Aluminum metal batteries are considered to be promising secondary batteries due to their high theoretical specific capacity. However, metallic aluminum suffers from corrosion, pulverization, and crushing problems in nonaqueous electrolytes. Constructing a solid-electrolyte interphase layer on the anode electrode has been confirmed to be the key to improving the cycling performance of rechargeable batteries. Herein, we demonstrate an Al metal anode with a physical protective layer achieved by a simple blade coating method. This modified Al metal anode demonstrates ultra-low voltage hysteresis (∼25 mV at 0.1 mA cm⁻² and ∼30 mV at 1mA cm⁻²), and superior stability (630 h at 0.1 mA cm⁻² and 580 h at 1 mA cm⁻²). When coupling this anode with flake graphite cathode, the assembled full cells exhibit superior cycling stability (92 mAh g⁻¹ maintained after 740 cycles at 0.1 A g⁻¹). The current work presents a promising approach to stabilize Al metal anodes for next-generation rechargeable aluminum batteries.

Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction (CO₂RR), an emerging sustainable energy technology to convert atmospheric CO₂ into value-added chemicals, has received extensive attention. However, the high thermodynamic stability of CO₂ and the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction lead to poor catalytic performances, hardly meeting industrial application demands. Due to abundant reserves and favorable CO selectivity, zinc (Zn)-based catalysts have been considered one of the most prospective catalysts for CO₂-to-CO conversion. A series of advanced zinc-based electrocatalysts, including Zn nanosheets, Zn single atoms, defective ZnO, and metallic Zn alloys, have been widely reported for CO₂RR. Despite significant progress, a comprehensive and fundamental summary is still lacking. Herein, this review provides a thorough discussion of effective modulation strategies such as morphology design, doping, defect, heterointerface, alloying, facet, and singleatom, emphasizing how these methods can influence the electronic structure and adsorption properties of intermediates, as well as the catalytic activity of Zn-based materials. Moreover, the challenges and opportunities of Zn-based catalysts for CO₂RR are also discussed. This review is expected to promote the broader application of efficient Zn-based catalysts in electrocatalytic CO₂RR, thus contributing to a future of sustainable energy.

Due to its high energy density and low interface impedance, in situ polymerized gel electrolytes were considered as a promising electrolyte candidate for lithium metal batteries (LMBs). In this work, a new flameretardant gel electrolyte was prepared via in situ ring-opening polymerization of DOL and TEP. The PDOL-TEP electrolyte exhibits excellent room temperature ionic conductivity (0.38 mS cm⁻¹), wide electrochemical window (4.4 V), high Li+ transference number (0.57), and enhanced safety. Thus, the NCM811║Li cells with PDOL-TEP electrolyte exhibit excellent cycle stability (82.7% of capacity retention rate after 300 cycles at 0.5 C) and rate performance (156 and 119 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.5 and 1 C). Furthermore, phosphorus radicals decomposed from TEP can combine with hydrogen radicals to block the combustion reaction. This work provides an effective method for the preparation of solid-state LMBs with high voltage, high energy density, and high safety.

Steel slag is a waste discharged from the iron and steel smelting process, which has the characteristics of large output, high temperature, complex chemical composition and poor stability. The application of steel slag in hydrogen production and CO₂ fixation is of great significance for reducing energy consumption, obtaining renewable energy and fixing CO₂ in the air. In this paper, the research progress of high-temperature sensible heat of steel slag used for hydrogen production and CO₂ fixation at medium and low temperature is introduced, the reaction mechanism of different hydrogen production methods and the treatment path and direction of high-efficiency hydrogen production in the future are deeply analyzed, and the steel slag used for CO₂ fixation is discussed and summarized from the theory, effect and treatment mode of CO₂ fixation. In the future, the research on the economic benefits of hydrogen production and CO₂ fixation from steel slag is a major focus, which can achieve economic benefits while utilizing steel slag resources.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a special sort of three-dimensional crystalline porous lattices composed of organic multi-site connectors and metal nodes, are characterized by unique porosity and high specific surface area, which have attracted a wide range of interest as electrode materials for the electrochemical energy storage devices in recent years. In this contribution, we outline the current research progress on the construction of pristine MOFs, MOF composites, and MOF derivatives and their applications as electrode materials in supercapacitors (SCs) and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Specifically, we discuss the shortcomings of MOFs-based electrode materials for SCs and LIBs. The innovative work on performance improvements by combining MOFs with other conductive materials and derivating MOFs into metal sulfides, metal oxides, metal phosphides, and porous carbon is also presented in detail. Finally, our perspectives on the challenges in the future for a grasp of the potential mechanisms are tentatively provided. This review will inspire more developments and applications of MOFs-based electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage.

