Ningbo University of Technology

This study develops high-performance shape-stabilized phase change materials (SSPCMs) by valorizing waste bamboo charcoal ash (BCA) and bamboo biochar (BB) as porous scaffolds. N-octadecane was encapsulated via vacuum infiltration, with expanded graphite (EG) added to enhance thermal conductivity. Characterization results reveal that BCA’s mesoporous structure (average pore diameter: 9.46 nm) enables a superior phase change material (PCM) loading of 55

Hard carbon anodes have emerged as essential components for advanced sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), owing to their high reversible capacity, excellent cycling stability, and abundant precursors. However, the practical implementation of hard carbon anodes in high‐rate applications remains challenging due to sluggish sodium‐ion diffusion kinetics, insufficient electronic conductivity, and unstable electrode/electrolyte interfaces. Although numerous studies have explored strategies to improve the rate capability of hard carbon anodes, there is currently a lack of comprehensive reviews systematically summarizing these advances and theoretical correlation between rate performance and capacity. In this review, recent progress in designing hard carbon anodes with enhanced rate capability is critically analyzed, beginning with a detailed discussion on sodium‐storage mechanisms. Key structural and compositional factors influencing the rate capability are highlighted, including microstructural engineering, heteroatom doping, surface/interface modification, and nanostructure construction. Additionally, the apparent role of machine‐assisted learning and various synthesis strategies is investigated to provide mechanism insights. Finally, existing scientific challenges and future research directions are proposed, offering valuable guidance toward developing advanced hard carbon anodes suitable for fast‐charging and high‐power SIB applications.

We construct a Darboux transformation (DT) for a matrix-form linear spectral problem, which is related to the well-known Kaup–Kupershmidt (KK) equation. We present a detailed derivation of the one-fold DT for the KK equation, which offers a refinement of the original conclusion. Meanwhile, by means of multi-step iteration, we obtain the two-fold and n-fold DT of the KK equation, and then, the elements of the Darboux matrices are expressed by the ratios of two compact determinants. Based on the n-fold solution formula, the first-order and second-order dark soliton solutions have been constructed and their dynamical evolution has been discussed in detail.

Efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen production are essential for the development of sustainable energy technologies. Among them, zinc sulfide (ZnS) has emerged as a highly promising candidate. Nevertheless, its photocatalytic efficiency remains severely constrained by rapid charge carrier recombination and insufficient light absorption. This work presents an anion-exchange-triggered strategy that simultaneously introduces sulfur vacancies (VS) and incorporates chloride ions (Cl-) into mesoporous ZnS nanospheres, resulting in the formation of VS-Cl-ZnS. This synergistic defect engineering effectively narrows the band gap, shifts the conduction band to a more negative potential, and optimizes the hydrogen adsorption free energy, thereby enhancing the proton reduction efficiency. Consequently, the resultant VS-Cl-ZnS catalyst achieves an exceptional H2 evolution rate of 17.29 mmolg-1h-1, surpassing that of pristine ZnS by 8-fold and exceeding those of most reported ZnS-based photocatalysts. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrates outstanding stability, maintaining activity over 15 h of continuous operation without significant degradation. The enhanced photocatalytic behaviors could be mainly attributed to improved charge separation, extended carrier lifetime, and optimized surface reaction kinetics, enabled by targeted defect engineering. Additionally, the mesoporous structure of VS-Cl-ZnS facilitates efficient mass transfer and active site accessibility. This work provides a paradigm for enhancing sulfide-based photocatalysts through precise defect manipulation, offering valuable design principles for high-performance solar-driven hydrogen production systems.

Following the development of e-commerce, the manufacturer can sell products via direct or livestream modes. To meet market demand, the manufacturer will strategically adjust product prices, and consumers weigh whether to make early- or later-stage purchases based on their needs. In the current market, we assume two types of consumers including myopic and strategic consumers. Meanwhile, the tolerance level of each consumer regarding whether to delay purchase is heterogeneous. In our work, we built a two-stage game model to analyze the impact of consumers’ strategic behavior and their patience to delay purchases on manufacturer’s choice of the stage to adopt the livestream selling strategy under three scenarios including the manufacturer chooses a direct format to sell products in both stages (NN), the manufacturer chooses a direct format in the first stage and a livestream format to sell products in the second stage (NL), the manufacturer chooses a livestream format in the first stage and a direct format to sell products in the second stage (LN). Our main findings show that when strategic consumers dominate the market and consumers are more willing to postpone their purchasing, the manufacturer should adopt a penetration pricing strategy under NL scenario; otherwise, a skimming pricing strategy can be adopted. Under LN scenario, the manufacturer should directly employ a skimming pricing strategy. In addition, when the discount factor and the proportion of myopic consumers are small, and the commission rate is high, the manufacturer is more inclined toward the NL scenario; otherwise, it prefers to the LN scenario. In the extended models, we discuss the influence of different parameters, including the changed popularities of live-streamer, commission rates, and pit fees for the profit of the manufacturer. Moreover, we explore how the manufacturer selects livestream selling in both stages, and compare it with three main scenarios by using numerical studies. The result shows that the LN scenario is optimal in most cases.