Built-in electric field (BIEF) engineering has emerged as a pivotal strategy for enhancing electrocatalytic performance by tailoring interfacial charge redistribution in heterojunctions. As an innovative approach, BIEF engineering demonstrates remarkable potential in accelerating charge transport, optimizing intermediate adsorption/desorption, enhancing catalyst conductivity, and tailoring local reaction microenvironments. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advancements in BIEF-driven electrocatalysts, providing an overview of their fundamental mechanisms and pivotal advantages. First, electrocatalysts capable of forming BIEF are classified, and the representative geometric characteristics are discussed. Then, the techniques for characterizing BIEF are systematically summed up, including the direction and intensity analysis. Additionally, the positive effects of BIEF on the catalytic properties are highlighted and elaborated. Finally, this review offers an outlook on the future directions in this emerging field, aiming to offer a reference for the blossoming of advanced BIEF-driven electrocatalysts.

The global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions has intensified research into efficient hydrogen production, with ammonia (NH₃) decomposition emerging as a promising method due to its high hydrogen content. Catalyst design is critical to this process, in which carbon-based supports play a key role in enhancing performance. This review explores the use of various carbon-based supports, such as activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, Sibunit, mesoporous carbon, graphene, and xerogels, as carriers for metal catalysts in NH₃ decomposition. These supports offer thermal stability, high surface area, and favorable electronic properties, promoting better dispersion of active metal sites. This review critically examines both noble and non-noble metal catalysts and discusses how the carbon support structure and modifications influence performance. Mechanistic insights into NH₃ decomposition, key elementary steps, and catalyst behavior are detailed. Challenges and future directions in carbon-supported catalyst development are highlighted to guide advancements in hydrogen production and sustainable energy systems.

Solid-state polymer electrolytes have emerged as a safer alternative to liquid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries, yet their flammability and the inherent combustion risks of lithium metal anodes during thermal runaway remain critical safety concerns. Herein, we propose a cost-effective lithium-copper composite anode that synergistically addresses both safety and lithium dendrite suppression challenges. The composite anode enables cells to achieve a fourfold enhancement in cycle lifespan compared with conventional lithium metal anodes. By integrating this non-flammable composite anode with a flame-retardant polymer electrolyte, we establish a dual-protection strategy for battery safety. Notably, the total heat release of composite anode-based batteries decreases by 80% compared to conventional lithium metal counterparts. This study provides a materials engineering solution that simultaneously improves both electrochemical performance and safety metrics for solid-state lithium metal batteries, paving the way for practical high-energy-density battery applications.

Planar silicon/perovskite tandem solar cells exhibit significant advantages over textured architectures, including simplified fabrication, reduced cost, and scalability for industrial production. However, their planar configuration inherently leads to substantial optical losses. Here, we systematically analyze optical loss mechanisms in planar silicon/perovskite tandem devices and develop an optical simulation framework to address current-matching challenges between sub-cells. Through precise manipulation of hole transport layer thickness, we demonstrate synergistic optimization of parasitic absorption and reflection in the top cell. This approach yields a semi-transparent device with a short-circuit current density of 19.48 mA/cm² and a power conversion efficiency of 20.37%. An optical coupling model is established to determine optimal layer thicknesses under current-matched conditions for a tandem device. For bifacial configurations, active layer thickness and bandgap are co-optimized. Simulation results reveal that a 1.56 eV bandgap perovskite layer (800 nm) achieves 35.40% efficiency at 0.3 albedo. Cost analysis shows bifacial devices reduce the levelized cost of energy to $0.258/W at 0.3 albedo, representing a 12.8% reduction compared to single-sided Ag-coated counterparts. This study provides a comprehensive optical design strategy and cost-performance evaluation, offering critical insights for developing next-generation low-cost, high-efficiency tandem photovoltaic architectures.

