Organic Chain Research Articles

Enhancing sustainability and performance of supply chain organisations through rationality-riskiness analysis

Enhancing sustainability and performance of supply chain organisations through rationality-riskiness analysis

Multifunctional hybrid T-PI-MPS composite coating: Corrosion resistance, low-wear/friction and heat-resistance

Despite methylphenylsiloxane (MPS) possesses heat-resistance and corrosion resistance, the brittleness hinders its widespread application. Herein, the polyimide (PI) and Ti3AlC2 were introduced for modifying MPS, thereby preparing the T-PI-MPS coating. The bilayer structure of surface-enriched MPS and internal-enriched PI was achieved by controlling the addition amount along with the density difference. The results indicate that the T-PI-MPS coating achieved a contact angle of 95.1° and exhibited corrosion resistance to salt spray for 28 days. Compared to PI-MPS, the wear rate of T-PI-MPS was reduced by 85 % and the friction coefficient declined from 0.75 to 0.58. As expected, T-PI-MPS exhibited exceptional excellent heat-resistance. The exceptional performance is attributed to the following three factors: I. the MPS-enriched layer is characterized by a stable SiO chain organization. This structure gives the corrosion resistance and water resistance, and prevents the hydrolytic swelling of PI. II. the PI-enriched layer is constructed from imide bonds, which give the coating superior friction performance due to its high load-bearing capacity. III. the incorporation of Ti3AlC2 plays a role in mitigating internal defects, prolonging the corrosion path, and inhibiting cracks due to its unique nanolayered structure, high temperature resistance, and hardness.

Exploring the value chain of organic pineapple of Assam, India

PurposeThe global organic market is expanding, and India is in an advantageous position with the highest number of organic producers worldwide. Although many articles have been published on the value chain of organic products from India, no significant studies were found related to the value chain analysis of organic pineapple. This study aims to know the various aspects of the organic pineapple value chain, i.e. network structure, value addition at various stages of chain actors, value chain upgradation and governance structure.Design/methodology/approachThe study is explorative in nature, and primary data from various actors involved in the chain is collected and analyzed. Primary data through a structured schedule and interviews are collected from farmers and traders. A multistage sampling plan has been adopted. A sample of 75 farmers was randomly selected from the study area. For traders, snowball sampling is used due to the nonavailability of the sampling frame. A total of 10 commission agents, 10 wholesalers and 20 retailers were thus selected for the study. For objectives 1 and 4, descriptive statistics are used. For objective 2, a modified formula described by (Murthy et al., 2007) is used to calculate farmer’s net price and marketing margin. For objective 3, Garrett’s ranking technique is used to identify various constraints in upgrading the organic pineapple value chain in Assam.FindingsThis study shows that the value chain of organic pineapple is in the initial stage and proper value addition is required to have a complete regulated value chain. Six marketing channel is identified, and products are sold through farmer producer company only in case of export and trade with distant buyers. The marketing efficiency for channels II and III is 1.69 and 0.99, respectively. The degree of value addition for channel II in the hands of the commission agent, wholesaler and retailer is 11.65%, 4.56% and 12.60%, respectively. In the various constraints in upgrading the value chain, farmers rank “policy support” as a major constraint. In the governance structure, trade with distant traders and exports is done formally and through written contracts.Research limitations/implicationsThe study performs value chain analysis of organic pineapple in Cachar district of Assam, India for the year January 2022–January 2023. Future studies are encouraged related to various aspects of the supply chain and value chain of organic pineapple from various northeastern states of India and other states.Practical implicationsThe study will help policymakers and key actors to know the existing chain and frame a well-coordinated and regulated value chain.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first study to explore the value chain of organic pineapple of Cachar district of Assam, India. Implementation of these findings can help various actors to strengthen the existing value chain.

(Invited) Interlayer Excitons in Two-Dimensional Perovskite/Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Heterostructures

