A dendritic Cu/Cu_(2)O structure with high curvature enables rapid and efficient reduction of carbon dioxide to C2 in an H-cell

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO_(2)(CO_(2)RR)to multicarbon products is an efficient approach for ad-dressing the energy crisis and achieving carbon neutrality.In H-cells,achieving high-current C_(2)products is challenging because of the inefficient mass transfer of the catalyst and the presence of the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).In this study,dendritic Cu/Cu_(2)O with abundant Cu^(0)/Cu^(+)interfaces and numerous dendritic curves was synthesized in a CO_(2)atmosphere,resulting in the high selectivity and current density of the C_(2)products.Dendritic Cu/Cu_(2)O achieved a C_(2)Faradaic efficiency of 69.8%and a C_(2)partial current density of 129.5 mA cm^(-2)in an H-cell.Finite element simulations showed that a dendritic structure with a high curvature generates a strong electric field,leading to a localized CO_(2)concentration.Additionally,DRT analysis showed that a dendritic struc-ture with a high curvature actively adsorbed the surrounding high concentration of CO_(2),enhancing the mass transfer rate and achieving a high current density.During the experiment,the impact of the electronic structure on the performance of the catalyst was investigated by varying the atomic ratio of Cu^(0)/Cu^(+)on the catalyst surface,which resulted in improved ethylene selectivity.Under the optimal atomic ratio of Cu^(0)/Cu^(+),the charge transfer resistance was minimized,and the desorption rate of the intermediates was low,favoring C_(2)generation.Density functional theory calculations indicated that the Cu^(0)/Cu^(+)interfaces exhibited a lower Gibbs free energy for the rate-determining step,enhancing C_(2)H4 formation.The Cu/Cu_(2)O catalyst also exhibited a low Cu d-band center,which enhanced the adsorption stability of*CO on the surface and facilitated C_(2)formation.This observa-tion explained the higher yield of C_(2)products at the Cu^(0)/Cu^(+)interface than that of H_(2)under rapid mass transfer.The results of the net present value model showed that the H-cell holds promising industrial prospects,contingent upon it being a catalyst with both high selectivity and high current density.This approach of integrating the structure and composition provides new insights for ad-vancing the CO_(2)RR towards high-current C_(2)products.

Insights into Nano-and Micro-Structured Scaffolds for Advanced Electrochemical Energy Storage

Adopting a nano-and micro-structuring approach to fully unleashing the genuine potential of electrode active material benefits in-depth understandings and research progress toward higher energy density electrochemical energy stor-age devices at all technology readiness levels.Due to various challenging issues,especially limited stability,nano-and micro-structured(NMS)electrodes undergo fast electrochemical performance degradation.The emerging NMS scaffold design is a pivotal aspect of many electrodes as it endows them with both robustness and electrochemical performance enhancement,even though it only occupies comple-mentary and facilitating components for the main mechanism.However,extensive efforts are urgently needed toward optimizing the stereoscopic geometrical design of NMS scaffolds to minimize the volume ratio and maximize their functionality to fulfill the ever-increasing dependency and desire for energy power source supplies.This review will aim at highlighting these NMS scaffold design strategies,summariz-ing their corresponding strengths and challenges,and thereby outlining the potential solutions to resolve these challenges,design principles,and key perspectives for future research in this field.Therefore,this review will be one of the earliest reviews from this viewpoint.

Construction of porous disc-like lithium manganate for rapid and selective electrochemical lithium extraction from brine