Aqueous batteries represent a significant research area due to their low cost and high safety advantages. However, aqueous electrolytes suffer from high side-reaction activity, narrow electrochemical windows, and insufficient interface stability and are frozen at low temperatures, thus hampering practical applications. This review focuses on high-concentration brine-based aqueous electrolyte optimization strategies to address the above problems. The solvation structure, hydrogen-bond network, and interfacial components are the key factors that are altered by the appropriate salts, solvent selection, and electrode interaction. A high concentration of brine decreases the free water content, inhibits the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and widens the electrochemical window. Additional salts and solvents in the electrolyte can further promote the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) to reduce deleterious interfacial side reactions. At the same time, the synergistic effects between the cathodes/anodes and the electrolyte expand the electrochemical window, improve the interface stability, and enhance the electrochemical properties of aqueous batteries. In this review, we describe the optimization strategies and mechanisms to provide guidance to future research on high-concentration electrolytes (HCE) and the challenge of high-energy and wide-temperature-range applications.

Polymer solid electrolytes (PSEs) serve as safer alternatives to liquid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries (LMBs) owing to their enhanced thermal and electrochemical stability. However, the practical application of PSEs is constrained by low ionic conductivity and suboptimal electrochemical performance. In this study, we develop a composite solid polymer electrolyte (CSPE) by incorporating LiX zeolites into a polyethylene oxide (PEO) matrix to create Li⁺ transport channels with low curvature, thereby enhancing Li⁺ mobility. The introduction of LiX significantly improves the electrochemical properties of the CSPE, achieving a high ionic conductivity of 8.5 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at 60°C, and a broadened electrochemical stability window of 4.6 V. As a result, Li | |LiFePO₄ all-solid-state cells exhibit excellent cycling performance, retaining 132.8 mAh g⁻¹ with 85.71% capacity retention after 800 cycles at 1C. Furthermore, all-solid-state pouch cells assembled with LiX-based CSPEs maintain stable operation even under mechanical abuse conditions (e.g., folding, twisting, and cutting), highlighting their potential for safe and flexible energy storage applications.

The growing demand for clean and sustainable energy sources, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as an efficient solution for harvesting electrical energy from biomechanical motion. In this study, we report the fabrication of TENG using sonochemically prepared graphene/polydimethylsiloxane (SGP) nanocomposite films as an active tribo-negative layer and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as a tribo-positive layer. The nanocomposite film with 0.75 wt% graphene exhibited superior triboelectric performance, achieving a high output voltage of 415 V and a current of 5.06 µA, respectively. The surface potential characteristics and charge transfer behaviour were systematically studied using Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and density functional theory (DFT) simulations, suggesting enhanced charge-trapping capability in the nanocomposite film is due to the presence of graphene in the polymer matrix. The fabricated SGP-TENG was successfully integrated into practical applicability such as human motion monitoring, gaming interfaces, and power-point control confirming its potential in futuristic self-powered systems.

Radioisotope batteries, as a highly efficient and long-lasting micro-energy conversion technology, demonstrate unique advantages in fields, such as aerospace, medical devices, and power supply in extreme environments. This paper provides a systematic review of the research progress in radioisotope batteries, with a focus on analyzing the performance of different semiconductor materials in terms of energy conversion efficiency, radiation resistance, and application potential. The content covers optimization strategies and application prospects for traditional and wide/ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor materials (including silicon, gallium arsenide, silicon carbide, gallium nitride, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, diamond, gallium oxide, and perovskite, among others). It also identifies current technical challenges, including low energy conversion efficiency, accelerated performance degradation of semiconductor materials under irradiation, and challenges related to the safe management of radioisotope. Finally, the article outlines future research directions, emphasizing the promotion of practical applications of radioisotope batteries through material innovation, structural design, and process optimization, with the aim of advancing academic innovation and engineering practices to address extreme environmental conditions and long-term energy demands.

