High Carbon Research Articles

Perceptions and decision-making of dental professionals to adopting sustainable waste management behaviour: a Theory of Planned Behaviour analysis.

Background High carbon emissions associated with clinical waste disposal in dentistry pose an environmental and public health concern. Current NHS guidelines do not mandate sustainable waste management resulting in recyclable dental waste being incinerated. In the absence of such policies, decision to implement sustainable waste management practices falls upon dental professionals who rely on their own knowledge and beliefs about the environmental impact of dentistry. Literature exploring barriers to sustainable waste management by dental professionals require further insight on dental professionals' decision-making processes. Therefore, this study uses a behavioural decision-making model - the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) - to explore sustainable waste segregation behaviour of dental professionals based on their attitudes and beliefs about sustainable dentistry and climate change.Methods Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with dental professionals between October and November 2022 in dental practices in Fife, Scotland. Interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic data analysis.Findings Following thematic analysis, eight themes were identified around the participants' attitudes, perceived subjective norms and perceived behavioural control, pointing at the way knowledge gaps and lack of awareness were often linked with attitudes which are associated with low intention to execute sustainable waste management.Conclusions TPB offers a useful framework to understand waste segregation behaviour of dental professionals. Further studies are required to further establish sustainable waste management behaviour.

Genetic mechanism and exploration progress of global deep alkane gases and small molecule gases (H2, He)

From the perspective of global oil and gas exploration trends, deep to ultra-deep gas exploration has emerged as a focal point in the past decade, shaping the future landscape of fossil energy exploration. Specifically, China has undertaken oil and gas exploration ventures reaching depths of 10,000 m, drawing significant attention to the genesis of gas accumulation at such extreme depths. An analysis of crucial geological factors including basin formation, hydrocarbon generation, storage and accumulation reveals that kerogen cracking gas, crude oil cracking gas, and coal cracking gas served as vital gas sources for ultra-deep paraffin gas in highly over-mature oil-bearing basins, establishing a model for the formation, evolution, and accumulation of natural gas. With the continuous expansion of hydrocarbon genesis theory and the increasing global demand for clean energy, hydrogen, as an important link between inorganic and organic hydrocarbon generation theory, and as a promising clean energy, has gradually aroused extensive attention in the academic community. The genetic types of natural hydrogen are mainly generated from inorganic genetic mechanisms, including earth degassing, water-rock interaction, and water radiolysis. The lithology of the reservoir and the sealing property of the cap layer control the accumulation of natural hydrogen, with the salt-rock cap layer beneficial to the large-scale preservation of natural hydrogen reservoir. Helium, as a constituent resource of natural gas, represents the primary target for exploration among deep small molecule gases. Helium within natural gas reservoirs can be categorized into atmospheric, crust-source and mantle-source varieties based on their origins. Helium source rocks exhibit significant disparities in helium generation capacity attributed to variations in rock types, mineral compositions, and ages, resulting in a relatively complex mechanism governing helium reservoir release, migration and accumulation. Typically, helium-rich gas reservoirs lack optimal cap sealing performance, as excessive sealing inhibits the formation of pressure relief conduits, thereby impeding the supply of helium-rich fluid to the reservoir. Through an analysis of genetic types, formation and evolution models, and reservoir preservation mechanisms pertinent to deep alkane gases and small molecule gases, it is revealed that the large-scale pool-forming geologic units and giant hydrocarbon enrichment zones in ultra-deep strata are key and promising prospects for delivering successive discoveries, and the energy significance and development trend of natural hydrogen and helium in the future were pointed out, in order to provide references for promoting the transition from high carbon to low carbon and carbon-free energy in the energy field.

