Abstract Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) play an important role in energy systems with their functions of energy storage and regulation, and the state-of-health (SOH) prediction has received great attention. The data-driven approach based on deep neural networks has greatly promoted the advancement of SOH prediction technology. However, the diversity of battery electrochemistry and dynamic changes in working conditions can lead to differences in cross domain data distribution, which poses significant challenges for data-driven methods to accurately predict the SOH of LIBs. The small sample of battery aging data, compared with the number of batteries used in the application, makes accurate SOH prediction more difficult. To address these challenges, a novel transfer learning model, multisource domain adaptation mutual information network (MSDA-MIN) model is built to predict the SOH of LIBs on cross domain. This model integrates continuous time neural dynamics and mutual information to achieve simultaneous alignment of source joint distribution and target joint distribution. In three cross domain scenarios of constant current-constant voltage charging, staged charging, and cross chemical composition, the average root mean square error of MSDA-MIN is 1.17%, 0.80%, and 2.85%, respectively, which is superior to the state-of-the-art domain adaptation models.

Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) has emerged as a promising low-carbon alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) due to its reduced clinker content and associated carbon footprint. In parallel, integrating phase change materials (PCMs) into cementitious composites offers a pathway to enhance building thermal regulation through latent heat storage. However, hydrophobic PCMs may adversely affect fresh workability and hardened performance, particularly by promoting entrapped air and increasing porosity. This study investigates the incorporation of capric acid (CA) as an organic PCMs through partial cement replacement (0%, 1%, 5%, and 10% by mass) in OPC and LC3 mortars. In this context, the mortar is a functional organic–inorganic composite, where the organic PCMs phase contributes thermal energy storage functionality. Unlike most PCMs studies focused on OPC systems, this work emphasises LC3 and identifies air-void control as a critical mechanism for performance recovery in LC3–PCMs composites. It also evaluates the effectiveness of a silicone-based defoamer (0.15% by mass of the total mixture) in mitigating air-related performance losses. Fresh flowability, hardened density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and compressive strength were determined up to 28 days. Results showed that increasing CA content reduced flowability, density, UPV, and compressive strength in both OPC and LC3 systems, indicating that hydrophobic PCMs inclusion adversely affected matrix continuity. However, the incorporation of a silicone-based defoamer enabled performance recovery in both OPC and LC3 composites by improving matrix compactness through air-void control. Overall, the results demonstrate that air-void control is critical for PCMs-modified mortars, and that defoamer addition provides a practical approach to improve the performance of LC3–PCMs systems while maintaining their sustainability benefits.

Structural failure of the lead-carbon battery casing under external loads poses a serious threat to the safety of its energy storage function. To overcome the limitations of traditional protective casings regarding specific energy absorption (SEA) and crush force efficiency (CFE), this study proposes a novel thin-walled protective structure utilizing graded aperture honeycomb sandwich panels fabricated via additive manufacturing (AM). Finite element (FE) models were established using HyperMesh and validated against experimental data. Subsequently, the impact resistance and energy absorption characteristics of four distinct cellular topologies were systematically investigated under varying pore-size gradients, impact directions, and velocities. Experimental and numerical simulation results indicate that, among the investigated configurations, the triangular honeycomb structure exhibits superior impact resistance and energy absorption capability under both axial and lateral loading conditions. Furthermore, the synergistic enhancement mechanism based on topological configuration and gradient design effectively optimizes the progressive crushing mode, thereby reducing the initial peak crushing force transmitted to the battery and resulting in a pronounced advantage in impact performance. This research provides a novel design approach for optimizing next-generation high-performance, lightweight protection systems for energy storage devices.

Historically, only the energy storage function had been attributed to adipose tissue. However, recent studies have shown that it is also able to secrete several substances which act in a paracrine or endocrine manner, contributing to the maintenance of organism's homeostasis. It has been reported that the visceral fat has distinctive secreting characteristics. Based on previous scientific observations, here we shall describe the possible functional role of epiploic appendages. The epiploic appendages may play an important role in the metabolic regulation and/or in immune defense through the secretion of specific factors, such as leptin and some inflammatory cytokines. Leptin has been seen to be involved both in the regulation of hunger signals, in coordination with the hypothalamus, and in complex immune defense processes. The exact understanding of the behavior of this hormone could play a key role in understanding the functions ascribed to the epiploic appendages.