Carbon aerogel supported phase change materials (PCMs) can confer multifunctional properties to ordinary PCMs and meet specific requirements in extreme environments. In this study, composite phase change materials (CPCMs) with integrated insulation and thermal conductivity functions were successfully developed through the physical integration of a thermal insulation layer and a thermal conductivity layer. The structurally stable carbonized polyimide (C-PI)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) aerogel acts as the thermal conductivity layer substrate. The aerogel obtained from a polyamic acid salt (PAS) composite with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was used for the thermal insulation layer. Then, polyethylene glycol was vacuum-impregnated into the integrated aerogel to prepare CPCMs with integrated insulation, thermal conductivity, and thermal energy storage functions. When the mass ratio of CNTs to PAS was 2, the enthalpy reaches 160.3 J/g and the PEG loading reaches 95.56%. Moreover, the presence of CNTs increased the thermal conductivity of the thermal conductive layer to 0.433 W/m K. In addition, the bilayer CPCMs can conduct heat quickly and also have a good thermal insulation effect. The all-in-one material achieves a perfect combination of dual functions and provides a new solution for thermal management of power devices. Furthermore, the bilayer CPCMs also have great application potential in the field of infrared stealth.

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂RR) to produce C₂₊ products is extremely important. It serves as a crucial link in realizing efficient carbon cycle utilization and promoting sustainable energy development. Among various catalyst fields, copper-based materials stand out. Their unique electronic and surface properties give them an advantage in selectively converting carbon dioxide into C₂₊ compounds, thus attracting extensive research. However, challenges such as high overpotential, slow reaction kinetics, and low selectivity still persist. We analyzed various structural forms, ranging from single-metal copper with tunable morphologies, to copper with different oxidation states, and then to copper-doped diatomic single-atom catalysts (DSACs). We discussed the design strategies of these three major categories of catalysts, systematically compared their catalytic performances and underlying mechanisms, and provided design insights for the further preparation of C₂₊ products. Finally, the main challenges are outlined, the potential prospects of CO₂RR are proposed, and it is hoped that large-scale industrial applications can be achieved in the future.

In n–i–p perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the buried interface of the perovskite layer is crucial for boosting both performance and stability. Here, multifunctional small molecule potassium trifluoromethanesulfonate (TFSK) is employed as an interlayer to efficiently bridge SnO₂ and the buried perovskite film, simultaneously regulating interfacial energetics and morphology. This strategy provides several advantages: (1) TFSK passivates oxygen vacancy defects and surface hydroxyl groups on SnO₂, while also improving energy level alignment; (2) TFSK modification induces a loose and porous morphology in PbI₂, facilitating the diffusion of ammonium salts and promoting sufficient ionic reactions to high-quality FAPbI₃ films; (3) TFSK interacts strongly with perovskite through Lewis acid–base interaction (between S=O groups and uncoordinated Pb²⁺) and hydrogen bonding (between F⁻ and formamidinium cations), significantly suppressing non-radiative recombination. Consequently, the quality of both SnO₂ and perovskite films is significantly improved, which greatly boosts the power conversion efficiency of small-size PSCs to 25.82%, with a high open-circuit voltage of 1.19 V, a minimal voltage loss of 0.341 V, and negligible hysteresis. Moreover, the optimized SnO₂/TFSK-based PSCs demonstrate improved storage, humidity, and thermal stability.

Exploring new POPs disposal strategies and synthesizing carbonous energy storage materials are two important and urgent issues in environmental and energy fields, which may be realized simultaneously through an efficient one-pot process that applies the carbon skeleton structure of POPs in the synthesis of advanced functional carbon materials. Herein, a solvent-free mechanochemical strategy is proposed to convert hazardous dechlorane plus (DP) into alkynyl carbon material (ACM) with a unique structure and high electrochemical performance. In this process, DP is efficiently degraded into ACM and harmless CaCl₂ with CaC₂ as co-milling reagent, the strategy shows green and feasible manner, and main influence factors show reciprocal compensatory effect. The resultant ACM possesses unique composition and structure with alkynyl-linked DP carbon skeleton and well ordered internal structure. Besides, the ACM electrode exhibits good electrochemical performance with high specific capacitance (222.6 F cm^–3), good electrical conductivity and outstanding cycling stability. This study realizes the integrated combination of efficient degradation of hazardous DP and green synthesis of functional ACMs, further provides an innovative perspective for the current problems in the field of environment, energy, and materials.

