Prof. Tan Guo | Publications & Academic Profile | SinoGreenTech

Research Publications & English Decoded Briefs

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4395-x

Iron-Induced Bidirectional Catalytic Effects for Sulfur Redox Reactions in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Electrocatalysts in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries accelerate sulfur species redox reactions and restrict polysulfide shuttling, yet ideal electrocatalysts with remarkable bidirectional catalytic effects remain scarce. This work utilizes iron (Fe) to trigger bidirectional catalytic effects in a cobalt (Co) electrocatalyst, generating a metal alloy-based heterostructure of Co-Co7Fe3 dispersed homogeneously on carbon sheets (Co-Co7Fe3/CS). Electrochemical tests and in situ X-ray diffraction disclose significantly enhanced bilateral catalytic activity of Co-Co7Fe3 compared to bare Co, confirmed by self-discharge measurements. Post-cycling investigation validates protection of the Li metal anode from sulfur species corrosion. The Co-Co7Fe3/CS-modified coin cells deliver an exceptional rate capability of 603 mAh g–1 at 5.0 C and steady long-life cycling for 500 cycles at 1.0 and 2.0 C. Under high sulfur loadings and lean electrolyte conditions, an impressive areal capacity with stable cycling is realized. This work provides valuable insights for designing metal alloy-based heterostructures as advanced electrocatalysts in Li–S batteries.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3646-1

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.

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SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3946-2

Binary FeNi3 Alloy with Promoted Polysulfide Conversions Enabling Wide-Temperature Operation of High-Rate Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

High energy-density lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with rapid intermediate conversion and forbidden shuttle effect require superior electrocatalysts with tunable catalytic activity. In this protocol, binary FeNi3 alloy nanoparticles homogeneously embedded within carbon nanosheets (FeNi3/CNS) are synthesized to regulate the conversions of sulfur species. Time of flight-secondary mass ion spectroscopy reveals a significantly improved catalytic effect of binary FeNi3 alloy compared to bare Ni, which is confirmed by a larger Li2S amount generated during in situ X-ray diffraction measurement. Further anode characterization validates efficient shuttling suppression and good lithium metal protection. In Li–S batteries, electrochemical tests demonstrate a remarkable rate capability of 852 mAh g−1 at 3.0 C, and outstanding long-term cycle at 1.0 C (639 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles). Even under a wide operation temperature range (−15–60 °C), Li–S batteries exhibit stable cycling with high specific capacities under high current rates. Moreover, Li–S batteries using FeNi3/CNS attain a maximum areal capacity of 5.60 mAh cm−2 under ~4.0 mg cm−2 sulfur. This study highlights the advantages of adopting binary or multi-component metal alloys as electrocatalysts and points out the research directions to advance Li–S batteries into practical applications.

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