Ang, Edison Huixiang

Orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) is one of the most promising anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries because of its rich chemistry associated with multiple valence states and intriguing layered structure. However, MoO₃ still suffers from the low rate capability and poor cycle induced by pulverization during de/sodiation. An ingenious two‐step synthesis strategy to fine tune the layer structure of MoO₃ targeting stable and fast sodium ionic diffusion channels is reported here. By integrating partially reduction and organic molecule intercalation methodologies, the interlayer spacing of MoO₃ is remarkably enlarged to 10.40 Å and the layer structural integration are reinforced by dimercapto groups of bismuththiol molecules. Comprehensive characterizations and density functional theory calculations prove that the intercalated bismuththiol (DMcT) molecules substantially enhanced electronic conductivity and effectively shield the electrostatic interaction between Na⁺ and the MoO₃ host by conjugated double bond, resulting in improved Na⁺ insertion/extraction kinetics. Benefiting from these features, the newly devised layered MoO₃ electrode achieves excellent long‐term cycling stability and outstanding rate performance. These achievements are of vital significance for the preparation of sodium‐ion battery anode materials with high‐rate capability and long cycling life using intercalation chemistry.

Proton blocking anion exchange membranes (AEMs), which are employed in electrodialysis technology, show promise in acid recovery from industrial waste. A series of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) membranes were prepared using (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS) and weakly functionalized bases including N-butylimidazole (N-BuIm). Were networked to create AEMs with low leak rates. It was discovered that the appropriate concentration of siloxane crosslinker raised the membrane matrix's density and lowered the AEM matrix's hydrophilicity. Thermogravimetric measurements and water absorption have confirmed this, and the membranes in this series even swell up to 8.61 %. The maximum H+ concentration concentrated by the cross-linked AEM (BPPO/5Si) during the ED with a current density of 10 mAcm⁻² was 2.35 M, which was higher than the concentration concentrated by the uncross-linked AEM (BPPO/OSi), which was 1.90 M (beginning concentration: 1.00 M). The current efficiency was 44.8 % and the energy consumption was only 1.81 kW ∙h∙kg⁻¹. A balance between proton blocking and SO42− ions transport was achieved by the optimized AEM, which exhibited increased hydrophobicity and smaller ion clusters. The improved AEM was found to have fewer ionic clusters and greater hydrophobicity. For cross-linked AEMs, a trade-off between SO₄²⁻ ions transport and proton blocking was thus accomplished. This work is thought to offer direction for developing sophisticated proton blocking AEMs.

Rechargeable aqueous metal-ion batteries are very promising because of their green and safe inherent features as alternative energy storage devices during the post-lithium-ion era. Aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have been studied extensively among different aqueous metal ion batteries recently due to some unique and outstanding benefits of ZIBs that promise for large-scale power storage systems. However, zinc anode problems in ZIBs such as zinc dendrite and side reactions severely shorten ZIB's cycle lifetime, thus restricting their practical application. Here, we sum up in detail recent progress of general strategy to suppress zinc dendrite and zinc anode side reactions based on advanced material and structure design including the modification of planar zinc electrode surface layer, internal structural optimization of zinc bulk electrode, modification of the electrolyte and construction of the multifunctional separator. The various functional materials, structures and battery efficiency are discussed. Finally, the challenges for ZIBs are identified in their production of functional zinc anodes.

In this study, we synthesized Co-based coordination polymer-derived nitrogen-doped carbon-coated Co3O4 spheres (Co3O4@NC) and yolk-shell Co3O4 spheres (Co3O4-YS) under various atmospheric conditions to explore their efficacy in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for tetracycline (TC) degradation. The Co3O4@NC, featuring a significantly higher specific surface area (268.4 m2/g), exhibited remarkable performance by achieving 90% TC removal in 5 minutes using 0.2 g/L PMS and 0.1 g/L of Co3O4@NC. This reaction rate was 9.2 times higher than that observed with Co3O4-YS. Furthermore, the Co3O4@NC/PMS system demonstrated exceptional stability across a wide pH range, in complex water compositions, and the presence of common coexisting ions. The unique coated structures effectively minimized the leaching of Co ions (below 0.447 mg/L). Additionally, the strong magnetism of Co3O4@NC allows for easy separation under a magnetic field. Mechanistic investigations identified 1O2, ∙OH, O2∙-, and SO4∙- as the principal reactive species. The study also explored potential degradation pathways and toxicity.

Rapid development of society has led to significant increases in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, primarily driven by intensified industrial activities and urbanization. Capture and utilization of CO2 not only mitigate greenhouse gas emissions but also support the transition towards a circular economy by recycling CO2 into high-value products. This study proposed a membrane contactor and electrodialysis metathesis (MC-EDM) for CO2 capture, NH4HCO3 generation, and NaHCO3 conversion. The MC facilitated the selective capture of CO2 from gas streams. Concurrently, EDM enhanced the NaHCO3/NH4Cl conversion from NH4HCO3/NaCl through selective ion transport mechanisms. The key influencing factors (e.g., gas flow rate, liquid flow rate, and ammonia concentration) for the MC process were optimized to achieve 1.014 mol/L NH4HCO3 concentration with 88.73 % yield and 78.94 % CO2 removal efficiency. Moreover, the parameters (e.g., solid-liquid ratio, membrane type, operating voltage, and salt component ratio) for the EDM process were optimized to achieve NaHCO3 with a 90.9 % yield and 97.80 % purity. Economic analysis indicated the overall process for NaHCO3 recovery was approximately 0.3267 $/kg. The cyclic experiments demonstrated the stability of MC-EDM for high-value NaHCO3 recovery. Thus, the MC-EDM pathways contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes while promoting resource efficiency and economic sustainability.

Along with the cathode, anode, and liquid electrolyte in lithium-based secondary batteries, the separator is a crucial element for guaranteeing battery safety. However, conventional polyolefin separators suffer from inherent drawbacks such as inadequate compatibility with electrolytes and limited thermal stability. These limitations can lead to issues like high-temperature shrinkage, melting, and even combustion. Moreover, the vulnerability of separators toward lithium dendrite penetration exacerbates safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries. Hence, the design of high safety separators is currently a focus and challenge. In this study, we develop a multifunctional polymer-coupled nanofiber membrane by an electrospinning method that addresses the above issue as a separator of lithium metal battery. The nanofiber coating contains carbonyl oxygen, pyrrole nitrogen, and cross-linked networks with tertiary amine groups. These components effectively neutralize acidic compounds generated during the liquid electrolyte side reaction. X-ray micro-computed tomography analysis verifies the exceptional structural stability of the new separator, maintaining its 3D skeleton even after 2000 h of cycling. The nanofiber separator in a full Li

Artificial H2O2 photosynthesis by covalent organic frameworks (COFs) photocatalysts is promising for wastewater treatment. The effect of linkage chemistry of COFs as functional basis to photoelectrochemical properties and photocatalysis remains a significant challenge. In this study, three kinds of azoles-linked COFs including thiazole-linked TZ-COF, oxazole-linked OZ-COF and imidazole-linked IZ-COF were successfully synthesized. More accessible channels of charge transfer were constructed in TZ-COF via the donor-π-acceptor structure between thiazole linkage and pyrene linker, leading to efficient suppression of photoexcited charge recombination. Density functional theory calculations support the experimental studies, demonstrating that the thiazole linkage is more favorable for the formation of *O2 intermediate in H2O2 production than that of the oxazole and imidazole linkages. The real active sites in COFs located at the benzene ring fragment between pyrene unit and azole linkage.

The oxygen vacancy modulation of interface-engineered Fe3O4 nanograins over carbon nanofiber (Fe@CNF) was achieved to improve electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) activity and stability via facile electrospinning and tuning thermal procedure. The optimal catalyst calcined at 800 ℃ (Fe@CNF-800) was endowed with abundant nanograin boundaries and optimized oxygen vacancy (Vo) concentration of iron oxides, thereby affording 37.1 μg h−1 mgcat.-1 (−0.2 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)) NH3 yield and rational Faraday efficiency (10.2%), with 13.6 times atomic activity enhancement compared to of that commercial Fe3O4. The interfacial effect of assembled nanograins in particles correlated with the formation of Vo and more intrinsic active sites, which is conducive to the trapping and activation of nitrogen (N2). The in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement revealed the real consumption of adsorbed oxygen when introducing N2 by the trapping effect of Vo. Density-Functional-Theory (DFT) calculation validates the promotive hydrogenation effect and elimination of hydrogen intermediate (H*) interacted with N2 transferring toward oxygen of the support. The optimal catalyst shows a lasting NRR activity at least 90 h, outperforming most reported Fe-based NRR catalysts.

The natural reactivity of Zn metal in aqueous environments leads to surface deterioration and uncontrolled dendrite growth, posing challenges in the advancement of Zn-ion batteries. In this research, we introduce an environmentally friendly and cost-effective electrolyte additive, ammonium oxalate (AO), to significantly extend the cycle life of Zn-ion batteries with minimal usage. Oxalate ions within AO actively participate in the solvation of hydrated Zn ions and attach to the Zn anode surface prior to H2O molecules, creating a robust solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) layer. This SEI layer serves a dual purpose: it inhibits further reactions with H2O and restricts the two-dimensional movement of Zn ions, promoting the preferential growth of the (0 0 2) crystal plane. Consequently, Zn