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) technology stands as a core technology for sustainable water treatment, with the development of 3D evaporators breaking through the bottlenecks of traditional 2D structures in evaporation efficiency and functional expansion. Textile fabrics, featuring simple preparation, low cost, high scalability, environmental friendliness, and high specific surface area porous structures, enable the synergistic optimization of photothermal conversion, water transport, and anti-salt performance when integrated into 3D evaporation systems. This review systematically classifies and summarizes fabric-based 3D interfacial evaporators based on three dimensions: photothermal materials (carbon-based, semiconductors, polymers, and metal nanomaterials), weaving methods (woven, knitted, braided, non-woven, and special processing techniques), and structural designs (multilayer fabrics, 3D spatial structures, and bionic structures). It deeply analyzes their impacts on photothermal conversion efficiency, water evaporation rate, and anti-salt deposition capability. The review concludes with an overview of application scenarios and discusses future technical challenges and research prospects for fabric-based solar interfacial evaporators (SIEs).

Silicon is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries because of its high theoretical capacity. However, their practical application is hindered by substantial volume expansion during lithiation/delithiation, which leads to mechanical degradation and capacity fading. To address this challenge, we propose a stress-dissipative binder system based on UV-induced cross-linking of viscoelastic poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) with rigid linear poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). The resulting PAA–PDMS binder can reversibly deform and recover in response to external stress due to the flexible siloxane backbone in PDMS, thereby accommodating the substantial volume expansion of Si electrode. Furthermore, the amphiphilic nature of the PDMS molecule increases its affinity for both carbon and Si particles, resulting in enhanced mechanical integrity of the Si electrode. These inherent characteristics of PDMS can effectively compensate for the rigidity of PAA, resulting in a well-balanced binder system tailored for Si electrodes. Consequently, the PAA–PDMS electrode exhibited a discharge capacity of 2072.68 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 0.5 C−rate, whereas the PAA−based electrode reached failure after only 70 cycles. Post-mortem analyses reveal that the improved electrochemical performance of the PAA–PDMS electrode arises from its ability to mitigate Si electrode degradation by suppressing volume expansion and stabilizing the electrode–electrolyte interface.

Dairy-derived biomacromolecules offer a sustainable and bio-functional platform for interfacial engineering in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Herein, we present a comparative study using three milk-based substances—casein (CA), whey protein (WP) and enzymatically hydrolysed whey protein peptides (WPPs)—to construct artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) coatings on Zn metal anodes. These protein-based films, rich in functional groups such as ─COOH, ─NH₂ and ─SH, chelate with Zn²⁺ and form conformal, ion-conductive protection layers that mitigate side reactions and dendrite growth. Among them, the WPP-derived SEI exhibits superior interfacial compatibility and molecular mobility, promoting homogeneous Zn deposition and significantly enhanced cycling stability. Zn||Zn symmetric cells with the WPP coating achieved an ultralong lifespan exceeding 3000 h, markedly outperforming WP- and casein-based counterparts. Furthermore, Zn||V₂O₅ full batteries employing WPP-coated Zn anodes delivered a high capacity and extended cyclability. This study not only highlights the interfacial regulation mechanisms of dairy-derived biomolecules but also offers a green and cost-effective strategy for developing high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs) have emerged as a promising next- generation photovoltaic technology due to their lightweight, conformal design, and compatibility with low-cost, scalable fabrication. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in FPSC development, focusing on low-temperature fabrication strategies, functional material engineering, and device integration. We first detail one- step and two-step deposition methods, along with other novel approaches for producing high-quality perovskite films on flexible substrates at reduced thermal budgets. Subsequently, we examine the design of key functional layers, including perovskite absorbers, electron and hole transport layers, flexible electrodes, and substrates, highlighting innovations that enhance performance and mechanical resilience. A dedicated section explores Sn-based perovskite solar cells as a low-toxicity alternative to lead-based systems, covering compositional optimization, device architecture, and their growing deployment in flexible configurations. This review further discusses the scalable realization of flexible perovskite solar modules, including module architecture, charge transport management, and environmental safety strategies such as lead encapsulation and sustainable substrates. We conclude with an overview of application scenarios ranging from wearable electronics and high-altitude platforms to self-powered IoT systems and evaluate commercialization prospects through integrated portable energy systems. Together, these insights provide a comprehensive roadmap toward the development of high-efficiency, mechanically robust, and environmentally responsible FPSCs for real-world deployment.