Conductive metal-organic frameworks (c-MOFs) have emerged as a distinctive class of crystalline, electronically active materials that bridge molecular design with electrochemical energy-storage functionality. Their significance is underscored by the recent Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognizing pioneering advances in MOF chemistry, which highlights the transformative impact of reticular design on modern materials science. Unlike conventional MOFs, whose insulating coordination bonds limit charge transport, c-MOFs integrate extended π-d conjugation, redox-active metal nodes, and permanent porosity to enable simultaneous electronic and ionic transport within an ordered framework. This review critically examines the fundamental charge-transport mechanisms governing c-MOFs-including through-bond, through-space, mixed-valence, and guest-mediated pathways-and elucidates how coordination geometry, defect chemistry, pore topology, and interfacial structure collectively regulate charge mobility and redox accessibility. By systematically linking these structure-property relationships to device-level behavior, we compare the performance of c-MOFs across lithium-, sodium-, and potassium-ion batteries, metal-air systems, supercapacitors, and redox-flow batteries, while clarifying their advantages and intrinsic limitations relative to carbons, metal oxides, conducting polymers, and perovskites. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying which conduction mechanisms and framework architectures remain most effective under practical operating conditions, including high areal loading, extended cycling, and commercial electrolytes. Beyond summarizing recent advances, this review provides a critical perspective on unresolved challenges-such as durability, scalable synthesis, and interfacial compatibility-and outlines emerging strategies, including hierarchical pore engineering, hybrid MOF-based architectures, data-driven materials discovery, and chemistry-conserving scale-up routes, that define concrete pathways toward deployable energy-storage technologies.

Lipid homeostasis is vital for maintaining membrane dynamics, energy storage, and overall cellular function, influencing a myriad of physiological processes, including reproductive health. Although often overlooked, disruptions in lipid metabolism are increasingly linked to impaired male fertility. A significant number of male infertility cases considered to be idiopathic are now increasingly associated with elevated levels of seminal reactive oxygen species and subsequent sperm deoxyribonucleic acid damage. Through assisted reproductive technology, such cases are fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection or a sperm donor, without pursuing further targeted treatment. A better understanding of idiopathic male infertility is pivotal for successful conception and embryo health, which underscores the need for innovative strategies to address male infertility. This review emphasizes the significance of lipid homeostasis in male reproductive health and elaborates on how dyslipidemia manifests in testicular dysfunction. We discuss how lipidomics can serve as a powerful tool to identify lipid-based biomarkers for more effective diagnosis and management of male infertility.

High-performance electrochromic aqueous batteries enabled by Li4Ti5O12 anodes: Bridging Electrochromism and efficient energy storage.

Hydrogen and fuel-cell energy systems increase the autonomy of low-power and portable applications. They have more advantages, like recharging in a few minutes, just the time to refill a pressurized hydrogen bottle; they have uncoupled the power and energy storage functionalities which allows more flexible and safer systems. This communication shows advances in the development of a hydrogen fuel-cell power system to be integrated in a scooter.The system is based on a passive PEMFC stack that generates power without application of convective forces for gas inlet (1). Another communication in this event further explains this special operation mode which allows a decrease in auxiliary power loss and a simplification of the power system. In passive operation certain components can be omitted, like ventilators and valves, but the PEMFC becomes kinetically limited by mass transport processes. As a result, the passive cell yields lower gross power density, but has better portability for small power and personal applications. The stack is composed of a number of individual passive-PEMFCs connected in series, and integrated in a panel support with integrated sensors that monitor the state of the cell.For managing the passive hydrogen power system, a special electronics has been designed and built ad-hoc. It performs several tasks: dc-dc conversion (boost and buck) from the stack to the scooter electronics; controlling auxiliary components like hydrogen valves; cells short-circuiting; monitoring and data storage from different sensors (cells voltage, temperature, humidity, hydrogen flow, pressure); managing protocols for different actions, like scooter start-up and stack warming during eventual stops; and energy flow management between the stack and two small rechargeable batteries, one helping electronics to start from zero, and the other assisting for short-high power demands. The batteries are recharged with the hydrogen stack.The system has been finally integrated in a commercial scooter, together with a pressurized hydrogen bottle of 3dm3 volume at 200 bar. First operation results and experiences are presented in this communication.The figure shows different stages in the development of the system, from left to right, passive cells assembly, stack building and testing, system integration (stack+electronics) and the hydrogen scooter.This communication is partially financed by Project DUALCELL PID2023-151637OB-I00, financed by Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of Spain, MCIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 Folgado, M. A., Duque, L. and Chaparro, A. M. Air-breathing fuel cell with a columnar cathodic plate for the passive removal of water. Int J Hydrogen Energy 52, 1315–1324 (2024). Figure 1

