Cement occupies a significant proportion in construction, serving as the primary material for components such as bricks and walls. However, its role is largely limited to load-bearing functions, with little exploration of additional applications. Simultaneously, buildings remain a major contributor to global energy consumption, accounting for 40% of total energy use. Here, we for the first time endow cement with energy storage functionality by developing cement-based solid-state energy storage wallboards (CSESWs), which can utilize the ample idle surface areas of building walls to seamlessly store renewable energy from distributed photovoltaics without compromising building safety or requiring additional space. Owing to unprecedented microstructures and composition interactions, these CSESWs not only achieve a superionic conductivity of 101.1 mS cm⁻¹ but also demonstrate multifunctionality, such as significant toughness, thermal insulation, lightweight, and adhesion. When integrated with asymmetrical electrodes, the CSESWs exhibit a remarkable capacitance (2778.9 mF cm⁻²) and high areal energy density (10.8 mWh cm⁻²). Moreover, existing residential buildings renovated with our CSESWs can supply 98% of daily electricity needs, demonstrating their outstanding potential for realizing zero-carbon buildings. This study pioneers the use of cement in energy storage, providing a scalable and cost-effective pathway for sustainable construction.

Owing to anionic redox, cathode materials containing layered Li-rich Mn-based oxides (LLOs) are promising for the development of next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with a large energy density (~500–600 Wh·kg⁻¹). However, these LLOs are easily degraded during cycling, which limits their lifespan. So far, the degradation mechanism is still under debate. Herein, LLOs are post-treated through implantation with energetic Ti ion flux (Ti-LLO), which modifies the structure of LLOs both at the surface and within the bulk. Unlike the dominant R\bar{3}m phase (73.24%) observed in LLOs, the phase structure of Ti-LLO is altered, with Li-rich C2/m accounting for 67.72% in the bulk, alongside the formation of a thin (approximately 2 nm), uniform, and continuous Li-Ti-O spinel layer at the surface. Apart from phase structure changes, chemical valence states of transition metals and O, as well as their evolution, are analyzed and compared to charge transport kinetics to elucidate their contributions to the enhanced discharge capacity in Ti-LLOs. Besides, the role of the Li-Ti-O spinel layer at the surface in providing anticorrosion protection at the interface of LLOs/electrolyte during cycling is evaluated. As a result, we demonstrate that a superhigh discharge capacity (335.3 mAh·g⁻¹) at 0.1 C can be achieved, along with prolonged cycling stability (showing capacity retention of approximately 80% after 500 cycles at 1 C) through these modifications. Moreover, we confirmed the universality of the strategy by implanting other ions, which offers practical strategies for achieving high performance in LLO cathode materials through thermodynamics and kinetics pathways.

The global drive for sustainable energy solutions intensified interest in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE), as a promising hydrogen production pathway, leveraging renewable energy sources. However, widespread adoption is hindered by the high cost and non-optimised design of crucial components, such as porous transport layers (PTL) and flow fields. This study comprehensively investigates the interplay between structure, mechanics, and electrochemical performance of a low-cost knitted wire mesh PTL, focusing on its potential to enhance cell assembly and operation. Electrochemical characterisation was performed on a single 4 cm² cell, using 1 M KOH at 60°C. Knitted wire mesh PTL, characterised by approximately 70% porosity, 2 mm thickness, and 1.098 tortuosity, delivered a 33% improvement in current density compared to the standard cell configuration. Introducing a knitted PTL interlayer reduced cell voltage by 74 mV at 2 A cm⁻² by improving compression force distribution across the active area, enhancing gas transport and maintaining optimal electrical and thermal conductivity. These findings highlight the significant potential of innovative PTL designs in AEMWE to improve mechanical and operational efficiency without increasing the cost.

This study introduces an innovative composite cathode catalyst layer (CCL) design for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), combining Pt-supported by Vulcan carbon (Pt/V) and Ketjenblack carbon (Pt/KB) to overcome mass transport limitations and ionomer-induced catalyst poisoning. The composite architecture strategically positions Pt/V layer with lower ionomer-to-carbon ratio (I/C = 0.6) near the proton exchange membrane to maximize surface Pt accessibility and oxygen transport efficiency, whereas Pt/KB layer (I/C = 0.9) adjacent to the gas diffusion layer leverages its porous structure to shield Pt from sulfonate group poisoning and enhance proton conduction under low-humidity conditions. This synergistic carbon support engineering achieves a balance between reactant accessibility and catalyst utilization, as demonstrated by improved power density, reduced transport resistance, and higher Pt utilization under dry conditions. These findings establish a new paradigm for low-Pt CCL design through rational carbon support hybridization and ionomer gradient engineering, offering a scalable solution for high-performance PEMFCs in energy-critical applications.