The emergence of two-dimensional (2D) materials has intrigued a great deal of research on novel physical phenomena and various functional applications due to their particular crystal structures and reduced dimensionality. Unlike 3D materials, bulks of 2D materials can be easily thinned to atomic thickness by mechanical exfoliation and atomically thin 2D materials can be arbitrarily stacked to form vertical van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures, which could inherit the unique characteristics of the constituent layers and even exhibit new properties not possessed by them. Particularly, when type-Ⅱ vdW heterostructures are excited, the positive and the negative charges would reside in the different layers after the charge transfer but be limited within a short distance due to the strong quantum confinement effect of 2D materials, leading to strong Coulomb interaction and the formation of interlayer excitons (IXs). IXs are generally equipped with orientated dipole moment and long lifetime, making them ideal media for the future interconnects between optical transmission and electronic computation. Currently, studies on IXs are mainly focused on the vdW heterostructures formed by monolayers of transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Here, I will first talk about vdW heterostructures formed by 2D perovskites and TMDs for studying IXs. Stacking different kinds of 2D perovskites and TMDs, formation of IXs is confirmed by excitation-power-, temperature-, electric-field-dependent and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) studies. Notably, robust IX emission can be observed regardless of the stacking sequence and geometric alignment of the constituent layers, showing great advantages over the TMD/TMD vdW heterostructures, which require special twist-angle and thermal annealing. Then, I would like to give a brief introduction on widely tuning the IX emission energy by changing the layer number of the 2D perovskite or the TMD, which shed light on the application of 2D perovskite/TMD vdW heterostructures in broad-spectrum optoelectronics. Furthermore, I would like to next talk about how the selection of organic chains in 2D perovskites influences the properties of the IXs. By using chiral 2D perovskites, the IX emission shows substantial circular polarization and the polarization direction is only related to the chirality of the molecules regardless of the excitation scheme or any other external field, which could open up new passages for controlling valley- or spin-polarization of IXs. By introducing molecules with different dielectric constants, the dielectric screening strength in the vdW heterostructure is changed and hence the binding energy of the IXs is also modified, which offers great opportunities for exploiting tunable excitonic devices and studying exciton condensation. Finally, I will also introduce IX as a non-destructive tool for probing the local phase transition at the surface of the 2D perovskite (BA)2PbI4 flakes. By spatially PL mapping of the (BA)2PbI4/WSe2 heterostructure, two different IX species can be observed to distinguish the low-temperature and the high-temperature phase respectively.

Employing Electronic Technology in the Organic Supply Chain to Boost Organic Business Growth

This research focused on examining the impact of electronic technology and the roles of different stakeholders within the organic supply chain, aiming to boost the development of organic businesses. Despite the global surge in organic farming, Bangladesh lags in this area, with minimal research on its organic supply chain. To address this gap, the study gathered primary data via self-administered surveys from 389 participants, including industry players, consumers, and transporters in the organic agriculture sector, using stratified random sampling. Techniques like Path Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), facilitated by AMOS software, were employed to scrutinize and interpret the data. The study achieved its goals, validating the hypotheses that e-technology and stakeholder dynamics significantly affect the organic business's growth. This research not only provides valuable theoretical insights but also contributes data that can aid future investigations into the organic supply chain, particularly the effects of various factors and e-technology on it.

Switching to bio-based packaging for organic products: supply chain actors’ perspectives

The use of fossil-based plastics used for packing organic foods is under the lens of the organic movement because of the contrast with the organic farming principles and its negative impact on the environment. Bioplastics, which can be bio-based and biodegradable, are a promising solution to address the various issues, i.e. social and environmental, caused by the intense use of conventional plastics. Nevertheless, using bioplastics as a more sustainable solution in the food packaging industry is still controversial. It involves a variety of opinions, consensus, and disagreements among food supply chain actors. The present study investigated stakeholders’ viewpoints regarding the acceptance of bio-based packaging in the Italian organic food supply chain. Individual perspectives from a selected group of organic stakeholders (producers, distributors, and researchers) were captured by applying the Q methodology. Two relevant divergent views were identified, as well as consensus agreements. The study shows how Q methodology can effectively discover the most relevant viewpoints about an emerging topic.

A CRISPR/Cas12a-assisted bacteria quantification platform combined with magnetic covalent organic frameworks and hybridization chain reaction

The total bacterial count is an important indicator of food contamination in food safety supervision and management. Recently, the CRISPR/Cas12a system integrated with nucleic acid amplification has increasingly shown tremendous potential in microorganism detection. However, a general quantification strategy for total bacteria count based on the CRISPR/Cas12a system has not yet been developed. Herein, we established a sensitive bacterial quantification strategy based on the CRISPR/Cas12a system combined with magnetic covalent organic frameworks (MCOFs) and hybridization chain reaction (HCR). MCOFs acted as a carrier, adsorbing the ssDNA as HCR trigger sequence through π-π stacking. Then, the HCR circuit produces DNA duplexes containing the PAM sequences that activate the trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a for further signal amplification. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed method can quantify total bacteria in 50 min with a minimum detection concentration of 10 CFU/mL. The successful applications in food samples confirmed the feasibility and broad application prospects.

