Cycling Performance Research Articles

Cyclic performance of GFRP-reinforced seawater sea-sand concrete culverts reinforced with synthetic fibers

Cyclic performance of GFRP-reinforced seawater sea-sand concrete culverts reinforced with synthetic fibers

Low corrosive dual desiccant air conditioning: Antimicrobial activity, performance characteristics, and economic valuation with traditional VCRS

Liquid desiccant dehumidification systems (LDDS) serve as an energy-efficient alternative to conventional vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) systems, providing enhanced control over both temperature and humidity levels. However, the broader implementation of LDDS is limited due to the corrosive effects of the liquid desiccants on metal components. In response, this study introduces an economical blend of potassium formate (HCOOK) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) designed to minimize corrosion while maintaining energy efficiency and performance. Selection of mixture ratio and solution concentration and determination of thermo-physical properties were conducted by initial lab-scale tests. Significant bactericidal effects against E. coli and S. Aureus were observed. The feasibility and effectiveness of the developed solution were experimentally tested by a comparative investigation in a large-scale solar-integrated liquid desiccant dehumidification system against standard HCOOK (63.5 wt%). The cyclic performance of the novel desiccant solution was examined under varying operational conditions for tropical climates. Results demonstrated that the corrosion levels of the new mixture are comparable to those observed with a standard 63.5 wt% HCOOK solution, while the dehumidification efficiency showed significant improvements, with moisture removal and effectiveness enhanced by 8.7–14.3 % and 5.8–15.2 %, respectively. Significant regeneration occurred between 45 °C and 55 °C. Regeneration efficiency improved by a maximum of 12.5 % relative to the standard HCOOK solution. Notably, the deployment of a solar-assisted regeneration system led to energy cost reductions by 22.8 % compared to traditional VCR systems, achieving a return on investment within 1.8 years.

The Negative Role of Proton Insertion on the Lifetime of Vanadium-Based Aqueous Zinc Batteries.

Vanadium oxides are attracted cathodes for aqueous zinc batteries owing to their high capacity. However, the limited cyclability of vanadium-based oxide cathodes, especially at low current densities, impedes their practical application. Here, it is revealed that proton insertion is responsible for the limited lifetime of vanadium oxides. Proton insertion promotes the dissolution of vanadium oxides, deteriorating electrochemical performance. Propylene carbonate (PC) is introduced into Zn(CF3SO3)2 electrolyte to regulate the coordination environment of water, forming PC-coordinated Zn2+ solvation structure and [H2O-CF3SO3 --PC] complex. The optimized coordination environment of water weakens the adsorption energy between water molecules and vanadium oxides, inhibiting proton insertion. As a result, vanadium-based oxides cathode without proton insertion can maintain the stability of crystal structure and avoid the dissolution of V. Taking CaV8O20·nH2O as cathode, Zn||CaV8O20·nH2O battery without proton insertion performs enhanced cycling performance. This work not only reveals the negative effect of proton insertion on the lifetime of vanadium-based oxides cathode but also provides an effective strategy to modulate proton insertion.

Rational Design of Cobalt-Based Prussian Blue Analogues via 3d Transition Metals Incorporation for Superior Na-Ion Storage.

Understanding the relationship between structure regulation and electrochemical performance is key to developing efficient and sustainable sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) materials. Herein, seven Cobalt-M-based (M=V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) Prussian blue analogues (CoM-PBAs) are designed as anodes for SIBs via a universal low-energy co-precipitation approach with the strategic inclusion of 3d transition metals. Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulation and experimental validation reveal that a moderate p-band center of cyanide linkages (-CN-) is more favorable for Na+ intercalation and diffusion, while the d-band center of metal cations is linearly related to electrode stability. Among seven CoM-based PBAs, CoV-PBAs possess the best sodium-ion adsorption/diffusion kinetics and overall cycling performance, including high specific capacity (565 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g), cycling stability (over 15000 cycles with 97.7% capacity retention), and superior rate capability (174.7 mAh/g at 30 A/g). In-situ/ex-situ techniques further demonstrate that the π-electron regulation by V introduction enhances the reversibility and kinetics of redox reactions. Moreover, the study identified the "p-band center" and "d-band center" may serve as key descriptors for quantifying the capability and stability of other-type bimetal Co-based anodes (oxides, phosphides, sulfides, and selenides) with similar theoretical capacity, offering a potentially transformative approach for selecting practical SIB electrode materials.

Unprecedented High Activity of One‐Dimensional Nickel‐Based Coordination Polymer for Ethylene Dimerization

ABSTRACTThree kinds of one‐dimensional nickel‐based coordination polymers (1D‐S‐Ni, 1D‐D‐Ni, and 1D‐M‐Ni) with different coordination environments and topological structures were synthesized and evacuated as heterogeneous catalysts for liquid phase slurry reaction of ethylene dimerization. Their crystal structures, morphology, chemical groups, and thermal properties were characterized by PXRD, SEM, FT‐IR, TGA, ICP‐AES, and EA, respectively. The catalytic performance of these catalysts was examined under various reaction conditions, including the amount of cocatalyst, reaction temperature, and reaction pressure. These catalysts showed high catalytic activity up to 105–106 g/(molNi·h) and high selectivity of butene (C4) over 78% at room temperature and 10 atm pressure. Especially the catalytic activity of 1D‐D‐Ni was up to 17.1 × 105 g/(molNi·h), exceeding that of most Ni‐based heterogeneous catalysts and reaching the level of nickel‐based homogeneous catalysts. The stability and cyclic performance of 1D‐D‐Ni was also assessed. It was observed that the catalyst did not undergo decomposition during the reaction and maintained a high activity level of 12.0 × 105 g/(molNi·h) even after three cycles. 1D‐D‐Ni has SBU similar to homogeneous nickel‐based complex catalyst for ethylene dimerization, indicating that reasonable design of metal nodes is an effective way to synthesize heterogeneous ethylene dimerization catalysts with high catalytic performance.

Defect‐Enriched Heterojunction Coupling Nano‐Scale Polyhedron with Cavity Structure to Promote Rapid and Stable Sodium Storage

AbstractTransition Metal‐sulfides are considered as ideal anode materials in sodium‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, the poor cyclic stability and rate performance at high current density impede their development. Therefore, defect‐enriched nano‐scale heterogeneous NiS2/Cu7.2S4 (NCSs) polyhedron with cavity structure are prepared through component regulation. The cavity structure is formed based on Kirkendall effect due to the component difference, tolerating the mechanical stress during the sodium storage process. And the nano‐scale size cuts down the diffusion path of Na+. Moreover, the defective heterojunction induces built‐in electric filed and active sites for sodium adsorption, improving electronic conductivity and boosting reaction kinetics, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations theoretically verify that heterojunction can improve electronic conductivity and boost charge transfer, further, enhancing the ability of Na+ adsorption. The synergistic effect of structural design and defective heterojunction construction effectively improves the electrochemical performance. Thus, NCSs electrode shows excellent cyclic stability (437.4 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 after 10 000 cycles) and rate performance (514.9 and 486.7 mAh g−1 at 5 and 10 A g−1, respectively) at high current densities. When assembled with Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, the NCSs|| Na3V2(PO4)3 full cell shows a cyclic performance of 128.2 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 1 A g−1.