MicroSynapse: A brain-inspired coplanar micro-supercapacitor for bridging capacitive energy storage and neuromorphic functionality

IntroductionIn the evolutionary context of sheep, the development of fat tails represents an adaptive survival mechanism in response to varying food availability. Despite food resource instability, sheep store energy by accumulating tail fat to survive periods of famine. This energy storage function remains present in domesticated sheep, serving as a key evolutionary reason for the formation of sheep tail fat.MethodsHere, we conducted whole-genome resequencing of 555 sheep samples (30 samples were newly sequenced and 525 were retrieved from published data) globally to investigate selection signatures associated with fat-tailed traits using Fixation Index (FST), Nucleotide diversity (π), cross-population composite likelihood ratio (XP-CLR), and runs of homozygosity (ROH) methods.Result and discussionOur examination of selection signatures in Fat-tailed and Thin-tailed Sheep Populations identified 32 candidate genes, with 6 genes (PDGFD, BMP2, GLIS1, LIPE, MSRB3, and TBX15) implicated in fat accumulation and lipid metabolism. Notably, 8 significant Gene Ontology terms (mesenchymal cell differentiation, positive regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascades, hormone metabolic process, nucleocytoplasmic transport, regulation of hormone levels, response to growth factor, regulation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway, and tissue morphogenesis) may play a role in fat deposition and tail fat development. These results will provide molecular targets for low-fat sheep breeding and enhance economic returns in sheep farming.ConclusionThis study will play a crucial role in environmental adaptation and product development, comprehensively driving the development of the sheep farming industry and enhancing economic benefits.

Addressing the problems of wind power’s anti-peak regulation characteristics, increasing system peak regulation difficulty, and wind power uncertainty causing frequency deviation leading to power imbalance, this paper considers the peak shaving and valley filling function and frequency regulation characteristics of energy storage, establishing a day-ahead and intraday coordinated two-stage optimization scheduling model for research. Stage 1 establishes a deterministic wind power prediction model based on time series Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), adopts dynamic peak-valley identification method to divide energy storage operation periods, designs energy storage peak regulation working interval and reserves frequency regulation capacity, and establishes a day-ahead 24 h optimization model with minimum cost as the objective to determine the basic output of each power source and the charging and discharging plan of energy storage participating in peak regulation. Stage 2 still takes the minimum cost as the objective, based on the output of each power source determined in Stage 1, adopts Monte Carlo scenario generation and improved scenario reduction technology to model wind power uncertainty. On one hand, it considers how energy storage improves wind power system inertia support to ensure the initial rate of change of frequency meets requirements. On the other hand, considering energy storage reserve capacity responding to frequency deviation, it introduces dynamic power flow theory, where wind, thermal, load, and storage resources share unbalanced power proportionally based on their frequency characteristic coefficients, establishing an intraday real-time scheduling scheme that satisfies the initial rate of change of frequency and steady-state frequency deviation constraints. The study employs improved chaotic mapping and an adaptive weight Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to solve the two-stage optimization model and finally takes the improved IEEE 14-node system as an example to verify the proposed scheme through simulation. Results demonstrate that the proposed method improves the system net load peak-valley difference by 35.9%, controls frequency deviation within ±0.2 Hz range, and reduces generation cost by 7.2%. The proposed optimization scheduling model has high engineering application value.

The strategic design of integrated catalysts for overall water splitting, urea electrolysis, and energy storage represents an unexplored frontier with significant challenges for catalyst engineering. Inspired by theoretical predictions that CoP/CoNi2S4 composites exhibit enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity compared to individual components, this nanorod structure was fabricated, demonstrating exceptional HER performance across acidic, alkaline, and simulated seawater conditions. It achieved 10 mA cm-2 at overpotentials of 119 mV (acidic), 88 mV (alkaline), and 95 mV (seawater), with 100-h stability, surpassing commercial Pt/C at high current densities (200 mA cm-2) with η200 values of 232 mV (1 M KOH) and 234 mV (1 M KOH + 0.5 M NaCl). For oxygen evolution reaction (OER), it exhibited superior activity in alkaline media (η10 = 267 mV) and simulated seawater, outperforming commercial RuO2. In urea-added electrolytes, the symmetric electrolyzer required only 1.53 V to achieve 10 mA cm-2. As a hybrid supercapacitor, the assembled CoP/CoNi2S4//AC device delivered an energy density of 50.9 Wh kg-1 at 800 W kg-1 with excellent cycling stability. This TMP/TMS composite integrates electrocatalytic and energy storage functionalities, paving the way for multifunctional applications in energy conversion technologies.