As fossil energy resources deplete and environmental challenges escalate, the development of clean energy technologies has gained global consensus. Among emerging strategies, electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production stands out due to its zero-carbon emissions. However, the oxygen evolution reaction suffers from sluggish kinetics and typically depends on precious metal catalysts. Recently, non-oxygen anion (e.g., S, P, N, F, C, etc.) high-entropy ceramics (NOHECs), a subclass of high-entropy materials doped with diverse elements, have demonstrated significant OER potential, offering a cost-effective solution with high activity and excellent stability. This review delineates the synthesis methods for NOHECs from two distinct perspectives: liquid-phase synthesis routes and gas-phase synthesis routes. Subsequently, the catalytic mechanisms and performance breakthroughs of various NOHECs are reviewed in detail, which are categorized by the types of coordinated non-oxygen anions. Importantly, this review critically explores future research directions for these materials from multiple perspectives, including innovative synthetic routes, novel NOHEC designs, theoretical simulations, advanced material characterization techniques, industrial feasibility, and expanded applications. Ultimately, it aims to provide a theoretical foundation and technical references for the integration of NOHECs in energy conversion systems while highlighting promising pathways for further advancement in this rapidly evolving field.

An economical, sustainable, and industry-acceptable process of utilizing low-value resources to produce highly competitive silicon-based anodes is attractive. In this study, a special anode architecture of PV nano-Si–SiO_x/graphite is developed by utilizing low-value photovoltaic (PV) recycled silicon, which is partially converted to new hybrid PV Si–SiO_x and nano-size simultaneously and wrapped by graphite fragments. An industry-grade ball milling techniques are exploited to assemble this special anode architecture under controlled environment conditions. The attained new PV nano-Si–SiO_x/graphite electrode-incorporated dual binders of carboxymethyl cellulose and poly (acrylic acid) demonstrates high charge capacity and stability (600 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.2 C after 500 cycles; 600 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 C after 100 cycles) as well as commendable Coulombic efficiencies (87% initial and ≥ 99.5% subsequent cycles), providing new opportunities for practical application. The structural analysis reveals that the partial conversion of Si to Si–SiO_x is critical to in situ generate the inert matrix of Li₂O–lithium silicate, which works as a buffer in diminishing the volume variation in the electrode during initial lithiation. Our silicon anode design and subsequent assembly by environmentally friendly processes can potentially be used to produce high-value practical silicon anodes for lithium-ion battery technology.

The carbon footprint of lithium-ion battery (LIB) manufacturing is an emerging concern with the rapid expansion of LIBs into electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems. In this context, dry electrode processing, enabled by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binders, offers a solvent-free, energy-efficient alternative to conventional slurry-based fabrication methods. Moreover, the unique fibril morphology of PTFE supports high-mass-loading electrodes without sacrificing ion transport or rate capability. However, PTFE's low intrinsic adhesion compromises the mechanical integrity of dry-processed electrodes, hindering practical application. Herein, we introduce a surface modification strategy based on polydopamine–poly(acrylic acid) coatings on graphite, enabling in-situ crosslinking during dry-processed electrode fabrication. This approach enhances the electrode adhesion strength without degrading electrochemical performance. The crosslinked electrodes exhibit superior mechanical stability and retain 87.1% of their initial capacity after 500 cycles at 1 C (4.3 mA cm⁻²), demonstrating a scalable route to robust, high-performance dry-processed electrodes.

