SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3694-3
Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) are among the most promising candidates for next-generation batteries with high energy density. However, their practical application is hindered by persistent challenges such as dendritic lithium growth, unstable solid electrolyte interphases (SEI), and poor Coulombic efficiency. Surface coating has emerged as a viable solution to address these limitations. In particular, atomic and molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) techniques offer unparalleled control over the fabrication of ultrathin, conformal coatings, making them especially suitable for stabilizing LMA interfaces. This review comprehensively summarizes recent progress in applying ALD and MLD methodologies to construct durable artificial interphases on LMAs. We discuss the underlying mechanisms through which these coatings inhibit dendrite formation, improve interfacial integrity, and facilitate uniform lithium-ion transport. The roles of inorganic ALD coatings, organic MLD coatings, and their organic–inorganic hybrids are systematically examined, with a focus on their chemical composition, deposition behavior, and electrochemical characteristics. Moreover, we highlight the enhanced performance achieved through the integration of ALD/MLD-engineered interfaces in full-cell systems. The review concludes with a discussion of current challenges and potential research avenues aimed at advancing the rational development of effective LMA protection strategies. Overall, this work offers valuable insights into the role of interfacial engineering via ALD and MLD in enabling the practical deployment of lithium metal batteries.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025021901
To assess the impact of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (APPCAP) on the chemical composition of PM2.5, this study analyzed the concentrations, existing forms, and sources of water-soluble ions in PM2.5 collected during summer (June–August) in the northern suburbs of Nanjing for the years 2012, 2013, 2017, and 2019. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in total water-soluble ion concentrations in 2017–2019 compared to 2012, indicating the effectiveness of APPCAP in mitigating PM2.5 pollution. Sulfate (SO4^2−), nitrate (NO3^−), and ammonium (NH4^+) (collectively SNA) were the dominant ionic species, contributing 69.98%–92.58% of the total ion mass, with SO4^2− being the most abundant. In the summers of 2013 and 2017, PM2.5 exhibited alkaline properties, and SNA primarily existed as NH4NO3 and (NH4)2SO4. Conversely, in 2019, PM2.5 became acidic, with SNA present as NH4NO3 and NH4HSO4. The nitrogen oxidation ratio (NOR) and sulfur oxidation ratio (SOR) indicated that NO3^− and SO4^2− predominantly originated from secondary reactions, with SO2 undergoing secondary conversion more readily than NO2, and the degree of secondary conversion increasing annually. Source apportionment revealed a shift from long-range transport in 2013 to local and regional sources by 2017. These findings underscore the success of APPCAP in reducing primary emissions and altering the chemical speciation of secondary inorganic aerosols, while highlighting the persistent dominance of sulfate and the need for continued SO2 emission controls.
Environmental Chemistry•2026•DOI: 10.7524/j.issn.0254-6108.2025041105
Online measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were conducted in the central urban area of Shenyang from June 1 to August 31, 2022, to analyze concentration levels and ozone formation potential (OFP). The initial concentrations of VOCs were estimated using the photochemical age parameter method to correct for photochemical losses. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was applied for source apportionment. The average mass concentration of total VOCs (TVOCs) was (27.29 ± 15.96) μg·m−3, with alkanes (50.3%) as the dominant component; key species included propane, ethane, methanethiol, and ethylene. The OFP of TVOCs was (64.30 ± 66.41) μg·m−3, with alkenes (63.5%) as the main contributor; key reactive species were ethylene, propylene, m/p-xylene, toluene, and isoprene. Daytime photochemical loss of VOCs reached 2.40 μg·m−3, with alkenes (67.1%) dominating. PMF based on initial concentrations identified five major sources: vehicle emissions (56.2%), solvent usage (21.5%), combustion sources (8.9%), industrial emissions (7.5%), and natural sources (5.9%). Compared to PMF results based on directly monitored concentrations, contributions from vehicle emissions, combustion sources, and solvent usage decreased, while industrial emissions increased. The organic chemical industry source was not identified, and a new natural source contribution was recognized. These findings underscore the importance of photochemical loss correction in source apportionment and highlight key species and sources for ozone pollution control in Shenyang.