Sodium ion hybrid capacitors (SIHC) are emerging as promising nextgeneration energy storage devices with high energy/power density. Presodiation is an essential part of SIHC production due to the lack of sodium sources in the cathode and anode. However, in the current presodiation methods, electrochemical presodiation by galvanostatic current charging and discharging requires a temporary half-cell or a complex reassembling process, which severely hinders the commercialization of SIHC. Herein, in situ synthesized Na₂S infiltrated in activated carbon was used as a sodium salt additive for supplying Na⁺ in SIHC. Due to a low ratio of Na₂S additive attributed to high theoretical specific capacity, the fabricated Na₂S/activated carbon composite// HC SIHC can show a higher energy density of 129.71 Wh kg⁻¹ than previously reported SIHC on presodiation of cathode additives. Moreover, the designed SIHC shows an excellent cycling performance of 10,000 cycles, which is attributed to the Na₂S additive with the advantages of low decomposition potential and no gas generation. This work provides a novel approach for the fabrication of highly efficient Na₂S additive composite cathodes for SIHC.

The issues of health assessment and lifespan prediction have always been prominent challenges in the large-scale application of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This paper reviews the multiscale modeling techniques and their applications in battery health analysis, including atomic scale computational chemistry, particle scale reaction simulations, electrode scale structural models, macroscale electrochemical models, and data-driven models at the system level. Multiscale modeling offers a profound insight into material behavior and the aging process of batteries, thereby providing a valuable reference for both estimation and management strategies of battery state of health. To extend the battery lifespan, the utilization of artificial intelligence for material discovery and manufacturing process optimization, the implementation of end-cloud collaborative battery management systems, and the design of a multiscale simulation integration platform are considered. A management framework aimed at extending battery life is further proposed. This framework offers a promising roadmap for addressing health analysis challenges in LIBs, ultimately leading to more reliable, efficient, and durable solutions for next-generation batteries.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been utilized as the ideal candidates to preciously construct electrocatalysts. However, the highly ordered degree of COFs renders the catalytic centers closely stacked, which limits the utilization efficiency of catalytic sites. Herein, we have first constructed dangling and staggered-stacking aldehyde (-CHO) from [4 + 3] COFs as catalytic centers for 2e⁻ oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The new catalytic COFs have unreacted dangling -CHO out of the COFs’ planes, which are more easily exposed in electrolytes than the sites in the frameworks. More importantly, these –CHO adopt staggered stacking models, and thus provide larger space for mass transport than those with eclipsed stacking models. In addition, by tuning the triratopic linkers in the COFs, the catalytic properties are well modulated. The optimized COF shows high selectivity and activity for 2e⁻ ORR, with H₂O₂ selectivity of 91%, and mass activity of 12.2 A g⁻¹, respectively. The theoretical calculation further reveals the higher activity for the pyridine-contained B18C6-PTTA-COF due to the promoted binding ability of the intermediate OOH* at the carbon in dangling –CHO. This work provides us with a new insight into designing electrocatalysts based on COFs.