Hydrogen Bond Competition Optimizing Aqueous Zn Ion Solvation and (002) Interfacial Deposition with Ultralong Stability

AbstractAqueous zinc‐ion batteries have garnered significant interest due to their inherent safety, cost‐effectiveness, and high capacity. However, water molecules in the electrolyte adsorb onto the surface of the negative zinc electrode via hydrogen bonding and dissociate into H+ and OH− under an electric field. This creates a local alkaline environment at the interface, promoting zinc dendrite growth, surface corrosion, and hydrogen evolution reaction. Herein, a hydrogen bond competition strategy for optimizing aqueous electrolytes based on low‐cost polyhydroxyl organic additive maltitol is proposed. The addition of maltitol disrupts the hydrogen bond network of the aqueous electrolyte and reduces the activity of water molecules, replacing one of the water molecules in the solvation structure [Zn(H2O)6]2+. Additionally, maltitol preferentially adsorbs on the Zn (002) surface compared to water molecules. This stable deposition of the Zn (002) crystal faces inhibits dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution. The Zn||Zn symmetric battery assembled with 0.4 m maltitol has an ultralong cycle time of 4500 h at 1 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2. Zn||NH4V4O10 full batteries also show better cycling performance than non‐additive devices.

Electrochemical Interface Engineering on a Silicon‐Based Anode via Fluorinated‐Additive‐Assisted Interplay with the Electric Double Layer

AbstractIncorporating functional fluorinated additives into the electrolyte has demonstrated a promising strategy for improving the electrochemical and interfacial stability of silicon‐based anode materials. In previous studies, these additives are claimed responsible for formation of a fluorinated solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) owing to matched orbital energy level with the other electrolyte components. The electric double layer (EDL) created via ionic‐electronic coupling at a (sub)nanoscale shows potential influence on the initial SEI formation at the anode, yet the underlying relationship among electrolyte additive, EDL and SEI remains obscure. Here, it is shown that, introduction of 0.5 wt.% trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (TMSOTF) additive into a conventional LiPF6‐based electrolyte helps to refine the EDL configuration, allowing stronger participation of additive molecules and counter anions for building a fluoride‐rich layers during initial SEI formation. This dynamic maintenance of an inorganic‐rich matrix (LiF, LixPOyFz, and LixSy) throughout the electrochemical process results in a SEI with optimized chemical composition, enhancing Li+ transport, mechanical strength, and structural integrity. Consequently, a SiOx (x≈1) anode exhibits improved cycling and rate performance, and electrode conformality. This work helps to clarify the EDL‐SEI interplay and provide guidelines for rational design of kinetically‐stable SEI on a high‐capacity anode with substantial volume variations.

Energizing Robust Sulfur/Lithium Electrochemistry via Nanoscale-Asymmetric-Size Synergism.

Sluggish redox kinetics and dendrite growth perplex the fulfillment of efficient electrochemistry in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The complicated sulfur phase transformation and sulfur/lithium diversity kinetics necessitate an all-inclusive approach in catalyst design. Herein, a compatible mediator with nanoscale-asymmetric-size configuration by integrating Co single atoms and defective CoTe2-x (CoSA-CoTe2-x@NHCF) is elaborately developed for regulating sulfur/lithium electrochemistry synchronously. Substantial electrochemistry and theoretical analyses reveal that CoTe2-x exhibits higher catalytic activity in long-chain polysulfide transformation and Li2S decomposition, while monodispersed Co sites are more effective in boosting sulfur reduction kinetics to regulate Li2S deposition. Such cascade catalysis endows CoSA-CoTe2-x@NHCF with the all-around service of "trapping-conversion-recuperation" for sulfur species during the whole redox reaction. Furthermore, it is demonstrated by in situ transmission electron microscopy that initially formed electronic-conductive Co and ionic-conductive Li2Te provide sufficient lithiophilic sites to regulate homogeneous Li plating and stripping with markedly suppressed dendrite growth. Consequently, by coupling the CoSA-CoTe2-x@NHCF interlayer and Li@CoSA-CoTe2-x@NHCF anode, the constructed Li-S full batteries deliver superior cycling stability and rate performance, and the flexible pouch cell exhibits stable cycling performance at 0.3 C. The gained insights into the synergistic effect of asymmetric-size structures pave the way for the integrated catalyst design in advanced Li-S systems.

Ligand Engineering Regulation toward Zn Ions and Zn Substrate for All‐Climate Zn Metal Batteries

AbstractThe regulation of artificial interphase for advanced Zn anode is an effective solution to achieve superior electrochemical performance for aqueous batteries. However, the deployment of atomically precise architectures and ligand engineering to achieve functionalization‐oriented regulatory screening is lacking, which is hindered by higher requirements for synthetic chemistry and structural chemistry. Herein, we have first performed ligand engineering which selected zinc ion trapping ligands (−CH3) based on the coordination effect, and zinc substrate binding ligands (−N=N−C6H5) based on the electrostatic interaction. Correspondingly, octa nuclear Zn(II)‐Siloxane‐PhPz/BiPhPz/TriPhPz Cluster (OZSPC/OZSBPC/OZSTPC) are accurately synthesized, and OZSBPC is verified to serve as the most suitable artificial interphase via balancing the interactions with both Zn2+ and Zn substrate (“Zn−Zn effect”). Consequently, at −30 °C, the assembled OZSBPC‐Zn symmetric cells run for 3000 h and the assembled full cells with OZSBPC‐Zn anode could be stable for 10,000 cycles. The pouch cells using OZSBPC‐Zn anode deliver a reversible capacity of ~1.2 Ah and the energy density of 41 Wh kgtotal−1 with excellent cycling performance. The successful structural design of OZSBPC explores a novel well‐defined structural design concept as one criterion for artificial interface as well as motivates batteries systems to meet the requirements of industrialization.

Concrete Mix Design of Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA): Analysis of Review Papers, Characteristics, Research Trends, and Underexplored Topics

Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) has been widely adopted in construction and emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional natural aggregates in the construction industry. However, the study of holistic perspectives in recent literature is lacking. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of RCA, highlighting its properties, applications, and overall sustainability benefits to facilitate the comprehensive points of view of technology, ecology, and economics. This paper explores the manufacturing process of RCA, examines its mechanical and durability characteristics, and investigates its environmental impacts. Furthermore, it delves into the various applications of RCA, such as road construction materials, pavement bases, and concrete materials, considering their life cycle performance and economic considerations. This review reveals that there is a need for systemic data collection that could enable automated concrete mix design. The findings concerning various mix concrete designs suggest that increasing the 1% replacement level reduces the compressive strength by 0.1913% for coarse RCA and 0.2418% for fine RCA. The current critical research gaps are the durability of RCA concrete, feasibility analyses, and the implementation of treatment methods for RCA improvement. An effective life cycle assessment tool and digitalization technologies can be applied to enhance the circular economy, aligning with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (UN-SDGs). The equivalent mortar volume method used to calculate the RCA concrete mix design, which can contain chemical additives, metakaolin, and fibers, needs further assessment.

Fifteen-second bouts of hyperoxia improve 5-minute time-trial performance in acute hypoxic conditions

Introduction Hyperoxia, e.g. administration of 100 % oxygen, is a wide spread tool to improve blood oxygenation (e.g. in emergency medicine) but is also applied in elite sports to improve training intensity or competition performance. The positive effects of continuous hyperoxia during aerobic high-intensity exercise has been shown repeatedly, however, the potential effects of intermittent doses are unclear. Out study aimed to test the effects of repeated bouts of hyperoxia, each lasting fifteen seconds, on maximal 5-minute cycling performance under acute hypoxic conditions. Methods 17 healthy and recreationally trained individuals (7 females, 10 males, age 27 ± 4 years) participated in this randomized placebo-controlled cross-over trial. The procedures included a graded cycle ergometer test until exhaustion and three maximal 5-minute cycling time trials (TT). The peak power output during the maximal cycle ergometer test provided the basis for the determination of the target power output for the TTs. The subsequent TTs were conducted in a normobaric hypoxic chamber at the Department of Sport Science of the University Innsbruck (590 m). TT1 took place in normoxia and served for habituation and reference. TT2 and TT3 were conducted in normobaric hypoxia (15.0 % inspiratory fraction of oxygen, corresponding to about 3200 m simulated altitude). During TT2 and TT3 the participants were breathing through a face mask during five 15-second periods (0:20 to 0:35; 1:20 to 1:35; etc.). The face mask was connected via a non-rebreathing T-valve to a 300-litre bag filled with 100 % oxygen (intermittent hyperoxia condition) or ambient hypoxic air (placebo condition). Heart rate was recorded continuously during the TTs. Ratings or perceived exertion were recorded after test termination and capillary blood samples were taken from the hyperaemic earlobe 2 minutes later to analyze blood lactate concentrations. Arterial oxygen saturation was measured via finger pulse oximeter during a 60-second period (ca. minutes 2:00 to 3:00). Thereby, one 15-second hyperoxic intervention bout during the test in the intermittent hyperoxia condition was included. Main outcome was the mean power output during the TT. Statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results Mean power output was higher in the intermittent hyperoxia compared to the placebo condition (255.5 ± 49.6 W versus 247.4 ± 48.2 W, p = 0.001). Blood lactate concentration and ratings of perceived exertion were significantly lower in the intermittent hyperoxia compared to the placebo condition (10.2 ± 1.7 mmol/L versus 11.3 ± 2.5 mmol/L and 17.8 ± 1.4 versus 19.2 ± 1.1 respectively). However, heart rate values were unchanged between conditions (168.0 ± 8.6 bpm versus 169.4 ± 10.3 bpm, p = 0.332). Arterial oxygen saturation increased by the 15-second application of hyperoxia (82.9 ± 2.6 % to 92.4 ± 3.3 %, p < 0.001). Conclusion Repeated 15-second bouts of hyperoxia, applied during high-intensity exercise in hypoxia, are sufficient to increase power output. Future studies should focus on potential dose-response effects and the involved mechanisms.

Improving the Electrochemical Properties of SiOx Anode for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries by Magnesiothermic Reduction and Prelithiation.

For lithium-ion batteries, silicon monoxide is a potential anode material, but its application is limited by its relatively large irreversible capacity loss, which leads to its low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). In this study, we conduct a two-step reaction for the formation of silicon oxide-based materials, including a magnesiothermic reduction of SiOx with Mg, followed by the solid-state lithiation of silicon oxide with Li2CO3. Our results demonstrate that Mg can reduce SiO2 to Si and form MgSiO3, while Li2CO3 reacts with SiOx to form Li2Si2O5. MgSiO3 and Li2Si2O5 on the surface of SiOx can effectively mitigate the irreversible loss of lithium ions, thus enhancing the ICE of SiOx. The resulting SiOx-Mg-Li2CO3-C nanostructure has an ICE of up to 91.1% and a relatively stable cycle performance. After 100 cycles at 0.5 C, the capacity is still 894.5 mAh g-1, and the capacity retention rate is 87.9%. A lithium-ion full battery with the commercial LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NCM811) as the cathode was assembled to test its practical applicability. The full cell exhibits a stable discharge capacity of 91.4 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 1 C, with a capacity retention of 79.9%.

Unlocking Enhanced Redox Dynamics: The Power of a Bifunctional Catalytic Zinc Phosphide Interface in Full Cell and Pouch Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries face significant challenges, such as polysulfide dissolution, sluggish reaction kinetics, and lithium anode corrosion, hindering their practical application. Herein, we report a highly effective approach using a zinc phosphide (ZnP2) bifunctional catalyst to address these issues. The ZnP2 catalyst effectively anchors lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), catalytically reactivates them, and enhances lithium-ion diffusion. Utilizing a ZnP2-modified separator in a Li-S half-cell achieves an impressive initial capacity of 1145.4 mAh g-1, retaining 954 mAh g-1 and 99.8% Coulombic efficiency after 100 cycles, compared to the pristine separator. The underlying reaction mechanisms are thoroughly investigated through post-mortem analyses and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Moreover, a Li-S full cell with an E/S ratio of 10 μL mg-1 demonstrates stable cycling performance, achieving an initial capacity of 797.5 and 534 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.1C, with a negative-to-positive mass ratio of 3:1. Additionally, the real-world feasibility of lightweight and flexible Li-S pouch batteries with ZnP2-modified separators is explored, showing a stable performance over 100 cycles at 0.1C with 80% capacity retention. This engineered separator can be integrated with advanced sulfur cathodes to create high-energy-density, stable Li-S batteries for commercial applications.

