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2025 Volume 41 Issue 7
2025, 41(7):
Abstract:
2025, 41(7): 100066
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100066
Abstract:
Water hardness, predominantly due to the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions, presents significant challenges to water quality and public health. Addressing this issue necessitates effective water softening, which remains a pivotal task in water treatment. Capacitive deionization (CDI) has emerged as a promising technology for selective hardness removal, leveraging the low-cost, non-toxic and environmentally friendly selective electrode materials. Electrospun nanofibers, characterized by their three-dimensional porous structure, offer good flexibility, high specific surface area and excellent electrical conductivity. Their components can be tailored to meet the specific requirements. In this study, we incorporated mordenite (MOR), noted for its excellent ion-exchange capacity, into self-supporting nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (N-CNF) via electrospinning a blend of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), urea, and MOR, followed by carbonization. The resulting mordenite-loaded N-CNF composite (MOR@N-CNF) exhibited good flexibility and high conductivity. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence and uniform distribution of MOR within the CNF matrix. X-ray photo spectroscopy demonstrated an increase in nitrogen content in MOR@N-CNF. In addition, the MOR@N-CNF composite displayed enhanced hydrophilicity and an increased specific surface area. When used as a self-supporting electrode, MOR@N-CNF exhibited the electrochemical specific capacitance of 162.7 F·g-1, with the specific capacitance retention of 60% in a CaCl2 solution. In an asymmetric CDI setup with activated carbon (AC) as the anode, the MOR@N-CNF cathode demonstrated outstanding adsorption capacities of 1501 and 1416 μmol·g-1 for Mg2+ and Ca2+, respectively. The composite electrode exhibited high selectivity for Mg2+ and Ca2+ over Na+ with a selectivity factor of 9.7 and 8.9, respectively. These attributes endow the material with exceptional ability to discriminate between divalent and monovalent ions, thereby enhancing its potential for hardness removal. Furthermore, the electrode retained 78% of its adsorption capacity after 40 cycles, demonstrating robust cyclic stability, and ensuring long-term CDI operation. This work provides a new strategy for preparing ion-exchange material-based composite electrodes and highlights the potential of CDI technology in hard water softening.
Water hardness, predominantly due to the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions, presents significant challenges to water quality and public health. Addressing this issue necessitates effective water softening, which remains a pivotal task in water treatment. Capacitive deionization (CDI) has emerged as a promising technology for selective hardness removal, leveraging the low-cost, non-toxic and environmentally friendly selective electrode materials. Electrospun nanofibers, characterized by their three-dimensional porous structure, offer good flexibility, high specific surface area and excellent electrical conductivity. Their components can be tailored to meet the specific requirements. In this study, we incorporated mordenite (MOR), noted for its excellent ion-exchange capacity, into self-supporting nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (N-CNF) via electrospinning a blend of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), urea, and MOR, followed by carbonization. The resulting mordenite-loaded N-CNF composite (MOR@N-CNF) exhibited good flexibility and high conductivity. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence and uniform distribution of MOR within the CNF matrix. X-ray photo spectroscopy demonstrated an increase in nitrogen content in MOR@N-CNF. In addition, the MOR@N-CNF composite displayed enhanced hydrophilicity and an increased specific surface area. When used as a self-supporting electrode, MOR@N-CNF exhibited the electrochemical specific capacitance of 162.7 F·g-1, with the specific capacitance retention of 60% in a CaCl2 solution. In an asymmetric CDI setup with activated carbon (AC) as the anode, the MOR@N-CNF cathode demonstrated outstanding adsorption capacities of 1501 and 1416 μmol·g-1 for Mg2+ and Ca2+, respectively. The composite electrode exhibited high selectivity for Mg2+ and Ca2+ over Na+ with a selectivity factor of 9.7 and 8.9, respectively. These attributes endow the material with exceptional ability to discriminate between divalent and monovalent ions, thereby enhancing its potential for hardness removal. Furthermore, the electrode retained 78% of its adsorption capacity after 40 cycles, demonstrating robust cyclic stability, and ensuring long-term CDI operation. This work provides a new strategy for preparing ion-exchange material-based composite electrodes and highlights the potential of CDI technology in hard water softening.
