Route For Production Research Articles

Electrodeposition in one step: Synthesizing Ir–Co tetradecahedral nanoparticles with high-index (311) crystal planes for enhanced catalytic activity in alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction

Electrochemical water splitting represents a viable route for hydrogen production, but its efficiency critically depends on developing effective electrocatalysts that minimize energy loss and material costs. This study introduces iridium-cobalt (Ir–Co) nanoparticles were synthesized on copper foam (CF) substrates using a one-step electrodeposition method. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the morphology, chemical composition, and crystal structure of the electrocatalysts, along with a particular study on their electrocatalytic performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The results demonstrate that high-index IrCo (311) crystal planes have been detected in the Ir–Co/CF electrocatalysts, which possess a tetradecahedral polycrystalline structure. The size of tetradecahedral nanoparticles is in the range of 180–250 nm. Ir–Co nanoparticles exhibit a balanced composition of approximately 49.8 at% Ir and 50.2 at% Co. The Ir–Co/CF electrocatalyst exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity in 1.0 M KOH solution, requiring only 46.8 mV overpotential to obtain a current density of 10 mA cm−2, with a low Tafel slope of 32.65 mV·dec−1. Additionally, the prolonged stability tests confirm the robustness of the Ir–Co/CF electrocatalyst, highlighting its potential for sustainable energy applications.

Integrated Optimization of Production Scheduling and Haulage Route Planning in Open-Pit Mines

In mining, deposits are divided into blocks, forming the basis for open-pit mine planning, covering production and haulage route planning. Current studies often stage optimization and lack the consideration of road capacity, leading to suboptimal solutions. A novel approach integrates production scheduling and haulage route planning through a bilevel optimization model. The upper-level model integrates ore mining constraints to establish a mixed-integer production scheduling model, minimizing haulage costs. Spatiotemporal correlation constraints for block mining are determined using a two-stage algorithm. The lower-level model incorporates road capacity, forming a haulage route optimization model based on multicommodity network flow. A solution algorithm with a distance penalty strategy facilitates feedback between the upper and lower levels, achieving optimal solutions. Tested on a real open-pit coal mine with over 5 million blocks, this approach reduces haulage costs by 10.06% compared to stage optimization. Additionally, this approach allows for adjusting haulage demand in both temporal and spatial dimensions, effectively preventing road congestion. This study advances rational mining processes and enhances the efficiency of open-pit mining haulage systems.

Low-Cost Production of Chitosan Biopolymer from Seafood Waste: Extraction and Physiochemical Characterization

Chitosan is an abundant natural biopolymer widely used in industrial and pharmaceutical applications. It stands out for its remarkable biodegradability, biocompatibility, and versatility. Herein, we tried to extract chitosan from mud crab (Scylla spp.), a seafood waste abundantly found in Bangladesh’s growing crab farming industry, via a simple low-cost production route. At first, chitin was extracted from crab shells through demineralization and deproteinization to eliminate minerals and proteins. The chitosan biopolymer was then obtained by deacetylation of purified chitin. To evaluate its physicochemical properties, the as-prepared chitosan was characterized by different analyses, such as water and fat binding capacity, solubility, viscosity, molecular weight, fourier transform-infrared, thermogravimetric, scanning electron microscopy, and ash content analysis. The results showed that the crab shell contains around 26.8% chitosan by dry weight, making it an excellent raw material for the massive production of the natural biopolymer chitosan. The prepared chitosan showed fat and water binding capacities of 200-300% and ~680.9%, respectively. Furthermore, it was highly soluble in 1% acetic acid and had an ash content of about 33.7%. Convincingly, the produced chitosan showed great physiochemical properties making it suitable for biomass efficiency, sustainable development, revenue generation, and biomedical applications. In addition, the recycling of seafood waste into a valued product is beneficial to help keep the environment clean, which is among the sustainability goals in Bangladesh and globally.

Green Routes to Dimethyl Carbonate: A Green and Versatile Methylating Reactant

Abstract: This mini-review reports the current routes used for the production of dimethyl carbonate (DMC), a green and versatile methylating reactant widely used in organic synthesis. The use of DMC in methylation processes is also discussed. The main routes of DMC production, encompassing the reaction between phosgene and methanol and the oxidative carbonylation of methanol with CO and urea methanolysis, are summarised. However, none of them can be considered entirely green, and the drawbacks in terms of green chemistry principles are addressed. The present commercial route to DMC, which involves the initial reaction of CO2 with ethylene oxide to produce ethylene carbonate that further reacts with excess methanol, is also explored regarding the green chemistry principles. Moreover, this review focuses on the direct DMC production from the reaction of methanol and CO2, discussing catalysts and strategies to shift equilibrium. An emphasis is given to heterogeneous catalysts, especially those based on CeO2. A final remark on the production of DMC through the capture of CO2 using chitosan-derived adsorbents and renewable methanol is addressed.