Silicon (Si) is a promising anode material for boosting the energy density of current lithium-ion batteries; however, Si anodes suffer from enormous volume modulations and unstable solid electrolyte interphases (SEI) associated with the voltage window. Nevertheless, the relationship between voltage changes and deterioration of electrochemical performance remains unclear. Through systematic investigation of Si anodes under various cut-off voltages, we reveal that an increased degree of delithiation generates high hoop stress around the particle surface, ultimately leading to SEI thickening, fragmentation, and reformation. Furthermore, residual Li retained within Si particles after delithiation facilitates bidirectional Li⁺ diffusion, from Si core to shell and from electrolyte to shell, during the subsequent lithiation process. This phenomenon reduces the internal Li⁺ concentration gradient, delays the formation of crystalline Li₁₅Si₄, and alters delithiation kinetics. In addition, we observed that maintaining the voltage window within a range that induces high hoop stress and prevents the formation of crystalline Li₁₅Si₄ enables the Si anode to achieve optimized cycling performance and capacity. This voltage modulation criterion is also applicable for nano-sized Si, graphite-Si composite anodes, and solid-state batteries. The practical effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through the successful operation of 5 Ah LiCoO₂/Si pouch cells, confirming that dynamic voltage control based on polarization can substantially enhance the cycle life of lithium-ion batteries.

The narrow electrochemical stability window (ESW), gaseous by-products, and interfacial issues in aqueous electrolytes have long hindered the advancement of Zn-ion batteries. Herein, we report the first application of a zinc trifluoromethylsulfonate/1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethylsulfonate (Zn(TfO)₂/[EMIm]TfO) ionic liquid electrolyte with wide ESW exceeding 3 V in nonaqueous zinc-selenium (Zn-Se) batteries. To further enhance the reaction kinetics, the Co single atoms anchored onto N-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (Co-N/C) with Co-N₄ sites is designed as a Se host (Se@Co-N/C). Significantly, the Se@Co-N/C composite demonstrates an improved electrochemical performance, delivering a high discharge voltage of 1.5 V and a capacity of 410.6 mAh g⁻¹. Comprehensive mechanistic studies reveal that the Co-N₄ structure in the Co-N/C host acts as dual-function catalytic sites, lowering the energy barrier for both Zn(TfO)₄²⁻ dissociation and Se(TfO)₄ formation, thereby accelerating the conversion kinetics. This finding provides novel insights into designing stable Zn-Se batteries in nonaqueous ionic liquid electrolytes.

Step-scheme (S-scheme) heterojunctions offer significant potential for enhancing photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) by promoting charge separation while preserving high redox capabilities. Herein, theoretical calculations predict that constructing a ZnMoO₄@ZnIn₂S₄ S-scheme (ZMO@ZIS) heterojunction significantly lowers the Gibbs free energy for H₂ evolution compared to the individual monomers, indicating a thermodynamically and kinetically favored pathway. Guided by this prediction, we synthesized the ZMO@ZIS heterojunction by in situ anchoring ZnIn₂S₄ nanosheets onto ZnMoO₄ hexagonal platform, with the expectation of achieving excellent photocatalytic H₂ evolution performance. This unique trans-scale assembly strategy spontaneously organizes ZIS into a hierarchical porous network, markedly increasing the surface area and providing abundant accessible active sites and efficient mass transfer channels. Comprehensive experimental characterization combined with detailed theoretical simulation provides compelling evidence confirming the S-scheme electron transfer mechanism and establishment of an internal electric field, where high-potential electrons in ZIS and holes in ZMO are retained for PHE. Consequently, the ZMO@ZIS-13 S-scheme heterojunction achieves an exceptional visible-light PHE rate of 5.045 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under visible light, representing a 10.7-fold improvement compared to that of pure ZnIn₂S₄. This study demonstrates the efficacy of theory-guided design and trans-scale assembly for creating efficient S-scheme photocatalysts with optimized charge dynamics.

The development of efficient photocatalyst materials is crucial for solar hydrogen production through photocatalytic water splitting. Recently, earth-abundant elemental red phosphorus (RP) materials with broader light absorption ability and appropriate band structure characteristics have been considered as promising metal-free photocatalysts. Herein, this review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the progress achieved so far in the utilization of RP-based photocatalysts for solar driven hydrogen production applications. It starts off with a summary of the discovery, crystal and electronic structures of various RP allotropes, including amorphous, type Ⅱ, Hittorf's and fibrous phosphorus materials. Subsequently, the synthesis strategies of RP and RP-based materials utilized in photocatalysis were discussed. Furthermore, the elemental RP, and the modification of RP with cocatalyst and other semiconductors were examined to ascertain its potential in efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production. Finally, an overview and outlook on the challenges and future avenues in designing and constructing advanced visible-light-driven RP-based photocatalysts were also proposed.