2025, 41(7): 100071
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100071
Abstract:
Photocatalysis technology, utilizing solar-driven reactions, is poised to emerge as a reliable strategy to alleviate environmental and energy pressures. Thus, whether the photocatalytic performance is excellent depends on the reasonable design of photocatalysts. By considering factors such as morphology engineering, band gap engineering, co-catalyst modification, and heterojunction construction, the photocatalysts with superior performance can be developed. Inspired by this unique characteristic, photocatalysts with a hollow structure endow numerous advantages in photocatalyst design, including enhanced multiple refraction and reflection of light, reduced transport distance of photo-induced carriers, and provided plentiful surface reaction sites. Herein, we systematically review the latest progress of hollow structured photocatalysts and summarize the diversity from geometric morphology, internal structure, and chemical composition. Specifically, the synthetic strategies of hollow structured photocatalysts are highlighted, including hard template, soft template, and template free methods. Furthermore, a series of hollow structured photocatalysts have also been described in detail, such as metal oxide, metal sulfide, metal-organic framework, and covalent organic framework. Subsequently, we present the potential applications of hollow structured photocatalysts in photocatalytic pollutant degradation, H2 production, H2O2 production, CO2 reduction, and N2 fixation. Simultaneously, the relevant relationship between hollow structure and photocatalytic performance is deeply discussed. Toward the end of the review, we introduce the challenges and prospects in the future development direction of hollow structured photocatalysts. The review can provide inspiration for better designing hollow structured photocatalysts to meet the needs of environmental remediation and energy conversion.
Photocatalysis technology, utilizing solar-driven reactions, is poised to emerge as a reliable strategy to alleviate environmental and energy pressures. Thus, whether the photocatalytic performance is excellent depends on the reasonable design of photocatalysts. By considering factors such as morphology engineering, band gap engineering, co-catalyst modification, and heterojunction construction, the photocatalysts with superior performance can be developed. Inspired by this unique characteristic, photocatalysts with a hollow structure endow numerous advantages in photocatalyst design, including enhanced multiple refraction and reflection of light, reduced transport distance of photo-induced carriers, and provided plentiful surface reaction sites. Herein, we systematically review the latest progress of hollow structured photocatalysts and summarize the diversity from geometric morphology, internal structure, and chemical composition. Specifically, the synthetic strategies of hollow structured photocatalysts are highlighted, including hard template, soft template, and template free methods. Furthermore, a series of hollow structured photocatalysts have also been described in detail, such as metal oxide, metal sulfide, metal-organic framework, and covalent organic framework. Subsequently, we present the potential applications of hollow structured photocatalysts in photocatalytic pollutant degradation, H2 production, H2O2 production, CO2 reduction, and N2 fixation. Simultaneously, the relevant relationship between hollow structure and photocatalytic performance is deeply discussed. Toward the end of the review, we introduce the challenges and prospects in the future development direction of hollow structured photocatalysts. The review can provide inspiration for better designing hollow structured photocatalysts to meet the needs of environmental remediation and energy conversion.
2025, 41(7): 100072
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100072
Abstract:
Capacitive deionization (CDI) is emerging as a novel technology for seawater purification, with the electrode material playing a crucial role in desalination performance. In this study, we designed a nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots decorated iron oxide hydroxide (NCQDs/FeOOH) composite by a facile hydrothermal strategy and investigated as the CDI cathode for desalination application. Microstructural analyses reveal that the composite features a relatively uniform nanoparticle-assembled network, hierarchical pore alignment, and abundant porosity. Electrochemical tests confirm its outstanding capacitance property and conductivity. In an initial NaCl aqueous solution of 2000 mg·L-1 at an applied potential of 1.4 V, the GACNaCl of NCQDs/FeOOH hybrid electrode reaches 56.52 mg·g-1, along with remarkable cycling durability. Furthermore, the CV (cyclic voltammetry) and ex situ XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) characterizations indicate the predominantly pseudocapacitive desalination mechanism.
