Nano LiF-Enabled In Situ Synergistic Catalytic Polymeric Electrolytes for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries.

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) with excellent ionic conductivity and a wide electrochemical stability window are critical for high-energy lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, the widespread application of polymer electrolytes is severely limited by inadequate room-temperature ionic conductivity, sluggish interfacial charge transport, and uncontrolled reactions at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Herein, we present a uniform polymerized 1,3-dioxolane (PDOL) composite solid polymer electrolyte (PDOL-S/F-nano LiF CSE) that satisfies these requirements through the in situ catalytic polymerization effect of nano LiF on the polymerization of 1,3-dioxolane-based electrolytes.

Improved Conductivity of 2D Perovskite Capping Layer for Realizing High-Performance 3D/2D Heterostructured Hole Transport Layer-Free Perovskite Photovoltaics.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as low-cost photovoltaic representatives. Constructing three-dimensional (3D)/two-dimensional (2D) perovskite heterostructures has been shown to effectively enhance the efficiency and stability of PSCs. However, further enhancement of device performance is still largely limited by inferior conductivity of the 2D perovskite capping layer and its mismatched energy level with the 3D perovskite layer.

Superconjugated Anthraquinone Carbonyl-Based Covalent Organic Framework as Anode Material for High-Performance Aqueous Ammonium-Ion Batteries.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have recently been emerged as promising anode candidates for aqueous ammonium ion batteries (AAIBs), but suitable COFs need to be developed and the energy storage mechanisms need to be further investigated. Here we report an anthraquinone carbonyl-containing COF as anode for AAIBs, which exhibits a high specific capacity of 141 mAh g at 0.1 A g and good cycling stability with 90 % retention after 8000 cycles at 6 A g.

Controllable Synthesis of Heterogeneous ZnS/SnS Encapsulated in Hollow Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Microcubes as Anode for High-Performance Li-ion Capacitors.

Li-ion capacitors (LICs) integrate the desirable features of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors (SCs), but the kinetic imbalance between the both electrodes leads to inferior electrochemical performance. Thus, constructing an advanced anode with outstanding rate capability and terrific redox kinetics is crucial to LICs. Herein, heterostructured ZnS/SnS nanosheets encapsulated into N-doped carbon microcubes (ZnS/SnS@NC) are successfully fabricated.

Aqueous Binder with Self-Emulsifying Characteristics for Practical Si/C Anode in Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Silicon/carbon (Si/C) materials have achieved commercial applications as a solution to the problems of large volume expansion and short lifespan of silicon-based anodes in lithium-ion batteries. However, the potential risk of structural fracture and localized differences in surface adsorption properties lead to difficulties in maintaining the structural integrity of Si/C anodes using conventional binders during repeated lithiation/delithiation. Herein, an aqueous binder (PVA-g-M) based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) grafted methacrylic acid (MAA) obtained by self-emulsifying emulsion polymerization is reported.

Oxygen reduction reaction kinetics of platinum-based catalysts under stress induction.

The ORR kinetic optimization for PtNi and PtPb catalysts is conferred by stress induction. First principles calculation shows the cleavage barrier reduction of the key intermediate *OOH to 28.48 and 0 kJ mol, respectively.

Well-Defined PtCo@Pt Core-Shell Nanodendrite Electrocatalyst for Highly Durable Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

The rational design of efficient electrocatalysts with controllable structure and composition is crucial for enhancing the lifetime and cost-effectiveness of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). PtCo nanocrystals have gained attention due to their exceptional activity, yet suffer from stability issues in acidic media. Herein, an active and highly stable electrocatalyst is developed, namely 3D PtCo@Pt core-shell nanodendrites (NDs), which are formed through the self-assembly of small Pt nanoparticles (≈6 nm).

Tumor microenvironment-responsive engineered hybrid nanomedicine for photodynamic-immunotherapy via multi-pronged amplification of reactive oxygen species.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is promising in cancer therapy by accelerating tumor cell death, whose therapeutic efficacy, however, is greatly limited by the hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the antioxidant defense. Amplification of oxidative stress has been successfully employed for tumor therapy, but the interactions between cancer cells and the other factors of TME usually lead to inadequate tumor treatments. To tackle this issue, we develop a pH/redox dual-responsive nanomedicine based on the remodeling of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) for multi-pronged amplification of ROS (ZnPP@FQOS).

A Cosolvent Electrolyte Boosting Electrochemical Alkynol Semihydrogenation.

Green electricity-driven alkenol electrosynthesis via electrocatalytic alkynol semihydrogenation represents a sustainable route to conventional thermocatalysis. Both the electrocatalyst and electrolyte strongly impact the semihydrogenation performance. Despite significant progress in developing sophisticated electrocatalysts, a well-designed electrolyte in conjunction with industrial catalysts is an attractive strategy to advance the industrialization process of electrocatalytic alkynol semihydrogenation, but remains unexplored.

Colloidal ZnAl-Layered Double Hydroxide Nanomaterials for Effective Prevention of SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2 is a threat to global public health, which requires the development of safe measures to reduce the spread of this coronavirus. Herein, in this study, we prepared and examined potential antiviral agents based on ZnAl-layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH) materials. ZnAl-LDH-based samples were synthesized via a one-pot low-temperature coprecipitation method, which features an ultrathin structure.

Magnetic nanoparticle-mediated non-invasive imaging and eradication of lymph nodes.

Regional lymph node (LN) dissection is often used for the treatment of deep LNs in tumour surgery; however, the method is prone to incomplete LN dissection, trauma, complications, and other side effects. LN tracers make it easier to visualise and remove LNs. However, the current common LN tracers only have a single function or have radiation hazards related to their use.

Tackling the Activity Trend of Metal-Loaded Metal Nitride Catalysts for NH Synthesis by a First-Principles Microkinetic Study.

Ammonia (NH) is one of the most widely produced chemicals globally, primarily synthesized through the Haber-Bosch process, which requires high temperatures and pressures. Dual-site catalysts can activate N and H at spatially separated sites, enabling efficient NH synthesis under milder conditions. Despite the rapid experimental progress of the dual-site catalysts (e.

Preparation Techniques for Perovskite Single Crystal Films: From Nucleation to Growth.

Thickness-controllable perovskite single crystal films exhibit tremendous potential for various optoelectronic applications due to their capacity to leverage the relationship between diffusion length and absorption depth. However, the fabrication processes have suffered from difficulties in large-area production and poor quality with abundant surface defects. While post-treatments, such as passivation and polishing, can provide partial improvement in surface quality, the fundamental solution lies in the direct growth of high-quality single crystal films.

The effect of a distorted MO octahedral unit on the activity and stability for the oxygen evolution reaction.

Metal oxides have garnered significant attention in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), where a distorted MO octahedral unit has a marked impact on their performance. This study introduces the distortion coefficient to quantify the MO distortion composed of its volume and shape, and reports the effect of MO distortion on the activity and stability in rutile metal oxides for the OER. This provides a fundamental understanding for designing effective MO active units for the OER.

Protocol for the symmetry manipulation of gyroidal mesostructures through the binary self-assembly of block copolymer and cationic surfactant.

New symmetries of the gyroid (G) surfaces are the key to their intriguing properties. Here, we present a protocol to create a tetragonal gyroid substructure (shifted tG) outside the traditional cubic symmetry of G surfaces. We describe steps for employing a binary self-assembly system consisting of block copolymers and surfactants.

Sacrificing Surfactants to Improve Oil Recovery: A Fluid Density Functional Theory Study.

In the chemically enhanced oil recovery (CEOR) processes, heavy components in crude oil, such as asphaltenes, adhere to reservoir rocks, significantly impeding crude oil extraction. Surfactants are frequently utilized to improve oil recovery due to their ability to reduce interfacial tension (IFT) and modify surface wettability. Nevertheless, indiscriminate surfactant usage may result in resource wastage and hinder the attainment of optimal recovery outcomes.

Minimizing Voltage Deficit in Perovskite Indoor Photovoltaics by Interfacial Engineering.

Metal halide perovskites with bandgap of ≈1.8 eV are competitive candidates for indoor photovoltaic (IPV) devices, owing to their superior photovoltaic properties and ideal absorption spectra matched to most indoor light sources. However, these perovskite IPVs suffer from severe trap induced non-radiative recombination, resulting in large open-circuit voltage (V) losses, particularly under low light intensity.

Reversible Configurations of 3-Coordinate and 4-Coordinate Boron Stabilize Ultrahigh-Ni Cathodes with Superior Cycling Stability for Practical Li-Ion Batteries.

Ultrahigh-Ni layered oxide cathodes are the leading candidate for next-generation high-energy Li-ion batteries owing to their cost-effectiveness and ultrahigh capacity. However, the increased Ni content causes larger volume variations and worse lattice oxygen stability during cycling, resulting in capacity attenuation and kinetics hysteresis. Herein, a LiSiO-coated Li(NiCoMn)BO ultrahigh-Ni cathode that well-addresses all the above issues, which is also the first time to realize the real doping of B ions is demonstrated.

Enrichment of Active Hydrogen at Amorphous CoO/CuO Heterojunction Interfaces Enhances Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia.

The reduction of nitrate into valuable ammonia via electrocatalysis offers a green and sustainable synthetic pathway for ammonia. The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NORR) encompasses two crucial reaction steps: nitrate deoxygenation and nitrite hydrogenation. Notably, the nitrite hydrogenation reaction is regarded as the rate-determining step of the process.

Enabling the Transport Dynamics and Interfacial Stability of Porous Si Anode Via Rigid and Flexible Carbon Encapsulation for High-Energy Lithium Storage.

The stable electrode/electrolyte interface and fast electron/ion transport channel play important roles in boosting the rate performance and cycling life of lithium-ion batteries. Herein, a porous silicon/carbon composite (pSi@PC@MC) is presented by integrating hollow porous silicon (pSi) with pitch-derived carbon (PC) and dopamine-derived mesoporous carbon (MC), employing microporous zeolite as the silicon source. The finite element simulation first reveals the stress release effect of rigid and flexible carbon encapsulation on the hollow Si anode for lithium-ion storage.

Mechanistic insights into NH-assisted selective reduction of NO on CeO: a first-principles microkinetic study on selectivity and activity.

To understand the activity- and selectivity-limiting factors of selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH (NH-SCR) catalyzed by CeO-based oxides, a molecular-level mechanistic exploration was performed on CeO(110) using a first-principles microkinetic study. Herein, the favored reaction pathway for N formation on CeO(110) is unveiled, which includes three key subprocesses. (i) NH adsorbs on the Ce site and dissociates into *NH assisted by O; (ii) *NH preferentially couples with NO adsorbed on O (ONO#), forming *NHNO on the Ce site; (iii) *NHNO undergoes dehydrogenation into *NHNO, which can be easily anchored by O and can then decompose into N.

Ambient-pressure alkoxycarbonylation for sustainable synthesis of ester.

Alkoxycarbonylation reactions are common in the chemical industry, yet process sustainability is limited by the inefficient utilization of CO. In this study, we address this issue and demonstrate that significant improvements can be achieved by adopting a heterogeneously catalyzed process, using a Ru/NbO catalyst. The Ru/NbO catalyst enables the direct synthesis of methyl propionate, a key industrial commodity, with over 98% selectivity from CO, ethylene and methanol, without any ligands or acid/base promoters.