Organic Carbon Reaction Kinetics in Bioturbated Sediments

AbstractMost organic carbon delivered to the seafloor is degraded within the bioturbated layer. Theory and empirical evidence have shown that organic carbon reactivity relates to the age of a particle. However, due to particle mixing, the age‐depth linear relation induced by sediment accretion is obfuscated. Here we combine a Lagrangian particle tracking model that resolves the age distribution of particles in the bioturbated zone and couple it to age‐dependent organic carbon degradation. Depth profiles for organic carbon concentration, reactivity and degradation rate are presented for sediments receiving low and high reactivity organic carbon in coastal, continental slope and deep‐sea environments. Our results show that a simple first‐order kinetics model suffices for well‐mixed sediments and systems receiving pre‐processed materials. A reactive continuum approach is needed for poorly mixed sediments receiving highly reactive organic carbon and for sediments below the bioturbated layer.

Synergistic enhancement for energy-saving, emission reduction and profit improvement in iron and steel manufacturing system: Strategies for parameter regulation and technologies integration

The steel industry, characterized by high energy consumption and carbon emission, poses a significant threat to global energy and environmental security. In response to the energy conservation and dual-carbon targets, the steel industry must urgently find sustainable pathways for transformation and development. Steel production structure optimization and the application of cutting-edge technologies have been proven to be highly effective. However, the complexity and variability of actual production conditions highlight the absence of a methodology capable of adapting to real production scenarios, elucidating influencing principles across multiple factors, analyzing synergistic mechanisms of multiple indicators, and proposing collaborative control strategies. Furthermore, the potential for technology applications that are closely integrated with the company’s resource endowment remains uncertain, leading to an unclear overall strategy for energy saving and carbon reduction. This study develops a multi-scale optimization and evaluation model for ISMP, incorporating interconnected and matching processes, as well as nested multi-indicators, in response to the context. Subsequently, the disturbance mechanisms of various factors are accurately identified and a multi-indicator synergistic control strategy and framework are proposed. Following optimization, the exergy loss, energy consumption, carbon emission intensity, cost, and pollutant emissions of ISMP per tonne of steel are reduced by 1418.70 MJ, 42.93 kgce, 154.79 kg, 171.21 CNY, and 0.0168 kg, respectively. Additionally, measures such as reducing moisture content in coking coal can effectively regulate multiple indicators. Based on the proposed sensitivity quantification method, the temperature of hot blast is identified as the most effective controllable factor. Technologies like hydrogen-rich fuel injection, integrated waste heat recovery, and solar photovoltaic & energy storage have shown favorable prospects, according to analysis conducted from various angles regarding economic viability and potential for energy-saving and carbon reduction. However, the application of aforementioned technologies may be limited by financial consideration, necessitating cautious and judicious investment choices.

Oxygen-functionalization of unique hierarchical carbon nanosheet fishtail-like for synergistically enhanced capacitive performance supercapacitor

The optimization of high-performance supercapacitors with enhanced electrochemical properties using biomass-based activated carbon is a challenging task. To overcome this, a novel strategy was used to create functional nanocarbon with a hierarchical-nanosheet structure based on bio-waste of Clausena Excavata Burm F (CEBF) leaves. The precursor was optimized through different chemical impregnation concentrations without the addition of any other substances. This resulted in a unique hierarchical carbon nanosheet fishtail-like with a specific surface area of 828.679 m2 g−1. The high carbon content of CEBF (up to 88.58%) and 4.46% oxygen as heteroatoms showed a beneficial pseudocapacitance effect. The electrochemical properties of CEBF-activated carbon were excellent, with a specific capacitance of 248 F g−1. The optimal energy density reached 33.8267 Wh kg−1, and the power density was 4.755 kW kg−1 at 10 A g−1. These findings suggest that CEBF biomass has significant potential as a source of hierarchical carbon nanosheet that enhances high-performance electrochemical supercapacitors.