In order to satisfy the growing global demand for lithium, selective extraction of lithium from brine has attracted extensive attention. LiMn_(2)O_(4)-based electrochemical lithium recovery system is one of the best choices for commercial applications because of its high selectivity and low energy consumption.However, the low ion diffusion coefficient of lithium manganate limits the further development of electrochemical lithium recovery system. In this work, a novel porous disc-like LiMn_(2)O_(4) was successfully synthesized for the first time via two-step annealing manganese(Ⅱ) precursors. The as-prepared LiMn_(2)O_(4) exhibits porous disc-like morphology, excellent crystallinity, high Li^(+)diffusion coefficient(average 7.6×10^(-9)cm^(2)·s^(-1)), high cycle stability(after 30 uninterrupted extraction and release cycles, the crystal structure hardly changed) and superior rate capacity(93.5% retention from 10-120 mA·g^(-1)). The porous structure and disc-like morphology further promote the contact between lithium ions and electrode materials. Therefore, the assembled electrochemical lithium extraction device with LiMn_(2)O_(4) as positive electrode and silver as negative electrode can realize the rapid and selective extraction of lithium in simulated brine(adsorption capacity of lithium can reach 4.85 mg·g^(-1) in 1 h). The mechanism of disc-like LiMn_(2)O_(4) in electrochemical lithium extraction was proposed based on the analysis of electrochemical characterization and quasi in situ XRD. This novel structure may further promote the practical application of electrochemical lithium extraction from brine.

Construction of truncated-octahedral LiMn2O4 for battery-like electrochemical lithium recovery from brine

The extraction of lithium from salt lakes or seawater has attracted worldwide attention because of the explosive growth of global demand for lithium products. The LiMn_(2)O_(4)-based electrochemical lithium recovery system is one of the strongest candidates for commercial application due to its high inserted capacity and low energy consumption. However, the surface orientation of LiMn_(2)O_(4)that facilitates Li diffusion happens to be prone to manganese dissolution making it a great challenge to obtain high lithium inserted capacity and long life simultaneously. Herein, we address this problem by designing a truncated octahedral LiMn_(2)O_(4)(Tr-oh LMO) in which the dominant(111) facets minimize Mn dissolution while a small portion of(100) facets facilitate the Li diffusion. Thus, this Tr-oh LMO-based electrochemical lithium recovery system shows excellent Li recovery performance with high inserted capacity(20.25 mg g^(-1)per cycle) in simulated brine. In addition, the dissolution rate of manganese per 30 cycles is only 0.44% and the capacity maintained 85% of the initial after 30 cycles. These promising findings accelerate the practical application of LiMn_(2)O_(4)in electrochemical lithium recovery.

The Promoting Effect of Multifunctional Groups on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of PVC Materials

The development of PVC materials grafted with mannich base originated from myrcene(P-MAM-g,where the mannich base derived from myrcene is abbreviated as MAM)via green and effective synthetic methods is a good strategy to avoid unacceptable discoloration and deterioration of thermal and mechanical properties caused by autocatalytic dehydrochlorination(DHC)during PVC processing.In this study,MAM with double bonds,amino groups,ester groups,and phospholipid groups was introduced into the chains of PVC to improve the thermal stability of PVC.The experimental results showed that the covalent attachment of MAM to PVC enhanced both the initial and the long-term stability of PVC.The enhanced performance of P-MAM-g compared with unmodified PVC is attributed to the simultaneous introduction of double bonds and amino groups into the PVC structure.The double bonds trapped the unstable chlorine atoms originated from the degradation of the PVC chain and reacted with the labile macromolecular radicals originated from PVC,thus inhibiting the radical degradation of the PVC chain.Furthermore,the amino groups absorbed the HCl produced in the degradation of PVC,inhibiting the adverse effects of HCl.P-MAM-g displayed better intrinsic flexibility and anti-migration ability of organic functional components compared with the control PVC materials.A possible stabilizing mechanism of the P-MAM-g was also presented.

Construction of hierarchical photocatalysts by growing ZnIn_(2)S_(4) nanosheets on Prussian blue analogue-derived bimetallic sulfides for solar co-production of H_(2) and organic chemicals

Exploring highly efficient bifunctional photocatalysts for simultaneous H2 evolution and organic chemical production in pure water represents a green route for sustainable solar energy storage and conversion.Herein,a facile strategy was explored for preparing a hierarchical porous heterostructure of Fe_(4)Ni_(5)S_(8)@ZnIn_(2)S_(4)(FNS@ZIS)by the in situ growth of ZIS nanosheets on Prussian blue analogue(PBA)-derived bimetallic FNS sulfides.A series of FNS@ZIS hierarchical structures were facilely prepared by adjusting the loading amount(n%)of FNS(n=19,26,and 32 for FNS@ZIS-1-3).These structures can efficiently drive the solar co-production of H_(2) and organic chemicals.The optimal co-production was achieved with FNS@ZIS-2,affording a H_(2) evolution rate of 10465μmol·g^(-1)·h^(-1),along with high selectivity for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde(>99.9%).The performance was 22 and 31 times higher than that of FNS and ZIS,respectively,and even superior to the state-of-the-art results achieved using various sacrificial agents.Further mechanistic study indicated that the unique hierarchical core/shell architecture can facilitate interfacial charge separation,afford bimetallic synergy,abundant active sites and excellent photostability.This work highlights a simple and efficient method for preparing porous multimetallic hierarchical structures for the solar co-production of organic chemicals and H_(2) fuel.

Multifunctional AlPO_(4)reconstructed LiMn_(2)O_(4)surface for electrochemical lithium extraction from brine

LiMn_(2)O_(4)(LMO)electrochemical lithium-ion pump has gained widespread attention due to its green,high efficiency,and low energy consumption in selectively extracting lithium from brine.However,collapse of crystal structure and loss of lithium extraction capacity caused by Mn dissolution loss limits its industrialized application.Hence,a multifunctional coating was developed by depositing amorphous AlPO_(4)on the surface of LMO using sol-gel method.The characterization and electrochemical performance test provided insights into the mechanism of Li^(+)embedment and de-embedment and revealed that multifunctional AlPO_(4)can reconstruct the physical and chemical state of LMO surface to improve the interface hydrophilicity,promote the transport of Li^(+),strengthen cycle stability.Remarkably,after 20 cycles,the capacity retention rate of 0.5AP-LMO reached 93.6%with only 0.147%Mn dissolution loss.The average Li^(+)release capacity of 0.5AP-LMO//Ag system in simulated brine is 28.77 mg/(g h),which is 90.4%higher than LMO.Encouragingly,even in the more complex Zabuye real brine,0.5AP-LMO//Ag can still maintain excellent lithium extraction performance.These results indicate that the 0.5AP-LMO//Ag lithium-ion pump shows promising potential as a Li^(+)selective extraction system.

Few-layered hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets stabilized Pt NPs for oxidation promoted adsorptive desulfurization of fuel oil

A few-layered hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets stabilized platinum nanoparticles(Pt/h-BNNS)is engineered for oxidation-promoted adsorptive desulfurization(OPADS)of fuel oil.It was found that the few-layered structure and the defective sites of h-BNNS not only are beneficial to the stabilization of Pt NPs but also favor the adsorption of aromatic sulfides.By employing Pt/h-BNNS with a Pt loading amount of 1.19 wt%as the active adsorbent and air as an oxidant,a 98.0%sulfur removal over dibenzothiophene(DBT)is achieved along with a total conversion of the DBT to the corresponding sulfones(DBTO_(2)).Detailed experiments show that the excellent desulfurization activity originates from the few-layered structure of h-BNNS and the high catalytic activity of Pt NPs.In addition,the OPADS system with Pt/h-BNNS as the active adsorbent shows remarkable stability in desulfurization performance with the existence of different interferents such as olefin,and aromatic hydrocarbons.Besides,the Pt/h-BNNS can be recycled 12 times without a significant decrease in desulfurization performance.Also,a process flow diagram is proposed for deep desulfurization of fuel oil and recovery of high value-added products,which would promote the industrial application of such OPADS strategy.

Cu-Based Materials for Enhanced C_(2+) Product Selectivity in Photo-/Electro-Catalytic CO_(2) Reduction: Challenges and Prospects

Carbon dioxide conversion into valuable products using photocatalysis and electrocatalysis is an effective approach to mitigate global environmental issues and the energy shortages. Among the materials utilized for catalytic reduction of CO_(2), Cu-based materials are highly advantageous owing to their widespread availability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, Cu-based materials demonstrate interesting abilities in the adsorption and activation of carbon dioxide, allowing the formation of C_(2+) compounds through C–C coupling process. Herein, the basic principles of photocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reactions(PCO_(2)RR) and electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction(ECO_(2)RR) and the pathways for the generation C_(2+) products are introduced. This review categorizes Cu-based materials into different groups including Cu metal, Cu oxides, Cu alloys, and Cu SACs, Cu heterojunctions based on their catalytic applications. The relationship between the Cu surfaces and their efficiency in both PCO_(2)RR and ECO_(2)RR is emphasized. Through a review of recent studies on PCO_(2)RR and ECO_(2)RR using Cu-based catalysts, the focus is on understanding the underlying reasons for the enhanced selectivity toward C_(2+) products. Finally, the opportunities and challenges associated with Cu-based materials in the CO_(2) catalytic reduction applications are presented, along with research directions that can guide for the design of highly active and selective Cu-based materials for CO_(2) reduction processes in the future.

