High Reduction Potential Research Articles

High-efficiency treatment of oily wastewater by photocatalytic in-situ Fenton oxidation under visible light

Oily wastewater poses a significant threat to environmental safety, and complex water environments have caused numerous disturbances in oil pollution treatment. Therefore, constructing composite systems is expected to improve oil pollution treatment efficiency. This study developed an efficient photocatalytic in-situ Fenton oxidation system, HTCC@ZnFe2O4/Ag3PO4 (HZFA), loaded onto polypropylene spheres (PP) for treating oily wastewater (diesel oil) in complex environments. The built-in electric field of HZFA promotes photogenerated carrier separation, enhancing photocatalytic effect. At a diesel concentration of 3.2 g/L, performance of HZFA degraded diesel in deionized water and artificial seawater (ASW) were 60.80 % and 52.62 %, respectively, much higher than a pure photocatalytic system (13.84 %). The dual system compensated for single system defects like instability and narrow application range, achieving 8 effective cycles in ASW. Experimental and computational results showed that high oxidation and reduction potentials in the dual system promoted hydrocarbon oxidative degradation and H2O2 production/activation. The amount of OH, O2−, and h+ produced in different environments is fundamental for the stabilization of catalytic degradation by HZFA. GC–MS and DFT analysis revealed potential oxidative chain-breaking processes for diesel components like alkanes, aromatics, alcohols, acids, aldehydes, and esters. This study offers a new method for green and efficient oily wastewater treatment, overcoming inherent defects of traditional Fenton, with broad application prospects.

GERICS supporting climate-resilient wind energy sites

GERICS supporting climate-resilient wind energy sites Dr. Irem Isik Cetin and Dr Elke Keup-Thiel offer expert insights on how GERICS supports the climate-resilient development of wind energy sites. Since the oil crisis in 1973, the use of modern wind turbines has clearly grown. By 2023, the installed capacity of wind energy globally surpassed 1 terawatt (TW). (1) With low costs and high emission reduction potential (2), wind energy has emerged as one of the most promising options for moving towards a low-carbon energy transition. For this reason, after COP28, more than 200 countries aimed to triple renewable energy capacity.

In situ synthetic H2 on composite cathode surface for CH4 production from CO2 in microbial electrosyntshesis

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is an innovative technology that employs microbes to synthesize chemicals by reducing CO2.This study explores the CH4 production performance at different cathodic reduction potentials in MES. In this study, in situ H2 production on the surface of composite electrode was realized by regulating cathode potential. Pathway for H2-mediated CH4 synthesis was the main synthesis pathway, but it was susceptible to interfere from the external environment (such as cathode potential, pH). The optimal CH4 production potential was −1.0 V vs Ag/AgCl, meanwhile the CH4 synthesis rate was 58 ± 0.4 mLm−2d−1 and the CE was 67 ± 0.5%. Excessively high reduction potentials (−1.4 V vs Ag/AgCl) reduce the activity of microbial populations at the cathode. Synergistic interactions between H2-producing bacteria (Hydrogenophaga, Clostridium, Enterobacter, and Escherichia coli) and Hydrogenotrophic methanogens (Methanobacterium and Methanomassiliicocus) promoted efficient synthesis of CH4. These insights provide new perspectives on reactor operation, thus contributing to the efficiency of MES.

The role of proton-coupled electron transfer from protein to heme in dehaloperoxidase