The impact of pore heterogeneity on pore connectivity and the controlling factors utilizing spontaneous imbibition combined with multifractal dimensions: Insight from the Longmaxi Formation in Northern Guizhou

The heterogeneity of shale pores, a crucial factor in the occurrence and migration of shale gas, exerts a significant impact on the pore connectivity. Pores exhibiting a range of structural attributes to the complexity of pore connectivity. A comprehensive study into the impact of pore heterogeneity on pore connectivity in shale is lacking. This study aims to explore the impact of pore heterogeneity on pore connectivity in shale and the primary controlling factors of pore connectivity. Shale pore connectivity, pore structures, mineral composition, and geochemical parameters were assessed using various tests, including spontaneous imbibition, adsorption, mercury intrusion capillary pressure (MICP), focus ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), sulfur and carbon analysis, vitrinite reflectivity, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Pore heterogeneity was quantitatively analyzed using the multifractal dimensions method. Results show that the increased heterogeneity of pore structure and surface roughness facilitating the potential for increased connectivity. The presence of well-developed micro-mesopores within the organic matter, alongside numerous disconnected and independent pores, contributes to an increase in pore heterogeneity. Micro-mesopore structures have a more pronounced impact on pore heterogeneity than macropores. The heterogeneity of the pores is predominantly influenced by variations in the PV and SSA of micro-mesopores. Furthermore, the heightened heterogeneity of pore structure (D1) and surface roughness (D2) leads to a more complex pore structure with increased roughness, promoting the potential for enhanced connectivity through additional throats and facilitating the formation of secondary microfractures. Shale cores characterized by high total organic carbon (TOC) content, porosity, and clay mineral content are conducive to improved pore connectivity. Conversely, the increase of thermal evolution maturity of shale in the over-mature stage is not conducive to the increase of pore connectivity. Thermal evolution maturity, TOC content, and clay mineral are key factors that control pore heterogeneity, further affecting the connectivity of shale pores. High pore connectivity is conducive to spontaneous imbibition capacity and the formation of hydraulic microfractures, promoting the migration of shale gas.

The improvement of dry sliding tribological properties by designing nano-primary cementite in bainitic/martensitic matrix microstructure in hypereutectoid PM components

The production of nano-sized primary cementite in bainite/martensite matrix (NCBM) microstructure was designed to improve the dry sliding wear properties of high carbon PM parts. A different heat treatment cycle was carried out for the production of novel the NCBM microstructure. High purity iron powder 1.5 wt%. natural graphite powder was added and it was compacted in the form of a dry sliding wear test specimen in a mold and sintered at 1200 °C in a pure Ar gas atmosphere. The novel NCBM microstructure in the PM material was produced by quenching at 950 °C, then annealing at 600 °C for 12 min, then quickly cooling from 730 °C to 250 °C in a salt bath and keeping it isothermal for 100 s. The friction coefficient of materials with NCBM microstructure was less than other samples. It was found that while the wear coefficient were higher in the tempered martensitic microstructure sample having higher hardness, they were less than in the sample having bainitic/martensitic microstructure with similar hardness.

Redescription of the terrestrial isopod Armadillo mayeti Simon, 1885 and its comparison with Armadillo officinalis Duméril, 1816 from Tunisian populations

ABSTRACT The genus Armadillo is represented by 26 species, three of which are recorded from Tunisia: the Mediterranean A. officinalis Duméril, 1816, and the endemic A. mayeti Simon, 1885 and A. pseudomayeti Mattern, 1999. In this paper, the endemic species A. mayeti is redescribed, its morphological diagnostic characters are illustrated, and its stridulation apparatus structure and biochemical composition are highlighted for the first time using optical and scanning electronic microscopy. The stridulation apparatus, visible dorsally on propodus of pereopods 4 and 5, is structured in a row of chain scales. Regarding its chemical composition, the scale contains numerous elements with a high carbon content (C = 58.71%) followed by calcium (Ca = 19.63%), oxygen (O = 13.98), aluminium (Al = 4.81), copper (Cu = 1.02), iron (Fe = 0.63), potassium (K = 0.43), and silicon (Si = 0.20). Its distribution is extended and its status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List is reported. Armadillo mayeti is then compared with the widespread Mediterranean A. officinalis for diagnostic purposes on the bases of morphological features and the stridulation apparatus structure focusing on the chemical composition. The taxonomic status of A. pseudomayeti is discussed.

