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All Clean Energy & Battery Intelligence (Page 29)

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Poly(2-oxazoline) Decorated Lipid Nanoparticles for Robust mRNA Delivery in the Presence of Pre-existing Anti-PEG Antibodies

Graphical AbstractVerified

SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Poly(2-oxazoline) Decorated Lipid Nanoparticles for Robust mRNA Delivery in the Presence of Pre-existing Anti-PEG Antibodies

Messenger RNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) vaccines have demonstrated extraordinary efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, establishing LNPs as the premier platform for mRNA therapeutics. However, the pervasive presence of anti-polyethylene glycol (PEG) antibodies undermines PEGylated LNP performance by diminishing therapeutic efficacy. To address this challenge, we synthesized a panel of lipid-poly(2-oxazoline) (lipid-POx) conjugates as alternatives to lipid-PEG and systematically evaluated how their polymer backbone, degree of polymerization, and lipid tail structure influence LNP physicochemical properties and mRNA delivery performance. Among POx-LNPs formulated with heptadecan-9-yl 8-((2-hydroxyethyl)(6-oxo-6-(undecyloxy)hexyl)amino)octanoate (SM-102) as the base lipid, those constructed with single-tailed C18-POx exhibited smaller particle sizes and superior freeze-thaw stability. These C18-POx-LNPs maintained comparable in vivo transfection efficiency to PEG-LNPs even when fully replacing 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3 (DMG)-PEG. Notably, in mice bearing pre-existing anti-PEG antibodies, C18-POx-LNPs demonstrated over 200-fold higher transfection efficiency than PEG-LNPs. Additionally, repeated administration of POx-LNPs induced dose-dependent anti-POx immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG responses, with antibody titers inversely correlated with POx hydrophilicity. This study underscores the effectiveness of substituting PEG with POx in LNP construction to address the transfection efficiency in populations with pre-existing anti-PEG antibodies, and would inspire the development of more hydrophilic polymers for LNP formulation.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3634-0

Photoelectrochemical Upgrading of Biomass-Derived Compounds over Hematite Nanorods Decorated with Bimetallic Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Photoelectrochemical Upgrading of Biomass-Derived Compounds over Hematite Nanorods Decorated with Bimetallic Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks

Replacing the kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with biomass oxidation at photoanodes offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient route for simultaneous hydrogen production and value-added chemical synthesis in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. Here, titanium-doped hematite nanorods (Hem) decorated with CoNi bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) were prepared via room-temperature deposition and employed as photoanodes for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation. Using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) as a redox mediator in alkaline electrolyte, the CoNi-ZIF/Hem photoanode achieved a photocurrent density of 1.09 mA cm−2 at a low bias of 1.1 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that CoNi-ZIF accelerates charge transfer and separation, and enhances TEMPO adsorption on the surface, benefiting PEC TEMPO-mediated HMF oxidation to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). In a flow-cell reactor under 1 sun illumination, the photoanode achieved ~99% HMF conversion and ~98% FDCA yield within 2 hours. The photoanode also exhibited excellent performance for TEMPO-mediated oxidation of various aldehyde-containing biomass-derived compounds. This work demonstrates a rational design of hematite-based photoanodes for efficient biomass valorization coupled with hydrogen production.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3856-0

Phase Penetration: Key Drivers in Barrier Layer Failure of Hf-free Half-Heusler Thermoelectric Modules

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Phase Penetration: Key Drivers in Barrier Layer Failure of Hf-free Half-Heusler Thermoelectric Modules

High-temperature interfacial diffusion in Half-Heusler (HH) thermoelectric devices poses significant challenges for practical applications, particularly the diffusion of Ag from conventional solders, which degrades material performance and device stability. This study reveals anomalous Ag diffusion through a Cr powder barrier layer into Ti0.5Zr0.5NiSn0.98Sb0.02, driven by Sn phase penetration. In contrast, employing a Cr foil barrier layer pre-densified the material, effectively preventing Sn phase penetration and eliminating Ag diffusion pathways, thereby preserving junction integrity. After aging at 973 K for 30 days, the Cr foil junction maintained a clean interface with a low contact resistivity of 0.27 μΩ cm2. Benefiting from this interfacial design, a Hf-free HH module achieved a high conversion efficiency of 10.4% at a hot-side temperature of 976 K, alongside long-term stability. This work addresses critical bottlenecks in developing high-performance, low-cost HH modules, facilitating their commercial application in waste heat recovery.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3633-5

Magnetic Oxygen-Generating Robots via a Self-Healing Hydrogel-Based Modular Assembly Strategy