Correlating Young's Modulus with High Thermal Conductivity in Organic Conjugated Small Molecules.

Attaining elevated thermal conductivity in organic materials stands as a coveted objective, particularly within electronic packaging, thermal interface materials, and organic matrix heat exchangers. These applications have reignited interest in researching thermally conductive organic materials. The understanding of thermal transport mechanisms in these organic materials is currently constrained. This study concentrates on N, N'-dioctyl-3,4,9,10-perylenedicarboximide (PTCDI-C8), an organic conjugated crystal. A correlation between elevated thermal conductivity and augmented Young's modulus is substantiated through meticulous experimentation. Achievement via employing the physical vapor transport method, capitalizing on the robust C═C covalent linkages running through the organic matrix chain, bolstered by π-π stacking and noncovalent affiliations that intertwine the chains. The coexistence of these dynamic interactions, alongside the perpendicular alignment of PTCDI-C8 molecules, is confirmed through structural analysis. PTCDI-C8 thin film exhibits an out-of-plane thermal conductivity of 3.1±0.1Wm-1K-1, as determined by time-domain thermoreflectance. This outpaces conventional organic materials by an order of magnitude. Nanoindentation tests and molecular dynamics simulations elucidate how molecular orientation and intermolecular forces within PTCDI-C8 molecules drive the film's high Young's modulus, contributing to its elevated thermal conductivity. This study's progress offers theoretical guidance for designing high thermal conductivity organic materials, expanding their applications and performance potential.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

The aim of the research is to summarize current trends in the use of digital technologies in logistics and supply chain management, to study the nature of their impact on the development of the logistics system of an economic entity. The article summarizes the main trends in the digitalization of supply chains and logistics in trade and industry. The methodical aspects of digital transformation of supply chains were considered. It is established that the emphasis in the organization and management of supply chains has shifted towards the transformation of traditional chains into the space of the digital economy. The article identifies promising areas and challenges for the use of digital technologies in logistics and supply chain management: the Internet of Things, blockchain, cloud services, augmented reality, robots, drones, and 3D printing. The trends in the development of digital technologies are explored, as their integration into global supply chains can accelerate, simplify and reduce the cost of the supply process at almost all stages. Digital technologies that improve the process of goods movement in supply chains are presented in the article in terms of logistics in the context of managing the relevant flows: material, information, financial, service. The state of development of cooperation between the main types of economic activities that produce technological and digital technologies and types of economic activities that provide logistics and supply management in the European Union was assessed.

Food quality and supply chain networks in dynamic business environments: evidence from the Nigerian shrimp subsector

PurposeResearch efforts aiming to improve understanding of how various organisational relationships contribute to better food quality (FQ) in a constantly changing business environment are limited. This study examines the effects of supply chain (SC) organisations on the quality of food products across multi-tiered segments with dynamic business situations.Design/methodology/approachGuided by a conceptual research framework based on contingency theory and netchain analysis, moderation-based partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse multi-tiered data from 405 shrimpers and 238 women processors in Akwa-Ibom, Lagos and Ondo states in Nigeria.FindingsThe authors' findings show that unpredictable business environments such as market turbulence (MT), power asymmetry (PA) and distrust (DT) not only directly influence SC organisations but also moderate how organisational networks contribute to improved FQ. Further results reveal that closer vertical ties such as relational contracts are prerequisites for small-scale actors to guarantee improved FQ along multiple nodes of the food system.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine, from a contingency and multi-tiered perspective, how small-scale actors can maintain FQ across interdependent nodes of a food chain in a developing country context and to explore the complex interplay between SC networks and the quality of highly perishable food products in unpredictable business environments. Relevant theoretical and policy implications are discussed.

Analysis of the Motivational Factors of Cotton Producers In the Commune of N'dali In Northern Benin

Despite the many problems in the cotton sector, producers seem to have some motivation to continue growing cotton. To better understand these motivations, data were collected from 80 people in four villages in the commune of N'Dali in northern Benin. Descriptive statistics and discourse analysis were used to analyse the data. The results showed that the constraints faced by farmers are related to a lack of inputs, the length of time it takes to pay cotton funds, the selling price considered low by some producers, and constraints such as difficulties related to the transport of inputs and cotton, ploughing, the lack of manpower, the poor quality of inputs, etc. The results also showed that producers are motivated for the most part by the control of market risks and uncertainties, the very remunerative prices for other producers, the ease of access to inputs, the level of adoption of agricultural technical innovations, the control of the production itinerary, the ease of access to credit and the organisation of the commodity chain. Our The results will guide the authorities in charge of the commodity chain in their intervention efforts. Keywords: motivation, cotton, producers, constraints, N'Dali, North Benin.