Accelerating the decarbonization of power systems is crucial for achieving China's carbon neutrality goals and mitigating global warming. Considering the carbon neutrality targets and temperature limits set by the Paris Agreement, three carbon neutrality scenarios—NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution), CN2055 (Accelerated Decarbonization), and GM1.5 (Global 1.5°C Temperature Control)—were developed. The Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM) was used to quantitatively assess carbon emission pathways, energy transformation, and power generation costs across different scenarios. The spatial and temporal variations, along with the dynamic trends in carbon emissions and power systems across 31 provinces of China from 2025 to 2060, were systematically analyzed. The results indicate the following: (1) Emission reduction pathways vary significantly across different scenarios. Carbon emissions in the NDC scenario peaked in 2030 and then declined. The CN2055 scenario reached its peak earlier and accelerated decarbonization. The GM1.5 scenario reached nearzero emissions by 2050. (2) Low-carbon emissions are concentrated in inland regions, particularly the west, while high-carbon emissions are predominantly found in the eastern coastal areas. This contrast diminishes over time. (3) The proportion of nonfossil energy increased from 45% to 82%, coal power decreased to 16%, and wind and solar power collectively contributed over 56%. (4) The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) suggests that the eastern region reached the EKC turning point earlier, while the central and western regions benefited from the “late-mover advantage” and achieved emission reductions with a lower economic threshold. (5) Increased clean energy penetration will lower power generation costs, while moderate power demand growth can significantly reduce future total costs. The findings provide valuable insights for decision-making regarding the low-carbon transformation of China's power system and offer implications for other countries striving to achieve carbon neutrality goals.

The practical application of biomass-derived hard carbon (HC) in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) remains hindered by low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and limited rate capability, primarily caused by unstable surface functionalities and inefficient interfacial chemistry. In this study, we propose a facile precisely controlled partial oxidation strategy to selectively regulate the surface chemical environment of glucose-derived hard carbon, enabling the transformation of unstable hydroxyl and carboxyl groups into more stable carbonyl functionalities without significantly altering the carbon framework. This mild, low-temperature partial oxidation process partially unifies surface functional groups, promotes the formation of a thin and uniform solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and enhances Na⁺ adsorption and diffusion kinetics. The optimized sample (CS-HO) exhibits a reversible capacity of 310.5 at 50 mA g^–1, a high ICE exceeding 70%, and excellent rate performance and cycling stability, with 73% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 1 A g^–1. Mechanistic investigations, including in situ Raman spectroscopy and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), reveal a dominant “adsorption–intercalation–pore filling” storage mechanism, attributed to the homogenized carbonyl-rich surface and optimized porous environment. This study offers mechanistic insights into bond-specific surface engineering and establishes a scalable, energy-efficient, and chemically rational pathway toward the design of high-performance SIB anode materials.

Waste rubber products pose a significant threat to the Earth's ecological environment due to their non-biodegradability and long-term persistence. In this study, we present a method for converting various rubber products into single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and hydrogen (H₂) gas via a two-stage chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system. The core of this method is a porous magnesium oxide-supported cobalt catalyst (Co/MgO) prepared via a simple impregnation method, exhibiting high metal dispersion and superior performance. In the pyrolysis stage, thermal decomposition of the rubbers generates various hydrocarbons and carbon oxides. Subsequently, in the catalysis stage, these carbon-containing substances serve as the carbon source for the synthesis of SWNTs on the Co/MgO catalyst, concurrently releasing H₂. Remarkably, under optimal reaction temperatures, the synthesized SWNTs demonstrate a narrow chirality distribution with a (8, 4) SWNT proportion of 20.1%. Moreover, this approach is also applicable to convert real waste tires, which proposes a new avenue to recycling them into high-value carbon nanomaterials and H₂, thus shedding light on mitigating the environmental challenges associated with waste rubber disposal.