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Magnetic Oxygen-Generating Robots via a Self-Healing Hydrogel-Based Modular Assembly Strategy

Magnetically driven hydrogel robots show promise in biomedical and underwater applications due to remote controllability, flexibility, biocompatibility, and chemical stability. However, limited functional integration restricts their adaptability. Here, a universal modular assembly strategy is introduced using a self-healing κ-carrageenan/polyacrylamide hydrogel embedded with magnetic particles, enabling free assembly of magnetic actuation modules. These modules construct soft robots with complex geometries and magnetization distributions, allowing diverse deformations under magnetic fields. The strategy further integrates photocatalysis by embedding Ru-Bi2CrO6 photocatalysts into functional modules, yielding an oxygen-generating robot. This robot exhibits flexible underwater movement via magnetically controlled oscillatory actuation, minimizing water agitation while supplying stable oxygen to specific aquatic environments. The photocatalytic oxygen evolution rate reaches 389.1 μmol g−1 h−1. The hydrogel skeleton suppresses particle aggregation and sedimentation, and facilitates magnetic recovery. This scalable and adaptable approach advances multifunctional soft robot design.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3545-7

Engineering MgAg alloy segregation at grain boundary for enhanced room-temperature n-type Mg3(Sb,Bi)2-based thermoelectrics

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Engineering MgAg alloy segregation at grain boundary for enhanced room-temperature n-type Mg3(Sb,Bi)2-based thermoelectrics

Grain boundary (GB) engineering has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the near-room-temperature performance of Mg3(Sb,Bi)2-based thermoelectric materials, yet effective control of Mg distribution at GBs remains a significant challenge. Here, we report a novel approach to achieve targeted Mg segregation at GBs through strategic Ag incorporation in Mg3.3Sb0.5Bi1.497Te0.003. Through comprehensive microstructural characterization and first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that Ag preferentially segregates at GBs, forming Mg-rich MgAg alloy phases while maintaining limited solid solubility within the matrix. This unique GB architecture simultaneously optimizes multiple thermoelectric parameters: the Mg-rich GB regions significantly provide efficient carrier transport channels and enhance carrier mobility, while the MgAg phases and lattice disorders effectively scatter phonons without disrupting electron transport. Consequently, the optimized composition (x = 0.01) exhibits a remarkable enhancement in power factor at 300 K and maintains an average ZT of ~1.0 across 300–400 K. The material also demonstrates excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability, making it particularly suitable for near-room-temperature applications. Our findings not only establish an effective strategy for GB engineering in Mg3(Sb,Bi)2 systems but also provide valuable insights into the rational design of high-performance thermoelectric materials through interface modification.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3407-0

Microcrystallization-Gelation Enabled Mechanocompatible and Antibacterial Hydrogels for Cartilage Repair

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Microcrystallization-Gelation Enabled Mechanocompatible and Antibacterial Hydrogels for Cartilage Repair

Repairing cartilage defects requires biomaterials with mechanical properties similar to native cartilage. However, balancing these properties with biodegradability remains a major challenge. In this study, a degradable antibacterial hydrogel with promising mechanical characteristics was developed for personalized cartilage defect repair. The hydrogel was synthesized using chitosan and gelatin via microcrystallization and gelation, combined with chemical crosslinking facilitated by epichlorohydrin. This method significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the material, with compressive modulus of the optimal group reaching 0.2 MPa and tensile strength reaching 2.2 MPa, which are comparable to those of human cartilage. The hydrogel maintained its integrity after 50000 compression cycles. With excellent flowability prior to crosslinking, it can adapt to complex cartilage defects. The inclusion of gentamicin provides antibacterial properties, while nano-hydroxyapatite promotes osteogenesis. This hydrogel, with its multiple crosslinking mechanisms, balances mechanical strength, biodegradability, and adaptability, offering a promising solution for repairing infected cartilage defects.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3646-1

Multiple deformable units enabling superior plasticity and softness in SnS2 van der Waals crystals

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials2026

Multiple deformable units enabling superior plasticity and softness in SnS2 van der Waals crystals

Two-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) crystals, stacked via atomically thin layers, exhibit rich functionalities and tunable stacking orders. Their mechanical behaviors are crucial for flexible and miniature electronics. While some vdW crystals show superior plasticity, the mechanical properties of SnS2 bulk crystals remain largely unexplored. Here, we synthesize high-quality SnS2 crystals via the Bridgman method and comprehensively investigate their mechanical properties. SnS2 bulk crystals exhibit remarkable plasticity and softness: bending and compression strains exceed 20% and 45%, respectively, without fracture, while tensile fracture strains reach up to ~12% (range 9%–16%). Scanning/transmission electron microscopy reveals multiple deformation units, including layer segments, interlayer/cross-layer slip, twisting, and twinning-like structures. These units provide multiple pathways to release strain energy, promoting plasticity. Alongside weak interlayer vdW interactions, relatively ionic and weak intralayer Sn–S bonds contribute to the softness. This work fills the knowledge gap on SnS2 mechanical properties, advancing its processing and application in diverse electronic devices. Further studies may focus on balancing plasticity and strength by tuning microstructure to activate but confine deformation units.