At least two of the six methionine (Met) residues in dehaloperoxidase (DHP) are shown to act as electron donors in both autoreduction and protein-heme crosslinking. Autoreduction observed in the two isozymes, DHP-A and DHP-B, is explained by the high heme reduction potential and an endogenous source of electrons from methionine (Met) or cysteine (Cys). This study provides evidence of a connection to protein-heme crosslinking that occurs when DHP is activated by H2O2 in competition with substrate oxidation and autoreduction. The autoreduction yields of DHP-A and DHP-B are comparable and both are inversely proportional to DHP concentration. Both isoenzymes show an anti-cooperative effect on autoreduction kinetics associated with protein dimerization. Despite the presence of five tyrosine (Tyr) amino acids in DHP-A and four Tyr in DHP-B, the mass spectral evidence does not support a Tyr-heme or interprotein Tyr-Tyr crosslinking event as observed in some mammalian myoglobins. LC-MS and tandem MS/MS studies revealed three amino acids that were involved in the heme-protein crosslink, Cys73, Met63 and Met64. Cys73 facilitates dimer formation in DHP-A which also appears to slow the rate of autoreduction, but is not involved in covalent protein-heme crosslinking. Based on mutational studies, Met63 and 64 are involved in both covalent heme crosslinking and autoreduction. Proton-coupled electron transfer and crosslinking by Met to the heme may serve to regulate DHP function and protect it from uncontrolled oxidative damage.

Aluminum demand and low carbon development scenarios for major countries by 2050

Aluminum is a widely used energy-intensive material and the second largest source of carbon emissions from metal after steel. Global demand for aluminum has grown rapidly since 1970 and has shown a high correlation with population and economic growth. These factors have posed challenges to carbon reduction of aluminum industry. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate global aluminum demand and emissions to develop low carbon pathways. However, few studies have conducted a comprehensive analysis of the global aluminum industry. We develop different scenarios of joint abatement measures to explore pathways for the aluminum industry to significantly reduce carbon emissions by 2050. Three scenarios are considered, namely, moderate mitigation scenario (MMS), enhanced mitigation scenario (EMS), and deep mitigation scenario (DMS). The results show that: 1) Aluminum industry has a high potential for carbon emission reduction. The emissions in the three scenarios will be reduced by 33%, 77% and 85% by 2050 compared to 2020, respectively. 2) The carbon emission reduction effect of energy structure optimization and low carbon technology application is significant, with the use of clean energy playing a decisive role. 3) There is an inverse U-shaped curve relationship between per capita primary aluminum demand and per capita GDP. The aluminum demand in China and India is still growing at a high rate, and carbon emissions are always at the top. This study will effectively support the development of a low-carbon transition path for the global aluminum industry.

Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia on AuCu Single-atom Alloy Aerogels under Wide Potential Window.

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia (NO3RR) is very attractive for nitrate removal and ammonia production in industrial processes. However, the nitrate reduction reaction is characterized by intense hydrogen competition at strong reduction potentials, which greatly limits the Faraday efficiency at strong reduction potentials. Herein, we reported an AuxCu single-atom alloy aerogels (AuxCu SAAs) with three-dimensional network structure with significant nitrate reduction performance of Faraday efficiency (FE) higher than 90% over a wide potential range (0 ~ -1 VRHE). The FE of the catalyst was close to 100% at a high reduction potential of -0.8 VRHE, accompanying with NH3 yield reaching 6.21 mmol h-1 cm-2. More importantly, the catalyst maintained a long-term operation over 400 h at 400 mA cm-2 for the NO3RR using a continuous flow system in a H-cell. Experimental and theoretical analysis demonstrate that the catalyst can lower the energy barrier for the hydrogenation reaction of *NO2, leading to a rapid consumption of the generated *H, facilitate the hydrogenation process of NO3RR, and inhibit the competitive HER at high overpotentials, which efficiently promotes the nitrate reduction reaction, especially in industrial applications.

Identifying the optimal type and locations of natural water retention measures using spatial modeling and cost-benefit analysis

