Undesirable Reactions Research Articles

Zn(TFSI)2-Mediated Ring-Opening Polymerization for Electrolyte Engineering Toward Stable Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries

Practical Zn metal batteries have been hindered by several challenges, including Zn dendrite growth, undesirable side reactions, and unstable electrode/electrolyte interface. These issues are particularly more serious in low-concentration electrolytes. Herein, we design a Zn salt-mediated electrolyte with in situ ring-opening polymerization of the small molecule organic solvent. The Zn(TFSI)2 salt catalyzes the ring-opening polymerization of (1,3-dioxolane (DOL)), generating oxidation-resistant and non-combustible long-chain polymer (poly(1,3-dioxolane) (pDOL)). The pDOL reduces the active H2O molecules in electrolyte and assists in forming stable organic-inorganic gradient solidelectrolyte interphase with rich organic constituents, ZnO and ZnF2. The introduction of pDOL endows the electrolyte with several advantages: excellent Zn dendrite inhibition, improved corrosion resistance, widened electrochemical window (2.6V), and enhanced low-temperature performance (freezing point = - 34.9°C). Zn plating/stripping in pDOL-enhanced electrolyte lasts for 4200 cycles at 99.02% Coulomb efficiency and maintains a lifetime of 8200h. Moreover, Zn metal anodes deliver stable cycling for 2500h with a high Zn utilization of 60%. A Zn//VO2 pouch cell assembled with lean electrolyte (electrolyte/capacity (E/C = 41mL (Ah)-1) also demonstrates a capacity retention ratio of 92% after 600 cycles. These results highlight the promising application prospects of practical Zn metal batteries enabled by the Zn(TFSI)2-mediated electrolyte engineering.

Development of a Spectrophotometric Assay for the Cysteine Desulfurase from Staphylococcus aureus

Background/Objectives: Antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus represents a growing threat in the modern world, and new antibiotic targets are needed for its successful treatment. One such potential target is the pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent cysteine desulfurase (SaSufS) of the SUF-like iron–sulfur (Fe-S) cluster biogenesis pathway upon which S. aureus relies exclusively for Fe-S synthesis. The current methods for measuring the activity of this protein have allowed for its recent characterization, but they are hampered by their use of chemical reagents which require long incubation times and may cause undesired side reactions. This problem highlights a need for the development of a rapid quantitative assay for the characterization of SaSufS in the presence of potential inhibitors. Methods: A spectrophotometric assay based on the well-documented absorbance of PLP intermediates at 340 nm was both compared to an established alanine detection assay and used to effectively measure the activity of SaSufS incubated in the absence and presence of the PLP-binding inhibitors, D-cycloserine (DCS) and L-cycloserine (LCS) as proof of concept. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain LAC was also grown in the presence of these inhibitors. Results: The Michaelis–Menten parameters kcat and Km of SaSufS were determined using the alanine detection assay and compared to corresponding intermediate-based values obtained spectrophotometrically in the absence and presence of the reducing agent tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP). These data revealed the formation of both an intermediate that achieves steady-state during continued enzyme turnover and an intermediate that likely accumulates upon the stoppage of the catalytic cycle during the second turnover. The spectrophotometric method was then utilized to determine the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for DCS and LCS binding to SaSufS, which are 2170 ± 920 and 62 ± 23 μM, respectively. Both inhibitors of SaSufS were also found to inhibit the growth of S. aureus. Conclusions: Together, this work offers a spectrophotometric method for the analysis of new inhibitors of SufS and lays the groundwork for the future development of novel antibiotics targeting cysteine desulfurases.

Selective Interface Engineering with Large π‐Conjugated Molecules Enables Durable Zn Anodes

Undesirable dendrite growth and side reactions at the electrical double layer (EDL) of Zn/electrolyte interface are critical challenges limiting the performance of aqueous zinc ion batteries. Through density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate that grafting large π‐conjugated molecules (e.g. bilirubin, biliverdin, lumirubin, and hemoglobin) onto Zn surface induces preferential adsorption on non‐(002) facets, leading to interfacial charge redistribution, upshifted Zn d‐band center, and enhanced H+ fixation capability. Among these, bilirubin (BR) is identified as the most effective, preferentially adsorbing onto non‐Zn(002) facets to inhibit hydrogen evolution reaction and promote Zn(002) planar growth during plating. This approach results in average Coulombic efficiency of 99.86% over 4000 cycles in Zn||BR‐1@Cu cells and prolonged lifespan exceeding 1600 h in BR‐1@Zn||BR‐1@Zn cells at 10 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. Even under harsh condition of 25 mA cm−2 and 10 mAh cm−2, BR‐1@Zn||BR‐1@Zn cell maintains a lifespan of over 400 h. Furthermore, BR‐1@Zn||MnO2 and BR‐1@Zn||NVO full cells achieve 76.4% and 86.1% capacity retention after 800 and 1400 cycles at 1.0 A g−1, respectively. This study underscores the importance of grafting large π‐conjugated molecules to allow selective Zn(002) exposure, Zn d‐band center upshift, and EDL structure regulation, paving the way towards durable Zn anodes.

Selective Interface Engineering with Large π-Conjugated Molecules Enables Durable Zn Anodes.

Undesirable dendrite growth and side reactions at the electrical double layer (EDL) of Zn/electrolyte interface are critical challenges limiting the performance of aqueous zinc ion batteries. Through density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate that grafting large π-conjugated molecules (e.g. bilirubin, biliverdin, lumirubin, and hemoglobin) onto Zn surface induces preferential adsorption on non-(002) facets, leading to interfacial charge redistribution, upshifted Zn d-band center, and enhanced H+ fixation capability. Among these, bilirubin (BR) is identified as the most effective, preferentially adsorbing onto non-Zn(002) facets to inhibit hydrogen evolution reaction and promote Zn(002) planar growth during plating. This approach results in average Coulombic efficiency of 99.86% over 4000 cycles in Zn||BR-1@Cu cells and prolonged lifespan exceeding 1600 h in BR-1@Zn||BR-1@Zn cells at 10 mA cm-2 and 1 mAh cm-2. Even under harsh condition of 25 mA cm-2 and 10 mAh cm-2, BR-1@Zn||BR-1@Zn cell maintains a lifespan of over 400 h. Furthermore, BR-1@Zn||MnO2 and BR-1@Zn||NVO full cells achieve 76.4% and 86.1% capacity retention after 800 and 1400 cycles at 1.0 A g-1, respectively. This study underscores the importance of grafting large π-conjugated molecules to allow selective Zn(002) exposure, Zn d-band center upshift, and EDL structure regulation, paving the way towards durable Zn anodes.

CO2 to Methanol Conversion: A Bibliometric Analysis with Insights into Reaction Mechanisms, and Recent Advances in Catalytic Conversion

The rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) necessitate urgent and effective strategies for its capture and utilization. Among the various CO2 valorization pathways, the conversion of CO2 into methanol has gained considerable attention due to its dual role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and serving as a renewable fuel and chemical feedstock. This review uniquely combines bibliometric analysis of 13,289 peer-reviewed publications (2012–2023) with an evaluation of Cu-based catalyst advancements, addressing critical gaps in the literature. A bibliometric analysis highlights the key trends, collaborations, and research gaps in the field. Among the catalytic systems, noble metals, though highly active, are uneconomical for large-scale applications, while non-noble metals, such as nickel, exhibit limited activity due to undesired reaction pathways. In comparison, Cu-based catalysts overcome these challenges by offering a balance of activity, selectivity, and cost-effectiveness. Special emphasis is placed on the CO2 to methanol conversion pathways, with insights into thermodynamic constraints, emerging solutions, and potential directions for future research. By consolidating the current state of knowledge, this review identifies significant opportunities for advancing CO2 conversion technologies, particularly in methanol synthesis, positioning it as a promising strategy for sustainable carbon management and energy production.

Acidity Reversal Enables Site-Specific Ring-Opening Polymerization of Epoxides from Biprotonic Compounds.

Polyethers are versatile materials extensively used in advanced as well as everyday applications. The incorporation of primary amine functionality into polyethers is particularly attractive due to its well-established coupling chemistries. However, the inherent nucleophilicity of amine group poses a challenge in the anionic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of epoxides and requires the use of robust protecting groups that can withstand the harsh conditions of ROP without triggering undesirable side reactions. In this work, we present streamlined synthesis of amino-functionalized polyethers using classic N-carbamate-protected aminoalcohols as initiators for the ROP of epoxides. A Lewis acid-excess two-component organocatalytic system is found to trigger efficient anionic ROP of epoxides while preserving the integrity of the carbamate protection. Despite the higher intrinsic acidity of the carbamate group compared to the hydroxyl group, it is noncompetitive in both the deprotonation and ring-opening steps. This is due to an intriguing acidity-reversing effect of the catalyst, which allows site-specific ethoxylation to proceed exclusively from the hydroxyl group. The resulting poly(propylene oxide) and poly(ethylene oxide) exhibit the targeted molar mass, low dispersity, and well-defined end groups. The fidelity of the amino functionalities is further corroborated and utilized in construction of polypeptoide-based hybrid block copolymers using the synthesized polyethers as macroinitiators.

Enhancing Interfacial Interactions Through Microwave-Irradiated Reduction for the Recycling of Photovoltaic Silicon Waste for Lithium Storage.

The application of micro-nano size photovoltaic waste silicon (wSi) as an anode material for lithium-ion battery holds significant practical potential; However, it faces a series of challenges related to the volume expansion of Si during cycling. In this study, a simple, efficient, and eco-friendly microwave method is proposed for the rapid preparation of graphene-coated silicon materials (wSi@rGO) in just a few seconds, in which graphene as the stable interface mitigates structural failure caused by significant volume expansion, enhances electron and ion conductivity, inhibits undesirable side reactions between silicon and electrolyte, and promotes the stability of solid electrolyte interface (SEI). Importantly, the instantaneous high temperature generated by microwaves facilitates the formation of interfacial SiC chemical bonds, which strengthen the interaction between Si and graphene, thereby reducing Si delamination. The wSi@rGO anode exhibits remarkable cycling stability, maintaining a specific capacity of 1100mA h g-1 over 250 cycles. Furthermore, the assembled wSi@rGO//LiFePO4 full battery demonstrates robust performance, retaining a stable capacity of 150mA h g-1 after 80 cycles at 0.5 C. This research not only demonstrates a straightforward and efficient microwave technique for synthesizing wSi@rGO anode materials, but also offers an environmentally friendly and economical pathway for recycling photovoltaic waste silicon, contributing positively to carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.

Regulating Water Molecules via Bioinspired Covalent Organic Framework Membranes for Zn Metal Anodes.

The Zn metal anode in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) faces daunting challenges including undesired water-induced parasitic reactions and sluggish ion migration kinetics. Herein, we develop three-dimensional covalent organic framework (COF) membranes with bioinspired ion channels toward stabilized Zn anodes. These COFs, featured by zincophilic pyridine-N sites, enable effective regulation of water molecules at the anode-electrolyte interphase. Systematic experimental analysis and theoretical simulations reveal the optimized COF-320N membrane functions as ion pumps, accordingly facilitating Zn2+ transport and inhibiting direct contact between Zn anode and free water molecules. Consequently, the bio-inspired strategy achieves improved Zn2+ transference number (0.61), rapid de-solvation kinetics, and suppressed hydrogen evolution. The assembled Zn||MnO2 pouch cell integrated with COF-320N membrane exhibits favorable electrochemical performances. Such a bioinspired concept for optimizing Zn anodes opens new pathways in developing advanced energy storage devices.

Polymer-based Solid Electrolyte and Electrode/Electrolyte Interfacial Contact Characteristics Affecting Lithium-ion Battery Performance

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are now embedded in peoples daily life usage including portable electronic devices and electric vehicles. The demand for further developed LIBs with better energy storage, energy transport, safety, etc. However, the commercial and conventional LIBs use liquid electrolyte widely. Although it provides excellent ionic conductivity, its poor mechanical strength often induces the growth of dendrite, which is often considered as the primary factor that causes short circuits, undesired side reactions, and reductions in energy capacity. To address these issues, polymer-based solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) were developed. It exhibits comprehensive properties and can cooperate with other materials to resolve their defects, creating various novel materials in different scenarios. This paper covers four commonly used polymers in the fabrication of SSEs and key parameters indicating their energy density and stability. It provides a brief introduction to the reader about the characteristics of varying polymer-based electrolytes, and how these characteristics, combined with interface contact, affect the overall battery performance.

Construction of N−E bonds via Lewis acid-promoted functionalization of chromium-dinitrogen complexes

Direct conversion of dinitrogen (N2) into N-containing compounds beyond ammonia under ambient conditions remains a longstanding challenge. Herein, we present a Lewis acid-promoted strategy for diverse nitrogen-element bonds formation from N2 using chromium dinitrogen complex [Cp*(IiPr2Me2)Cr(N2)2]K (1). With the help of Lewis acids AlMe3 and BF3, we successfully trap a series of fleeting diazenido intermediates and synthesize value-added compounds containing N−B, N−Ge, and N−P bonds with 3 d metals, offering a method for isolating unstable intermediates. Furthermore, the formation of N−C bonds is realized under more accessible conditions that avoid undesired side reactions. DFT calculations reveal that Lewis acids enhance the participation of dinitrogen units in the frontier orbitals, thereby promoting electrophilic functionalization. Moreover, Lewis acid replacement and a base-induced end-on to side-on switch of [NNMe] unit in [(Cp*(IiPr2Me2)CrNN(BEt3)(Me)] (8) are achieved.

Electrochemical dendrite management via voltage-controlled rearrangement

Abstract The pursuit of advanced energy storage solutions has highlighted the potential of rechargeable batteries with metal anodes due to their high specific capacities and low redox potentials. However, the formation of metal dendrites remains a critical challenge, compromising both safety and operational stability. For zinc-based batteries (ZBs), traditional methods to suppress dendrite growth have shown limited success and often entail performance compromise. Here, we propose a novel strategy termed dendrite rearrangement (DR) that leverages the electrochemical self-discharge process to controllably address the dendrite issues. By temporarily increasing the input voltage within a single cycle, this strategy resets the cell stability without precipitating undesirable side reactions during normal operation. This pioneering technique extends operational lifespans to over three times their original duration, facilitating 80,000 cycles for Zn-ion hybrid capacitors and 3,000 hours for Zn symmetrical cells. Even in scaled-up pouch cells, Ah-level symmetrical cells demonstrate a cumulative capacity nearing 200,000 mAh, significantly surpassing that of reported metal symmetrical cells. Additionally, the electrolytic Zn-MnO2 battery demonstrates a high capacity approaching 10 Ah, setting a new benchmark among reported ZB devices. These results mark a significant advance towards resolving dendrite-related issues in metal anode batteries, paving the way for their sustainable development and potential commercialization.

Influence of the graphene incorporation on nanostructure and thermal properties of the laser powder bed fusion processed AlSi12 matrix composites

The successful fabrication and implementation of graphene-reinforced aluminum (Al) matrix composites (AMCs) have been obstructed by the undesirable graphene-Al reactions during their casting or inability of complex part manufacturing through powder metallurgy techniques. The emergence of the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process with extremely short melt duration and almost no limitations in terms of the manufacturing of intricate features has renewed the interests for fabrication of graphene-reinforced AMCs. In this study, the influence of graphene incorporation into AlSi12 on L-PBF processability and defect formation is studied. The specific heat capacity, coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity of composites were compared to those of the monolithic AlSi12 alloy. Microstructure-thermal properties relationship was studied through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy. This study provides valuable insights into (i) the chance of survival of graphene, (ii) possibility of graphene changing into other forms of carbon, and (iii) graphene-Al reactions during the L-PBF process. It was found that most of the graphene/graphite particles transformed into Al4C3. Among the survived carbon material, it appears they are more disordered than the initial graphene/graphite, though highly ordered ones with almost no defects were also detected. Thermal expansion measurements showed that the coefficient of thermal expansion decreased from 27.5×10-6/˚C for AlSi12 to 25.3×10-6/˚C for AlSi12-0.25Gr and 25.5×10-6/˚C for AlSi12-0.5Gr. Regarding thermal conductivity, in the case of AlSi12-0.5Gr, it either matched or was lower than that of pure AlSi12 within the tested temperature range. In contrast, AlSi12-0.25Gr exhibited higher thermal conductivity than AlSi12 in the temperature range of 150-350 ˚C.

Unraveling the Function Mechanism of N-Doped Carbon-Encapsulated Na3V2(PO4)3 Cathode toward High-Performance Sodium-Ion Battery with Ultrahigh Cycling Stability.

The NASICON-type Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) is recognized as a potential cathode material for Na-ion batteries (SIBs). Nevertheless, its inherent small electronic conductivity induces limited cycling stability and rate performance. Carbon coating, particularly N-doped carbon, has been identified as an effective strategy to address these challenges. Hence, N-doped carbon-coated NVP was successfully produced by a straightforward high-temperature solid-phase method, and the mechanism of N-doped carbon coating in regulating the electrochemical kinetics of NVP was unraveled. The N-doped carbon layer establishes a robust conductive network that interconnects the active particles, facilitating electron transfer within the electrode. SEM images after cycling show that the uniform carbon coating mitigated NVP agglomeration, thereby reducing undesired side reactions between electrode and electrolyte. The discharge capacities of NVP/N-C2 electrodes at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, and 10C reach 116.0, 114.6, 112.6, 111, 108.7, 104.2, and 99.4 mAh g-1, respectively. Even at 20C, the discharge capacity remains up to 92.2 mAh g-1, which is approximately 80% of the discharge capacity at 0.1C. When the rate returns to 0.1C, the NVP/N-C2 cathode still exhibits a discharge capacity of 115.9 mAh g-1, showing excellent electrochemical reversibility. This study presents a viable approach for fabricating NVP with a N-doped carbon coating, showcasing enhanced sodium storage properties.

