Progress in research on Li–CO_2 batteries: Mechanism, catalyst and performance

Rechargeable Li-CO2 batteries provide a promising new approach for carbon capture and energy storage technology. However, their practical application is limited by many challenges despite much progress in this technology. Recent development in Li-CO2 batteries is presented. The reaction mechanism with an air cathode, operating temperatures used, electrochemical performance under different CO2 concentrations, stability of the battery in different electrolytes, and utilization of different cathode materials were emphasized. At last, challenges and perspectives were also present- ed. This review provides a deep understanding of Li-CO2 batteries and offers important guidelines for developing reversible and high efficiency Li-CO2 batteries.

Effect of Mg/Al Ratios on Hydration Mechanism of Tabular Alumina Carbon Composites Reinforced by Al4C3 in situ Reaction

Hydration mechanism of tabular alumina carbon composites reinforced by Al4C3 in situ reaction with Mg and Al was researched in water steam using super automatic thermostatic water bath from 25 ℃ to 85 ℃. It is shown that hydration mechanism of the composites is chemical reaction control at 44.3 ℃-84 ℃ in H2O（g）. The hydration was controlled by diffusion from 24.7 ℃ to 33 ℃. The ratio of added Mg/Al influences the HMOR of the composites.The mechanism of HMOR of the composites with different ratios of Mg/Al can be discovered by means of SEM analysis. The active Mg/Al powder and flake graphite inside give the composites outstanding hot strength resulting from the interlocking structure of Al4C3 crystals at high temperature. Besides, the matrix changes into the Al4C3 with high refractoriness. The method of preventing the hydration of tabular alumina carbon composites reinforced by Al4C3 in situ reaction was immersed in the wax at suitable temperature or storing them below 33 ℃ in a dry place or storing them with paraffin-coating.

Prediction of Henry Constants and Adsorption Mechanism of Volatile Organic Compounds on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Using Support Vector Regression

Support vector regression （SVR） combined with particle swarm optimization for its parameter optimization is employed to establish a model for predicting the Henry constants of multi-walled carbon nanotubes （MWNTs） for adsorption of volatile organic compounds （VOCs）. The prediction performance of SVR is compared with those of the model of theoretical linear salvation energy relationship （TLSER）. By using leave-one-out cross validation of SVR test Henry constants for adsorption of 35 VOCs on MWNTs, the root mean square error is 0.080, the mean absolute percentage error is only 1.19~, and the correlation coefficient （R2） is as high as 0.997. Compared with the results of the TLSER model, it is shown that the estimated errors by SVR are ali smaller than those achieved by TLSER. It reveals that the generalization ability of SVR is superior to that of the TLSER model Meanwhile, multifactor analysis is adopted for investigation of the influences of each molecular structure descriptor on the Henry constants. According to the TLSER model, the adsorption mechanism of adsorption of carbon nanotubes of VOCs is mainly a result of van der Waals and interactions of hydrogen bonds. These can provide the theoretical support for the application of carbon nanotube adsorption of VOCs and can make up for the lack of experimental data.

The carbon border adjustment mechanism is inefficient in addressing carbon leakage and results in unfair welfare losses

The European Commission has proposed a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism(CBAM)to reduce carbon leakage and create a level playing field for its domestic products and imported goods.Nevertheless,the effectiveness of the proposal remains unclear,especially when it triggers threats of retaliation from trading partners of the European Union.We apply a Computable General Equilibrium model-Global Trade Analysis Project-to assess the economic and environmental impacts of different CBAM schemes.Here we show that the effectiveness of the CBAM to address carbon leakage risks is rather limited,and the CBAM raises concerns over global welfare costs,Correct to Gross Domestic Product(GDP)losses,and violation of equality principles.Trade retaliation leads to multiplied welfare losses,which would mostly be borne by poor countries.Our results question the carbon leakage reduction effect of a unilateral trade policy and suggest that climate change mitigation still needs to be performed within the framework of international cooperation.