Water management has shifted from solely technical and engineering approaches towards nature-based solutions (NBS), like natural water retention measures (NWRM), offering benefits beyond hydrology, such as improved well-being and biodiversity conservation. Determining the best type and location of these measures is challenging due to diverse options with varying benefits and effects depending on measure type and location characteristics. While most studies regarding the optimal allocation and implementation of NBS focus on the urban environment, this study presents a methodology for decision-makers focusing on inter-urban regions with limited data on NWRM implementation. Through hydrological modeling and cost-benefit analysis (CBA), we identify Pareto optimal NWRM sites and types, considering water quantity and quality alongside economic, environmental, and social objectives. We defined optimal locations that seek the most significant reduction of runoff, sediment, and pollutants, whilst optimal NWRM types are defined to seek the most cost-effective measures based on hydrological, ecological, and social criteria. Using the Open Non-point Source Pollution and Erosion Comparison Tool (OpenNSPECT), we simulated increased infiltration in different inter-urban areas and identified the optimal placement. The criteria for selecting suitable NWRM types for the identified areas are derived from the EU Directorate General for the Environment (DG-ENV) NWRM database. The results show different effective areas for reducing runoff, sediment, and pollutants. While one NWRM (natural bank stabilization) was identified as most beneficial for reducing sediment, several measures were selected for runoff reduction. Interestingly, measures with high potential for pollutant reduction seem to offer limited social and biodiversity benefits, suggesting conflicting objectives and highlighting the importance of accounting for multiple criteria. By employing simplified models and qualitative benefit assessments, this paper presents a practical decision-making approach to facilitate NWRM implementation in data-scarce areas.

Evidence for sustainably reducing secondary pollutants in a typical industrial city in China: Co-benefit from controlling sources with high reduction potential beyond industrial process

Under China’s strict industrial control measures, the reduction of secondary pollutants (O3 and secondary organic aerosols [SOA]) and precursors (volatile organic compounds [VOCs] and NOx) caused by industrial processes has encountered bottlenecks. In this study, the net O3 formation rate (Net [O3]) in summer and the self-reaction rate between peroxy radicals (Self-Rnxs) in winter are used to characterize the formation potentials of O3 and SOA, respectively. Assuming that the precursor reduction ratio based on emission inventories is approximately equal to that based on observed concentrations, this study combines emission inventory and observation-based model (OBM) methods to indicate the potential source of secondary pollutants reduction. The findings show that strict control measures implemented by local governments, particularly those targeting industrial processes and fossil fuel combustion, are effective in reducing VOCs and NOx emissions during summer, and the two sources result in 3.8 % and 5.3 % decrease in the Net (O3), respectively. Similarly, control measures focusing on industrial processes help to significantly reduce VOCs emissions during winter, resulting in an 8.0 % decrease in Self-Rnxs. However, current measures for industrial processes are stringent and have little potential for further reduction. Therefore, additional sources with higher reduction potentials beyond industrial processes should be subject to stringent controls in industrial cities. Given the limited emission reduction potential associated with industrial processes, this study provides perspectives for sustained reduction of secondary pollutants in industrial cities.

High vacancy formation energy boosts the stability of structurally ordered PtMg in hydrogen fuel cells

Alloys of platinum with alkaline earth metals promise to be active and highly stable for fuel cell applications, yet their synthesis in nanoparticles remains a challenge due to their high negative reduction potentials. Herein, we report a strategy that overcomes this challenge by preparing platinum-magnesium (PtMg) alloy nanoparticles in the solution phase. The PtMg nanoparticles exhibit a distinctive structure with a structurally ordered intermetallic core and a Pt-rich shell. The PtMg/C as a cathode catalyst in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell exhibits a mass activity of 0.50 A mgPt−1 at 0.9 V with a marginal decrease to 0.48 A mgPt−1 after 30,000 cycles, exceeding the US Department of Energy 2025 beginning-of-life and end-of-life mass activity targets, respectively. Theoretical studies show that the activity stems from a combination of ligand and strain effects between the intermetallic core and the Pt-rich shell, while the stability originates from the high vacancy formation energy of Mg in the alloy.

Redox Behaviour and Redox Potentials of Dyes in Aqueous Buffers and Protic Ionic Liquids.

Organic dyes hold promise as inexpensive electrochemically-active building blocks for new renewable energy technologies such as redox-flow batteries and dye-sensitised solar cells, especially if they display high oxidation and/or low reduction potentials in cheap, non-flammable solvents such as water or protic ionic liquids. Systematic computational and experimental characterisation of a representative selection of acidic and basic dyes in buffered aqueous solutions and propylammonium formate confirm that quinoid-type mechanisms impart electrochemical reversibility for the majority of systems investigated, including quinones, fused tricyclic heteroaromatics, indigo carmine and some aromatic nitrogenous species. Conversely, systems that generate longlived radical intermediates - arylmethanes, hydroquinones at high pH, azocyclic systems - tend to display irreversible electrochemistry, likely undergoing ring-opening, dimerisation and/or disproportionation reactions.

The Effects of Temperature and Fluoroethylene Carbonate Concentration on the Formation of the Graphite SEI and Its Impact on the Full-Cell Performance

Extending the cycle-life of state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) is, amongst other aspects, predicated on optimizing the properties of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), such as its stability and resistance.[1] It is formed at the negative electrode during the first cycles by electrolyte decomposition and acts as a passivating layer between the electrode surface and the electrolyte.[2,3] Since the SEI formation is accompanied by an irreversible loss of cyclable lithium, its stability during cycling is crucial for improving the charge/discharge efficiency of LiBs. Furthermore, the arising resistance associated with the SEI formation, predominantly depending on the SEI thickness, its chemical composition, and its lithium-ion conductivity, all impact the rate performance of the anode.[4] Two of the most crucial factors impacting SEI formation are temperature and electrolyte composition (i.e., using electrolyte additives).[5] Additives are added to the electrolyte to inhibit the predominant reduction of other electrolyte constituents and thereby form an SEI with improved stability during cycling.[1,6,7] One of the most prominent additives for LiBs is fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), which is preferentially reduced compared to common carbonate solvents (e.g., ethylene carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate) due to its higher reduction potential.[7] In this study, we investigated the influence of the formation temperature between 10 and 60 °C, as well as the concentration of FEC (2 and 20 %wt in EC:EMC 3:7 wt/wt with 1 M LiPF6, Gotion, USA) on the characteristics of a synthetic graphite (SMG-A5, Resonac, Japan) anode, both in SMG/Li half-cells and in Ni-rich NCM/SMG full cells.We quantified the first-cycle irreversible capacity loss (ICL) in SMG/Li half cells with a lithium reference electrode after two 0.1 C formation cycles and compared the FEC containing electrolytes to the baseline- (LP-57) and an LP-572 (1 M LiPF6 in EC:EMC 3:7 wt/wt + 2 %wt vinylene carbonate (VC), Gotion, USA) electrolyte. Employing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in an SMG/Li half-cell setup with a µ-reference electrode and a free-standing graphite electrode,[8,9] we could further quantify the intercalation resistance (R Int, representing the sum of the charge-transfer and the SEI resistance) after an identical formation protocol at 40 % SOC. Both quantities, the ICL and R Int, increase with increasing formation temperature and higher FEC content.The impact of an increasing R Int on the rate performance was tested in Ni-rich NCM/SMG full cells with a lithium reference electrode, revealing a decreased rate capability and higher susceptibility for lithium plating for cells that were formed at higher temperatures and contained 20 %wt FEC. Additionally, the cycling stability of Ni-rich NCM/SMG full cells at 25 °C was assessed in coin cells. Despite an increased ICL and R Int after formation, cells that were formed at elevated temperatures and contained 20 %wt FEC showed enhanced cycling stability compared to those that were formed at a lower temperature and contained less FEC.Finally, on-line electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS) was employed to quantify the evolved gases during the formation of a Ni-rich NCM/SMG full cell containing either of the FEC-containing electrolytes at different temperatures. In accordance with an increased ICL and R Int, a higher formation temperature, as well as a higher FEC content, gave rise to a more pronounced gas evolution during formation.

Using Nanoscale Metal Oxide Films to Investigate the Influence of Anode Interfaces on Lithium Battery Performance

As renewable energy and battery-powered technologies become more widespread, high energy-density and high-performing batteries are required to meet society’s needs. While lithium-ion batteries have been the staple, their energy density development has been slow, and at gravimetric energy densities of around 250 Wh/kg, they are approaching their theoretical limit.1 The lithium-metal battery (LMB) is considered a next-generation battery due to high theoretical energy densities (ex: Lithium-Sulfur, 2600 Wh/kg), and lithium metal’s high gravimetric capacity (3860 mAh/g) and low reduction potential (-3.04 V vs S.H.E.). However, commercialization of LMBs has been limited due to various issues.Two properties that dictate the performance of the LMBs are: 1. The composition of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), an electronically conducting, yet passivating, layer at the anode-electrolyte interface, and 2. The morphology of the lithium deposited at the anode. Morphological studies focus on creating dense, low surface area, deposits that limit SEI fracturing and the formation of electronically disconnected lithium. SEI quality is improved by incorporating inorganic or anion-rich SEIs, formed from the electrolyte salt, to promote SEIs that are mechanically robust, ionically conducting, and homogeneous. Our group’s previous work aimed to improve LMB performance via both routes by growing resistive Al2O3 coatings on the copper (Cu) current collector using atomic layer deposition (ALD). Defects in the thin film create areas of low resistance that behave like ultramicroelectrodes which encourage radial diffusion of lithium ions to the nuclei promoting lateral growth and producing low surface area, dense, planar lithium deposits. Simultaneously, the Al2O3 coating’s Lewis acidic properties promote the decomposition and subsequent incorporation of inorganic electrolyte species into the SEI.We present a study of how the different interfaces present at the anode in LMBs impact SEI composition and battery performance. To hold the Li nucleation morphology at the anode constant, we deposit metal oxide films of a fixed resistance onto the Cu current collector, generating planar, low surface area, lithium deposits. This experimental design allows us to decouple the effect of the metal oxide thin film-electrolyte interface on SEI quality and battery performance from that of the lithium morphology. First, as shown in Fig. 1a, different metal oxide films of equal resistance, but different thicknesses, are grown via ALD, confirmed by measuring the first-cycle nucleation overpotential. The resistive metal oxides investigated are Al2O3, HfO2, AlHfxOy, and ZrO2. Scanning electron microscopy results indicate that all cells modified with equal resistance metal oxide films exhibit the same low surface area, dense, planar Li nucleation morphology. However, long-term cycling tests show differences in cell performance and life cycle. Subsequently, the composition of the SEI is investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Through XPS, an elemental atomic ratio analysis is conducted to investigate the relative number of species derived from the anion of the electrolyte versus the solvent of the electrolyte to reflect the anion-derived nature of the SEI. Additionally, high-resolution peaks are used to determine the relative abundance of high-quality SEI species such as lithium fluoride. This analysis confirms that the metal oxide thin film tunes the SEI composition. Additionally, we identify trends present between the SEI quality of the ALD-modified cell and its performance.To further investigate the thin film-electrolyte interface, a set of cells modified with binary stacked metal oxide thin films with two different stack orders were created, as shown in Fig. 1b. Investigating SEI composition and LMB performance, with the morphology fixed by the nucleation overpotential, allowed for deconvolution of the impact of the Cu-thin film interface and thin film-electrolyte interface. Both interfaces can in principle impact the battery’s function because 1. The Cu-thin film interface controls the electron transport to form Lio from Li+ ion during electrodeposition, and 2. The thin film-electrolyte interface can modulate the SEI. Our results indicated that the SEI and performance were both primarily regulated by the thin film-electrolyte interface. Based on our fixed-resistance and binary stack experimental design, we propose that modulation of the SEI composition by the metal oxide coating controls LMB performance when the Li nucleation morphology is fixed. This result suggests the potential for tuning LMB performance by careful selection of the metal oxide interfacial coating. References (1) Cheng, X.-B., et al. Toward Safe Lithium Metal Anode in Rechargeable Batteries: A Review. Chem. Rev. 2017, 117 (15), 10403–10473. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00115.(2) Oyakhire, S. T., et al. Electrical Resistance of the Current Collector Controls Lithium Morphology. Nature Communications 2022, 13 (1), 3986. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31507-w. Figure 1

Uncovering Reduction Mechanisms of Fluoroethylene Carbonate

Energy storage plays an integral role in climate change mitigation, given that many promising alternatives to fossil fuel-based technologies rely on intermittent energy sources like the sun or wind. Particularly, lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are a promising technology due to lithium’s high theoretical specific capacity and low reduction potential, which can result in batteries with energy densities surpassing current state of the art lithium-ion batteries.1 Electrolyte design is a key strategy to improve the cycling stability and Coulombic efficiency of LMBs, where the highly reductive lithium metal anode reacts with the electrolyte during cycling, resulting in capacity loss. These reactions form a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and many successful electrolyte engineering strategies have involved tuning the SEI to be mechanically and chemically stable to prevent further reactions.In this research, we focus on fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), a highly effective electrolyte solvent in LMBs.2 Although prior research has illuminated key reduction products of FEC2,3, including lithium fluoride (LiF), there remains a gap in understanding regarding the mechanism by which FEC and other similar fluorinated solvents are reduced to form an SEI. Furthermore, recent research has demonstrated that a preformed SEI comprised solely of LiF breaks down during cycling, illustrating that bulk chemical and mechanical properties of SEI components may not translate to their function within the SEI.4 In this work, we employ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to study intermediate generation during FEC reduction. We pursued both a chemical reduction using lithium naphthalenide and an electrochemical approach to reduce FEC. The use of EPR with spin traps enables insight into the radical species formed during FEC reduction, which we hypothesize are precursors to cross-linked polymer networks that are key to a high performing SEI. Here, we employed conventional post-mortem SEI analysis like X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) in addition to EPR to clarify reduction mechanisms of FEC and form a framework for studying electrolyte reduction intermediates. Ultimately, this approach affords insight into electrolyte breakdown mechanisms to form an effective SEI which can both accommodate volume expansion and inhibit parasitic electrolyte consumption. This will guide electrolyte design for high Coulombic efficiency LMBs in the future.References K. G. Gallagher et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 7, 1555–1563 (2014).X.-Q. Zhang, X.-B. Cheng, X. Chen, C. Yan, and Q. Zhang, Advanced Functional Materials, 27, 1605989 (2017).Y. Jin et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 139, 14992–15004 (2017).M. He, R. Guo, G. M. Hobold, H. Gao, and B. M. Gallant, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117, 73–79 (2020).

Photoinduced Single Electron Reduction of the 4-O-5 Linkage in Lignin Models for C-P Coupling Catalyzed by Bifunctional N-Heterocyclic Carbenes.

Catalytic activation of Caryl-O bonds is considered as a powerful strategy for the production of aromatics from lignin. However, due to the high reduction potentials of diaryl ether 4-O-5 linkage models, their single electron reduction remains a daunting challenge. This study presents the blue light-induced bifunctional N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed one-electron reduction of diaryl ether 4-O-5 linkage models for the synthesis of trivalent phosphines. The H-bond between the newly devised bifunctional NHC and diaryl ethers is responsible for the success of the single electron transfer. Furthermore, this approach demonstrates selective one-electron reduction of unsymmetric diaryl ethers, oligomeric phenylene oxide, and lignin model.

A potential CO2 carrier to improve the utilization of HCO3– by plant-soil ecosystem for carbon sink enhancement

IntroductionImproving the rhizospheric HCO3– utilization of plant-soil ecosystem could increase the carbon sink effect of terrestrial ecosystem. However, to avoid its physiological stress on the crop growth, the dosage of HCO3– allowed to add into the rhizosphere soil was always low (i.e., <5–20 mol/m3). ObjectivesTo facilitate the utilization of relatively high concentrations of HCO3– by plants in the pursuit of achieving terrestrial carbon sink enhancement. MethodsIn this study, the feasibility of directly supplementing a high concentration HCO3– carried by the biogas slurry to the plant rhizosphere was investigated using the tomato as a model plant. ResultsThe CO2-rich biogas slurry was verified as a potential CO2 carrier to increase the rhizospheric HCO3– concentration to 36 mol/m3 without causing a physiological stress. About 88.3 % of HCO3– carried by biogas slurry was successfully fixed by tomato-soil ecosystem, in which 43.8 % of HCO3– was assimilated by tomato roots for the metabolism, 0.5 ‰ of HCO3– was used by microorganisms for substances synthesis of cell structure through dark fixation, and 44.4 % of HCO3– was retained in the soil. The rest of HCO3– (∼11.7 %) might escape into the atmosphere through the reaction with H+. Correspondingly, the carbon fixation of tomato-soil ecosystem increased by 150.1 g-CO2/m2-soil during a tomato growth cycle. As for the global countries that would adopt the strategy proposed in this study to cultivate the tomato, an extra carbon sink of soil with about 1031.1 kt-C per year (i.e., an additional 0.21 tons of carbon per hectare soil) could be obtained. ConclusionThis would be consistent with the goal of soil carbon sink enhancement launched at COP21. Furthermore, the regions with low GDP per capita may easily achieve a high reduction potential of CO2 emissions from the agricultural land after adopting the irrigation of CO2-rich biogas slurry.

Advancing Metallic Lithium Anodes: A Review of Interface Design, Electrolyte Innovation, and Performance Enhancement Strategies.

Lithium (Li) metal is one of the most promising anode materials for next-generation, high-energy, Li-based batteries due to its exceptionally high specific capacity and low reduction potential. Nonetheless, intrinsic challenges such as detrimental interfacial reactions, significant volume expansion, and dendritic growth present considerable obstacles to its practical application. This review comprehensively summarizes various recent strategies for the modification and protection of metallic lithium anodes, offering insight into the latest advancements in electrode enhancement, electrolyte innovation, and interfacial design, as well as theoretical simulations related to the above. One notable trend is the optimization of electrolytes to suppress dendrite formation and enhance the stability of the electrode-electrolyte interface. This has been achieved through the development of new electrolytes with higher ionic conductivity and better compatibility with Li metal. Furthermore, significant progress has been made in the design and synthesis of novel Li metal composite anodes. These composite anodes, incorporating various additives such as polymers, ceramic particles, and carbon nanotubes, exhibit improved cycling stability and safety compared to pure Li metal. Research has used simulation computing, machine learning, and other methods to achieve electrochemical mechanics modeling and multi-field simulation in order to analyze and predict non-uniform lithium deposition processes and control factors. In-depth investigations into the electrochemical reactions, interfacial chemistry, and physical properties of these electrodes have provided valuable insights into their design and optimization. It systematically encapsulates the state-of-the-art developments in anode protection and delineates prospective trajectories for the technology's industrial evolution. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the latest strategies for enhancing metallic lithium anodes in lithium-ion batteries, addressing the primary challenges and suggesting future directions for industrial advancement.

Advancing effective energy transition: The effects and mechanisms of China's dual-pilot energy policies

Quantifying energy transition (ET) and evaluating energy policies are crucial for global sustainable development. This study measures the energy transition index (ET−CCD) at the prefecture-level city level in China and evaluates the synergistic effects of the dual-pilot energy policy of New Energy Demonstration City (NEDC) and Low Carbon City Pilot (LCCP) based on the energy trilemma (ETR) of coordinated development in terms of security (ES), justice (EJ) and sustainability (ESU). The results show that the overall ET−CCD is increasing, with the eastern and central regions leading, the western region growing significantly, and the northeast fluctuating upward, indicating regional disparities. Compared to single policies, the dual-pilot energy policies have a more significant promoting effect on energy transition, especially in eastern, western, non-central cities, resource-based cities, and cities with high carbon emission reduction potential. Mechanism analysis reveals that the dual-pilot energy policies significantly promote ES and EJ , but have a negative impact on ESU in the short-term. Improvements in ES, EJ and ESU all significantly promote energy transition, with ES serving as a complete mediator, while EJ and ESU serving as partial mediators. Additionally, the findings remain stable in robustness tests and provide data support for a flexible mix of policy instruments to facilitate energy transition.