Study on the Preparation and Electrochemical Properties of LiFe0.4Mn0.6PO4 Coated with Bamboo Shaving-Based Carbon.

LiFe1-xMnxPO4 (0 < x < 1) has a high operating voltage range and theoretical energy density, but its actual capacity decreased due to its low electronic conductivity. To overcome this problem, we successfully prepared LiFe0.4Mn0.6PO4/C (LFMP/C) with a uniform carbon coating by a one-step solvothermal method using bamboo shavings as the carbon source. The results showed that heating at a reaction temperature of 180 °C for 18 h was the optimal synthesis condition to obtain LFMP/C. The addition of bamboo shaving-based carbon was effective in inhibiting excessive grain growth and reducing particle size. The disordered carbon layer enhanced the surface conductivity by connecting the surfaces of the particles. The synergistic effect of the nanoparticle size and the pores distributed around the particles increased the specific surface area and thus improved the contact area between the active substance and the electrolyte. Furthermore, there were improvements in electronic conductivity and ionic mobility. LFMP/C-16 showed initial discharge capacities of 150.1 and 143.5 mAh·g-1 at rates of 0.1 and 0.2C, respectively, with a capacity retention rate of 97.73% after 100 cycles, indicating excellent cyclic performance.

Mesoporous Single‐Crystal FeFe(CN)6 Microspheres for Superior Potassium‐Ion Storage

AbstractMetal hexacyanoferrates (HCFs), also known as Prussian blue analogues, are ideal cathodes for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) due to their nontoxicity and cost‐effectiveness. Nevertheless, obtaining metal HCF cathode materials with both long‐term cycling stability and high rate performance remains a daunting challenge. In this study, we present mesoporous single‐crystalline iron hexacyanoferrate (MSC‐FeHCF) microspheres, featuring a single‐crystalline structure that contains interconnected pores spanning the entire crystal lattice. This unique architecture not only enables the electrolyte to fully penetrate into the single crystal, but also shorten the K+ diffusion distance. Additionally, the confinement effect of mesopores on interior water mitigates the excessive side reactions. The stress during battery cycling can be dispersed through multiple paths to alleviate the internal strain. The MSC‐FeHCF microspheres exhibit unprecedented long‐term cycling performance, achieving a specific discharge capacity of 123.5 mAh g−1 at 30 mA g−1 and 87.1 mAh g−1 after 2000 cycles at 500 mA g−1, providing 85.8 % of the initial capacity. More importantly, the MSC‐FeHCF microspheres exhibit high rate capability, delivering 86.7 mAh g−1 at 3 A g−1. This study introduces an innovative strategy for engineering metal HCF cathode materials, thereby opening a novel avenue for the development of high‐efficiency electrode materials for PIBs.

A Near‐Single‐Ion Conducting Protective Layer for Dendrite‐Free Zinc Metal Anodes

AbstractThe instability of zinc metal anodes, including dendrite formation and corrosion, limits their application in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs). Here, a near‐single zinc‐ion conducting (NSIC) protective layer that enables dendrite‐free Zn anodes by integrating Zn2⁺‐conducting polymer matrices with counter‐anion trapping agents is presented. Sulfonic acid groups, covalently bonded to polymeric backbones enhance Zn2⁺ ion mobility while counter‐anions are immobilized by amine‐functionalized metal‐organic frameworks embedded within the polymer layer. This synergistic combination enables near single zinc ion transport (tZn2⁺ = 0.91). The NSIC layer extends sand's time and promotes uniform Zn deposition along the (002) orientation, preventing dendrite formation. Consequently, full cells with thin Zn@NSIC anodes (14 µm) exhibit stable cycling performance over 5000 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹, with a low negative‐to‐positive areal capacity (NP) ratio of 3.3 and a Zn depth of discharge exceeding 30%. Furthermore, the NSIC layer is also adapted for enlarged Zn anodes (80 cm2) in large‐sized full cells, delivering stable operation with a capacity of ≈300 mAh at 1 A g⁻¹. These results offer valuable insights into ion transport control within protective layers, advancing the development of practical AZIBs with high anode reversibility.