Mechanical, electrical, and thermal expansion properties of carbon nanotube-based silver and silver–palladium alloy composites

The mechanical, electrical, and thermal expansion properties of carbon nanotube（CNT）-based silver and silver–palladium（10：1, w/w） alloy nanocomposites are reported. To tailor the properties of silver, CNTs were incorporated into a silver matrix by a modified molecular level-mixing process. CNTs interact weakly with silver because of their non-reactive nature and lack of mutual solubility. Therefore, palladium was utilized as an alloying element to improve interfacial adhesion. Comparative microstructural characterizations and property evaluations of the nanocomposites were performed. The structural characterizations revealed that decorated type-CNTs were dispersed, embedded, and anchored into the silver matrix. The experimental results indicated that the modification of the silver and silver–palladium nanocomposite with CNT resulted in increases in the hardness and Young＇s modulus along with concomitant decreases in the electrical conductivity and the coefficient of thermal expansion（CTE）. The hardness and Young＇s modulus of the nanocomposites were increased by 30%？40% whereas the CTE was decreased to 50%-60% of the CTE of silver. The significantly improved CTE and the mechanical properties of the CNT-reinforced silver and silver–palladium nanocomposites are correlated with the intriguing properties of CNTs and with good interfacial adhesion between the CNTs and silver as a result of the fabrication process and the contact action of palladium as an alloying element.

Aluminum matrix composites reinforced by molybdenum-coated carbon nanotubes

To extend the application of carbon nanotubes （CNTs） and explore novel aluminum matrix composites,CNTs were coated by molybdenum layers using metal organic chemical vapor deposition,and then Mo-coated CNT （Mo-CNT）/Al composites were prepared by the combination processes of powder mixing and spark plasma sintering.The influences of powder mixing and Mo-CNT content on the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the composites were investigated.The results show that magnetic stirring is better than mechanical milling for mixing the Mo-CNTs and Al powders.The electrical conductivity of the composites decreases with increasing Mo-CNT content.When the Mo-CNT content is 0.5wt%,the tensile strength and hardness of Mo-CNT/Al reach their maximum values.The tensile strength of 0.5wt% Mo-CNT/Al increases by 29.9%,while the electrical conductivity only decreases by 7.1%,relative to sintered pure Al.The phase analysis of Mo-CNT/Al composites reveals that there is no formation of Al carbide in the composites.

Effects of cooling rate and Al on MnS formation in medium-carbon non-quenched and tempered steels

The effect of Al on the morphology of MnS in medium-carbon non-quenched and tempered steel was investigated at three different cooling rates of 0.24, 0.43, and 200°C·s^-1. The formation mechanisms of three types of MnS were elucidated based on phase diagram information combined with crystal growth models. The morphology of MnS is governed by the precipitation mode and the growth conditions. A monotectic reaction and subsequent fast solidification lead to globular Type I MnS. Type II MnS inclusions with different morphological characteristics form as a result of a eutectic reaction followed by the growth in the Fe matrix. Type III MnS presents a divorced eutectic morphology. At the cooling rate of 0.24°C·s^-1, the precipitation of dispersed Type III MnS is significantly enhanced by the addition of 0.044wt% acid-soluble Al（Als）, while Type II MnS clusters prefer to form in steels with either 0.034wt% or 0.052wt% Als. At the relatively higher cooling rates of 200°C·s^-1 and 0.43°C·s^-1, the formation of Type I and Type II MnS inclusions is promoted, and the influence of Al is negligible. The results of this work are expected to be employed in practice to improve the mechanical properties of non-quenched and tempered steels.

Explicit solution of the radial breathing mode frequency of single-wailed carbon nanotubes

On the basis of a molecular mechanics model, an analytical solution of the radial breathing mode （RBM） frequency of single-walled carbon nanotubes （SWCNTs） is obtained. The effects of tube chirality and tube diameter on the RBM frequency are investigated and good agreement between the present results and existing data is found. The present analytical formula indicates that the chirality and size dependent elastic properties are responsible for the effects of the chirality and small size on the RBM frequency of an SWCNT.