Understory plant biodiversity is inversely related to carbon storage in a high carbon ecosystem.

Given that terrestrial ecosystems globally are facing the loss of biodiversity from land use conversion, invasive species, and climate change, effective management requires a better understanding of the drivers and correlates of biodiversity. Increasingly, biodiversity is co-managed with aboveground carbon storage because high biodiversity in animal species is observed to correlate with high aboveground carbon storage. Most previous investigations into the relationship of biodiversity and carbon co-management do not focus on the biodiversity of the species rich plant kingdom, which may have tradeoffs with carbon storage. To examine the relationships of plant species richness with aboveground tree biomass carbon storage, we used a series of generalized linear models with understory plant species richness and diversity data from the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis dataset and high-resolution modeled carbon maps for the Tongass National Forest. Functional trait data from the TRY database was used to understand the potential mechanisms that drive the response of understory plants. Understory species richness and community weighted mean leaf dry matter content decreased along an increasing gradient of tree biomass carbon storage, but understory diversity, community weighted mean specific leaf area, and plant height at maturity did not. Leaf dry matter content had little variance at the community level. The decline of understory plant species richness but not diversity to increases in aboveground biomass carbon storage suggests that rare species are excluded in aboveground biomass carbon dense areas. These decreases in understory species richness reflect a tradeoff between the understory plant community and aboveground carbon storage. The mechanisms that are associated with observed plant communities along a gradient of biomass carbon storage in this forest suggest that slower-growing plant strategies are less effective in the presence of high biomass carbon dense trees in the overstory.

Enhanced photorespiratory and TCA pathways by elevated CO2 to manage ammonium nutrition in tomato leaves

Plants grown under exclusive ammonium (NH4+) nutrition have high carbon (C) demand to sustain proper nitrogen (N) assimilation and energy required for plant growth, generally impaired compared to nitrate (NO3-) nutrition. Thereby, the increment of the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, in the context of climate change, will potentially allow plants to better face ammonium nutrition. In this work, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants were grown under ammonium or nitrate nutrition in conditions of ambient (aCO2, 400 ppm) or elevated CO2 (eCO2, 800 ppm) atmosphere. Elevated CO2 increased photosynthesis rate and tomato shoot growth regardless of the N source. In the case of NH4+-fed leaves the positive effect of elevated CO2 occurred despite of the high tissue NH4+ accumulation. Under eCO2 ammonium nutrition triggered, among others, the modulation of genes related to C provision pathways (including carbonic anhydrase and glyoxylate cycle), antioxidant response and cell membranes protection. The enhanced photosynthate production at eCO2 facilitated C skeleton provision through the TCA cycle and anaplerotic pathways to promote amino acid synthesis. Moreover, photorespiratory activity was stimulated by eCO2 and contributed to yield serine as additional sink for NH4+ excess. Overall, these changes denote a connection between the respiratory and the photorespiratory pathways linked to ammonium nutrition. This metabolic strategy may allow crops to grow efficiently using ammonium as fertilizer in a future climate change scenario, while mitigating N losses.

Impact of Gas Adsorption of Nitrogen, Argon, Methane, and CO2 on Gas Permeability in Nanoporous Rocks

Gas adsorption on the surface of nanoporous rocks is an important process that occurs in many applied scenarios such as shale gas production or CO2 enhanced gas recovery or storage. While there are few theoretical considerations on the effect of gas adsorption on permeability, a systematic laboratory investigation of the impact of gas adsorption on gas flow and permeability is still lacking. In this paper, permeability of four adsorptive gases, i.e., nitrogen, argon, methane, and carbon dioxide, was measured, along with helium permeability, for two nanoporous rock samples that have high and low total organic carbon (TOC) content, respectively. The measurements were conducted at a range of pore pressures from 150-1500 psi (1.03-10.34 MPa). Gas adsorption isotherms were also measured at the same conditions. A mathematical model that considers adsorption with specific boundary conditions for the experimental setup was used for data analysis. The results show that gas adsorption causes larger drop in pressure decay and greater retardation in pressure equilibrium. However, the reduction of permeability relative to helium (25%-46%) is similar for gases with different levels of adsorption, indicating the occurrence of single-layer adsorption for these gases. Comparison between the two samples further supports the concept of single-layer adsorption and signifies the impact of pore size on the permeability reduction due to adsorption. These new findings deepen the fundamental understanding and provide important clarification on the effect of gas adsorption on gas flow and permeability in nanoporous rocks.

Li2CO3/LiF-Rich Solid Electrolyte Interface Stabilized Lithium Metal Anodes for Durable Li-CO2 Batteries

Lithium carbon dioxide (Li-CO2) batteries are considered a promising next-generation energy storage device due to their high theoretical energy density and potential carbon neutralization. Despite numerous iterative advancements in cathode catalysts for Li-CO2 batteries, the cycling stability still to be hindered by the growth of lithium dendrites during cycling, primarily due to uneven deposition and the side reaction of sufficient CO2 with the Li metal anode. In this work, bisalt electrolyte (BE) consisting of LiPF6 and LiTFSI is used as a localized anode surface stabilizer to achieve durable Li-CO2 batteries. The introduction of PF6− promotes the decomposition and reduction of TFSI−, leading to the formation of LiF-rich inorganic SEI (Li2CO3/LiF-rich) with enhanced Li+ affinity and good electronic insulating properties. This effectively inhibits lithium dendrite formation while also insulating CO2 and electrolytes from contacting the lithium anode. Consequently, the Li symmetric battery incorporating the novel BE exhibits a long cycling life of 912 hours (∼3.8 times of the cell with a single-salt electrolyte (SE)). The BE based Li-CO2 battery achieves an ultra-long cyclelife of 2720 hours (∼2.6 times of SE battery) and outstanding rate capability. In addition, the assembled belt-shaped Li-CO2 batteries could stably power a digital watch for 1267 hours.

Vanadium doped ZIF-L derived V-NC peroxidase-like nanozymes for tanwenic acid sensing

Transition metal-relied nitrogen doping carbon nanozyme has attracted great attention owning to their high potential to replace natural enzymes. In this study, we prepared novel vanadium doped ZIF-L derived N-doped carbon nanozyme (V-NC) via facilely pyrolysis strategy. The cross-shaped morphology endows V-NC with unique V-Nx active sites, hierarchical pore character and large specific surface area, leading to its good peroxidase-mimetic activity. The steady-state kinetics trials revealed the low Km values of V-NC for TMB and H2O2, demonstrating its good affinity to TMB and H2O2. Mechanism research revealed that the excellent peroxidase-like activity of V-NC resulted from co-participation of •OH and O2•−, which were confirmed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging experiments and EPR trials. Under optimized operational conditions, and by virtue of the antioxidant properties of tannic acid (TA), a colorimetric sensing programme in terms of the peroxidase-imitating function of V-NC was developed for sensitive detection of TA in the 0.1–2.5 µM linear range with low detection limit of 19.8 nM and the relative standard deviation (RSD, n = 3) of below 5 %. This contribution renders a novel idea for designing and developing high activity N-doped carbon nanozyme, and provides an accurate and feasible assay for the analysis of TA in real samples.

Construction of the Co3O4/Nb2O5 Composite Catalyst with a Prickly Spherelike Architecture for CO2 Cycloaddition with Styrene Oxide.