Read Full Abstract10.1007/s40843-025-3800-7

Changing the carbon framework to produce low-expansion silicon-carbon composites for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

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New Carbon Materials2026

Changing the carbon framework to produce low-expansion silicon-carbon composites for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Silicon-carbon (Si/C) composites are promising high-capacity anode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries, but their commercialization is hindered by severe volume expansion during cycling. We report a chemical vapor deposition method using the pyrolysis of silane, in which ultrafine nano-Si enters a porous carbon framework to produce kilogram-scale Si/C composites. The carbon framework with abundant micropores (~1.9 nm) confines the amorphous silicon and accommodates the volume changes of nano-Si during both lithiation and de-lithiation. The resulting Si/C composites have a 56.76% Si content and have a specific capacity of 2179 mAh g–1, a high initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 93.5%, and a low specific surface area (1.32 m2 g–1). In addition to the nanoconfinement effect, the median particle size (D50, 7.3-13.0 μm) of the carbon framework was shown to control the mechanical strength, coating uniformity and Li+ transport. A D50 of 8.2 μm endows the Si/C composites with outstanding comprehensive properties. They have an excellent rate performance with a 97.0% retention at 3 C relative to 0.1 C, show only minor variations in ICE difference at 60 ℃/-20 ℃ compared with room temperature, and have a low expansion of 35.8% from the delithiated to the lithiated state. The composite was then mixed with graphite to prepare the anode, which was then paired with an NCM523 cathode to assemble pouch cells. The pouch cell retained 87.46% of its initial capacity after 1000 cycles at 1 C. Because of the low expansion of the electrode, the material avoids structural degradation during cycling and thus has an excellent long-term stability.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61109-2

Spore-derived porous carbon with tailored heteroatom doping for anode of sodium-ion capacitors

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New Carbon Materials2026

Spore-derived porous carbon with tailored heteroatom doping for anode of sodium-ion capacitors

Sodium-ion capacitors (SICs) are attractive for low-cost and safe energy storage, but their practical development is limited by sluggish Na+ storage kinetics and structural instability of anodes. Control of both bulk structure and surface chemistry can address these limitations. We report a heteroatom-rich porous carbon (HRPC) derived from spores via hydrothermal pretreatment, low-temperature carbonization, and acid-mediated functionalization. The optimized GLSHC-HNO3 anode exhibits hierarchical porosity and multi-element co-doping, enabling rapid ion/electron transport, improved electrolyte wettability, and abundant Na+ adsorption sites. Density functional theory calculations reveal distinct contributions of different heteroatom configurations to sodium adsorption. The HRPC anode delivers an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 446.1 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1, retains 237.3 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1, and shows excellent cycling stability. A full SIC with a polyaniline-derived porous carbon cathode achieves an energy density of 114.4 Wh kg−1 at 290 W kg−1, 43.1 Wh kg−1 at 1450 W kg−1, and a maximum power density of 5800 W kg−1, with 84.3% capacity retention after 5000 cycles and nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency. This work establishes a scalable, sustainable route for converting biomass into high-value carbon anodes, providing a new pathway for high-performance sodium-ion energy storage.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61100-6

Revealing Abnormal Micro- and Meso-Structure Evolution Mechanism of Porous Pyrolytic Carbon in TRISO Coated Fuel Particles under High-Temperature Treatment

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New Carbon Materials2026

Revealing Abnormal Micro- and Meso-Structure Evolution Mechanism of Porous Pyrolytic Carbon in TRISO Coated Fuel Particles under High-Temperature Treatment