Chemical, mechanical, and thermal expansion properties of a carbon nanotube-reinforced aluminum nanocomposite

In the present study,the chemical and mechanical properties and the thermal expansion of a carbon nanotube（CNT）-based crystalline nano-aluminum（nano Al） composite were reported.The properties of nanocomposites were tailored by incorporating CNTs into the nano Al matrix using a physical mixing method.The elastic moduli and the coefficient of thermal expansion（CTE） of the nanocomposites were also estimated to understand the effects of CNT reinforcement in the Al matrix.Microstructural characterization of the nanocomposite reveals that the CNTs are dispersed and embedded in the Al matrix.The experimental results indicate that the incorporation of CNTs into the nano Al matrix results in the increase in hardness and elastic modulus along with a concomitant decrease in the coefficient of thermal expansion The hardness and elastic modulus of the nanocomposite increase by 21%and 20%,respectively,upon CNT addition.The CTE of CNT/A1 nanocomposite decreases to 70%compared with that of nano Al.

Performance improvement of continuous carbon nanotube fibers by acid treatment

Continuous CNT fibers have been directly fabricated in a speed of 50 m/h-400 m/h,based on an improved chemical vapor deposition method.As-prepared fibers are further post-treated by acid.According to the SEM images and Raman spectra,the acid treatment results in the compaction and surface modification of the CNTs in fibers,which are beneficial for the electron and load transfer.Compared to the HNO3 treatment,HClSO_3 or H_2SO_4 treatment is more effective for the improvement of the fibers＇ properties.After HCISO_3 treatment for 2 h,the fibers＇ strength and electrical conductivity reach up to-2 GPa and-4.3 MS/m,which are promoted by-200%and almost one order of magnitude than those without acid treatment,respectively.The load-bearing status of the CNT fibers are analyzed based on the downshifts of the G＇ band and the strain transfer factor of the fibers under tension.The results reveal that acid treatment could greatly enhance the load transfer and inter-bundle strength.With the HCISO3 treatment,the strain transfer factor is enhanced from-3.9%to-53.6%.

Cu Partitioning Behavior and Its Effect on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 0.12C-1.33Mn-0.55Cu Q&P Steel

Cu, as an austenitic stable element, is added to steel in order to suppress the adverse effects of high content of C and Mn on welding. Based on C partitioning, Cu and Mn partitioning can further improve the stability of retained austenite in the intercritical annealing process. A sample of low carbon steel containing Cu was treated by the intercritical annealing, then quenching process（I＆Q）. Subsequently, another sample was treated by the intercritical annealing, subsequent austenitizing, then quenching and partitioning process（I＆Q＆P）. The effects of element partitioning behavior in intercritical region on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the steel were studied. The results showed that after the I＆Q process ferrite and martensite could be obtained, with C, Cu and Mn enriched in the martensite. When intercritically heated at 800 ℃, Cu and Mn were partitioned from ferrite to austenite, which was enhanced gradually as the heating time was increased. This partitioning effect was the most obvious when the sample was heated at 800 ℃ for 40 min. At the early stage of α→γ transformation, the formation of γ was controlled by the partitioning of carbon, while at the later stage, it was mainly affected by the partitioning of Cu and Mn. After the I＆Q＆P process, the partitioning effect of Cu and Mn element could be retained. C was assembled in retained austenite during the quenching and partitioning process. The strength and elongation of I＆Q＆P steel was increased by 5 305 MPa% compared with that subjected to Q＆P process. The volume fraction of retained autensite was increased from 8.5% to 11.2%. Hence, the content of retained austenite could be improved significantly by Mn and Cu partitioning, which increased the elongation of steel.

Influence of soaking time in deep cryogenic treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of low-alloy medium-carbon HY-TUF steel

The influence of soaking time in deep cryogenic treatment on the tensile and impact properties of low-alloy medium-carbon HY-TUF steel was investigated in this study. Microstructural studies based on phase distribution mapping by electron backscatter diffraction show that the deep cryogenic process causes a decrease in the content of retained austenite and an increase in the volume fraction of η-carbide with increasing soaking time up to 48 h. The decrease in the content of retained austenite from ~1.23vol% to 0.48vol% suggests an isothermal martensitic transformation at 77 K. The η-type precipitates formed in deep cryogenic-treated martensite over 48 h have the Hirotsu and Nagakura orientation relation with the martensitic matrix. Furthermore, a high coherency between η-carbide and the martensitic matrix is observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The variations in macrohardness, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and ductility with soaking time in the deep cryogenic process show a peak/plateau trend.

Effect of carbon nanotube on physical and mechanical properties of natural fiber/glass fiber/cement composites

The objective of this investigation was to introduce a cement-based composite of higher quality. For this purpose new hybrid nanocomposite from bagasse fiber,glass fiber and multi-wall carbon nanotubes（MWCNTs）were manufactured. The physical and mechanical properties of the manufactured composites were measured according to standard methods. The properties of the manufactured hybrid nanocomposites were dramatically better than traditional composites. Also all the reinforced composites with carbon nanotube, glass fiber or bagasse fiber exhibited better properties rather than neat cement.The results indicated that bagasse fiber proved suitable for substitution of glass fiber as a reinforcing agent in the cement composites. The hybrid nanocomposite containing10 % glass fiber, 10 % bagasse fiber and 1.5 % MWCNTs was selected as the best compound.

The grassland carbon cycle:Mechanisms,responses to global changes,and potential contribution to carbon neutrality

Grassland is one of the largest terrestrial biomes,providing critical ecosystem services such as food production,biodiversity conservation,and climate change mitigation.Global climate change and land-use intensification have been causing grassland degradation and desertification worldwide.As one of the primary medium for ecosystem energy flow and biogeochemical cycling,grassland carbon(C)cycling is the most fundamental process for maintaining ecosystem services.In this review,we first summarize recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning spatial and temporal patterns of the grassland C cycle,discuss the importance of grasslands in regulating inter-and intra-annual variations in global C fluxes,and explore the previously unappreciated complexity in abiotic processes controlling the grassland C balance,including soil inorganic C accumulation,photochemical and thermal degradation,and wind erosion.We also discuss how climate and land-use changes could alter the grassland C balance by modifying the water budget,nutrient cycling and additional plant and soil processes.Further,we examine why and how increasing aridity and improper land use may induce significant losses in grassland C stocks.Finally,we identify several priorities for future grassland C research,including improving understanding of abiotic processes in the grassland C cycle,strengthening monitoring of grassland C dynamics by integrating ground inventory,flux monitoring,and modern remote sensing techniques,and selecting appropriate plant species combinations with suitable traits and strong resistance to climate fluctuations,which would help design sustainable grassland restoration strategies in a changing climate.

Mechanistic, Energetic and Structural Aspects of the Adsorption of Carmustine on the Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

Using density functional theory, noncovalent interactions and two mechanisms of covalent functionalization of drug carmustine with functionalized carbon nanotube（CNT） have been investigated. Quantum molecular descriptors of noncovalent configurations were studied. It was specified that binding of drug carmustine with functionalized CNT is thermodynamically suitable. NTCOOH and NTCOCl can bond to the NH group of carmustine through OH（COOH mechanism） and Cl（COCl mechanism） groups, respectively. The activation energies, activation enthalpies and activation Gibbs free energies of two pathways were calculated and compared with each other. The activation parameters related to COOH mechanism are higher than those related to COCl mechanism, and therefore COCl mechanism is suitable for covalent functionalization. COOH functionalized CNT（NTCOOH） has more binding energy than COCl functionalized CNT（NTCOCl） and can act as a favorable system for carmustine drug delivery within biological and chemical systems（noncovalent）. These results could be generalized to other similar drugs.

Calcareous nannofossil changes in the Early Oligocene linked to nutrient and atmospheric CO2

Rapid changes on nutrient supply and CO2 concentration that occurred in the northern South China Sea(SCS)during the Early Oligocene,provides an ideal natural laboratory,allowing us to peer into the coccolithophores’physiology in the geological records.In this study,we established a new nannofossil assemblage index,termed as E^*ratio,which is calculated by the relative abundance of eutrophic taxa and meso-oligotrophic taxa(E^*=e/e+c,where e is eutrophic taxa,and c is meso-oligotrophic taxa)Eutrophic taxa include small Reticulofenestra,Reticulofenestra lockeri group,Reticulofenestra bisecta group and Coccolithus pelagicus group,while meso-oligotrophic taxa include Cyclicargolithus spp.The E^*ratio is well correlated with nutrient proxy during the Early Oligocene,while with different covarying patterns under the higher and lower CO2 condition.By comparing the assemblage changes to the published data,we suggest that coccolithophores may change the way they use carbon source and nutrient with the decline of CO2.Furthermore,this implies a possible initiation of the carbon concentrating mechanism.