A high-performance Nb2O5-based catalyst for the cycloaddition of CO2 with SO is designed by properly unifying the concepts of compositional regulation and architectural engineering. The Co3O4/Nb2O5 composite catalyst shows an intriguing prickly spherelike morphology. It exhibits a high styrene carbonate (SC) yield of 94.3% within 4 h (0.0824 mol g-1 h-1) under mild reaction conditions (0.4 MPa of CO2 and a reaction temperature of 90 °C) assisted by tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB). The coupling of Co3O4, which chemically interacts with Nb2O5, can effectively modulate the electronic structures of Nb2O5, constructing abundant acid/base sites for effectively activating the reactants and boosting the intrinsic activity. The high activity, cost-effectiveness, and good recyclability make the tailor-made Co3O4/Nb2O5 prickly spheres more appealing for commercial applications. This work offers new insights into designing and constructing well-integrated metal oxide composites for the cycloaddition of CO2 with an epoxide.

The effect of the Weibull modulus on the shape of the stress–strain curves of thin-ply pseudo-ductile hybrid composites

This paper presents a numerical approach using ABAQUS CAE scripting to simulate the mechanical response of thin-ply pseudo-ductile hybrid composites. A parametric study demonstrates that interface critical fracture energy is essential for accurately modeling damage mechanisms and mechanical behavior. Correct shear strength identification enables the model to capture experimental observations, including fragmentation and the plateau region in the stress–strain curve. The analysis shows that the mechanical behavior of these composites is largely independent of fragmentation location patterns in the low-strain layer. Results emphasize the significant impact of the Weibull modulus on the stress–strain response, with careful selection leading to strong correlation with experimental data. Notable differences in best-fit Weibull moduli were observed for different materials, with higher values for high modulus carbon fibers.

Curved surface coupled structural battery composites manufactured by resin transfer molding process: Microstructure and multifunctional performance

To bridge industrial production and lab-scale research, this work demonstrates a technology to manufacture curved surface structural battery composites (CSBCs) that can simultaneously achieve electrochemical energy storage and load-bearing. The curved-surface carbon fiber structural anode and cathode are fabricated by coating the active materials on carbon fiber fabric with a vacuum-bag-assisted technique. The resin transfer molding (RTM) process is conducted to manufacture the coupled CSBCs by infusing bi-continuous phase epoxy resin electrolyte and curing at high temperatures. The microstructure of structural electrodes and CSBCs is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Due to good interfacial compatibility between high mechanical strength carbon fiber structural electrode and high ionic conductivity solid polymer electrolyte bulk for load support, the fabricated CSBCs demonstrate a high density of 294 mWh kg−1 based on the whole mass of devices, a tensile strength of 257.4 MPa with Young's modulus of 12.9 GPa and a flexural strength of 194.1 MPa with flexural modulus of 11.1 GPa. In situ electrochemical-mechanical tests further confirm the durability of CSBCs under mechanical loads with a multifunctional efficiency of 1.07, suggesting the effectiveness of the introduced manufacturing techniques for coupled structural battery composites.

Preparation and formation mechanism of (W) WC/Fe bundle reinforced iron matrix composites

To address the issue of strength and toughness inversion in traditional metal matrix composites, which are reinforced by uniformly distributed ceramic particles, this research developed a novel space bundle configuration of reinforced iron matrix composite using tungsten wire (W) and tungsten carbide (WC). This composite was prepared using a lost foam casting process combined with in-situ reaction. Microstructural analysis revealed that WC particles are distributed along the tungsten wire, with larger particles at the center and smaller ones at the edges. The formation of the reinforcement occurs in two stages: first, a solid-liquid reaction between the solid tungsten wire and molten iron during the lost foam casting process, promoting WC formation at high temperatures and carbon potential; second, an in situ solid-solid reaction where Fe diffuses and Fe3W3C decomposes, forming a composite structure of WC and α-Fe. The composite obtained at 1100°C for 9 hours exhibited a compressive strength of 836.59 MPa and a fracture strain of 18.69%, representing increases of 48.46% and 48.69% respectively compared to grey cast iron (GCI). The (W) WC/Fe bundle reinforcement effectively enhances the strength and toughness of the composite through the high volume fraction and gradient distribution of WC particles, combined with the synergistic effect of α-Fe. This research provides a new strategy for improving the mechanical properties of composite materials and resolving the issue of strength-toughness inversion.

How does regional carbon transition affect loan pricing? Evidence from China

Existing research on carbon risks mainly focuses on firm-level transition risks and regional physical risks, while the impact of regional transition risks on banks has been neglected. This study fills this gap by revealing the pricing effect of regional carbon transition risk in bank lending. Using syndicated loan data, we find a significant premium in loans in high carbon emission areas after the Paris Agreement. Moreover, the regional carbon risk premium is relatively low in areas with higher product marketization, lower legalization, and higher forest coverage levels. Our evidence suggests that banks have considered regional carbon transition risk.

Drought risk assessment on arid region under different socioeconomic scenarios: A case of Loess Plateau, China

Quantitative understanding of drought risks on arid region is vital in drought risk mitigation and ecological restoration. However, no study has been conducted on the drought risk variance between different shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios and China’s dual carbon goals scenario on arid region. This study evaluates drought risks of Loess Plateau between the year of 1980–2100 based on the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 data sets and the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction drought risk assessment framework. The average values of the drought risk index in four scenarios during the projection period (2030–2100) are 0.29 (±0.026) for the low carbon emission scenario, 0.257 (±0.019) for the China’s dual carbon target scenario, 0.232 (±0.057) for the medium carbon emission scenario, and 0.248 (±0.059) for the high carbon emission scenario, which are higher than the historical period (i.e. 1980: 0.210; 2020: 0.215). Accordingly, the Loess Plateau will have severe drought risks in the future. In the zone of increased drought risk indices on the Loess Plateau, the areas of woodland and croplands increased, whereas the area of grasslands increased in the zone of decreased drought risk indices. China’s dual carbon goals (i.e. SSP1-2.6) scenario has the smallest degree of variability in drought risk, which is the most reliable pathway of across the four scenarios. We emphasize the potential of spatial planning based on regional characteristics and creating ecological buffer zones for endemic biome habitats to address the uncertainty of drought risk in arid and semi-arid regions like the Loess Plateau.

Surface-modified composites of metal–organic framework and wood-derived carbon for high-performance supercapacitors

The renewable nature, high carbon content, and unique hierarchical structure of wood-derived carbon make it an optimal self-supporting electrode for energy storage. However, the limitations in specific surface area and electrical conductivity defects pose challenges to achieving satisfactory charge storage in wood-derived carbon electrodes. Therefore, exploring diverse and effective surface strategies is crucial for enhancing the electrochemical energy storage performance. Herein, a decoration technique for enhancing aesthetic appeal involves applying a metal–organic framework (Ni/Co-MOF) containing nickel and cobalt onto the inner walls of wood tracheids. The sequential modification steps include carbonization, oxidation activation, and acid-etching. The Ni/NiO/CoO-CW-4 electrode, made by acid-etching carbonized wood (CW) doped with nickel, nickel oxide, and cobalt oxide for 4 h, has excellent surface area and pore size distribution, high graphitization degree, and exceptional conductivity. Furthermore, surface modification optimizes the surface chemistry and phase composition, resulting in a 0.8 mm thick Ni/NiO/CoO-CW-4 electrode with an exceptionally high areal capacitance of 16.76 F cm−2 at 5 mA cm−2. Meanwhile, the fabricated solid-state supercapacitor achieves an impressive energy density of 0.67 mWh cm−2 (8.38 mWh cm−3) at 2.5 mW cm−2 (31.25 mW cm−3), surpassing representative modified wood-based carbon electrodes by approximately 2–7 times. Additionally, the supercapacitor demonstrates exceptional stability, maintaining 96.21 % of capacitance even over 10,000 cycles. The parameters presented here demonstrate a significant improvement compared to those typically observed in most modified wood-derived carbon-based supercapacitors, effectively addressing common issues of low energy density and suboptimal cycling performance with wood carbon composites.