Capacitive deionization (CDI) is emerging as a novel technology for seawater purification, with the electrode material playing a crucial role in desalination performance. In this study, we designed a nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots decorated iron oxide hydroxide (NCQDs/FeOOH) composite by a facile hydrothermal strategy and investigated as the CDI cathode for desalination application. Microstructural analyses reveal that the composite features a relatively uniform nanoparticle-assembled network, hierarchical pore alignment, and abundant porosity. Electrochemical tests confirm its outstanding capacitance property and conductivity. In an initial NaCl aqueous solution of 2000 mg·L-1 at an applied potential of 1.4 V, the GACNaCl of NCQDs/FeOOH hybrid electrode reaches 56.52 mg·g-1, along with remarkable cycling durability. Furthermore, the CV (cyclic voltammetry) and ex situ XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) characterizations indicate the predominantly pseudocapacitive desalination mechanism.
2025, 41(7): 100073
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100073
Abstract:
The escalating frequency of extreme weather events globally has necessitated immediate action to mitigate the impacts and threats posed by excessive greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). Consequently, reducing CO2 emissions has become imperative, with decarbonization techniques being extensively investigated worldwide to achieve net-zero emissions. From an energy perspective, CO2 represents an abundant and low-cost carbon resource that can be converted into high-value chemical products through reactions with hydrocarbons, including alkanes, alkenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and polyolefins. Through hydrogen transfer, CO2 can be reduced to CO, accompanied by the formation of H2O. CO2 and hydrocarbons can also be transformed into syngas (CO and H2) via dry reforming. Furthermore, CO2 can be incorporated into hydrocarbon molecules, resulting in carbon chain growth, such as the production of alcohols, carboxylic acids, and aromatics. However, due to the thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of CO2, as well as the high bond energy and low polarity of hydrocarbon C―H bonds, the conversion of CO2 and hydrocarbons remains a highly challenging and demanding strategic objective. This review focuses on the synergistic catalytic valorization of CO2 and hydrocarbons using heterogeneous catalysts, summarizing recent advancements in coupling CO2 with various hydrocarbons. It also examines relevant kinetic models, including Langmuir-Hinshelwood and Eley-Rideal mechanisms. For catalyst design, bifunctional catalysts with distinct active sites can independently activate these two reactive molecules, and the modulation of acid-base properties, oxygen vacancies, and interfacial interactions represents an effective strategy to optimize catalytic performance. Finally, future directions for advancing CO2-hydrocarbon co-utilization technologies are proposed, along with recommendations for low-carbon development strategies.
The escalating frequency of extreme weather events globally has necessitated immediate action to mitigate the impacts and threats posed by excessive greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). Consequently, reducing CO2 emissions has become imperative, with decarbonization techniques being extensively investigated worldwide to achieve net-zero emissions. From an energy perspective, CO2 represents an abundant and low-cost carbon resource that can be converted into high-value chemical products through reactions with hydrocarbons, including alkanes, alkenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and polyolefins. Through hydrogen transfer, CO2 can be reduced to CO, accompanied by the formation of H2O. CO2 and hydrocarbons can also be transformed into syngas (CO and H2) via dry reforming. Furthermore, CO2 can be incorporated into hydrocarbon molecules, resulting in carbon chain growth, such as the production of alcohols, carboxylic acids, and aromatics. However, due to the thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of CO2, as well as the high bond energy and low polarity of hydrocarbon C―H bonds, the conversion of CO2 and hydrocarbons remains a highly challenging and demanding strategic objective. This review focuses on the synergistic catalytic valorization of CO2 and hydrocarbons using heterogeneous catalysts, summarizing recent advancements in coupling CO2 with various hydrocarbons. It also examines relevant kinetic models, including Langmuir-Hinshelwood and Eley-Rideal mechanisms. For catalyst design, bifunctional catalysts with distinct active sites can independently activate these two reactive molecules, and the modulation of acid-base properties, oxygen vacancies, and interfacial interactions represents an effective strategy to optimize catalytic performance. Finally, future directions for advancing CO2-hydrocarbon co-utilization technologies are proposed, along with recommendations for low-carbon development strategies.