Regulation of Zinc Hydroxide Sulfate Growth Environment for Stable Zinc Anode/Electrolyte Interfaces.

Metallic Zn is a promising anode for high-safety, low-cost, and large-scale energy storage systems. However, it is strongly hindered by unstable electrode/electrolyte interface issues, including zinc dendrite, corrosion, passivation, and hydrogen evolution reactions. In this work, an in situ interface protection strategy is established by turning the corrosion/passivation byproducts (zinc hydroxide sulfates, ZHSs) into a stable hybrid protection layer. The hydrolysis of the diglycolamine buffer layer on the zinc anode provides a homogeneous basic electrolyte environment for the generation of small-sized ZHS, thereby leading to the formation of a ZHS-based hybrid layer. Benefiting from this hybrid layer, uniform zinc ion flux and high anticorrosion ability can be achieved. As a result, the decorated symmetric cell presents a long cycling lifespan of over 1500 h at a current density of 1 mA cm-2 and an area capacity of 1 mAh cm-2. It also contributes to the appealing cycling and rate performance of Zn|NH4V4O10 full cells. This work provides insight into regulating and reusing interfacial byproducts for high-performance zinc metal batteries.

Template-Thermally Induced Phase Separation-Assisted Microporous Regulation in Poly(lactic acid) Aerogel for Sustainable Radiative Cooling.

Herein, an eco-friendly and degradable poly(lactic acid) aerogel was prepared by combining a poly(ethylene glycol) template material with thermally induced phase separation. Due to the tailored pore size introduced by the template material, the aerogel exhibits high solar reflectance (92.0%), excellent thermal emittance (90.5%), low thermal conductivity (52.0 mW m-1 K-1), and high compressive strength (0.15 MPa). Cooling tests demonstrate that the aerogel can achieve temperature drops of 3.7 °C during the day and of 6.2 °C at night. Furthermore, simulations of building cooling energy systems reveal that the aerogel can reduce energy consumption by 2.2 to 10.2 MJ m-2 per year in various cities, achieving energy savings ranging from 8.2 to 24.3%. Meanwhile, the aerogel cooler demonstrates excellent self-cleaning performance (WCA = 149.1°) and cyclic compression performance. This research will promote the field of passive radiative cooling toward a greener and more sustainable direction.

Sodium-Rich Prussian Blue Analogs Synthesized with Reducing Sodium Salt for Enhanced Rate and Cycling Stability Sodium-Ion Storage.

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) as cathode material for sodium-ion batteries have attracted widespread attention due to their affordability, simple synthesis, and high theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, the oxidation of Fe2+ and sodium loss lead to poor electrochemical properties which restrict the practical use of PBAs. Herein, a simple coprecipitation approach based on sodium salt-reduction-assisted synthesis was proposed to construct high-sodium PBAs. The sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) not only effectively inhibits the oxidation of Fe2+ but also increases the mole ratio of Na+ in the resulting products. The optimized sample exhibits excellent specific capacity (131.1 mAh g-1 at 0.1C), high rate performance (103.9 mAh g-1 at 10C), and good cyclic performance (94.8% capacity retention after 200 cycles). Experimental results reveal that the sample synthesized with sodium bisulfite possesses improved sodium-ion diffusion kinetics and stable crystal structure. In this study, a scalable method is introduced for the synthesis of PBAs with excellent electrochemical properties and further applications.