Abstract Supercapacitors (SCs), also known as ultracapacitors or electrochemical capacitors, have attracted significant attention as promising energy storage devices due to their superior power density, rapid charge-discharge capability, and long cycle life. This review comprehensively discusses the recent advancements in supercapacitor technology, focusing on the development of novel electrode materials, electrolytes, device designs, and fabrication methods. Particular emphasis is placed on carbon-based materials, metal oxides, conducting polymers, and their hybrid composites, which have shown remarkable improvements in specific capacitance and stability. Additionally, the role of advanced electrolytes, including ionic liquids and gel polymer electrolytes, in enhancing the energy and power density of SCs is explored. The integration of hybrid supercapacitor systems, combining EDLCs and pseudocapacitors, is also highlighted for their potential to overcome the limitations of conventional capacitors and batteries. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the current progress, emerging trends, and future directions for improving the performance and practical applicability of supercapacitors in real-world energy storage applications.

Abstract Vesicants are one frequently-used kind of chemical warfare agents due to their low-boiling point, high gaseous diffusion, and accessibility. Sulfur mustard is one of the main vesicant that has since been banned by international organization, but there are still large stocks in some countries and its production is relatively easy, requiring no tedious steps or expensive equipment. Thus far, catalytic oxidation, alongside physical adsorption and hydrolysis has been proven one of the most effective methods for decontaminating the HD simulant, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). POMs have exhibited outstanding catalytic oxidation performance toward CEES owing to their unique redox properties, robust structural stability, flexible metal valence and the presence of numerous active sites. This review summarizes the advances of POM-based materials for catalytic decontamination of vesicants simulant CEES, including POMs, POM-based MOFs and POMs composites. This review provides new sights for engineering robust POM-based catalysts for the catalytic decontamination of CWAs.

Abstract This study examines recent advancements in nano-enhanced sodium carbonate (NaCH) and elucidates the reasons behind its emergence as a prominent alternative to traditional absorbents. In comparison to benchmark materials such as monoethanolamine (MEA) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), NaCH achieves up to 30 % greater CO2 uptake, regenerates at temperatures that are 20 °C lower, and demonstrates a significantly reduced environmental footprint and operational expenditure. The application of nanostructuring enhances surface area and reaction kinetics, facilitating a 30 % increase in CO2 absorption rates while concurrently lowering overall process costs by 25 %. Various analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, illuminate the pore structure and chemical functionalities that contribute to these enhancements, reinforcing the capacity for repeated regeneration without substantial performance degradation. The amalgamation of exceptional capture efficiency, reduced energy penalties, and prolonged cycle durability positions NaCH as a scalable, cross-sector solution that has the potential to effectuate immediate advancements in global decarbonization initiatives.

Abstract The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play key role in propelling transformative changes, and highlighting burning issues to be addressed to achieve successful global developmental initiative. Zinc oxide (ZnO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are helpful in achieving various SDGs. However, both materials have some limitations. To overcome the drawbacks of individual ZnO and rGO nanomaterials, ZnO/rGO nanocomposites are designed. This review aims to highlight issues being faced by ZnO and graphene oxide and their resolution through the development of ZnO/rGO nanocomposite. Various characterization techniques are discussed to explore physio-chemical properties. As the composite materials exhibit enhanced charge carrier separation, and extended lifetime of photoinduced charge carriers, making them a promising agent for improved photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, biosensors, and energy conversion and storage devices such as solar cells, and lithium batteries etc. Morphological relationship with various activities and potential applications in numerous fields, including controlling environmental pollution, biomedical, bio-sensing, energy etc., have also been discussed to explore their importance. Additionally, for further advancement to design next generation material several recommendations have been given. The knowledge gained from this review is the way for the development of next-generation nanomaterials, capable of addressing global challenges in energy and environmental sustainability etc.

Abstract Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a clean, sustainable energy carrier with the potential to play a pivotal role in future energy systems. Among the various methods for hydrogen production, water electrolysis stands out for its ability to generate highly pure hydrogen in an environmentally sustainable manner. The development of efficient electrocatalysts is critical for enhancing the performance of water electrolysis, particularly in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). While precious metals like Ag, Au, Ru, and Pt have been traditionally used due to their high catalytic activity, their high cost and scarcity limit their widespread use. Recent research has focused on non-precious metal-based electrocatalysts, which offer comparable catalytic efficiency, lower cost, and greater environmental friendliness. These alternatives have the potential to replace expensive noble metals in water electrolysis, but further research and innovation are required to improve their performance and long-term stability. This work examines the advancements in electrocatalyst development for three major electrolysis techniques – alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEME), and solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) – and discusses the challenges and future directions for optimizing these technologies for large-scale hydrogen production.

