SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3865-1
Seawater electrolysis (SWE) is a reusable and convenient avenue for producing hydrogen, offering a promising solution to the energy crisis and global warming. However, poor electrolytic efficiency and irreversible corrosion caused by high concentrations of chlorine severely hinder the commercialization of SWE. To address these challenges, numerous strategies have been proposed in recent years, involving theoretical innovations, directional catalyst design, and electrolyser modification. This review provides a systematic summary of the chlorine-related challenges and solutions encountered in SWE. The chlorine-related theoretical knowledge and challenges in SWE systems are first emphasized. Subsequently, multiple anodic chloride suppression strategies are introduced from three aspects: directional regulation of oxygen evolution catalysts, optimization of electrolyte compositions, and ingenious upgrades of electrolytic cells. Finally, future challenges and development directions for large-scale application of SWE technology are explored. This review offers an in-depth analysis of the chlorine-related challenges encountered in the industrialization of SWE, aiming to accelerate the advancement of this technology toward practical applications.
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.
New Carbon Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1016/S1872-5805(26)61107-9
Graphene's exceptional electrical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties render it promising for electronics, energy storage, protective coatings, catalysis, and environmental remediation. However, large-scale adoption is hindered by high synthesis costs, process complexities, and integration issues. Among production methods, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on metals is the most scalable, with copper widely used due to its low carbon solubility and excellent monolayer control. Yet, Cu substrates are costly ($8–10/kg), transfer steps introduce defects, and the resulting graphene is poorly matched to structural components. Iron-based substrates offer an attractive alternative, providing much lower material cost, direct compatibility with steel infrastructure, reduced growth temperatures, and intrinsic functionalities such as magnetism and catalytic activity, enabling new applications. This review analyzes graphene growth on pure iron, iron alloys, and iron-based nanoparticles, focusing on growth mechanisms, substrate engineering, and characterization approaches tailored to challenges like carbide formation. Applications including corrosion-resistant coatings, electronics, energy storage, catalysis, water treatment, and electromagnetic shielding are considered. Despite the limitation of high carbon solubility, iron can be exploited for controlled multilayer formation useful for barrier and energy applications, while alloying and process control enable tunable monolayer or few-layer films, making iron-based CVD graphene a versatile, cost-effective platform.