Porous pyrolytic carbon (PPyC) serves as the buffer layer in TRi-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) fuel particles, providing storage for fission gases, preventing damage to outer layers, and absorbing stresses caused by fuel-kernel swelling. However, the changes of PPyC micro- and meso-structure at high temperatures remain insufficiently understood. In this study, PPyC fabricated by chemical vapor deposition was heat-treated from 1200 to 1600 °C and characterized across atomic-to-mesoscopic scales. Results show that the structure changes with temperature with a transition at approximately 1400 °C. Below 1400 °C, a decrease in Raman ID/IG ratio, narrowing of the graphite diffraction peak, and increased sp2 hybridization indicate progressive ordering associated with defect redistribution. Concurrent decreases in true density and mesopore volume, together with increased closed porosity, are consistent with partial conversion of open pores into closed pores. Above 1400 °C, increased ID/IG ratio, broadening of the diffraction peak near the rhombohedral graphite (101) reflection, and transition regions between crystalline and amorphous material observed by TEM indicate increasing structural disorder. Meanwhile, initially distinct PPyC particle boundaries blur and merge into broad, plate-like domains. Subsequent decrease in closed porosity and increase in mesopore surface area are consistent with partial connection of closed pores to the open-pore network. This work shows that intrinsic coupling between atomic-scale structural change and mesoscale pore connectivity provides a basis for assessing high-temperature structural stability of PPyC in TRISO fuel particles.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61113-4

Single-atom iron catalysts on defect-rich nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets for efficient phenol degradation via peroxydisulfate activation

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New Carbon Materials2026

Single-atom iron catalysts on defect-rich nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets for efficient phenol degradation via peroxydisulfate activation

Phenolic compounds are typical refractory organic pollutants in coal chemical coking wastewater, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health. Conventional treatment methods are inefficient, necessitating advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Here, we report a low-cost Fe/N–C catalyst synthesized from coal-tar pitch, a common by-product of the coal chemical industry, via a self-assembly and pyrolysis strategy using graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as a template and nitrogen source, with dicyandiamide as an auxiliary nitrogen source and FeCl3·6H2O as the iron precursor. The resulting nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets possess abundant defects (sp3-C/sp2-C = 0.66) and atomically dispersed iron species. The Fe/N–C catalyst exhibits outstanding catalytic activity for peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation, achieving over 98% phenol degradation within 30 minutes and a 60% total organic carbon (TOC) removal rate. Mechanistic studies, including radical quenching and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments, reveal that both radical and non-radical pathways contribute to phenol degradation, with singlet oxygen (1O2) as the primary reactive oxygen species. Electrochemical analyses demonstrate that atomically dispersed Fe sites significantly enhance interfacial electron transfer. Post-reaction characterization indicates the consumption of pyrrolic-N, C=O, and carbon defects as active sites, while graphitic-N and Fe–N structures remain stable, confirming the catalyst's stability. This work provides an economical route to convert coal-tar pitch into high-performance catalytic materials for efficient water treatment, embodying the circular economy concept of waste-to-resource utilization.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61101-8

A platinum catalyst with hierarchical porosity supported on a honeycomb-like nitrogen-doped carbon for excellent oxygen reduction reaction performance

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New Carbon Materials2026

A platinum catalyst with hierarchical porosity supported on a honeycomb-like nitrogen-doped carbon for excellent oxygen reduction reaction performance

Advanced catalyst structures with good active site accessibility and strong metal-support interactions are crucial for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysis. A hierarchically porous Pt catalyst supported on honeycomb-like nitrogen-doped carbon (Pt/HNC-400, where 400 denotes the optimal dosage (mg) of the sacrificial SiO2 hard template used during synthesis) was fabricated by combining template-assisted pyrolysis and alcohol reduction. The fabrication involves the template-assisted pyrolysis of ZIF-67 (which provides the N-dopant through its 2-methylimidazole ligand) followed by HF etching to completely remove the SiO2, yielding a 3D interconnected porous carbon support. Compared to a commercial Pt/C, it had an exceptional ORR performance with a half-wave potential of 0.901 V (41 mV higher), a mass activity at 0.9 V that was 15.3 times higher, and significantly improved durability (a half-wave potential decay of 25 mV vs. 80 mV after 10,000 accelerated durability tests (ADTs)). Mechanistic investigations showed that this superior performance is due to the combined effects of the 3D porous structure, ultrafine Pt nanoparticles with strong metal-support interactions, and in-situ formed Co-Nx moieties from the pyrolysis of precursor ZIF-67. After 10,000 ADTs it was shown to have excellent structural integrity, retaining 87.4% of its initial electrochemically active surface area (102.7 m2 g−1). This study may assist the development of new high-performance ORR catalysts.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61093-1

A Bidirectionally Frozen Carbon Aerogel Reinforced by Tetrapod ZnO Bridges for High-Performance Pressure Sensing