2025, 41(7): 100074
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100074
Abstract:
Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) has emerged as an effective technology to transform CO2 into valuable chemicals. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show great promise due to their adjustable structures, huge specific surface areas, excellent catalytic properties, and remarkable photo responsiveness. Herein, the MOF material NNU-55(Fe) was employed for the photocatalytic transformation of CO2 into carbon monoxide (CO). Through electronic modulation of the active metal center (Fe-N4) via inorganic anionic ligand tuning, the photocatalytic performance of NNU-55(Fe) MOFs can be easily regulated. Notably, NO-3-coordinated NNU-55(Fe) demonstrated superior catalytic performance compared to SO42-- and Cl--coordinated catalysts, achieving a CO production of 124 μmol·g-1 within 3 h. The stronger electron donation capacity of NO-3 leads to an improved electron density of Fe centers, which lowers the Fe d-band center and enhances the bonding orbital occupancy in the adsorption system, thereby increasing the adsorption strength of CO2 and reduction activity. This study highlights a simple strategy for altering the catalytic activity and electrical structure of MOFs by altering the coordinated inorganic ligands of metal sites, offering a novel approach to developing efficient photocatalytic materials.
Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) has emerged as an effective technology to transform CO2 into valuable chemicals. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show great promise due to their adjustable structures, huge specific surface areas, excellent catalytic properties, and remarkable photo responsiveness. Herein, the MOF material NNU-55(Fe) was employed for the photocatalytic transformation of CO2 into carbon monoxide (CO). Through electronic modulation of the active metal center (Fe-N4) via inorganic anionic ligand tuning, the photocatalytic performance of NNU-55(Fe) MOFs can be easily regulated. Notably, NO-3-coordinated NNU-55(Fe) demonstrated superior catalytic performance compared to SO42-- and Cl--coordinated catalysts, achieving a CO production of 124 μmol·g-1 within 3 h. The stronger electron donation capacity of NO-3 leads to an improved electron density of Fe centers, which lowers the Fe d-band center and enhances the bonding orbital occupancy in the adsorption system, thereby increasing the adsorption strength of CO2 and reduction activity. This study highlights a simple strategy for altering the catalytic activity and electrical structure of MOFs by altering the coordinated inorganic ligands of metal sites, offering a novel approach to developing efficient photocatalytic materials.
2025, 41(7): 100078
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100078
Abstract:
The accurate prediction of the Schottky barrier height (SBH) holds significant importance for optimizing the performance of semimetal/semiconductor heterojunction devices. Two-dimensional semimetal/semiconductor heterostructures have now been extensively studied experimentally. However, first-principles predictions of the corresponding SBH typically require solving the ab initio Hamiltonian in supercells containing more than 103 atoms. This high computational complexity not only results in extremely low efficiency but also hinders the design and optimization of heterojunction devices. Herein, we apply density functional theory with a core-level energy alignment method for transition-metal-ditelluride semimetal/silicon junctions, which enables a reduction in supercell size by one order of magnitude. The predicted SBHs show excellent agreement with experiment. We further investigate different 2D semimetal compounds, finding that all candidates exhibit lower SBHs for holes than electrons, with thickness effects becoming negligible beyond three to five layers. This study presents an efficient framework for calculating SBH in complex heterostructures and provides theoretical guidance for the efficient design of high-performance 2D semimetal heterojunction devices.