Environmental Sustainability Aspects in Short Food Supply Chains: the Views of Organic Farmers and Consumers

Abstract Globally, food systems are the most significant cause of environmental change; therefore, efforts to create more environmentally sustainable food systems are presented. One of the directions is strengthening the local actors and short food supply chains. Simultaneously, changes in farming systems are needed, and organic agriculture is one of the ways to make food systems more environmentally sustainable. Despite the abundance of research on the environmental consciousness of consumers in short food supply chains, the question is raised whether local food chain farmers are also committed to environmental sustainability. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the importance of environmental sustainability to organic short food supply chain actors. More specifically, the research depicts the views of organic farmers and consumers and their relation to the actual environmental sustainability of short food supply chains. During the research, a specific short food supply chain – a direct purchasing network – was explored. A qualitative approach was applied to reach the aim. Thus, in-depth interviews and observations were used as a research method. The research results demonstrated the views of farmers and consumers of the specific network regarding environmental sustainability aspects in the network. In the research, such environmental aspects as the circularity of resources, biodiversity, chemicals in the environment, seasonality and locality of diets, and the distance (food miles) were admitted as crucial ones by the specific short food supply chain actors. The differences in opinions of consumers and farmers emerged when thinking about the scale of their views.

Fairness and trust in organic food supply chains

PurposeThe authors analysed fairness as an antecedent of trust to understand how trust building can be actively managed to facilitate collaboration in buyer–supplier relationships.Design/methodology/approachA case study was employed to buyer–supplier relationships of five organic food companies from three different sectors. The research was developed with data collected in 2022 through qualitative research interviews and analysed using a structured content analysis. A practitioner workshop served to complement findings and confirm the interpretation of data by discussing interview results from a managerial perspective.FindingsA conceptual model based on organisational trust and justice theory was developed to examine causal relations between fairness and trust. Findings show that perceived distributional, procedural and interactional fairness mutually interact with the perceived trustworthiness of business partners and that both contribute to building personal, organisational and institutional trust. Qualitative data support the conceptual model and show that trust is a valuable relational resource that affects relationship quality and the willingness to collaborate and to take risks in times of uncertainty.Practical implicationsHigh trust levels developed through positive fairness perceptions can lower risk perceptions whilst increasing the willingness to collaborate in supply chain relationships. This can help deal with market uncertainties.Originality/valueThrough the lens of organisational trust and justice theory, this study extends the literature on collaboration in supply chains by including a comprehensive view on the formation of trust in business-to-business (B2B) relationships.

Prosumers and Sharing Economy in the Organic Food Value Chain

Purpose This paper explores the contextual relevance of prosumers and sharing economy in organic food market in an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach Case study approach was used to collect empirical data from different types of organic food value chains. Findings Farmer’s Organic food markets compared to online and health food stores tends to facilitate sharing economy more since it helps them to build value, scale and trust. By sharing resources, skills and spaces, farmers organic food markets have increased organic food availability, reduced its cost of certification & operation and managed consumer trust. Subjective influence through social media, prosumers and offline interaction reduces information asymmetry and irresponsible marketing opportunities. Originality/value The research offers a fresh perspective to the organic food sector, particularly with respect to the process of prosumption and sharing economy.

Pre- to post-adoption of blockchain technology in supply chain management: Influencing factors and the role of firm size

Blockchain technology (BT) provides secure, fast, and confidential distributed systems that can solve many complex issues in supply chain management (SCM). Drawing on the technology, organization, and environment framework, institutional theory, and information system success model, this study proposes a pre- to post-adoption framework for BT in SCM. Data were collected online from 272 upper-level management of Chinese supply chain organizations. The results reveal that pre-adoption factors, including traceability, transparency, organizational readiness, coercive pressure, and normative pressure, positively influence BT adoption, whereas security concerns negatively affect it. The findings further indicate the positive impact of actual use on infusion and performance, and information technology alignment moderates these associations in the post-adoption stage. Interestingly, the moderating results of firm size demonstrate a significant difference in security concerns and organizational readiness, where large organizations have higher readiness and lower security concerns than smaller firms.