Access to advanced sodium-ion batteries by presodiation:Principles and applications

Sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)are expected to offer affordability and high energy density for large-scale energy storage system.However,the commercial application of SIBs is hurdled by low initial coulombic efficiency(ICE),continuous Na loss during long-term operation,and low sodium-content of cathode materials.In this scenario,presodiation strategy by introducing an external sodium reservoir has been rationally proposed,which could supplement additional sodium ions into the system and thereby markedly improve both the cycling performance and energy density of SIBs.In this review,the significance of presodiation is initially introduced,followed by comprehensive interpretation on technological properties,underlying principles,and associated approaches,as well as our perspectives on present inferiorities and future research directions.Overall,this contribution outlines a distinct pathway towards the presodiation methodology,of significance but still in its nascent phase,which may inspire the targeted guidelines to explore new chemistry in this field.

Extending the solid solution range of sodium ferric pyrophosphate:Off‐stoichiometric Na_(3)Fe(2.5)(P_(2)O_(7))_(2)as a novel cathode for sodium‐ion batteries

Iron‐based pyrophosphates are attractive cathodes for sodium‐ion batteries due to their large framework,cost‐effectiveness,and high energy density.However,the understanding of the crystal structure is scarce and only a limited candidates have been reported so far.In this work,we found for the first time that a continuous solid solution,Na_(4−α)Fe_(2+α)_(2)(P_(2)O_(7))_(2)(0≤α≤1,could be obtained by mutual substitution of cations at center‐symmetric Na3 and Na4 sites while keeping the crystal building blocks of anionic P_(2)O_(7) unchanged.In particular,a novel off‐stoichiometric Na_(3)Fe(2.5)(P_(2)O_(7))_(2)is thus proposed,and its structure,energy storage mechanism,and electrochemical performance are extensively investigated to unveil the structure–function relationship.The as‐prepared off‐stoichiometric electrode delivers appealing performance with a reversible discharge capacity of 83 mAh g^(−1),a working voltage of 2.9 V(vs.Na^(+)/Na),the retention of 89.2%of the initial capacity after 500 cycles,and enhanced rate capability of 51 mAh g^(−1)at a current density of 1600 mA g^(−1).This research shows that sodium ferric pyrophosphate could form extended solid solution composition and promising phase is concealed in the range of Na_(4−α)Fe_(2+α)_(2)(P_(2)O_(7))_(2),offering more chances for exploration of new cathode materials for the construction of high‐performance SIBs.

Recent progress and future prospects of oil-absorbing materials

Oil and organic solvent contamination, derived from oil spills and organic solvent leakage, has been recognized as one of the major environmental issues imposing a serious threat to both human and ecosystem health. Among the various presented technologies applied for oil/water separation, oil absorption process has been explored widely and offers satisfactory results especially with surface modified oil-absorbing material and/or hybrid absorbents. In this review, we summarize the recent research activities involved in the designing strategies of oil-absorbing absorbents and their application in oil absorption. Then, an extensive list of various oil-absorbing materials from literature, including polymer materials, porous inorganic materials and biomass materials, has been compiled and the oil adsorption capacities toward various types of oils and organic solvents as available in the literature are presented along with highlighting and discussing the various factors involved in the designing of oil-absorbing absorbents tested so far for oil/water separation. Finally, some future trends and perspectives in oil-absorbing material are outlined.