The accurate prediction of the Schottky barrier height (SBH) holds significant importance for optimizing the performance of semimetal/semiconductor heterojunction devices. Two-dimensional semimetal/semiconductor heterostructures have now been extensively studied experimentally. However, first-principles predictions of the corresponding SBH typically require solving the ab initio Hamiltonian in supercells containing more than 103 atoms. This high computational complexity not only results in extremely low efficiency but also hinders the design and optimization of heterojunction devices. Herein, we apply density functional theory with a core-level energy alignment method for transition-metal-ditelluride semimetal/silicon junctions, which enables a reduction in supercell size by one order of magnitude. The predicted SBHs show excellent agreement with experiment. We further investigate different 2D semimetal compounds, finding that all candidates exhibit lower SBHs for holes than electrons, with thickness effects becoming negligible beyond three to five layers. This study presents an efficient framework for calculating SBH in complex heterostructures and provides theoretical guidance for the efficient design of high-performance 2D semimetal heterojunction devices.
2025, 41(7): 100079
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100079
Abstract:
Green hydrogen holds great promise for the future energy ecosystem and designing alternative electrocatalysts is essential for industrial-scale green hydrogen production for high-current water splitting under industrial conditions. Herein, the Zn-doped NiBP microsphere electrocatalyst is fabricated via a multi-step process combining hydrothermal and electrochemical approaches, followed by post-annealing. The optimized Zn/NiBP electrode outperforms the majority of previously reported catalysts, with low overpotentials of 95 mV for HER (hydrogen evolution reaction) and 280 mV for OER (oxygen evolution reaction) at 100 mA·cm-2 in 1 mol·L-1 KOH. The bifunctional Zn/NiBP||Zn/NiBP demonstrates a 3.10 V cell voltage at 2000 mA·cm-2 in 1 mol·L-1 KOH, surpassing the benchmark Pt/C||RuO2systems. The Pt/C||Zn/NiBP hybrid system exhibits exceptionally low cell voltages of 2.50 and 2.30 V at 2000 mA·cm-2 in 1 and 6 mol·L-1 KOH respectively, demonstrating excellent overall water-splitting performance under challenging industrial conditions. Furthermore, the 2-E system shows remarkable stability over 120 hours at 1000 mA·cm-2 in 1 and 6 mol·L-1 KOH, indicating the robust anti-corrosion properties of the Zn/NiBP microspheres. Zn-doped NiBP microspheres exhibit enhanced electrochemical conductivity, active surface area and intrinsic electrocatalytic activity due to synergistic interactions among Zn, Ni, B and P, enabling rapid charge transfer and superior electrocatalytic performance for efficient hydrogen generation.
Green hydrogen holds great promise for the future energy ecosystem and designing alternative electrocatalysts is essential for industrial-scale green hydrogen production for high-current water splitting under industrial conditions. Herein, the Zn-doped NiBP microsphere electrocatalyst is fabricated via a multi-step process combining hydrothermal and electrochemical approaches, followed by post-annealing. The optimized Zn/NiBP electrode outperforms the majority of previously reported catalysts, with low overpotentials of 95 mV for HER (hydrogen evolution reaction) and 280 mV for OER (oxygen evolution reaction) at 100 mA·cm-2 in 1 mol·L-1 KOH. The bifunctional Zn/NiBP||Zn/NiBP demonstrates a 3.10 V cell voltage at 2000 mA·cm-2 in 1 mol·L-1 KOH, surpassing the benchmark Pt/C||RuO2systems. The Pt/C||Zn/NiBP hybrid system exhibits exceptionally low cell voltages of 2.50 and 2.30 V at 2000 mA·cm-2 in 1 and 6 mol·L-1 KOH respectively, demonstrating excellent overall water-splitting performance under challenging industrial conditions. Furthermore, the 2-E system shows remarkable stability over 120 hours at 1000 mA·cm-2 in 1 and 6 mol·L-1 KOH, indicating the robust anti-corrosion properties of the Zn/NiBP microspheres. Zn-doped NiBP microspheres exhibit enhanced electrochemical conductivity, active surface area and intrinsic electrocatalytic activity due to synergistic interactions among Zn, Ni, B and P, enabling rapid charge transfer and superior electrocatalytic performance for efficient hydrogen generation.