Beyond Needles: Immunomodulatory Hydrogel-Guided Vaccine Delivery Systems.

Vaccines are critical for combating infectious diseases, saving millions of lives worldwide each year. Effective immunization requires precise vaccine delivery to ensure proper antigen transport and robust immune activation. Traditional vaccine delivery systems, however, face significant challenges, including low immunogenicity and undesirable inflammatory reactions, limiting their efficiency. Encapsulating or binding vaccines within biomaterials has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations. Among biomaterials, hydrogels have gained considerable attention for their biocompatibility, ability to interact with biological systems, and potential to modulate immune responses. Hydrogels offer a materials science-driven approach for targeted vaccine delivery, addressing the shortcomings of conventional methods while enhancing vaccine efficacy. This review examines the potential of hydrogel-based systems to improve immunogenicity and explores their dual role as immunomodulatory adjuvants. Innovative delivery methods, such as microneedles, patches, and inhalable systems, are discussed as minimally invasive alternatives to traditional administration routes. Additionally, this review addresses critical challenges, including safety, scalability, and regulatory considerations, offering insights into hydrogel-guided strategies for eliciting targeted immune responses and advancing global immunization efforts.

Electrolyte Anions Suppress Hydrogen Generation in Electrochemical CO Reduction on Cu.

In this study, we employed EC-MS to elucidate the role of halide anions in electrochemical CO2 and CO reduction. We found that the undesired hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was significantly suppressed by the anion used. Specifically, the rates of H2 production decreased in the order KF > KCl > KI, meaning that I- most strongly suppressed HER. Interestingly, CO reduction products showed an inverse relationship to HER, with KI leading to the highest rate of CO reduction. By pairing our experimental findings with classical molecular dynamics simulations, we propose a mechanism wherein halide anions influence the dynamic interplay between CO reduction and HER by modulating the competition of H* and CO* for active sites on the Cu surface. We propose that this interaction is enabled by the interfacial concentration of K+ being greater in the presence of F- than in I-. Our results highlight the need to more broadly consider the properties of ions at electrocatalytic interfaces and they point to thus far underappreciated avenues to optimize hydrocarbon production while suppressing hydrogen evolution.

Electrolyte Anions Suppress Hydrogen Generation in Electrochemical CO Reduction on Cu

In this study, we employed EC‐MS to elucidate the role of halide anions in electrochemical CO2 and CO reduction. We found that the undesired hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was significantly suppressed by the anion used. Specifically, the rates of H2 production decreased in the order KF > KCl > KI, meaning that I− most strongly suppressed HER. Interestingly, CO reduction products showed an inverse relationship to HER, with KI leading to the highest rate of CO reduction. By pairing our experimental findings with classical molecular dynamics simulations, we propose a mechanism wherein halide anions influence the dynamic interplay between CO reduction and HER by modulating the competition of H* and CO* for active sites on the Cu surface. We propose that this interaction is enabled by the interfacial concentration of K+ being greater in the presence of F− than in I−. Our results highlight the need to more broadly consider the properties of ions at electrocatalytic interfaces and they point to thus far underappreciated avenues to optimize hydrocarbon production while suppressing hydrogen evolution.

CO2-Assisted Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane to Propylene over Modified SiO2 Based Catalysts

The oxidative dehydrogenation of propane with CO2 (CO2-ODP) was investigated over different metal oxides MxOy (M: Ca, Sn, Cr, Ga) supported on a SiO2 surface. Catalysts were characterized employing nitrogen adsorption/desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), CO2 temperature programmed desorption (CO2-TPD) and pyridine adsorption/desorption experiments in order to identify their physicochemical properties and correlate them with their activity and selectivity for the CO2-ODP reaction. The effect of operating reaction conditions on catalytic performance was also examined, aiming to improve the propylene yield and suppress side reactions. Surface acidity and basicity were found to be affected by the nature of MxOy, which in turn affected the conversion of propane to propylene, which was in all cases higher compared to that of bare SiO2. Propane conversion, reaction rate and selectivities towards propylene and carbon monoxide were maximized for the Ga- and Cr-containing catalysts characterized by moderate surface basicity, which were also able to limit the undesired reactions leading to ethylene and methane byproducts. High surface acidity was found to be beneficial for the CO2-ODP reaction, which, however, should not be excessive to ensure high catalytic activity. The silica-supported Ga2O3 catalyst exhibited sufficient stability with time and better than that of the most active Cr2O3-SiO2 catalyst. Decreasing the weight gas hourly space velocity resulted in a significant improvement in both propane conversion and propylene yield as well as a suppression of undesired product formation. Increasing CO2 concentration in the feed did not practically affect propane conversion, while led to a decrease in propylene yield. The ratio of propylene to ethylene selectivity was optimized for CO2:C3H8 = 5:1 and space velocity of 6000 mL g−1 h−1, most possibly due to facilitation of the C–H bond cleavage against that of the C–C bond. Results of the present study provided evidence that the efficient conversion of propane to propylene is feasible over silica-based composite metal oxides, provided that catalyst characteristics have been optimized and reaction conditions have been properly selected.

Activation and Functionalization of the Uranyl Ion by Electrochemical Reduction.

Interconversion of the oxidation states of uranium enables separations and reactivity schemes involving this element and contributes to technologies for recycling of spent nuclear fuels. The redox behaviors of uranium species impact these processes, but use of electrochemical methods to drive reactions of molecular uranium complexes and to obtain molecular insights into the outcomes of electrode-driven reactions has received far less attention than it deserves. Here, we show that electro-reduction of the uranyl ion (UO22+) can be used to promote stepwise functionalization of the typically unreactive oxo groups with exogenous triphenylborane (BPh3) serving as a moderate electrophile, avoiding the conventional requirement for a chemical reductant. Parallel electroanalytical, spectrochemical, and chemical reactivity studies, supported by spectroscopic findings and structural data from X-ray diffraction analysis on key reduced and borylated products, demonstrate that our electrochemical approach largely avoids undesired cross reactions and disproportionation pathways; these usually impact the multicomponent systems needed for uranyl functionalization chemistry. Joint computational studies have been used to map the changes associated with U-O activation and to quantify the free energy differences related to key reactions. Taken together, the results suggest that electrochemical methods can be used for selective interconversion of molecular actinide species, reminiscent of methods commonly employed in transition metal redox catalysis.

Effective Electrolyte Combination Composed of 1,1‐Diethoxyethane and Lithium Bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide for Dendrite‐suppressible Li Metal Anodes

AbstractAlthough Li metal is considered the most promising anode material owing to its high theoretical capacity, there are numerous restrictions on expanding its application because of undesired surface reactions occurring at the Li anode. To solve this, an effective electrolyte combination consisting of 1,1‐diethoxyethane (DEE) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) is used in this work, which can provide an organic/inorganic‐hybridized solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the Li anode. The DEE solvent affords flexible carbon‐abundant components, whereas LiFSI offers mechanically rigid lithium fluoride‐type components; these undergo electrochemical reduction to form SEI layers that are balanced in terms of organic and inorganic components. Systematic analysis results exhibit that when the SEI layer integrated with DEE and LiFSI is embedded in the lithium anode, electrolyte decomposition, and dendritic lithium growth are suppressed in Li/Li cells, thereby improving surface stability. Similarly, it provides stable cycle life characteristics even at 150 cycles in Li/S cells (72.0% vs 52.6%).

Transformation of Lignin Under Protection Strategies: Catalytic Oxidation and Depolymerization by Polyoxometalates Catalysts.

The efficient utilization of lignin, a pivotal component of lignocellulosic biomass, is crucial for advancing sustainable biorefinery processes. However, optimizing lignin valorization remains challenging due to its intricate structure and susceptibility to undesirable reactions during processing. In this study, we delve into the impact of various pretreatment agents on birch lignin, aiming to enhance its catalytic oxidation and depolymerization under polyoxometalates (POMs) catalysis. Our results reveal that pretreatment with formaldehyde effectively safeguards aryl ether linkages in lignin, leading to a notable increase in aromatic compound yields under POMs catalysis. Furthermore, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis underscores the inhibition of aryl ether linkage hydrolysis upon formaldehyde addition. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis demonstrates that formaldehyde pretreatment boosts lignin monomer yield by 2 to 3 times compared to untreated lignin, underscoring the effectiveness of tailored pretreatment strategies. This research underscores the significance of adopting rational pretreatment methods to advance lignin valorization pathways catalyzed by POMs, thereby contributing to the evolution of sustainable biomass conversion technologies.