W₁₈O₄₉ is a promising multifunctional material for electrochromic energy storage applications, owing to its abundant oxygen vacancies and distinctive crystalline structure. However, the contradiction between the high transmittance modulation for electrochromism and the high material loading for energy storage severely restricts the development of W₁₈O₄₉ in multifunctional smart windows. This work found that different metal doping (Mo, Ti, Fe) exhibited significant differences in regulating the electrochromic performance and energy storage of W₁₈O₄₉. And the oxygen vacancies of W₁₈O₄₉ can be further controlled by adjusting the metal doping concentration, simultaneously achieving excellent electrochromic properties and energy storage. 5% Ti-doped W₁₈O₄₉ not only exhibits a high transmittance modulation of 82.3% (633 nm) and 81.0% (1050 nm) with fast coloration/bleaching times of 9.8/5.8 and 3.8/5.8 s, but also shows a good energy storage of 32.5 mF·cm⁻² at 0.1 mA·cm⁻². Theoretical calculations indicate Ti doped W₁₈O₄₉ shows a more delocalized characteristic in band decomposition charge densities and a lower diffusion energy barrier, which is conducive to enhancing the electrochemical performance. This work demonstrates metal doping plays a significant role in simultaneously regulating electrochromism and energy storage, providing a new perspective for the development of multifunctional electrochromic materials.

ABSTRACT 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 integration of energy storage and memory functionalities within a single platform is a critical step toward developing compact, multifunctional, and energy-efficient electronic systems. Conventional architectures implement supercapacitive and memristive functionalities using separate components, which compromises system efficiency, increases design complexity, and limits real-time adaptability in applications such as neuromorphic computing and renewable energy systems. In this work, we present a dual-functional coin-type symmetric device that unifies energy storage and neuromorphic memory capabilities using a nanostructured porous ZnO electrode and a chitosan/polyvinylidene fluoride (CS/PVDF) solid polymer blend electrolyte. The device demonstrates stable supercapacitive performance within a 4 V electrochemical window and exhibits clear memristive behavior at higher voltages under specific current compliances. The device transitions seamlessly between high and low resistance states under controlled pulse sequences, emulating various brain-inspired synaptic activities, such as short-term and long-term potentiation (STP and LTP) behaviors. Impedance spectroscopy, analyzed through the Havriliak–Negami model, reveals non-Debye relaxation dynamics and voltage-dependent ion-electron transport, offering valuable insights into the frequency-domain behavior underpinning the state transitions. This spectroscopic approach provides a deeper understanding of the dynamic switching mechanisms, highlighting the interplay between ionic mobility and electronic conduction across the device states. The unique neuromorphic characteristics combined with energy storage functionality in a single architecture mark a significant advancement in the physics and engineering of next-generation devices. This work lays the foundation for developing bio-inspired, low-power electronics that are both functionally versatile and physically compact, with promising implications for artificial intelligence hardware and integrated energy systems.

Abstract Structural battery composites (SBCs) integrate mechanical load‐bearing capability with energy storage functions, offering potential for significant weight reduction. However, the commercial application of SBCs remains hindered by the trade‐off between electrochemical performance and mechanical properties. This study presents a novel dual‐phase Gel‐in‐Resin (GIR) electrolyte, comprising a PVDF‐HFP‐based gel embedded within a porous epoxy resin framework. The epoxy skeleton effectively bonds carbon and glass fabrics while providing adequate space for the gel electrolyte. Electrostatic interactions between succinonitrile groups and Li⁺ ions stabilize the electrochemical window (5.21 V) and enhance the Li‐ion transference number ( t Li ⁺ = 0.59), promoting the formation of a robust LiF/Li 3 N hybrid solid electrolyte interphase. The coupling of the epoxy resin and gel electrolyte improves mechanical properties, increasing the tensile modulus by 22%. Finite element modeling reveals that structural barriers and ion pathways within the epoxy framework restrict Li⁺ transverse migration and inhibit dendrite formation. As a result, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) || graphite SBCs with GIR electrolyte exhibit excellent electrochemical performance (120.43 mAh g −1 at 0.2 C) and exceptional cycling stability (81.44% retention after 180 cycles). This work provides a promising pathway for the development of high‐performance SBCs for practical applications.