Formation of medical radioisotope 111In in photonuclear reactions

The possibility of photonuclear production of 111In radioisotope has been investigated. The enriched target 112Sn was irradiated at the linear electron accelerator LUE-75 of A. Alikhanian National Science Laboratory (Yerevan, Armenia) at the bremsstrahlung endpoint energy Eγmax = 55 MeV. The cross section per equivalent quantum for reactions 112Sn(γ,x)111In, 112Sn(γ,n)111Sn, 112Sn(γ,2n)110Sn, 112Sn(γ,3n)109Sn,112 Sn(γ,pn)110mIn, 112Sn(γ,pn)110g110In, 112Sn(γ,p2n)109In have been measured via the method of activation and off-line γ-ray spectrometric technique. The cross section per equivalent quantum of the 111In in photonuclear reaction was compared with its cross section in proton induced reaction on cadmium targets and other possible 111In production routes. It is shown that the photonuclear method can be used for the production of 111In.

Ant‐Nest‐Inspired Biomimetic Composite for Self‐Cleaning, Heat‐Insulating, and Highly Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

AbstractThe pursuit of eco‐friendly electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA) materials with multifunctional capabilities has garnered significant attention in practical applications. However, achieving these desired qualities simultaneously poses a significant challenge. This study introduces a single‐step calcination and chemical polymerization process to obtain an environmentally friendly ant‐nest‐inspired hybrid composite by optimizing conductive polypyrrole nanotubes (PNTs) within a 3D carbonaceous structure. The biomimetic composite forms a highly efficient conductive network, providing a pathway for free electrons within the carbonaceous barriers and enhancing the conduction loss. Remarkably, the EMWA performance of the composite achieves ultrathin (1.6 mm), wide effective absorption band (5.4 GHz), and strong absorption intensity (−67.6 dB) features. Moreover, due to the complex and intertwined 3D continuous network, the obtained samples exhibit excellent thermal insulation and superhydrophobic behavior by inhibiting heat transfer and preventing localized areas from being prone to water absorption. These findings not only offer a sustainable and low‐cost production route for biomimetic carbonaceous composites but also demonstrate a high‐efficiency absorber with great multifunctionality as a green alternative to traditional EMWA materials.

Synthesis of Ordered Mesoporous Silica with Nonionic Surfactant/Anionic Polyelectrolyte as Template under Near-Neutral pH Conditions.

Ordered mesoporous silica is widely used in catalysis, adsorption, and biomedicine, among which SBA-15 (Santa Barbara Amorphous-15) is one of the most widely studied. However, the synthesis of SBA-15 often requires strong acid (hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid), which will not only corrode industrial equipment but also pollute the environment with the wastewater containing strong acid and halogen (sulfur). Here, we demonstrate a green synthetic strategy for SBA-15 under weakly acidic conditions through an anionic assembly route. With the assistance of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APMS), the pH value of the synthesis system can be increased to 4-5, which is a mild near-neutral condition. In addition, halogen-free synthesis using organic acids is also achieved. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and N2 sorption characterizations show that the obtained SBA-15 has good texture properties, with a specific surface area of 430-500 m2/g and ordered 6-8 nm mesopores, which is similar to SBA-15 synthesized in traditional strong acid. This strategy provides a facile and environmentally friendly route for the large-scale production of ordered mesoporous materials.

Characterization and properties of phenolic resin doped modified lignin

Phenolic resins occupy an important position in industrial applications, but phenol, one of the raw materials for synthesis, is a non-renewable resource. Lignin, as a natural polymer containing phenolic hydroxyl groups, alcohol hydroxyl groups and other reactive groups, can replace some of the phenol in the synthesis of phenolic resins, which can reduce the amount of phenol, thus reducing the cost of phenolic resins, while effectively promoting the high value-added use of renewable biomass resources. Due to its low reactivity, alkaline lignin is usually discharged as production waste, unaware that lignin macromolecules can be modified. In this paper, the phenolic monomers were obtained by acid-catalyzed depolymerization of DES (choline chloride/p-toluenesulfonic acid or choline chloride/lactic acid) from waste alkaline lignin, and the recovery rate of the DES solution during the catalytic treatment was more than 85 %, in which the main monomer was 2-methoxy-4-(1-propyl) phenol. The degradation of alkaline lignin is still favorable after five times of DES solvent recovery. The depolymerized lignin monomer replaced phenol by 50 wt% and then ternary co-polymerized with phenol and formaldehyde to form a biomass phenol-based phenolic resin, providing a green route for phenolic resin production. The cost of resin preparation was economically calculated, and it was found that the cost of resin after accumulating 4 cycles of DES treatment was only 51.1 % of that of pure phenolic resin. The density functional theory (DFT) was used to simulate the possible radical reactions in the intermediate process of phenolic resin reaction, to explore the microscopic mechanism and competition, to provide theoretical reference for further experimental realization of resin structure control and optimization, and to improve the theoretical system of resin synthesis.

DIGITALIZATION OF THE BLUE ECONOMY: CONCEPTUAL PAPER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GLOBAL HALAL HUB IN INDONESIA

Economic growth that has not yet fully recovered due to COVID-19 requires creative economic policies that can elevate public sectors that have not been a priority. On the other hand, digital technology is recognized as a breakthrough in upgrading progress in various aspects. This conceptual paper aims to synthesize the role of digital technology in developing the halal industry through the use of the blue economy in the form of a global halal hub policy in Indonesia. This research was conducted in a structured and systematic descriptive manner. A study of various Scopus articles found that supply chain traceability in the halal industry requires a guarantee of halal product guarantees from upstream to consumers. Facing high global halal growth, it is necessary to synergize the role of land, sea, and air logistics with information technology and economic digitization systems. Through the development of digitalization of the blue economy, the Indonesian global halal hub can be an alternative to improving logistics routes for halal products in international trade with guaranteed supply chains that are controlled through information technology systems so that information openness between agents will emerge and can automatically accelerate domestic and international economic growth. The novelty of this research is that it synergizes the potential of the blue economy sector, which has not been studied much for the development of the halal industry at the global level. This can be a reference so that the involvement of the blue economy role is also prioritized in making halal logistics policies.

Optimizing Rolling Strategies for API 5L X80 Steel Heavy Plates Produced by Thermomechanical Processing in a Reversible Single-Stand Mill

This study focuses on advancing the production of predominantly bainitic heavy plates to meet the API 5L X80 standard. The investigation involves a thorough evaluation of the influence of rolling parameters and austenite conditioning on both microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties. Accurate specifications for chemical composition, processing temperatures, and mean deformations were established using mathematical models and bibliographical references. Four rolling conditions were performed in a reversible single-stand mill, allowing for comprehensive comparison and critical analysis. Microstructural and mechanical characterizations were performed utilizing several techniques, including optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile tests, Charpy impact tests, and hardness tests to ensure adherence to API 5L standards. Additionally, the SEM-EBSD (electron backscattered diffraction) technique was employed for a complementary analysis. The EBSD analysis included crystallographic misorientation maps, mean kernel misorientation parameters (ϑ), low- and high-angle grains boundaries, mean equivalent diameter, and evaluation of the contribution of different strengthening mechanisms to yield strength. Results underscored the significant influence of austenite conditioning on both microstructure and mechanical properties. Considering the specificities of a reversible single-stand mill, it was concluded that, unlike the classic approach for ferritic or ferritic–pearlitic HSLA (high-strength low-alloy steel), when a product with a predominantly bainitic microstructure is required, the accumulated deformation in the austenite during the finishing rolling stage, as well as its temperature, must be meticulously controlled. It was shown that the greater the deformation and the lower the temperature, the more favorable the scenario for the undesired polygonal ferrite formation, which will deteriorate the material’s performance. Furthermore, an optimized production route was identified and adapted to the specificities of the employed rolling mill. The presented data have great importance for researchers, manufacturers, and users of API 5L X80 heavy plates.

Influence of the Material Production Route on the Material Properties and the Machinability of the Lead-Free Copper-Zinc-Alloy CuZn40 (CW509L)

Influence of the Material Production Route on the Material Properties and the Machinability of the Lead-Free Copper-Zinc-Alloy CuZn40 (CW509L)

Life cycle assessment of magnesium phosphate cement production

Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) is gaining attention in the field of rapid repair and coatings due to its superior qualities, yet little research has been done on the environmental impacts of MPC preparation. It's necessary to investigate its environmental implications for the sustainable development and application of MPC. This study develops a life cycle inventory of the production of MgO with three different production processes and the production of two phosphates and applies the inventory to conduct a life cycle assessment from cradle to gate for four scenarios of MPC production: Scenario 1 (S1) - dry route MgO and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (PDP) as raw materials; Scenario 2 (S2) - wet route MgO and PDP as raw materials; Scenario 3 (S3) - salt lake MgO and PDP as raw materials; Scenario 4 (S4) - dry route MgO and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) as raw materials. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis and cost analysis of MPC are carried out. In order to comprehensively evaluate the low carbon properties of MPC, the carbon emissions of MPC and the commonly used rapid repair materials and coatings are compared. Results indicate S2 shows the highest carbon emission, and the global warming of S2 is 3.97%, 74.55%, and 1.41% higher than that of S1, S3, and S4, respectively. The environmental impact of MPC mainly comes from the production stage of MgO and phosphate (47%–67%). In three MgO production routes, S3 shows the best environmental performance. In two phosphates, S4 has a smaller impact on most impact categories. Sensitivity analysis also indicates that MgO and phosphate have a greater impact on the production of MPC. In addition, the cost of S2 is 2.91%, 0.37%, and 15.40% higher than that of S1, S3, S4, respectively, and S4 shows the best economic benefit. Furthermore, MPC has great advantages in rapid repair and coating, and can reduce carbon emissions by 12%–98% compared to other rapid repair materials and coatings.

A progressive hedging-based matheuristic for the stochastic production routing problem with adaptive routing

The production routing problem (PRP) arises in the context where a manufacturing facility manages its production schedule, the delivery of goods to customers by a fleet of vehicles, and the inventory levels both at the plant and at the customers. The presence of uncertainty often complicates the planning process. In particular, production and distribution costs may significantly increase if demand uncertainty is ignored in the planning phase. Nevertheless, only a few studies have considered demand uncertainty in the PRP. In this article, we propose a two-stage stochastic programming approach for a one-to-many PRP with a single product and demand uncertainty. Unlike previous studies in the literature, we consider the case where routing decisions are made in the second stage after customer demands become known. This offers more flexibility, which can decrease transportation costs by preventing unnecessary customer visits. In addition to the static–dynamic case, in which setup decisions are made first and production quantities are decided in the second stage, we also consider the static–static setting where both sets of decisions must be made prior to the demand realization. A progressive hedging algorithm combined with a matheuristic is developed to solve the problem. The role of the progressive hedging algorithm is to decompose the stochastic problem into more tractable scenario-specific subproblems and lead the first-stage variables towards convergence by modifying their Lagrangean multipliers. However, solving the subproblems remains challenging since they include routing decisions, and we thus propose a matheuristic to exploit the structural characteristics of the subproblems. First, a Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) is solved to find the optimal tour for all customers regardless of demand and capacity. Utilizing the sequence obtained from the TSP, we then solve a restricted PRP while taking into account the other constraints of the original problem. Finally, for each period and scenario, a vehicle routing problem is solved to improve the quality of the solutions. Computational experiments are conducted to analyze the algorithm’s efficiency and to assess the benefits that can be achieved by handling routing in the second stage.

Life cycle assessment of lithium carbonate production: Comparing sedimentary deposits

Lithium sedimentary deposits which were once considered impractical to extract, have become increasingly attractive for exploiting and producing high-quality lithium compounds, due to the surge in demand for batteries and from other markets. However, potential environmental impacts are yet to be evaluated for this emerging lithium production route. Therefore, this paper presents a comparative Life Cycle Assessment study for three prominent and near-to-opening lithium clay projects globally: Sonora Mexico, Falchani Peru, and Thacker Pass USA. Specifically, this study used literature, statistical data, expert interviews, and technical reports to develop cradle-to-gate models covering the mining to refining processes. The results suggest that lithium carbonate production in the Thacker Pass project has higher impacts than the two other selected sedimentary projects. Additionally, the impact categories of the Sonora project are significantly influenced by the source of electricity. The sensitivity analysis highlights the pivotal role of a transition to clean energy sources for these emerging lithium production routes. Especially, the Thacker Pass project would benefit significantly from on-site sulfuric acid production and power generation to reduce the associated environmental impacts.

Separation of terbium as a first step towards high purity terbium-161 for medical applications.