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New Carbon Materials2026

A Bidirectionally Frozen Carbon Aerogel Reinforced by Tetrapod ZnO Bridges for High-Performance Pressure Sensing

Flexible pressure sensors that simultaneously achieve high sensitivity, mechanical strength, and long-term stability remain challenging, particularly for biomass-derived carbon aerogels that are intrinsically brittle and prone to structural collapse. Here, we report a bidirectionally frozen carbon aerogel reinforced with tetrapod ZnO whiskers (T-ZnOWs) for high-performance pressure sensing. The aerogel is composed of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets (NCs), and T-ZnOWs, which are reorganized into a mechanically stable, parallel lamellar structure via bidirectional freezing. T-ZnOWs act as rigid interlayer pillars, bridging adjacent carbon lamellae to form a 'layer-support' structure that enables efficient directional stress transfer, suppresses interlayer slippage, and promotes cooperative deformation. The nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets introduce defect-rich conductive paths, enhancing piezoresistive response. Due to modulus mismatch between the supports and carbon layers, applied stress concentrates at layer/support interfaces, generating localized high-stress regions that amplify electrical signal changes. The aerogel is infiltrated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form a conformal elastic encapsulating layer, improving durability. The resulting sensor exhibits a high gauge factor of 34.4, an ultrahigh sensitivity of 248.41 kPa−1 over a broad pressure range (0–19 kPa), fast response (24 ms) and recovery (69 ms) times, and stable operation over 5000 loading–unloading cycles. The sensor reliably detects physiological signals and joint motions, demonstrating potential for wearable and intelligent sensing applications. This work provides a strategy to improve the mechanical reliability and sensing performance of biomass-derived carbon aerogels.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61103-1

A Cu/Cu2O@C Composite Catalyst Derived from Wood-Chips for the Efficient One-Pot Oxidation of Cyclohexane to Adipic Acid

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New Carbon Materials2026

A Cu/Cu2O@C Composite Catalyst Derived from Wood-Chips for the Efficient One-Pot Oxidation of Cyclohexane to Adipic Acid

Adipic acid is a key monomer for nylon-6,6 and nylon-6, yet its industrial production via nitric acid oxidation of KA oil suffers from high energy consumption and N2O emissions. This study reports a green catalytic system for one-pot oxidation of cyclohexane to adipic acid using a Cu/Cu2O@C composite catalyst derived from wood chips. During pyrolysis, wood chips serve as both carbon support precursor and in-situ reducing agent, converting Cu2+ into Cu/Cu2O active species. The abundant defects in biomass carbon form strong coordination interactions with copper, regulating the electronic distribution of active sites and enhancing catalytic performance. Under optimized conditions (100 °C, 12 h), the Cu/[email protected] catalyst achieves a cyclohexane conversion of 19.36% and an adipic acid selectivity of 73.28%. Mechanistic studies reveal that the electronic interaction between the carbon support and copper species strengthens adsorption of cyclohexanone, promoting selective formation of adipic acid. The reaction follows a free radical chain mechanism involving hydroxyl and alkyl radicals. This work provides a viable strategy for developing eco-friendly, low-cost, and high-efficiency catalytic materials for industrial adipic acid synthesis.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61108-0

Improving the porous carbon matrix to suppress the formation of surface silicon for improved cycling stability

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New Carbon Materials2026

Improving the porous carbon matrix to suppress the formation of surface silicon for improved cycling stability

Silicon-carbon composites prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are promising anode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. However, the influence of the pore structure of the porous carbon (PC) carrier on silicon deposition behavior, and the impact of surface silicon on cycling stability, remain unclear. This study systematically investigates these effects using nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Porous carbons with varying pore architectures were synthesized by adjusting KOH activator ratios. Results show that increased micropore volume facilitates higher silicon mass loading, but also elevates the content of surface floating silicon due to greater silane exposure. Moderately increasing mesopores in high-microporosity carbon promotes deeper silicon deposition, reducing surface floating silicon. Excessive surface floating silicon hinders lithium-ion diffusion kinetics, leading to accumulation of active lithium, accelerated SEI growth, and electrode degradation. Electrochemical testing reveals that the optimized silicon-carbon composite maintains a high specific capacity of 693.1 mAh/g after 150 cycles at 0.5 C (900 mA/g). This work provides new insights into the development and failure mechanisms of CVD-derived silicon-carbon composite anodes, emphasizing the critical role of pore structure in mitigating surface silicon and enhancing cycling stability.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61102-X