Abstract Nanosystems, renowned for their remarkable physical and chemical attributes arising from their unique morphology and structure, such as elevated specific surface areas, pronounced macroscopic quantum effects, distinctive dielectric properties, and notable small size effects, are poised to transform cancer treatment paradigms by potentially supplanting conventional chemical drugs. This revolutionary potential has generated significant buzz and attracted considerable interest within the medical diagnostics and therapeutics landscape. Extensive research has underscored the exceptional capabilities of nano-scale diagnostic agents, which have been extensively employed in imaging and anti-tumor applications, heralding a promising horizon for their utilization. This review endeavors to offer an exhaustive synthesis of the latest research strides in nanomedical theranostic candidates. It delves into the design strategies and prospective applications of various nanomaterials within the domains of tumor therapy and imaging, aiming to furnish valuable perspectives and directives for the future trajectory of nanomedicine. Specifically, the review meticulously explores and elucidates methodologies for enhancing tumor elimination through the judicious modification of nanomaterials. Furthermore, this work meticulously discusses the formidable challenges and intricacies associated with the development of optimal therapeutic nanomaterials, as well as the hurdles impeding their clinical translation. The overall aim is to advance the application and development of nanomaterials for effective and precise collaborative diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Abstract Recent notable developments concerning the hydrogen storage materials are summarized in this review, with particular emphasis placed on magnesium hydrides, titanium- and calcium-based hydrides, metal borohydrides, and perovskite-type hydrides. MgH2 performance is greatly improved through nanostructuring and transition metal doping. Calcium hydrides, as well as titanium hydrides have very good hydrogen storage properties in addition to the potential for superconductivity. Single and bimetallic borohydrides have high hydrogen contents, achieving high performance in battery and energy application, but face challenges in regeneration and stability. Many perovskite-type hydrides, including MgX3H8 (X = Sc, Ti, Zr), Li2CaH4, and Li2SrH4, as well as oxide-based hydrides like MgTiO3Hx, CaTiO3Hx, and BaYO3Hx, are emerging as ideal hydrogen storage materials thanks to their stable crystal structure, promising thermodynamics, excellent mechanical properties, and efficient hydrogen cycling. Destabilization of the hydrogen is likely based on analysis of DFT studies of hydrogen binding enthalpy, which supports stability and negative formation enthalpies for MgX3H8 and BaYO3H3 as well as CaTiO3H6 and storage of 4.27 wt% with desorption at ∼821.1 K further strengthens the potential of perovskite hydrides in a variety of hydrogen storage applications.

Abstract The burgeoning global demand for energy, coupled with the pressing need to mitigate carbon emissions, underscores the necessity for clean and sustainable energy alternatives, with green hydrogen emerging as a pivotal energy vector. Among the promising avenues for the production of green hydrogen, nano-catalysts derived from waste materials are attracting considerable interest due to their capacity to diminish production costs and environmental ramifications while capitalizing on underutilized waste streams. Notwithstanding recent advancements, significant knowledge deficits remain concerning the catalytic mechanisms, established performance benchmarks, and thorough sustainability evaluations of these materials. This review integrates contemporary progress in the synthesis, structural enhancement, and application of nano-catalysts originating from a variety of waste sources, including industrial byproducts, agricultural residues, and municipal waste. Crucial mechanistic variables, such as augmented active site density, improved electron transfer, and metal-support interactions, are examined to elucidate their superior performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Comparative assessments utilizing standardized metrics (e.g., overpotential at 10 mA/cm2, Tafel slope, Faradaic efficiency) indicate that optimized waste-derived catalysts can realize up to a 30 % enhancement in hydrogen yield in comparison to traditional catalysts. Life cycle assessments (LCA), framed within cradle-to-gate methodologies, reveal substantial reductions in CO2 emissions, energy consumption, and resource depletion. The review further delineates challenges associated with material variability, long-term durability, and the integration of these materials into pre-existing systems. Ultimately, this study highlights the crucial role of waste-derived nano-catalysts in promoting scalable, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable hydrogen production and advocates for enhanced interdisciplinary research and supportive policy frameworks to expedite their commercialization.

Abstract MXenes, a novel class of two-dimensional materials, have gained considerable attention due to their unique properties, including high conductivity, mechanical strength, and versatile surface functionalities. These materials are synthesized through selective etching of the MAX phase, and their remarkable characteristics make them suitable candidates for various applications, particularly in environmental remediation and antimicrobial activities. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the different MXene synthesis techniques, such as selective etching, chemical vapor deposition, hydrothermal methods, and fluoride-free etching processes. Additionally, it explores the structural stability, photocatalytic capabilities, and antimicrobial properties of MXenes, focusing on their potential to degrade pollutants, adsorb heavy metals, and combat microbial resistance. The influence of surface modifications, functional groups, and heterostructure formation on the photocatalytic and antimicrobial performance of MXenes is also discussed. Novel findings highlight how surface engineering can significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity and antimicrobial efficiency of MXenes, offering a pathway to address critical environmental and biomedical challenges. Future research should focus on optimizing MXene synthesis, improving long-term stability, and exploring practical applications in real-world environmental and antimicrobial scenarios.