Terbium-161 is a medical radiolanthanide that has a beta decay energy and half-life similar to that of lutetium-177, which makes it a promising alternative for therapeutic purposes. The production route using an enriched gadolinium-160 target necessitates the purification of terbium-161 from the untransmuted target material as well as from its stable decay product, dysprosium-161. The separation of neighbouring lanthanides is challenging due to their similar chemical properties and prominent trivalent oxidation states. In this work, the aim is to change the oxidation state of terbium, resulting in the altering of chemical properties that ease the intragroup separation. To this end, a novel separation method is investigated, involving the electrochemical oxidation of terbium (3+) to terbium (4+) followed by anion exchange chromatography. The electrolysis conditions are set to the highest achievable conversion rate, followed by a dilution step during which the pH and electrolyte concentration are slightly lowered to obtain conditions that are compatible with the separation method. XAS analysis is done to characterize the carbonato complex of both oxidation states and to further elucidate the separation mechanism. The results show that the separation approach of combining electrochemical oxidation with anion exchange chromatography is promising for the purification of 161Tb for medical use.

Lifecycle Assessment of Strategies for Decarbonising Wind Blade Recycling toward Net Zero 2050

The wind energy sector faces a persistent challenge in developing sustainable solutions for decommissioned Wind Turbine Blades (WTB). This study utilises Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the gate-to-gate carbon footprint of high-profile disposal and recycling methods, aiming to determine optimal strategies for WTB waste treatment in the UK. While this article analyses the UK as a case study, the findings are applicable to, and intended to inform, recycling strategies for WTB waste globally. Long-term sustainability depends heavily on factors like evolving energy grids and changing WTB waste compositions and these must be considered for robust analysis and development strategy recommendations. In the short to medium term, mechanical recycling of mixed WTB waste is sufficient to minimise Global Warming Potential (GWP) due to the scarcity of carbon fibre in WTB waste streams. Beyond 2040, carbon fibre recycling becomes crucial to reduce GWP. The study emphasises the importance of matching WTB sub-structure material compositions with preferred waste treatment options for the lowest overall impact. Future development should focus on the extraction of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) structures in WTB waste streams, commercialising large-scale CFRP structure recycling technologies, establishing supply chains, and validating market routes for secondary carbon fibre products. In parallel, scaling up low-impact options, like mechanical recycling, is vital to minimise WTB waste landfilling. Developing viable applications and cost-effective market routes for mechanical recyclates is necessary to displace virgin glass fibres, while optimising upstream recycling processes based on product requirements.

Evaluation of TrpM and PsiD substrate promiscuity reveals new biocatalytic capabilities.

N-methylated tryptamines, such as the hallucinogenic natural products, psilocybin and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), are gaining interest from the medical community due to their potential as next generation treatments for mental health disorders. The clinical relevance of these compounds has driven scientists to develop biosynthetic production routes to a number of tryptamine drug candidates, and efforts are ongoing to expand and further develop these biosynthetic capabilities. To that end, we have further characterized the substrate preferences of two enzymes involved in tryptamine biosynthesis: TrpM, a tryptophan N-methyltransferase from Psilocybe serbica, and PsiD, the gateway decarboxylase of the psilocybin biosynthesis pathway. Here, we show that TrpM can N-methylate the non-native amino acid substrate, 4-hydroxytryptophan, a key intermediate in the Escherichia coli-based recombinant psilocybin biosynthesis pathway. However, the ability to incorporate TrpM into a functional psilocybin biosynthesis pathway was thwarted by PsiD's inability to use N,N-dimethyl-4-hydroxytryptophan as substrate, under the culturing conditions tested, despite demonstrating activity on N-methylated and 4-hydroxylated tryptophan derivatives individually. Taken together, this work expands upon the known substrates for TrpM and PsiD, further increasing the diversity of tryptamine biosynthetic products.