Use of E-Technology in Organic Supply Chain: Enhancing the Growth of Organic Business

World agricultural sector has seen shifting significantly by suitably using e- technology. A good number of studies have been conducted on agriculture and food security. The growth rate of world organic farming or business increases to more than the growth rate of traditional agriculture. In Bangladesh the pace of growth of organic agriculture is insignificant. The organic agriculture or organic supply chain in Bangladesh was scarcely studied. Hence, an intensive study is needed for the organic agriculture industry to pursue the organic supply chain that leads to a promising growth of organic business. A great deal of research has been conducted to explore the factors that may influence the organic supply chain and growth of the organic business. This study aims to explore the influence of e-technology and the dynamics of the actors on the organic supply chain enhancing the growth of the organic business. By collecting data (primary data) using self-administrated questionnaires the research work was evaluated. A total of 389 responses from the organic agriculture industrial actors, consumers, and transporters were collected using stratified random sampling methods. To inspect and analyze data, Path Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) techniques were used with AMOS. The research objectives of this study were accomplished and research hypotheses were supported. The results of the study indicated that the proposed model provided a good understanding of the factors influencing the organic supply chain. From the result, it was revealed that e-technology and dynamics of the actors of the organic supply chain influences the growth of organic business. This study theoretically offers useful information and collected data might help to further research relevant to the organic supply chain and the impact of factors and e-technology of the organic supply chain from various aspects.

Assessing risk and sustainability factors in spice supply chain management

The inopportune organization of spice supply chains (SSCs) results in aided risks, resource wastages, and sustainability issues. Nevertheless, practitioners and academicians alike must investigate spice supply chain management (SSCM) in terms of long-term sustainability. This study draws on the available literature to compile a collection of characteristics and maintain sustainable spice supply chain management techniques which come up with associated risks and relevant obstacles. Existing studies claim that due to a lack of resources, the associated risks are the root of poor SSCM performance. As a result, the goal of this study is to identify the primary risk variables using qualitative data; nevertheless, the attributes must be converted into a scale that is comparable. The fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) was used to obtain valid and reliable attributes from qualitative data, while the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (FDEMATEL) was used to address uncertainty and interrelationships simultaneously. FDM results suggest that there are eighteen critical risk variables and seven risks threatening effective SSCM. FDEMATEL results reveal qualitative data translated into crisp, comparable values in order to investigate causal linkages between variables and confirm the compatibility of the theoretical structure with industry realities. The findings show fluctuation in the Price (C8), diseases and pests (C20), human contamination (C23), spice adulteration (C24), and loss of food quality, and quantity (C36) are all important risks and sub-risks in these causative interrelationships. The primary risks involved in enhancing SCM include Financial Risk (A5), Ergonomic Risk (A8), and Operation and Management Risk (A10). The study recommends that industry professionals use future marketing tools to protect themselves from price changes which allow them to assess supply and demand circumstances and manage price risks over distance and time. Spices are the key contributors to earning a sizable amount of foreign currency through export in a developing country. It suggests to policymakers, regulatory organizations, and practitioners to develop regulations, raise farmer understanding about pest control, impose stiff penalties on vendors and businesses proven to be involved in spice adulteration, and develop a sustainable fertilizer distribution system. These corresponding action plans for improving the SSC sector and comparing it with agro-food and short-supply chains are investigated. This study contributes to theory by utilizing FDM and FDEMATEL methods for addressing the uncertainty and interrelationship among associated risks that hinder SCM from attaining sustainability.

T2D triggers distinct cardiac transcriptomic signatures in patients with severe aortic stenosis