The latent heat thermal energy storage system with solid–liquid phase-change material (SLPCM-LHTES) as energy storage medium provides outstanding advantages such as system simplicity, stable temperature control, and high energy storage density, showing great potential toward addressing the energy storage problems associated with decentralized, intermittent, and unstable renewable energy sources. Notably, effective heat transfer within the SLPCM-LHTES is crucial for extending its application potential. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the heat transfer processes in SLPCM-LHTES from a theoretical perspective is necessary. In this review, we propose a three-stage heat transfer pathway in SLPCM-LHTES, including external heating, interfacial heat transfer, and intrinsic phase transition processes. From the perspective of this three-stage pathway, the theoretical basis of heat transfer processes and typical efficiency enhancement strategies in SLPCM-LHTES are summarized. Moreover, an overview of the typical applications of SLPCM-LHTES in various fields, such as building energy efficiency, textiles and garments, and battery thermal management, is presented. Finally, the remaining challenges and possible avenues of research in this burgeoning field will also be discussed.

Capturing of ambient energy is emerging as a transformative area in energy technology, potentially replacing batteries or significantly extending their lifespan. Harnessing of energy from ambient sources presents a significant opportunity to support sustainable development while mitigating environmental issues. Repurposing energy that would otherwise be wasted from high-consumption systems such as engines and industrial furnaces is essential for reducing ecological footprints and moving toward carbon-neutral goals. Furthermore, compact energy harvesting technologies will play a pivotal role in powering the rapidly expanding Internet of Things, enabling innovative advancements in smart homes, cities, industries, and health care that elevate our living standards. To achieve significant advancements in energy harvesting technologies, the development of innovative materials is crucial for converting ambient energy into electricity. In this regard, two-dimensional (2D) materials, a rising star in the material world, are profoundly and technologically intriguing for energy harvesting. The exceptional atomic thickness, high surface-to-volume ratio, flexibility, and tunable band gap effectively enhance their electronic, optical, and chemical properties, making them a potential candidate for use in flexible electronics and wearable energy harvesting technologies. Consequently, these unique properties of 2D materials remarkably enhance their energy harvesting capabilities, including photovoltaic, triboelectric, thermoelectric, and piezoelectric energy harvesting. Here, we present a tutorial-style review of 2D materials for harvesting energy from different ambient sources (aimed particularly at guiding and educating researchers, especially those new to the field), which starts with a brief overview of the promising properties of 2D materials for energy harvesting, then looks deeply into its advantages as compared to traditional materials along with their 3D counterparts, followed by providing insight into the mechanisms and performance of 2D material–based energy harvesters in portable/wearable electronics, and finally, based on current progress, an overview of the challenges along with corresponding strategies are identified and discussed.

Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) represents an advanced technology for converting CO₂ into highly valuable chemicals. Although significant progress has been achieved in producing multi-carbon chemicals such as ethylene (C₂H₄), addressing (bi)carbonate salt formation and precipitation in alkaline electrolytes remains a critical challenge for achieving long-term stability during industrialization. We developed a Cu₂(OH)₂CO₃/Mg²⁺/C pre-catalyst, which transforms into a catalytically active Cu⁰/Cu²⁺/Mg²⁺ composite by electroreduction. Crucially, the application of different ionomers (specifically Sustainion XA-9) on this composite catalyst effectively alleviates salt precipitation issues, thereby enabling high-selectivity, durable CO₂-to-C₂₊ conversion. In a membrane electrode assembly, the maximum Faradaic efficiency for C₂₊ products reaches 80%, with stable operation at 200 mA cm⁻² for 50 h. In situ Raman spectroscopy reveals that only top-type *CO intermediate exists on the Cu⁰/Cu²⁺/Nafion cathode, whereas both bridge-type and top-type of *CO sites coexist on the Cu⁰/Cu²⁺/Mg²⁺/Sustainion XA-9 cathode. This dual adsorption configuration facilitates the C─C coupling kinetics on the catalyst, inducing a favorable microenvironment for selective C₂₊ formation. Therefore, strategic optimization of catalyst architectures and ionomer engineering enables CO₂RR with improved efficiency and durability, advancing green chemistry and carbon-neutral technologies.

The development of formic acid dehydrogenation materials with high activity and low cost is key to realizing hydrogen energy utilization. Herein, we describe a specific low-loading strategy to construct a high-activity Co atom site catalyst for this reaction. Under optimal conditions, the formic acid dehydrogenation performance of Co─Fe dual-atom catalyst (turnover frequency of 2,446.8 h⁻¹, hydrogen production rate of 1,015,306.1 mL g_Co⁻¹ h⁻¹) was 300 times greater than that of commercial 5% Pd/C. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure spectra, combined with theoretical calculations, confirm that the presence of different active sites (Co single-atom, Co–Co dual-atom, Co─Fe dual-atom) in catalysts is the key factor affecting their catalytic activity. These findings provide a strong scientific basis for the development of single-atom and dual-atom catalysts.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries encounter issues with the formation of Zn dendrites and parasitic reactions at Zn anodes. To address these issues, coating Zn anodes with two-dimensional (2D) nanocarbon materials, such as graphene, has proven effective in ensuring uniform current distribution and facilitating charge transfer. While direct growth of 2D nanocarbon on Zn substrates offers significant advantages, it remains challenging due to Zn's low melting point (420°C). In this study, as a first proof-of-concept, a unique sonochemical route was developed to directly grow crystalline-amorphous mixed 2D nanocarbon films, named “Leopard-patterned graphene,” on Zn substrates. This unique structure provides uniform nucleation sites while maintaining high Zn²⁺ ion permeability, mitigating dendrite formation. In Zn symmetric coin cell tests, the Zn electrodes coated with Leopard-patterned graphene maintained stable cycling for over 2000 h at a constant current density of 3 mA cm⁻². This study introduces an innovative approach for bottom-up synthesis of 2D nanocarbon on Zn substrates under ambient conditions and demonstrates its potential to address critical challenges in Zn-ion battery performance. The findings provide insights into advanced electrode design strategies for next-generation energy storage devices.

The frost-driven self-fracture of ionomer-bound carbon electrodes compromises the mechanical stability of electrochemical systems under subzero conditions. This study suggests that the mechanical degradation of ionomer-bound carbon electrodes under subfreezing conditions is primarily driven by damage within the ionomer binder phase rather than within the nanopores. This damage occurs owing to the expansion of confined water upon freezing. Reducing the size of the freezable water domains significantly enhances the mechanical robustness. Structural and mechanical analyses reveal that thermal reconfiguration effectively modifies the ionomer nanostructure, leading to an approximately 30% reduction in water uptake and improved resistance to frost-induced self-fracturing. Nanostructural analyses further confirm that crystallized packing in the ionomer binder minimizes the number of water retention sites, thereby restricting the buildup of internal stress during freezing. Consequently, the elongation of the as-prepared electrodes reduces by approximately 65% after freezing at −10°C, whereas that of the thermally reconfigured electrodes is above 90% of its initial value with minimal deterioration. These findings highlight the critical role of ionomer-phase engineering in improving the low-temperature durability of ionomer-bound carbon electrodes, providing a scalable strategy applicable to fuel cells, water electrolyzers, and next-generation energy storage systems without requiring antifreezing agents.

Achieving carbon neutrality is urgent due to the critical issue of climate change. To reach this goal, the development of new, breakthrough technologies is necessary and urgent. One such technology involves efficient carbon capture and its conversion into useful chemicals or fuels. However, achieving considerable amounts of efficiency in this field is a very challenging task. Even in natural photosynthesis occurring in plant leaves, the CO₂ conversion efficiency into hydrocarbons cannot exceed a value of 1%. Nevertheless, recently few reports show comparable higher efficiency in CO₂ to gaseous products such as carbon monoxide (CO), but it is hard to find selective liquid fuel products with a high value of solar to liquid fuel conversion efficiency. Herein, a NiFe-assisted hybrid composite dark cathode is employed for the selective production of solar-to-liquid fuels, in conjunction with a BiVO₄ photoanode. This process results in the generation of significant amounts of formaldehyde, ethanol, and methanol selectively. The primary objective of this study is to design and optimize a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) system to produce solar-to-liquid fuels selectively. This study shows the enhancement of the solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency over 1.5% by employing a hybrid composite cathode composed of NiFe-assisted reduced graphene oxide (rGO), poly(4-vinyl)pyridine (PVP), and Nafion.

Strategic fluorination of solvent, a prominent strategy to enhance the electrolyte oxidation resistance and engineer a robust cathode–electrolyte interface, is crucial for realizing high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. Actually, the adaptability of fluorinated solvents to high voltages is critically determined by the degree of fluorination and the fluorination site, yet lacks systematic design principles. Herein, we introduce a solvent screening descriptor based on ionization energy and Fukui function to assess molecular and site-specific reactivity. Computational and experimental results demonstrate that an optimal solvent with low ground-state energies and reactive sites is required as an ideal candidate for high-voltage electrolytes. Among derivatives from anisole, (trifluoromethoxy)benzene is identified as a superior candidate, enabling the formulation of a low reactivity solution (LPT) as electrolyte. Remarkably, the prepared Li‖LCO cell using LPT electrolyte maintained a high-capacity retention of 78.8% after 600 cycles at 4.5 V. In addition, the formation of an inorganic-rich interphase from LPT electrolyte effectively suppresses structural degradation to ensure a fast dynamic behavior. The utilization of LPT electrolyte also greatly reduces the amount of heat released and the production of O₂ gas, which is favorable for addressing thermal runaway hazards. This screening strategy offers a practical approach for the design of flame-retardant high-voltage electrolytes.