Hierarchically porous fibrous carbon containing Fe3O4 particles and doped with both N and S derived from polypyrrole modified lignosulphonate-bacterial cellulose for use in high performance supercapacitors

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New Carbon Materials2026

Hierarchically porous fibrous carbon containing Fe3O4 particles and doped with both N and S derived from polypyrrole modified lignosulphonate-bacterial cellulose for use in high performance supercapacitors

The design of heteroatom-doped porous carbon materials integrated with metal oxide nanostructures has emerged as an efficient approach for improving the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors. A green and cost-effective method is reported for the fabrication of a hierarchical porous carbon composite from bacterial cellulose (BC), lignosulfonic acid (LS), and polypyrrole (PPy). LS serves as both an anchoring agent and a soft molecular template, directing the oxidative polymerization and uniform deposition of PPy onto the BC nanofibers in the presence of FeCl3 as the oxidizing agent. Subsequent carbonization under a nitrogen atmosphere results in the formation of an N/S co-doped carbon framework decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles, denoted C-BCLP. For comparison, a control composite consisting of BC and PPy without LS was carbonized to produce C-BCP. X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the preservation of the fibrous carbon structure. Electron microscopy shows that C-BCLP has a highly porous and conductive network with a homogeneous distribution of C, O, N, S, and Fe elements. Because of the combined effects of hierarchical porosity, heteroatom doping, and Fe3O4 incorporation, the C-BCLP electrode has high specific capacitances of 338.3 F g–1 at 1 A g–1 and 191.6 F g–1 at 10 A g–1. In addition, it has excellent cycling stability, retaining 99.1% of its initial capacitance after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles, outperforming the C-BCP electrode. The work suggests a promising way to develop next-generation high-performance supercapacitors.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61112-2

Tuning porosity and capacitance of laser-assisted grown graphene by controlled thermal annealing

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New Carbon Materials2026

Tuning porosity and capacitance of laser-assisted grown graphene by controlled thermal annealing

Laser-assisted grown graphene electrodes are promising for electrochemical energy storage, but their performance is limited by poorly controlled pore networks. This study demonstrates that a simple thermal post-treatment effectively tunes porosity and surface chemistry, significantly enhancing capacitive performance. Systematic variation of annealing temperature, dwell time, and atmosphere (air vs. inert) revealed that mild annealing in air up to 500 °C reduces oxygen-containing functionalities and increases the sp2/sp3 carbon ratio. Critically, specific surface area increased from 110 to 498 m² g⁻¹, with a broader pore-size distribution. These structural and chemical changes correlate with an almost order-of-magnitude increase in capacitance compared to untreated electrodes. The optimal condition—400 °C in air for 6 h—yielded electrodes retaining 92% of capacitance at a 25-fold current increase and 99% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations support a buckling–unknotting mechanism, where metastable interlayer sp3 or C–O–C linkages relax into lower-energy, untied bilayer configurations, reopening pores. This laser-based fabrication combined with thermal annealing offers a scalable, chemical-free route to high-performance graphene electrodes, avoiding wet-chemical activation. The established structure–property relationships provide clear guidance for optimizing related porous carbon architectures.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61098-0

Stabilization of Sulfur Species in Coal-Derived Hard Carbon via Micropore Confinement and Chemical Bonding for Enhanced Sodium Storage

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New Carbon Materials2026

Stabilization of Sulfur Species in Coal-Derived Hard Carbon via Micropore Confinement and Chemical Bonding for Enhanced Sodium Storage

Hard carbon anodes for sodium-ion batteries suffer from limited capacity, low initial Coulombic efficiency, and poor long-term cycling stability. To address these issues, we report a dual-stabilization strategy that combines micropore confinement and chemical bonding to control sulfur species in coal-derived hard carbon. Bituminous coal, with its naturally condensed aromatic framework, serves as the carbon precursor. A two-step thermal process first constructs a microporous carbon framework, followed by gas-phase sulfidation to introduce sulfur. The sulfur is confined within micropores and forms stable covalent C–S bonds with the carbon matrix, providing synergistic physical–chemical stabilization. This suppresses sulfur migration, prevents interfacial side reactions, and introduces additional redox-active sites. The optimized sample (HC-10) delivers a high reversible capacity of 450 mAh/g after 800 cycles at a current density of 1 A/g, with excellent rate capability and cycling stability. Mechanistic analysis reveals that the stabilized sulfur species reversibly participate in sodium-ion storage and improve interfacial kinetics. This work provides an effective strategy for stabilizing sulfur in coal-derived carbon materials and offers insights into the design of high-performance anodes for sodium-ion batteries.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61106-7