Synthesis,characterization,and adsorption performance of Pb(Ⅱ)-imprinted polymer in nano-TiO_2 matrix

Surface ion-imprinted in combination with sol-gel process was applied to synthesis a new Pb（Ⅱ）-imprinted polymer for selective separation and enrichment of trace Pb（Ⅱ） from aqueous solution. The prepared material was characterized by using the infrared spectra, X-ray diffractometer, and scanning electron microscopy. The batch experiments were conducted to study the optimal adsorption condition of adsorption trace Pb（Ⅱ） from aqueous solutions on Pb（Ⅱ）-imprinted polymer. The equilibrium was achieved in approximately 4,0 h, and the experimental kinetic data were fitted the pseudo second-order model better. The maximum adsorption capacity was 22.7 mg/g, and the Langmuir equation fitted the adsorption isotherm data. The results of selectivity experiment showed that selectively adsorbed rate of Pb（Ⅱ） on Pb（Ⅱ）-imprinted polymer was higher than all other studied ions. Desorption conditions of the adsorbed Pb（Ⅱ） from the Pb（Ⅱ）-imprinted polymer were also studied in batch experiments. The prepared Pb（Ⅱ）-imprinted polymer was shown to be promising for the separation and enrichment of trace Pb（Ⅱ） from water samples. The adsorption and desorption mechanisms were proposed.

Transition metal (Mo, Fe, Co, and Ni)-based catalysts for electrochemical CO_2 reduction

The electrochemical conversion of CO2 into value-added chemicals and fuels has attracted wide-spread concern since it realizes the recycling of greenhouse gases. Production of new materials lies at the very core of this technology as it enables the improvement of developmental efficiency and selectivity by chemical optimization of morphology and electronic structure. Transition metal-based catalysts are particularly appealing as their d bands have valence electrons which are close to the Fermi level and hence overcome the intrinsic activation barriers and reaction kinetics. The study of Mo, Fe, Co, and Ni-based materials in particular is a very recent research subject that offers various possibilities in electrochemical CO2 reduction applications. Herein, we summarize the recent re-search progress of Mo, Fe, Co, and Ni-based catalysts and their catalytic behavior in electrochemical CO〈sub〉2 reduction. We particularly focus on the relationship between structures and properties, with examples of the key features accounting for the high efficiency and selectivity of the CO2 reduction process. The most significant experimental and theoretical improvements are highlighted. Finally, we concisely discuss the scientific challenges and opportunities for transition metal-based catalysts.

Improved charge transfer by size-dependent plasmonic Au on C_3N_4 for efficient photocatalytic oxidation of RhB and CO_2 reduction

A series of Au/g-C3N4(Au/CN)nanocomposites were successfully prepared,where g-C3N4 nanosheets(CN NSs)served as a substrate for the growth of different sized Au nanoparticles(Au NPs)using the constant temperature bath-reduction method.The effect of Au NP size on electron transfer efficiency between the interfaces of the nanocomposite was studied.The three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain results revealed that larger Au NPs showed increased strength of the localized surface plasmon resonance effect.An increased number of high-energy electrons were available for transfer from Au NPs to CN under the visible light irradiation,inhibiting electron transfer from CN to Au NPs.Photoelectrochemical performance analysis showed that smaller Au NPs exhibited higher separation efficiency of the electron-hole pairs photo-generated with reasonable distribution density.These results are favorable for the improvement of photocatalytic performance.Compared to other nanocomposites,the 3-Au/CN sample(prepared using 3 mL HAuCl4 solution)with reasonable distribution density and small Au NPs exhibited the best photodegradation activity(92.66%)of RhB in 30 min under the visible light irradiation and photoreduction performance of CO2 to CO and CH4 with yields of 77.5 and 38.5μmol/g,respectively,in 8 h under UV light irradiation.Considering the experimental results in the context of the literature,a corresponding size-dependent photocatalytic mechanism was proposed.

Design of metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)-based photocatalyst for solar fuel production and photo-degradation of pollutants

Metal organic frameworks(MOFs)is a research hotspot in the solar fuel production and photo-degradation of pollutants field due to high surface area,rich metal/organic species,large pore volume,and adjustability of structures and compositions.Therefore,in this review,we first summarized the design factors of photocatalytic materials based on MOF from the perspective of"star"MOF.The modification strategies of MOFs-based photocatalysts were discussed to improve its photocatalytic activity and specific applications were summarized as well,including photocatalytic CO_(2)reduction,photocatalytic water splitting and photo-degradation of pollutants.Finally,the advantages and disadvantages of MOFs-based photocatalysts were discussed,the current challenges were highlighted,and suggestions for future research directions were proposed.