Metallurgical slag such as solid waste generated in the steel industry carries environmental pollution risks, but it is rich in nutrients required by microalgae. Metallurgical slag used for carbon capture and biomass energy conversion has multiple benefits: (i) reduction and harmless treatment of metallurgical solid waste, (ii) assisting in carbon neutrality by efficient carbon fixation, and (iii) production of biodiesel from CO₂. In this study, AOD, BOF, BFS, HVS, and VTS slag were applied to culture Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa) with the regulation of growth, carbon fixation, and lipid synthesis. An excellent fixed amount of CO₂ with 94.59 mg is obtained from C. pyrenoidosa biomass at BOF slag added (mass ratio of CO₂ captured/ microalgae/slag with 1.99/1.00/10.53) since high Ca/Mg mass ratio of 419 (8.38 mg/L Ca and 0.02 mg/L Mg), no Cr and low concentration of Al (0.04 mg/L) contribute to regulating antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD and POD) to resist ROS and improving PEPC activity to reduce carbon flux toward lipid to promote biomass synthesis. Both metal concentrations from Ca (5.86 mg/L), Mg (0.05 mg/L), Al (0.42 mg/L), and Cr (0.006 mg/L) and suitable pH (10.53) in AOD leaching solution at solid/liquid ratio of 0.5 g/L change carbon flow toward efficient lipid synthesis (47.07 wt%) by continuously providing raw materials and energy by regulating ACC, ME, and PEPC activities. High value-added biodiesel with high concentrations of C16 and C18 methyl esters from lipid of C. pyrenoidosa is achieved, following other ecological and economic benefits including 197 mg CO₂ captured and 2198 mg AOD applied with harmless. In this study, C. pyrenoidosa is cultured with elements from metallurgical slag solid waste, which promotes C. pyrenoidosa efficient carbon fixation to assist in carbon neutrality, and provides guidance for CO₂ conversion to high-value-added products with low cost.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as prominent contenders in the realm of luminescent nanomaterials over the past decade owing to their tunable optical properties, robust photostability, versatile surface functionalization and doping potential, low toxicity, and straightforward synthesis utilizing environmentally friendly precursors. In this review, we commence with a concise introduction, presenting both top-down and bottom-up strategies for the eco-friendly synthesis of CQDs. Subsequently, we delve into a comprehensive examination of CQDs' structure and optical characteristics, encompassing their ultraviolet-visible absorption properties, surface confinement effects, and surface state emissions contributing to room-temperature photoluminescence (PL). This review proceeds to elucidate recent advancements in modification strategies for CQDs, specifically focusing on surface oxidation, passivation, and the incorporation of heteroatoms. These strategies serve to afford control over the physicochemical properties, facilitating the enhancement of PL through the decoration of highly visible-responsive CQDs. This enhancement is achieved by suppressing the nonradiative recombination of electron-hole pairs, enabling red/blue shifts in CQDs for the generation of a full-color emission spectrum, and regulating the band-gap and surface states to broaden the photoabsorption range. Finally, we offer an overview of the most recent developments in the applications of fluorescent CQDs, emphasizing their utility in biomedicine, fluorescent sensors, lighting, and displays, as well as photocatalysis.

Zinc bromine flow batteries (ZBFBs) are well suited for stationary energy storage due to their attractive features of high energy density and low cost. Nevertheless, the ZBFBs suffer from low power density and limited efficiency owing to the relatively severe polarization of the Br₂/Br⁻ redox couple. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical composite electrode based on core-shell Ni/NiO heterostructures anchored on graphite felt (Ni/NiO@GF) is designed to promote the kinetics of the Br₂/Br⁻ couple, so as to improve the power density and efficiency of the ZBFB. In this design, the highly conductive carbon felt and Ni cores provide a composite electrode with a 3D electron transporting framework to guarantee excellent electronic conductivity, while the NiO shells possess great absorption ability to Br₂ and brilliant catalytic activity for the Br₂/Br⁻ redox reaction to reduce the electrochemical polarization. As a result, an enhanced ZBFB with Ni/NiO@GF electrode shows an outstanding energy efficiency of 86% at 20mA cm⁻² and can be operated at a current density of up to 160 mA cm⁻² with a respectable energy efficiency of 67%. These results exhibit a promising strategy to fabricate catalytic electrodes for high-performance ZBFBs.

Silicon (Si) anodes, known for their high capacity, confront obstacles such as volume expansion, the solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) formation, and limited cyclability, driving ongoing research for innovative solutions to enhance their performance in next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This comprehensive review explores the forefront of one-dimensional (1D) Si/carbon anodes for high-performance LIBs. This review delves into cutting-edge strategies for fabricating 1D Si/carbon structures, such as nanowires, nanotubes, and nanofibers, highlighting their advantages in mitigating volume expansion, enhancing electron/ion transport, and bolstering cycling stability. The review showcases remarkable achievements in 1D Si/carbon anode performance, including exceptional capacity retention, high-rate capability, and prolonged cycle life. Challenges regarding scalability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term stability are addressed, providing insights into the path to commercialization. Additionally, future directions and potential breakthroughs are outlined, guiding researchers and industries toward harnessing the potential of 1D Si/ carbon anodes in revolutionizing energy storage.