Effect of CF and RPP on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Smart Aggregate

By using redispersible polymer powder（RPP） and carbon fiber（CF） to adjust the flexibility and electrical properties of the smart aggregate, a new kind of smart aggregate with Z type structure was proposed. The study shows that Z type aggregate is more sensitive to the feedback of external force than the prism aggregate in the same loading environment, and it indicates that Z type aggregate is more suitable for the research and application of concrete health monitoring. Although the incorporation of RPP would cause the compressive strength of the aggregates and the elastic modulus of hardened cement mortar to reduce slightly within the dosage of RPP by 2.25% because of the polymer film formed in the internal system, this would improve the deformability of the aggregates. In the early loading stage（in the first 60 seconds）, the intelligent concrete specimens implanted with Z type smart aggregate do not show higher sensitivity as expected, although the resistance change rate changes a little bit more, the overall of it is still in balance. Adding RPP could improve the flexibility of smart aggregates exactly, and it plays an active role in prolonging the life of the smart aggregates. By implanting Z type aggregates the damage and failure of the concrete structure could be predicted accurately in this study. The results of this paper will help to promote further research and application of intelligent concrete.

Nature of the Pull-out System of Carbon Nanorope/Polyethylene Composite and Twisting Effect on Interfacial Behavior

The nature of the pull-out system of carbon nanorope/polyethylene（CNRP/PE） composite is studied by using molecular dynamics approach. The deformation of the CNRP/PE composites in pull-out process is exhibited. The influence of twisting deformation on the interfacial interaction of the composites is investigated. The results show that the energy of the pull-out system is conserved; and the interfacial bonding is weak resulting in a sliding failure of the CNRP inside PE matrix.

Effects of Carbon Nanotubes by Electrophoretic Deposition on Interlaminar Properties of Two Dimensional Carbon/carbon Composites

Carbon nanotubes（CNTs） were deposited uniformly on carbon cloth by electrophoretic deposition（EPD）. Thereafter, CNT-doped clothes were stacked and densified by pyrocarbon via chemical vapor infiltration to fabricate two-dimensional（2 D） carbon/carbon（C/C） composites. Effects of EPD CNTs on interlaminar shear performance and mode Ⅱ interlaminar fracture toughness（GⅡc） of 2 D C/C composites were investigated. Results showed that EPD CNTs were uniformly covered on carbon fibers, acting as a porous coating. Such a CNT coating can obviously enhance the interlaminar shear strength and GⅡc of 2 D C/C composites. With increaing EPD CNTs, the interlaminar shear strength and GⅡc of 2 D C/C composites increase greatly and then decrease, both of which run up to their maximum values, i e, 13.6 MPa and 436.0 J·m-2, when the content of EPD CNTs is 0.54 wt%, 2.27 and 1.45 times of the baseline. Such improvements in interlaminar performance of 2 D C/C composites are mainly beneficial from their increased cohesion of interlaminar matrix, which is caused not only by the direct reinforcing effect of EPD CNT network but also by the capacity of EPD CNTs to refine pyrocarbon matrix and induce multilayered microstructures that greatly increase the crack propagation resistance through ＂crack-blocking and-deflecting mechanisms＂.

Which sectors should be covered by the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism?

The European Union(EU)is developing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism(CBAM)to address carbon leakage in international trade.However,the EU has paid inadequate attention to input-output linkages,specifically those in the steel,aluminum,and fertiliser industries.This study aims to identify priority sectors eligible for initial regulation within the emissions-intensive trade-exposed(EITE)industries based on input-output linkages and compare its impacts with the current CBAM sector coverage.This study constructs a Global Production Network(GPN)and Carbon Flow Network(CFN)to present the input trade and embodied carbon flows for the EITE industries.This study highlights the role of the EITE industries as influential nodes in the production network and how the EITE industries in the EU contribute to carbon emissions.To improve the economy and political acceptability,CABM should cover four priority sectors with low economic impacts but a crucial role in reducing emissions,such as plastics,phosphorus fertiliser,aluminum,and copper industry.