulating the microenvironment for healthcare purposes. Herein, a rational design of the photoanode is implemented to enhance H₂O₂ production by oxidizing H₂O in a portable photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) device. The obtained solution from this system is demonstrated for effective bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, while maintaining low toxicity toward hippocampal neuronal cells. The photoanode is achieved by Mo-doped BiVO₄ films, which are subsequently loaded with cobalt-porphyrin (Co-py) molecules as a co-catalyst. As a result, the optimal performance for H₂O₂ production rate was achieved at 8.4 μmol h⁻¹ cm⁻², which is 1.8 times that of the pristine BiVO₄ photoanode. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations reveal that the improved performance results from a 1.1 eV reduction in the energy of the rate-determining step of •OH adsorption by the optimal photoanode. This study demonstrates a PEC approach for promoting H₂O₂ production by converting H₂O for antibacterial purposes, offering potential applications in conventionally controlling microenvironments for healthcare applications.

Capturing of ambient energy is emerging as a transformative area in energy technology, potentially replacing batteries or significantly extending their lifespan. Harnessing of energy from ambient sources presents a significant opportunity to support sustainable development while mitigating environmental issues. Repurposing energy that would otherwise be wasted from high-consumption systems such as engines and industrial furnaces is essential for reducing ecological footprints and moving toward carbon-neutral goals. Furthermore, compact energy harvesting technologies will play a pivotal role in powering the rapidly expanding Internet of Things, enabling innovative advancements in smart homes, cities, industries, and health care that elevate our living standards. To achieve significant advancements in energy harvesting technologies, the development of innovative materials is crucial for converting ambient energy into electricity. In this regard, two-dimensional (2D) materials, a rising star in the material world, are profoundly and technologically intriguing for energy harvesting. The exceptional atomic thickness, high surface-to-volume ratio, flexibility, and tunable band gap effectively enhance their electronic, optical, and chemical properties, making them a potential candidate for use in flexible electronics and wearable energy harvesting technologies. Consequently, these unique properties of 2D materials remarkably enhance their energy harvesting capabilities, including photovoltaic, triboelectric, thermoelectric, and piezoelectric energy harvesting. Here, we present a tutorial-style review of 2D materials for harvesting energy from different ambient sources (aimed particularly at guiding and educating researchers, especially those new to the field), which starts with a brief overview of the promising properties of 2D materials for energy harvesting, then looks deeply into its advantages as compared to traditional materials along with their 3D counterparts, followed by providing insight into the mechanisms and performance of 2D material–based energy harvesters in portable/wearable electronics, and finally, based on current progress, an overview of the challenges along with corresponding strategies are identified and discussed.