Cement-based batteries (CBBs) are an emerging category of multifunctional materials that combine structural load-bearing capacity with integrated electrochemical energy storage, enabling the development of self-powered infrastructure. Although previous reviews have explored selected aspects of CBB technology, a comprehensive synthesis encompassing system architectures, material strategies, and performance metrics remains insufficient. In this review, CBB systems are categorized into two representative configurations: probe-type galvanic cells and layered monolithic structures. Their structural characteristics and electrochemical behaviors are critically compared. Strategies to enhance performance include improving ionic conductivity through alkaline pore solutions, facilitating electron transport using carbon-based conductive networks, and incorporating redox-active materials such as zinc-manganese dioxide and nickel-iron couples. Early CBB prototypes demonstrated limited energy densities due to high internal resistance and inefficient utilization of active components. Recent advancements in electrode architecture, including nickel-coated carbon fiber meshes and three-dimensional nickel foam scaffolds, have achieved stable rechargeability across multiple cycles with energy densities surpassing 11 Wh/m2. These findings demonstrate the practical potential of CBBs for both energy storage and additional functionalities, such as strain sensing enabled by conductive cement matrices. This review establishes a critical basis for future development of CBBs as multifunctional structural components in infrastructure applications.

In electrochemical systems, the structure of electrical double layers (EDLs) near electrode surfaces is crucial for energy conversion and storage functions. While the electrodes in real-world systems are usually heterogeneous, to date the investigation of EDLs is mainly limited to planar, homogeneous substrates. To bridge this gap, here we image the EDL structure of an ionic liquid/graphite battery anode system in the initial stage of interfacial nucleation and growth using our recently developed electrochemical 3D atomic force microscopy. Upon surface nucleation of lithium-containing compounds, the local EDL layers exhibit pronounced restructuring, featuring bending, breaking, and/or reconnecting patterns that switch when the size of the local interphase cluster changes. These EDL reconfiguration patterns are likely universal during nucleation and growth, calling into attention the hitherto hidden contribution of EDL heterogeneity on electrochemical processes.

Aqueous chloride-ion batteries have emerged as promising dual-functional electrochemical systems, offering simultaneous energy storage and desalination capabilities along with inherent environmental and economic benefits. Although Sb4O5Cl2-based anodes operate at favorable low potentials that help mitigate electrode dissolution, their practical application is hindered by limited cycling stability and suboptimal charge efficiency. In this work, we propose a nickel doping strategy that simultaneously enhances the structural stability and chloride-ion storage capacity of Sb4O5Cl2in aqueous electrochemical systems. The optimized sample exhibits outstanding chloride storage performances, delivering a specific capacity of 74.19 mAh g-1at 0.3 A g-1against an Ag counter electrode, while retaining 85% of its capacity after 200 cycles. When integrated into a hybrid desalination system utilizing a Prussian blue electrode, it delivers an impressive initial desalination capacity of 107.42 mg g-1at 1.2 V, maintaining 62.6% capacity retention after 30 cycles. This work proposes a defect chemistry strategy for developing stable, multifunctional electrodes with both energy storage and water purification functionalities, offering a promising material solution for sustainable and integrated resource management.

Aqueous Zn2+-based electrochromic energy storage devices (ZEESDs) integrating electrochromism and energy storage functions are considered promising candidates in next-generation advanced energy-saving smart windows or displays. However, their practical applications are severely hindered by the unsatisfactory performances. Herein, we report a high-performance aqueous ZEESD utilizing tunable Nb-doped WO3 as the electrochromic material/cathode, a metal Zn sheet as the anode, and 1 M ZnSO4 aqueous solution as the electrolyte. The electrochromic performances of the Nb-doped WO3 thin film with different Ar/O2 flow rates, doping ratios, and film thicknesses fabricated by magnetron sputtering were systematically investigated. The results show that optimal Nb-doped WO3 exhibits outstanding electrochromic performances including a large optical modulation (93.10% at 633 nm), a fast spectral response time (4/5 s at 633 nm), a high coloration efficiency of 75.02 cm2 C1, and superior cycling stability (remaining 80% of the initial optical modulation after 2000 cycles). Furthermore, it also achieves a high discharge areal capacity of 100 mAh m-2, presenting a good energy storage capability. The assembled aqueous ZEESD based on Nb-doped WO3 displays a fascinating practical application prospect. This work provides a simple and effective design strategy for ZEESDs, which plays an important role for boosting the practical development in the field of energy savings and energy storage.