Fluorination Regulates Heat Generation in Ah-Level Lithium/Fluorinated Carbon Pouch Cells

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New Carbon Materials2026

Fluorination Regulates Heat Generation in Ah-Level Lithium/Fluorinated Carbon Pouch Cells

Lithium/fluorinated carbon (Li/CFx) batteries are among the most promising high-energy-density primary batteries, yet substantial heat generation during discharge poses safety concerns, particularly for high-mass-loaded pouch cells. This study systematically investigates the effects of fluorination temperature on the structure and kinetics of fluorinated porous carbon (FPC) cathodes and on heat generation in Ah-level Li/FPC pouch cells. FPC samples with varying degrees of fluorination were synthesized by adjusting fluorination temperature, which influenced not only the F/C ratio but also the C–F bonding configuration, pore structure, and electronic transport capability. Pouch cells employing more highly fluorinated cathodes generated the most heat during discharge, with heat generation exhibiting clear stage dependence, predominantly in the 0–20% depth of discharge (DOD) range. Post-discharge structural characterization and kinetic analysis revealed that highly fluorinated FPC cathodes (FPC-250) undergo more concentrated LiF accumulation, leading to higher charge-transfer resistance, stronger polarization, lower Li+ diffusivity, and higher nucleation overpotential. These factors collectively intensify early-stage heat generation. The study establishes a correlation between fluorination temperature and cathode structure, discharge-product evolution, discharge kinetics, and heat generation, demonstrating that regulating fluorination temperature is an effective strategy for improving the thermal safety of Li/CFx batteries.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61104-3

A Standardized Dataset of Linear Sweep Voltammetry Curves for the Acidic Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Carbon-Supported Catalysts in Sulfuric Acid Medium

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New Carbon Materials2026

A Standardized Dataset of Linear Sweep Voltammetry Curves for the Acidic Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Carbon-Supported Catalysts in Sulfuric Acid Medium

A standardized dataset of linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) curves is presented for evaluating the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance of carbon-supported catalysts in acidic media. All electrochemical tests were conducted in O2-saturated 0.5 mol L−1 H2SO4 at controlled rotation speeds using a rotating disk electrode. The dataset comprises 120 validated entries from both non-precious metal (MNC) and platinum-based (Pt-MC) catalysts, including original LSV curves and extracted performance parameters such as onset potential, half-wave potential, and limiting current densities at different rotation speeds. Data processing involved potential conversion to the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) scale, background subtraction, outlier removal, and reproducibility checks with defined quality control thresholds (relative standard deviation ≤2% for E1/2 and ≤5% for limiting current). The standardized collection serves as a reliable benchmark for catalyst performance comparison, supports kinetic and mass transport analysis, and provides a structured data source for machine learning applications in electrocatalysis. The dataset is openly available via Science Data Bank, with a DOI, and is intended as a dynamic resource for the ORR electrocatalysis community.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61116-X

A molecular dataset for the shear deformation of thermoplastic structural materials

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New Carbon Materials2026

A molecular dataset for the shear deformation of thermoplastic structural materials

The first molecular dynamics (MD) simulation dataset is reported for the interfacial shear behavior of carbon fiber/thermoplastic composites (CFRTPs), aimed at overcoming the critical interfacial problem that limits their high-end applications such as aerospace and new energy vehicles. The study features two key advances. First, we use the newly developed CHONSi-2024 reactive force field (ReaxFF), which provides high-precision parameters specifically for CFRTP interfacial systems. Second, the atomic models are constructed based on experimental characterization data and rigorously validated across multiple parameters, including shear modulus, yield behavior, stress-strain curves, and fracture morphology, ensuring quantitative agreement with experimental results. This dataset provides a complete record of the simulations, encompassing atomic trajectories, local structural changes, interfacial stress-strain responses, and system thermodynamic behaviors. These data offer direct atomic-scale insights into the interfacial strengthening mechanisms. The generated trajectories are compatible with mainstream software for visualization and analysis. Moreover, the dataset constitutes a high-quality resource for developing machine learning force fields, building structure-property relationships, and enabling the predictive modeling and high-throughput screening of composite interfaces. This dataset is anticipated to advance the fundamental understanding of composite interfaces and facilitate the rational design of high-performance CFRTPs.