Thermodynamics and kinetics of hydriding and dehydriding reactions in Mg-based hydrogen storage materials

Mg-based materials are one of the most promising hydrogen storage candidates due to their high hydrogen storage capacity,environmental benignity,and high Clarke number characteristics.However,the limited thermodynamics and kinetic properties pose major challenges for their engineering applications.Herein,we review the recent progress in improving their thermodynamics and kinetics,with an emphasis on the models and the influence of various parameters in the calculated models.Subsequently,the impact of alloying,composite,and nanocrystallization on both thermodynamics and dynamics are discussed in detail.In particular,the correlation between various modification strategies and the hydrogen capacity,dehydrogenation enthalpy and temperature,hydriding/dehydriding rates are summarized.In addition,the mechanism of hydrogen storage processes of Mg-based materials is discussed from the aspect of classical kinetic theories and microscope hydrogen transferring behavior.This review concludes with an outlook on the remaining challenge issues and prospects.

Superb VOCs capture engineering carbon adsorbent derived from shaddock peel owning uncompromising thermal-stability and adsorption property

High applied thermal-stability and superior structural property for activated carbon adsorbent are extremely promising,which also is the determining short slab in volatile organic compounds(VOCs)adsorption applications.Herein,we develop the outstanding engineering carbon adsorbents from waste shaddock peel which affords greatly-enhanced thermal-stability and super structural property(S_(Lang)=4962.6 m2·g^(-1),Vmicro=1.67 cm^(3)·g^(-1)).Such character endows the obtained adsorbent with ultrahigh adsorption capture performance of VOCs specific to benzene(16.58 mmol·g^(-1))and toluene(15.50 mmol·g^(-1),far beyond traditional zeolite and activated carbon even MOFs materials.The structural expression characters were accurately correlated with excellent adsorption efficiency of VOCs by studying synthetic factor-controlling comparative samples.Ulteriorly,adsorption selectivity prediction at different relative humidity was demonstrated through DIH(difference of the isosteric heats),exceedingly highlighting great superiority(nearly sixfold)in selective adsorption of toluene compared to volatile benzene.Our findings provide the possibility for practical industrial application and fabrication of waste biomass-derived outstanding biochar adsorbent in the environmental treatment of threatening VOCs pollutants.

Hydrothermal Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Two Metal-organic Complexes with 2,3-Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid and 2-Methyl-dipyrido[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline Ligands

Two unusual one-dimensional（1-D） compounds,viz.[Co（Medpq）（QUI）·H2O]2n· 2.4nH2O 1 and [Cd（Medpq）（QUI）·H2O]n·nH2O 2,were synthesized by the combination of two different metallic salts and organic ligands,namely 2,3-pyridinedicarboxylic acid（H2QUI） and 2-methyldipyrido[3,2-f：2＇,3＇-h]quinoxaline（Medpq） ligand.The compounds were characterized by elemental analyses,TG,fluorescent emission and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.

Hydrothermal Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Magnetic Behavior of a Novel 3D Supramolecular Complex [Cu(HDPPZC)(SO_4)(H_2 O)]_2

In the title coordination compound,[Cu（HDPPZC）（SO4）（H2O）]2 （1,HDPPZC=dipyrido[3,2-a：2,3-c]-phenazine-2-carboxylic acid）,has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction,elemental analysis and magnetic susceptibility measurement.It crystallizes in triclinic,space group P1 with a=0.69485（6）,b=0.76878（4）,c=1.76638（13）nm,α=99.437（6）,β=94.690（6）,γ=95.735（6）o,V=0.92151（12） nm 3,Z=1,Cu2C38 H24 N 8S2O14,Mr=1007.85,Dc= 1.816 g·cm-3,F（000）=510,GOOF=0.988,the final R=0.0580 and wR=0.0689.The structural analyses reveal that complex 1 shows discrete dinuclear clusters,which are further linked by hydrogen bonding and π·π stacking interactions to form a three-dimensional supramolecular compound.Magnetic measurement shows ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic exchange interactions in the sample.