SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3599-5
Layered transition metal tellurides (TMTs) are promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their graphite-like layered structure and weak van der Waals interactions, which facilitate rapid ion transport. However, their holistic performance—specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability—remains insufficient for practical applications. Here, we report a straightforward NaBH4-assisted chemical etching method to introduce abundant Te vacancies on the surface of Bi2Te3 (denoted H-Bi2Te3). Experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that these Te vacancies refine the band structure, enhance electrical conductivity, and significantly reduce the diffusion barrier for Zn2+ ions. Additionally, the vacancies provide increased storage sites for Zn ions. Consequently, H-Bi2Te3 exhibits superior zinc storage performance: a high Zn2+ diffusion coefficient of 3.98×10−11 cm2 s−1, a specific capacity of 325 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, a rate capability of 217 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1, and exceptional cycling stability with 70 mAh g−1 retained after 10,000 cycles at 1 A g−1. This work introduces a novel vacancy defect engineering strategy for TMT-based cathodes in AZIBs and expands the potential applications of vacancy-rich TMT materials.
Chinese Journal of Environmental Engineering•2026•DOI: 10.12030/j.cjee.202509004
Acetone, a widely used solvent in the pharmaceutical industry, poses environmental and economic challenges due to its high volatility and the low concentration of acetone in water-based absorbents, which complicates recovery. This study proposes a composite absorbent comprising 1,4-butanediol (BDO), triethylene glycol, sodium citrate, and water, aiming to enhance acetone absorption capacity and enable cost-effective resource recovery. Response surface methodology optimized the absorbent composition to BDO 35%, triethylene glycol 10%, and sodium citrate 5%, achieving an acetone absorption capacity of 51.97 g·kg−1, which is 2.39 times that of pure water (21.77 g·kg−1). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and AIM topological analysis revealed that BDO forms stronger hydrogen bonds with acetone, characterized by shorter bond lengths and higher electron density, underpinning its superior molecular recognition and absorption capability. Process simulation of absorption-regeneration cycles demonstrated that, compared to pure water, the composite absorbent reduces absorbent consumption by 36.2% and regeneration energy consumption by 41.15% while achieving effluent acetone concentrations below 100 mg·m−3. This multi-scale investigation, spanning macroscopic experiments, molecular mechanisms, and process simulation, validates the feasibility and advantages of BDO-based composite absorbents for VOC control, providing theoretical and data support for the engineering application of alcohol-based absorbents in efficient organic pollutant separation.