Read Full Abstract10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61099-2

Hydrochemical Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Karst Underground River Water in Southwest China: A Case Study of the Pingjiang Underground River Basin, Guangxi

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Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering2026

Hydrochemical Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Karst Underground River Water in Southwest China: A Case Study of the Pingjiang Underground River Basin, Guangxi

Karst groundwater systems in Southwest China are vital for water supply and ecosystem health in traditional agricultural regions. This study investigated the hydrochemical characteristics and health risks of groundwater in the Pingjiang Underground River Basin, a typical karst agricultural area. Forty-two groundwater samples were collected during wet, normal, and dry seasons. Hydrochemical facies were analyzed using comprehensive hydrochemical methods, and water quality was assessed using the objective combined weight water quality index (OCWQI) and a health risk model. Results showed that groundwater was weakly alkaline and slightly hard, with HCO3− and Ca2+ as dominant ions. The chemical composition followed a seasonal order: dry > normal > wet season. All samples were of HCO3-Ca type. Hydrochemistry was primarily controlled by silicate and carbonate weathering, with significant anthropogenic influence indicated by elevated NO3− concentrations from agricultural activities. Health risk assessment revealed that in normal and dry seasons, 64% and 79% of samples for adults, and 64% and 86% for children, exceeded the natural NO3− threshold of 3 mg·L−1, corresponding to low non-carcinogenic risk levels (adults: 0.09<RHI<0.30; children: 0.06<RHI<0.20). Spatial distribution of risk increased from northwest to southeast, with children at higher risk than adults. These findings provide a scientific basis for groundwater management and protection in karst agricultural basins.

Read Full Abstract10.12030/j.cjee.202507013

Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution Characteristics in Environmental Dredging Sediment from Dianchi Lake under Multi-Scenario Land Use

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Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering2026

Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution Characteristics in Environmental Dredging Sediment from Dianchi Lake under Multi-Scenario Land Use

Sediment risk assessment for lakes and rivers often neglects the distinction between in-situ ecological risks and ex-situ comprehensive utilization risks. This study proposes a multi-scenario risk assessment model incorporating both in-situ and ex-situ contexts. For the in-situ scenario, a dual-background-value potential ecological risk assessment was applied using national and Yunnan soil background values. For ex-situ scenarios, pollution risk assessment models were established for agricultural land (paddy and other) and construction land (Class I and II). Taking the Dianchi Lake dredging project as a case study, 92 sediment samples from polluted and transition layers at 46 grid points were analyzed for six heavy metals (As, Hg, Cd, Zn, Cu, Cr). Results showed: (1) Under different background values, ≥97.83% of samples exhibited moderate or higher ecological risk, with Hg and Cd as main contributors, Hg posing higher risk. (2) In agricultural scenarios (paddy/orchard and other), 95.65% of points had unacceptable risk, with comprehensive pollution intensity order Cd>Cu>Zn>As>Cr; for Class I construction land, As was the target pollutant with 93.48% of points unacceptable, while Class II land was acceptable. (3) Spatial heterogeneity was significant: horizontal risk was higher at the lake outlet than at the Cixiang River inlet; vertical risk was higher in the polluted layer than in the transition layer, with Hg and Cd potential ecological risk coefficients 11.58% and 24.19% higher, and comprehensive potential ecological risk index 43.27% higher. Pollution coefficients for Cd, Zn, Cu (agricultural) and As (Class I construction) increased by 123.02%, 6.3%, 4.1%, and 41.02% in the polluted layer. (4) Different evaluation methods yielded significantly different results, indicating that metals without potential ecological risk may still pose pollution risk in utilization scenarios, necessitating comprehensive consideration in remediation.

Read Full Abstract10.12030/j.cjee.202505012

Research Progress on Recycling Technologies for Cathode Materials of Spent Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries

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Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering2026

Research Progress on Recycling Technologies for Cathode Materials of Spent Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries

With the rapid development of China's lithium-ion power battery industry, the recycling of large-scale retired batteries has become a critical link for the sustainable development of the new energy vehicle industry. The recovery of cathode materials from spent lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries is a current research hotspot, significant for resource recycling and environmental protection. This study systematically reviews recent progress in recycling technologies for spent LiFePO4 cathode materials, mainly including direct regeneration, pyrometallurgy, and hydrometallurgy. It focuses on analyzing the current research status of key steps in hydrometallurgy, such as leaching of valuable elements, deep removal of impurities, and product regeneration, and compares the advantages and limitations of various methods. Addressing core issues in current recovery processes, such as insufficient high-value utilization of iron and phosphorus resources and difficulty in deep impurity removal, this study proposes corresponding solutions and technical prospects, aiming to provide theoretical reference and engineering guidance for efficient, clean, and high-value recycling of spent LiFePO4 batteries.

Read Full Abstract10.12030/j.cjee.202507058