Nanoengineering construction of g-C3N4/Bi2WO6 S-scheme heterojunctions for cooperative enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction and pollutant degradation

S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts featuring efficient charge transport paths provide a promising strategy for cooperative achieving photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) and Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation. In this work, S-scheme heterojunctions composed of g-C3N4 nanosheets coated on Bi2WO6 nanosheets were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method, resulting in broad-spectrum light absorption, high electron–hole separation efficiency, and excellent photocatalytic CO2 reduction and RhB oxidization performance. Mechanistic analysis revealed the formation of a directional charge transport path at the interface of the heterojunction, which maintained a high oxidation and reduction potential and improved the efficiency of photoexcited carrier separation. In particular, the synergistic reaction system showed excellent photoredox activity compared with the two separate half-reactions. The optimal catalyst 15CN/BWO displayed the highest CO2 conversion efficiency, with CO and CH4 generation rates of 4.3 and 2.7 μmol g−1h−1, respectively, and the degradation efficiency of the composite heterojunction was significantly higher than that of its constituent materials. This work provides a new possibility for designing a novel dual-function photocatalytic reaction system.

Comprehensive analysis of carbon emission reduction technologies (CRTs) in China's coal-fired power sector: A bottom-up approach

Carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction technologies (CRTs) in the coal-fired power sector play an imperative role in the mitigation of environmental challenges and reducing CO2 emissions to help achieve the 2 °C target. However, a compelling necessity persists for a unified framework that can effectively and accurately estimate the costs and potentials associated with CRTs, arising from the diversity of technologies and unit types. Therefore, this study employs a bottom-up approach to analyze the costs and potential of 25 advanced CRTs in the coal-fired power sector, excluding CO2 capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), across 19 types of coal-fired power units. This analysis amalgamates the CO2 reduction supply curve (CRSC) approach with levelized cost of CO2 reduction (LCOC) and a broken-even analysis which could reflect the sector's average carbon reduction cost. The outcomes reveal the following key insights: (1) These technologies collectively harbor a substantial CO2 conservation potential amounting to 925.61 Mt CO2, with a broken-even price of CNY 410.1/tCO2. This reduction could potentially lower 20%–25 % of CO2 emissions in China's power system in 2022, highlighting the crucial role of CRTs in achieving a low-carbon transition and national climate targets; (2)Steam turbine flow path retrofit (T8) not only offers a relatively high CO2 reduction potential (>60 Mt CO2), but also features a low cost (<CNY 150/tCO2) and high profit (>CNY 0.85/MWh). Prioritizing the development of this technology can significantly accelerate the low-carbon transition of coal power; (3) Carbon price have a paramount influence on the cost-effectiveness of CRTs and driving their adoption.

Evaluating the Potential of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) in Cement Production: a Comparative Analysis of RDF Variations In Indonesia's Emplacement Pluit, Jakarta

This study critically evaluated the potential of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) as a sustainable substitute for coal in the cement manufacturing process. Using Emplacement Pluit's waste as a primary source, three distinct RDF variations were analyzed: RDF A (comprised purely of PET Charcoal), RDF B (a 50-50 combination of PET Charcoal and organic waste), and RDF C (solely organic waste). Among the parameters evaluated were moisture content, ash content, and calorific value. The results indicated RDF A's superior quality, with a moisture content of 2.6%, ash content of 0.7%, and a calorific value of 25.1 MJ/kg. In stark contrast, RDF C exhibited a high waste reduction potential at 80.5%, but its calorific value fell short of Korean standards. RDF B, balancing quality and reduction potential, achieved a 98.9% waste reduction and met Korean RDF standards, making it the most viable alternative to coal in cement production. The study underscores the significant potential of integrating RDF in industrial practices, particularly cement kilns. It offers insight into optimizing waste management strategies in line with the 'zero-waste' vision.