Simultaneous removal of Ni2+ and Congo red from wastewater by crystalline nanocellulose - Modified coal bionanocomposites: Continuous adsorption study with mathematical modeling

Due to ultra-fast technological improvement and rapid urbanization nowadays, industries have generated a huge amount of wastewater that is discharged directly into the environment. Resulting in harsh damage to ecology and public safety/security by contaminating the ground/surface water sources. Therefore, it is very crucial to purify this wastewater before discharging/reusing. This study will be devoted to the latest enhancements along with the new route of production of the multifunctional Crystalline Nanocellulose-Modified Bituminous Coal (CNC-MC) bionanocomposites. Besides these, the significant implementation of the fabricated CNC-MC bionanosorbents for the simultaneous removal of Ni2+ and Congo red (CR) from bulk-scale industrial wastewater has been stated. Conversely, influential parameters like inlet concentration (25–45 ppm), flow rate (3–5 mL/min), and adsorbent bed height (0.2–0.8 cm) were explored. The bionanosorbents were characterized by using some state-of-the-art equipment such as FTIR-ATR, XRD, BET, FESEM, and TGA analysis, while the water samples were analyzed by AAS and UV-NIR techniques. Results suggested that the fabricated CNC-MC bionanocomposites possessed a considerable amount of active binding sites/functional groups, showed high thermal stability up to 700°C, and had a high crystallinity index (around 92.41 ± 0.009%). They revealed a noteworthy honeycomb-like mesoporous microstructure with a significant specific surface area. Due to these outstanding features, this multifunctional bionanosorbents has exhibited sensational adsorption performance. Meanwhile, the maximum removal efficiency and percentage were observed at approximately 328.7 and 478.3 mg/g, as well as around 67.95 and 76.65% for Ni2+ and CR. The experimental data was evaluated by three well-known column models, namely the Thomas, Adam-Bohart, and Yoon-Nelson models, and respectable agreement was found. That is similarly appropriate for the justification of the experimental breakthrough curve by supporting the Langmuir isotherm and 2nd-order reversible reaction kinetics. Hence, this novel CNC-MC bionanosorbent could be beneficially used to purify industrial wastewater in an economical and eco-friendly way for sustainable environmental safety.

Ice template-induced assembly coupled with carbonization strategy for preparation of sulfur-doped porous carbon nanosheets from lignite as high-capacity anode for lithium-ion batteries

Two-dimensional (2D) porous carbon nanosheets with heteroatom doping are promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their distinctive sheet-like structure and excellent electrical conductivity. Limited by high preparation costs and cumbersome preparation processes, the large-scale production of carbon nanosheets remains a major challenge. Herein, a series of sulfur-doped porous carbon nanosheets (SCNSs) are successfully synthesized through ice template-induced assembly coupled with a carbonization approach using aromatic ring fragments exfoliating from lignite as the precursor and K2SO4 as the sulfur source. The prepared SCNSs exhibit well-defined sheet-like structures, abundant hierarchical nanopores, large specific surface areas (∼1761 m2·g−1), and high sulfur doping contents (∼7.72 at%). Such unique microstructure characteristics of SCNSs not only provide favorable and efficient channels for the lithium-ions/electrons transportation but also offer sufficient available space or active sites for lithium-ions storage. When used as anode materials for LIBs, the SCNS-3 shows high reversible capacity (1620 mAh·g−1 at 0.05 A·g−1), excellent rate performance (315 mAh·g−1 at 2 A·g−1), and superior cycling stability (901 mAh·g−1 at 1 A·g−1 after 500 cycles). Lithium storage behavior analysis indicated that the capacitance enhancement in SCNSs anodes is primarily due to improved capacitive behavior. This study provides a novel and effective route for the large-scale production of sulfur-doped carbon nanosheets using aromatic ring fragments exfoliated from lignite, which demonstrates promising industrial application potential in LIBs anode materials.

Sulfur-Vacancy Engineering Accelerates Rapid Surface Reconstruction in Ni-Co Bimetal Sulfide Nanosheet for Urea Oxidation Electrocatalysis.

Developing a highly efficient catalyst for electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction (UOR) is not only beneficial for the degradation of urea pollutants in wastewater but also provides a benign route for hydrogen production. Herein, a sulfur-vacancy (Sv) engineering is proposed to accelerate the formation of metal (oxy)hydroxide on the surface of Ni-Co bimetal sulfide nanosheet arrays on nickel foam (Sv-CoNiS@NF) for boosting the urea oxidation electrocatalysis. As a result, the obtained Sv-CoNiS@NF demonstrates an outstanding electrocatalytic UOR performance, which requires a low potential of only 1.397V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode to achieve the current density of 100mA cm-2. The ex situ Raman spectra and density functional theory calculations reveal the key roles of the Sv site and Co9S8 in promoting the electrocatalytic UOR performance. This work provides a new strategy for accelerating the transformation of electrocatalysts to active metallic (oxy)hydroxide for urea electrolysis via engineering the surface vacancies.