Abstract Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is often associated to left ventricular (LV) pressure overload, as in aortic stenosis (AS). We reported, on DIAPASON cohort, that T2D increases adverse cardiac remodelling and dysfunction in patients with severe AS referred for aortic valve replacement. We aimed to study the underlying molecular mechanisms by a transcriptomic approach. We realised a transcriptomic analysis of LV cardiac biopsies obtained during aortic valve surgery from 17 T2D and 30 non-diabetic patients. Principal component analysis (PCA), on the 1029 significantly differentially expressed genes, shows a general segregation between T2D and non-diabetic patients. Functional enrichment maps reveal that 4 major biological processes are upregulated in T2D patients: regulation of inflammation, adaptation to cardiac hypertrophy, regulation of endothelial function/angiogenesis, and organisation of extracellular matrix. Decreased gene expression by T2D gathers 4 major biological processes: regulation of cardiac muscle contraction, mitochondrial organization, organization of mitochondrial respiratory chain and amino acid metabolism. After adjustment with other T2D comorbidities (age, sex, hypertension, BMI or the 4 combined), T2D effect remains mainly significant on the upregulated biological processes whereas the downregulation of amino acid metabolism, regulation of cardiac muscle contraction and mitochondrial transport processes seems to depend on hypertension and age. As an overlap was still present between T2D and non-diabetics transcriptomes in the PCA, we decided to use Factor Analysis of Mixed Data to identify potential subgroups of patients among the whole cohort. 84 patients have been clustered into 3 groups. Cluster 1 is associated with a patient profile without T2D and displaying a mild cardiac dysfunction, contrary to cluster 3 which includes mainly male T2D patients with a pronounced structural and functional cardiac alteration. Cluster 2 is only composed of female patients with higher BMI and leptin serum level, diastolic alteration and a moderately increased hypertrophy. Biological processes were differently affected between cluster 1 and cluster 2 or 3. Cluster 2 presents a decrease in gene expression involved in histone and protein demethylation. As for cluster 3, the expression of genes involved in immune response processes is increased while the one for the regulation of cardiac muscle organisation is decreased. To conclude, T2D is specifically associated with a reduction of gene expression involved in mitochondrial function, and an upregulation of angiogenesis, inflammation, and organisation of extracellular matrix. The unsupervised analysis revealed different clusters with specific gene expression and more specifically an association of female sex and metabolic syndrome with demethylation processes, and an association of T2D in men with inflammation and dysregulation of cardiac muscle contraction processes.Biological process in T2D patients

A systematic literature review exploring and linking circular economy and sustainable development goals in the past three decades (1991–2022)

Amid the escalating environmental crises and economic disparities, Circular Economy (CE) has garnered recognition as a pragmatic mechanism for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response, several supply chain organisations are integrating CE strategies into their business operations and production processes. Despite these developments and since the introduction of Business Charter for Sustainable Development by the International Chamber of Commerce in 1991, the academic corpus comprehensively connecting CE research themes, catalysts, deterrents, practices with the SDGs has remained limited. To bridge this gap, we present a systematic literature review (SLR) of CE research in operations, supply chain and production management encompassing a time span of 31 years (January 1991 – June 2022), by sourcing, screening, and analysing articles obtained from multiple research databases. Our thematic coding analysis generated ten research themes, and subsequently linking them with relevant SDGs. Additionally, we interweaved CE catalysts and deterrents, establishing a connection with the SDGs. This is further enriched with CE strategies aimed at equipping business practitioners to enhance sustainable business performance and contributing to specific SDGs. Lastly, we delineate CE knowledge data management and priority actions frameworks to aid organisations to enhance employee capability and actively leverage digital technologies for implementing CE strategies.

Collaborative integration of Fe-Nx active center into defective sulfur/selenium-doped carbon for efficient oxygen electrocatalysts in liquid and flexible Zn-air batteries

Strategic active site organization is imperative for the advancement of effective and long-lasting catalysts of oxygen reduction reactions. However, the controllable multi-active site design is a highly intricate topic for catalyst synthesis. Employing pre-trapping and post-activation strategy, Fe-N bonding structure and S, Se functionalized heteroatom are integrated into a conductive porous carbon. In this process, the nitrogen-abundant polymer 1,3,5-triformylbenzene-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene (Tf-TAPA) adsorbs Fe3+ under the intrinsically metal anchoring ability of N atoms and simultaneously in-situ assembles long-chain thiophene-S. Subsequently, the Fe3+ is transformed into Fe-Nx moieties with the conversion of the organic chain to incompletely graphitized carbon. Furthermore, the alteration of the electronic configuration achieved through the introduction of dual-atom S and Se leads to a pronounced enhancement in catalytic efficiency. Benefitting from the Fe-Nx bonding structure, dense structural defects, and conductive carbon networks, the resultant Fe-S,Se/NCNs possesses a positive half-wave potential of 0.86 V and a 90% current retention rate, outstripping the Pt/C benchmark. Moreover, the liquid and flexible ZAB driven by Fe-S,Se/NCNs achieves large power densities of 259.7 and 164.7 mW/cm2, respectively. This study provides a new comprehension in developing an efficient and stable M-N-C oxygen electrocatalyst.