2025, 41(7): 100081
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100081
Abstract:
Platinum (Pt) is an excellent oxygen reduction cocatalyst with great potential for the photocatalytic production of H2O2. However, its catalytic efficiency is limited by the strong adsorption of O2, which facilitates O―O bond cleavage and reduces selectivity for the 2-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Fortunately, the strength of the Pt―O bond can be weakened by adjusting the structure of the cocatalyst to modify the electronic structure of Pt. In this paper, Pt and Ag cocatalysts are successively modified on the (010) facet of BiVO4 through a two-step photodeposition method. Due to the occurrence of a displacement reaction during the process, a synergistic catalyst with a hollow AgPt alloy core and an electron-rich Ptδ- shell (AgPt@Pt) structure is ultimately synthesized. Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that the H2O2 production from BiVO4 modified with hollow AgPt@Pt reached an impressive 1021.5 μmol·L-1. This corresponds to an AQE of 5.1%, which is 28.6 times higher than that of the Pt/BiVO4 photocatalyst with only 35.7 μmol·L-1. Furthermore, research results show that AgPt can transfer electrons to the Pt shell to generate electron-rich Ptδ- active sites, thus increasing the antibonding orbital occupancy of Pt―Oads in AgPt@Pt catalysts. This electron redistribution weakens the adsorption strength of O2 on Pt, promoting the 2-electron ORR and facilitating the efficient generation of H2O2. This synthesis strategy offers a versatile approach for preparing other Pt-based nano-alloy cocatalysts with improved activity for the selective reduction of O2 to H2O2.
Platinum (Pt) is an excellent oxygen reduction cocatalyst with great potential for the photocatalytic production of H2O2. However, its catalytic efficiency is limited by the strong adsorption of O2, which facilitates O―O bond cleavage and reduces selectivity for the 2-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Fortunately, the strength of the Pt―O bond can be weakened by adjusting the structure of the cocatalyst to modify the electronic structure of Pt. In this paper, Pt and Ag cocatalysts are successively modified on the (010) facet of BiVO4 through a two-step photodeposition method. Due to the occurrence of a displacement reaction during the process, a synergistic catalyst with a hollow AgPt alloy core and an electron-rich Ptδ- shell (AgPt@Pt) structure is ultimately synthesized. Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that the H2O2 production from BiVO4 modified with hollow AgPt@Pt reached an impressive 1021.5 μmol·L-1. This corresponds to an AQE of 5.1%, which is 28.6 times higher than that of the Pt/BiVO4 photocatalyst with only 35.7 μmol·L-1. Furthermore, research results show that AgPt can transfer electrons to the Pt shell to generate electron-rich Ptδ- active sites, thus increasing the antibonding orbital occupancy of Pt―Oads in AgPt@Pt catalysts. This electron redistribution weakens the adsorption strength of O2 on Pt, promoting the 2-electron ORR and facilitating the efficient generation of H2O2. This synthesis strategy offers a versatile approach for preparing other Pt-based nano-alloy cocatalysts with improved activity for the selective reduction of O2 to H2O2.
2025, 41(7): 100082
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100082
Abstract:
Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for next generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density. However, the practical application of Li-S batteries is limited by the low lithium ion (Li+) transport efficiency and the rapid capacity decay caused by the shuttle effect. Herein, we report a composite comprising Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and vanadium nitride (VN) nanosheets coated onto a commercial polypropylene (PP) separator, called PEG-VN@PP separator. The supercatalytic effect and adsorption properties exhibited by the VN nanosheets significantly enhance the conversion of polysulfides, thereby improving both the capacity and stability of Li-S batteries. Due to the coating of PEG, lithium ions are attracted to the polar functional groups, enabling selective transport, which improves the transport efficiency of Li+ and the rate capability of Li-S batteries. The Li-S battery assembled with PEG-VN@PP exhibits a high specific capacity of 782.0 mAh·g-1 and an average capacity decay of 0.048% per cycle at 1C (1675 mA·g-1) for 700 cycles, using the carbon nanotubes/sulfur cathode with a sulfur mass loading of 1.2 mg·cm-2.
Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for next generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density. However, the practical application of Li-S batteries is limited by the low lithium ion (Li+) transport efficiency and the rapid capacity decay caused by the shuttle effect. Herein, we report a composite comprising Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and vanadium nitride (VN) nanosheets coated onto a commercial polypropylene (PP) separator, called PEG-VN@PP separator. The supercatalytic effect and adsorption properties exhibited by the VN nanosheets significantly enhance the conversion of polysulfides, thereby improving both the capacity and stability of Li-S batteries. Due to the coating of PEG, lithium ions are attracted to the polar functional groups, enabling selective transport, which improves the transport efficiency of Li+ and the rate capability of Li-S batteries. The Li-S battery assembled with PEG-VN@PP exhibits a high specific capacity of 782.0 mAh·g-1 and an average capacity decay of 0.048% per cycle at 1C (1675 mA·g-1) for 700 cycles, using the carbon nanotubes/sulfur cathode with a sulfur mass loading of 1.2 mg·cm-2.
2025, 41(7): 100075
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100075
Abstract:
Photocatalytic technology is considered to be an efficient and green approach for removing tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) to meet the demands of sustainable development. Here, a facile stirring process was employed to construct Ti3C2/Bi12O17Br2 (termed as TBOB) Schottky heterojunction with a hierarchical structure, in which the Bi12O17Br2 component was closely deposited on the surface of Ti3C2. The TC photodegradation performance was estimated for all catalysts under simulated solar light. Compared with Bi12O17Br2, TBOB materials exhibited the superior photodegradation activity due to the synergistic effect between Ti3C2 and Bi12O17Br2, which could increase light harvesting capacity derived from Ti3C2 loading, promote the charge carrier separation due to the formed Schottky heterojunction, and facilitate surface reaction kinetics owing to the photothermal effect. Besides, some crucial influencing factors on the photocatalytic performance over TBOB composites were separately studied in detail. The free radical capture experiment and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique confirmed the predominant active species of ·O2- and e- for the TC photodegradation. Combined with experimental analysis and theoretical calculations, insight into the charge carrier transfer and photodegradation mechanisms were proposed. This study provides theoretical and experimental insights for the rational design of high-efficiency photothermal-assisted Ti3C2-based photocatalysts.
Photocatalytic technology is considered to be an efficient and green approach for removing tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) to meet the demands of sustainable development. Here, a facile stirring process was employed to construct Ti3C2/Bi12O17Br2 (termed as TBOB) Schottky heterojunction with a hierarchical structure, in which the Bi12O17Br2 component was closely deposited on the surface of Ti3C2. The TC photodegradation performance was estimated for all catalysts under simulated solar light. Compared with Bi12O17Br2, TBOB materials exhibited the superior photodegradation activity due to the synergistic effect between Ti3C2 and Bi12O17Br2, which could increase light harvesting capacity derived from Ti3C2 loading, promote the charge carrier separation due to the formed Schottky heterojunction, and facilitate surface reaction kinetics owing to the photothermal effect. Besides, some crucial influencing factors on the photocatalytic performance over TBOB composites were separately studied in detail. The free radical capture experiment and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique confirmed the predominant active species of ·O2- and e- for the TC photodegradation. Combined with experimental analysis and theoretical calculations, insight into the charge carrier transfer and photodegradation mechanisms were proposed. This study provides theoretical and experimental insights for the rational design of high-efficiency photothermal-assisted Ti3C2-based photocatalysts.
2025, 41(7): 100080
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100080
Abstract:
