EcoMat最新文献

Flexible phase change composites (FPCCs) have garnered significant attention for their ability to combine high latent heat capacity with mechanical flexibility. This combination enables advanced thermal management in emerging fields such as flexible electronics, soft robotics, and wearable technologies. Traditional phase change materials (PCMs) excel in energy absorption and release. However, their rigidity limits their applicability in the sectors above. Existing reviews largely focus on encapsulation methods and traditional PCM applications, leaving a gap in the literature concerning flexibility enhancement strategies and FPCC-specific applications. This review seeks to address this gap by presenting a comprehensive timeline of FPCC development, elucidating the principles of latent heat capacity, and systematically reviewing recent advancements in the field. Emphasis is placed on design strategies at both the structural level, such as fiber and foam configurations, and materials level, including physical blending and molecular engineering. Performance comparisons are provided, evaluating FPCCs in terms of both latent heat storage and mechanical flexibility. Furthermore, the review explores diverse applications of FPCCs in thermal energy storage, transfer, conversion, and release, underscoring their potential in cutting-edge sectors. By highlighting FPCCs' versatility and interdisciplinary applications, this review aims to inspire further research and integration of FPCCs into domains requiring both mechanical flexibility and thermal energy management solutions.

Although Mg metal offers advantages such as a high strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatibility, low cost, and nontoxicity, fabricating coated Mg with high chemical stability and antibacterial activity remains a formidable challenge. To date, the problems of continuous corrosion caused by uncontrolled Mg electrodeposition and serious interfacial side reactions in aqueous solutions have remarkably slowed down the practical application of metallic Mg. To address these issues, we proposed a combination approach of interface–plasma electrolysis (I-PE) and layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition to fabricate a tannic acid (TA)–MgO hybrid coating on an Mg anode, in which the TA layer served as the blocking layer and porous MgO films had microdefects that triggered physical locking. LbL formation was initiated through the charge-transfer phenomenon between the defective porous surface and TA molecules in the presence of cross-linkers, such as 2,5-diamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole (DAT) and 2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (AMT), to induce LbL deposition, that is, the consecutive growth of multilayer molecular structures on 2D hybrid organic–inorganic materials. The prepared coating surprisingly exhibited highly exceptional anticorrosion properties (inhibition efficiency ~82% and corrosion rate ~1610 nA/cm²) and excellent antibacterial activity, which are attributed to the optimized crosslinking degree and compactness due to the interaction between the TA–AMT composite and the porous MgO film. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to understand the reaction process between the organic AMT layers and the porous inorganic surface by bonding, adsorption behavior, and energy.

Solid-state batteries based on versatile halide solid electrolytes with outstanding ionic conductivity, electrode compatibility, and stability are attracting significant research attention. Recent experimental studies have illustrated the outstanding performance of LaCl₃ as a solid electrolyte capable of conducting Li ions through its one-dimensional channels that can be interconnected into a three-dimensional network through the creation of La vacancies. In this work, we present a composition optimization strategy for maximizing the Li-ion conductivity in LaCl_3−xBr_x solid electrolytes based on density functional theory and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Our simulations show LaCl_2.5Br_0.5 to have a remarkable Li-ion conductivity of 66 mS cm⁻¹ at 300 K and the lowest activation energy of 0.10 eV, followed by LaCl_0.5Br_2.5 with values of 14 mS cm⁻¹ and 0.13 eV, respectively. Both these compositions are predicted to be easily synthesizable, have large band gaps, and are likely to be of experimental interest given their outstanding Li-ion transport properties. Our results highlight the potential for enhanced Li-ion conductivity in LaCl_3−xBr_x solid electrolytes that can be achieved through anion mixing.

The growing utilization of the Ocean Internet of Things (Ocean IoT) has a significant impact on human society. Recent advances in nanotechnology in terms of developing unprecedented structural, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and photonic properties have led to devices that are expected to promote the sustainable growth of the emerging Ocean IoT. This review provides a system-level analysis of nanotechnology-enabled sensors, actuators, energy harvesting, antifouling coatings, and environmental remediation that have been developed, with a focus on their materials, structures, and manufacturing technologies, as well as their merits and drawbacks. The challenges associated with the ecotoxicity of nanotechnology-derived pollutants in marine ecosystems are also discussed. Finally, potential future research directions are presented for this emerging field.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted considerable attention in the field of photovoltaics owing to their high power conversion efficiency (PCE), cost-effective production methods, and versatile applications. However, the widespread use of lead (Pb)-based materials in PSCs poses challenges related to their toxicity and environmental sustainability. This review explores recent advances in the development of Pb-free perovskite materials, such as tin (Sn)-based, germanium (Ge)-based, and other B(IV) and B(III) cation alternatives, while assessing their electronic properties, stability, and performance-enhancing strategies. Additionally, we discuss the use of green solvents and fabrication techniques to minimize their environmental impact. This review aims to guide future research toward safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable PSC technologies, ensuring that the benefits of solar energy can be harnessed without compromising human health or the environment.

The limited energy density of the current Li-ion batteries restricts the electrification of transportation to small- and medium-scale vehicles. On the contrary, Li-O₂ batteries (LOBs), with their significantly higher theoretical energy density, can power heavy-duty transportation, if the sluggish electrode kinetics in these devices can be substantially improved. The use of solid electrocatalysts at the cathode is a viable strategy to address this challenge, but current electrocatalysts fail to provide sufficient discharge depths and cyclability, primarily due to the formation of the film-like discharge product, Li₂O₂, on catalytic sites, which obstructs charge transport and gas diffusion pathways. Here, we report that a triphase heterogeneous catalyst comprising NiCoP, NiCo₂S₄, and NiCo₂O₄, assembled into a hierarchical hollow architecture (NC-3@Ni), efficiently modulates the morphology and orientation of the discharge product, facilitating the sheet-like growth of Li₂O₂ perpendicular to the cathode surface. These modifications enable the assembled LOB to deliver a high discharge capacity of 25 162 mAh g⁻¹ at 400 mA g⁻¹, along with impressive cycling performance, achieving 270 cycles with a discharge depth of 1000 mAh g⁻¹, exceeding 1350 h of continuous operation. This promising performance is attributed to the presence of individual electrophilic and nucleophilic phases within the heterogeneous microstructure of the triphase catalyst, collectively promoting the formation of sheet-like Li₂O₂.

The development of clean energy technologies is increasingly dependent on advanced materials capable of enhancing energy storage and conversion efficiencies. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs), known for their unique fibrous morphology, high aspect ratio, high electrical conductivity and specific surface area, particularly with post-treatment, as well as their chemical robustness, have emerged as exceptional candidates for a variety of clean energy applications. This review comprehensively provides the synthesis, structural modification, and surface activity tuning of electrospun CNFs, with a focus on their utilization in energy storage devices such as lithium-metal batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, lithium-air batteries, and supercapacitors as well as in energy conversion systems, including water splitting, fuel cells, electrochemical CO₂ reduction technologies, and solar thermal-driven water evaporation. The discussion delves into the fabrication methodologies for electrospun CNFs, highlighting the critical role of structural modifications and surface activity tuning in enhancing material performance. Recent progress in the application of CNFs-based nanomaterials for clean energy solutions is presented, demonstrating their potential to significantly advance the efficiency and sustainability of energy-related technologies. Furthermore, this review identifies existing challenges and outlines future research directions, aiming to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of state-of-the-art CNFs fabrication techniques and their applications in the fields of energy and environmental science. This work serves as a valuable resource for researchers in materials science, nanotechnology, and environmental science, guiding the further development and deployment of CNFs for sustainable energy solutions.

Iron hexacyanoferrate (FeHCF) is a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity and low cost. Nevertheless, water in FeHCF is likely to take up Na⁺ sites leading to the reductions in capacity and rate capability. Herein, an ion-exchange method is proposed to synthesize low-water potassium-sodium mixed iron hexacyanoferrate (KNaFeHCF). The ion-exchange method can preserve the lattice structure with low vacancies and K⁺ with larger ionic radii can reduce the water content in FeHCF and improve Na⁺ reaction kinetics. Compared with the NaFeHCF synthesized by co-precipitation method, the water content of optimal sample KNaFeHCF-12 h can be decreased by 21.2%. The sample exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, with a discharge capacity of 130.33 at 0.1 and 99.49 mAh g⁻¹ at 30 C. With a full-cell configuration with a hard carbon anode, the discharge capacity reaches 115.3 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C. This study demonstrates a viable method for producing Prussian blue cathode materials with low water content, high specific capacity, and exceptional cycling stability.

The shift toward sustainable energy has increased the demand for efficient energy storage systems to complement renewable sources like solar and wind. While lithium-ion batteries dominate the market, challenges such as safety concerns and limited energy density drive the search for new solutions. Liquid metals (LMs) have emerged as promising materials for advanced batteries due to their unique properties, including low melting points, high electrical conductivity, tunable surface tension, and strong alloying tendency. Enabled by the unique properties of LMs, four key scientific functions of LMs in batteries are highlighted: active materials, self-healing, interface stabilization, and conductivity enhancement. These applications can improve battery performance, safety, and lifespan. This review also discusses current challenges and future opportunities for using LMs in next-generation energy storage systems.

The increasing global concerns about energy shortages and environmental pollution are driving the development of materials for clean energy conversion. Among various materials, lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation photovoltaic (PV) technologies. However, the use of toxic lead in high-efficiency perovskite devices raises sustainability concerns, particularly due to the risk of environmental contamination from lead leakage. Given the projected growth of the perovskite photovoltaic market, effective management of lead toxicity is essential for the safe deployment of this technology. This review explores the latest developments in lead encapsulation strategies, including both external and internal encapsulation materials, aimed at mitigating lead leakage and enhancing the safety and sustainability of perovskite photovoltaics. Additionally, it also discusses various recycling solutions necessary to establish a sustainable closed-loop lead management system. These approaches not only recycle lead but also reclaim other materials, promoting the circular use of resources and advancing the competitiveness of perovskite PV technologies.