With the expansion of the global population, the energy shortage is becoming increasingly acute. Phase change materials (PCMs) are considered green and efficient mediums for thermal energy storage, but the leakage problem caused by volume instability during phase change limits their application. Encapsulating PCMs with supporting materials can effectively avoid leakage, but most supporting materials are expensive and consume huge of natural resources. Carbon materials, which are rich and renewable resources, can be used as economical and environmentally friendly supporting skeletons to prepare form-stable PCMs. Although many researchers have begun to use recyclable materials especially various derivatives of carbon as supporting skeletons to prepare form-stable PCMs, the preparation methods, thermophysical properties and applications of form-stable PCMs with recyclable skeletons have rarely been systematically summarized yet. Form-stable PCMs with a recyclable skeleton can be used as green and efficient thermal storage materials due to their high heat storage capacity and good thermophysical stability after 2000 thermal cycles. This review investigates the effects of recyclable skeletons on the thermophysical properties including phase change temperature, latent heat, thermal conductivity, supercooling, and thermal cycling reliability. Four major kinds of recyclable skeletons are focused on: biomass, biochar, industrial by-products as well as waste incineration ash. Additionally, the application scales of form-stable PCMs with recyclable skeletons are explicated in depth. Moreover, the main challenges confronted by form-stable PCMs with recyclable skeletons are discussed, and future research trends are proposed. This article provides a systematic review of the form-stable PCMs with recyclable skeletons, giving significant guidance for further reducing carbon emissions and promoting the development of sustainable energy.

The electrochemical alcohol oxidation reaction (AOR) is pivotal for the development of sustainable energy. The complete oxidation of alcohols has attracted extensive attention as a vital process in fuel cells. Moreover, as an alternative reaction to the oxygen evolution reaction, the selective oxidation of alcohols emerges as an effective means to lower the energy expenditure associated with electrolytic hydrogen production while yielding high-value products. Nonprecious metal materials have been widely applied in the selective oxidation catalysis of alcohols due to their cost-effectiveness and excellent durability. In recent years, leveraging the advantages of nonprecious metal materials in electrocatalytic AOR, researchers have delved into catalytic mechanisms and various efficient catalysts have been fabricated and evaluated. This review provides an overview of the current advancements in the electrocatalytic selective oxidation of diverse alcohols and the catalytic systems centered around nonprecious metal materials. It systematically summarizes the shared traits and distinctions in catalytic reaction characteristics across various systems, thereby laying the theoretical foundation for developing novel catalyst systems that are efficient, stable, and highly selective. This review will facilitate the utilization of nonprecious metal catalysts further toward the electrocatalytic oxidation of alcohols.

We successfully synthesized a series of O3-type NaNi_1/3Fe_1/3Mn_1/3−xZr_xO₂ (x=0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04) cathode materials by the solid-state reaction method. Energy dispersion spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirmed the successful incorporation of Zr elements into the lattice to substitute Mn. Due to the introduction of Zr⁴⁺, the crystal structure modulation of O3-NaNi_1/3Fe_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ has been realized. By increasing the Zr⁴⁺ content, the width of the sodium diffusion layer expands, thereby facilitating the diffusion of sodium ions. Consequently, the material exhibits a remarkable enhancement in high-rate capability. At the same time, increasing the Zr⁴⁺ content results in a notable decrease in both the average bond length of TM−O and the thickness of the TMO₆ octahedron in the transition metal layer, resulting in a significant improvement in the cycling performance and structural stability of the cathode material. Additionally, the in-situ XRD results demonstrate that the optimized cathode composition of O3-NaNi_1/3Fe_1/3Mn_1/3-0.02Zr_0.02O₂ (NFMZ2) undergoes a reversible phase transition of O3→O3+ P3→P3→ O3 + P3→O3 during the charge-discharge process.